Naming a “dodgy” neighborhood in Seoul is a challenge, and valuables can be left on cafe tables during bathroom visits without fear of being stolen.
MailOnline Travel is learning from a British expat in the South Korean capital how his life there is different to the one he lived in London.
And Jerry reveals that a very low crime rate is one of the telling advantages of Seoul, where he has lived since 2015, along with stellar health service (you can see a doctor without an appointment in “a couple of minutes”) and trains. cheap high speed.
However, the UK apparently surpasses South Korea in the sandwich-making department.
When we asked Jerry, who posts on YouTube, TikTok and instagram as @welcomejerrywhat South Korea does better than the UK, responded: “South Korea has extremely low rates of theft and violent crime.” As a result, walking the streets of any neighborhood in Seoul at any time of the day or night is much safer.
‘In a recent videoI mentioned how difficult it is to name a “dodgy neighborhood” in Seoul, but in my hometown of London, I could name a few dozen. Theft is very shameful and taboo here. It is very unlikely that you will be mugged in South Korea. Locals often leave their valuables on cafe tables while they go to the bathroom without a second thought.’
While the crime rate is lower than in the UK, Jerry warned that it is important not to be “too naive when visiting”, adding: “It is good to always exercise caution and not trust too much in people you have just met a or twice.” .’
The high-speed rail network, meanwhile, is considered a “necessity” and makes traveling long distances a piece of cake.
He explained: ‘I find it very unfortunate that high speed rail is such a controversial issue in the UK. Here in South Korea and the rest of the East. Asia region, it is a necessity.
Jerry moved to Seoul (above) in 2015. He told MailOnline Travel what it’s like to live there.
Jerry revealed that a very low crime rate is one of Seoul’s many telling advantages. He also explained that there are ‘endless opportunities to go out to eat’
‘Since 2004, South Korea has built five high-speed rail lines called KTX, serving 60 stations across the country. I often take the famous ‘Train to Busan’, which connects Korea’s two largest cities, Seoul and Busan, in just two hours and 15 minutes for a price of around £33 ($42).’
And why does Jerry also love the South Korean health service?
He commented that the “world-class” system is designed to keep people fit for work, explaining: “Korea has an interesting public health system called NHIS, which is intertwined with the private sector.
‘My British viewers are usually surprised to learn that when we get a common cold in South Korea, we are expected and encouraged to visit the doctor to seek some sort of remedy, to get back to fitness and able to work.
‘If I have a cold, I can go to my local doctor’s office without an appointment, be seen within a couple of minutes and walk out with some kind of prescription to treat the symptoms. Everything will cost me less than £5/$6.41 with insurance.’
Another advantage is housing, which according to the expat is “much more affordable than in London.”
He explained: ‘For Brits in Korea, housing here is relatively affordable. There are many types of individual homes called “villas” or “one-bedrooms,” which can be rented on a monthly basis.
‘If you work in Korea, your company will provide you with this type of housing as part of your salary package. Korea has a unique rental system that is characterized by a very high deposit and a very low rent. Deposits are typically 5 to 10 million won (£2,769/$3,466-£5,539/$6,932) for a studio apartment with a monthly rent of 600,000 to 1.2 million won (£332/$415-£664/$831). ) per month.’
The disadvantages
On the other hand, Jerry told MailOnline that many of the “main challenges” for Brits living in South Korea “come from the work culture.”
He revealed: ‘While many people who come to work in South Korea end up in good positions, you can also read many horror stories and mistreatment by companies and managers. The UK tends to offer many protections to workers against mistreatment and discrimination, but when working abroad you can find yourself in a vulnerable position.’
The United Kingdom also surpasses South Korea in sandwiches, Jerry said, explaining that “it’s very difficult to find a good sandwich in South Korea, or at least what a Brit would recognize as a sandwich.”
He added: “After all, the sandwiches are originally from the UK and we have perfected them.”
Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other tempting culinary delights on offer in South Korea.
Jerry, who often share your gastronomic adventures on social media and describes himself as a “foodie first and foremost,” he explained: “South Korea has endless opportunities to eat out, whether in Seoul’s many diverse restaurants or traditional markets. of street food”.
Jerry usually takes the train from Seoul to Busan (above) using South Korea’s high-speed rail network.
Jerry explained, “American influence in South Korea is incredibly strong because of the continued American connection since the Korean War.” He appears in the photo trying Baskin Robbins ice cream.
The expat, who moved to South Korea for a study abroad program, said one of the things that surprised him most about the country is the number of American food franchises, such as Dunkin Donuts and Baskin Robbins.
Jerry explained, “American influence in South Korea is incredibly strong because of the continued American connection since the Korean War.”
Although Jerry describes South Korea as “a particularly good place to visit in your 20s” due to its “vibrant youth culture,” he added that there is much more to the social scene than nightclubs with plenty to satisfy travelers of all backgrounds. ages.
He revealed: “While there are several nightclubs that might exclude people over 30, those establishments are typically not of the highest quality and you’re not missing out on much.”
“I recommend my followers seek out higher-quality experiences, such as Seoul’s many upscale cocktail bars or cozy local pubs serving delicious bar food with soju (a Korean alcohol) and beer.”
Are you tempted to cross the ocean?
Jerry said: ‘I recommend Brits who want to explore South Korea and the wider East Asia region come and live here for a while. Of course, there are certain caveats to this.
‘There are so many videos about South Korea online now. Brits should do their own research before taking the plunge by watching my videos and the videos of other creators talking about life in Korea.’