Korea Community, Korea Forum, Korea Business, Korea Travel Discussion

Tongteng

I know this is crossing a couple of borders. I'm considering an expat assignment in Seoul and I admit to knowing absolutely nothing about Korea. I haven't had much luck finding a forum or expat info using Google either. So, has anyone been to Seoul? Other parts of South Korea? Did you enjoy it? Anything you didn't like or found frustrating? The best bits? Any help would be much appreciated.

Chute

Seoul is like any other South East Asian city. Developed, crowded, westernized. And so are some of the other South Korean cities. Korea always seemed a poor man's Japan to me, with less of a unique character. Can't see any pluses or minuses in living there, so sitting on the fence. Living there will be more hassle free than Chennai, for sure. But less charming.

cade

First of all South Korea is actually a North East Asian country. I lived in Korea and my experience of Seoul was absolutely great. Some people compare it to Japan or China, which I think is really unfair because Korea has a character of its own. And I am saying that for the people who say that Korea is a poor man's Japan! As a Japanese, I can assure you that Seoul is not a poor copy of Tokyo, and that there are things that you can enjoy in Korea that you find neither in Tokyo nor in Beijing. Korea is said to be the "Latin country" of North East Asia where people are more outgoing than other Asian countries, which I found really nice, especially when you are an ex pat and you appreciate the welcoming mood! In Seoul you have the best of the developed capital (sky scrapers, flashy districts) and still find some human size places (road side restaurants, markets) with authentic people. From Seoul you will be able to visit the DMZ which is really impressive, you will be escorted by the army to see some parts of North Korea. Since it is a small country, it is very easy (and affordable) to get out of the busy Seoul for a weekend trip (in the mountains or at the beach in the south). The only problem might be the spicy food, but as you lived in India this might not be a problem at all! Sorry for the enthusiasm about Korea, don't worry I have the same about India where I am living now, so there are no hidden wish to do publicity for another country! Have fun in Seoul!