Why English teachers become bitter in Korea

[@ESLinsider]

The grass is always greener on the other side. I know that, lol. I have lived in 7 US states and I have taught English in China, Korea and Taiwan. Like anywhere else Korea is different and after the initial excitement wears off your life there will be normal probably kinda like it is now. So I guess despite the difficulties it's best to try to make your own grass green.

[@TheTube1868]

Ian Leahy m

[@JetskiDex]

@@TheTube1868 "Its best to make your own life green". Those are words to live by

[@emmastillman9823]

This phenomenon always fascinated me once I got to know English teachers in Seoul and I think you make a good point. It's like people are disappointed in Korea for not being the "exotic" place they imagined it was when they first got there. Or for not making them as happy as they imagined they'd be. Without realizing that no place is exotic once you get used to it and relocating to a new place will not automatically make you happy. The other part of it are these different theories about korean society turning into "truths" within this tiny, mainly non korean speaking bubble. But people never step outside the bubble and see for themselves, they've moved to a different country but they still want to stay within their comfort zone, blaming Korea for their unhappiness.

[@margoac9476]

Great point! This goes towards ANYWHERE you live and travel to! Even Europe and America can become stale if you stay in the same groove all the time!

[@KBowWow75]

There is a general sense of unhappiness by Koreans in Korea too.

[@nukewise1443]

@@KBowWow75 Because societies are not perfect. Korea has a ton of problems. I'm not saying one thing's better than the other, but Korea has issues mate. It is easier to think of your home country as problematic and consider a foreign country a paradise, if you have little information to go on. Then, I can imagine their disappointment when they realize there's bad things going on in their now "home" too.

[@marlak4203]

@@margoac9476 Its about NOT running away from your issues too. A lot of people have unresolved matters back home but they don't face them and think going somewhere so far away and different will help them feel better and those issues won't matter. Well as they soon realize yes it does matter. It is still there.

[@marlak4203]

@@nukewise1443 Yes and esp if you run over there with the stars blurring your eyes thinking people over there are like Kpoppers and K-drama's all the time when life isn't like that. People also have misconceptions on Asian people period and then they get there and get to understand why some Asian people left those countries.

[@travelwithjesse6790]

Korea has been a great experience for me, but I've fully immersed myself in it where possible. I do martial arts here in my free time and it's helped me form great friendships with Koreans, who have helped me learn about Korea and feel involved. I don't feel like too much of an outsider and many have helped me learn the language. I think the big problem is when people come to another country and don't get involved with the community they are in. If teachers stick only with other English teachers, for example, they are really missing out.

[@marlak4203]

That's it. You have to initiate some things with others. And it is good they initiate with you too since you are a "guest" but maybe the culture isn't really like that.

[@tiffanymcdonald7195]

Here's a good way to fix that: Learn the Korean language then explore Korea! Make friends, travel the country, try new foods

[@Pearlebaby]

tiffany mcdonald I was thinking the same thing.

[@rinas1931]

You dont actually need to learn korean to explore Korea tho :D

[@Your.FilmSchool]

But you are douchebag if you don't do, living in Korea.@@rinas1931

[@crstnvn]

@@rinas1931 I'm studying Korean and it's really a beautiful language.. I became a lot more interested in Korea and its culture.. I think that if you study a language and then go where it's spoken ( or study it there) it's aaaall a different thing, you understand a lot more about their culture and learn more easily💕

[@memyself-nd-i]

i lived in Korea for a year, stationed there in the Army. I had no trouble traveling anywhere, few problems because most people know some English on some level. I learned a respect and appreciation for the Korean people North and South.

[@xnij250]

I've watched a lot of English teachers in SK videos, and I would definitely say that many of these "teachers" aren't really passionate about teaching or still have no clear direction of what they wanted to do. So some of them decided to travel. Yes, many of them used "teaching" as an excuse to "explore" what life has to offer outside of their comfort zone. So when novelty runs out and reality kicks in, their "passion" wears off as well because they were not really clear about their goal. Not saying it's wrong, because everyone at some point in our lives want to try something new. But people need to think hard about whether they really want to teach or they just want to go to Korea? The motivations are different. They need to be honest with their real intentions.

