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Education Overview
Education system in Korea is similar to those in most of East Asia
countries. 12 years of compulsory education, following by optional
college
entrance examination held annually, the system has widely used in China,
Japan, Taiwan, as well as Korea and some other southeastern Asia countries.
Government has strongly emphasized English education and deem it as
a tool for national development through interaction with the rest
of
the world. English is a required subject starting from third grade,
curriculum is designed to achieve various levels of proficiency with
goal
oriented. Following by the government policy in promoting the English
education, the demand for private English lesson in Korea has increased
rapidly. Many foreign teachers
can be seen in the country.
General
Info
History
Its 5000 year old of history and culture are always a proud
of Korean people. Under Chinese cultural influencing, Korea had gradually
developed its own distinct culture throughout the time. The modern history
dated back to the invasion of Japan in 1910, korea had been colonized
for 35 years until the defeat of Japan in World War II in 1945. Not
for too long, Korea has divided into two countries, the Republic of
Korea in the South, and the Democratic People's Republic under Communist
rule in the North. The country has been divided by two and rule in different
political system since then.
Economy
Despite its economic crisis occurred in 1997, Korea has resumed
its economy power with 11 billion current account surplus from 8.5 billion
deficit few years ago. Under the administration of president Kim, Korea
is able to stabilize the market and reduce the unemployment rate to
average 3.5 percent in 2002. Korea has regained its tiger status with
GNP US$ 457.4 billion and economy growth rate of 8.8 percent. Total
export exceeded import for approximately U.S.$ 12 billion. Korea rapidly
recovery is driven by an intense nationwide reform effort, favorable
external economic conditions, and the leadership of President Kim.
Geography
A size of Britain or Romania, Korea is situated in between
Japan, China and Russia and located in Korean peninsula, which spans
from North to South about 1.100 Kilometer and total land size is 222,154
square kilometers. 19 percent of the land is considered arable. The
landscape is dominated by the mountainous features with three sides
ocean surround the island. The highest peak is Mt. Baekdusan in North
Korea, which rises up 2,744 meters above sea level along the northern
border facing China. Korean peninsula is divided into three distinct
regions: south, north and central. Each region has its own particular
economic, cultural and physical distinctiveness. About 2000 earthquakes
have been recorded since A.D. 2, but only 48 were considered destructive;
the numbers are far less than those in the Asian countries.
Climate
The climate in Korea is distinctive among four seasons and
the weather is varied within the regions. The hottest period in August
can go up to 19 degree Celsius (66 degree Fehrenhi) to 27 degree C (81F),
while in January, the coldest month, temperatures range from -8 degree
C (17F) to 7 degree C (43F). Fall is the most pleasant time in Korea
with beautiful scenery can be seen in the countryside.
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Culture
Population
Korea is formed by one ethnic group and is believed that ancestors
were from mongol tribes in central asia. South Korea's total population
was estimated at 47,676,000 with a density of 479 people per square
kilometer. The population of North Korea is estimated to be 22,175,000.
Majority of population reside in the cities or suburban area. the average
life expectancy of South Korean men is 71.8 years and that for women
79.1. North Korean life expectancy was reported 10 years less than those
of South Korean. The average life span of North Korean men was recorded
to be 62.5 years and that for North Korean women, 68.0 years.
Religion
There are many religion practices in Korea, most of them are
imported from other countries only Shamanism is known as native religion.
One-third of korean population believe in Buddhism with more than 10,000
temples and 20,000 monks in the country. Christianity is one of major
religion in Korea. Yoido Full Gospel Church is claimed to be the world's
largest with a congregation of 700,000 members and it is located in
Korea. Although Confucianism is not technically a religion, but its
theory has influence every aspect of korean life and culture. Other
religion, such as Islam, also has a practice in Korea, but it has only
a few followers, most of them are foreigners.
Language
Before Korean written system was invented, Chinese was main
writing language for the educated people before 1446. Most of people
were illiterate, until King Sejong the Great invented the Hangeul, official
Korean writing system. Most of Korean people were able to comprehend
the easy writing into their spoken language quickly. Hangeul has reduced
illiteracy almost to none in Korea today. Hangeul's unique character
is also a symbol of national's identity and independence.
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Living
Accommodation
The housing conditions in Korea are quite nice with all of
the amenities that you would need or expect. However, the cost is enormous.
