Yes!...in the summer. But, Korea has all four seasons so being prepared for each of them is something to think about. Summers are very hot and humid, winters are frigid (moreso the further north or inland you go - You WILL need a winter jacket). Spring and fall are filled with warm days and cool nights (ideal for most people).

If you are packing for Korea, pack what you need for the season you are arriving in and pack light. The shopping areas in Korea are plentiful and goods are quite cheap (especially in the markets). Name brands to knock-offs are everywhere!

Seoul seems to be where most people want to go because it's the capital. Many people who don't know a lot about a country head to the capital city because it's often more foreigner-friendly and there are more conveniences within the confines of the city. There are definitely cultural aspects to living and traveling within Seoul but it comes at a price. Seoul is quite a bit more expensive than most other cities in Korea. The further away from Seoul that you get, the cheaper things become!

It is our experience that the cultural aspects of the country are fairly diverse. Most provinces or cities in Korea have their own special things about them (food, language, amenities, historical sites). No matter where you go, there are plenty of things to do and see. It may just be a matter of a short trip to do some of them. Korea is very modern and convenient throughout, and travel between cities is very inexpensive and efficient. Even traveling within Seoul to see things can take an hour or more because of the massive congestion problems that the city has.

For your first time out, we'd recommend doing internet searches and reading up on the different areas in Korea. You are always welcome to chat with one of our representatives as well. Our staff have lived and taught in Korea so speaking with one of them should help you with your decision.

Lots! In every nook and cranny there seems to be a historical palace or buddhist temple. Most cites have generally the same modern amenities within them, just more of each in bigger cities.

Korea is mountainous throughout, so hiking, nature walks, mountain temples are all around (most of which are in rural areas).

There are also quite a few theme parks strategically placed (wherever there's a big plot of land available). Everland and Caribbean Bay are the two biggest and most popular. The first being a huge park with rides, a safari park, and loads of food (even real hot dogs!). The latter being a massive water park with oodles of water slides, a wave pool (initiating one huge wave to wash everyone ashore every 5 minutes or so), an imitation surf pool, and again, loads of food (real hot dogs!). These two theme parks are located in the center of the country and there are chartered buses leaving most cities in the morning to get to them (at no charge).

Coffee culture has taken the country by storm. Coffee shops are everywhere now! As well there are games rooms, Singing rooms (Norae bangs), and PC rooms almost everywhere you turn.

Yes, one of the safest in the world! But, even though it's considered to be so safe, this doesn't mean that you should take it for granted. Bad things do happen here occasionally so use your head and be cautious when traveling alone or at night.

Generally, it is quite inexpensive throughout compared to most western countries. Seoul and Busan are much more expensive to live in compared to other cities in Korea. You can live quite comfortably on about 500,000 won ($500 US) in most places. Double that if you are into going out often, drinking often, or shopping often. Many teachers have no problem saving at least 1,000,000 won ($1000 US) a month or sending it home to pay off student loans.

Aside from the language barrier, it's very easy. Pretty much all modes of public transportation accomodate English speakers. Public transportation is inexpensive and convenient everywhere! Buses and trains are quite comfortable and leave from the express terminals every 20 minutes going to almost anywhere you desire. Intercity transportation is even more accessable although it can take awhile before you will be comfortable taking a bus.