In many ways, Korean culture is similiar to that of western culture. It is still different enough that it can be a real shock to the system for the first little while. Here are some of the things I've experienced since coming here.
Koreans are some of the friendliest, kindest, helpful people on the planet. Sometimes, they are too friendly. Don't be shocked when on first walk around the neighborhood you are stopped to chat by an unfamiliar Korean. No, they aren't looking for money. They are for some reason fascinated by us and also want to practice their English. I try to be friendly back, but sometimes they are pretty persistent. Usually, though, they are just curious and ask the standard questions. Where are you from? How long have you been in Korea? Can you speak Korean?" Things like that.
As I said, Koreans are extremely curious about foreigners. They will stare at you when you walk down the street. Kids will giggle and point, yell hello and then try to hide. To them it's not rude. So, be prepared. One of my friends says she feels like she is in a freak show. I try to look at it the way celeberities must feel when they go out in public. It's a little unnerving at first, but you get used to it. I found that the Koreans in my neigherborhood got used to me and now hardly pay any attention to me.
I suggest that, your first weekend, you walk aound the neighborhood and check it out. Find the friendliest convience store people, pick a nice little restaurant and have lunch, and just let the area sink in. I know your thinking, "Don't I have to speak Korean?" I have found that isn't the case. Convience stores are the same everywhere, though korean stores tend to be hole in the walls with a litttle bit of everything for sale. I just pick what I want, hold out 10,000 won and let them make change. Most store keepers are honest as there is alot of competition and they don't want to get a bad reputation. Most restaurants are easy, too. Many have menu pictures on the wall. Just point and eat. There are also thousand of take out and delivery restaurants here and it's a good idea to find one that you like and set up something so they know where you live and can bring you food for those nights your too tired to cook. Many are more than happy for the business, as again a lot of competition, and are very cooperative.
I highly recommend befriending your Korean staff members. They can be extremely helpful. While I found it easy to get along without much help, I still needed a Korean for the odd task. They are especially helpful with setting up the above restaurant idea, getting cell phones, opening bank accounts, etc. Fluent English speaking is still a rarity here and most forms and menus are in Korean only(although most good restaurants have both). So, unless your going to take a crass Korean language course before you come, ask a Korean friend along. They are usually more than willing to oblige.
I guess the hardest thing I had to get used to is the crowds. Koreans seem to congregate in large numbers at major shopping areas and tourist zones. I hate large crowds and found it frustrating to shop when the stores are busy. As I said before, Koreans are very friendly and polite people except when shopping and driving. You haven't lived until you've had to fight your way through a Korean department store on the weekend. Just heed my warning, and if you hate crowds like I do avoid all shopping areas on the weekend.
The best thing I liked about Korea is the bars. The staff are unusally friendly at the ones I go to and love to practice their English with me. You get snacks, too, and they are bottomless. Feel like ordering a pizza, ask the staff and they'll have one delivered and won't jack up the price. Korean beer is very similiar to Canadian beer, so I am in heaven. The prices are fairly reasonable, too. The friendlier staff will even play English music for you, although I like most modern Korean music. Expect rap, but than I hate rap in any language.
The one thing I would recommend is to buy yourself a scooter or motorcycle. There are thousands here and they are a great, fast, cheap way to explore your city. You can get one for about 500,000 won or $650 Canadian. They are cheap to run. I burn about $6.50 a week on gas and next to nothing on repairs.
I love nothing better than to zoom around the city on the weekends and see things that nromally foreigners don't get to see. I know my home city better than some Koreans I know. So, if you really want to explore, get one and be adventurist. Korea is a very safe place and you shouldn't experience any trouble, unless it's scooterwise. Always carry a cellphone with your manager/owner's number or a close Korean friend. They can help you if you get into difficulity.
One of the problems when owning a scooter is that they get stolen...a lot! I think I'm the only one I know that hasn't had one stolen. They seem to be very easy to hotwire and 2 healthy men can easily put one in the back of a truck. So, always make sure that you lock it (usually the dealer will give you a lock as part of the sale) to something solid and try to park it on the sidewalk in a busy area (lots of street traffic). This will cut down, but not eliminate the chances of theft.
Also, always remember to wear your helmet. The police will stop and fine you for not wearing one.
You don't need a license for any scooter that is 80cc in power, but anything bigger and you'll need one. For city travel, a standard scooter has more than enough power to get you where ever you want to go, but if you want to explore the countryside you might want to go with something bigger.
Remember to drive defensively. Korean drivers aren't going to show you any deference while you're on your bike and tend to ignore them. I personally got into about half a dozen accidents (nothing too serious) while I owned a scooter and usually it was through the other driver's carelessness.
You'll often see people riding their bikes in the rain. I've done it, but you really have to be careful. Those people have been doing it along time and after I busted my knee cap decided to take taxies on rainy days and save my body the abuse.
