| Korea the Land:
Westerners living in Korea:
Accommodation
Sports
Key Contacts
Korea the
Land
The Korean peninsula is in between China and Japan and is
only approximately 1,000 kms long and only 220 kms wide at
its narrowest point. South Korea is very hilly and one of
the most mountainous Countries on earth. Tramping is very
popular.
The Korean peninsula is separated from China in the north west and from the Soviet Union in the north east corner and from Japan by the East Sea.
North Korea and South Korea share the Peninsula, with totally
different ideologies side by side, separated by the infamous
De-Militarised Zone on the 38th parallel.
A visit to this Border is truly fascinating and an
unforgettable experience, and forms part of History
over many years. It is a "must visit" type of place.
South Korea's population is approximately 45 million and North
Korea's approximately 24 million.
Westerners Living in Korea:
Please prepare yourself for a huge cultural change, but, as
positive as you like to make it!
Private Language Schools in Korea are called Hagwon,
a huge & booming Industry.
You are generally very safe in Korea (personal safety) however,
do take normal precautions, and use common sense.
Korea is very advanced in most areas and has experienced incredible
growth within the developed World. Their biggest organisations
are Hyundai, car and ship builders, Samsung, and Daewoo.
Korean parents "live" for their children and their
whole lives revolve around children. The family unit is very
important to them all.
Korean parents want their children to learn English as quickly as possible, at the earliest possible age.
School Principals will do their best (sometimes different
to our way & thinking!) but even so, will try very hard
to please you, they need you! Korean parents do not want their
children taught English by an English speaking Korean, only
Native English speakers.
You normally have free Internet access (emails to family back
home etc) at school, in your own time.
The most common comment about Koreans is how warm and friendly
they are, and always wanting to please you - the Westerner.
Korea itself (South Korea) is a relatively small country,
Geographically, only approximately 5-6 hours by road one end
to the other.
Shops are normally open 7-30am to 10-30pm.
Your Accommodation
in Korea:
Your Apartment is furnished (not lavishly) however it is rent free so therefore you can save lots of money! You are responsible for power and water charges etc.
Transportation
in Korea:
Bus, Taxi or Subway costs are very reasonable, reliable, and very efficient.
Please note: All of the schools we deal with
pre-pay in advance for you, your return Airfare,
so you are not out of pocket paying this yourself. Some Recruiters/employers
request you to pay & having to wait to
be reimbursed once you arrive in Korea!
Contracts:
Are all 12 months and on completion you receive 1 months additional salary as a severance payment (Bonus)
Food in Korea:
Most of the big American fast food chains are in Korea, Kentucky Fried, McDonald's, and Burger King etc.
Information about Korea:
Please read the Lonely Planet Travel Guide books, one on Korea, and one on Seoul, they are an excellent source of information.
Rioting (strong Unions) and clashes are a seasonal sport, stay clear!
Do not drink tap water, buy sealed bottle water.
Korea is still a somewhat a male-oriented Society.
Key Contacts:
In Seoul, Foreign Community Service (Focus) provides referrals to Hospitals, Doctors, Lawyers, etc.
Ph: 02-798-7592
or
02-797-8212 Korean Holidays:
New Year Day Jan. 1
New Year's Day holidays Jan. 2 & 3.
Lunar New Year's Eve Feb. 11
Lunar New Year's Day Feb. 12
Lunar New Year's Day after Feb. 13
Independence Movement Day Mar. 1
Arbor Day Apr. 5
Buddha's Birthday May 19
Children's Day May 5
Memorial Day Jun. 6
Constitution Day Jul. 17
Liberation Day Aug. 15
Harvest Festival Eve Sept. 20
Harvest Festival Day Sept. 21
Harvest Festival Day after Sept. 22
National Foundation Day Oct. 3
Christmas Day Dec. 25.
Before departure: Please ask your local Doctor regarding any Vaccinations he/she recommends for travelling to Korea.
Korean Emergency numbers:
Ambulance: 119
English Operator: 080-211-0114
Fire: 119
Police: 112
We hope this page helps you to enjoy your stay and to maximise
your experience!
PS: Please help us if you can! We need 20-30 people
every month! We will pay to you a referral fee when you refer
someone to us and they travel to Korea. We appreciate any
help.
Korean Map - click image to enlarge 
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