Teachers Stories: Lisa Geldys

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Lindsay

lisa geldys teaches english in south korea thanks to say kimchi recruiting!

Lisa Geldys is happy to be teaching English in Korea!

I like to tell people that I decided to come to Korea on a flip of a coin, because my final deciding factor was getting a Korean coin in my change back from buying a coffee when I was still in the U.S. Of course, in reality I put a lot more thought into it than that, as should anyone who is considering it. I was graduating from college, and the small taste that I’d had of working in an office quickly assured me that a cubicle was NOT the place for me. I started looking into teaching English overseas, and after comparing the benefits, cultures, and standards of living in several countries, I decided on Korea, with a little silvery 100 won coin being the final catalyst!

In some ways, South Korean culture and American culture seem very much the same, and in others they are polar opposites, which was part of the fun of living in the ROK, for me. Consumer culture is definitely big in Korea. You can’t walk down the street without being enticed into a restaurant or shop with some kind of mildly obnoxious signage. (NEON SIGNS FOR EVERYTHING. ATTACK OF THE CRAZY INFLATABLE ARM MEN!)

Other things about South Korean culture were really different, though. Respect for ones elders and superiors takes a totally new level in Korea. Initially I was always worried about accidentally offending someone, but soon I got to reap the benefits—as a teacher, you are in a position of authority over your students. They will actually listen to what you say and…wait for it…bring you little presents!

My students used to bring me stickers and candy, and when they discovered that I like to eat healthy foods, they started to bring me fresh fruit. One even brought in his mom’s homemade kimchi! Holy guacamole—errr—holy fermented cabbage! Some things about Korean culture were tough for me. Image is big, so I had to get used to the fact that make-up would actually help me be perceived as more professional. I also did not like some things about fashion in Korea—you can wear skirts the size of a washcloth (not that I suggest this) but tank tops are frowned upon. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but wait for July in the ROK. Phew!

The hardest parts of my Korean experience were being so far from my family and feeling very dependent on my employers. Sometimes the schools can be kind of unpredictable—they might totally change your classes without consulting you and then expect you to adapt over a weekend. The cool thing is—you’re not alone. You can reach out to your recruiter, and they can help you mediate the situation if it’s necessary. They are there to support you, and if your school is like mine was, there will be other foreign teachers and Korean staff or teachers who will help you and support you with anything you need. A secretary at my school even wrote out a whole card for me that explained that I didn’t eat any meat, fish, dairy, or eggs…yes…being vegan in South Korea can be done! It’s just extremely difficult and expect to accidentally bite into meat or get a swig of fish broth in your noodles at least once. It will happen. Just roll with the punches. That said, I made some AWESOME friends, made memories that totally changed my outlook on life, and had a fun job where I had fantastic benefits. What’s not to love?

Say Kimchi Recruiting and Lisa

Say Kimchi Recruiting was there for me anytime I had a problem at work. On top of that, the mixers and dinners with other Say Kimchi teachers were a great way for me to meet people. The Say Kimchi blog gave me great ideas for what to do during my year in Korea and helped me navigate my way through foreign waters. I have only good things to say and more of them to say than my fingers have the energy to write.

Final words..

Be sure that you want to go before you leave. Once you’re there, get involved. Go places on weekends. Meet people. Hike mountains. Take classes. Save money. Rinse and repeat as needed.

Finders fee @ Say Kimchi Recruiting!

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Lindsay

big-smile-for-money

Have an open job at your school in Korea? Earn some easy money by letting Say Kimchi Recruiting help recruit a new teacher for your school! If you refer Say Kimchi Recruiting to your school to hire their next teacher, you’ll get a Finder’s Fee of 200,000 won (paid once the teacher arrives). Simply fill out the form below:

Bonnie’s Blog : Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Lindsay

I have been to this beautiful place in Seoul 3 times now – I have visited in Autumn, Winter and now Spring. And it was so beautiful last weekend I have decided to write a proper review for anyone else wishing to visit this amazing palace.