There are three types of payment for leasing a house or apartment. You
can chose Chonse (key money) payment which requires a deposit that is
equivalent of one half to two third of property's value. Deposit is
fully refund upon termination of the lease with no rent require. The
up front cash can be a few hundred thousand dollars. Or you can pay
monthly rental with a deposit that is usually ten times of the rent.
Deposit is refundable as well. The last option is advance rental payment
for the entire term of the lease, no deposit required and no refund
for early termination. The last payment option is preferable by most
Korean people. No matter which option you chose, it requires a lot of
cash up front. Do not worry, mostly the employer will provide furnished
apartments for the teachers with two to three people share one apartment.
Some employers will provide almost everything, like washer, microwave,
closets, stove, refrigerator, bed, table and chairs and sometimes even
TV, radio, and VCR. Pets are not as popular as in those in western countries.
Check with your employers if you intend to bring the pets.
Electricity & Water
It is mostly 220 volt. You will not need a voltage converter.
For modem connection, obtain an old-type US 4-pin adapter, or purchase
one locally upon arrive in Korea. Drinking water served at hotels and
restaurants is distilled or boiled.
Currency
Won is the unit of Korean currency. The exchange
rate is subjected to market fluctuations. Foreign currencies can be
exchanged at the airport, government-designated, private banks and hotels.
Major credit cards are accepted in the major retail stores or department
stores and traveler's checks may be cashed at some tourist-oriented
businesses or at the international tourist hotels.
Business Hours
Most of government offices open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Saturday. The office will be closed at 5 p.m. during
the winter time from November through February. Banks are usually open
from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday.
It is closed on Sunday. Major department stores operate from 10:30 a.m.
to 7:30 p.m. everyday and mostly the small shops or restaurants tend
to open early and close late.
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Health
General
Adjusting to a total different cultural environment is not easy, so
be prepared to get sick here if you have low immune system. So expect
it, it won't be so depressing. You will almost certainly get sick several
times over your first few months in Korea. This is due to several reasons.
First, you're in a new place and your body is adjusting to all sorts
of new conditions. Second, no matter how you try to avoid it, you will
probably eat something that disagrees with you. Third, if you are going
to be a teacher of kindergarten or elementary school, you'll be exposed
to dozens of children everyday, carrying germs and viruses that are
new to your immune system, so it will take some time to build up the
proper defenses. This happens to new teachers all the time in Korea.
Don't worry - you will get better. If you need medicine, there are all
kinds of small pharmacies here. There are also some larger chain-stores
that are like "drug stores" or "chemist's" back
home. Health insurance is partial subsidiary, employers are responsible
for at least 50% of the income-based premium covering every employee
and their dependents and the employees are responsible to pay the remaining
premium via the payroll.
Vitamins
Everyone has their own ideas about the use and efficacy of vitamins
and other food supplements. In general though, it probably can't hurt,
and the use of vitamins may help you fight off colds and generally stay
healthier in this new environment where your body will be under new
stresses. Vitamins are much more expensive in korea than in most Western
countries, so if you take vitamins, or plan to take vitamins while here,
it's not a bad idea to stock up before coming. Suggested vitamins are
C, E and zinc for general maintenance of the immune system, and Echidnae
for fighting off colds and flu when they threaten. Other vitamins are
a matter of personal choice, and it may be worthwhile doing some of
your own research on this subject.
Western Toiletries
Pharmacies with Western toiletries are very common. Unless you are very
brand specific, there is no need to bring a supply of anything. Most
items are a little more expensive, but quite easily found. Some brands
that are commonly available in Korea include: Pantene, Vidal Sassoon,
Pert, Flex, Finesse, Head &Shoulders, Nivea, Freemans, Oil of Olay,
Pond's, Neutrogena, Dove, Ban, Gillette, Secret, Maybelline, Covergirl,
Vick's, Ciba Vision, Alcon, Opti-free, Bausch & Lomb, Colgate, Aquafresh,
Johnson & Johnson and Oral-B. In additional, there are many Japanese
and local brands to experiment with. One notable exception that is not
commonly available is Tylenol.
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required. However, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, Hepatitis A and E are common and inoculations for those at high risk and Hepatitis
B are recommended, Hepatitis B is highly endemic, as is Korean hemorrhagic fever.
