AA-CHAN 서울 Q&A

One of my Tweeps on Twitter asked if I would complete a survey regarding my living in Seoul. I happily obliged and here are the results. While you’re here, check out Lynette at Kokokoreano for plenty of fashion news.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Alex and I am currently teaching English at a private academy in Guro, Seoul. I have been in Korea for a little over two years and Seoul for a little over two weeks. I was born in the UK and spent the first twenty one years of my life there.

When did you move to Seoul?

I moved to Seoul at the beginning of March, 2010.

Are you staying in Seoul on a long-term basis?

At least for the next twelve months and I hope to extend that in the future.

What made you move there?

It was my work that made me move here primarily, but I’ve wanted to live in Seoul ever since arriving in March of 2008. All my friends live here and I’m yet to get tired of any of the districts that I’ve visited in my two years here.

What are you doing in Seoul?

As mentioned, I’m an English Instructor for a private academy.

Where are you originally from?

I was born in Scotland and moved to England not long after that. Have lived there ever since.

What is your highest level of education?

I have a BSc in Networking & Computer Support from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Did you go to Seoul by yourself?

I have always lived alone in Korea and wouldn’t have it any other way currently.

What are some of the difficulties you face there?

The language barrier has obviously been the biggest difficult, but mostly it has been my own shy nature. I’m very self conscious and being stared at and watched whenever you are out on the streets can be quite stressful. Thankfully, I have also met some incredible people that have made it all worthwhile.

What do you do in your free time?

I like to spend at least one day per weekend out in Seoul with friends. None of my friends know each other, so it’s usually just myself and a friend. Typically, we head to a cafe, get some lunch and take some pictures together.

Favorite activities in Seoul?

My favorite activities in Korea have been attending concerts, but it’s not that often that I can attend. I also really enjoy just meeting with friends around the city when the weather is good and taking fun pictures together. Unfortunately, it hasn’t happened enough recently.

How long have you been in Seoul?

Just over two weeks.

Do you know any of the Korean language?

I can read, write and speak a bit. Not nearly as much as I should considering how long I’ve lived here.

Are you currently taking any Korean language courses?

I didn’t for the first two years because it was incredibly difficult to find a tutor close by that I could see without conflicting with my hectic work schedule. Now that I have moved to the city, it will be much easier and it is high on my list of things to sort out over the next month.

If you don’t know any KOrea, how can you ‘survive’ in Korea?

Thankfully, a lot of people here can deal with basic English and even those that don’t are willing to slow themselves down and spend a little extra time making sure that you understand.

Any ‘lost in translation’ experiences?

I have been very lucky and haven’t had any such instances. Once I told my hairdresser that it was OK instead of great like I had meant to. Luckily, we had talked a lot and she knew it was a mistake.

What was your impression of Seoul when you first arrived?

The differences between districts is quite obvious with some being built up with buildings and others being much more open. Moving from Myeongdong to Gwanghwamun would be one example.

What is your impression of Seoul now?

The same as it was when I first arrived. I hope that never changes.

Do you feel that Seoul is your second home now?

It doesn’t feel that way yet, but I certainly hope that it will by the time my birthday comes round in August.

What are you significant differences between your home country and Korea?

Cost of living is very different in the UK, with Korean being much cheaper in my experience. I also like the Korean ‘couple culture’ – meaning it’s a lot easier to spot couples in Korea than it is in the UK. Dates are very important here.

What don’t you like about Korea?

As with any country, there are some people that don’t like foreigners and it’s not pleasant when you’re forced to deal with them. Thankfully, I have been lucky and not had to deal with many.

What are the differences in people from your home country and Korea?

Eating together instead of alone is a big difference and one that I like a lot. As I mentioned above, I find there are more couples actually ‘dating’ in Korea and they’re easy to spot because they walk together, holding hands while out and about.

Will you still be living in Korea over the next couple of years?

I very much hope to be staying in Korea.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Married to a Korean girl and living in Korea.