So, as per usual, if you want to know anything about a country or city then why use Google when you have the fountain of knowledge that is NSC.
Anyone live there?
Anyone been there?
Where is good, where is not?
![]()
Ive got a mate whose wife is korean, if you have specific questions i'll try and get ananswer for you, as an aside i had dinner at their house the other night, it was the dogs bollocks.So, as per usual, if you want to know anything about a country or city then why use Google when you have the fountain of knowledge that is NSC.
Anyone live there?
Anyone been there?
Where is good, where is not?
![]()
Ive got a mate whose wife is korean, if you have specific questions i'll try and get ananswer for you, as an aside i had dinner at their house the other night, it was the dogs bollocks.
My parents are currently in Seoul due to my Dad's work commitments. They're not overly keen on the place, although they're trying to make the most of the six months my dad is working there.
One thing they've noticed is the culture of binge drinking. Not only is it the norm for respectable men to fall asleep on a bench somewhere, but it is frowned upon if you don't go out and get smashed with your work mates on a social night.
that was the intended joke!
It literally was.
why are you going? Business or leeeesure?
Possibility of a short teaching contract in Daegu in the new year.
There is a poster who is a long term teacher over there, I think, but I've gone blank on his name...
Until he pops up and gives you a full rundown on life there I'll offer my view based on several short trips over there. I've never been to Daegu, only Seoul and Pusan, and although I've been there four or five times the longest trip has only been for a week so whether my experience bears a true resemblance to living there full time I don't know.
First thing, it's pretty cheap. Not Thailand cheap but noticeably cheaper than England and Japan. I found the food to be particularly cheap and really, really good. You get huge portions and everywhere I ate the food was delicious.
The people are pretty friendly and outgoing...to tourists at least. Whether they are more reserved with foreigners who live and work there I couldn't say. All the Koreans I met where unfailingly polite and friendly, regardless of how i met them.
There are also a lot of amazing temples and palaces over there too. They are well worth a look when you get the time.
It's a Confucian country so it's society is going to be pretty hierarchical. Family, social and work ties are going to be very strong. The older you are and the longer you've been at your company the more respect a person will have. You'll be expected to respect the opinions and wishes of your 'seniors' regardless of whether they are any good at their job or hold a valid or reasonable point of view. If it's anything like Japan you'll have to jump through ridiculous hoops and follow ludicrous, nonsensical(to you) rules for no apparent reason.
The binge drinking that somebody mentioned earlier is a part of the belonging to the group mentality. Again, if it's like Japan, most of them won't particularly enjoy it but will do it out of duty.
Also, hospitality is a big thing, as far as I'm aware. They'll be ridiculously kind and generous if they are acting as a host. I'm not sure how you're supposed to respond to that, to be honest, just try not to be insulting...
This is all based on short trips to Seoul and Pusan, conversations with my old Korean housemates and extrapolation from Japanese life so I can't confirm it's veracity...if it's completely wrong...Sorry!
Ive got a mate whose wife is korean, if you have specific questions i'll try and get ananswer for you, as an aside i had dinner at their house the other night, it was the dogs bollocks.
Thank you, that is really good of you to give me that feedback. I have one friend out there at the moment who would echo your views on politeness and friendliness. He has regulalrly been bought drinks by Korean businessmen in return from english conversation, to the point where he has had several free nights out!
You're welcome!
I'm a big fan of Korea and wouldn't mind working over there myself sometime in the future. If it's only a short term contract and you've got no strong ties to England (mortgage, pregnant wife/girlfriend etc) then I think you should grab the opportunity. It'll be a great experience and even if you don't enjoy it all that much, it's only shot term so you'll be back home soon enough. If you go with an open mind however, I think you'll love it. Apart from the K-pop...
why , is your bird thinking of moving there ?Are the local women sluts ?
Ive got a mate whose wife is korean, if you have specific questions i'll try and get ananswer for you, as an aside i had dinner at their house the other night, it was the dogs bollocks.