Inoculations for Hepatitis A and B require up to three injections spaced over
six months. If you do not have enough time to get all of the injections
before coming to Korea, you can bring the vaccine for the remaining
injections with you and have a doctor here administer it. Talk to your
doctor regarding transportation and storage of the vaccine.
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Clothing
Dress Code
Each institute or school has its own dress code, but generally speaking, Korean people tend to dress formally. Teacher is not recommend to wear shorts or open toed
shoes while teaching. Skirts
(for women) are acceptable as long as they are not too short. Some schools may require teachers to wear tie or dress therefore, blue jeans, T-shirts, shorts, sandals and sneakers will not be considered appropriate dresses. Consult your school before packing your clothes.
General
When packing your wardrobe for your year(s) in Korea, we recommend you keep the following in mind:
- If you have a large build, you may have trouble finding clothes
in your size. A size XL T-shirt in Korea is smaller than a large in
Canada or the U.S.
- It's easy to buy shoes because they're cheap in Korea, but it is difficult to find size 11 or larger.
- It's easy to find places to clean your clothes. These are mainly laundry shops that will provide a full service, including folding and bagging of your clothes. Coin laundries are relatively rare, normally you can find a few near the college campus.
- Sunscreen is available at local drugstores.
- In Asia, it is necessary to remove your shoes whenever you enter a home. Socks without holes are a necessity, and we suggest that you don't wear white because they get dirty easily.
- Earrings are becoming more popular with men, but they are not seen as often as in western countries. Pierced tongues, eyebrows and noses still seem strange to most Korean people.
- A good pair of sunglasses will be helpful.
- Korea is mountain country, which makes hiking a popular activity. Bring your boots if you like.
- Swimming is popular. Bring your swimsuit.
- Blankets, sheets, pillows, towels etc. can all be found at reasonable prices.
- Raincoats and ponchos are necessary, but can be bought cheaply in
Korea.
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Food
Fast food chain has strong foothold in Korea, those
stores including, Burger King, McDonald's, Lotteria, 21 Century, KFC,
Subway, Domino's Pizza, Pizza Hut and Napoli. Prices are relatively
higher than those in Western countries and quite expensive compared
to Korean food alternatives. Up market diners will find a number of
good steakhouse, Thai, Italian, Mexican and French restaurants.
Many traditional markets still can be seen in the late
afternoon. The produce and meat are relatively fresh, but sometimes,
the price can be more expensive than those in supermarkets. Some supermarkets
even carry imported meats, cheeses and wines. There are few amount of
western foods grocery stores in Korea, there you can find most kinds
of western foods, such as spaghetti, cream soup, etc.
Those enjoy different kind of cousins will find a bounty
of dishes to discover, from famous Korean kimchi to a full course Korean
meal.
Vegetarians
Many vegetarian restaurants can be found on the streets. It serves all
kind of vegetables but most of them are Korean flavor oriented. The
price is variance over the places and location. But do not worry, you
will find your favorite veggie either in the traditional market or supermarket.
Korean people love all kinds of produce. In the food stands you can
find tofu, bean and other vegetarian centric-meals abound. One warning
for those who are strict in their avoidance of meat: many restaurants
use pork lard in place of vegetable oil when frying. Strict vegetarians
can find completely animal-product free food at vegetarian restaurants,
which are easily distinguished by the inverted swastika displayed out
front.
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Telephone/Internet
Internet
Internet cafes or PC bangs (PC rooms) are very popular places
for many young Korean people to hang out and to use computer for various
purposes. It is everywhere in big cities in Korea, so do not worry can
not keep in touch with the folks back home as long as they are online.
The fee is about 800 to 1,500 won for an hour and usually lower at night.
Those places can be crowed and noisy depending on time and location
and expect some smokers next to you (when the game players take over
the place). Most of those places have Window 98 in Korean. If you prefer
privacy, there are several phone dial up providers. Among them, Chollian
has English services. The cost is about 16,500 won per month. It also
charges for the phone line usage as well. Many broadband services are
available as well, the cost is about 34,000 won, competing companies
have been sprouting up that offer various package deals for Internet
access. A little bit of research once you arrive will allow you to find
the best deal. Most computers or laptops in Korea are a little bit more
expensive than in U.S. or Canada even though those are made in Korea.
