Ten Worst Things About Living in South Korea

Ask most foreigners living and/or teaching in South Korea about what their life is like there and chances are they will tell you it's a great experience.  I agree.  Though few, there are some down sides to living in South Korea.

Here are my ten worst things about living in South Korea.

1.  The drivers.  Perhaps your first experience in a taxi or on the bus will give a good idea of how uncoventional the driving is here.  I recall a story, I was on a city bus in Pohang heading from I-dong to the southern part of the city.  Up ahead was a red light and several cars waiting for the light to turn green.  Perhaps the driver was behind schedule or perhaps he was just impatient.  Whatever the case, the driver changed lanes, switching to the far left lane, a lane designated for turning left only and broke the red light.  While this wasn't at a major intersection and there were few cars on the road, I realized this might just be the norm for driving in Korea.  I wasn't wrong.

2.  The parking.  If you think the driving is horrible, then make room for the parking cause it's equally bad. With Korea being a heavily populated country, there are lots of cars on the road and not enigh places to park.  So, let's give some points for creativity maybe?

3.  High cost for foreign foods.  Finding Flaming Hot Cheetos on Jeju island was such a good score. However, paying close to 7,000 won for a medium sized bag, I quickly curbed my appetite for it as well as other foods foreign to Korea.  Add to the list, ranch dressing, cheese, canned beans, and exotic fruits.

4.  No trash cans.  Jeju island might be a bit different but in other cities, it's incredibly difficult to depose of trash without littering.  Most times, you may find yourself taking the wrapper of whatever treat you indulge in while out and about, with you.

5.  Cost of produce.  Foods grown locally are incredibly affordable, especially when they are in season.  However, produce grown out of season, like during g the winter, are a bit more costly.  Add to the list exotic fruits like cantelope, mangoes, avocado and sometimes apples.

6.  Racism.  Overt racism is something I haven't heard a lot about in Korea, but it's better to know it does exist in the hiring procedures and even on the social scene.  While I haven't experienced overt racism this firsthand, I have experienced some covert racial happenings.  It doesn't feel good.  Do better Korea.

7.  Co-teachers.  A source of many native english teachers woes, the dreaded co teacher.  It's a fight I fought and lost.  You won't win, you can't win.  Hope that they like you.  You play by their rules or your out.  Period.

8.  Desk-warming.  Pretty much just what it says.  Desk.  Warming.  Twice a year, students have a break from their public education.  Once in the summer and again in the winter.  While there won't be any teaching, native English teachers will likely have to show up to perhaps prepare for the upcoming semester or perhaps just be there to warm their desks.

9.  Air pollution.

10.  Over-crowding.