 I included this section for you as a way to show you more about Korean society. I hope this information help you understand your future job and Korean society. If you are looking for information on teaching English in Korea please go to the home page and check Types of Schools and About Me Section.
Working in a totally different culture and dealing with different social norms is not an easy task to undertake. A lot depends on your personality, as it may be easy or very difficult to adapt to a new culture. If you like to learn and take on a challenge it will reward you in many ways you never expected. At the very least you will gain a propound understanding of the other side of the world and one of its cultures. As an immigrant myself I know how valuable the experience is. If you are adaptable to the new culture, open-minded, and have a flexible attitude toward the employment, there will be no big trouble you cannot overcome. I have seen and hope to see again foreign employees and Korean employers become good friends and take care of each other. Koreans are very generous and friendly people once you break the ice. Some ESL teachers who have taught in many Asian countries say that it is much easier to deal with Korean employers than Japanese employers. Furthermore, you can enjoy more things in Korea because you have at least two or three times more purchasing power in terms of the consumer price than Japan. When you start work, be patient and try to figure out the different patterns of this different culture. It is common sense that if you interpret Korean's behaviors in a western way it will trip you up badly, of course it will not be easy but the way too get the most out of it is to try.
These days, many people say that they are happy to be working and living in Korea. Currently, many North Americans are teaching and working in Korea and plenty of them have renewed their contract.
 Culture Shock
Living in a new country can provide a wealth of new experiences as well as sometimes creating unique problems. People behave in different ways, some of which can be as shocking to you as your "normal" behavior can be to them. Not everyone is the same and when you don't allow for the differences you can experience "Culture Shock".
The best way to handle this is to acknowledge beforehand that things will be different. Be courteous, well mannered, and respectful of differences. Korean people are, by and large, very friendly and courteous and will often overlook behavior from an American that would be deemed offensive from a Korean. However, you should know what some of the differences are so that you can assimilate as much as possible, thus making your stay better and your experience a richer one.
Making friends
Korean people are usually friendly, and many people will talk to you. Most of the time they are trying to make friends. Here it is normal for people to ask you questions about your age. Marital status, occupation and religion. This is because Korean culture is very hierarchical and has a clear social order. People want to know where to place you in terms of social order. Teachers are much more respected in Korea than in America. Parents put a great deal of emphasis on their children1s education here, and anyone who chooses to teach the young is respected. Always remember that a teacher is a role model and act accordingly. So, when people ask you questions which could be perceived as intrusive don't take offense. You may answer if you wish, and you can ask the same questions in return. You may notice that when you hand people your name card they will receive them with their two hands and take a moment to actually read the whole card before placing it in a special place. This is a way of showing respect to the person. Please make sure to do the same thing.
Unlike Americans, Koreans prefer to do business with friends. They use a network of friends in doing business much more than Americans do. There are different types of friendships here. There are professional friendships, social friendships and intimate friendships. Please take your time to determine what kind of friendship you are developing.
Korea is different than America in many ways. Personal space, manners, gestures, and food are very different. The language structure is very different as well. You will be learning more about all of these things while you are in korea.
Korea, as you may know, is very crowded. People will stand much closer to you than you may be used to. They will bump into you on subways and buses without so much as an "excuse me". They will jump into a taxi with you. These are all very common things. Don't be offended! If there was no intention to jostle you out of the way there isn't (in Korea) a need to say "excuse me". Everything is crowded and so people will push their way past you. People share taxis here all the time. Often people will come and stand right next to you at an empty bus stop, closer than would be comfortable in America. Again don't take offense! Perhaps they want to see your beautiful smile or catch a whiff of that perfume you're wearing or maybe they want to start up a conversation with you.
Manners are also very different here. One such difference is eye contact. Americans feel that someone should "look you in the eye" when talking to you. Koreans will often avert their eyes as a sign of respect. Another difference is the handshake. Americans feel a strong grip is important when shaking hands. Koreans do not share this idea. They will shake you hand very gently. Don't be like Fred Flintstone and crush their hands! Often people will bow to you. The Korean bow is customarily not as low as other Asian cultures. Copy what you see other people do. People will take things from you with two hands or with the right hand with the left hand (palm down) under the right forearm. This may be because in the past sleeves were much longer and one hand would keep the sleeve out of the way. In any case, this is considered good manners. Don't use your left hand.
