Five Things to Watch Out for When Preparing to Live in Korea:

안녕하세요! 

 안녕하세요. [annyeong-haseyo] = Hello.

 

Five Things to Watch Out for When Preparing to Live in Korea:

 1.      The tendency to make excuses for purchasing any and all goods thought to be necessary before leaving:

You start saying or thinking things like this: "Oh, why thank you Amazon Prime. Even if I cancelled you after a month’s trial, I’m convinced I spent enough to make it worth it for you. 

What? It’s difficult to find women’s shoe sizes larger than US 8 in Korea? I better stock up. Two pairs of Merrell shoes in size 8.5 and $200 later…

 

Well, I’m going to be without so many comforts, I better stock up on goodies like toiletries and chocolate. And I better buy a special toiletry case to make sure nothing leaks...for that 4 pounds of conditioner that I'm bringing.

 

 

Oh, I definitely need a new travel wallet and a watch, especially since I won’t have a phone for close to a month. How am I going to know what time it is, let alone wake up in the morning?"

 

2.      Your creativity increases, especially regarding saving space and weight in luggage.

“Of course I need my Nalgene bottle. I’m sure Korea doesn’t have anything like it. And of course I need enough chocolate to survive, for well, I don’t know how many days.”

 

3.      You try not to get weird looks as you walk the dog, counting every house number ( out loud) in Korean ( Sino- Korean & Native Korean) because you really need the practice. Or, you think about the funny look you’re trying really hard not to give the cashier as you mull over in your head how the transaction would go down in Korea- head bob and all.

“Hana, dul, set… il, ee, sam”

 

4.      You realize it’s a very small world.   

In announcing my intentions to teach English in South Korea, I’ve already met a good dozen people who have:

a.       Previously lived in Korea

b.      Did business in Korea

c.       Taught English in Korea

d.      Live there, but are currently in the US

e.       Know someone who taught  English in Korea

f.       Work with Koreans in the US currently

Even the car I just sold was made in Ulsan, Korea. Go Hyundai. I loved my Elantra.

5.      Culture shock is bound to happen, but you’re not sure in what way, when, or how.

For example, I was reading about Korean customs and according to this book, in Korea, if someone mutely takes the box/ bag you’re carrying on the bus, it’s not because they’re trying to steal it, it’s because they are sitting down and you are standing up. Therefore, they feel they should hold your bag/box. While this might not happen to a lot of foreigners, I’m interested to see if it will happen to me. Can you imagine someone just taking your bag without you knowing why and thinking they’re going to run off with it?

 

Well everyone, I’m excited to share my adventures in Korea with you. Stay tuned!

 

 안녕히 계세요. [an-nyeong-hi gye-se-yo]= goodbye, literally stay in peace