Gyeongbokgung Palace 경복궁

Gyeongbokgung was first built in 1395, but the site was abandoned and rebuilt in 1867 by the Chosun Emperors over a few generations. Chosun Dynasties ruled here for years and years until the Japanese trashed the place in the early 20th Century (and they steadily trashed most of Korea over the next however many years). I honestly think this is one of the worst things about war and occupation, particularly with Korea… They had so much of their history erased. The Japanese administration pretty much leveled the entire site and used the grounds and extensive gardens for their own government offices. Anyway, the place is still undergoing reconstruction today, and I think that they are at about 50% reconstruction level. Wikipedia tells me that they were at 40% in 2009, but it is looking fairly complete now. A few of the buildings are originals, but basically the whole place has been redone. It never ceases to amaze me how much national pride Korean people have – they love their national treasures and the majority of people who visit this palace (and others) are people who live in Seoul and surrounding areas.

The palace complex itself is huge, and when you take into account the gardens as well you can easily spend hours wandering around. There are free tours in different languages, you just need to rock up at the right time. They run every few hours though, so if you miss it you can always pop back later.

Seoul_Gyeongbokgung_palace_exterior_view

One of the cool things about where the Palace is located is that it is right next to the Palace Museum, and also the National Folk Museum. The Folk Museum has a Children’s Museum attached to it, so if you have young kids with you they can go and have a play and learn in a more interactive setting. And yes, there is plenty of English for us foreign folk

Oh, and the entry to the museums are free… Did I mention that?

Sunday was a ripper day, because May 5th is Children’s Day in Korea! A day when those little bundles of joy are celebrated. So there was plenty of activities happening around the museum just outside the palace grounds. We had a wander outside, but make sure you keep your ticket with you so you can get back into the Palace grounds. The gardens around the Palace are a perfect spot for a picnic – you are allowed to bring food and drink into the Palace grounds and there are actually bins dotted around the area to get rid of your trash. There is a cafe/food place on the grounds but it is a bit pricey.

Getting there - We caught the train from Pyeongtaek station to Seoul station, which was around 4000 won or something close. We then jumped on the subway and made our way to the Orange Line 3 (there was a transfer involved) and got off at Gyeongbokgung Station, exit 5. Its a great station, you come out right at the palace you literally cannot miss it. But because of the annoyance transferring lines I actually would recommend doing it a slightly different way (and if you don’t mind walking a little bit – its a nice walk). At Seoul Station, jump onto Blue Line 1 and head to City Hall Station. It is the next stop on the Blue Line after Seoul Station… Head upstairs at I think Exit 1 (where City Hall is) and when you walk up head in the direction of the Arts Centre and all that stuff. If you are standing facing City Hall (a giant glass space-age building) then you wanna head left. Keep walking down that street – it is a really beautiful street and as you get closer to the Palace the centre of the road widens and there is a big grassy strip. There is also a station down there, not sure which one… Purple line I think?? Anyway every time I have been there I have seen some sort of free cultural event. Sunday was some sort of flea market, street food, and some people protesting something. They were singing to the new Psy song and dancing. Was hilarious actually.

If you keep walking down this street you will eventually get the the palace at the end. I love walking past the Arts Centre and it was beautiful Sunday in the sunshine. The streets are really wide and clean here.

Cost? Just the train, there and back was under 10,000 won. And the subway is cheap, I have a t-money pass so I have no idea what I spend to be honest. The entry to the Palace is 3000 won for adults, I think it was 2,500 for kids and children under 6 are free. All the museum entries are free. There is cheap food nearby, but if you are looking for something a bit more palatable then there are a heap of nice restaurants near the Arts Centre. Have a wander down the back streets too, there are hidden gems of culinary delight… And a bubble tea place that has delish bubble tea^^

Totally go visit. Seoul is so beautiful, and Spring is proving to be my favourite season yet!!!

Gyeongbokgung-Palace-postnoon-news 1_3

Want to hear me yabber more about my life in Korea? Follow my blog http://bonniespawprints.blogspot.kr/ Or email me any questions you have to bonnie9973@gmail.com don’t be shy!

A Healthy Attitude – Seoul Angloinfo

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Lindsay

positive-attitude

Whatever your age or medical history, it’s important that you have sufficient health insurance to ensure that you and your family are covered for every eventuality. When you’re living or working abroad, away from the familiar healthcare systems of home, it’s vital that you understand how and where to receive care.

