Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nierlisse]

Hi there; I have a couple of questions for all of you about coming to Korea. I've been lurking on these boards for the past 3 months (mostly because I couldn't register) and found the answers to most of my questions along way, but there are some things I just couldn't find. The "search" feature doesn't usually work for me either (I just tried again as a last resort before posting and got a blank screen) so I hope some of you can help me out here.

My husband and I are planning on moving to Korea to teach next February or March. We're planning on staying several years...if we like it, of course. (Yes, I know the won is tanking, but we'll still be making more than we would here in the dark pit of hell that is Michigan) So here are my questions:

1. We have 2 cats we really would like to bring with us. Mostly it's a matter of my husband not wanting to leave them behind; he is quite attached to them. Has any one had any experience with bringing pets? I've heard mixed things about putting animals on airplanes, from no problems whatsoever to "my dog was never the same afterward". We're just not sure if it will be worth it; like how many apartments will be closed to us because we have pets, and so on, and so forth.

2. When a job ad says "single" apartment, I'm assuming they mean studio. We would REALLY prefer at least a 1 bedroom apartment (mostly me so I can kick him to the couch because he snores after drinking) so what are our chances of being able to get one? We will probably not work at the same school so the schools would have to work that out...but is it easier said than done, or should I just not worry about this?

3. I've read stories (on here, mostly) of apartments getting broken into. We're not planning on having many possessions, but we do have a brand new laptop that I would hate to lose. And my Xbox Is renter's insurance available to us as foreigners in Korea? Or, on the other hand, how bad is crime, anyway? I've read reports that the crime rate is extremely low, but then I come on Dave's and see stories and wonder.

Thanks in advance for your help! I'll try not to ask so many questions (I hate being a noob) but I'm just trying to get ALL the necessary information before coming over. Thanks.

[640x480]

#2: One option is to ask your employer to pay you housing allowance instead of providing you with an apartment. Maybe someone like your recruiter can help you two find a decent place. If you decide to go to a private institution, you can both work under the same company and request to be placed in different locations. Make sure it's in the contract of course.

#3: Crime is relatively low in Korea. It also depends largely on where you reside. I live in Bundang which is ultra low in that department. Research where you want to live then ask us here what it's like. Do you know where you want to live? City? Burbs? No-mans land?

[Teelo]

#1 Putting your pets on a plane isn't so much the problem here as keeping them once you're here. Don't expect to be able to let cats go outside (where you'll never see them again) your apartment, so they wont be very happy about not having backyards to roam around and neighbours fences to jump over.
If you let your cats out, theres a good chance you may never see them again.
Also, taking them back out of Korea again may be difficult, as you need vet checks and quarantine.