[HanCinema's Interview Corner] 10 Questions for the Imminent Expat...

Some foreigners would perhaps struggle to pinpoint South Korea on a map, yet you've decided to start the process of getting into the country to teach. What inspired you to make the leap to go live and work in Korea of all places?

My career plans to go into neuropsychology have stalled, mostly because of issues outside of my control, so I decided to take a break and do something else with my life for a year or two, then come back and make a decision about my future. From a South African perspective, teaching in Korea is a pretty good deal, so it would be useful to save some money and have time to do other projects.

Korea is one of the most homogeneous nations in the world and it's still technically at war with its volatile northern neighbours. Are these kinds of socio-political issues a concern at all?

The political situation does worry me a little bit, but it seems like the "war" hasn't gotten any better or worse over the course of 50 years, so it probably won't get out of control while I'm there.

Where in Korea would you like to find yourself and what factors are you taking into account when choosing a city?

I've done some research about the cities in Korea, but it's hard to say which one I'd  prefer. Most likely Seoul, because it is the busiest hub. Ideally, a place where I can easily get to the city if I want to and maybe somewhere near the sea, because that's what I'm used to here in South Africa.

Do you plan to immerse yourself in the culture? And if you are what aspects of Korean culture are you most looking forward to?

Yes! I definitely want to explore the country and learn more about it while I'm there. I want to learn the alphabet, because it seems like it wouldn't be too hard and I know it would be helpful.

Korean food is one of the country's most popular attractions in terms of tourism. What do you imagine you will be eating in Korea? Are you at all apprehensive about a possible change in your diet?

I've had some exposure to Korean food and I liked most of it, so I don't think it would be too much of a sacrifice. A lot of people tell me how they found kimchi disgusting, but I've eaten it and I thought it quite tasty - although it does stink! I like seafood a lot, so I'm sure I'll find good meals there. On the other hand, I do like pizza, pasta, and cheeses and I've heard that the Korean versions don't always measure up.

Recently the world has been blasted away by PSY and his recording breaking 'horse-dancing' antics. What do you make of the "Gangnun Style" music video and what do you think it says about Korea if anything?

Although I found it kind of funny, I mostly thought it was really bizarre. I got the feeling that the references were all going over my head. After I've been in Korea for a few months, I'll watch it again and probably think it's greatest thing ever.

You seem to have a lot of friends who have already made the trip to Korea. What stories or advice have they shared with you about Korea and its culture? 

From what they've told me, it's really fun to be a Westerner in Korea. The lifestyle can become addictive. They have told me that Korean people are generally friendly and welcoming, which is reassuring, considering I'll be venturing into a very different society from what I'm used to. Some have warned me about the Korean women, though, but I don't know if that's a fair judgement or not!

What is the biggest personal obstacle you think you will have to overcome once in Korea? And what aspects of yourself do you think will standout over there?

I'm really not sure. I do know that I will miss my family and friends a great deal when I go over, so I reckon I will get homesick quite often. The climate is much more extreme than what I'm used to, so the humidity in summer might irritate me. As for aspects of myself that might stand out, again I'm not sure. I'm above-average height, so it might be something as simple as that!

Being a teacher in Korea does allows you a fair amount of personal time. What do you have in mind for your free time in Korea?

I've got loads of travel plans, particularly for Japan and South East Asia, as well as visiting family and friends in Australia. I also want to work on some creative projects while I'm there, including some comic book illustration and writing. I might try tae kwon do again as well.

How long are you planning on staying in Korea and what goals would you set for yourself to achieved by the end of your time there?

I decided that I will go for a year and stay on for another if I'm enjoying it. I want to save a little money, pay off some debts, and visit some places on my bucket list, such as Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I also have a plan to go to a beach in Japan and have someone take pictures of me feeding chips to seagulls. This is something that Japanese tourists have been doing for years at the beach near where I grew up, and I feel it is time someone went over there and repaid the compliment.

Name: Anthony Hodge
Age: 28
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Occupation: Film & Media tutor and freelance writer
Most exciting: Seeing a new part of the world.
Least favourite: Saying goodbye to everyone and everything.

 

* If you have any advise, suggestions, or thoughts for Antony, make sure you share them in the comment section!

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