[@nukewise1443]

I think if they are not honest with themselves, they will end up being jaded or disappointed. They will likely try to solve it with the wrong means. I agree it is better to accept you don't really care about teaching, and proceed to just use teaching as a means of traveling. This way, you are knowledgable about your motivations and when the newness has worn off, you just know it is time to go :) And then you go! ㅋㅋㅋ

[@marlak4203]

Very good point. That is exactly true. I notice that with these teachers too. They just go over there to mingle in the party life over there or something. Just...i wonder why are they over there? Is teaching in SK going to help their teaching jobs in America? But then again most of them aren't doing teaching back home tho so what was the purpose of going over there?

[@rachelhawkins2084]

This is my stop!

[@xanderthomson6960]

Surely this is something that will happen wherever you go in the world, not just South Korea? I mean, even a US citizen moving from one state to another may experience the same thing...

[@JosephLedbetter]

I was thinking this exact same thing while watching the video, while considering my own thoughts and actions here after I moved about 500 miles away from Opelika, Alabama to Cincinnati, Ohio.

[@Karilus75]

your logic sounds correct, but only after living in Korea you will understand how "different" it is to put it lightly.... I learned my lesson, I will return to Japan, but not Korea...

[@lofiguy8136]

Nailed it! imagine yourself moving from California to New York! I don't need to explain the difference from each states is like night and day. The people, transportation, cost of living heck New Yorkers even talk different.

[@lofiguy8136]

Karilus75 sorry, Korea wasn't what you expected or how you pictured it SHOULD be through your own lens, but as you put it, "different"! Wasn't it that very reason why we all mainly sign up to experience the high/low changes in our somewhat partially same old boring life routine. Well, I think in anywhere you go you'll come across same problem and how you deal with head foward deal with it or escape from it. That is your choice by making the best of what you already have. Be humble my friend! At least your fortunate enough to get the opportunity to experience something different. Many people due to various reasons don't have that chance!

[@--pussypatroll--]

WRONG. I've lived and worked in over 60 countries. NOTHING compares the shithole we call South Korea.

[@ezewong290]

I taught in Korea for 5 years. This is exactly what happened. The familarity settles in.... jadedness really comes in. You start to see "problems" and "issues" that you never saw before. No longer are you glossy eyed and in love. This happened at the very last year I was in Korea. I wish it didn't happen. I still love Korea with all my heart.

[@disappearintothesea]

This happens everywhere all the time when the new and exciting becomes the ordinary and humdrum. The novelty can run out in any country...

[@pagefault404]

I fell down a KZbin rabbit hole and ended up here. So while I am here, I will share some anecdotal information relevant to the topic of this video. I was in Korea with the US Military in Yongsan-gu for about nine months. After being there for two weeks, I noticed, like the video explained, that everyone fell into this sort of rut where they mostly stayed on post because everything was in English and only left post to get drunk or do stupid stuff off post. I was intimidated by the country at first, as I had never left the states before. After talking with many of the KATUSAs (Korean Augmentees To the United States Army) I just kind of took a deep breath and left post on my own. At first, I stayed around the base. Visited many of the places the other soldiers said to go to. It was very much familiar to some extent, but after leaving post on my own I wanted more. I began taking the subways on my own and really getting out into the city, alone, to kind of soak up everything and process it on my own. I met some English teachers at an E-Mart (Like a Korean Walmart) buying all of the Hi-chews I could afford and we went around a bit. I think the most profound experiences I had was with another soldier who was dating a Japanese businesswoman who lived in Japan. She taught us things about the area that we would never have found on our own. Like where a lot of the niche markets are, how to use the bus (Because while I was there, the subway was multilingual, however, the bus was NOT foreigner-friendly) While we were out, we saw a Korean wedding ceremony being reenacted, and we also discovered a building that was five floors of nothing but musical instruments and stuff for sale. I and my friend eventually left post so often that we were able to walk back from said musical instrument retail building to post without using the bus or subway. I also made friends with a lot of the KATUSAs. They told me I learned more Korean in thirty days than anyone else would bother to learn in their entire time in Korea. Most soldiers who have been to Korea are like you explained, Jaded. Bitter. Have nothing good to say about their time in Korea. I felt like it was a second home and to this day, ten years after I was there, I still yearn to go back. If you take the time to immerse yourself in the culture and really try to soak up everything from your experiences in another country, you can call anywhere home.