In sickness and in health

Dealing with a foreign healthcare system can be a challenge – particularly if you are injured or unwell. While you’re feeling fit and healthy take a look at the Healthcare System in South Korea Information Page for an overview of how the medical system works. You’ll find out about the medical care available and how to access it. That way, if you fall ill, you’ll know who to contact to help get yourself back on your feet.

It’s also wise to have the emergency service numbers to hand in case you find yourself in need of urgent medical attention – the Emergency Telephone Numbers in South Korea Information Page has the numbers you need.

To find general practitioners or specialist medical professionals in your area, as well as listings for health clubs, personal trainers, complementary therapists and counsellors, check out the Health, Fitness & Beauty category of the Business Directory. And, should you decide that your healthcare needs are not fully covered, take a look at the Health & Medical Insurance category where you’ll find details of medical insurance companies who can provide cover for your family whatever your situation might be.

And finally, you can benefit from the experience and advice of other AngloINFO members by clicking on the Health, Fitness & Beauty Discussions. This is a great way to find out about the practicalities of all manner of issues relating to your personal welfare – from weight-loss advice to the latest fitness craze.

Bonnie’s Blog – Pets in Korea.

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Lindsay

One of the questions that I was asked to fill in on my recruiter application was “do you have any pets?”… And to be honest I would have loved to take my cat Pawpaw with me, but my mum wouldn’t let me. I had no idea what my apartment would be like, if there was room for a pet, if they would even allow pets, the whole thing. And plus my recruiter had told me it was easier to place teachers who didn’t have pets. So for me it was a no brainer. Don’t bring your cat.

I know of people who have brought their pets though. There is a non issue with quarantine here, as long as your pet is up to date with its injections then there is no problem. Rabies is an issue here, so if you are considering bringing your pet make sure they have an up to date rabies vaccination, as well as distemper and parvo – the usual ones. Most landlords are ok with small pets, but if you have a large dog there might be a bit more of an issue. The fact of the matter is that the apartment you will get is most likely going to be tiny. Mine is so small I can take 2 big steps and I am at the other end. And if your dog or cat is used to running around outside then they will not like being cooped up in your apartment one bit.

So what is the alternative? You love animals, you know 100% you CANNOT get through 12 months without some canine company and you are feeling crazed… I have a few solutions!

Pet cafes

Cat cafes totally blew my mind when I arrived. You go to a regular cafe and order a coffee and sit with a book or a board game – and there are about 10 cats playing around you. And they are the cool breeds too, like ragdolls, persians, tri-coloured cats, russian blues, scottish folds… All of them! And they are all super friendly and want to be petted. These types of cafes are all over Korea but are found in ridiculous quantities in Seoul. none of the cats I have seen are mankey, they are all really well cared for and cute. You are technically not allowed to pick them up, but if they crawl into your lap for a cuddle then all is well! Generally you HAVE to order a drink of some sort; you can’t just go in and play with the cats. So grab a latte and enjoy some purrrrfect down time.

Dog cafes are around too, but I personally have never been to one. I am more into cats myself, plus I have a dog now (more on that in a sec). You can find all shapes and sizes of dogs, and the ones at the cafes are all clean and well handled.

Animal Shelters

Another way to get in touch with your animal side is to volunteer at an animal shelter. The turnover of pets in Korea is ridiculously high, and many of the shelters and city pounds are what they call “kill shelters”, meaning if the pets don’t find homes within 10 days they are destroyed. It’s awful, but the sheer number of pets going through these shelters means that they literally cannot hold animals for longer than this time. There are however a number of shelters dotted around Korea where the dogs and cats can stay and live until they are adopted or fostered.

