Moon Living Abroad in South Korea
Moon Living Abroad in South Korea author Jonathan Hopfner shares insider secrets on making the move to South Korea. To read the entire Q&A;, please visit Moon.What do you consider essential items to pack before moving to South Korea? Are there any items you just can't find?When packing, prioritize things of emotional or comfort value, since just about everything else can be bought or replaced here. Things like photos of home, a much-loved book, or portable hard drive loaded with your favorite movies, music or TV shows can come in handy on those days you just want to forget you're in a foreign country for a while. If there's something you need for a pastime that's important to you--say an instrument or a mountain bike--bring it or ship it over if possible, since it will add to your quality of life here. The list of things you can't find in South Korea shrinks every year, though anything exotic and imported is bound to cost a lot more than it would back home. Some things expatriates commonly complain are tough to find are (Western) sauces and spice mixes, plus-size clothing, English-language books and games for children and some types of liquor (dark rum or single-malt scotches for example). Any medication or beauty products you want to continue using should also be brought over since they may differ or be unavailable locally.In which fields is it easy for a foreigner to secure a job? Any tips on getting hired?The obvious answer is teaching English. Employers and visa regulations are more discriminating in recent years, but the Korean obsession with learning the language means any university graduate from an English-speaking country should have little trouble finding a job as a language instructor. Unfortunately, because the industry is fairly unregulated, pay and working conditions can sometimes leave a lot to be desired, and potential employers should be approached with caution. Many expatriates start out teaching English and branch later into various fields where their language skills can come in handy, including sales, public relations, or journalism. Others, especially those with technical or management expertise, are increasingly being hired directly by local firms, many of which are looking to boost their overseas presence. As in most countries, the best positions are found through word of mouth, and in fact, personal relationships probably count for more in South Korea than they do in the West. If you've got ambitions, it's important to get out there and network.   --Moon.comDid you ever think of just picking up and moving to another country? The travel book publisher Moon has expanded its "Living Abroad" series. New volumes describe living in Panama, South Korea, Guatemala, China and Spain. More than 5.25 million nongovernmental U.S. citizens live abroad, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas. While meant for expats, the books also come in handy for tourists who might be spending a few weeks or months in a country as part of study abroad or extended tour. You never know when you'll be back. --Detroit Free Press, February 28, 2010Author Jonathan Hopfner is a Canadian expatriate living in South Korea, and his "Living Abroad" guide reflects his own experiences and knowledge of this beautiful and hospitable country. South Korea is a country of contrasts, as the author states in the introduction: "I was struck by the dizzying contrasts-the way the neon-spangled streets and clamor of Seoul could give way in a few short hours to emerald rice fields or gaily painted temples nestled in secluded mountain valleys..." In the introductory chapter "Welcome to South Korea" readers learn about Korean history, government,  and economy, as well as Korean customs and etiquette, social values, religion, and the arts. This chapter also covers a fact-finding trip as an important part of preparing for moving abroad. Jonathan Hopfner writes that "a well-planned research trip is one of the best possible introductions to South Korean life, and should be seen as mandatory if you're seriously contemplating a move here." As author Jonathan Hopfner writes, "picking everything up, taking the plunge, and moving to an entirely new country is never going to be an easy experience," and the section about daily life addresses exactly these myriad challenges expatriates face in their day-to-day life in South Korea. This chapter covers important practical aspects of moving to and living in South Korea, such as the logistics of relocation, visas, housing, language and education, health, employment, finance, communications, travel, and transportation. The section on "Prime Living Locations" covers the main areas of South Korea, where expatriates are most likely to live and work--areas that offer the best services, infrastructure, and quality of life. This chapter is also a great introduction to the culture and daily life in South Korea's various provinces. Special attention is paid to the needs of foreign residents, such as international schools, shopping centers, expatriate communities, etc. The "Resources" section at the end of the book includes useful contact information for government offices, embassies, education, moving companies, banks, communications, employment, and more. There is also a glossary, phrasebook, and a list of suggested reading and films. Living Abroad in South Korea is a practical and informative guide for anyone planning on moving to South Korea.  --Transitions Abroad, July 2010