Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PatrickBateman]

Few questions and comments....


Do you prefer to run with or without your headphones? Today I went on a run without and I found myself enjoying it a bit more. I wasn't always fiddling with my plugs, nor changing the song.

BUGS. What's the best time to run? When I'm running I'm hit in the face 20 times at a minimum.

Complaints:

Does anyone else want to just plow over the pedestrians not looking? I swear there was a group of people that saw me coming a mile away and didn't give an inch on the path. Not only that, the people that don't look up when I'm coming right in their direction are going to catch a shoulder soon....

I also feel that if something can get in my way, it WILL GET IN MY way. Cars, kids, old people, dogs, just about anything finds itself in my way when I'm running. It's like Koreans just KNOW I'm coming and start to veer in my running path...


Feel free to share your tips, or gripes about running in this wonderful city.

[javis]

Some tips for running in Korea:

1. Don't use headphones unless you're in a park or stream with a running trail. You won't hear a car coming and will get run over and die.
2. There are going to be clusters of bugs until late fall. Just be ready to close your eyes and mouth. You might that they are less active in the morning.
3. Only run on the sidewalk on your way to an actual trail. It's abnormal for Koreans to do that and they expect you to be coming their way so fast or be able to get out of the way.
4. Bring some cash to buy water at a convenience store.
5. Run at one of the trails along streams and rivers.

[optik404]

If you're going to run on the sidewalk, which is probably terrible for your legs, you should be the one yielding to people. Otherwise, run on the street with some hi-vis clothing.

[theevilgenius]

I have a park with a lake 5 minutes from my place, so I go there every morning at 8am and don't get any bugs. I got a lot of caterpillars a month ago hanging from trees, but now nothing. As for earphones, I used to wear them but now I don't and it is more enjoyable without them.

[Zackback]

Never remove your shirt if you become too hot or sweaty. Koreans find this very offensive.

[rkc76sf]

Try not to get too mad when every Adjoshi or Ajumma gives you the stinkeye, usually adjoshi. I've had some old dudes practically break their necks watching me run by them.

Sometimes I just make a game of it and see what reactions I get by smiling at every person. Sometimes I'm surprised by the reactions, I can never tell.

Once crossing the street in an irritable mood, I stared down this old adjoshi and he looks back at me, smiles, and says "good morning!" It was probably the only english he knew, but it totally changed my mood and made me smile.

[nahanni]

** check out http://www.airkorea.or.kr/airkorea/eng/realtime/main.jsp?action=khai before you ever run.

** not listening to music adds to the exercise.

** i run at night. earliest 8pm, usually 11pm. no bugs at all. much less traffic. very few people. air is better.

** if you like to run regularly, think about relocating to the east or southern coast.

** trails or grass is best.

** try to add some stairs or hills to your run.

** run against traffic.

** i assume you're a teacher so teach pedestrians and others what to do when someone is hard at work.

** horking is acceptable