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Some tips to live in Korea for British and other foreigners - part 1

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JAMESYU

Hi my name is James and I am Korean. I lived in UK(Scotland) for 7 years and I am back in Korea for good. I would like to share some tips to live and hopefully it helps to every one.

Weather:
- warm as Rome in the summer and cold as Detroit in the winter
- We have heavy raining season in July or Auguest

Korean people
- Usually Korean do not talk to someone first
- Also many Korean people are not  very friendly if they do not
   know the person but once they get to know the person they
   will become very friendly and helpful.
- If someone introduce you to Koreans, they will be very
   friendly to you (Introduction is quite important in Korea)
- But if you need any help Korean will be very helpful.
- Always respect older people

Public transportation:
- We have Tube, Bus and taxi and much cheaper than London

Seoul:
- North West is students area
- Central( upper Namsan) is old business & politicical area.
   Most of embassies are located in this area
- South East and further south is richer and upper class area
- West and far west will be quite industrial
- Itaewon is the most multicultural place

Happening place:
- Hongdae (NW):
   - very much student area
   - a lot of clubs, live music and pubs are aong the area
- Myungdong(C):
   - Mostly shopping area for young people
   - quite touristic area
- Dongdaemoon(NE):
   - good place for cheap shopping
- Jongro(C):
   - a lot of Hagwons where to learn English
- Kangnam station(SE):
   - a lot of Hagwons
   - many clubs, restaurants and pubs for students and business
     men
   - Koreans one of the favor place for friday meeting
- Apgujung & Chungdam(SE):
   - good shopping area for rich people
   - Many clubs, restaurants and pubs for upper class people
- Itaewon(C):
   - Multicultural place
   - Foriengner's one of the favor place for night out
   - You will see more foreigners than local people
   - many clubs, pubs and restaurants
   - dart and pool league are going on now(HOT)

Shops:     UK.                           Korea
        TESCO, Sainsburys, M&S  =>  Home plus, E-mart
        Woolworth, Boots.       =>  Home plus, E-mart
        WH Smith.               =>  Alpha and local shops
        IKEA                   => Local shops only
        B&Q                    => Home plus, E-mart

Replacements:
   - Fish&Chips   =>  Fish kasu(but batter tastes different)
   - Chips        =>  Fries
   - Pub          =>  Bar
   - Sweet&Sour   =>  Tang-soo-yook
   - Chips&Curry  =>  no replacement
   - Beers        => Available in Home plus & E-mart
   - Pint         => 500cc(Say give me Obaek)
   - Indian foods => In Itaewon and Kangnam station
   - Kebab        => In Itaewon, Kangnam and department stores
   - Italian foods => You can find it but mostly more creamy and
                       melt cheese on it.
   - Fag/cigarette  => All stuff at every corner shops

American stuff: You will find a lot of American stuff as follows:
   - McDonals, Burger King, Wendys, KFC, Quiznos ..
   - TGI Fridays, Bennigance, Outback, Pizza hut..
   - Star Bucks, Hollys coffee..
   - Baskin robins,Haaggendazs,Dunkin's,Krispy cream donuts...

[IMPORTANT] Drugs:
   - Korea is very strict about drugs
   - Do not even think about it
   - Once you try it, you may cover the tommorow's head line
     news papers and you will be introduced as the most
     dangerous global drug dealer


               
I will write more soon. Many thanks

Sea Angel

Thanks, James.  Yes, very correct.  We just got back from Korea, loved it.  We were in Itaewon.

JAMESYU

Hi Sea Angel,

Glad to hear that you had a good time in Korea. :)

Wendy Ho

Hi James,

Please give some advices on buying an apartment and living in Korea.

JAMESYU

Hi Wendy, how long are you going to live in Korea? If you are not going to stay for long time I do not recommend buying a house on Korea.

Wendy Ho

Hi James,

I am not sure how long are we allow to stay in Korea on tourist visa. 3 or 6 months?? I am fasinated by the rich and colourful Korean culture and wish to stay long enough to decide whether Korea is the right country for me.

Therefore I think getting an apartment is a better idea but am not sure if tourist are allow to do so. Please advise.

I would appreciate if you could reply me via my personal email at wendyho82@rocketmail.com

Thanks for your help ^^

Niout

Ouaaaa, that was a cool post.

I'm going to study at SNU from March to August, I'm sure i'll enjoy it.... well that's if I can find somewhere to sleep T_T

Sea Angel

Wendy,

I know Americans can go to Korea for 3 months without any visa -- just using their passports.

kiwiinkorea

Having a sense of humor, a relaxed attitude and patience is a must.

JAMESYU

Hi Wendy,

I guess you can stay in Korea for 3 months with a tourist visa. Also there will be no restriction to buy a property in Korea with the tourist visa. I recommand you to live in Kangnam area to enjoy various culture. :)

JAMESYU

Wendy, Niout,

In Korea we have a unique way of rent a house. I am not sure
how to call it in English, but basic idea is you pay huge amount of deposit at contract, but you do not pay monthly rent and you will get all your deposit back when the contract expired. So landlord will put the deposit at a bank and the bank will pay your monthly rent..  hope this helps.

Wendy Ho

Hi Sea Angel & James,

Thanks a lot for the precious advice. Btw James, you mean I can just buy properties in Korea without being a citizen? and I have read about the unique 'house rent'. tats really cool...

Hi Niout,

Wanna keep in touch with me via my personal email at wendyho82@rocketmail.com - so that we can share more about Korea ^^

Wendy Ho

Hi Kiwiinkorea,

Sorry I miss out your name... Just wanna say thank you for sharing ^^

Do share more in future..

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