Korean food is absolutely delicious. There are many different dishes. Most Korean foods are served or made with rice or noodles.
Most Americans are familiar with cabbage Kimchee, but actually there are many types of Kimchee which are served with most meals. Always try something new! Part of the fun of living in Korea is trying the many different foods. Korean people are proud of their food, so be sure never to insult it. If something is too spicy, just drink some water. It's a good idea to try the same thing twice here as it may be very spicy in one place and not in another.
Getting around Korea
Korea has some of the best public transportation in Asia. The subway system is very modern. The trains are new, and run every few minutes. There is a subway map in the following pages, and during the TTC we will travel around Seoul quite a bit. The trains are color and number coded, and the announcements and signs are in English. The cost for travel on the subway is 500 won (about 50 cents). Travel by bus is also very cheap; costing 500 won (regular bus) to 1,000 won (express bus). There are no bus maps in Korea so you will have to learn from people where buses go and which ones to take. Taxis are also everywhere and are generally much cheaper than those found in the U. S. Avoid taking black taxis. These are "Deluxe taxis", and they are considerably more expensive than all the others.
Location,Area and Topography,People and Population
The Korean Peninsula extends southward from the northeast part of the Asian continent between 33 and 43 North Latitude and 124 and 132 degree East Longitude. The standard meridian of the peninsula is 135, nine hours ahead of GMT. The Amnokkang and Tuman- gang Rivers border both China and Russia to the north, and Japan is just across the East Sea. Since 1945, as a by - product of the Cold War, the peninsula has been divided at 38 North Latitude into the capitalist Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea, more commonly known as North Korea.
The total area of the peninsula is 221,607 km, similar in size to that of U. K. New zealand, or Rumania. South Korea possesses 99,237km or 45% of the total land mass, and North Korea 122,370km, the remaining 55%. About 70% of the land is mountainous, mainly to the north and east. Along the southern and western coasts the mountains descend gradually towards broad coastal plains. Most of the rivers have their tributaries on the north and east sides, and flow into the Yellow and South Seas. Concentrated for the most part off the southern coast are upwards of 3,000 islands of various sizes that provide scenery unparalleled in the world
Koreans, like many other Asian peoples, are descendants of Mongolian Tungus stock. They differ from the neighboring Japanese and Chinese, however, in that Koreans are a homogeneous ethnic group with their own language, culture, and customs.
Korean people are characterized by their generosity, warmth, and kindness, and are renowned as one of the hardest working people in the world.
Population
South Korea-46.9million(1997)
(North Korea- 25 million) (estimated)
Annual growth rate: 0.98%(1995)
Urbanization rate: 78.5%(1995)
Average family size: 3.3 persons(1995)Number of foreign residents: 110,028(1995)
Capital and Major Cities
The capital city is Seoul, which is the political, cultural, commercial, financial, and educational center of Korea. Seoul also offers many tourist attractions.(Populations : 10.3 million as of Dec. 1998)
Korea houses following 6 metropolitan cities and 9 provinces.
(as of '98. 12)
City:
Population(1000)--
Pusan city
3,843,000
Taegu city
2,504,000
Inch'on city
2,498
Kwangju city
1,342,000
Taejon city
1,346,000
Ulsan city
1,018,000
Kyonggi-Do
871,000
Kangwon-Do
156,000
Cholla-Do
4,187,000
Kyongsang-Do
5,901,000
Chdju-Do
535,000
The People
From a Western perspective, Koreans are considered to be conservative and traditional in outlook. Koreans have been deeply influenced by Confucianism, Buddhism and later by Christianity. Beliefs, attitudes and behavior have been developed through many centuries. Koreans are proud of their long history, culture and heritage.
