seoul esl

Living in KoreaHOME > Living in Korea

Public Transportation: 1. Subway systems: With some guidance, anyone will be able to use the metropolitan subway systems with ease. Each subway
station has a name, number, and color, which represents the Subway Line. Subway fares are exchanged for transportation cards,
which are required for passing through the security gates; 2. Railroad: One of the most convenient ways to travel between cities in Korea is by railroad. Bus schedules can vary depending on
    the traffic, but it is never the case for the railroad. Trains operate on fixed schedules, which allow passengers to arrive at their
    destination on time. Ticket prices depend on the classification of the train based on their speed and the amenities offered
    onboard.; 3. Buses: Buses are one of the most convenient and readily available forms of transportation. Buses in Seoul are classified by color
tode signate the type of bus. Travel times can vary depending on road conditions, but buses almost always depart on time,
which is one of the reasons they are such a preferred means of travel.

Food: Korean cuisine is largely based upon rice, vegetables, and meats. Traditional Korean meals are noted for the number of side dishes(banchan) that accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Kimchi is served often, sometimes at every meal. Commonly used ingredients include sesame oil, doenjang (fermented bean paste), soy sauce, salt, garlic, ginger, pepper flakes and gochujang (fermented red chili paste); In South Korea, inexpensive food may be purchased from Pojangmacha, street carts during the day, where customers may eat standing beside the cart or have their food wrapped up to take home. At night, they become small tents that sell foods, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Seasonal foods include hotteok, and bungeoppang, which are enjoyed inautumn and winter. Gimbap and tteokbokki are also very popular street food.
Dining traditions and utensils vary from country to country, as do notions of etiquette. Here are some examples of Korean Table Etiquette.; a. When in the company of elders, take your seat according to social ranking with the youngest or lowest ranked person closest
    to the door. After the elders pick up their spoons, others can begin to eat. Try to keep pace with elders while eating. It could
    be considered rude to show that you have finished your meal before elder people have. If at all possible, keep eating a bit until
    the elders have finished their meal.; b. The spoon and chopsticks should not be held together in one hand. Use the spoon only for rice and soup.; c. For the sake of cleanliness, do not use a used spoon for side dishes.; d. Use an individual plate for your own food when platters arrive for the entire table. Be careful not to make noises when eating
and drinking. Avoid knocking your spoon, chopsticks or plates around.; e. Take food within reach and do not stretch your arms out too far; f. After a meal, return your spoon and chopsticks to the spot where they were placed. Fold the used napkin and put it back on the
table.; g. When coughing or sneezing during a meal, turn your head to one side and cover your mouth with a handkerchief as to not
bother your neighbors. Nose blowing should be saved for the restroom.

Cost of Living in Korea

The cost of living for expats in South Korea is generally quite low, but this can vary from city to city. The main areas of expenditure are housing and education, while general transport costs remain low.
Eating Korean food is a lot cheaper than buying Western food and shopping at markets and smaller shops is more cost effective than shopping in tourist hotspots or at major department stores.

1. Accommodation: Generally your employer will organise an apartment for you. If you choose to organise your own
    accommodation, you will be expected to pay ‘key money’, which is in effect a very large deposit. The higher your key money
    amount the lower your monthly rent will be. For example, if you pay key money in the range of USD 40,000 to 120,000
    (KRW 50 to 200 million) you will not be expected to pay a monthly rent and the money will be returned to you after a period of
    two years. Some landlords will allow you to
    pay less key money and supplement this with a monthly rent. Utilities such as water, gas, electricity and cable TV will set you
    back USD 80 a month, while an uncapped high speed Internet connection is about USD 25 monthly.

2. Electrical goods: Electrical goods such as televisions, DVD players, digital cameras, cellular telephones, computers and high tech
    gadgets are all incredibly cheap in South Korea. Foreign manufactured goods from toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste containing
    fluoride), English language DVDs and books through to Nikon cameras and Apple products are obviously more expensive than
    items made locally. Many South Koreans take advantage of the myriad of discounts offered through online purchases, even if the
    store they are purchasing from is within walking distance.

3. Food: The cost of a Starbucks coffee in Seoul is about USD 5 and a Dunkin Donuts coffee will set you back USD 3. In the fruit
    and vegetables department a watermelon will cost about USD 10 and a head of broccoli is around USD 1.50. A loaf of bread
    costs about USD 3 and a blueberry muffin is USD 2.
    Dining out is inexpensive if you stick to Korean food. A huge meal for two with a range of side dishes usually costs USD 25 or
    less, but if you decide to eat at a Western restaurant each dish will cost between USD 15 and USD 25.

