Traveling and teaching are two of the things that Joshua does in Geoje, South Korea. He misses the USA sometimes, but his experiences in Asia make up for it. Here, Joshua shares some of his future plans as well as tips on adjusting to the local culture and practical aspects of living in South Korea.	Joshua Friel

-Where were you born?
California, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Geoje, South Korea

-Are you living alone or with your family?
Alone

-How long have you been living in South Korea?
7 months

-What is your age?
24

-When did you come up with the idea of living in South Korea?
It’s been in the back of my mind for years. When I had a career setback, I thought I'd take the chance to go travel and to teach.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
No. It was very easy. English teachers in Korea are in very high demand.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No. It's standard when you get here--they automatically register new teachers with the government insurance program. Medical costs are very low. Most prescriptions are included.

-How do you make your living in Korea? Do you have any type of income generated?
I applied for my teaching job while back in the States. My employer flew me over, took care of the details of getting me a place to live and visa etc. Again, English teaching jobs in Korea are in very high demand.

-Do you speak Korean and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
I've picked up enough of the language to get around. I've learned to read the alphabet and stuff. However, most of the important things are also in English. Korea is one of the easier countries for foreigners to get around in.

As for local customs those can be hard to adjust to. Korea is a society based on Confucianism, which means social hierarchies dominate daily life. It is expected to treat elders with respect always, and at the same time, expect to receive it from those younger than you. These are especially important in work environments.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
I absolutely miss friends and family back home. Skype has made it easier to keep in touch. I live on an island with mountains and great coastlines, so there are plenty of things to do outside. I've also become involved with a small church made up of other foreigners. I also miss the things of home sometime--places I like to visit.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I plan to teach English around here for at least another year. Korea is also a great jumping-off point to the rest of Asia. So, I hope to visit China in the next year or so. I've already been to Japan and to Taiwan.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Housing is provided by my job--as per most English teaching contracts. Housing in Korea is very expensive though. My small studio apartment is about $500/month. Three-room apartments usually rent out at about $1,500 at the least.

-What is the cost of living in South Korea?
Compared to the US, the cost of living is about the same. If you drive (which I don't) gas is more expensive. I actually am able to save a lot of money since public transportation is more plentiful. Even small to mid-size cities have good bus systems which save the need for car/gas/maintenance/insurance. Korean food in small mom-n-pop places is pretty cheap. A good-sized healthy meal can be had for less than $5. Western foods are more expensive since they are seen as novelties.

-What do you think about the Koreans?
Locals are generally curious about foreigners. I can't walk across town without one school child stopping me and saying hi. It took me some time to adjust to the locals, but overall, they're friendly and mean well.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in South Korea?
Positives: English teachers are in high demand. It’s a great place to live and the people are friendly.
Negatives: Adjusting to the culture can be difficult at times.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in South Korea?
Learn to read the alphabet. There are quite a few cognates--but they're written out in hangeul. Learning to read makes it easer to get around.

Make friends with Koreans. Too many foreigners wall themselves in ghettos for foreigners then they complain when it’s not like home. Go where Koreans go, and make Korean friends.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about South Korea?
My own blog is An American in Goeje.
A great wiki about Korean life is Galbijim.