[@01792601]

Literally feeling this at the moment. My first year had the "Kid in the candy shop" feeling, second year, tried to get more settled without engaging which now leads to the start of my third year and wondering if home is where it's at. I definitely failed to actually involve myself whilst assuming I knew the basics about living here. This is very encouraging for me to get myself out there and really/honestly be aware of my surroundings. Thanks for sharing

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Hey thanks for sharing a bit about your story, Syreolli :D You know i'm talking about English teachers in Korea, but I think the risk of falling into habit is the same anywhere we are. I hope you find a way to see things anew! :D

[@01792601]

DavidWoodworth Thanks David. I'm am a English Teacher in Seoul, hence feeling the "connection" haha

[@swee2251]

From what I've seen, it takes more than a year to adjust if it's the first time living in a different county. Many expatriates in Korea leave within a year because of their working holidays. That's usually around the time when they want to return to their homes the most. I wish they could stay longer to experience what they missed out.

[@ericmcquisten]

So in other words..... they are excited by lots of things being "new".... but then then the "novelty" of the newness wears off, and they allow themselves to get stuck in a shallow-rut. The same thing can happen in a marriage relationship, or any type of relationship.... remain humble, remain hungry, and learn to time-block your free time to move yourself forward towards all of your goals (whatever they may be).

[@maridancekpop9557]

Eric McQuisten very true words.. We need to be more humble and consider the little things that life brings to us.

[@befitrain]

Well said

[@박민재-y1f]

i'm actually kind of worried after watching this video.. I've always wanted to go to South Korea and last sem, I actually got a scholarship grant to "study and teach" in Korea for 4 years! The thing is, I've always thought that I would NEVER get tired of being in Korea and that everyday would still be like a dream considering the fact that Korea is my dream country. But then I realized that I might just fall into a trap. That one day I will become familiar with everything around me and will be tired of it. I basically sacrificed everything. From seeing my family every time I wake up to finishing my major in uni. But the thing is, this has been my dreams for years and I feel like eventually, my passion and determination will overcome my doubts and regrets in life. Well, hopefully... Thanks for this video man!!!! Made me realize a lot of things.

[@msnurse911]

If it's your dream then go for it. Even if you have doubts. Maybe it won't be everything you thought it would be. But what if it is and you don't go? I know people who have gone to Korea with the intentions of just staying a year or two and ended up staying for a looonnnggg time. Others plan on staying longer but cut it short due to various reasons. One thing I find really useful for not getting bored or stuck in the same routines is to constantly research new areas to explore, events to go to, places to travel, etc. Try to do something new once a week or at least a couple times a month.

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks for watching and glad it helped with what you're facing. I wouldn't let the thought of falling into a trap stop you. Where ever you go, there's the chance that you'll fall into stifling routine, and boring habit. I think the challenge is to always find ways to renew your life and passion. I'm trying to figure this out all the time. This video is directed at English teachers in Korea, but that's just because its relevant to me and what I know. But, I think the underlying message - that we have to renew ourselves and not become chained to habit and familiarity - applies to us wherever we are.

[@veronicagarcia3801]

박민재 this is from the princess diaries😂 but I like what it said. "it is true the brave do not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all" basically, just do it. if you regret it (which you want even know until you go) than at least you don't live with the what if question

[@ashnburt11]

박민재 where did you receive the scholarship from?

[@mrbushido1640]

박민재 youre just overwhelmed. be matured and know what you really want to do. overthinking will kill you.

[@tangiers365]

fantastic video mate. everyone has something to learn from it. keep up the great content david!

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks for the continual support tomas! I appreciate it:D

[@davidflemming8565]

Very interesting indeed! It's my fourth year out here now and I agree it's very easy to fall into that trap...

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Yeah! Thanks for the support David. I hope you don't fall into habit for long!

