South Korea Survival Tips for Foreigners

Whether you're taking a vacation to South Korea, visiting friends and family overseas or moving to the tiny country, it's important to understand their culture. The Korean way of life is quite different from the Western world. They are a secluded country that keeps to themselves and as a result their culture is magnificently preserved. As a result, foreigners stand out so it's best to be socially aware of the customs, etiquette and behavior.

Communicating with Koreans

Many speak a little English but are afraid to speak it for fear of embarrassing themselves. Even if they say they do not know English you can usually communicate either by writing things down or through simple words and hand gestures. It is important for you to understand basic phrases for sensitivity purposes (hello, thank you, etc.).

Their written language

Their alphabet is one of the easiest to learn in my opinion and can be learned in as little as 10-15 minutes. I recommend learning it so that you can at least navigate on the subway systems and public transportation routes.

Public transportation

Speaking of public transportation, the Korean PT system is quite efficient and very inexpensive. I suggest purchasing a "T-Money" card, found pretty much everywhere, including subway stations, convenient stores, grocery stores, etc. Simply swipe your card whenever you enter/exit a bus or subway. You can also use these in cabs (make sure you load up your card first. Just hand over your card/money to the cashier and they'll know what to do). This card also saves you money. As for the cost of transportation, taxi's start at 1900W, busses are about 600-1000W per trip and the subway is usually under 2500W per trip.

Schedules Change

Koreans often change things at the last minute or plan things at the last minute. Don't expect anything to be concrete. Instead, just go with the flow and don't stress if you're an analytical, organized type-A person like myself! I've learned that worrying does no good!

Crime

Crime in Korea is very very low. Guns are not permitted (not even police carry guns) and thefts are at a minimum. It is not uncommon for very young children to be out alone. I can honestly say that living in Korea is quite nice because of this. As a young female, I feel 100% safe walking around even at 10, 11 o'clock at night by myself.

Respect your elders

Elders in Korea are highly respected and are treated as so. You are expected to bow to elders when you meet them (kind of like a handshake). Some foreigners have a pride or embarrassment issue with bowing, but trust me when I say that not doing it will get you started off on the wrong foot. And consequently, bowing and showing respect for their culture and people will get you started on the right food. Also, hand things to an elder with both hands. This is another sign of respect and will show that you understand and appreciate their culture.

Take your shoes off

Korean's take their shoes off pretty much everywhere they go, excluding grocery and shopping stores. In restaurants you will find cubbies to place your shoes and the same goes for other places (such as schools). Sometimes there are "guest shoes" available, but often times you will wander around in your socks! As for Korean households, always take of your shoes. No exceptions.

Here are a few more things to keep in mind when visiting or moving to South Korea:

1.) Questions such as age and marital status are not considered private in Korea and they will often be some of the first questions you are asked when first being met.

2.) Koreans have a community mentality and individualism is not preferred. In other words, try your best to get along with others and avoid being too forthright. Korean's put less emphasis on being right and more emphasis on getting along.

3.) Many children will point and stare at you and sometimes shout "Waguk," which means "foreigner" in Korean. It is not an insult. They are simply curious because there aren't very many foreigners roaming the streets. Remember how excited you used to get when airplanes passed overhead? It's kind of like that!

4.) Korean men like to go to spa's/sauna's (Korean public bath) together as friends. They are found everywhere (you may notice a symbol that looks like steam).

5.) Korean women/girls hold hands if they are friends. Korean boys/men are also affectionate toward each other. These things do not make them gay.

6.) Expect heavy traffic, especially during rush hour.

7.) Korean's use landmarks more often than they use street signs to explain directions.

8.) Some schools enforce corporal punishment, but not all do. If you are a school teacher you do not (and should not) participate in this. It is becoming increasingly popular to use other methods of punishment at schools.

Good luck! If you would like more information on South Korea or ESL teaching, check out my other articles on Associated Content or visit my blog at www.misswendycity.blogspot.com