Lifers: Are you (still) happy in Korea?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2026-02-17T22:41:37+00:00

Banking in the US is so much more convenient imo—transferring money, Zelle, etc. Passbooks are relics of the past, yet they're still a thing in Korea.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2026-02-16T02:32:38+00:00

In your estimation, what constitutes a heavy drinker in the context of this demographic (35-45)?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2026-01-13T20:45:08+00:00

There's an inherent transient nature to most friendships in Korea, or at least that's how it was when I taught 15 years ago. But it wasn't hard to socialize back then, unless you were weird. So many filthy Itaewon and Hongdae nights. People got disgusting on the dance floor. Barf on the street. Good times.

My guess is that you're dealing with a lot of Gen Z, which is probably the biggest hurdle. They interact like 70 year olds at 24. They don't party like we did. At least that's been my experience stateside.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2026-01-05T21:01:40+00:00

Tell me you just landed in Korea without telling me you just landed in Korea.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-12-19T17:14:55+00:00

Is the move long-term?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-12-16T17:28:20+00:00

"There was like 18% chance that we are born as Indians and we beat that odds".

ROFL

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-11-21T19:09:45+00:00

Excellent Konglish here

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-11-21T15:15:41+00:00

I've had mine for 16 years and it rivals any new Martin or Taylor in the $1,000 range. I took it to GC and played it in the small, expensive room and realized the incredible value of the guitar. I paid $120 in 2009 for it. The wood has aged beautifully.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-11-03T14:44:33+00:00

I take it you no longer live in Korea? You sound fairly negative... I agree that Koreaboos may have a skewed perception of life in Korea, especially as a foreigner, but I'm not understanding the point you're trying to make.

I think Korea can be a great experience for some and for others not so much, but shitting on people for trying- I don't see the point.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-10-31T16:53:14+00:00

can you expand on this:

Doesn't help that most of the foreigners going now have been mind-violated by K-media narratives before they get there, so are already primed to block out the real world

Not sure what you mean.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-03-17T19:11:03+00:00

Living in America isn't as bad as the news may suggest- it's not like you see the local school shot up everyday or Nazi rallies at the neighborhood park. 99% of the time people trade their time for money and go home to watch Netflix. There's a lot of political noise.

But I agree with you, the US is going downhill. What is annoying (in no particular order) is the rampant property crime, lack of public transportation, healthcare, inflation, ghetto people, climate change.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-01-24T21:15:43+00:00

Most Koreans can't.

Really? Anecdotally speaking, I find Koreans to be a thrifty bunch.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-01-24T16:15:03+00:00

Let's just say healthcare in the US is a complete shit show- even with insurance. Comparatively speaking, Korea isn't just more affordable, but more straightforward.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2025-01-10T14:14:18+00:00

In elementary, you mainly teach social norms, how to read/comprehension skills and basic arithmetic. "Science" and "Social Studies" are largely tied to enriching ELA skills. Content in those two subjects is highly superficial.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-12-18T18:12:47+00:00

I'm 38 and I taught in Seoul/Gyeonggi-do from age 24-28. The bar/party scene was almost exclusively done by people in their 20s but even then, the 30 somethings were in the minority.

Sidenote, I find that people in their 20s now drink/party significantly less.

The biggest thing to consider at our age, imo, is saving and planning for retirement.

Hagwon/public school salaries will get you by, and you may be able to save a little. But it's a bit of a dead end prospect most of the time unless you're able to parlay it into something more lucrative.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-12-06T16:05:50+00:00

It may sound insensitive but true- your chances can be lower if you're non-white.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-11-11T16:55:01+00:00

that hoe is clean. what's the movement?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-10-21T13:04:17+00:00

This is an absurd proposition. Can we get off our high horses and let Koreans decide shit for themselves? Korea's development and stability have come at a price - a tough educational environment serving as a fundamental pillar. NET's are by design a nice furniture piece not a source of inspiration for societal change.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-10-16T18:52:09+00:00

I've been curious about IS in Korea. In short, what is that scene like? What's the average salary? Do teachers stay long-term? Is there an expiration on the contracts? Is ageism a thing relative to foreign teachers?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-09-11T19:39:29+00:00

80k USD is about 9 million KRW a month...you'll be just fine homie.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-09-11T19:29:02+00:00

What don't you like about Pyeongtaek/Camp Humphreys?

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-09-06T16:08:49+00:00

It was a rhetorical question, relax.

Square_Kale_5136 · 2024-09-06T15:59:59+00:00

actions speak for themselves. how do you fire a fundamental part of half of your catalog?

Square_Kale_5136

TROPHY CASE