Question from a reader: getting started in Korea

A reader writes in:
Annyong haseyo Chris! My name is [L.] and while I currently live in the United States - Texas, I will be traveling to the Republic of Korea next month to live and work as (wait for it, wait for it....) an English teacher (you guessed it::-)! I have some very good Korean friends who are helping me learn the language. I have also been studying about the history (primarily recent history - i. e., the Japanese occupation) and the culture. However, there is still so much to learn. Since you have a very unique perspective about Korea, Korean people and Korean culture as an expat (there's something about the word foreigner that I don't like:-) who has lived and worked in Korea for years, could you please give me some personal and professional advice that might help me become a successful resident and teacher? I would also appreciate any information that you could provide to me regarding associations, organizations, networks, groups, clubs, etc. that could possibly help me get acclimated to Korean life sooner rather than later.
Some information about me that might be helpful:
* Will be working as a public school teacher in the Gyeonggi province
* Looking to make friends with everyone (not just Americans but Canadians, Europeans, Koreans, etc.)
* Owner of an adorable toy poodle (I really want to bring him but my recruiter advised against it - any suggestions?)
* Love to travel, meet new people, learn new things, very open-minded, love nature, hiking, walking, tennis, almost anything near or on the water, acting, writing, crossword puzzles
* [Personal information redacted]
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Have a great day.
[L.]
It's my understanding that people working for public schools don't always know where they're going - try to research where you'll going as soon as you find out. Some areas have a Seoul subway connection (highly desired if coming to Seoul is an interest), while others are connected by buses.

Ask 100 expats about how they've found their friends or figured things out, and you'll get 100 different answers. The super-simple answer is this: life in Korea is what you want to make of it. If you prefer being around lots of expats, for example, your desires will gravitate towards the places where they hang out. Don't worry, you'll get a sense of where those places are with time, or by reading some of my blog's archives :)

Regarding learning Korean: props to you. Most expats spend the first couple (or several) months learning the Korean alphabet and going from there. While there's a big jump from phrases like 'one beer, please' to being conversational, it's great that you're on your way. You'll have adequate opportunity to practice if that's what you're looking for.

Seoul has the majority of the country's expat population, the most international flavors and feelings, etc. means a majority of the expat life will be felt here. If you're elsewhere in the province, expat-friendly bars and restaurants are fewer and further between.

OK, personal and professional advice for a new teacher:
  • Embrace the culture - but maintain your own culture at the same time. When you first arrive, carve out a little taste of home in your apartment. It's a fine line to balance, but most people find their balance after a few months.
  • Accept incongruity at every turn - 300 km/hour trains exist near squat toilets, recreations of centuries-old palaces within throwing distance of fast-food restaurants, bad English in a country that spends untold billions of won trying to learn the language, and so on.
  • Be proactive in your personal life, and reactive in your professional life. Koreans do not especially value underlings telling their bosses what's what.
  • The Confucian mindset is visible and viewable in virtually every level of Korean society - "(1) ruler to ruled; (2) father to son; (3) husband to wife; (4) elder brother to younger brother; and (5) friend to friend." (see this page for more on Confucianism). I think of it as a system of totem poles, ranking each person as 'above' or 'below' others based on the current situation. I might be 'below' an older person while on the subway and thus be expected to give up my seat (hahahaha); in the classroom where I'm the teacher and he's the student. That same older person, from the perspective of the other students, would be viewed as senior by the younger students.
  • Competition exists in virtually every aspect of Korean society. Getting in line to get on the subway? Get ready to get cut off by Koreans of every age. At the grocery store? Watch out for the older person trying to cut in line. They're senior to you - or so they think. Kids will freak out if their test score isn't an A, or when you announce a test.
  • Koreans spend a fair amount of time primping and looking through the mirror - and not just the girls. While this doesn't mean you have to wear make-up, most people will look good more often than not.
  • The locals don't do much by themselves. You may hear a story or two of someone wanting to see a movie, go to a restaurant, travel somewhere - but not do it because they're by themselves. Sure, it's a little weird to hit up Olive Garden or watch 'The Expendables' by yourself, but being by yourself probably wouldn't stop you from going.
Regarding the toy poodle: bringing your pet with you is inadvisable - but Animal Rescue Korea can help you adopt a new pet during your stay. Be aware of what's required with adopting a pet - no one's holding a gun to your head here, but it is a pretty serious commitment. If you just want to be around dogs, consider checking Bau Haus, a cafe that has dogs roaming the restaurant. A fellow blogger has some pictures and words about the place.

For other resources about life in Korea, be sure to check out my collection of resources for life in Korea.


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