Korean Job Discussion Forums

adventuregal · Joined: 31 Dec 2009

I re-signed a couple months ago,(I've been here a year) and am starting to get really sick of Korea.

At first I thought it might be because I live in a small town and most of the friends I made when I got here have left, and the people that remained got lame (and petty.)

Upon further contemplation, I'm thinking the honeymoon period might be over. The rose-colored glasses are wearing out and I feel like it's a slippery slope to surly waygook-in. I'm getting really sick of the food, the amazement that I can use chopsticks or utter anyang-ha-say-yo, and the general acceptance that misery and life go hand in hand that Koreans seem to have.

I don't want to end up one of those bitchy foreigners that knows it all and has been here too long. I'm getting pretty depressed, and feel like if things don't improve leaving early might be an option.

Has anyone else who's been here for awhile feels similarly... Could it be buyer's remorse because I just re-signed, is there a one year slump or have I just reached my expiration date?

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

I'm in a similar situation. This is my second year after a two year absence, but I think I am definitely done this time. I only have about 2 more months to go. Some people stay for years and make it work for them. I used to be able to see myself staying for a longer period, but I have definitely reached my expiration date, as you said. Before anyone starts, it has nothing to do with not being mature, adventurous, able to adapt, etc. There are things I enjoy about Korea, but the bad is beginning to outweigh the good for me at this point. It doesn't help that I don't think I want to continue with teaching as a career. I feel your pain, OP. Maybe you could try vacationing in another city or just getting away for the weekend? I occasionally escape to Seoul for a weekend or a day trip and it really gives me a boost. Anyway, good luck! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just want to commiserate!

sublunari · Joined: 11 Jun 2009

I always suggest learning the language, as difficult as it looks. I had a brief, very simple conversation with a halmoni yesterday at the subway station (she was convinced that it was too cold for shorts and a t-shirt, but I was going for a run), and even rare little conversations like that can make a huge difference.

Also, pangaea, I love your avatar, where is it from?

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

pangaea · Joined: 20 Dec 2007

@ sublunari:

Thanks! It's a picture I took in a greenhouse in Hallim Park on Jeju a few years ago.

allovertheplace · Joined: 02 Aug 2009

In my second year I reached a point similar to yours. Best advice I can give...leave on a good note. Granted, you may feel longing for Korea but its better than hating on Korea because you stayed too long.

When the glasses come off start making new plans and focus on them. Don't worry about your current situation but focus on the next stage. Typically foreigners that stay too long get super pissy and annoying. To all of them I felt like asking why not leave and be happy somewhere else?

The Great Toad · Joined: 12 Jun 2004

Corea Land Of Koreans and The Hub Of Everything good and tasty. You need to do like the other fellow said try to learn to read and write the most genius lingo in the world- Hanguel - Many ladies in poor countries study Hanguel and Korean so they can have a dream husband in the dream land of morning calm sleep.

Also you should find a nice church to go to every Sunday - then work for free a few times and teach children Jesus songs- or if you do not like that maybe join a Buddha temple and learn to be the Buddha - kneel for hours in Buddha pose and do not eat hamburgers.

Or if you do not believe in any organized religion you can go to the many wonderful unique forests of Korea and Hike and write existential or transcendental poetry and philosophy - publish with the title "Thoughts from the Depths of The Kim Chee Pot; or Why I Stopped eating Hamburgers and embraced the Spicy Life"
Another thing to consider is taking up a sport - become a hugely strong Bike Hero like me - or perhaps join a local badminton or Belly dancing club...

Or gain fame by making lots of silly movies on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF_Id9sgxiA&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_141978

The important thing to do is keep active - do not just sit at a computer during work hours and type tripe onto Dave's - this benefits no one. If you have deep depressions you need to get some help see a doctor or local police station and tell them you are unhappy with life- seek help before you get to sad! And remember no amount of displacement in nations can escape you from yourself so going home is not always the answer unless it really is the culture and lack of friends - where as home has a comfortable culture and lots of loved ones....

Summer Wine · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: Next to a River

nero · Joined: 11 Mar 2009

Last time I was in Korea I was so happy to leave I said 'kiss my ass' as the plane flew up over Incheon. I spent the next year travelling and teaching in SE Asia. Then, I came back...

This time I feel so much better. Everything is not all bad - nor is it all good. My advice is to leave for a few months, travel, go home, whatever - and then come back refreshed.

At the end of this contract I will leave again and probably come back again later. Korea can wear you down.

Koreadays · Joined: 20 May 2008

why did you resign? why didn't you go to japan, china or taiwan?
I mean the money is the same but it's starting over again and everything is new and exciting.
you have options man never forget that and it's not to late to pack up and leave.. check out websites for jobs in some of those countries I mentioned and see if going there might be a better move for you.
goodluck man...