KOREA QUETIONS?

Answers coming right up! With a side of eggs and kimchi, that is!

Hi Eva,

I enjoyed your stories and the pictures. I am thinking about teaching in Suwon for one month. Last year I lived in Ilsan for one month and taught near there. I really enjoyed it there. Is Suwon a nice city? I read about the fortress and folk village. Are there any other museums? Any art museums? Is there a big beautiful park? I am older--mid 50's, but I had a lot of fun last year with the teachers who were in their 20's and 30's.

Thanks, Eileen

Hi Eileen!

Thanks for writing.
Suwon is a nice city. There is a mountain near Suwon Station, and quite a few parks- even one with a stage for Sunday night performers.

There are no art museums, although I have heard word of a "map" museum nearby. For all your cultural needs (ie. concerts, galleries) catch bus 7000 near Ajou University. Seoul's Sadang station is only 30 minutes away.

The good thing about Suwon is that there are less than a million residents. It is convenient, with cheap places to shop, green spaces, movie theatres, etc. It has a friendly feel.

Good luck!

Eva.

Dear Eva,

How long did it take sorting through those shoes to find your size. What is the average women's shoe size in Korea? It seems that a lot of things are sold on the street. Does anyone shop in a store or a mall? It seems outdoor stands are set up everywhere for food and shoes, etc. Is this just a summer thing or are the vendors selling outdoors in the winter too ?
Why do they think your a tomboy? I don't get that impression from you, but I don't think your a girlie girl. I am enjoying the pictures.

Take Care
Sandy

Hi Sandy!

I bought the sandals before I left to Everland with friends. It took me about 30 minutes but I rummaged through them like a madman, one eye on my watch. 90% of the shoes were cheaply made and uncomfortable. I found my "Cinderella" pair just before my friends rolled up in a car.

There are more department stores than malls, in Korea, like Homeplus (Asian version of Walmart), New Core (good for clothes) and high end places like Galleria, which sell imported brand names at a cost. Seoul has some great malls, I'm sure. I haven't been. Shopping depresses me!

Yes there are clothes/ shoes for sale everywhere- in the subway station, on the street corner. Cherries sold from the back of trucks, sticks of chicken, for a dollar, on the curb. You name it.

Vendors don't close shop in the winter. It gets cold but there is little snow.

I'm only a 'tomboy' in Korea because I eat a lot, I don't mind getting dirty (playing badminton or pocketball), I drink my beer from a bottle, I enjoy going to lunch/the movies alone, and don't want men to take care of me. Many Korean women in Suwon are very traditional. Seoul is another story.

Ciao!

Eva.

Hi Eva,

I have some job possibilities right now. I'm just not sure about the pay though. Reading your blog makes me feel like many things are affordable. I've also heard that Seoul is one of the most expensive places in the world to live. The only job I have currently offered in Seoul is offering 2.2 million. I have seen a couple listings for work in Suwon for more. Are you actually able to save money working there? Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

Hi Tom!

I read that Seoul has the highest cost of living worldwide. Of course it depends what area you live in and how you choose to live. MyongDong will suck your pockets dry.

2.2 million is average. I save a little over half of what I earn- and opting to teach intensive classes, etc. will give your paycheck a boost.

Suwon is less of a zoo than Seoul- and inexpensive, but the hagwon pays for your living quarters anyway. There are cheap restaurants EVERYWHERE in Korea, and if you learn how to cook a few Korean dishes, groceries will be cheap. I doubt I'm saving much more money than I could in Seoul.

If I could do it over again, I'd live in the big city. There's loads to do in Seoul (film festivals, rock climbing), and more people to meet.

Cheers!

Eva.

Hi!

I found your site while I was trying to look up information on dating a Korean man. I'm not in Korea, I'm in the U.S. and I recently befriended/started dating a Korean man. I'm not too sure if we are just new wonderful friends or actually on our way to dating. I'm not too familiar with dating in general... so yeah. We've only gone out twice. Once was to a movie that I invited him to with a few of my friends and then he and I went out for a snack afterwards alone (this was actually the first time we met in person, we found each other online). He paid for the bill and we talked for a couple hours. The next day was Independence day so he asked if I wanted to go see the fireworks, so we went and watched the fireworks. We went by ourselves, he insisted in picking me up, which lead to a brief meeting of my parents and we were off. We sat pretty close and he fed me nachos and generally took care of me and paid for stuff. So, here is where I'm confused.... most of those signals is American male flirting but is it Korean male flirting? I am waaaaay more familiar with Japanese culture than Korean and I'm at a loss as to what to think. I do really really like him. He's staying here, not returning to Korea, We're both Christians and we seem to have hit it off right away as friends. It's like we've been friends for years not two days. I know this is a lot of info.... just any bits of advice would be helpful. I don't want to set myself up for heart break if I'm miss reading him thanks a lot!

twiterpated and confused

Ms. Confused,

How long has your Korean friend been in America?

My adult class (of 20-something Koreans) discussed dating today, and most of them said they don't display affection, ie. hand-holding, until the 3rd or 4th date. Also, men initiate romance- not women, so be patient.

It sounds to me as though he really likes you. By what means did you meet online? Through a Christian community?

All the best!

Eva.