4. Toiletries: A toothbrush will cost you USD 2 and deodorant (which is quite hard to find) can
cost up to USD 10. Soap and shampoo costs between USD 1 and USD 5

5. 2012 Cost of Living in South Korea Chart

Food and Drink
1 litre milk	KRW 2,500
White bread (8 slices)	KRW 2,000
15 eggs	KRW 1,150
Rice	KRW 25,000 (10 kg)
1 litre still mineral water	KRW 1,000
Apples	KRW 8,900 (1.2 kg)
1 litre Coca-Cola	KRW 1,849
Household
Toothpaste	KRW 3,000
Soap	KRW 2,000
Shampoo	KRW 10,000
Deodorant	KRW 7,000
Eating out and entertainment
Fast-food meal	KRW 5,000l
Coffee in café	KRW 3,000
Bottle of beer	KRW 3,000
Cinema ticket	KRW 15,000
Services - Health
Average haircut (male)	KRW 10,000
Average haircut (female)	KRW 20,000
Manicure	KRW 18,000
By Expat Arrivals

Safety: Most travellers find South Korea to be a very safe country. The main threats to personal safety that expats will come across are either related to the weather – South Korea experiences typhoons from June to November – or petty crimes such as pickpocketing in crowded marketplaces.

Generally the risk of terrorism in South Korea is considered low, although tensions between North and South Korea mean that expats should keep up to date with the political situation by following news media.
Local laws for some crimes may be harsher than you may be used to. For example, any car accident involving a motorcyclist or pedestrian that is injured could see you prosecuted, even if you weren’t at fault. Take care when driving in the cities, as motorcycles, scooters and pedestrians sometimes behave erratically.

As it is likely you will need to undergo a medical check on arrival if you plan to work in South Korea, keep in mind that drug use or possession is not tolerated and the results of a drug test could see you detained or deported.; 1. Crime in South Korea: The crime rate in South Korea is low, although there are incidents of bag-snatching, pickpocketing and
    petty theft in larger cities such as Seoul and Busan. As with any major city, there are some areas which are considered unsafe at
    certain times, such as at night, although by and large Seoul or Busan are safer than any large American city.
    Expats should follow normal safety precautions such as locking doors, being aware of personal belongings in crowded areas or
    tourist hotspots, avoiding walking alone at night through isolated areas and using only reputable taxi companies.; 2. Natural Disasters in Korea: June to November is typhoon season in South Korea. Although typhoons are not as bad as they are in
    some other Asian countries, schools and businesses sometimes close due to the severity of approaching storms. Expats visiting
    Korea during the typhoon season should monitor weather reports from the Korean Meteorological Association
    (web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp) or news media and stay indoors if advised to do so.; 3. Emergency response in South Korea: Emergency response is swift and call centres usually have someone on staff who can
speak some English.

a. Police: 112
b. Central Interpretation Centre (for reporting crime against foreigners): 112
c. Ambulance and fire: 119

Nightlife in Korea: Seoul is certainly one of the most lively and dynamic nightlife capitals of the world. Even after midnight, throngs of people wander the streets in major shopping districts and popular downtown areas. The top attractions at nighttime are Dongdaemun Market for late-night shopping and the Hongik University (Hongdae) neighborhood with its concentration of nightclubs. For fabulous night views of Seoul, visit the observatory in N Seoul Tower or 63 City on Yeouido Island. Many visitors enjoy 63 City’s museums and dining facilities in the afternoon and stay past sunset to catch a glimpse of Seoul at night from high above in the skyscraper. If traveling with children, some options include recreational parks that open until 8 or 9pm or an exciting non-verbal show. Those with an interest in Korean traditional liquor can try some of the establishments serving Korean makgeolli. Check out the following list of popular nighttime activities Seoul has to offer.

Splendid, Bustling Night Market: Dongdaemun	Night View of Seoul: N Seoul Tower
A look inside 63 City: A City full of wonderful experiences	Killer Views from Lookout Cafés on 6 Hangang Bridges
Immerse Yourself in the Flavors of Makgeolli	Korea’s non-verbal performances transcend language barriers
Nighttime Parks & Fun	Seoul City Night Tour