[@eungikim68kimeungi67]

I think some foreign English teachers become bitter due to the fact that there is lack of opportunities in Korean society. The major issue is that other than teaching English, there is not much foreign English teachers to advance their career. There salary is more or less fixed. Also, some realize that they need to keep a job in Korea in order to keep their visa status etc. It is a definitely disadvantage for foreigner who try to settle in South Korea. It is difficult to become permanent resident in Korea and become financially stable to do something else. In general, foreign English teachers face this major issue and become bitter like most Korean people who are not financially well-off.

[@johnr9763]

For the last 10 years or so English teacher's salaries have been declining in real terms. Only recently have I seen any increase. I left Korea in 2018, and I didn't really feel bitter about anything, except the price of fresh fruit and certain other foods. I avoided bitterness by making friends, socialising, going to the gym, and other stuff. In fact, I had a good time there, and I really miss Korea. What makes me bitter, sometimes, is that it's actually expensive and time-consuming to get the documents for a teaching visa, but hagwons don't want experienced teachers. They really value extreme looks, youth, and being American.

[@mattmeade983]

You could replace the word Korea with Japan in all of these comments...it's exactly the same over there for foreigners...

[@marlak4203]

@@mattmeade983 But there are NO other jobs that a person can have already here in American that they can then transfer to over in those countries? I mean is teaching just an easy way for folks that want to get to Asian countries to get in or something? Engineers, Dr's, chef's, etc people cannot get over to those countries? Like, transfer over there? Or teaching is the "only" way or the easiest?

[@mattmeade983]

@@marlak4203 the only other popular job that i can see would be something like computer programming .those kind of jobs are available for foreigners here in Japan... The salary is much higher than that of english teachers... To be able to teach in one of these asian countries you just need a suit and to be able to speak basic english... Having a teaching degree and working in one of the standard conversation schools ...you would be way overqualified for what is required of you...

[@marlak4203]

@@mattmeade983 wow so ok it is a little simple easy nothing to get into job. Alright then, thank you. No wonder folks have such complaints. So they must be using it just to get into the country and be there for whatever other reason. And thank you for the other job. I knew there was one but it seems no one is talking about that. Infact let me go see how if there are a lot of videos of people over in Asia for jobs like that.

[@enlig3596]

this is a really interesting and thought-provoking video. psychologically and visually intertwined to create a rather outstanding thing to watch. i am craving a long awaited move to korea and this video inspired me more because I am currently learning the language. i agree with your point and I think that people want to get " a high" off of traveling or moving somewhere and then move on to the next place that gives them that feeling again until they run out of places and return home but those people are searching for purpose through a location and not through meaningful relationships with the citizens. thanks for this!

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Hey! I appreciate the comment ^^ see you in Korea :)

[@laprofemiss1]

I've never heard someone sum up this sensation so well! I think that this kind of feeling is universal for expats everywhere. I love the suggestions you gave to overcome those feelings of being jaded and in a bubble, because they can become really damaging. And the worst part about it is that people will start to blame their frustrations on the country when really, deep down, they're frustrated that they've gone on auto-pilot again, but they feel more limited by culture and language than in their home countries. Even now, living in Colombia, I feel an overwhelming desire to explore and see new places despite the fact that I'm really quite content with my life. It's definitely human nature to constantly seek out new stimuli. I've been trying to become more of a tourist in my own city just to get out of my comfort zone and experience new things and so far it's helped quite a bit.

[@LexBeHappy]

This is one of the best Korea vids I have saw! Very true and motivational! Btw: I don't know why people move to Korea and don't learn the language... I hit the books everyday so I can communicate on my own and not feel handicap lol

[@kimberlykweder2840]

Thanks for publishing, good to reflect, especially for those who have a travel bug! Not knowing the local language can really become a handicap. I lived in Lithuania a long time ago, as an English reporter, and after 6 months, I was totally burned out. I was sad to leave this beautiful country. The passion for exploring lives on. For the past few years, I've made it a goal to study French and to hopefully "broaden the horizon" with a dual language for career opportunities. Just have to go about it strategically and try to make sense of the journey. Life's a journey not a destination.

[@HikariSatou]

I think you bring up a really intriguing argument. I only spent a little over a semester in Korea as an exchange student, so it's not exactly the same as working as a teacher, but I can definitely sympathize with the people wanting to break out of their day-to-day by going to Korea just to fall into another monotonous routine a while later. That's life though...you have to reach out of your comfort zone no matter where you end up or you grow jaded almost anywhere.

