I was in Korea when the Cheonan, Korean Navy vessel, was sunk back on March 26. 46 sailors were killed and South Korea launched a full investigation to find out what happend. The South Korean government blamed North Korea for the attack after its investigation. Since then, tension has been mounting between the two countries although North Korea maintains that it had nothing to do with the attack. So, where does that leave you as a potential English Teacher in Korea?

Are you scared? I am not asking to make you afraid but you should be aware that things have not gotten better between the countries. You might want to keep that in mind when making your decision to go to Korea in the next coming months when schools are recruiting heavily. Hint: this is the best time to apply.But back to the issue at hand. I had plans to return to Korea in August and still have plans but if the tension between the two countries escalates then I might just have to scratch those plans for the time being.

War is not something I am in favor of and I hope it does not lead to that. I will keep an eye out for developments because this could play a part in my decision to go back to Korea and perhaps in your taking a job there as well. Although Korea internally is a pretty safe country, externally, I can’t trust the other guy. Even though the two countries signed a peace treaty after the bloody Korean war from 1950-1953, they are technically still at war because there have been numerous acts of voilence between the countries. In 1983, a bombing meant to kill President Chun Doo-hwan killed 21 people. In 2002, there was a gun battle at sea with North Korean patrol ships injuring 19 people and killing 4. And I doubt this will be the last incident between the two. This time, could this be the beginning of war? Why are these countries destined to be in conflict?

Are you going to Korea soon? What’s your take on this?

I left Korea a few days ago and I find myself missing certain things already. I don’t know what to make of this but have I forgotten how to live in America only after a year? Perhaps, but I know it will take a little adjusting. I drove around today even with the high gas prices just because I wanted to. I missed driving while I was Korea. I missed my family, friends (if I have any left lol), and most of all putting computers together just because I can. But now that I am home I find myself missing some things about Korea as well.

The day after I arrived home I wanted some kimchi so I went to our famers market but to my dismay there was no kimchi there. But the next best thing was a Korean restaurant that was inside the famers market. I went to it and ordered kimchi jigay. I sat down feeling proud with my chop sticks in hand. I watched the tofu float in the hot pot a bit while I enjoyed the smell and tasted the broth to get my taste buds ready. Unfortunately, it was not the same. Compared to the kimchi jigay in Korea, this one tasted like dong (doo doo). And the side items were not fresh at all. Although the service was good and the lady was very nice, the food sucked. I won’t be going there again but I will not end the search for authentic kimchi. If I can’t find it, then my return to Korea might be sooner than later. Not that I didn’t when in Korea, I definitely appreciate Korean food now that I am away from it.

As the days go by, I will see what else I long for that can only be found in Korea. My family really likes the instant coffee I brought; unfortunately I only brought 20 sticks.

Many foreigners don’t find learning Korean beneficial. And rightly so because most contracts if not all of them last only for one year. Who wants to strain their brain in learning a language that you will not be able to use once you leave Korea? It is tedious and time consuming to learn a new language. We are in an age now were we want things fast and easy. Why is that? Because the process of doing something is no longer valued. We want more for less and we more than often put quantity before quality.

You have to ask yourself however. What are the benefits of learning Korean while in Korea or any other language for that matter? Don’t you want to increase your value as an employee? Don’t you want to stand above the crowed? There is an increasing demand in Korea for foreign Teachers that speak Korean. In fact, those Teachers are offered better positions and in most cases higher pay. Isn’t that a benefit in learning a second language?

I think it’s important to speak a second language not just for the reasons stated above but for personal growth and a plethora of other reasons as well. It’s important to learn the language of the country you are traveling to because it allows you to move about the country more freely. It will make your time there more enjoyable and you will be able to experience more of the country because you can freely express what you want to say. And you will be more confident in yourself and your ability to interact with the people you meet along the way on a deeper level.

The world as Thomas Friedman puts is flat because communication is becoming less of an issue with time. The world’s nations are merging in a technological and communication revolution. Why get left behind? Language is the biggest barrier between individuals and nations. That is becoming less of a barrier but not fast enough.

Coming to Korea, I only knew a few words and phrases but the longer I stayed in Korea, the more I wanted to learn. This is partly because I really don’t have an option and since I have been offered another job and considering it, it is even more pertinent. But the more I learn the language, the better my experience here gets and not only that, when traveling within Korea the fear of getting lost dissipated and I can move freely within the country and thus experience more of it.

By learning a new language, your opportunities only increase. So what have you got to lose? Although it is not easy, it is highly beneficial. But don’t let me do all the talking, what do you think?

