Location/Landscape
| Location/Lanscape | People/Govenment |
| Climate | Culture |
| Social Life/Activities | Transport |
| Food | Money/Currency |
The Republic of Korea is a peninsula that extends southward from the northeastern edge of the Asian continent. Japan is just across the East Sea. Its population is approximately 48 million. Since 1945, as a by-product of the Cold War, the peninsula has been divided at 38 North Latitude into the capitalist Republic of Korea, or South Korea, and the communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). That DMZ is a now a tourist attraction and can be visited. There is on-going communication between the two countries, and South Korea hopes to some day reunify with the North. Travel in North Korea is still restricted. South Korea has 6 major cities Seoul, Pusan, Taegu, Inchon, Taejon and Kwangju. Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land area, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world and a great place for hikers and nature lovers. Most of these areas are national parks where you can visit Buddhist temples and old palaces. Although Korea has become somewhat modernised, visitors can still experience these amazing places with the chance to meet the monks and even take part in some of their activities. Off the south coast, there are about 3,000 islands and these can be visited by boat/plane, depending on their size. Boat trips to the islands will give you some beautiful views and are one of Korea’s many scenic treasures
Government, Population and People
It is a stable, democratic republic with shared powers between the President and the legislature. Roh Moo-Hyun is the current President. Korea has one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Korea is homogeneous, with very few ethnic minorities. The People have a very strong and distinct culture and are considered quite conservative with traditional values - such as family and a very strong work ethic. This said, Korea has had to adapt to Western ways and values as it becomes linked to the West through business and trade. The Family is very important and respecting one’s elders and not bringing dishonour to your family are all part of Korean culture. They are very hospitable and generous people who show an unparalleled openness and are welcoming to foreigners.
Korea has four distinct seasons, summer, autumn, winter and spring. Summer is hot and humid, and the rainy season which lasts for about 1 month, falls in July. Three to four typhoons hit the coast each year, causing windy/rainy conditions. Autumn and spring are the best times in Korea, temperatures are warm and comfortable and the countryside is awash with colours. You can wear t-shirts and shorts during these seasons. Winter is quite cold, with temperatures around zero degrees celsius and it often snows. (Making for some good skiing!) .
Korean culture is based on Confucianism, where respect for one’s elders is very important, because of this; bowing is an integral part of Korean life. People bow to show respect, to say hello and to say thank you. Also it is important to always serve people of seniority first (using two hands to hold the bottle or glass) and never to pour your own drink. While these customs are slowing disappearing with younger generations - foreigners generally love 'trying' to perfect their social etiquette and find it a bit of fun. Korean Houses are basically furnished (irrelevant of the family status) as Koreans generally sit, eat and sleep on mats on the floor. Therefore when entering a house it is important to remove your shoes and wear sandals provided for guests.
Koreans are very sociable and love to be seen out in cafes and restaurants. They enjoy drinking their national drink - Soju, followed by some of singing or dancing. Koreans enjoy a vast range of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and sailing.
Korean cities offer all the normal facilities of western cities including cinemas, restaurants, bars, discos, theatres, sports centres etc. Foreigners usually get together in their local expat. bar which often arranges activities for the foreign residents in the city.
On your days off, you can visit the many mountains that surround Korean cities, and visit or even spend a night in one of the Buddhist temples. Or if you like the coast, you can take trips to small fishing villages and beaches etc. Seoul also has many fine tourist attractions and is well worth exploring.
Transport (within South Korea)
Intercity public transport, such as buses and trains and planes are easy to use and are all reasonably priced. The major cities have subways, with Seoul’s being one of the biggest in the world. They are the very convenient, and usually cost about 90¢ a trip. Buses and taxis are relatively cheap and easy to find.
Upon arriving in Korea you will be amazed at how many restaurants there are on every street. People like to eat out, and food is quite cheap, the average meal will only cost around €5. Most evening meals consist of about 10 side dishes containing vegetables and spices/sauces along with your main dish which is accompanied by soju, a very popular and potent spirit! Most restaurants offer a choice of sitting on the floor or on seats; westerns quickly gain a preference for the traditional floor seating and all other quaint and interesting eating customs. A famous Korean Dish is barbecued beef which Korea is renowned for. Other popular dishes are based on a variety of meats, seafood and vegetables, generally accompanied by rice. The food is quite spicy, with a lot of chili peppers and garlic. If you don't enjoy hot food, it is easy to find alternatives. Chinese, Japanese, American and Italian food is also popular.
The unit of currency in Korea is the won. When travelling to Korea, it is best to bring Euro, US Dollars or Sterling as they are the easiest to change into won. Major credit cards such as VISA and American Express are also accepted. After arriving in Korea, you should open a bank account with a local bank. You need your passport and your alien registration card, which you will get from the immigration office – most schools will take care of or help with this process. You can have your wages paid directly into your account. You will receive your first paycheck 6 weeks after you begin teaching, you will therefore need about € 800 to live on for this period. (remember – you will be reimbursed your flight money, this should be about € 450 , so an additional €350 would be sufficient to bring with you). It is sometimes possible to receive an advance on your first paycheck from your school.
