Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mal_the_Duck]

What are the best ways to meet fellow teachers without resorting to the bar scene? It seems like the only social life to be had is hanging out in smoky bars (not so fun for a non-smoker) and getting drunk.

I'm looking for people to sightsee and hike and stuff with on weekends. Drinking all night and sleeping all day was not how I wanted to spend my much-anticipated 2 days off every week. There's a whole beautiful country to see!

[DeLaRed]

join a club perhaps.....there are many groups on facebook like Adventure Korea for instance that organize events (hiking, rafting, tours etc).

[wylies99]

I generally run into people in La festa (Ilsan) at coffee houses. Places like Starbucks, Tom N' Toms, Coffee Bean, etc... are good places to meet foreigners. I don't like to drink or hang out in bars and I tend to meet people in my church or in coffee houses. You can also try many of the groups on facebook. There are groups for animal lovers, vegetarians, and general groups for foreigners and teachers in Korea. They hold many events and these events could be good places to meet people. Just search for "Korea" or "Seoul" or whatever larger Korean city that may be close to you.


BTW, I would advise every newbie to be positive about meeting Koreans and making friends with Koreans. You may not find Koreans who speak perfect English, but if you can make friends with Koreans they are as loyal as friends can be. Just be patient and positive, and, above all, understand the cultural differences. It may take time, but if you can find some Korean friends you'll see a side of Korea no one puts in the "tourist brochures."

[Murakano]

[wylies99]

Korean friends can add so much to the 'experience" of living in Korea. They can show you restaurants and food no foreigners can, and they can explain historic sites from a Korean perspective. You'll understand what makes things in Korea the way they are from a good Korean friend.

But having western friends matters, too. It's great to have friends who can keep things in perspective and keep your feet on the ground. You do need some others who can understand what you're feeling and you can "cry on their shoulders", if necessary. It's all about balance.

[T-J]

Bukhansan National Park hiking group.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2359364#2359364

PM me for details...

[salgichawa]

[Globutron]

You can also come with me and some of my friends next weekend up some mountain I'm 18 times too unfit to even realistically consider:

SCHEDULE

-------------------------------------------

When: April 24th(Sat)


The plans are:

8:20 Pick up Sport complex station, exit 1 (Line 2/#218)

10:30 Arrive Palbongsan

11:00-14:00 Hiking up & down

14:00-15:00 Have dinner

15:00-18:00: Free time.

Enjoy the beach, River trekking or Sports.

18:30 Depart to Seoul

20:30 Arrive at sport complex station.


Preparations : lunch(snacks), water, extra warm clothes, sneakers, any equipment you might use during your free time.

[DeMayonnaise]

Go to www.meetup.com . Great sight for going on weekend trips.

[pangaea]

Where do you live? If you are in Seoul, I second the meetup.com suggestion. There are quite a few meetup groups in Seoul. If you are outside of Seoul try typing in the name of your city on facebook and yahoo groups to find out if there is an expat group on either site. I am in the same boat as far as the bar scene. I want to spend time sight seeing, hiking, and traveling around the country, not sleeping off a hangover all weekend.

[Zilong]

adventure korea is good if you like to go on weekend trips.

[annuayim]

[Francis-Pax]

[Yaya]

Believe it or not, not every Korean is out to talk to foreigners just for English practice. You can tell if they really are friendly if they help you with your Korean (that is, if you care to learn the native language).

You should think of your hobbies and then get help from a Korean friend or coworker in finding hobby groups. Nobody is forcing anybody to congregate at bars, though the temptation to drink is everywhere in Korea.

[Alabama Rattail]

one of my best friends here I met on Craigslist. Another I met on Dave's. The internet is your friend for meeting people here. Don't be shy. Introduce yourself and be nice to everyone you meet. Don't look to make friends at bars.