Seoul Searching

PREFACE 10 CHAPTER 1 ARRIVING The First Very Temporary Arrival in 2002 / 13 Of Aggression and Friendliness / 14 Cats Are Trouble / 20 How Not to End Up in an Expat Bubble / 21 Flamenco in the Wee Hours / 23 CHAPTER 2 BBALLI BBALLI (QUICK QUICK) Weddings / 29 At the Hospital-Common Sense Is Not So Common / 31 Technology Supports Speed / 34 Reverse Culture Shock / 37 Counterculture / 38 CHAPTER 3 AMERICA'S INFLUENCE AND DEMOCRACY IN KOREA Not in Kansas Anymore-Or Rather Not in Europe Anymore / 44 'Be Careful Out There' / 48 East Meets West-Sometimes with Bewilderment / 49 Baseball-Crazy, But No Craze Displayed When Cheering / 50 The Fight for Democracy / 51 Fairness Versus Negotiation / 56 CHAPTER 4 THE WAY TO A MAN'S HEART IS THROUGH HIS STOMACH Humble Culinary Beginnings / 59 Na Zdarovye-Korean Drinking Etiquette / 62 How Not to Die / 64 The Creative Side of Drinking / 66 Hoesik-What Koreans Do When They Don't Work Long Hours / 68 Letting One's Hair Down / 70 A Wealth of Culinary Surprises / 73 Where's the Tea? / 78 Prove Your Chopstick Skills! / 81 CHAPTER 5 HOW TO SURVIVE AT WORK Looooong Working Hours and Few Holidays / 87 It Starts at a Very Early Age / 95 Morning Gymnastics at Work and Other Health Programmes / 98 Fun and Games / 102 The Importance of Hierarchy / 103 How to Tell? / 105 'You've Got the Wrong Rank! Or the Wrong Age!' / 109 Authority Works Better Than Sympathy / 110 When Respect Is Expected, But Not Deserved / 112 The General! / 116 A Befitting Set of Wheels / 117 Envy Culture / 121 Today's Youth... / 122 CHAPTER 6 OF FRIENDS AND DAILY LIFE Making Local Friends / 127 The Third Gender and the Conservative Side of Society / 130 Hot Quickly, Cold Quickly / 135 National Pride / 136 Cleanliness and Recycling / 138 Winter and Heating / 140 Fans, the Silent Killers? / 147 Making International Friends / 149 CHAPTER 7 THE LANGUAGE CHALLENGE Objectively Difficult to Learn / 153 There Is Hope-the Ingenious Writing System / 157 Educated Guessing Gone Wrong /

Urs Raebsamen, the author of this captivating book, which delves into the heart of Korean culture and corporate life, was born and raised in a Swiss village. But his journey of exploration and discovery took him to various countries and settings, including Switzerland, Malaysia, Korea, and Hong Kong. This author, with a master's degree in business administration from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, has over two decades of experience in asset management. His career includes roles as an equity portfolio manager, client relationship manager, and investment specialist. Yet, beyond the office, he finds joy in travelling, skiing, and martial arts. A significant milestone in the author's journey was serving on the Executive Committee at his employer's asset management joint venture in Korea. This role provided unique insights into both Korean corporate life and culture, enriching his experiences and broadening his horizons. As a seasoned expert in financial markets and an avid traveller, the author offers readers an enthralling blend of practical insights, intriguing facts, and personal anecdotes in this book. This journey through Korean culture is bound to be both enlightening and inspiring. So, join the author as he takes you on an entertaining and informative journey through Korea's vibrant tapestry.