Korean Job Discussion Forums

[GerryTulip]

Moving to Korea shortly, gathering together everything I need and finding the FAQs and forum really helpful. Just one question and I wonder if anyone can help, I've been recommended to buy an electronic dictionary and was wondering if people here think they are useful/necessary and if so can anyone suggest a decent model for me to buy!

Such an exciting first post :-/

[ajgeddes]

Just get one that has a good size vocabulary. Or, just wait until you get here and then get one that will also have Korean on it, as in actually on the keys.

[Bibbitybop]

I use mine for 2 main reasons:

Going to buy things or ask for help. Just type in the English word of what you need and point! Or pronounce it once you've learned the easy-to-read Hangul.

I used mine in classes where I don't have a good translating co-teacher or when I'm teaching advanced material.

[SPINOZA]

This thread should be titled "electronic dictionaries" - not "sorry to bother you, but...."

[seoulsucker]

Absolutely, but right on about waiting until you get here to buy one. I have one stored on my DS, and it has come in handy countless times since I got it.

You'd be amazed at how complicated transactions can be totally broken down into a few key words or phrases! When you get here, try and find one that has phrases built in to the definitions as well. It's a good tool to learn the alphabet/reading, etc. and I've learned some great stuff from just typing in random words while I'm on the train.

[kiwiliz]

Not a neccessity. Been here almost 2 years...not needed one.

[Masta_Don]

Depends on how serious you are about learning the language, but I get by on the one on my phone. It's not the greatest (noodle=바보??) but for one word translations, works fine. Paid 200,000 for it as it's, you know, a phone too. Probably get one for free now with a service contract.

[Ilsanman]

Only if you're going to study, really. They range between 100-300,000 won. Some double up as a MP3 player or have other features too.

[Bibbitybop]

Find a helpful and trusted Korean to order you one off GMarket. Mine was brand new and the previous year's Casio model, also the smallest model available, and it was 80,000 with shipping. Even if you don't want to learn the language, having it in public and shopping helps.

[Lostone7]

[printme]

It's not just useful for a study tool - if you live here you should have one. I wish I had. So many times I've wished I've had one to translate words to students. Would have used it several times a day.

Definitely get one with both hanguel and English on the keys so kids can tell you what word they mean too.

[Ginormousaurus]

If you are willing to spend, say, 100 000 won on a dictionary, just spend that much extra on a phone and make sure it comes with a dictionary in it (not to mention the numerous other functions). I use my phone dictionary on a daily basis, but only for words I see on signs and things. When I am studying, I use my regular electronic dictionary.

But as was mentioned, they are not really needed. I went two years without one.

[tomato]

They're worth their weight in gold.
There's a Korean-English dictionary and a an English-Korean dictionary.
In case they don't change the law about visa runs,
you may also have to use the Korean-Japanese and Japanese-Korean dictionary.

I keep my apartment keys attached to my pocket dictionary, because I never leave home without it.
Every time I get curious about a sign which I see, I look up the crucial words.

It is also handy to use at home, because it is easier to type in a word than to look it up in a printed dictionary.

There are also games.
Every time the kids get a hold of my dictionary, they find the games real quick and stay on the games for a long time.

[PeteJB]

Can't afford one

... Also I find it easier to remember things after looking them up.