[@caroleastmond9064]

Very good point, good video.

[@lerenah]

Wow! You nailed it! I love your deep and thoughtful insight. it's spot on! The moment I started doing more outside of just teaching English in Korea, I really started to appreciate the experience a lot more.

[@CellarDoor34]

Thank you for this video! I am seriously considering working in Korea and while people I know have given me positive feedback, a lot of KZbin channels have been so negative, complaining about everything and how they had never lived alone before moving to another country (even I could tell them that was a poor choice) You put everything into perspective and I really appreciate how candid you were and insightful. Thank you!

[@viewfindervlog]

Excellent little video. Well shot and edited. Message was strong and clear.

[@StevenEveral]

Great video. I find that the people who moved here and stay here for several years are the ones who actually love Korea. The people who come here for a year or two and leave are usually the people who moved here because they were getting away from something back home.

[@FourDirtyFeet]

Wow, you nailed it with this one! We can totally relate to this. We've been in Korea 2 and 3 years now and we are definitely feeling stuck in a "routine" and becoming jaded. Becoming more engaged with the things around you is such great advice

[@Raeleen]

Fantastic video! I completely understand, completely completely after my first two months in Korea. I am aware that I know nothing and truly want to learn more everyday... some people dont feel that way. This is a great eye opener and reminder for many expats

[@genegroover3893]

Excellent, You hit the nail on the head. Learning the language is a must to stay engaged while living in a foreign country. Very well done.

[@heysam9047]

Wow, this was eye opening. I honestly fear not being adventurous and being stuck in the same patterns all my life. I don't think it's bad to have patterns though because stabilization is important but you bought up a good point that most of us that travel there or anywhere for an extended amount of time is really trying to escape reality. But your last words hit me the most. Instead of getting comfortable or staying familiar with things, engaging in our reality is really a good way to overcome that unhappiness. I'm only a senior in college right now but I had my heart set on teaching in South Korea, China, or Japan. But your video really made think about all the reasons I want to do this for and what would happen if I allowed myself to get comfortable and lose that passion I have for it. But you were right in the sense I think language is a huge motivation because it's what engages you and breaks that pattern of familiarity in a foriegn country. Thanks for speaking on this!

[@normavega-hernandez7276]

This is so true... I really need to pick up more of the language

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks for watching and for the word of support! Hope you well on learning Korean^^

[@shinulee265]

WOW this is really good video. great observation, great explanation and thoughtful contents. Thx for the video!!

[@tarsonis]

Such a true video! I think the language barrier is definitely the toughest part of living in any foreign country and definitely the biggest cause of the "bubble" problem you talk about. The feeling of isolation is very depressing.

[@N.Cherise]

Lol I was watching this and was like hey.. where do I know you from? Then I suddenly remembered I went to one of your language exchange evenings in Hongdae and had pizza with everyone haha. Small world.

[@Berrysweetandrea]

I love your editing style!! It's so aesthetically pleasing

[@HandyEh]

A great description of the process (of moving to a new culture) David, and wise words about how to overcome the bitter / jaded experience. Well done.

[@jackb7117]

David, you made some very interesting points. I'm moving to Korea in the next few months and I'll be starting an English teaching position. I've worked in the same minimum wage job for the last 5 years and so teaching in a foreign land will definitely be a fun, exciting and challenging experience. My extra motivation is that my girlfriend who I've been with for the last 2 years is Korean and we'll be living together in her hometown. I feel that many people can be jaded in any job they do and in any place or city they live in. Dealing with the repetitiveness and monotony of life can be challenging of course, and immersing yourself in the language and culture I think is the best way of getting the most out of an experience such as this. Everyone has their own bubble of understanding, I actually real like that term, and it's up to the individual to expand it if desired and be creative with the opportunities we have in front of us. People are scared of change and usually comfortable with that familiarity you talked about, I see it as a bit of a paradox given that we're comfortable with a certain lifestyle but we want more but are too scared to go out and get it and simultaneously that comfortable life can breed contempt or laziness that we aren't living the best possible life. Excellent video mate!