Finding your local no-kill shelter is a great way to spend time with animals that need help. Most of the dogs and cats have had a rough life and would love some attention! A great contact point is http://www.animalrescuekorea.org and find a shelter near you. And then, if your landlord allows pets maybe consider fostering a pet! Or even adopting one…

Get your own pet

This one I only recommend for people looking to stay in Korea for a little longer…

I caved in November last year and adopted a dog from a shelter. He has been a lot of work, and has been super expensive to get healthy… Many of the dogs from shelters have some health problems and have been mistreated and come with their own set of issues. For me it has been worth every cent because my little man is the best companion, the most well behaved doggie and I will 100% be taking him back to Australia with me. The costs of flying him home and quarantine are disgusting but I will do it because I am a bleeding heart and I would never leave him here. Remember when you adopt a shelter dog, you are not only enhancing your life you are SAVING theirs. I am very pro-shelter in case you hadn’t noticed. And many shelters have designer breeds of cats and dogs, so if you have your heart set on a chocolate poodle, or a fluffy white chinchilla, then you can probably find one at a shelter.

You could also get yourself a puppy or kitten from a pet shop or vet. Personally, I think if you are going down this road the vet is the way to go, because the little cutie you pick up will come with a health guarantee. Pet shop won’t have this. The other reason is that the puppy from the vet is most likely from a known breeder rather than a dodgy puppy farm. Yes, if you buy a puppy from Korea you are more than likely contributing to the practice of puppy farming. it’s a sad fact of life.

You want something a little smaller and lower maintenance? How about a fish?? Aquariums are popping up all over the place around Seoul so I imagine other areas too. Or something a bit more exotic? How about an albino hedgehog? Or a hamster? or a cute, normal rabbit?? You can get that too. And there are pet food suppliers all over the place, so your pet will never be hungry. Nor will it need to be unfashionable… Pet fashion here is insane, and I have totally bought into it (my dog wears cute outfits and has a blue-dyed tail).

So there you have it. No need to miss your furry friends, there are plenty of ways you can get your pet fix while teaching abroad in Korea

If you have any specific questions about pet costs or things like that please feel free to email me!

Bonnie

Want to hear me yabber more about my life in Korea? Follow my blog http://bonniespawprints.blogspot.kr/

Or email me any questions you have to bonnie9973@gmail.com don’t be shy!

V-DAY 2013 Gwangju!

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Lindsay

V-DAY Gwangju!

At the end of this month, 21 Koreans and international residents from 6 countries will perform the Vagina Monologues. Written by Eve Ensler-a play write, poet and social activist, this play is based on a series of interviews with women and have won multiple awards after being first performed off-broadway in New York in 1996. In Korea, actress Kim Yeojin’s performance in 2011 during her pregnancy garnered a lot of attention.

The performance is part of V-DAY movement which raises awareness of the violence against women and girls and to stop it. Women in the local community get together to organize promotional events and raise funds through diverse activities such as bake(flea) market, community lecture and charity sports events to highlight the women’s rights issues to people. Funds raised through these activities is returned to the local women’s organization. In 2012, the first V-DAY campaign and performances were held in the area and they collected and donated 2,360,000 won to four of the local single mother’s shelters and immigrated women’s support centers.

Leigh Hellman-Kang, who volunteered to take the role of director of this project for the second time in a row, said that ‘This year we have even more diverse group of women from different parts of the community who will perform not only in English but also in Korean and Tagalog to interact with a broader audience.’ She also added that ‘I hope this project will promote raising awareness towards women’s rights issues in this region.‘ Three shows are scheduled to be performed on April 27^th(3pm, 8pm) and 28^th (3pm). Tickets are available via online reservation for 8,000 won and 10,000 won at the door. You can contact ticket master Joey Nunez at joseph.nunez87@gmail.com for more information.

Bonnie’s blog: Language Barriers and learning Korean.

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Lindsay

When I first arrived I had mastered the art of saying hello and thank you. And for about a week this was enough… And then I decided I needed much, much more for my conversation artillery.

I joined up the a free Korean class that was promoted on my city’s Facebook page, and it was fantastic for getting the basics. I would recommend anyone to take at least a beginners Korean class to learn what sounds the characters make, and for reading and writing. It was a little difficult at first , but Korean is actually one of the easiest languages to learn. And its interesting too! They can trace the origins of their language, and the writing was only invented in 1443 during the Joseon Era… Super cool stuff.

It was also a really good way to make some new friends in my area. I still didn’t know too many people, and after going to class friendships were developed among all of us, so that was also nice. We were able to practice together outside class, although it wasn’t long before our “study sessions” turned into fun and games.

