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| Country Information (Living in Korea)
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Korean Culture |
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Korea offers one of the most dynamic and diverse cultures in Asia if not the world. At a crossroads between a traditional culture that dates back almost 5000 years and a modern society that is at the leading edge of technology and pop culture in Asia, Korea offers the best of both worlds.
From the busy, hi-tech streets and subways of Seoul and Busan to the tranquility of its temples, mountains, beaches and far off islands to the dozens of international and local festivals held in various cities across the country, Korea has enough to please any desire. Located between two larger nations - China and Japan - Korea can easily be missed, but one step on their soil and you¡¯ll realize the value of this historic land. |
Koreans are often thought to be the most warm-hearted people in Asia, often welcoming strangers into their home and offering a cuisine that is sure to please any palate. This is especially true once you leave the major city centres and can speak some Korean. However, to experience this warmth you need to break through their tough exterior. Most foreigners who land in Korea for the first time find that Koreans do not smile a lot, they are often in a rush to get somewhere, and they will push their way past you to get there.
Once that tough exterior is cracked, the generosity and kindness is plentiful. Koreans will often go out of their way to help you and make sure that you are doing well. This is especially true for teachers, who have a higher status in Korea¡¯s hierarchical social system, particularly students¡¯ parents. The parents often admire the teachers of their son or daughter, especially if the student likes the teacher. Small gifts and meals are common gestures of appreciation, and even cash gifts are not unheard of. Parents often give teachers the same respect as they would their elders, as traditionally the scholar or professor was second only to the king. |
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Food |
Hot and spicy.
That is probably the best way to sum up Korean food. Koreans can be seen eating food that is both hot in temperatures, scalding most peoples¡¯ mouths, and spiced with ever increasing amounts of ¡°gochujjang¡±, hot pepper paste.
By far Korea¡¯s most famous food is Kimchi, a pickled, fermented cabbage that most Koreans cannot do without at any meal. Most likely you¡¯ll be trying this with your very first meal in Korea. Several varieties are made and each family has their own recipe that has been passed down from their families for generations. |
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Life Style |
The lifestyle in Korea varies greatly from city to city, region to region and neighbourhood to neighbourhood. Despite the small geographical size of their land subtle differences in language, food, and behaviour can been seen.
Seoul is by far the most modern and hi-tech city. By day the streets are filled with business suits and people always in a rush to get going. By night the pace doesn¡¯t slow down. Streets are filled with vendors and food stalls along the streets in night markets. Party goers and late night shoppers are guide through the streets through a maze of neon lights. Any one of the various districts has something going on 24 hours a day.
For those seeking a slower pace, there are plenty of attractions, shows, musical, galleries and museums to keep oneself busy for a long time
In any city around Korea you are never far off from mountains that are sure to please any hiker. Koreans are avid outdoor enthusiast and make the most of their leisure time in parks and on beaches and mountains. More often then not they will be with family and friends. Plan ahead if you plan to visit anyone of the dozens of national, provincial and city parks. Long weekends become a huge gathering place for those want out of busy city streets.
Meals are always an important part of the Korean life. Given the relatively small size of houses and apartments family and friends often meet at restaurants for social events. When attending such an event it is almost impossible to leave with any room in your stomach. From start to finish it is non-stop dish after dish. Don¡¯t be surprised though if after a huge meal you are asked to attend ¡°ee-cha¡± (round two). This can be either a trip to ¡°hof¡± (bar) or ¡°norae bang¡± (singing room). Whatever the destination it will likely not be your last stop.
After completing your first year in Korea you¡¯ll realize you learnt more than you could have ever imagined. What you have understood and learnt in that time could never be done from home. No matter how many university courses you take, or books you read it can never amount to even a fraction of what you will experience living in Korea. When you first arrive the year ahead may seem daunting but then the days, nights, weeks and months begin to go quickly. It is best to do things when you have the chance. Do not put things off till later for the chance may never come again.
Korea is a fantastic place with warm friendly people. From every part of the land you can find someone that will lend a helping hand. If you can speak even a bit of the language you will find that the generosity only grows.
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Banking |
Soon after arriving you will be taken to the immigration office to get your Korean Alien Card. Within a few weeks you should receive this card which will then allow you to open a bank account. Most likely the director or another staff member will help you open your account. Most schools will deposit your salary directly into your account and then you can use the ABM (ATM) card of that bank (not your card from home) to withdraw cash as you need it.
Some schools still pay in cash and will give you an envelop full of Won on payday. It is advisable to take this money directly to the bank and deposit it, as the contents of the envelope can be quite large. Currently, the largest denomination of Korean currency is KRW10000 (approximately $10) and your pay is KRW2,000,000 (approximately $2,000). So you can imagine trying to carry around $2,000 in $10 bills.
Most ABMs do have English text, especially at the larger banks and in big cities. However, it is advisable to try to learn to read the Korean prompts in case you¡¯re traveling in the country and are stuck with no cash and just your debit card.
Money can easily be transferred from your Korean bank account to an account in your home country from any major bank or the Korean Exchange Bank (KEB). A fee for this service is charged by both the bank sending the money and your home bank which receives the money.
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Holidays |
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Korea has a total of 11 national holidays of which 2 (Seollal and Chuseok) are each 3-day holidays. On each of these holidays almost all places of employment are closed, including the school you are working for. However, if the holidays fall on a weekend you lose the chance of getting the day off as they don¡¯t carry the holiday over to the closest weekday. This is especially disappointing if 2 of the 3 days for the Seollal or Chuseok holidays are on Saturday and Sunday.
Some of the holidays follow the western calendar while others follow the lunar calendar in which case they change every year. For a full list of national holidays in Korea click the link below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_holidays_in_South_Korea |
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