Koreans are generally understanding of differences between themselves and Westerners but there are limitations. Foreigners should come to Korea with a willingness to experience a different culture and a willingness to adapt.
Transportation
Public transportation in and out of Seoul is inexpensive. Seoul and Pusan have modern subway systems with instructions in Korean and English. In Seoul, a one way subway ticket costs 600 won (about $.50) and regular city bus tokens cost 550 won (about $.47) when paying in coins. Taxis are also convenient and affordable.
Shopping
Shopping and especially bargain hunting is very popular among both Koreans and foreigners alike. There are many department stores, small specialty shops, street stalls and some of the largest open markets in the world. There are many bargains custom made goods, clothing, shoes, and bags. Some goods are seconds and misrepresented as top quality products.
Other Information
Most necessities are available in Seoul but some items are hard to find. These items include: vitamins, and hypo-allergenic products. Study walking shoes, wide sized shoes, bras and panty hose in western sizes may be very different to replace. You may wish to purchase those items in the States before coming to Korea.
There are many restaurants and eateries in Korea with the largest number offering Korean dishes. Japanese, Chinese and Western foods are also widely available. American fast food restaurants are very popular in Seoul. TGI Fridays, Benniguns, McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Inn, Pizza Hut, Hardee's, Shakey's, Baskin-Robbins, Haagen Dazs, Dunkin Donuts and Del Taco are all presented. The average Korean, Chinese, or fast food lunch costs about 2,500 to 3,500 won($3.00 to $4.50). Many hotels and restaurants also offer American, French and Italian food but prices may be moderate to very expensive.
There are many movie theaters in Seoul that show foreign and Korean movies. There are five Korean TV stations and cable channels which include AFKN (American Forces Korea Network) which broadcasts popular US TV program, movies and news reports via satellite. There are bookstores in Seoul which carry books in English. English language newspapers such as the Korea Times and Korea Herald are also available in Seoul.
Korean mail service is good but postal rates are a bit more expensive than US postal rates. Airmail to the US usually takes four to ten days but please note that delays are not uncommon.
Safety Issues
The capital city of Seoul is the largest city in Korea. It is a modern city with a growing population of over ten million people. Pusan, the next largest city has a population of over four million people. Seoul and Pusan have traffic problems, housing shortages, pollution and other problems faces by Asian cities of similar size, teachers are advised to take the same crime prevention measures they would in any city.
In the past, there have been large (sometimes violent) student demonstrations in Seoul. These demonstrations usually occur in the Spring but have decreased in frequency and size in recent years. The demonstrations should not be a factor for people considering coming to Korea as no foreign instructor at Wonderland has ever been in any danger.
Sake hands too long or too limply.
A handshake that is too long may make an American feel uncomfortable, and a limp handshake gives a negative impression to Americans, who say it is like holding a "dead fish."
Use the middle finger to point.
Sticking out the middle finger is the most obscene (and dangerous!) gesture in American culture, used only as a strong insult. Most Koreans are unaware of its emotional impact and may casually use the middle finger in pointing(especially if holding something in the same hand). Avoid this gesture at all costs. You can be sure that Americans will notice it.
Stare at foreigners and talk about them in their presence.
Koreans are inquisitive about how others look in relation to themselves. They are especially curious about a foreigner's appearance and sometimes stare and point at people different from themselves. Usually, they mean no offense by this, but to Americans, whether they mean no offense or not, it is very unpleasant
Ask personal questions.
Americans in Korea frequently find themselves being asked questions on topics that they consider to be private: "How old are you?" "Are you married?" "Why don't you have children?" "Why did you come to Korea?" Koreans are generally very curious about people from other countries. But these types of questions may be offensive to Americans.
Make invitations or important announcements at the last minute.
Korean businesses or social schedules seem to be much more flexible than those of Americans. Most Americans plan their time carefully in advance. When living and working in Korea, they may be quit surprised (and unhappy) to receive information about parties, meetings, or new work schedules just before the events take place.
Although the events may have been planned well ahead of time, foreigners often seem to bo the last ones
Leave social gatherings in a group.