I am still studying, but now more with Korean friends and on my own. I am lucky to have some teacher friends who are pretty good at Korean and give me tips for being a foreigner and learning to speak Korean. I also have some books and CD’s to help me learn.

I guess the real question is this: Do you need to learn Korean to teach in Korea? Short answer is no. Most teachers get by knowing very little Korean. As long as you can politely greet people and ask for things then I think you are ok. Many of the guide books and blog sites talk about how little English is spoken in Korea. Now, perhaps its because I live and work in Gyeonggi Province (not far from Seoul) but I have never had trouble finding someone who speaks at least basic English. The taxi drivers generally know major landmarks, and know things like “station” and “stop here”. I haven’t had a problem teaching. Provided your co teacher is a decent teacher they should be able to do the Korean speaking in the classroom. After all, you are here to speak English not Korean! You can still make good Korean friends too, as many people are eager to learn and practice their English but are just a little shy about it.

For me, though, I want to understand more. I hate not knowing what is going on around me. I don’t like not being able to chat with other teachers in the lunchroom or be able to understand what people are singing about in songs. When I see people pointing at me and talking, I want to know what they are saying, and be able to ask them nicely to quit staring. And I want to bond more with my students. This is just me personally though… There is not a chance in hell I will ever be fluent, I have barely got enough English to get me through life let alone a second language. But I will keep trying because I enjoy learning, and this is the perfect place to learn Korean.

If you are planning on just getting the basics, here are the things I think you should try and master:

- Where is_____ (toilet, bank, ATM, station) I use this one a lot.

- Hello/goodbye/thank you

- Can I have________

- I like/don’t like

- How much?

- numbers 1 – 10, number 100, number 1000, and number 10,000 (for the money side of things)

I am not going to translate any of this for you – this is your first homework task!!! See if you can master these before you arrive in Korea

And the rest you can just wing it. You will get back to your home country and be fantastic at charades. There are probably heaps more key phrases, but I just cannot think of them right now.

So study hard! See you in Korea ^^

More questions? Hit me up – bonnie9973@gmail.com or bonniespawprints.blogspot.kr don’t be shy!

Teachers Stories : Patrick Smolinsky

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Lindsay

If you would have asked me about my interests in teaching in South Korea back when I graduated back in spring 2011 I wouldn’t have anything to say. I got my degree in psychology and wanted a break from school, a chance to pay down my student loans, and to be able to spend some time with my girlfriend Tara. I ended up moving back to my hometown and, with the help of my degree, scoring a retail job in middle management. Much to my horror soon I was promoted and my higher ups were talking about me getting my own store. Then it hit me: my life was laid out for me — I had the car I want, I was comfortable, and things were going good with my long time girlfriend. It seemed like I was ready to retire before I really got started. All my friend’s were getting married and having babies…

It’s not that I don’t respect people in retail, my father has been incredibly successful in this field for a number of years. I know that working retail is a difficult (and sometimes rewarding) path for people to choose. Also It’s not like I have something against starting a family right after school, some people’s life aspiration is to have one! But It wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted an adventure, to live somewhere new, and to do something that not many people I knew have done. I wanted to be able to remember an adventure that I was proud of and not regret doing something different with my life.

I had an acquaintance from high school who been in Korea for three years and I contacted her on Facebook to see what it was all about. She loves Korea and told me that life here has allowed her to be healthier and happier than she was in the states. She gave me the information on the basic process of coming here and I mulled it over for a few months. Did I really want to go? Was it crazy to think about moving across the world, let alone to a country whose language I don’t speak?

Time went on and I liked my job less and less, and escaping sounded better and better! Tara had recently graduated with a humanities degree focusing on Asian cultures and religions. We started talking about teaching abroad and finally got the ball rolling! When I get an interest in something I delve in head first so pretty soon we were watching vlogs and reading blogs about life in Korea, trying to decided how we were going to go about getting there. One vlog I enjoyed in particular “morrowsinkorea” I decided to contact to ask what recruiter they went with. They got back to me saying that their experience with their recruiter was not all that positive, and they suggested I try SayKimchi because they had met a representative of theirs in Korea and felt it was a much more personal operation.

