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I'm curious as to whether anyone here has lived abroad?

The reason I ask is that I'm going to be taking classes at a Korean University this fall, and I'm a little worried I'll just be the shut-in I am here (rather than getting out, learning the language, and generally just living it up). Any advice on acclimating to a new--and very much foreign--environment?

One thing I found when I visited China is that there were tons of students who just wanted to practice their English. Usually there are English clubs where people like you would be a very welcome guest and it might be a great way to meet some new friends. A language lesson-exchange advertisement might also help you meet at least one person who might bring you into their circle of friends- you'd be sure to find someone willing to accept the agreement.

Also, if you need a place to stay and want to save money on a hotel, stay at a Korean bath house! I hear they're really nice and pretty cheap.

Have a great trip- I wish I could do the same!

Korea was a blast for me, and I'm sure you'll have one there too.

As far as acclimating is concerned, it is very Western-Friendly there, in that most people know a bit of English and because there are so many bases. The easiest way to acclimate, to me, would be to just get out there. I had the advantage of numerous programs that were designed for just this sort of thing, but any self respecting PAO person in Korea should be able to help you out, even if you are a civilian. There are many aspects of the culture that are easy to integrate into everyday life, and some that may seem awkward at first ( gift giving was particularly difficult for me). You'll notice right off the bat that displays of affection are very commonplace there among friends, and it isn't odd at all to see male best friends holding hands, I don't know of your personal beliefs, but I found it wise not to make any assumptions.

One thing that is of great importance was the respect for elders. It is something that is ingrained into the culture, and every where you go you will find a reflection of that. Having drinks, for example, is something that can be very difficult to do if you are not aware of the customs. Just be aware that it is expected of you to pour another persons drink while in a formal setting.

The culture there is amazing, and Seoul itself is a very fast paced city, and easy to get lost in. Most Cab drivers will speak English passingly however, and should be able to get you where you need to go. Always carry Won with you, as the exchange rate is a tricky one that varies daily in some cases. There are some less than honest individuals who will try to make you pay with American money, I've found it best just to walk away in those cases, but if it is a Cab driver, they can easily argue the point in the native tongue and make it difficult to win. Just stay on top of financial exchanges and you will be fine.

The best places to go to relax are on the Southern end of the Peninsula, as the Northern side is mostly farmland and industrial. Chegu (or Jeju) Island is a wonderful place to go, and if you have a chance, check it out in the summer months. The climate there can be brutal for newcomers, with temperatures getting very high in the summer and very low in the winter. Spring and summer are also the rainy seasons, with frequent Monsoons and very high humidity. It's a lot like Louisiana, which was fine for me, but some people find it unbearable.

Soccer is a glorious sight to behold in Korea as well, there are over 600 clubs in the KSA and they make use of the many stadiums. My personal favorite was the Busan Asian Main Stadium, where the Busan Icons play. You will want to familiarize yourself with the use friendly rail system too, which gives most destination names in English as well as Korean, so you shouldn't get lost too easily. I recommend getting a KR Pass to use, as it saves on time in the stations, and is very affordable.

If you need any more info, check the tourism website Here for more info, as well as some in depth cultural info and what not.

I think you'll love it, honestly, and if I had a chance I would go back in a heartbeat. I would be remiss if I didn't tell you about some of the hazards, though. PHT, prostitution and human trafficking, is a big deal there, as is organized crime. Your best bet is to follow your instincts in sticky situations and try to make it in before midnight, as the night scene can be an unfriendly one, especially in the smaller towns. Seoul shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long as you always have someone with you who knows the city and can speak the language. Try to make a friend as soon as possible, one who can slowly introduce you to the culture. Most( if not all) males in my age group (25 and up) have done some time in the ROK army, and some were Katusa's which means they have excellent command of the English language, and have experience with Westerners.

To summarize, meet a friend, do some research and get out there and enjoy the sites. Korea is a great place, and I met some life-long friends there,

This post has been edited by Nytecrawla on 28th March 2011 18:54

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This is a webcomic and gaming blog where I rant about nonsense. Enjoy.

I was a soldier, now I just play one in video games.

Quote (Nytecrawla @ 28th March 2011 13:52)

( gift giving was particularly difficult for me)

Yeah what's up with the gift giving? I remember one time when I was a teen, I bumped into a Korean friend and his mother at a theme park, and his mother gave me a bunch of money for no apparent reason. I tried to refuse, and she insisted. It was kind of akward. I've also heard from a lot of my former Korean friends that when they went back to Korea, their relatives would just give them lots of money to have fun with. I guess it's just a different way to act, but it seems really strange to me, and I'm wondering if you knew of a more concrete reason why this aspect of the culture exists.

This post has been edited by finalalias on 28th March 2011 21:36

Gifts are funny in Korean culture. But I do remember a little bit about it. Gift giving is very common in Korea, and you should always offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver. You always want to reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts. Remember to wrap your gift nicely, bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. You want to avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors or red. It is common to always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home.You should bring a small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman. It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Always remember to allow the host to present his gift first.

Here is a little cheat sheet on what to give. Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from France or Italy (which often indicate status). Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).

As far as refusal, it is considered extremely impolite to say no or refuse a gift. The best way to handle that situation is to accept the gift so as to save face and give something back of equal value at the next meeting, or just to give it back to her son later on, when she isn't there. It is a culture very much rooted in respect, and lots of etiquette rules exist as a result of that.

This post has been edited by Nytecrawla on 28th March 2011 23:47

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This is a webcomic and gaming blog where I rant about nonsense. Enjoy.

I was a soldier, now I just play one in video games.

My mom sent me to China to learn more chinese. I will say this. Being the only American there people will definetly make a big deal about it. Just be prepared because people will react in one of 3 ways
1 ooh american! lets be friends
2 ooh new guy! lets be friends
3 EWWHHH AMERICAN. GTFO

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Wait he says...do I look like a waiter?! -Kefka :)

I lived in Korea's version of Alabama, so I've had somewhat different experiences than Nytecrawla and a correspondingly different perspective. His advice is generally sound, though. I don't think you should have too much trouble meeting people and making friends because young Koreans are in general excited to hang out with a foreigner (it gives them a good chance to practice their English as well).

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SPEKKIO: "GRRR...That was most embarrassing!"

Wow! Thanks for all the responses.

Nytecrawla, thanks especially. Where would one find a PAO (Public Affairs Officer?)?

You should be able to find one at any military post in Korea, though it may be hard to actually get onto post without having any friends in the service. Most of my contacts are already gone, but I can see if any are still there and maybe help you out, if need be.

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This is a webcomic and gaming blog where I rant about nonsense. Enjoy.

I was a soldier, now I just play one in video games.

I actually just discovered that one of my newly-made friends served in the army over in Korea, so I should be good. Thanks though.