Oh it burns!

My name is Kim. I was named partially for the connection it has to Korea (it's a common last name there) as I am 1/4 Korean (my mom also didn't like terribly girly names). I am moving to Korea very soon to teach at a private (Hagwon) school in Bundang, South Korea. Ironically, Kim-chi, one of the most consumed foods in Korea (and in my household) is one of my least favorite to eat.  Hence, the Kim-chi Journal was born.

You may be thinking: Why gee Kim, that's a big move, how did you get that job?

Yes, reader, that is a big move! Especially being from such a little state like Rhode Island. Basically,  my plans for teaching in a public school got put on hold when I found out I can't get my teaching license until May 2012 (long boring story).  My brother directed me to a website, to help me with my job process. I found the Park Recruitment Agency and without much thought applied for the job. At this point, I had applied for job after job after job and they were the only ones to respond. It seemed like fate.

Now, I'm just waiting for them to send me an approval number for my Visa, then it's off to the Korean Consulate for my E2 work Visa! I should be arriving in Korea for...well I'm not sure exactly, because they haven't given me a specific date, but soon.

Concerns that have been voiced about this plan:

From my mom: No Retirement! 
                                A ten hour work day is too long. (it's not really that long, at least I hope not)
                                What are you going to eat?
                                When will you lose your passport and under what conditions?

From my dad: How much time do I get to see you when I visit? 
                             What types of birds are in that area, and can you take pictures of them? 
                             What will you use for a cell phone? 
                             Can we skype everyday? (that's mom and dad)

From my brother:  Don't be stupid. 


and my own concerns: When can I visit my friends? 
                                               When can they visit me? 
                                               How much vacation time do I get and when is it?
                                               How much work do I really have to do? 
                                              Can I go to the Mud festival?

Any travel advice or suggestions on what I should see are MORE than welcome (comment or email me). Keep reading for updates, pictures, and I'm sure many stories about my daily grind, adventures, misadventures, and explorations culinary or otherwise.