Korean Job Discussion Forums

williamcho · Joined: 22 Apr 2003

I am not sure if I got this correct but the main reason foreigners come to Korea to teach is to make money and save some up for some later use.
Second reason is to get to know Korea and Korean people.

Yeah yeah I've read the horror stories and the dragged out compaints but it seems thats an exception and not the rule.

Anyway I was wondering if teachers would prefer to work in one place for a long time or move around to different cities for getting to know different parts of Korea.

How much travelling around Seoul (oops I meant Korea) do teachers do?

Just curious.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:17 pm Post subject: Re: Teaching in Korea

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

You'll have enough but perhaps not to do decent exploring.

Adventure Korea gives nice tasters of Korea and is well easy to get on board. Your a train ride away from anywhere in the country. My only real gripe is that ANY 3 day holiday is impossible to travel on as the rest of Korea is out as well and you'll spend the whole time travelling.

I dont do enough, in part cause I'm naturally lazy and seoul is fun. Also cause I live in Incheon and the mere 3hour roundtrip to seoul is enough to bore me but that said lots of people are great at the travelling thing.

ChimpumCallao · Joined: 17 May 2005 Location: your mom

You forgot...

do not travel at all around Korea because I'd rather save my money to go to a real tourist destination.

Ive been to 3 places outside of Seoul in S.K., mostly in the earlier days...but I think its best to save the cashish or opt for an MP3 player or a beach holiday in SE asia.

Most of the people I know came here to travel to OTHER countries....
S.K. is functional place and not a tourist destination...it's a place to have a great time and make a gang of cash, but it pales in comparison as far as natural or manmade beauty goes...use your sweet ass vacation time to get away.

blunder1983 · Joined: 12 Apr 2005

I think thats a bit harsh Chimpum, go up Seorak mountain and tell me it hasnt got natural beauty.

THe apts ere are ugly, but I am constatly amazed by the spectacle of the mountains everywhere, even in the middle of built up areas of Seoul! They rock.

williamcho · Joined: 22 Apr 2003

I agree outside of SK there is a lot more interesting sights. But you cant go out there for short trips.

I guess the question was would everyone prefer to just hangout on the weekends and save money for the big overseas trip or go out of town on weekends to look around. I guess it would depend on if you just got here or not.

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 9:37 pm Post subject:

Based on responses to date, add poll options:

Not enough because of laziness
Not enough because of prejudice*
Not enough because of other priorities

(* How the heck do you know it's not beautiful or interesting if you haven't been to the sights? Soraksan in early November, Jeju in late May, Ulleungdo in June, Geoje in August, festivals, caves, beaches, etc.)

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

Let's be honest when you've been to gyeongbuk you've seen all the palaces you need to because they all look the same.

Zed · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Shakedown Street

I do travel around Korea quite a bit but would do more if I found others who had both the same time off that I did and the desire to see the same places I did. The only times I've traveled anywhere in Korea with other people were on staff retreats and to drunken gatherings where virtually nothing was seen but the inside of a bar or noraebang. Actually I did go to a couple of places with coworkers at my first contract but that was 4 years ago.

Tomorrow I'm going to Maisan. By myself.

Homer · Guest

Van..

I agree with you in this thread.

a) Travel in Korea is well worth it.

b) It is cheap and easy to do.

c) If you don't go anywhere how can you then say there is nothing to see in Korea beyond your local wateringhole?

You have many hiking spots and national parks (Jiri san, Sorak San...), Temples and ofther ancient buildings ( and no they are not the same... Laughing

Thats like saying all european castles are the same...).

You also have Cheju do and some othert islands.

The list goes on.

It is also no crammed with tourists and annoying tourist leeches.

You can surely travel inside Korea, plan your big trip abroad and save money. Wait, thats what me and my wife do..hmmm..maybe it is possible....

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

trevorcollins · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

trevorcollins · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Homer · Guest

You mean naive right?

Plus, the tourists you speak about are locals..this is not the same as hordes of international tourists and the leeches they attract.

Also, you have to pick your spots and your time. When I go to Jiri San for hiking, as soon as I hit the trails there is hardly a soul in sight....

If you go to the more popular spots on say a Sunday then of course it will be packed with people.

Anyway, it is all about picking your spot and time.

Finally, I maintain that Korea has a lot to offer travel wise. There are tons of places here that are well worth the visit.

trevorcollins · Joined: 02 Jul 2004