| South Korea
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| City: |
Seoul |
| Country: |
South Korea
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| Submitter's Name: |
Kim |
| Nationality: |
American |
| Arrival Date: |
May 2007 |
| Date Submitted: |
September 03, 2007 |
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Seoul is a large city of 11 million people. It has grown considerably and become much more prosperous in recent years which means that infrastructure such as streets are not laid out to accommodate the amount of automobile traffic which has increased dramatically in the past 15 years. It has hot humid tropical type summers, winters are unremarkable. |
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One of the most crime free large cities I have ever visited.
Very safe for women and children. As most Korean drivers have owned cars less than 15 years, driving is extremely dangerous and much reckless driving is seen daily such as running red lights at high speed with not intervention from police. I am living with two large dogs and I have never lived in a less "dog friendly" place. Locals are fearful and some will scream and cringe when I approach with obviously tame calm dogs on a leash. The culture is male dominated and sexist, but that has had little impact on me.
Other than my dog related interactions, my time here has been pleasant and I have been well treated.
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Extremely expensive housing. 3rd most expensive in the world.
I have a lovely 3 bedroom villa style apartment however the total cost with utilities is 54,000.00 USD per year. It is imperative that housing me negotiated as part of compensation package. |
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It is common. Many Korean maids are fearful of my dogs, so I have a Phillipina. Most folks pay 40.00-60.00 per weekly visit. |
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Vonage is a god Send! Most folks have cell phones here and internet is common. I found cell service expensive. My internet service is bundled into my house rent. |
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Many locals speak English however it is important to try to at least speak some Hangul. Very tough to learn to read. |
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Must drink bottled water. |
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Hired from us...do not know. |
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I would advise those with serious health problems to live elsewhere. There are plenty of hospitals here, but even insured folks are expected to pay cash up front and seek reimbursement from insurance and most nursing care is conducted by family members.
This is a major reason I am leaving and will not return. Dangerously poor air quality. Most streets and housing NOT handicapped accessible with uneven sidewalks, ruts, hills and dangerous traffic and drivers. if you required assistance with mobility...DO NOT move here. |
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Driving is horribly stressful here because of large volume of traffic and appalling driving habits of local drivers. Public transportation is excellent and cheap so avoid driving if you can. |
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People are smaller than most westerners so large folks need to shop by catalog. Beauty services are improving and local grooming rituals such as bath houses with body scrubbing are a wonderful treat! |
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Vets are excellent and prices moderate. Large dogs are not welcome and it may be difficult to find housing and grooming for them regardless of how wonderful they and you are. This has been a major dissatisfier for me. |
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A wonderful international city where one can meet folks from all over the world, Seoul has art galleries a growing economy and friendly people with an ancient culture. It has significant problems with pollution and haphazard development.
Despite many lovely attributes it is a lousy place for a Westerner who is aging, ill, disabled or traveling with big dogs. Seoul is very expensive and the sidewalks uneven, roads dangerous, summer climate insufferable. I will remain an expat...elsewhere! |
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City Description
Healthcare