Pretty soon Tara and me were working with Lindsay to find us jobs overseas. Lindsay is great, she emailed us back quickly and provided us with answers to our never ending questions. Moving across the world is never easy, but Lindsay was there to help us the entire way! I will add waiting for the FBI background check was brutal, if you are even considering this unique work opportunity I would get on ordering that ASAP.

Now I’ll get to South Korea. We did a whole lot of research before we came here so we have had virtually no culture shock. I’m not sure if this is due to the fact that we have each other or that one of the other foreign teachers at our school, Michael, is on his fourth year. He has really helped me an Tara feel at home, and by some crazy coincidence he happens to be from Tara’s home town. Did I mention he is fluent in Korean? It has come in handy more than once! Korean culture is pretty different from American. That being said most everyone is very forgiving if you accidently make a fool of yourself. They are also overjoyed when you follow their cultural norms. There are lots of little thing but for example: you give and receive things with two hands to be polite. Paying for something? Use both hands. Taking your change? Use both hands. If you forget to do it Koreans most likely won’t care but I have already been told several times I’m polite just for keeping that in mind.

I love Korea. My time here has flown by and I can’t believe I have already been here for two months! I love my coworkers, who are always willing to go out of their way to help me. I love my students, even the stinkers, because they keep this job interesting and always have me laughing. I love the public transit system, it is always on time and amazingly affordable. I love the history, It is everywhere! We saw Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul a few weekends ago and it was magnificent. I LOVE EXPLORING! Even going to the bathroom can be an adventure here, I was assaulted by a bidet my first night here. I love Koreans. It is wild being a minority and most Koreans go out of their way to make me comfortable here; That being said I do get blatant stares almost everywhere I go. I’m 6’4″ and stick out no matter where I go but you get used to that real quick and honestly I think the attention is kind of cool. Tara and me are already regulars at a few businesses around our apartment and it really feels like home. Lastly I love that fact that I get to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I try everyday to be the best me here and I almost feel like a diplomat. To some of the kids I have worked with I am the first big white guy they have ever known! I like the feeling of teaching and helping others and I have a desire to portray America and us American’s in a positive light through my personal actions.

As for dislikes? The distance from my family can be tough, but programs like Skype and Google Voice have made keeping contact much easier. Just today I gave my Dad a tour of my classroom and introduced him to my students via Skype, and he is over 5000 miles away! I’m also not a huge fan of North Korea’s waves of never-ending crap. I feel very safe in the South, and have no plans on leaving, but seeing new threats on front page news almost every day since I have gotten here hasn’t been exactly comforting. Lastly the “Yellow Sand” that blows down from China can dip air quality something fierce. I have an app on my tablet that I check every morning for the levels, some days you should wear a mask outdoors.

My personal experience with SayKimchi recruiting was amazing. Lindsay went out of her way to find us a couples position that really worked. Originally Tara and me wanted to be in Busan, but we stayed flexible and ended up near Seoul. Honestly, we could not be any happier with the way things have worked out here. SayKimchi was there to help us with process the entire way, from answering our questions of initial interest to helping us book our flights. We were originally thinking of using a different recruiter but even our initial back and forth emails felt impersonal. SayKimchi knows the process in and out and was really willing to go the extra mile to make the process easier!

My advice for future teachers is to order your FBI background check, my first one took two months to get to me and got so damaged in the mail I couldn’t use it. My second one came much faster and had no problems! The paperwork can seem like a nightmare but just make a list and take it one step at a time! This adventure is worth it. Korea is amazing and I can honestly say this was one of the best decisions of my life. Embrace the culture. Wake up, be yourself, love your life and go with the flow. It might surprise you how much you love it here.

Not Too Different

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Lindsay

One thing you’ll quickly learn is that it’s very easy to live here.

The People are Friendly
During your stay in Korea you will undoubtably comes across someone who is willing to help–whether or not that person understands your language. Koreans are know for being friendly, helping others and having a good time. Get out and meet someone!

