Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pushpin fantasies]

am i the only one who thinks the OP might just be a troll?

[sheba]

Yataboy's advice was honest and good. I was surprised at your response actually. So are you planning on living here permanently?

1.) Shipping. Im not sure of the costs, but if youre here for only a year or 2 then you really dont need to bring that much. If you change jobs (which is highly likely) then moving will be a real be-arch!

2.) The driving here is crazy!! I dont know why anyone would want to do it! The public transport system is cheap, efficient, and easy to use. Unless you are planning to live here permanently (or long term at least), the time, money and effort in shipping your car here seems rediculous to me. Besides, an international driving licence on lasts a year doesnt it? feel free to collect me if Im wrong.

3.) Return ticket is a perk. A lot of contracts state that you cant change it for money, but then some directors will give you the cash. You will need to leave the country at the end of your contract regardless, to renew your visa.... I guess many people want to go home during that time to visit their friends and family.

4.) Yes, turnover is high. I would be keen to renew my contract but I have the travel bug real bad!!

5.) Id love to get a puppy too.... but I want to be able to travel anywhere I want anytime I want. Too much responsibility for me at this stage! Anyway, I would say that as far as animals being allowed in the apartment, it will all depend on the person who owns it - your boss. Just be prepared that as a foreigner you will be judged. Your Korean neighbours dog may bark all night and its ok. Your dog lets out a single yelp, and you may have the apt manager banging on your door.... or you could get blamed for doggie doo that isnt from your dog....

6.) High speed internet here is awesome. I would recommend it.

[peppermint]

what it comes down to is this; if you're planning to continue your life here exactly as you left it in your home country why even bother leaving?

[saw6436]

Your thinking about living and working in a foreign culture and one of your priorities is buying a puppy?

Grow-up a bit, get your priorities in order and get back to us then.

[SPINOZA]

I don't think it's necessary to have a pop at the guy for wanting a puppy, but certainly shipping one's entire possessions requiring separate shipping (car included) doesn't sound rational. Perhaps the OP doesn't realise just how unnecessary a car is here, unlike the States or Canada, where a car is essential to say the least.

[logan2003]

I will comment on two parts of his post....car...if your going to stay long term.....ship your baby over. Repair cost are quite cheap, when compared to what they would be in America, about dents, i do not think it is done on purpose...people here just....well.....they look like driving ed students when they park, but racing car drivers on the streets.....a bad mix!

If you have a family then a car is a MUST! getting a license is not too much of a big deal, I have one....expires in 2014........

Basically if your going to be here for more than 2 years then bring a car.
Public transportation is cheaper (with out a family). Less comfortable if your traveling during peak season.

Internet.....I LOVE IT! Lightening fast downloads!
And it is cheap! 30-50,000 won!

[Hollywoodaction]

[Hollywoodaction]

[Hobophobic]

There's no place like home....there's no place like home...there's no place like......

[xtchr]

Hi YoungLi,
I can't really help you out with your specific questions, but you seem receptive to others' advice, so I just want to pass on a few things that I wish I'd known when I first got to Korea.

1. When meeting or being introduced to someone do not smile, nod, bow, or shake hands. These are all seen as obsequious affectations. Rather, turn your back and squat. This lowered position shows both humility and the fact that you have backbone enough to face weighty issues.

2. If you want fantastic service in a restaurant simply get the attention of the kitchen staff and exclaim loudly "Cho yong ee hae! Cho yong ee hae!" It's hard to translate exactly but it's along the lines of "My compliments to the chef".

3. Take every opportunity to debate/argue with older Koreans, especially of the opposite sex. Too often they are on the edge of society, and this will show you respect them by giving them the opportunity to use their minds and voices, and be heard once again. They will thank you for it.

I hope these tips help you out.

[SPINOZA]

Now that's certainly sound advice. Take heed, OP!

[YoungLi]

I want to thank those people who responded in kind to my questions and concerns.

As for my belongings that are important to me, there will be absolutely nowhere for me to store them whatsoever back in the United States. Storage will be very costly and I have absolutely no desire to go back there for at least five years; that's something I don't want to get into as it is off-subject. Please respect my wishes not to discuss the matter. Moreover, I have some keepsakes that will not all fit in a tiny suitcase. They will definately fit in a small apartment without a doubt. I have moved to very small studio apartments before with them. I was asking if anyone has ever used a shipping container because I thought it would be nice to use for shopping the competition. I made up my mind that ground mail is absurdly expensive and unreliable. I'm not asking for opinions only if someone has already used this method.

As for my car, I have people interested in buying it so I'm probably not going to bring it with me. However, I KNOW that I WILL be needing a car once I get there. I am the kind of person who will be going to remote areas where I'm sure public transportation will not go. For example, I am an equestrian and I will be going to remote villages and towns where horses are ridden. I am the type of person who is unimpressed with tourism, the mainstream ... and facinated with culture, religions, history etc. You won't find me looking for pubs, bars etc. that have western influence. I'll be out experiencing folk festivals and communicating with locals every chance I get. In fact, I've been doing this type of thing most all my life whether Chinese New Year celebration, Highland Fling or Pow wow. I've met and become friends with people from every walk of life from the most affluent in the world to the homeless and from the Amish to the New York yuppie. Some of my absolute best friends ever have been Asian and Middle Eastern. I am a very independant adult who's in my mid-thirties, well educated and get along WELL with most people. NOW, will I be needing a car in South Korea? I should think so.

I asked about getting a dog in the hopes of getting some sound advice here. I am very well aware of the ways in which pets are treated in South Korea, which pains me and I hope to never see the types of dog/cat street stall butchers in person that I've seen in many pictures. I resent that someone would question my maturity based solely on the basis that I want a dog. There are hundreds of millions of mature adults all over the world who own them. Owning a dog is a huge responsiblity and requires maturity. furthermore, I am going to a foreign country where I know no one and I would think that a small dog would be a HUGE source of comfort and entertainment. I wouldn't call it a priority of mine to get a dog as much as it is a strong desire. Maybe it's your priority to have sex "easy nookie" with Asian women as I have seen posts time and time again from western males on these forums. However I think it absurd, I don't judge. To each his own. All I ask for is respect.

[nshadow]

I would say, from personal experience. Avoid Korae at all costs if you are white, westerner at this time. The koreans are huge anti-western now and hate all whites and will think you are a drug dealer and a pedo.

It's true. They hate westerner with christian like passion.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[TinTin]

You ask questions.

People give you answers.

You don't like said answers.

You kill people.

The end.