It used to be that the only waygook in Korea were either US millitary, or a spattering of native English instructors scattered across the country. Nowadays though, the military presence has waned, and the population of English teachers has exploded. Better still, a large group of professional expats and business owners have come both to do business, and call Korea their home. So here is my first of a 2-parter; Why you should join all of us out here. Why you should live in Korea:
5. Public Bath Houses:
The Romans were on to something 2,000 years ago when they built the biggest public baths civilization had seen at the time. Since then the tradition of communal bathing has been mostly forgotten in the West (due perhaps to homophobia, norms of modesty, or individualism), but not so in the East. While there are also a number of fantastic public baths or Onsen(温泉)in Japan, those in Korea have a different charm and appeal.
Modern baths, Jjimjilbang(찜질방 or 사우나) often come complete with showers, saunas, jacuzzi of various temperatures, steam baths, and various massage services. Many of these places operate 24-hours, and serve as a great place to rest for the evening if you're traveling, or to recover from a drinking binge. If you're comfortable enough in a room full of naked people of your own sex these places can really be a treat. I'd never quite known the feeling of combined muscle relaxation and perfectly clean pores until I spent some time in one of these places. Bear in mind some of these places are single sex only (not a problem really considering how many there are; just walk around til you find another). Not only are these places in almost any neighborhood in Korea, they are cheap with a price range of around ₩5~10,000 for admission (massages, or food which you can buy there are extra of course). Even if you decide to splurge on a decadent 찜질방 like the Dragon Hill spa in Yongsan, admission there runs about ₩15,000 and this includes a variety of relaxation and sleeping rooms, a swimming pool, full restaurant, video game arcade, and a plethora of other services over 7 floors. Do yourself a favor and check this place out.
4. Transportation:
Despite Korea having a high rate of drunk driving (not as high as the US however), and Korea having the highest number of traffic deaths amongst OECD countries (hell it also tops the list in pedestrian deaths), essentially every aspect of Korea's transport situation kicks ass in some way. Sure it's dangerous and the traffic is pretty bad, but if you're in a cab the fare starts at just ₩3,000 (actually this is after it going up in recent years; still, compare this to New York). And I'm just getting started; both Seoul's subway system and bus network are extensive (going out into Incheon, Bucheon, Bundang, and Suwon) and dirt cheap at just ₩1,050 for the base rate. Both networks are relatively uncomplicated compared to other cities, but to make it even easier
3.Technology:
For all the big deal Koreans make out of it you'd think they invented the smartphone. Sure they boast the worlds highest internet speeds, but many of their sites are unusable due to being solely made for Internet Explorer. And don't get me started on the draconian internet censorship here (You'd begin to think it was North Korea)...Hey, wait a minute... I thought this was "5 reasons to live in Korea"? what gives?
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| That box on the wall is a subway mounted wireless router |
2. Food:
This is a difficult one as everybody's tastes are vastly different. For example if you are a Vegan, or you only eat Halal, eating in Korea will be difficult for you. While this is definitely a place where specialized diets exist, none of them have really gone mainstream (perhaps with the exception of slow-food, and even then I question its bonafides). It also can be quite difficult to get things cooked-to-order. I can't count the times my swine-unfriendly friends have complained after asking for "no pork", only to be reassured that it was "ham", and not "pork" so it would be ok....JPG) |
| That's 3 roasted chickens for just ₩10,000!? |
Another interesting element of food culture in Korea is the seasonal holiday foods. These may be difficult to partake in as many holidays are celebrated with family (which you won't have), still some of these can be sampled in restaurants if you like. Sure enough you could (and many waygook have) spend all your time out here eating very healthy, well made, and reasonably priced popular Korean foods. Another thing you can do however is to seek out the rarer, more interesting dishes like Grilled Eel(장어구이), Live Octopus(산낙지), or the infamous Dog Soup(보신탕).
1. Culture:
This is perhaps the most difficult to write about, despite being #1 on my list. As I said before, Koreans typically spend their holidays with their families rather than their friends. Truthfully though, not just holidays, but many aspects of Korean life revolve either around ones family, or perhaps more so, around the company one works for. As a result much of Korean culture tends to be very difficult for the visiting expat to penetrate, let alone fathom. Which is a shame, because it is certainly a very unique and robust culture of festivals, traditions, religion, ancient buildings, and a wealth of fascinating history.
From the more common tourist attractions like Gyeongbokkoong(경복궁) palace, or Insadong(인사동), to the more remote spots like the Bukchon Hanook village(북촌한옥마을), or Ganghwado(강화도) Many intriguing places can be found. If you care to step out of Seoul, more things of interest await like the famous temples Bulguksa(불국사) with its "national treasures", Golgusa(골구사) with it martial arts, and Buddha rock carving as old as Angkor Wat, and Yongmunsa (용문사) with a ginkgo tree said to be over 1,000 years old. Or if you like hiking mountains, Korea has plenty for you like Seoraksan(설악산), Chiaksan(치악산), and Jirisan(지리산).
Oh, and then there is Hallasan(한라산). Located on Jejudo(제주도), Koreas biggest island located to the south of the peninsula, and worth an honorable mention in-of-itself due to its UNESCO world heritage status. The illustrious Hallasan is an inactive volcano at the center of Jeju. Running out from here are the Manjanggool(만장굴) lava tubes which stretch for kilometers underground and terminate just before the black sand beaches where lava rocks were pounded into a dark gray/ blackish sand. With many geographical similarities to Hawaii Jeju has become an international hotspot, and can be reached from Korea by plane and ferry alike.
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| The crater at the top of the inactive volcano Hallasan(한라산) |
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