Be You, Stay True: 10 Tips on How to Survive in Korea!

For those who truly know me, know I love adventure! But you never know how you will respond to new beginnings. We left everything we knew and went across the world to the unknown with two small children. No one to help us, no one to rely on, just us! How were my kids going to adjust, was I going to find friends, or do well with the language barrier? It was almost exciting answering those questions but nerve-wrecking at the same time.

I think a lot of it goes into how you view a situation. Some are nervous and don't want to leave the house. Others are ready for anything to be thrown at them. I have so much respect for military families since they move and start over pretty much every 2 years. It is truly inspiring and gave me a ton of hope that I wasn't alone and that I could really do it! I can succeed in another country! Just stay positive and have fun! It could potentially be an endless vacation. :)

Here is what I learned over the last 6 months:

1. Social Media

Everything you need is seriously online. There are so many Facebook groups and companies that are ready to make the transition an easy one. Join them, meet other moms, ask questions, anything! Everyone really wants to help with the knowledge they have and it's a wonderful feeling to have such a community. I know some people can't stand social media, but if you use it correctly it can be such an important aspect for you and your family. You can follow the Garrison's pages & get the online version of the informational magazine (ours is Features) to know what is going on each month! It was such a lifesaver for us.

2. Newcomers' & Spouses Orientation

The government really provides you with how to be successful. I went to these classes and they teach you the rules of the country, tips of whats available on post, recommendations, and everyone somewhat helps each other with their own experiences. It was great and I met a ton of people who were new like me. They provided me with books to help transition, important phone numbers, and where to go to make this place home.

3. ACS Lending Closet & Apple Tree Gift & Thrift Shop

Since I am new to the military lifestyle, I had no idea that you could rent household items for 30+ days while you wait for your items to come in. All of our household goods didn't arrive for over 3 months, so we were able to rent out dishes, cups, silverware, cribs, crockpots, you name it! If you need it longer, you just request it. It was great! Then I found out that every post has a thrift shop. I found out slightly later than I wanted (after I spent hundreds of dollars on things that were coming in my large shipment) but better late than never. Everyone has to make weight when they leave so there is some amazing items at such great prices!

4. Join Organizations

Depending on what you need, there is always something available. I joined the Hiking Club, Mom Groups, Spouses Club, International Women's Association, PWOC, etc. They have events going on all the time that I was more busy than I had been when I had a job. We have done cooking classes, art classes, gone on field trips, monthly luncheons, & game nights. If you want to meet people, you definitely can. It's so much fun especially when you hang out with the locals!

Making Green Onion Korean Pancakes

Hiking in Apsan!

One of my wonderful Mom Groups!

5. Be Patient & Volunteer

It is very hard to find a job and sometimes it takes a while for everything to process. In the meantime, you should definitely volunteer. It's a great way to get a job and/or keep your resume going in the meantime. It helps you learn about the new duty station and meet a ton of people. ACS also provides a yearly event to honor volunteers. You get a presidential award for over 500 hours! Sports programs need coaches all the time. I love helping with the high school cheer team! Keep searching on USA Jobs or start your packet early for substitute teaching. Go to the Career Fair as well to learn about what is available in your area.

6. Explore

I was so glad my husband is like I am and down to explore everything! I went and got brochures, looked at the USAG Features magazine to see what was around us. Since we didn't have a car at the beginning, we just walked everywhere. We had someone show us how to use the subway and get the subway card to make it easy so then we could explore even more. Taxis are extremely cheap too so you can go anywhere at a decent price. But when you explore and learn the area, it feels more like home. Don't be scared - just get out and have fun! If you have questions, someone will always help you to feel comfortable in your new place.

7. Be respectful & Learn the Culture

Remember, you are in someone else's country and some things might not make sense to you. Don't say - it's weird or crazy that they do this or that. Just accept it. Do research before you go. Learn about their customs, their traditions, what you can do to adapt better. There are a ton of classes offered to learn their language, which is awesome. Food is different so don't be scared to try it. Try everything at least once right? Learn enough to be respectful - Hello & Thank you. Don't get frustrated with the barriers, just figure out a way to get through them. We live in the most conservative city in Korea. Showing shoulders is one of the things that you won't see from Koreans like ever - but me, I wear tank tops when it's hot outside. They love babies! They will just come up and talk and touch your kids - just have to be cool with it. Once you accept everything, your experience will be that much more wonderful!

Foreign Exchange Students in Korean Class

K-Pop Dance Class

Bought my 1st Korean Suv

Oriental Medicine Alley

Owner of our favorite Wedding Cafe

Hanboks are the traditional dress

They just love babies!

Skincare is extremely important in Korea!

Korean food is amazing!

8. Make sure you have the right apps!

So there is a privacy clause here so google maps does not work here. That was probably the hardest thing for me because google maps was my life! Waze is not that great either. It made me go down streets that are one way or not available for cars and it doesn't work walking.

Here are the apps I recommend:
- Naver Maps (Great Maps app & it works well with the subway/bus directions too)
- Kakao Talk (Everyone is on it for messaging. It sends videos great and has funny kakao characters.)
- Papago (Best app for translating)
- Kakao Taxi (Once you figure out how to find addresses in Korean, which your realtor can help with your home address - then this app works somewhat like Uber. You have to talk to them, but it is not bad & then they tell you their cab # and it tracks your location for pick up.)
- Talkatone (Gives you a phone # so people can call/text you in the states and is FREE)

9. Shopping

Here in Korea, people are pretty small and have tiny feet. If you are a guy who wears a size 12 shoe or a girl who wears a size 9, you probably won't find too many options. Learn to ask for more sizes in the back. They usually have one for display and more stored away - good to know now! They also do a lot of FREE Size. Again, it won't fit all Americans but it works for some. With all that being said, you need to know how to shop online. Amazon is key! Prime takes 2 weeks or less, but is awesome and saves you so much money. Walmart works but could take longer in some cases. I have ordered from Jane.com & Gameday Couture & ViciDolls just fine. I use paypal just in case something happens, they will refund my money back. But remember, some things are cheaper on Post and some things are cheaper on the economy. You just need to go find out! We have a Costco here which is nice, but not always cheaper as I am finding out.

My Size shoe - size 8 is 250mm.

Love their translations!

Don't get makeup on their clothes. Put this on! :)

One word shirts are extremely popular!

Outdoor markets for shopping!

10. Travel

Depending on what region you are in, you can travel to new places cheaper and faster! I love that we can go to Tokyo in 2.5 hours and around $200! There is even a city that is only a 45 minute flight for a quick weekend trip. Everyone here goes to China, Japan, Thailand, Guam, Philippines, & Taiwan. It's so easy, so inexpensive, and the flights are shorter. Best part - NO JET LAG! Worth it!! Korea also has a ton to do as well. From Skiing to the beach, every season has beauty that you want to take advantage of. If you don't have a car, it's okay too. A lot of the day or weekend trips offer buses to get there and bring you back. It's wonderful! Have fun wherever you are! Life is an Adventure worth living to MAX!