Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mangorice]

Hi guys, I've never been to South Korea before and I am new to this forum. My GF and I have been offered teaching positions in Busan and I have some questions about the place.

Do they sell condoms in SK? are they difficult to get hold of?
Does SK sell size 12 US shoes?
Would the school ever put me in a situation where I would wear a suit?
Is technology e.g. big brand cameras and laptops cheaper in SK or not by much compared to the US or UK?

DO english teachers bother buying insurance before going to SK or is it not really necessary? ?

[pidgin]

Condoms are a snap, BUT if you are average to above average, then size may be an issue. You might want to include a carton or two of your favorite condom type.

Size 12 shoes are always an issue and have been written about at length. (BTW: bring your own condoms then...

I can't speak for Busan, but if you REALLY need new shoes you could always take the train/bus up to Seoul and go shopping at Itaewon. No problems there and another area I can't recall now.

Suit? Hard to say, but at least one suit wouldn't be a terrible thing to bring if you like to dress up at any weddings you may be invited to, or attending a funeral. I can't say for EPIK tho I doubt it. I haven't worn a suit in years, but I happen to be buying two in Spring for some upcoming corporate lessons

I haven't really price compared technolgy here and there, but I feel it is reasonable enough in Korea, no concerns over plugs, elec. input/output, etc. Someone else will know more about this than me.

Health insurance (usually including dental) should be part of your employment package. Look for "stickies" at the top of these pages...maybe in "job related" for more information on that. Death insurance and car insurance are generally up to you.

[pidgin]

regarding health insurance:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=20651

[oldtactics]

Definitely bring your own condoms and find someone back home that you're not awkward around who can send you more if/when you need them.

I'd recommend bringing a suit, occasions do come up once in a while where you'll need to look dressy. That said, if you want to save the luggage space, it's not impossible to find suits/suit jackets/blazers in Itaewon and I'm sure you could find a tailor in Busan if you needed one.

Technology isn't much cheaper. You can find deals, but all the tech markets that I know of are in Seoul.

I bought 15 days worth of insurance from travel cuts when I bought my plane ticket - Employer-provided insurance kicks in fairly early. Obviously it's up to you.

[strange_brew]

I would suggest getting anything like a computer at home, as you will want an English operating system.