Korean Job Discussion Forums

EricCC · Joined: 02 Jul 2007 Location: Minneapolis

Any teachers here in recovery? Are there any decent meetings / communities in Korea?

Imrahil · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:29 pm Post subject:

Seriously, this country is an Alcoholic's paradise! If you are a recovering alcoholic, I actually would have to say don't come. There will be a lot of social pressure for you to drink here from foreigners, any club you join, any church you join, and most importantly from work.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

PBRstreetgang21 · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:51 pm Post subject:

Seriously. I dont know if the OP is in Korea or not but, I mean I know the previous posters sound alarmist, and maybe seem to be exagerrating things but--- if you do not drink in Korea, you are going to have a VERY VERY difficult time unless you are good at being on your own for a long periods of time. The fact of the matter is, at some point (most likely many times in the course of the year) your Hagwon or Public school will have outings, where copious amounts of alcohol are to be involved, and you NEED to drink. Not drinking at these functions is gonna give you a rough time getting a long with the rest.

Not to mention friends in general, going out means alcohol. Even church functions go out and get schlitzed at lunch after the services.

If you come to Korea, its gonna be rough but not impossible. You will have to reach out and find the few non drinkers you can. Id say go hiking, but you get to the top of some of these mountains and there are ajummas selling soju up there to enjoy on mountain face.

If you drink, and you havent been to korea--- get off your ass, if you dont drink....go someplace else.

Lunar Groove Gardener · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Location: 1987 Subaru

Yes, there are plenty of meetings.
www.aainkorea.org

Turning down a drink in Korea is the same as it is elsewhere.

While it's true that people regularly react with some surprise and dismay, it causes one no difficulty.

True enough that many an expat arrives in Korea and solidifies their commitment to a burgeoning gin blossom.

"No thanks but please drink up. I'm happy to see you enjoy yourselves."

nobbyken · Joined: 07 Jun 2006 Location: Yongin ^^

People will expect you do be different from their concept of normal.
They will probably accept very well (and respect you for being so strong), instead of just giving in and getting in a stupor.

canuckistan · Posted: Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:17 pm Post subject:

I do not agree one NEEDS to drink in Korea to do one's job. That's a load of crap. While I've never had a problem with alcohol, in the 4 years I lived/worked there I picked my times/places to drink--which were far and few between as I've never been much of a big drinker, and I had no problems saying "no" to drinking at work functions or having them accept "no."
If anyone didn't accept "no" they'd be in for a whole world of horrifying verbal hurt from me anyways. No one tells me what the *beep* to do when it comes to drinking.

If it was mid-week I'd often say "I have to work tomorrow and I dont teach very well hungover"--all true!
They ended up respectng me more for being sober/serious as a teacher.

cazzy3 · Joined: 07 May 2008 Location: kangwon-do

OP-
depending on your lifestyle, friends you want to meet, etc. Korea can be perfectly suitable for your lifestyle. while I (and most others I assume) can't speak first hand as a recovering alcoholic, not every person in this country spends every night of their weekend at the bars.

In fact, if you live in a smaller city with plenty of options for activities and a variety of people to interact with, I don't think the pressures would be any greater than life back in the States. Just be careful of the company you keep.

good luck.

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

big_fella1 · Joined: 08 Dec 2005

I had always thought that heading to Korea whilst recovering from alcohol would be like my trips to Macau, Las Vegas and Monte Carlo to recover from gambling. But really this was just an excuse. I would recommend finding lots of hobbies that you can do here. (I had to quit Porsche and motorcycle racing when I came here the 2 reasons I used to stay sober)

Of course I would rather be sampling the local talent than drinking the sh1ttie local drinks.

Lunar Groove Gardener · Joined: 05 Jan 2005 Location: 1987 Subaru

My mistake:

www.aainkorea.org

planthopps · Joined: 05 May 2008 Location: Korea

There are many AA meetings, but to join you must have a Korean citizen number. You also have to be a member of the most special "race" on earth.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

cazzy3 · Joined: 07 May 2008 Location: kangwon-do

a small town may be hard to find various activities, but as mentioned- small cities usually have a movie theater, bowling lanes, etc. as far as my town/city (Gangnung), plenty of outdoor activities- beach, mountains, snowboarding, to keep you busy.

and previous post is spot on- there are usually two types of groups: the one that enjoys drinking into the early morning, and the quiet type who you rarely see out at the bars.

i do admit though, if you're placed in a very small, rural part of korea- it may be more difficult to keep busy, or entertained.

CentralCali · Joined: 17 May 2007