Working In Korea

South Korea is most decidedly a forward-thinking country thanks to its hurry-hurry approach to everything, an insatiable appetite for technological advancement and an indomitable can-do attitude. No one knows where the country is headed, but it’s fast-forward all the way. That’s what makes South Korea so exciting and at times unnerving; it’s a country of endless possibilities.

Located along the Hangang River, Seoul has grown into a teeming metropolis with a population of more than 10 million. Seoul is the world’s 10th-largest city.
Koreans are modest people. Expatriates are expected to behave differently; however, it is suggested they also be polite and humble, and show interest and respect for the country’s traditions.

South Korea is extremely work-oriented; the people are hard working and industrious. Traditional Korean companies still operate under a subordinate system, depending on the highest-ranked employee (or senior by age) to make the decisions and the group to carry out the plans. Young Koreans and expatriates will find work in Korea to be less team-oriented than in western cultures.

South Koreans work hard, get paid well and enjoy a stable currency (inflation grows around three percent every year). One US dollar usually buys between 900 to 1,000 Korean won.

Seoul, South Korea, is the second most expensive city in Asia, ranked behind Tokyo. Asia is generally an inexpensive place to live, though, so that isn’t saying much. Seoul’s cost of living is 24 percent lower than that of New York City.

business hours

For most government and private offices, business hours are from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday. From November to February government offices may close an hour earlier. Tourist information centres are usually open from 9am to 6pm daily while national parks are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Keep in mind that many (but not all) government-run museums and tourist sites close on Mondays.
Banking hours are from 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday. The hours that ATMs are available vary and are written on the machine, but they are not generally open 24 hours. Post offices are generally open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, but some are open longer hours.

Department stores traditionally open from 10.30am to 7.30pm six days a week. Nowadays some open every day and a few open until late evening. New youth-oriented shopping malls tend to stay open until 10pm. Small general stores often stay open until midnight even in suburban areas, and many convenience stores are open 24 hours. Shops are generally open from 10am to around 9pm every day, but the trend towards more days off means that some do now close on Sunday. Travel agents may take Saturday afternoon off as well as Sunday.
Restaurants usually open from 10am to 10pm every day. Cinemas traditionally open at 11am, with the last show ending just before midnight, but a few run later. In big cities, midnight showings and even all-night movies are becoming a more popular option.

Pubs and bars open daily from 6pm to midnight but they close later on Friday and Saturday. Some open at noon for the thirsty early birds.

There is plenty for night owls to do in Korean cities as some restaurants, PC bang (internet rooms), DVD bang (room for watching DVDs), noraebang (karaoke rooms), convenience stores, bars and nightclubs stay open all night.

shopping and prices

There are many department stores and supermarkets located in Korea. The prices are similar to the USA and Canada. The department stores are very enjoyable, clean, and modern. Taxes are already added to the price of the product in advance.

taxes and deductions

Generally, 3.3% is deducted from one’s salary for taxes. There are deductions for different circumstance.

money and banks

The currency of Korea is cash and check. You are able to use cash freely, however, in order to use checks, one must identify themselves with the proper identifications along with their signature.

Coins : 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won.
Paper Money : 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won.
Check : 100,000 won, 1,000,000 won.

If you plan to stay in Korean for several months, then it is a good idea to open a bank account.

climate and weather

As any Korean will tell you, Korea has four distinct seasons of about equal length. Traditionally, Koreans divided the year into 24 seasons. Each of these seasons has a distinct and surprisingly reliably predictable weather pattern.

housing

The majority of Korean houses have under floor heating systems available.
Apartments: Many Koreans enjoy living in apartments. Apartments are generally more expensive than other places of Residences.

If you live in an apartment, the management will maintain all of the facilities along with the security aspect of the building, however, you must pay the expenses that come along with it.

korean food

The majority of Korean food tends to have a lot of spices and is spicy. If you were to go to a restaurant and asked the employee to make the food spicy, you may order in advance.
Generally, most restaurants charge approximately 4,000 won to 8,000 won for 1 person. The taste of the food and the service may differ according to the region. “Kim chi” is an essential dish to every Korean meal.
Cabbage, peppers, onions, and garlic along with spices may be used to make the foods spicy. The taste, and the ways of cooking the food can one again differ according to the region.

In most areas of Korea, you may be able to locate an American fast food restaurant.
At the counter, there is usually always someone who is able to speak English; therefore, it is not difficult to order food.