[@studyprofessional]

Man, this video really hit me. It's not all the time, but sometimes I (and people around me) am the jaded foreigner in Korea you described. I will try something new. Today! And I will upload it on KZbin as a video reply to you! Thank you for the inspiration!

[@studyprofessional]

Here is a video response to David's video. Thanks a lot for the inspiration, David. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJfFoZ2qir6sebM

[@Wendyx2000]

Very well said! I remember reading an article years ago about simply trying a different way to come home to keep your brain engaged and avoid falling into a mindless routine.

[@TheNanamariam]

One of the alleys/roads looked familiar did you film a spot in jung-gu?

[@Kimmyonaquest11]

This is an awesome video and I love your honesty on shedding light on this reality. Keep up the great content. I'm loving this!

[@dakotaswanson5493]

I just stumbled upon this video, and I have to say it was immensely helpful. My goal for the last two years has been to become a teacher in South Korea, and so typical plan finish college, get TESL certification and then go to Korea. One of the things that has frightened me is the idea of only touching the base level of the culture. I've never been good at picking up new languages, and so there has always been that unsettling notion I might not be able to speak the language fluently, but hell I want to try. Do you have any tips for learning as much Korean as possible before getting to Koera?

[@ImaniChristine]

This information in this video is great. But, I love how you chose to edit it.

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks for leaving that comment ^^

[@yvansouvarov6189]

Very smart guy.A brilliant analysis of what travelling is and does to you.

[@Andyy588]

This really resonated with me. I've been moving every year to a new country since I was 21 and this is exactly how I feel.

[@bttrlamb]

Interesting take on the subject without really diving into the teaching aspect of it. Good work! Well produced video by the way, really enjoyed the cutaway shots instead of it being just one dude talking into a camera.

[@NoRushpk]

Becoming a master of your self does not involve having a pre-defined response to every situation, rather, being a master of yourself is realizing that you are always in the process of BECOMING a master! Which involves living, engaging, and interacting with every single moment of your life in an open, receptive way and then interacting with that appropriately. I'm so glad and happy I found your channel. Thanks for the video man.

[@keegan1948]

It'll be a year next week for me and that jadedness loves to creep up on me. I'm adult enough to tell myself it is me, not Korea, but this was a great, quick, run down of how life in Korea can turn out to be different from what you may expect. a part of me dreamed that living here would be some insane, nonstop, party full of wonder and all that junk and the other half was pretty aware that would not be the case. I didn't leave America because I was unhappy, there was more of a desire to escape a lackluster future, but I learned while I was here, and knew before I left, that, ultimately, I was the lackluster one. I feel it when I go out here. Many times, I'm still the same bored, uninterested person. Korea didn't change me. It just does a good job of telling you how you always felt whether it be good or bad.

[@VT-fh9fm]

Do you regret making the move to Korea and thought you should of stayed home?

[@cuzcohusky3533]

Yes I’m about to move there I’m 30 if I go it would be for long run and establish a life there.

[@jamiedainhings2697]

Totally agree. There’s a tendency for some foreigners to place complicated social issues in korea in to boxes, in order to simplify things. Learning the language not only offers a greater insight and overall experience, but allows you to interact such a significantly wider group of people. Really interesting video!

[@XDANI3LS]

This applies to anywhere in the world, although some places will be much easier and quicker to adjust to. Thanks for the video, I liked the way you presented this idea :)

[@henryfebrino1873]

Thank you for your insight, it was quite a reminder.

[@CarlosRodriguez-nu5gj]

I think people don't realize, to appreciate their life, there are people who do not have the abikity to leave their cities or state or even country to visit another place. I know people who lived their whole life in one place, and every time I go somewhere new, I have to remind myself, this is something not everyone gets to live. Enjoy today, love the moment.

[@RadioYui]

I teach ESL in China and so far I haven't had that problem, I wonder how different the experience might be compared to here.

[@cuzcohusky3533]

I was in China as well I felt they were a lot warmer there then in Korea but like all places after a while your start missing stuff

[@genesisapril5035]

Probably the most insightful tefl video I've seen. Thanks,

[@redfullpack]

do you go to the greener areas at Seoul to relax after a hard day teaching English?

