My husband is considering a new role in Korea after four years in the Middle East.
I have always preferred the far east to middle east although have never travelled to Korea and know little about the country. The biggest thing I have missed in the middle east is the different seasons especially autumn and winter, I was never a sun worshipper (in the middle east you just have summer, hotter summer and cool summer).
My main concerns with a move to Korea would be our dogs. We have two chocolate Labradors, aged 11 and 9. We cannot possibly leave them and would like to bring them with us. We would hope to be able to cover rent and utilities with 8-10m a month if this is a realistic figure? (employer is willing to negotiate)
So I am looking at areas and am completely lost! Please can anyone advise on areas to look at which would be within our budget and that may tick as many boxes as possible for us. The following is obviously a dream but any recommendations gratefully received.
If such an area exists I would prefer somewhere low rise, with villas/houses (small yard as a minimum for dogs and BBQ), as green as possible, accessible parks that accept dogs, local community that will not be too upset by dogs and within a reasonable distance of a good British School. If there is a Jewish community nearby (I understand there are services available at the US military base in Yongsan and a community centre in Yongsan-Gu?) then even better.
A few other questions, again I apologise for my ignorance and obviously should things be confirmed that we are moving I will buy a book on Korea and do as much research as possible:
My dogs are very friendly but should I muzzle them in public if locals are likely to be afraid of them or will a muzzle make them more afraid (implying they need to be muzzled)?
Are high quality dog foods available in Korea and what sort of premium (%) can you expect to pay on imported dog foods?
Can you be openly Jewish in Korea or is it something (like the Middle East) you need to keep quiet?
Will my children learn Korean in school? Is it compulsory on the curriculum and if not what is the most common second language taught?
Are the locals friendly to expats or are the communities segregated?
Unfortunately I don't presently speak any Korean, although would be keen to learn, however what kind of English can I expect to be spoken by most locals and are day to day things very difficult without a grasp of local language?
Is there a dress etiquette in Korea in public? Shoulders, knees covered? Are things like jeans, t-shirts acceptable or will this be considered offensive?
What are popular recreational pastimes in Seoul?
Is it easy to purchase organic and fresh produce or are many things imported?
What are utilities costs like? Internet, phone, water, electricity etc.
Can anyone please tell me their best and worst points of living in Korea
i.e. for me in the Middle East
+ I have enjoyed being able to eat out without worrying about pork in food
+ there are many high quality restaurants to eat out
+ have found many other Middle Eastern/African/Asian expats friendly and interesting and have met lots of other Westerners as well
+ in our area there is a good dog community
+ the accommodation is spacious and new
+ fuel is cheap and owning a large car is easily possible
+ there are lots of local schools and children learn Arabic in all school which I believe is good for their future
+ Ski Dubai has better skiing that anywhere local to me in England!
- people drive fast, recklessly and roads are lethal
- it is hard to meet locals as expat and local communities are separated
- whilst accommodation is new everything breaks as it is not well put together
- there is little public transport
- people leave poisoned food out for dogs and can be very cruel to dogs and cats
- too hot for six months of the year
- expensive bills (water and electricity is 1.5m - 2.5m a month)
- eating out is expensive it is easy to spend 850,000 on a meal
- there is a lot of racism towards the labour from Asia
Korea
Living in Korea Guide
Korea Forum
Contribute
Best Places to Live in Korea
57 Expats Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Korea
Pros & Cons of Living in Korea
10 Tips for Living in Korea