Moving to Korea, Can Anyone Tell Me What It Is Like?

Haven't been to Korea but I thought I would share some advice from my son who is spending a year abroad, studying in Japan. He said that he is often asked what he misses while there. He chooses to focus on what he HAS while he is there. He said he didn't go to Japan to experience what he had in the U.S. As a result he is enjoying his time immensely. He is enjoying new foods he never thought he would and he is trying to keep a blog on all of his adventures. He also loves to tell me about the funny things. The amazing thing is that he has never been an adventurous child so I am blown away at his maturity. He says it's because we moved so much and he had to learn to accept what reality was.

I would suggest you start a blog that all of you, even your kids, can add to. Add lots of photos as your friends and family will be so curious about what you are experiencing. And keep everything positive with your kids. Keep reminding them of the adventures you will get to experience and the surprises since none of you have been there. Tell them you will be keeping a blog of all of the adventures and surprises and that you will let them take pictures and write about the fun adventures. Don't let them ever hear about your fears. And if they mention that they have fears, tell them it is okay but you will all be there together and you will make an adventure of it. If they miss things while they are there, just keep reminding them of what they do have and what they get to experience that none of their friends get to have. And remind yourself not to dwell on what you won't have. Your kids will get to learn how to adjust to change and especially how to enjoy it! Have fun!

I've been to Korea. We were actually stationed in Okinawa. My husband had to go to Korea for trips. I went one time with him. I was in my first trimester of my first pregnancy when I was there. The smells were strong and very different from what we are used to. I couldn't bear it at lunch time. Kimchee everywhere. We were at Osan, so that is my only experience. If you will be elsewhere, then things might be a little different. The roads are crazy, the drivers are very scary. Even my fighter pilot husband was nervous in the taxis. LOL We have had friends who lived there with their small children. They seemed to do okay. It was better than being separated. It is dirty. But, the shopping is plentiful, if you want "not quite right" knock offs of designer brands. However, I did have a custom made cashmere coat made for me, and it is still in good shape 19 years later. My husband had custom made shirts, suits, etc. made. Very affordable and good quality if you go to the right shop. Will you be sponsored or going non-sponsored? If sponsored, I assume they will have base housing for you. If it were me, that is what I would choose. We found in Okinawa that living on base was the best of both worlds. We got to have our conveniences and comfort at home, but could venture out when we were ready and wanted to do so. There will be other families there, so you should be fine with those things. You might consider homeschooling your kids, but if you are command sponsored, you will be able to use the DoDDS schools. Enjoy! See it as an adventure! You can do anything for that short time!

My friend taught over there for about six years. She enjoyed it and she had two school aged daughters. There was much sight seeing to do and she loved the shopping and bargains. Her housing was provided by the military and from the pictures she sent me it was nice! She also took a lot of trips through ITR wihich is a great way to see other areas while you are overseas. This will be a great learning experience for your children. I enjoyed visiting place when I was stationed in Germany with my now ex. Just enjoy the experience. The weather can get cold, but they have these gorgeous blankets that are very thick. You could load up on those and well as great furniture. I hpe this helps.

I lived there when I was a kid (DoD family.) It will be very different, but base life is very American. We always lived off base, since we weren't military, but we went to DoDD schools. Off base was always an adventure, especially the crazy markets.

The military will pretty much take care of everything you need in terms of your family: schools, the PX, housing, activities for kids. I was in the Girl Scouts while in Korea!

After an initial adjustment period (yes, you will even need to get used to the smells), I hope your family ends up enjoying it as much as we did. It's not forever and your kids will love bragging that they spent part of their childhood in Korea.

Shopping is supposed to be amazing, our pilot friends used to go there and rave about the shopping. That's about all I know, even though my little bro is a Koren adoptee.

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/general.cfm

http://www.koreaaward.com/kor/