Seoul, South Korea

[East Coast Flame]

Korean BBQ is the greatest

[calgarygeologist]

Seoul is an awesome place. I was there for a week last summer and I would absolutely consider going back again and if an opportunity presented itself for employment there I would certainly consider it.

Driving is awful out there but their subway system is so great that driving is unnecessary. There is a lot of shopping and exploring to do in and around Seoul. Lots of restaurants and bars and social life is a high priority out there.

Obviously, if you know the language that is a huge plus but I had no problem getting around and getting things accomplished by speaking English. In most popular public places, on the subways and in business settings English is common. A lot of Korean people, especially the younger generations, speak English. The only time I felt out of place or unable to communicate effectively was in the outdoor markets and smaller shops/restaurants.

The climate would take a lot of time to get comfortable with. It is hot and humid (especially in the summer.) Even escaping the street level for the subway tunnels didn't provide a lot of relief.

Seoul is very active place. It is a little bit like New York in that it seems to be a city that never sleeps. I was out past midnight exploring the city and the subways were still packed with people going places.

I didn't get to experience much negative stuff. There was a peaceful protest going on just outside of city hall and the Seoul station and it was the first thing I saw when I arrived from the airport (I took the train from the airport to Seoul station.) There were hundreds of police and military folks out there which had me a little bit concerned but I later learned that this protest is/was rather ongoing and seems to always be happening.

The only negative I really experienced were high prices. The subway is cheap, WiFi and cell service is cheap, some shopping and food can be cheap but restaurants can be quite expensive and alcohol can be rather expensive as well. I think housing is expensive in Seoul. My hotel was brutally expensive although it was amazing in terms of amenities and service (luckily I wasn't paying the bill.)

[CKPThunder]

It really depends on what type of person Mrs. Cheese is. Is she an outgoing person? Does she like to try new things? Seoul is a great place and a lot of fun but if your wife doesn't know the language and she's not really into trying new things it can be quite tough for her. It can be intimidating to try and move around in a big city when you don't understand 95% of the things being spoken. If she's with someone else that is different but if she is on her own for most of the week, that can be quite hard.

If she looks at it like an adventure, she can probably be acclimated quite quickly but those first few weeks are probably going to be the toughest. Is it possible for you guys to go out early so you can spend some time with her before you start work?

Other than that, I think once she is used to Seoul, she will love it. It's so much fun and the authentic Korean food is quite reasonable in price. It is the Americanized places that I found to be extremely expensive. I also found electronics to be more expensive than Canada as well. I hope you guys go, you will have a great experience.

[Static]

Spent 2 weeks vacationing is Seoul and it was a blast. A world class city with a impressive subway/transportation system.

Food in Korea can be delicious and spicy. The side dishes that accompany meals all have different subtle flavors. Try crispy chicken, galbi/bulgogi, bibimbap, ginseng chicken soup and other soups, these are all very good.

Shopping is great. I'm a short guy so everything fit me almost perfectly. People are very fashionable and it clearly shows. For shopping in Seoul the place to be is Myeongdong, it's absolutely nuts there, go during off hours if your not big on crowds. Cosmetics is a big industry.

Check out Hongik. It's a unique district with boutique shops and restaurants and very lively at night.

Finally, make sure to visit Busan. It's a beautiful beach city and a major sea port into South Korea. Only 2.5 hr train ride via KTX from Seoul. I love it there, picturesque beaches, night life, shopping, temples and great food. I'd go back in an instant.

Enjoy, Korea is an amazing place to see.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Static

Shopping is great. I'm a short guy so everything fit me almost perfectly. People are very fashionable and it clearly shows. For shopping in Seoul the place to be is Myeongdong, it's absolutely nuts there, go during off hours if your not big on crowds. Cosmetics is a big industry.

There are off hours in Myeongdong? I was there quite a bit because my hotel was just down the street (Lotte Hotel) and the crowds never seemed to die down over there (maybe in the very early morning hours but I was sleeping.)

