Greetings from Seoul, Korea

[Jemper]

Just found this forum, thought I'd post since most of the other threads are ancient.

I'm a US Navy wife, just arrived in Seoul this past May for a 2-year tour. Spent a year in Yokosuka, Japan before arriving here. Funny how things work out! We live in town, and I'm enjoying learning the culture & eating all the yummy Korean food.

I'm a SAHM to 2 girls, ages 6 & 18 mos. Have a third kid due to arrive in January, hopefully via a homebirth. My first two were born at home, too.

Would love to hear from some other folks living in Asia!

[neenee]

Hi there! I was thrilled to find your post. I'm moving to Seoul in January with my 4 year, 2 year, and 4 month-old. I was just commenting to my girlfriend that I hoped I would be able to find like-minded moms once I arrived. I should have known "Mothering" would have an answer -- it hasn't failed me yet!! :thumb

So how are you finding life in Seoul? My husband just left Saturday (needed to start work --GM Daewoo -- before we could all mobilize!), so I'm single-parenting it whilst trying to get our ocean shipment organized... fun, fun, fun. We will be living in UN Village. Where are you?

Hope to hear from you soon --

[Jemper]

Hi Christine!

Sorry I didn't answer sooner, was on vacation earlier this month and have been slow getting back into the groove.

I live in town about 10 minutes from Yongsan Garrison in Hannam-Dong. Can't say that I've heard of the UN Village, I'll have to ask around. Can totally relate to organizing a move solo, I had to do that when we moved to Japan from the states and (AGAIN!) from Japan to Korea. Will you have access to the army post?

Don't know if you've lived in a big city before, there's lots to see and do in Seoul. Public transportation runs well, the subway system is easy (and has English signs!) and the buses are getting better. They just redesigned all the routes in an effort to make it easier to use.

When will you be arriving in Seoul?

[neenee]

Hi Jen,

Now it's my turn to apologize -- I hadn't checked for new posts in a while...

I'm so glad to hear that you're finding lots to do in Seoul. On our look-see, we were so focused on housing, and where the grocery was, etc., that I couldn't get a good sense of the family-oriented activities available in the city. I think Hannam-dong is very close to UN Village, which is located in Itaewon. If you know where the Franciscan School is located, we're right around the corner. I don't have access to the army base; is your home actually on base? We were fortunate to find a home right next to a small park, we also actually have a backyard with (yay!) a swingset! It's helped in getting the kids excited about the move to show them pics of park/yard...

We'll be arriving mid-January. We are literally counting the days until Thanksgiving, when Dave comes home for a visit. The past 5 weeks have been the longest period he's been gone -- it's tough! But the kids are actually doing really well with it, and, as long as I keep on top of things, so am I. There's just a ton to do!!

What are you doing about schooling? Nick's enrolled in ECLC (Montessori) starting in January.

I hope to hear from you soon!

Christine

[Jemper]

Hey! Got your PM, I'm emailing you directly. ;)

[expat]

Hi, I am really anxious to hear about Jemper's birth experience in Korea, as I am due to give birth around Jan. 2 ('06). I've only been in Korea for a few weeks, and I haven't even located prenatal care yet. I was planning a home birth in the states, so I would like something comparable--definitely natural--and will take any help I can get! I'll be here for a year, while my husband is teaching English in a hagwan.

[sparkeze]

I've been in Korea for a month, and I've been having a hard time finding a place for my 3.5 yo DS. We're all Korean American but my son doesn't speak Korean, although my DH and I both speak decent Korean. I've been thinking about a Montessori program, but does anyone have any experience with one? We'd like to find a place with a full time english teacher, but preferably not in Seoul. We're in the suburbs.


Any suggestions or experiences would be appreciated! :tiphat:

[Jemper]

Wow, all this activity! :shy

expat ~ Good thing you emailed me! :wink

sparkese ~ I've heard good things about the Montesorri program both here and in the States. My friend (DH is Korean-American) is sending her DS to a local preschool that is primarily Korean. Apparently, they have a few slots open for English-speaking kids to give the Korean kids exposure to the language. Her DS loves the school, so it's working for them! Don't know how far outside of Seoul you are, but perhaps you might have luck hooking up with some of the expat Women's groups in Seoul? That would put you in touch with other moms with similar situations.