General questions about living in KOREA

I've only been here for two months, so I'm no expert in these sorts of things, but here is what I've noticed so far.

Cost of living, with a few exceptions, is generally lower. So far, I've spent no higher than 200k to 250k Won (around 200-250 US dollars). Electricity is fairly cheap. Taxis and bus fares are remarkably inexpensive (not to mention much more efficient than in the US!). Dining out doesn't burn a hole in your wallet; most restaurants are fairly inexpensive. However, meat (particularly Korean beef) can be really expensive. I don't know about other parts of the country, but Namhae (where I'm at) doesn't import any cheap Chinese or American beef. Pork is a bit cheaper, however. A lot of the Bulgogi you have here is mostly pork bulgogi. If you like cheese, cheese is fairly expensive as well. If you drink soda, it can be somewhat more pricier than in the US, but it's not a whole lot more expensive. If you like to bake, you'll have little chance of that here; most Koreans don't have ovens and I actually couldn't find a decent, simple toaster oven in Namhae. Also, there aren't any dryers here; you have to hang your clothes on the line, but it makes perfect economical sense when you think about it.

Some of the foreign food (especially Chinese food) is so localized that it simply tastes like another version of Korean food; not that it's a bad thing, of course. One thing I haven't been able to find in Namhae is deodorant so I usually shower more often. Internet service is very good and there are "PC-bangs" (computer places) in most towns.

I've heard stories about locals having a bit of hostility towards foreigners (both Westerners and Asians; I've heard that some locals don't particularly like Southeast Asian and Chinese guest workers), but so far, I haven't experienced any of that in Namhae. Many people in town think I'm from China, but they still are generally friendly with me. Korean culture is a group culture. If you're outside the loop, you're outside the loop. However, if you manage to get into the group (of course it might take some time as you can't play the part of the silly boorish American and simply barge your way in!), people can be extremely hospitable. If you make friends here, they'll often press you to drink some beer or soju. Korea has a bit of a drinking culture. Consistently refusing offers of food or drink seems to be considered being a bit rude among people here, but people will understand if you decline offers of alcohol if it is against your religion. I let my Korean co-workers know beforehand that alcohol is verbotten for me so they understand when I decline.

like O i've only been here 2 months, but here's my list.

deoderant - something that people say is not available in korea - totally is, if you're willing to pay 3-4 times what you'd pay in NA - so bring enough to last you.

name brand products that you can't live without. i brought a ton of advil liqui gels with me, i haven't actually looked around to see if they have them here or not, since i have so much, but it's really the little things like that that sometimes can make a difference. i also brought hand cream, face cream, and other toiletries that i know i can't live without - the basics like toothpaste are readily available and not any more expensive.

most things are available - even north american brands, but lots of the time it takes a lot of searching - this applies of course, only if you're in a big enough city that has a homeplus or similar "foreign" type store. i'm lucky enough that i do, and can find most of my creature comforts there. cheese is really expensive, really, anything western tends to be a little pricier.

the one thing that i miss more than anything else is a decent sized bath towel. i had to leave my bathrobe in canada (luggage limits) and want to cry every time i think about it. i have found one that i plan on buying with my next pay check but it's taken me two months to find it. though it is cheaper than one in canada. but seriously, especially if you aren't the size of a five year old, you should bring towel (just like they say in the Hitch hiker's guide to the galaxy - every traveller needs a towel). seriously.

english books - if you like to read. you CAN find them but they're usually paperback trashy novels - not that there's anything wrong with that - but they are not readily available - i have to travel about 2 hours into busan to get to a bookstore that has a very small english section.

if there's anything specific you'd like to know about let me know in a private message and i'll check it out for you.

lizm :)