So, this is my life in South Korea. I decided to start applying for jobs all around the world after graduation and this is the job that fell into my lap. I got a job within a few days of applying at a Hagwon (private academy) called Wonderland. If you look up anything about Wonderland, it typically has a bad reputation, especially for the ways it treats it's foreign teachers, but this one is different. Our director, Kate, takes really good care of us. I teach 10-6:20; with kindergarten classes in the morning and 4 classes in the afternoon for elementary school kids. The little rugrats are good for the most part, of course with some exceptions, but they are all adorable!
Of course, my life here is more than just my job. I have come to meet some wonderful people and lifelong friends. There is a tight-knit foreigner community here that has become not only a good support system to have, but some of them have become my closest friends. I'm happy to have met some laid-back, non judgmental, fun-loving, loyal people. We enjoy traveling around Korea together, studying Korean, working out, drinking (especially at Grazie!), trying new things, hiking, siteseeing, quadbiking, hanging out at coffee shops, or anything else we feel up to doing!
Not only is there a great community of other foreigners here, but I have made some pretty amazing Korean friends too. Their English abilities vary greatly, but that doesn't stop them from being good friends. Koreans, in general, are very kind, helpful, smart, funny people. A few of the Koreans I have met are English majors at University and speak English really well, others speak very little English so I improve my Korean by studying and speaking with them in Korean. It's been a great way to really get to experience the culture here and of course, learn the language.
In addition to having a great job and wonderful friends, I am able to enjoy all the site-seeing and cultural attractions that Korea has to offer. I'm lucky enough to live in Gyeongju, the old capital of the Shilla dynasty. There is so much history here! We have attractions in our city such as the oldest observatory in Southeast Asia, Bulguksa Temple and Seokeram Grotto, Mt. Namsan which has a variety of temples and ancient Buddhist statues all over the mountain, the Royal Tomb park, and much more. Gyeongju has more modern sites to offer as well. We also have Bomun, a resort lake area complete with Gyeongju World Amusement Park, Melinium Park, quad biking near the river and much more.
The cultural sites are always great, but no place is complete without it's unique festivals! There are a variety of events that go on around Holidays such as Chusok, Christmas, Lunar New Year. There is also a Traditional Drink and Rice Cake Festival in Gyeongju, Buddha's Birthday, Mud Fest near Seoul, and a variety of other cultural festivals. Even outside of Gyeongju there is so much to do and see. The DMZ, touring Seoul, temples all over the country, National Parks, and the beaches (especially in Busan!)
While each place certainly is worth visiting and has it's own thing to offer. My favorite memories lie in Gyeongju, and in Busan. The friends and memories I have made, I will keep forever. From the cultural experiences to the friendships and parties. All of it have made my life in Korea more than I could have hoped for.
I love it here! <3
Well it turns out I love it here so much I decided to stay for a second year! I wasn't able to keep my position at Wonderland because the director had already found my replacement before I decided to stay, but I was lucky enough to get my friend Matt's position. I am now a teacher at a Hagwon called English World, still in Gyeongju! Though my school and apartment have changed, I will be able to continue learning about all Korea has to offer, and meet some more amazing people! I will only stay one more year, so I'm determined to do as much as I can here before I will go home next year.
As of February 25th, 2011 I am no longer in Korea! I left my second contract after 6 months to return home. Korea was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend this to anybody who is interested!