[Static]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

There are off hours in Myeongdong? I was there quite a bit because my hotel was just down the street (Lotte Hotel) and the crowds near seemed to die down over there (maybe in the very early morning hours but I was sleeping.)

Yup in the morning it's more reasonable. The only people who go there in the morning are jet lagged tourists, cleaners and workers opening up shop. Dunkin Donuts is open early though

[Cheese]

Thanks CKPThunder/Static...my wife is very outgoing and she will be coming with me.
Our BIGGEST issue now is our pets...they are older, 12yrs+, and the angst we have over leaving them behind is huge. Taking them is also a worry due to the length of travel, putting them in cargo and then a day-week in quarantine on arrival. Not to mention at least a grand each in shots, micro chipping and fees each.

[Cheese]

so in the end I decided to take a 6 month gig in Seoul. My wife and family will stay behind but come out for 4-6 weeks half way through. Its been an eye opener getting here but I'm nearly settled...just waiting for my apartment to come free and Im done.
Thanks for all the positive comments.

[Thor]

Awesome, I have a friend who lives there, been there for over 11 years. What kind of work do you do?

[Calgary14]

Cheese - good choice, post pictures if you can. I'd love to visit the city someday but have never been there

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Thor

Awesome, I have a friend who lives there, been there for over 11 years. What kind of work do you do?

I work in the Energy Field Thor...Demand Response and Energy Intelligence/Efficiency for the most part. Starting up Operations for a new office in Seoul that will be our Asian hub and NOC.
Would love to meet anyone out here given time. I will be located in downtown Seoul. PM me if your friend wants to meet up.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by Calgary14

Cheese - good choice, post pictures if you can. I'd love to visit the city someday but have never been there

Its an amazing city...very first world. The food is awesome, havent had a bad meal yet and the weather is great!

[Cheese]

[Cheese]

[calgarygeologist]

Cool pics. It is a great place and I would love to return some day. What was your first impression of the handicapped guy sliding down the sidewalk? On my second day there I walked from my hotel to Namsan Park and encountered one of those people. It was the most bizarre and awkward experiences for me. I'm pretty sure I just stood there in shock.

Have you figured out the subway yet? Once you get that down it makes getting around so much easier. I didn't realize until my second last day that there are specific doors that are recommended so that it makes transferring between linesand exiting to the streets easier. I wasted a lot of time down there trying to figure out where i was going.

[Cheese]

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Cool pics. It is a great place and I would love to return some day. What was your first impression of the handicapped guy sliding down the sidewalk? On my second day there I walked from my hotel to Namsan Park and encountered one of those people. It was the most bizarre and awkward experiences for me. I'm pretty sure I just there in shock.

Have you figured out the subway yet? Once you get that down it makes getting around so much easier. I didn't realize until my second last day that there are specific doors that are recommended so that it makes transferring between linesand exiting to the streets easier. I wasted a lot of time down there trying to figure out where i was going.

I wasnt sure what I was looking at at first. I thought it was an act or something else...then after staring for a few minutes I realized he was handicapped and felt rather foolish...it was quite surreal. Havent played on the subway yet...taxi' for the most part as they are incredibly cheap. Will definitely be using the subway though. My apartment will also be a 15 minute walk from the office so it will be great just wandering.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Cheese

I wasnt sure what I was looking at at first. I thought it was an act or something else...then after staring for a few minutes I realized he was handicapped and felt rather foolish...it was quite surreal. Havent played on the subway yet...taxi' for the most part as they are incredibly cheap. Will definitely be using the subway though. My apartment will also be a 15 minute walk from the office so it will be great just wandering.

I never used the taxis there because traffic was a big problem. The subways were much quicker and more efficient plus they were so cheap. I loved the fact that there was always WiFi access down in the subway and on the trains because it helped me get around and figure out what I was doing.

If you guys need any additional man power I would be willing to take a position there.

[Cheese]

I should also mention...if you are a young single man this is the place for you! So many beautiful young women its crazy.

[Thor]

I hear they love tall white guys My friend is always telling me to come visit for just that reason.