[@gracekim2616]

omg you totally get it. thank you for your amazing articulation of this

[@MidierEditorial]

After hitting the 4month mark in Korea I'm feeling this sooo much, so I've started trying harder with my language hehe. Thanks for this video!

[@CoolCarbedandCollected]

Awesome video. Well spoken and great footage and editing.

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Cheers man! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@renatavelova1947]

Wow. You seem like a really fastćinating person. Thank you for sharing this. True insights are always more valuable than simply listing reasons why something is great or not. Are you still in Korea? Have you expored deeper into the local culture?

[@EnglishTeacherLloyd]

Great video! I agree, learning the language is very important and filters through to your happiness and comfort there.

[@blackngoldcuttlefish3390]

but what do you advise the person do besides learn the language? I'm an expat in another country and do feel I've gotten into that routine rut, but I still find it more interesting than America (I mean, I like it more than America). But I'm still just stuck in so many ways because I'm not a citizen and the language still limits me, though I'm trying to fix that.

[@boethius9173]

An insightful and well thought out video.

[@TheGordonizer]

0:23 is this Inle Lake?

[@kirstenjames6174]

I plan on going to South Korea to teach English. For at least 1 yr. Although I’m wanting to wait till my son is done with High school. I’m studying Korean. I’m still learning the alphabet so I can read it also. I have about 9 yrs till I get to go so in the meantime I’m trying to learn the language. I do watch a lot of Kdramas and a lot of the music. I’ve been trying to learn about the culture and what’s the appropriate way to act ect....I fell in love with the place. What can I say.

[@YouTubeChannel-jw5th]

I really want to go to Korea, but I'd like a job in either computer science or physics. Would I be able to achieve this with a little bit of experience out of school or would I have to stick with teaching English until some opportunity comes up? Would it be better if I do study abroad in college to Korea and then just go when I'm done with college?

[@davidwoodworth4160]

I know some people that study Korean language for 1 year here and then move into a degree taught in Korean. I think it is very challenging. Also, i've seen people here who study through English. I don't have a lot of info on this but people are definitely doing what you're talking about! Sorry I can't be more helpful here! Thanks for watching :)

[@YouTubeChannel-jw5th]

thank you for your reply!

[@finnbarker7820]

this video was put together sooooo well

[@cuzcohusky3533]

Im trying to figure out if I’m staying the USA or going to S Korea pros and cons. Long term goals I love the culture and ppl I have friends there but here I have same thing and family and house. I have to make a decision by September and whatever one I choose I will stick to for the long run.

[@MiyaMam948]

@Oliver Nanetti So did you go or did you decide to stay?

[@TayuyaKyuu]

This is so interesting. I went as an exchange student for six months the first time I was in Korea, and the first three months were great. Then it went south from there. Everything was the same, but my energy went down, things became dreary, and nothing was that exciting as the first month anymore.

[@Anon-xd3cf]

This was eventually my experience living and working in Bangkok, same work ame life less understanding (which for sure can be peaceful for a while). I quickly learned after leaving that my biggest mistake was not integrating more, I mean at first it's all you can do to get a handle on basic living (find a low cost apartment ideally near the best local market and within it the best deals and freshest produce, not a simple task but certainly a useful experience) but beyond that when you start to find that your number of foreign expat friends is greater than your number of local native friends, this is the time to make a real effort to integrate more, use the language and knowledge you've gained and use it everyday. I took these lessons on when I moved to Serbia, if you know the word use the word, its not easy but the relationships are more rewarding and the sense of equality of ignorance is really humanising and accepting this helps combat the inheriant loneliness of living alone in any foreign land.

[@lucasthehuman9069]

As an English teacher in Korea, I 100% agree...

[@gimmedavidb]

The precise reason why foreigners become bitter in Korea is because of the isolation they eventually feel. It's fun to be the outsider at first observing cultural differences, but after some years of living there, you get tired of being told by Koreans that you are a foreigner. Monocultures like Korea, Japan and China aren't good at integrating foreigners to their cultures. These cultures, because they're thousands of years old, are like elderly people. They're very set in their ways.

