Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TroySantos]

HIYA!

Boy, what a great time here on the island. I've only been here just over a month. I realize that there are people who say that, "Sure, the first month is gonna be great. Just you wait...." Well, life just gets better and better. I've read that people here are obnoxious and rude, just like people on the mainland. I've met so many friendly, hospitable, and generous people. Wow. I've been going to a Zen / Seon temple (where all or almost all the food is vegan and organic!), I'll start yoga in a few days, I've started gardening at my apartment, my boss has taken me several places and is generally terrific to me, I visited his family during Chuseok. I was served fabulous tea today when I went to buy my Hanbok.

I told the shop owners that I'll use the clothes to do yoga. The lady there also does yoga. She doesn't speak English and her daughter doesn't speak that much (I haven't studied much since I've been here) but they tried hard to communicate with me. They called a lady who speaks terrific English (a Korean lady who teaches at a public school) and she was so helpful. They invited me to the yoga studio where they go. The daughter will take me there Monday morning.

A little while ago the landlady brought me some Chuseok food, warmed up. She knows I eat vegetarian so didn't give me any meat. I guess she doesn't see fish as non-vegetarian food. But I can't complain.
Only thing is, the kids! Man o man. And this is a country where Confucious has had a big influence?! The kids of today must not even know his name.
I teach at a hagwon. I'm amazed at the kids. There are some real charming ones, sure, and even the others have some charm, but all in all, I'm shocked. Sure, work is an important part of being here. But overall you can ...

... count me as one - so far - very very pleased American in Korea.

[Roch]

[K-in-C]

[Harpeau]

I'm happy to hear that you're having a great experience. BTW, what state are you from? Jeju-do is a charming place. I must say that some parts of the island are a somewhat isolated in the winter time. Sometimes, it's not what you see, but rather how you see things. Take care and keep up the positive attitude.

Cheers!

[i_teach_esl]

im glad youre having a great time! i hope for many more wonderful days ahead for you!

[TroySantos]

HIYA!

Thanks for the comments. What province am I from? In the US, I'm from California, the SF Bay Area.

Genius Jack is a hagwon? No, I don't work there. I work at Kids English School in Jeju City. Not Shin Jeju where I guess most foreigners work. That's really just a guess. I've seen only a couple of foreigners in Jeju City. Never spoken with them. Except once, I've never had the chance to talk with them.

I live in Samyang, really close to the beach, and at the foot of a mountain / hill where there are three temples. Bultapsa is one of them. Beautiful here. Quiet. Clean air. This area could get quite isolated in wintertime. It's already so quiet, pretty isolated. The terminal bus stop is only a few seconds walk from my apartment and they leave often enough. So I can get into the city proper quickly and easily. Walking is also great but it would take a couple of hours to walk into the city. I walked once from here to the temple where I go and it was fascinating.

From all that I've read and heard, tap water is safe to drink, so I drink it. Tastes good. Imagine that, potable tap water!

Off to the temple for some tea and some chit chat.

Troy.

[europe2seoul]

But as far as I know, most young single women are off on the mainland studying or working. How do you plan to cope with that?

For others: I am not saying people come to Korea for women only, its just men seek women - that's it.

[captain kirk]

Yeah you've got a friggin' great, positive attitude, Troy. I think you're going to have a ball there (the kids are a bit rowdy, you're right).