Today I had one of my best students visit me. I taught her for about 7 months but as it is customary with the way my school works, she was moved to another class after she reached a higher level and could handle more challenging books. Although I was happy that she had mastered everything in my class and was “leveled up”, I was sad to see her go. When no other students did their homework, she did and because I would reward her, other students started to do their homework as well. She always studied hard and it showed in everything she did in and outside of class. It was great to see her today but also sad because like other students she wonders why I cannot stay longer.

She heard that I was leaving in two weeks and going back to U.S from her younger sister who is in another class of mine. She came to say goodbye in case she didn’t see me again. I made only one or two spelling corrections to the note. She wrote,

I heard that you will go back to your hometown. It’s good to you, but I’m sad. Because you are my funnest Teacher. You make me happy everyday. I’ll miss you. But I will send you email just like my other Teacher. I sometimes send messages to her. I’ll send you too.

I heard that Theshelen(Teacher from Canada) went back to his hometown and I will try to send him email too.
Thank you for Teaching me English. I’ll always miss you Tata Teacher.
Erica

This is why I do not like goodbyes because although you leave a part of yourself behind in memories of those whose lives you’v touched, it is usually not enough. Life is a continuation and the only thing constant about life is change. I understand this and it is easier for me to move from place to place since I have been traveling sine I was 10. It is difficult sometimes however and this is one of those times. And I know it is difficult for them too. The only place I have stayed for more than 10 years is America since my immediate family is there and the rest of them are spread out across the world. From Africa to Europe, from Japan to Canada and from Germany to France and France to America they are everywhere. So it is not new to me to meet and develop deep relationships in a place and root a part of yourself in it and then find yourself leaving those who have come to embrace you behind.

I have 14 days left in Korea. My chances of coming back although in a different area are high. I can already see the growing sadness in most of my students faces. Although others are happy that I am leaving (you can never win them all), it is nevertheless a difficult transition for me and them whether they see it or not. After all, we never really understand or appreciate what was until it is no more.

As I count down my days in Korea and soon to embrace the beauty of Europe, I realize how fast time goes. I look at the students as they try to figure out why I am soon to leave them and I cannot give them a good enough explanation. They ask, why Teacher? Why do you have to go? No answer can heal their little hearts.

We have grown together. We have laughed, we have danced, we have acted to our hearts content and made use of the English language even in their lacking in pronunciation of the “r” letter. I have come to ardor them and I can say they have come to accept my uncouth ways as well. I don’t like goodbyes. But they cannot grasp the concept that goodbyes are just another beginning for them and me. I have grown to love them even in their strange liking of me, even when they find it necessary to lick my hand because they think my skin is made of chocolate. Unsanitary yes, but kids will be kids. How can you not love them?

Have I failed to realize the bond that we have shared for a year now? Why then do I choose to leave them when I have been asked to stay both by them, their parents and the Director? Have I grown selfish and withdrawn from their love? No that’s not it. I would do anything for any of the kids. Even the sol called bad ones. I am just sick of the unnecessary bullshit that the management brings on that has nothing to do with teaching. I am just tired of the need to worry that just maybe you might not get paid this month or your check might be short and you have to waste your energy to go and ask for the rest of the money you have worked for. How can one willingly come back to such a place? I love the kids but I refuse to work in organized chaos. But how can I explain to them that it is not them and that it is me? Is this going to be another one of those bad break ups? How can I get them to understand?

The experience of Teaching and living in Korea is a rewarding one for those who have a drive for adventure, taste for a different culture and a strong personality to deal with the crap found in hagwons. And if you are coming to Korea to learn something about how to conduct a business, you should go somewhere else.

Although there are dishonest, foolish, unfair and unreasonable business men everywhere, Korea seems to have a lot of them. I don’t know if Korean business schools are just really bad or if the people who start business are just really dumb. The lack of business knowledge in a culture that has been around for 5 thousand years plus is brain shattering. The lack of judgment and honest dealing in business relationships and dumb witted business decisions are eye popping. Now it all makes sense why Korea has been in isolation in the global market with the exception of a few companies. One of the things that irks me the most when it comes to dealing with these business men is when you do them a favor and the favor is seen or taken as part of your duties. This may work with the Koreans who bend over willingly and do the bidden of these less than impressive business men but for foreigners, this is an insult of not just ones intelligence but of ones importance.

