Frequently Asked Questions about South Korea
Is it necessary to learn Korean?
South Koreans are proud of their language and history, and while it is not vital to learn Korean, it is helpful. English is the language of business and commerce. It is possible to get by in Korea without knowing Korean. However some survival Korean is useful. The Korean alphabet is easy to master and is especially helpful when reading signs and bus stops. Pronunciation can be tricky at times but when a South Korean sees that you have made the effort to learn their language they are more enthusiastic to help you, even if this requires switching to English.
Is South Korea safe and what is the situation with North Korea?
South Korea is incredibly safe and crime statistics are low. Pick pocketing can happen in the larger cities but it is rare. Walking about late at night is considered safe, but this does not mean that you should forgo your usual precautions.
The situation with North Korea is volatile. South Korea is committed to peace with its northern neighbours. Many older South Koreans have relatives in the North and speak confidently about reunification. Although there have been some recent acts of aggression by North Korea toward the South Korean military North Korea doesn’t pose a plausible threat to expats and their daily lives.
Which is the best city to live in?
While Seoul is the most obvious choice for expats, South Korea has four main expat hubs: Seoul, Busan, Daejeon and Daegu. With just a three hour train ride separating Seoul, in the north, and Busan, in the south, it is easy to enjoy and explore all of these cities regardless of which one you choose to call home.
Seoul is the capital and contains the largest expat community. It also has a large number of international schools and a significant number of shops, restaurants and business areas catering to westerners.
Daegu also has a fair number of international schools and a large expat community. It is the centre of the manufacturing industry (textiles, machinery and metals) in South Korea. Both Daegu and Seoul host US military bases and so they have large expat communities. Although military bases make it easier to find western goods and western orientated shops and restaurants, South Korean sentiment toward the bases is not always positive.
Daejeon is just over an hour from Seoul and is something of a science hub. Daejeon focuses on technological innovation and has one of the fastest developing business communities in South Korea.
Busan is located in the south, it is a coastal city and Busanites will tell you that Busan is the most laid back of all the South Korean cities. However, Busan is also the fifth busiest seaport in the world and is host to a number of international and local festivals. There are a number of schools and shopping districts catering for the small expat community living in Busan.
What is ‘saving face’?
Reputation and the way others perceive one are very important to South Koreans. In a work environment this means that proper respect and social harmony must be shown at all times. Koreans will often give subtle hints or clues about the true nature of a situation without approaching the matter head-on. In many cases a higher value is placed on showing politeness than on other moral values or honesty. For example, a Korean may lie to a westerner in order to ‘save face’ for both parties, the westerner will feel disrespected while the Korean feels that this is the most appropriate way to ‘save face’ for the westerner. In dealing with Koreans it is important to take note of subtle hints and clues, it is equally important to remain polite in all business dealings. Exhibiting a constant state of equilibrium is highly respected in South Korea.
South Koreans are proud of their language and history, and while it is not vital to learn Korean, it is helpful. English is the language of business and commerce. It is possible to get by in Korea without knowing Korean. However some survival Korean is useful. The Korean alphabet is easy to master and is especially helpful when reading signs and bus stops. Pronunciation can be tricky at times but when a South Korean sees that you have made the effort to learn their language they are more enthusiastic to help you, even if this requires switching to English.
Is South Korea safe and what is the situation with North Korea?
South Korea is incredibly safe and crime statistics are low. Pick pocketing can happen in the larger cities but it is rare. Walking about late at night is considered safe, but this does not mean that you should forgo your usual precautions.
The situation with North Korea is volatile. South Korea is committed to peace with its northern neighbours. Many older South Koreans have relatives in the North and speak confidently about reunification. Although there have been some recent acts of aggression by North Korea toward the South Korean military North Korea doesn’t pose a plausible threat to expats and their daily lives.
Which is the best city to live in?
While Seoul is the most obvious choice for expats, South Korea has four main expat hubs: Seoul, Busan, Daejeon and Daegu. With just a three hour train ride separating Seoul, in the north, and Busan, in the south, it is easy to enjoy and explore all of these cities regardless of which one you choose to call home.
Seoul is the capital and contains the largest expat community. It also has a large number of international schools and a significant number of shops, restaurants and business areas catering to westerners.
Daegu also has a fair number of international schools and a large expat community. It is the centre of the manufacturing industry (textiles, machinery and metals) in South Korea. Both Daegu and Seoul host US military bases and so they have large expat communities. Although military bases make it easier to find western goods and western orientated shops and restaurants, South Korean sentiment toward the bases is not always positive.
Daejeon is just over an hour from Seoul and is something of a science hub. Daejeon focuses on technological innovation and has one of the fastest developing business communities in South Korea.
Busan is located in the south, it is a coastal city and Busanites will tell you that Busan is the most laid back of all the South Korean cities. However, Busan is also the fifth busiest seaport in the world and is host to a number of international and local festivals. There are a number of schools and shopping districts catering for the small expat community living in Busan.
What is ‘saving face’?
Reputation and the way others perceive one are very important to South Koreans. In a work environment this means that proper respect and social harmony must be shown at all times. Koreans will often give subtle hints or clues about the true nature of a situation without approaching the matter head-on. In many cases a higher value is placed on showing politeness than on other moral values or honesty. For example, a Korean may lie to a westerner in order to ‘save face’ for both parties, the westerner will feel disrespected while the Korean feels that this is the most appropriate way to ‘save face’ for the westerner. In dealing with Koreans it is important to take note of subtle hints and clues, it is equally important to remain polite in all business dealings. Exhibiting a constant state of equilibrium is highly respected in South Korea.
