Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jeembo007]

I'm in the process of getting a job sorted so that I may come to South Korea. I want to stay either in or around Seoul because I figure that staying near a big city would make life easier should I run into any difficulties because I'll be closer to my embassy and there should be other foreigners there etc, and also I figure a bigger city has more to do and will keep me from boredom which I am very prone to.

I just have a few concerns though, I have heard that Seoul is a very very very VERY busy city, and I am not a huge fan of busy cities. Other concerns include the fact that I don't drink and really seem to hate the pub and club culture that we have here in the UK, I just can't relax in places like that and so I feel like maybe I wouldn't fit in too well in Korea because I hear they are a nation of drinkers aswell. Also, I am very aware that Korea is on the other side of the world and in my first year of University (all 60 miles away from home!) I got homesick and I am very prone to anxiety, so I am quite concerned that I am going to get miserably depressed in Korea.

Of course, I'd have these concerns for wherever I went to really, but seeing as I want to go to Korea I was wondering if anyone had any specific advice or information that may make me feel slightly more comfortable about going abroad. And if it helps this will be my first time living abroad.

I narrowed the options down to Korea and China and have chosen Korea over China because it just sounds way more exciting and the money saving opportunities sound fantastic, and also there is a gut feeling I have that I should go to Korea. A friend of mine has been there and was telling me all about it and showing me pictures and he completely sold me on it.

Also, having done some minor research I am interested in living in Ilsan and was wondering if anyone had any information about that area?

[bignate]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Jeembo007]

Hey thanks for the replies, some good points to think on.

With regards to my anxiety, I find it doesn't affect me so bad in the sort of situations you described there. The real problems lie in situations that get me all panicky, which tends to be when I am feeling quite claustrophobic or really isolated.

My hobbies are martial arts, playing the Harmonica and gymnastics. Gymnastics I don't know if I'd be able to follow while I'm there, but martial arts I'm assuming I could easily start Tae Kwan Do which would keep me occupied. As for other things to do, I'm really keen on going out and meeting people so an evening infront of the tv wouldn't be for me. Although I find it hard to socialise given the fact that I don't drink, all of my current friends are from work, my courses or my hobbies.

I'm quite keen on experiencing the karaoke and and baths etc. I'd also feel like I could benefit from my time a lot more if I picked up some or a lot of the language.

One of the reasons I want to go to the other side of the world is so that any problems I have with anxiety over there I have to deal with as opposed to running back to mummy and daddy in this country. I think throwing myself into another culture, which is something I have always wanted to do, would make me grow up a bit more and help me deal with some of these problems I have.

I will need to do a lot of thinking on this I know and to be honest I'm terrified of going, but I feel it would be really beneficial for me.

[heydelores]

I think Ya-ta Boy gave you some great advice. If anxiety is a problem for you in situations in which you feel claustrophobic or isolated, I think you may encounter quite a bit of trouble here. Seoul is very crowded and busy, but so are areas surrrounding Seoul, other cities, and just about everywhere. I lived in a very small town when I first got here, and even parts of that could get crowded! Some isolation is part of live for many/most expats here, too. I'm frequently amazed/amused that I can be surrounded by so many people and still feel very alone at times.

As for drinking, you can still have fun and be social without it, but it takes a little more effort, I think. I do not drink. My friends and coworkers respect that. I go out with them and just order Cider (Sprite). If you don't even want to be in a situation in which other people are drinking, I think your isolation factor will go up. There are other things to do here, but it'll require motivation on your part to seek those opportunities out.

Have you traveled abroad on your own before? If not, I think I'd suggest it before committing to living in an Asian country for a year. I wouldn't say that for everyone, but given what you said about your own anxiety, I'm not sure that being thrown into the fire is the best introduction for you to expat life.