Foreign Teachers and Korean Teachers who come to their sense after several ill-treatments quit left and right. But the management and those who carelessly cause this injuries do not bother to learn from their mistakes. They walk about the institution looking for pity for what they cause upon themselves from the same Teachers their blunders affect. Is this foolishness at its best or foolishness at its best? There was a teacher who worked with us for two weeks because she was promised housing as all Teachers are guaranteed, when she arrived for employment she was told there was no housing for her and she was forced to live with another Teacher for the two weeks she worked. And then when she quit she was not paid for the time she worked.

There was another Teacher who worked for nearly three months and she was not paid for the entire time. She was told to continue to work and that she would be paid the next pay period and so forth and so forth and in the end she wasn’t paid at all. Obviously this would never happen in U.S and many other countries because of laws set in place for this sort of ill-treatment but in Korea I am not sure if there are such laws or the people being mistreated just refuse to use them. As a result, the cycle continues.

Not only that, when pay day arrives, less than honest mistakes are made so that you have to go and ask for the rest of your money. Once or twice you can categorize and dismiss such an act as an honest mistake but continually and just not to one Teacher, your suspicion is bound to be aroused.

If you want to work for a hagwon in Korea, choose wisely. If you can avoid working for a franchise and work for the main company, do that instead, perhaps the situation might be better there. I have seen a lot of things happen at the franchise I work for and heard stories about others. My particular franchise at the same time has become so concerned with petty matters such as Teachers sitting arrangement that clorox bleach cannot take out the bad taste in my mouth.

These are just a few incidents from a multitude of others and they continue to pile up day in and day out. Your experience could be better. What have you experienced?

One thing I love to do in this world is eat. I enjoy both cooking and eating food. As a result, I am always looking for a delicious recipe to try. After-all, through exploration is how some of the greatest cooks came to be household names. Not that I want to move into the culinary field but I don’t have to be in it to long for deliciousness in every dish. I love the smell of pasta marinated with shrimp alfredo source; garlic bread sprinkled with fresh oregano leaves served with a bottle of Panul Reserve from Chile. I don’t about the origins of the food as long as it tastes good. I enjoy foods from all over the world.

One of the places you will find delicious although sometimes overly spicy food, is Korea. As an English Teacher here you are more than likely going to work very long hours and at the end of the day you just want a nice meal. And there is nothing more pleasing than a delicious meal after a long day of work. Food moves my spirit and dances with my soul. I enjoy all kinds of foods and I easily fall in love with contrasting tastes. And in Korea you will fall in love with the deliciousness found in these meals. These are my top five Korean dishes that you must try.

1. Kimchi Jigae


It’s a stew made with kimchi (fermented cabbage), tofu, pork, and Korean spices. It is served with rice and a multitude of side dishes. I have mastered the art of making this one for myself and I experiment by trying different things in it. Some turn out good and some not so good.

2. Dak Galbi


It’s marinated chicken, but also can be beef or pork ribs seasoned with sweetened soy sauce. It is absolutely delicious and keeps you wanting more.

3. Samgyetang


It’s a whole young chicken stuffed with seasoned rice, ginseng and other dainties and boiled in a white ginger roots broth. This is also a medicinal dish. It is as delicious as it is healthy.

4. Bulgogi


Marinated barbecue, usually beef, but pork and chicken are used sometimes as well. This meal has one of the best contrasting tastes with its sweet and salty sauce that hugs your tongue in lasting ecstasy until you beg the waiter for more.

5. Jjajangmyun


It is wheat noodles dressed with black soybean paste and a plethora of vegetables and meat. This is one of my favorite noodle based dishes in Korea. Although it’s origins are Chines, it serves as a symbol of Korean cuisine.

What is your favorite dish?

As I have mentioned in other posts, Korea has one of the best cuisines in the world. The food culture is magnificent and keeps you in trance and forgetful of all other injustices that might be done to you while you are here. I just cannot get enough of the food and no one is more aware of this fact than the students in my adult class. I wrote about them in a previous post, A birthday gift from my students. Knowing that my hunger for Korean food cannot be filled, they often show their generosity in making sure this vice is fulfilled whether in a snack during class or a high class meal that makes my mouth water.

I forget all the stares, the glares, the references to a great film because of my long and graceful dreads that have moved beyond the “chajamion”(delicious Korean noodles; well, their true origins are Chines but most Koreans don’t like to hear that) reference and graduated to the movie Avatar. And I forget the firing of a Teacher due to lack of training. I forget the firing of a Teacher due to a fall and broken arm. I forget the references to gorillas and baboons every time my hand nears the top of my head or a facial expression beyond that of my normal appearance. I forget the belittlement by a superior simply because the students have a liking to you rather than another. Yes it is petty but pettiness comes out of a need to feel important. But these students and many others who have embraced the quirky, outgoing and a bit eccentric persona that nevertheless improves their language acquisition shines bright and brings delight like the site of a city upon a hill. They lavish you with gifts and adoration I am not sure I deserve. Today was no exception.