In Korea, it is common to come and go when your "group" does. People may quickly follow the initiative of one member who decides to leave. This may be surprising to an American, who may suddenly find himself the last one at the bar.
Attempt to strike up conversations on the train with Westerners in order to practice English.
Many Koreans are studying English and most of them are curious about Westerners. Although some Americans may be happy to talk with complete strangers, many resent these requests as intrusions on their privacy. They may also feel as if they are simply being "used".
Taxi drivers with no passengers sometimes refuse to pick up certain passengers.
Because Seoul traffic is very congested in certain areas at certain times, taxi drivers try avoid passengers who might want to go to these areas. They lose money sitting in traffic jams. It is a bad practice that should be discouraged.
Houses and building addresses are unmarked.
The Korean address system is a nightmare for newly arrived Americans. In the United States, house and building numbers follow a strict numerical sequence down the street. The Korean system of "gu, "dong", and "bunji" is difficult for Americans to follow.
Public rest rooms are used commonly by men and women.
Imagine a woman leaving a toilet to find a man standing with his back to her. In some small buildings or restaurants in Korea, where men's and women's toilets are in the same rest room, men and women use the rest room simultaneously. Even when the rest rooms for men and women are separate they are sometimes side by side. This is surprising to Americans and can be embarrassing.
Public rest rooms often do not have toilet paper or paper towels.
"Oh, no!" This can be a very unpleasant surprise for an unprepared American. Koreans often carry small packets of tissue for just a situation. They also usually have a handkerchief to use as a hand towel.
Beckon someone using the index finger.
Koreans use their index finger only when beckoning animals, never to beckon a person. This is a common gesture used in America to ask someone to come closer.
Use the index finger to point at someone.
Many Americans do this to gain the full attention of another person. However, this gesture is generally considered to be rude even in America, more so in Korea, Where it seems like an accusation, Use an open palm gesture in the other person's direction instead of pointing.
"Steal" a child's nose in fun and show it to him by placing one's thumb between the index and middle finger.
In Korea, this gesture is as obscene as an extended middle-finger in America. In America, it is just a traditional way of teasing a young child.
Don't say "Thank you," "Excuse me," or "I'm sorry."
Koreans are not accustomed to revealing their feelings to others. They use facial expressions to convey their feelings. For example, quite often even married couples don't say " I love you." It is naturally understood by their eyes, However, in a crowded subway, if you happen to step on an American's foot and try to apologize with your eyes, he will not understand and will feel Offended. It's better to verbally express the apology to an American by saying, "I'm sorry."
Force Americans to sing at gatherings
It is part of Korean culture to sing at social gatherings, and everyone present is expected to sing. However, many Americans do not care for singing personally, although they may enjoy listening to others. Also, in Noraebangs, Korean singing establishments, most songs are Korean and not known by most Americans. Also, the few English songs in Noraebangs are obsolete in the opinion of many Americans.
Standard of Living
Your salary will allow you to live very comfortably. You will be able to save money, if you so desire.
Living is generally very cheap in Korea. Nights out are generally cheap too. Your money will go a long way.
Accomodations
Korea is a fairly small country with a big population. This means that huge apartments are uncommon. Typically
you will be living in a shared semi-furnished apartment. The quality of the apartment depends
mainly on the building's age. If you come from a high rent city in North America, you may be
pleased with the size of the place (as I was). If you come from a low rent city, you might be
disappointed. If the accomodations are very important to you, talk to a teacher who is currently
employed at the institute that offers you a job.
Weather
Korea's four seasons have varying degrees of temperature and precipitation.
The most pleasant times of the year in Korea are spring and fall. Temperatures during these times of the year are moderate and there
are only occasional days of rain. In the winter, the temperature ranges from around 41 to as low as 14 F° (5 to -10 C°).
During summer the temperature ranges from 77 to 95 F° (25 to 35 C°). Korea is sometimes hit with
summer rains (usually July and August) which bring above average precipitation and higher humidity.
Some have compared the climate to that of Washington, D.C., but since I've never lived there I don't really know.
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Job information
I Love ESL since 1998
