KMK: Reader Email 4

My family is really concerned about the big move to Korea. I hadn’t even thought twice about it before, but now there constant worrying has started to rub off. Is it as safe as I think it will be?

Deb

Deb, have no fear! Tell your family that we don’t all walk around in hazard suits or live in lead lined bunkers in case of nuclear attack. Sure, North Korea is an extreme wacko land run by megolomanica, but its not as bad as they think for us in South Korea. Like my friend Alex says, “Think of Kim Jung Il as the crazy uncle that lives in your attic. Sure, he screams out the window from time to time at the kids walking by outside, but you know that he’s harmless.”

In none nuclear related news, I personally feel safe walking the streets of Seoul. There has been an instance when I was on guard when a homeless person wigged out, but other than that episode not a beep on the radar. However, there have been instances known to have happened to other foreigners in Korea. Check here:

Metropolitician

My Reaction: No Justice, No Piece of mind

Gypsy Scholar

Rider Beware

Still, I don’t know what it’s like to be female in this country so if anyone out there has any experience to add please comment away and fill us in.

I leave for Korea in a week! My car is sold. My apartment is gone. I’m packed with a ticket in hand. But I’m starting to get this sinking feeling about leaving all my friends, family, and life behind. I’m going to be the only foreigner at my school. It’s not a big town. I don’t want to end up a hermit. Any thoughts?

Marie T.

Too late for cold feet now! Be bold, stare the fear in the face and don’t blink! Maybe that’s what you do when confronting a rabid dog, I’m not sure. In any case there are resources out there to meet and mingle with other expats. Check out the social network sites like Dave’s. You can also check out the classified section of Magazines like the Groove, no not for the personals, unless that’s something you’re keen to do, but I’m referring to all the clubs and groups that advertise there!

Its a great way to meet like minded folk and do something that you’re into besides chug all night a the local bar. And speaking of local bars that’s a great way to meet other expats if your the only English teacher at your school. Unless you are truly in a small village in a far off remote mountain then chances are that there will be other expats in your town. Hunt them down!

I just found out my boss isn’t paying pension and we don’t have health insurance. He kept putting it off saying soon, but soon has never come. Nobody is happy but no one wants to say or do anything to rock the boat. Any advice?

Sarah

Well, if you want to get what’s legally obligated to you then the boat must start rocking. You have a couple of options. You can approach your boss and innocently ask about your pension and medical sense you heard about other teachers at other schools receiving this and want to know how you get the ball rolling. Another tact would be to simply discreetly call the pension office to check your balance and wow, how surprised you are that you’re not listed in the registry! That should put things on the right course. You could also ask a previous employee who may still be in the country to broach the subject with Pension. As long as two years haven’t passed since the end of their contract date then they can claim what is owed to them. After that, the pension big wigs should be strong arming your boss to list all his present employees as well.

As far as medical goes I would tackle that first. Anything can happen at any time and you need to be covered to protect yourself.

Does anyone out there have any pension, tax, or medical insurance horror stories? Share them! What did you do? Inquiring minds want to know!