I gazed upon the table once again and had a nostalgic moment about when I first arrived in this old yet new country. New to the invasion of foreigners and old in its values, Korea is a country with a future that leaks into a past. Those old values are found in the wrinkled skin and cigarettes of drunken men yelling at you for speaking English. Values that have kept Korea hidden from the rest of the world. You cannot hide any longer oh sweet Korea. This inevitable progress hated by some is the future of this country. Beautiful in its ways and dark in others. One of the beauties lies in what goes in your mouth. Served with calbi and countless side dishes that included fried mushrooms with sweet and sour sauce, salad smeared with light mayonnaise dressing, fried Korean style kimchi pancake with vegetables and other dainties that keep your jaws exercising. How can you refuse to share your beauty with the world Korea? How can you refuse to share your ugliness with the world Korea? Welcome to globalization!

Personally
I find Korea to be a melting pot that is ready to explode with more growth. Although the moral compass when it comes to business and perhaps in other areas is that of the American 1700s except with modern technology, I think Korea will emerge even faster in global affiliations. With all that I have outlined above aside, Korea is a wonderful place that I have grown to adore. Why? No matter where you go and even in your own country, there is crap to deal with. Not that you should accept the unacceptable but at the end of the day, you decide how you feel about yourself. It’s not what someone says to you or does to you that makes you who you are, it’s your reaction that defines you. I agree with Shakespeare a hundred percent, “nothing is inherently good or bad”, it’s your thinking that places that judgment on things. Love everything; the good, the bad, the sad, the happiness, the hate, the love and all the things you place your personal judgment on because none of them would exist without their opposites. In other words, without one you cannot know the other.

Then again I could be wrong; I often am. But what do you have to say?

After college is the best time to travel. However, this is not an easy decision to make. Like you I was confused about what to do after college. I had the option to continue straight to graduate school or to work on and grow my computer and web design business. Having so many choices made things more complicated. For some people, there are less choices and thus a easier decision. I knew I wanted to keep my business going but at the same time I wanted to travel. So, I got rid of my computer repair department which required me to be at a physical location and kept the web design department which does not necessarily require a physical location. With this change, my decision was made. Once again, I was on the road. I decided to head for Korea to teach English. That was 11 months ago. Now I am about to leave Korea. My experience has been great and I look forward to returning in the future. Looking back there are a few things I wish to have known before coming.

If I knew more about the school systems, perhaps my decision could have been different concerning where to teach. There are differences between public schools and private institutions (hagwons). I have lived some of the good and the not so good stories I heard about hagwons. Although some of the bad ones might have been a bit exaggerated, they are more accurate than not. Knowledge is power. Do your research before going to Korea to teach, and anywhere for that matter. Know your options before deciding to come and teach English in Korea. If you are an adventurer like myself, more power to you; to help you a little, this is the difference between public schools and private institutions.

So, if you are looking into teaching in Korea, these are some things to consider when making your decision whether to teach in a public school or a hagwon. Obviously nothing is set on stone, this list could change as time goes on and they are not the only things to consider. However, it gives you a starting point. Comments and questions are more than welcomed so don’t be shy. <

PC rooms and Norabangs are very popular in Korea. Second to sports, they are another source of live entertainment. They provide the perfect settings for people to get together and share a passion. PC rooms are arcade rooms where high school kids and other game enthusiasts go to play games to their hearts content or until their money runs out.

They have games of all types, from shooters to sports. Kids flock PC rooms after a long day of studying and especially after classes on the Saturdays they have to attend school. This is one of their outlets since they have little to no play time. Norabangs on the other hand are more popular among adults and young adults. But just what the heavens is a norabang? Norabangs are specially insulated singing rooms where many people in Korea go for Karaoke.

They are great for birthday parties, singing day and whatever excuse you can muster to go into one and sing your lungs out. Each one has two or more books with titles both in English and Korean. There are menus in each room to order food and drinks. Not only are they great to spend time with friends, they make for a great place to meet new people as well. They are comfortable with nice sitting area and a large table to serve food and drinks. If you are ever in Korea, make a detour into a norabang.

I am not very good at singing other than the babble that comes out while I am in the shower. I generally restrict myself to songs I know like R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
A lot of the Koreans I work with and those we have met in random places sing very well and can sing a number of Korean songs as well as Western songs. But even if you can’t sing, norabangs are fun and entertaining. Just make sure to bring your ear plugs if are going with me.