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I am from a warm, dry climate in America so am experiencing a
bit of weather shock during the winter season. There are 4 distinct seasons in Busan. Summer is hot and humid (and smelly), winter is cold (-3C) and dry. However, spring and fall are beautiful. Spring is the Cherry Blossom Season, which is gorgeous. I really loved the fall season though and I can't wait to experience it again.
Busan isn't a big international city,however it is the 2nd largest city
in Korea. It is more of a 'port' city, so it is not completely congested with people. I have
visited the capital Seoul and I loved it although it is a lot more
crowded than Busan. 'Everyone' speaks English in Seoul and there are lots of signs
in English but in Busan, English is not so common. The number of English speakers
is on the rise though.
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I've been received well by locals. However, I am of Asian
descent so I blend well, but some foreigners ('Guk's') feel some prejudice. Typically, the prejudice is just a disapproving look or sound. It took me a while to get comfortable here. I admit, I hated it here the first 3 1/2 months and my body was way off balance.
The drinking culture (for both expats and locals) is VERY popular.
I'm vegetarian, so it's been quite a challenge. They think if you are
vegetarian, you still eat chicken! Most soups and broths are from beef or chicken. Now that I'm more comfortable exploring, I have found multiple options for food, but you do have to hunt.
Having Korean friends has made my life a lot easier and I am able to go to
really good restaurants because my foreign friends don't know the good
places from the bad.
Korea is VERY safe!!
The city is very good for couples. Many foreigners come here together,
live together and they are accepted easily. Some foreigners have met other foreigners here and started a relationship. I kinda think that the pickings are pretty slim
though, so don't come to Korea looking for some exotic, romantic European
lover! The foreigners typically comprise of the Canadian/Mid-west American
style. Some date the locals, but you have to remember there is still language and cultural barriers if you choose to date a Korean men. |
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Most expats here are English teachers.
Employers are required to sponsor the visa, which was taken care of promptly
after my arrival. I had all my paperwork in order within 3 weeks of landing.
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Housing varies, but most people will end up with a
studio/one room apartment. Apartments in Busan tend to be a decent size. I
have a large 'officetel' with a bathroom (no bathtub), kitchen, huge living
room space and a loft for sleeping. I've got a lot of storage and a huge
window from the 19th floor. I'm very happy living here. These days, most companies will offer to pay housing per month (Typically 350-400,000 won per month). The employer covers the key money (deposit) and usually the bulk of the monthly rent. I cover a small amount extra.
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SKYPE is amazing. I can do video chats with friends and
family all over the world. Additionally, I have a local phone number in
America (which I purchased through skype), so I can call anyone anytime
through my computer with a local number.
I also have a cell phone here in Korea. Korea is home of LG and Samsung.
My bill ranges anywhere from 16,000-35,000 won/month, which is relatively
cheap ($12-$25).
I don't own a television. I spend most of my time on the computer and internet is super-fast here. My bill is about 40,000 won or $33USD per month.
Postal services: I've only shipped a few packages home and it's been quite expensive, but I paid to have it sent in 3 days. |
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Korean.I think it is difficult to learn as an American and nothing
sounds the same. Intonations are totally different, but it is important to learn the basics.
I've been here for 9 months and still don't know the 'hangul' alphabet, but
I'm being lazy. There are plenty of opportunities to have language exchanges and the number of English speaking Koreans is on the rise.
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Water - drink bottled water. I have drunk from the
tap though and have some friends who insist that it's fine.
Gas/Electric - varies. Summer, with 90 degree heat/humidity, my A/C bill
was up to $70 maybe and in winter with floor heating my highest bill thus
far has been $33 and I've left it on A LOT.
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SUPER EASY to find a job. English teachers are very
popular and in high demand here.
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Won is the local currency and it is easy to set up a bank
account.
I transfer money home monthly too, which is also easy.
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Healthcare is amazing and very readily available. I have insurance through my work, but
it's fairly cheap otherwise. Traditional medicine (acupuncture) is readily available too.
Only problem is language barrier...but there are pharmacies everywhere and
you can fill a prescription easily (and immediately) without needing a
doctor's note. Medicine is easy, explaining the problem is the hard part. |
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Drivers are crazy here. I was in India prior to Korea and
thought that was bad, but this is even worse. Stay on the sidewalk!! You need an international license if you want to drive. I recommend sticking to public transportation as the subway and bus system is reliable, clean, safe and cheap.
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They love their beauty here. The whiter the skin
the better. They like flawless skin and no wrinkles. Women in their 40's
look like they are in their 30's. Women in their 20's look like they are
teens. So, if you're interested in skin care, Korea is a good place to be.
Haircuts are cheaper than I had anticipated, but waxing (from what I hear)
is expensive. Rather, it's comparable to the states, which is expensive
here.
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I own a cat, but he stays inside. Small dogs are popular here. My friend
owns two big dogs (one a great Dane and the other a Newfoundland) and it's
funny to see how scared people get here. Vets are widely available.
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The youth culture is interesting, and people here are very into fashion.
The men are thin and perm their hair, women wear super short shorts and skirts and
really high heels. However, I rarely see a woman sporting a tank top
in summer. The young adults are not into health and fitness like they
are in America. I typically see older men and women caring more for their
health (and hiking all the time).
If I've learned anything here or from India (other than realizing how much
I don't know!), it's realizing how much everything deserves a chance
because there are many great things to see and people to meet in other
countries. |
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| See too: Our Expat Women Living in Korea South page |
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| City Experience - Korea South, Seoul - September 03, 2007 |
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City Description
Healthcare
