Korean Job Discussion Forums

sandy · Joined: 27 May 2006 Location: London, England

I plan to head over to Korea with my pet cat. I have noticed that many schools provide free housing. Have you seen or heard of any pet owners working as teachers and living in places provided by their schools? If so, I would appreciate your comment.

Edith Metcalfe · Joined: 01 Jun 2005

I have a cat and I live in an apartment provided by my school. They've never said anything about it, but there's a good chance that they don't know I have it.

Each apartment is different. It depends on what kind of landlord you have, what kind of pet you have and how much noise it makes. There's definately no hard and fast rule so your best bet it to ask your school before you take it over. (You could also get your own apartment and make sure that they allow pets and just get the cash from your school...)

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Cats are more popular as medicine than as pets here in Korea. The most popular form of preparation is dumping them live into boiling water. The 'soup' is good for people with bad backs.

I'm not kidding. Be very sure you think carefully about bringing your cat. Cat food is not always available in the smaller cities. Make sure your landlord agrees to you having a cat before you come. You would not want to arrive and find your cat is not welcome.

poet13 · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:20 am Post subject:

I wouldn't bother cause the vaccines and stuff you have to give them spoil the natural taste...

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Ya-ta is being unduly alarmist. Generally, you have no worries here keeping a cat as a housepet. You can find supplies (western premium food & litter) in any small city, either through a pet shop or a vet. They even deliver for free.

Apartments are 99% small pet friendly. I've lived in several & never told anyone beforehand I have cats & I've never met any objection.

Not safe to let them run outdoors though.

RobinH · Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2006 4:02 am Post subject:

I had my cat with me in a uni dorm where she was not supposed to be, technically, but no one ever told me I had to get rid of her. Of course, after I moved out the dorm director sent the teachers a list of rules for the dorm which included "No animals!" Cool

I moved to a high-rise apartment and never had any problems. The apartment adjushis and such would comment in suprise, but I was never told I couldn't have her. I noticed several other tenants had small dogs, so I never worried about it.

Definitely DO NOT let her roam outside!

My vet is the one in Itaewon close to Noksapyong Station. All the vets there speak English and, I believe, the owner studied in the States. He's basically a good guy, but will try to sell you unecessary stuff, though, like worming pills, etc, so just say no.

Cat food in easily available, although Western brands such as Purina are more expensive as is the cat litter. Online stores will deliver free. I had an arrangement with a student intern at my uni who would order stuff form me online.

I took my cat home with me to Michigan and she will stay with her gramma and grampa when I return to Seoul next month. I just think it's a better atmosphere for her here and I won't worry about her.

If you really must bring your cat, it's doable.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

gregoryallen · Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Location: atlanta ga

I'm planning on bringing my cat, too. I booked us on Korean Air and their requesting a Certificate of Health (which I can get, no prob). Then they saud they have to notify Seoul then get a confirmation before they can approve. What did your airline say. I'm thinking, a bit worriedly, What if they don't approve? Then I have to find someone to look after my cat, very quickly (this has to be done one week before leaving). Any thoughts on this

greg