Honeymoon in Korea!

On August 25, 2016 I excitedly arrived in the Land of Morning Calm at the Incheon International Airport on a Korean Air plane around 2025 KST. It has been a little over a month and my honeymoon phase (referred to by other expats and natives as the period when a new arrival likes/loves all things new) continues. My first night was spent in a quiet and modern Best Western. The next day, I boarded a "limousine" to my new province, Daejeon. (I feel it is important to note that a limo in the States is not remotely similar in Korea. I boarded a bus with fewer seats than Mega Bus. However, they reclined with a foot rest and included a cup holder. Not luxurious in the least, but comfortable for a 2 hour and 20 minute ride to the Government Complex stop.)
Daejeon is nicknamed the Middle City; a great location to get to most major cities in South Korea and does not experience the worst of bad weather. (i.e. devastating dust, snow and rain storms, such as the looming Hurricane Matthew.) It is also a perfect place to live, because the population is approximately 1.5 million people. I have lived in two major cities in the States with a population of approximately four million each; I enjoy the smaller size for numerous reasons. Most people I have encountered in Daejeon have been very kind and polite. I have even met some other local foreigners.
I happily moved here to teach English as a Guest or Native English Teacher through the EPIK Fall 2016 program, under a one year teaching contract. I had to obtain an E2 visa from a SK Embassy in the US to teach here.

When I arrived in my new province I met one of my two co-teachers, a physical education male faculty member, the Head Teacher, and the coordinator of the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education English teacher recruiting program to sign my formal contract and learn about my teaching assignment. I learned that most people do not find out  their placement, before arriving. Thankfully I am only teaching in one school. (A few EPIK teachers I have met travel between 2 schools daily.) I was then driven to my new school where I met the Principal and Vice Principal, along with a few colleagues and students. We all went to dinner for a traditional, tasty meal where we sat on mats in child's pose. I tried my best to remember the cultural norms for eating and receiving items (i.e. two hands to receive all things as a sign of respect). The Soju was poured and we clinked for the toast (my glass lower than my elders, of course). Warm words were spoken to welcome me as the newest edition to the school 학교 (spelled haggyo...pronounced ha'g-go) family. I was taken to HomePlus (my latest addiction) to purchase some musthaves (i.e. toilet paper, water, dishes and food). I then, moved into my one week old villa (5 floors or less apartment building), which is around the corner from the school. YAY!! Many foreign teachers are not so blessed.
Earlier this week someone asked if I missed or needed anything from home. I do not miss anything...yet. Most of what I would buy in the States I can buy here. I was actually surprised at how modernized many things are in SK. After the first 8 days without hot water and nearly a month without home Internet/wifi I am still in love with SK and can see why people stay much longer than a year. The weather has been wonderful and the people extremely helpful. I am so grateful for all my Korean angels who have helped me reach my destinations despite our language barriers.
Currently, I am learning Korean (primarily reading and speaking) in a complimentary night class twice a week, sponsored by the government. It is a good place to connect with other expats and discuss various concerns and experiences, as well as acquire more language and learn more about Korean culture norms and traditions. I have committed a few things to memory including how to ask for things, ask "where" and say "here."
Thus far, I have traveled to Seoul (Incheon, Itaewon, Gangnam, and Hongdae which are popular tourist sections in Seoul), Jeju (primarily in Seogwipo), and Busan. I have used nearly every mode of transportation there is thus far: plane, local bus, long distance bus or "limousine", "slow train", "slow bus", KTX, taxi, ferry, yacht and subway. I have yet to get on a Korean cruise ship or use the bike-share program...but I will.  #korealivinggoals
In the next 11 months I plan to travel to several other parts of Asia. Traveling through SK is very affordable and inexpensive: transportation, lodging and food. It is amazing how much HEALTHY food one can buy for 6,000 KRW (less than $5 USD). Last weekend I stayed in two Jjimjilbangs in Haeundae, Busan that were less than $14 USD for the night. I will post about my experience soon, with a few pics.
If you are thinking of relocating or traveling to SK DO IT!!