Overseas Calls
International Direct dial is "001-(country code)-(area
code)-(telephone number)" and the Overseas operator may be reached
by dialing 00799, then Korea Telecom Internet network operator will
connect you with the party overseas. AT&T USA Direct Service World
Connect Service is available from almost 90% of public phones in Korea
by dialing 0072-911 for Korea Telecom and 0036-911 or 0030-911 for Dacom
Telecom. You can simply pick up the handset of any public phone and
dial the access number with no need to insert a phone card or coin,
wait a few seconds and you will be connected to AT&T USA Direct
Service. Use your AT&T calling card or call collect - easy and fast.
Domestic Long Distance
These calls may be made on private phones or pay phones directly, or
through the telephone bureau.
City Pay Phones
It is relatively cheap to use city pay phones. The rate for
local calls is 50 won for three minutes and various rate for the domestic
calls. You can simply buy a phone card for 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won
denominations and may be used for local, long distance or international
calls. It is easy and simple with no hassles of putting the coins all
the times.
Cell Phones
Cell phone is quite cheap comparing to most of western country. For
those who do not feel like to go through many process to obtain a phone
line, can simply purchase the cell phone. The price varies depending
what model you get. Cell phone SIM card, like phone card, can be purchased
at any convenient stores or electronic stores. You can also get a calling
plan from the telecommunication company. The cell phone can also direct
dial or receive for the international calls. All the incoming calls
are free, you just need to pay for the outgoing calls.
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Transportation
Transportation system is well built in Korea, especially
in big cities like Seoul. Subway is popular for commuters, it takes
you in and out of cities with no worry of traffic jams. Eight subway
lines serve Seoul and its suburbs, the fare within the city classifies
into two zones; zone one is 600 won and zone two is 700 won. The fare
for long distance trains is vary. Subway ticket card can be purchase
at the price of 5,000 won, 10,000 won, or 20,000 won. Card holders enjoy
10% discount of regular fare and 20% for the students. Bus is a popular
alternative and fare is relative cheap comparing to the subway; however,
the signs are all written in Korean. There are three types of buses
in Korea: community, local and express. Community bus only runs on certain
towns in Seoul and the fare is 300 won for adult. Local bus serves nearly
every corners of the city, with every 10 to 15 minutes intervals, the
fare is 550 to 600 won. Express bus has more seats and stop less places
than local bus, it costs 1100 to 1200 won and 1200 to 1300 won for the
deluxe bus. Taxi is another option, standard taxi cost 1300 won for
the first two kilometer and 100 won for each 210 meters.
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Visa/Tax
Visa
It is prohibited to work without authorization unless you want
to get deported. The process of obtaining a work visa will take about
2 to 3 weeks. You will need to prepare the following items for the employers
to get the visa for you.
1. A photocopy of your passport on the photo page
2. A certified copy of your college transcript
3. A copy of college diploma (notarized by the Korean Consulates or
Embassy)
4. A copy of your resume
5. Two passport photographs
6. A signed copy of contract
Tax
Normally income tax is about 3 to 5 % of your paycheck and
it will automatically deduct from your paycheck each month with payroll
statement provide to you by employer. You can obtain an English income
tax guide in the Korean tax office. You can also expect to pay insurance
coverage for about 1 to 2% of your paycheck.
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Bank Account
You can either open an account in Korea or check your
bank to see if they have branch in Korea. Most of employers use direct
deposit for the payroll. You can wire or transfer the fund to your bank
account at home with a fee. Bring any type of identification then you
can set up an account in Korea and receive ATM card. Most banks require
initial deposit to obtain an account.
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Avoid Such Items
If you don't wanna be interrogated by the custome officer,
you should consider not to bring items like, handcuffs, knife, gun replica,
illegal drugs, meat, plants or other harmful sensitive stuff. For more
these information, check the official Korea custom web site.
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Useful Links Ministry of Justice
http://www.moj.go.kr/english/index.php Everything about Korea in politic, economy and culture
http://www.korea.net/
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Disclaimer: the information above
is prepared by experienced teachers and intend for a general references
only, for more detail information, individuals should consult the
official
web sites. SourSeed will not held any responsibility of consequence
for any decision made. Copyright © 2003
SourSeed Inc. All rights reserved
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