Dining Out is a Breeze
If you can’t get used to the food, don’t worry! There is a variety of international restaurants and cuisine choices to be found all throughout Korea. Even the countryside has an option or two. You can easily grab a doughnut, a pizza or some chicken. Don’t worry about what you will or will not be able to eat. If you have to, you can always make the trip to larger city such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu or Gwangju to satisfy your craving.

Clothes are Easy to Come By
Many people worry about what clothes to bring over and what clothes might be available to purchase. Again, if needed, you can always take a short trip to the bigger cities to find what you need. In addition, Korea is fascinated with Abercrombie, Hollister and other western styles that are found throughout the world. While the sizes do tend to run a bit smaller, there are always options.

You Can Talk and Text Freely
If you don’t know, Korea is ranked towards the top of wifi coverage in the world. You can virtually go anywhere and find service–especially if you purchase Korean coverage.

Remember, if you have a SIM card in your phone you can easily replace it, buy Korean service and be ready to go in only a matter of minutes. Simple and pain free.

Transportation is Terrific
Worried about how to get around? Don’t be! Buses, taxis, subways, trains, ferries, and planes. They are all provided to help you get around–and get you around cheaply. Anywhere in Korea is only a few short hours away. You can take a bus or train from the southern most tip to the DMZ in only a few hours–this makes traveling and venturing Korea simple and fun.

Taxis and buses in the city are easy to use–even if you don’t know the language. Most bus routes are marked with Hangul AND English. Speaking to a taxi driver is as easy as one or two words–your destination! If you remember where you’re going, you can go anywhere!

Entertainment is Everywhere
Now that you know how to get around in Korea, you should find yourself eager to find some entertainment. Take comfort in the fact that Korea provides the same type of entertainment found anywhere else in the world. Want to go to a baseball or soccer game? Do it! There are plenty of options. You’ll even find a more upbeat atmosphere. Interested in doing something outdoors? Give it a shot! Koreans are very happy to show you the most famous hiking spots, teach you Taekwondo, go camping or do anything else you might imagine. Hope to watch the latest Hollywood movie? Chances are the movie is being screened even earlier than elsewhere in the world.

Adjusting to a life in Korea is an easy one. There are plenty of friendly people to meet, things to do and places to go.

Enjoy yourself and choose Korea.

Shay

-Shay M. Aside from writing, I love answering questions. It’s one of my favorite things to do. Ask me a question on my blog: Have Done WIll Do.

Teachers stories: Bailey Ruhlen

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Lindsay

“I decided to come to South Korea because I had heard great things about the country and working here. I was eager to travel and change jobs so it was the perfect opportunity. Dan from TESLK suggested Say Kimchi Recruiting. I decided to try because I wanted to increase my chances of getting a job and he said Say Kimchi Recruiting was dependable. My experience with SKR was awesome! I didn’t have any disappointments at all. The staff was very friendly, helpful, and prompt. I would suggest SKR to anyone and I would say to try them first. There weren’t any serious issues getting the required documentation or visa. However, it was not a fun process at all. Anyone looking to get a job should just get all of their documentation ready as quickly as possible, even if they do not officially have a job. There was some confusion on how to get a FBI background check apostilled, so I wish I started the process sooner. Also, waiting for my visa a week before I had to leave was horrible. Anyone looking for a job should get it done ASAP. The Korean Consulate in Chicago didn’t have the best customer service so trying to get answers over the phone was next to impossible. Again, I really think the best thing for someone applying for a job can do is to get everything done in a timely manner.

South Korea has been amazing. The best thing about it is the people. Everyone is so nice. Koreans generally seem to like talking to foreigners even if they speak little or even zero English. It also seems like you are given free stuff wherever you go. At the bars there are complimentary snacks, restaurants sometimes give you free desserts and food, and my boyfriend was even given free socks for buying shoes. My personal experience has also been very great because my boss and coworkers are very nice. Another impression I have gotten is that people are very active and fit.

Other than the people, South Korea is just a beautiful place. There is a lot of opportunity to travel as well. It is a great change of scenery. It also seems to be very clean here. The strange thing is, it’s hard to find a trash can while walking down the street, yet at the same time there is minimal litter. It is a wonderful thing. Teaching English and living in South Korea has been the best experience I’ve had so far.”