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What about banking in Korea?
Opening an Account
Opening a bank account in
Korea
is no problem as long as you have a working visa (E-2), passport, and alien
registration card. Most banks will require photocopies of all three of
these documents. We suggest dealing with a major
Korean bank, such as, Korea Exchange Bank(KEB), Citibank, Kookmin Bank(KB),
Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, Gwangju Bank, Nonghyup Bank, etc. These well established banks should have someone who speaks English well enough to help you do the basic banking tasks. Paying bills and sending money home is about the most ESL teachers do here.
- Some banks will offer you an International Banking card instead of a basic 'withdraw-only' card. These international cards can be easily recognized by the Cirrus or Maestro logo. You can use this card as a debit card in most, if not all places in Korea.
Bank Machines
Bank machines are easily found in
Korea, but many of them close around 11pm, so try to remember you cannot take money out late at night.
Depending on your bank's policy, the window when the banks are closed is usually from 11pm~3am.
Bank cards from your home country will work, but only at global ATMs, which are found usually in the 7-11 or convenience stores.
Most major credit cards are accepted in bars, restaurants, movie theaters, etc.
Sending Money Home
Sending money home is easy when you have a Korean bank account. You
can transfer the money from your Korean account to your
over-seas account. You will incur the cost of both banks
fees. Some banks limit you to a maximum of $10,000 per year.
You can also set up an AWP (automatic withdrawal plan) for your convenience.
What is the housing like?
Most teachers will be given an apartment to live in, usually in high-rise complex. The apartments can range from 50 m2 to 80 m2
You will be provided with the basic household
appliances like a refrigerator, TV, VCR, desk, sofa, bed, pillows, a
few pots and pans, chopsticks, cups, glasses, microwave, electric
kettle, rice-cooker and a few extra goodies. (Depending on your
school's budget)
You will only pay apartment maintenance fees
(all residents do), heating, electricity, telephone*, cell phone*,
Internet*, and CableTV*
* Indicates personal subscription to the service.
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What's the dress code at work?
Korean teachers rarely dress down at work. It's not uncommon to see your co-workers in suits all year round.
Korean female teachers are usually trendy (especially the younger ones) and follow all the latest fashions.
However, what we consider business-casual in
the West should be appropriate to work. Jeans are allowed as long as
they are not dirty, ripped or baggy looking.
We recommend you bring along a nice suit to wear for special days and nice shoes and shirt to match!
Don't wear t-shirts, or for women, anything revealing.
Being a teacher here commands a lot of respect, so dress appropriately and people will notice.
* Buying decent clothes here are fairly cheap
if you can fit in them! Most department stores have a discount corner
where decent men's shirts sell for $10~$20.
*If you are big and/or tall, it is
recommended you buy clothes/shoes in your home country as it is very
difficult to find here in Korea.
How's the weather in Korea?
The weather in Korea is like the weather in most parts of North-East Asia. Cold in winter and hot n' humid in Summer.
Korean winters can get down to below freezing in the northern part
of South Korea. It is not rare to see -15°C. However, the weather
doesn't stay that cold for long.
Korean summers are terribly hot and humid. There is a typhoon
season here in July followed by oven-like temperatures thereafter.
*Korea has seen a fair share of typhoon damage, so hold on to your umbrella!
The best time to experience Korea is in the spring and
fall. The weather is pleasant and not humid. Great time for hiking and
other outdoor activities!
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