[@Christiank77]

Is the grass always greener on the other side of the ocean?

[@markledesma3251]

going on vacation is usually awesome but to live there or out of your comfort zone can be a pain. i got my just rewards when i started living in the philippines but over time it gets better.

[@chaunnamichole944]

The novelty in any situation can run out. I didn't necessarily come here to travel and explore. (Though I did.) I came to get a break from NY's expensive a** living and save enough money to invest and someday get out of the rat-race. That was my goal and I was clear about it when I came here. They get an English teacher and I get free accommodation and a paycheck. What I do not like about the work culture (for foreigners) is that your job tells you when you can take time off, they control your living and visa situation, they typically try to overwork and underpay you... It's definitely not a lifestyle I'd like for myself long term. I need the freedom to decide when I use my vacation time and how. And teaching kids year after year is just exhausting.

[@jonathanwaye7476]

Subscribed on 1st viewing.

[@Sissifya]

WOw!~ i got way more than i expected from this video ! I now understand the song 7th sense by NCT U. I now feel lazy... i feel the need to get up and do something new. Thank you!

[@danielpark8003]

I already taught English in Korea. All I can say the weather is hot in the summer and winters are very cold.

[@alexbollinger4007]

This is a great video. It's very realistic regarding the way we perceive living in Korea.

[@dibars171]

Wow man great video immediately subscribed after the vid

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks man! Appreciate the support and the time to leave a comment

[@korswe]

Once you live in another country, you’ll never be 100% of what you used to be. This is a good thing. Appreciate the differences and embrace the commonalities. I stopped traveling once I realized that most people want the same things from life.

[@abrahammm]

Have you washed that pan yet?

[@daisykopping9731]

Do you thibk this would be differnent if one came as a foreigner but fluent in korean? Thank you for the awesome video!

[@nadzy111]

That's why I've decide to stay for a year. very informative. Thank you

[@andrewwebster5913]

Fantastic insight my friend

[@cr1msoN74]

I'm worried after watching this video. My dream was to Study Korean in a Language school but i feel unsafe now. Is it hard to live in korea ? :(((

[@ThatsSoEpik]

You basically have to just go and figure it out and experience it on your own. I think the type of person you are determines the type of experience you have down there. Example an introverted person may have a completely different experience than an extroverted person.

[@patc6146]

is that north or south korea?

[@alfred493]

Happens to anyone who moves to a new country that's very culturally unrelatable. Not just Korea. I'm in Estonia and it's the same as well.

[@truebergshow2435]

Thanks !

[@sharikaranee7773]

Eye opening vlog. Just about life itself

[@teoyoo6532]

You are touching upon an interesting theme. Because the type of bubble-apathy that your are talking about can be applied to every aspect in every person's life anywhere in the world.

[@AlfonsoEspina]

I know you’re Canadian (me too!), but what’s your background? Are you mixed?

[@johnv.6191]

Aboot

[@bluelotus2222]

Wonderful video! Thank you for this :)

[@davidwoodworth4160]

Thanks for watching!

[@bann8708]

Hi David, I hope you see my comment. You say it with wisdom. Thank you for that. I have been teaching Korean students North and South for a long time and I have a lot to say, however, I will keep this brief. As an American. S. Korean children are the most wonderful children to teach but their, Tiger Mom's are a pain in the ass. If they only knew that they are stirring their children to Hell, would they still do what they are doing?

[@BTSButterfly98]

I tend no to think about that.. Once I get there I'll know 😊

[@EvilKris]

Good vid, dude. Same over in Japan.

[@Dani-th6cl]

Are you Canadian?

[@dessertofhearts2147]

3:53 The Most İmportant Lesson i learned from You, TEACHER!💋

[@Ur_neighbourhood_girl]

I am watching this in quarantine...I just got used to it now..😅😅

[@karmacounselor]

well said...I wonder if that is why people drink...in any culture..they are not challenging themselves anymore so they dull their senses with alcohol with the excuse that they are having fun..I prefer to challenge my mind...

[@rolleyrolley7192]

Korean is easy to learn. Specially the writing. Its make sense. I only tried for 3 weeks . I was picking it up fast. Then the korean girl i was dating. Well it didn't work out lol.