World traveler Felicia is presently in Seoul, South Korea, where she works as a photographer and an English teacher. This American expat shares what she likes about living there, her enjoyment of the local culture and the people, and some of her future plans.	Felicia Shelton

-Where were you born?

Virginia, U.S.A

-In which country and city are you living now?

Seoul, South Korea

-Are you living alone or with your family?

Alone

-How long have you been living in South Korea?

8 months

-What is your age?

Thirty-something.

-When did you come up with the idea of living in South Korea?

I was very unhappy in my previous job, it was a job, you know? Not a career like I hoped that it would turn into. I also missed traveling and seeing new things, being immersed in a different culture. A Korean friend of mine suggested that I check out Korea, I researched, spoke with a couple people via email and Boom! I'm here, eight months later.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

It wasn't since I opted to go the "English Teacher" route. The company or school that you decide to work for secures the visa, etc.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

Medical insurance was included in my contract so there was nothing to worry about. Even if I didn't have health insurance, health insurance and medicine is much more inexpensive here than in the U.S.

-How do you make your living in South Korea? Do you have any type of income generated?

I'm a Photographer who also teaches English. I went to Dave's ESL cafe to further research how to secure a job in Korea and it was quite helpful as I could also ask specific questions about day to day living in Seoul. It took about a week and a half to decide on who to sign with. As soon as I put my resume online, people were calling me from Korea in a matter of a few hours to interview me! I even had an agent who was trying to find me the best working and living situation. Alas, I decided to go with a company I'd found on my own. Two weeks later, I was on a plane heading to Korea.

-Do you speak Korean and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I do not speak Korean, I speak enough to get by and being courteous, respectful and fascinated about their culture has opened so many doors for me. Some things just transcend language. A smile is miraculous! However, it is very important to learn the language no matter where you are. I speak French and Swedish fluently as I lived in both countries over long periods of time. I'm working on my Korean.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss my family but they are so used to me traveling and living all over the world. I lived in France and Sweden for long periods of time. I'm a world citizen, so anywhere is home. I do miss the lush beauty of where I was born, the down home warmth and hospitality that can only be found in Virginia and of course, in my family.

My favorite activity is photographing this incredible city, eating delicious Korean food and cafe hopping. I always discover a new cafe almost daily. Great interior design here.

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I have huge business plans for the future and always future travel. I would like to see more of Asia, then visit Africa and definitely South America.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

The contract includes housing. A studio apt. here can range from free (usually if you're teaching small children) or if you're teaching adults, the school will give you a housing allowance. All in all you can expect to pay anywhere from 400 dollars and up for a studio apt. Very cheap, indeed.

-What is the cost of living in South Korea?

I find that I save a lot more money here and really that's also one of the main reasons why people come to work here. I've saved quite a lot! Food is cheaper, clothes are cheaper (if not designer brand, of course)

-What do you think about the Koreans?

I really am enamored of Koreans and their kindness. They have shown nothing but kindness and respect to me and really inspire me to be a kinder and more helpful person. If you come here expecting Korea to be just like home and you constantly compare the two, you will be miserable and complain a lot. I stay away from the complainers and thus have a totally different experience than my complaining counterparts. I think that they are warm to foreigners and are just as curious about us as we are about them.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in South Korea?

The positives are that I get to experience Korean culture on a daily basis, my photography has really taken off in great directions here as well as meeting some of the most interesting people I've met in a long time. I also have the opportunity to really practice yoga every day and learn more about meditation. Oh, and the money that I save is pretty nice as well. Ha!

The negatives: it's extremely humid in the summer time, the rainy season will make it even more humid and well, the other stuff is so small, it's not really worth mentioning. I really do like it here.

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in South Korea?

Complain in private or better yet, don't complain. We're all here for different reasons and make each day about something positive that you're going to do and do it.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about South Korea?

Personally, I love my blog! This Time in Seoul: http://www.nearandfar.wordpress.com

Also this guy helped me out a great deal, and he also has great podcasts:

Scribblings of the Metropolitician: http://www.metropolitician.blogs.com

Check us out! Good luck to you no matter where you choose to live!