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Upon completion of primary school, students advance to middle school, which comprises grades seven through nine. The curriculum consists of 12 basic or required subjects, electives, and extracurricular activities

school calendar has two semesters, the first extending from March through July and the second from September through February. There are summer and winter breaks, but 10 optional half days at the beginning and end of each break

A typical day finds high schoolers studying before school begins at about 8:00 A.M. Classes run for 50 minutes each, with a morning break and a 50-minute lunch period. The afternoon session resumes at about 1:00 P.M., and classes continue until about 4:00 or 4:30, followed by the cleaning of the classroom. Students may then take a short dinner break at home, or they may eat at school

Elementary and middle school students have similar but somewhat less rigorous days with shorter hours and more recreational activities.

Students return to the school library to study or attend private schools or tutoring sessions until between 10:00 P.M. and midnight.

Attendance requirements call for a minimum of 220 days at all three levels

Most instruction we observed consisted of teacher lectures, with only rare interruptions for questions. If students had questions, they might speak to the teacher after class

discipline problems were infrequent, and great respect for teachers was evident. Students bowed, as is the custom, when passing teachers in the halls and appeared hesitant to enter faculty offices.

Korean teachers still have more responsibility for counseling students and controlling their behavior than do teachers in the United States. Korean culture grants teachers the same authority as parents and attributes them even greater responsibility for children's moral and academic development.

Korea, like other countries in the temperate, has four distinct seasons.  Spring begins in late March, with occasional drizzle.  Summer is hot and humid with monsoon rains beginning in June and heaviest in July.  Autumn is rather short, lasting from the end of September to November.  Winter is cold and dry from December to February.  Spells of cold weather normally alternate with days of warmer weather.

traveling around Asia

get cholera and yellow fever inoculations

Korean-made drugs are generally safe, sanitary, and inexpensive—even without insurance. They are available in pharmacies like those in the United States or Canada.

problems as minor as a cold or rash you may be given a shot or series of shots.

Some treatments require that you go to a clinic for a shot and medicine every day for a week or more. Should you need to visit a doctor, bring a Korean friend with you to ask questions.

English is spoken at some hospitals in South Korea, especially in international clinics and hospitals in larger cities

(9) VOTE - mail your ballot not later than October 15th of the election year.

(10) Use the Federal Write In Absentee Ballot if you are overseas and your State absentee ballot does not arrive in time to be mailed back by your state’s deadline.

Overseas American citizens vote under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) and can all register to vote from abroad using OVF’s services.

Among young people, the person who issued the invitation usually pays. If you're out with a group, the bill is split and everyone pitches in. Among older Koreans, one person will take care of the bill, and roles will switch the next time.

Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom; however, a 10 percent service charge is added to bills at all tourist hotels and tipping is not expected. It's never necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with your luggage or takes you to or from the airport.

South Koreans are averse to overt physical contact between members of the opposite sex. They generally limit interpersonal contact to a courteous handshake; however, very good friends are often physical with each other, so don't be surprised to see men and women walking hand-in-hand with a member of the same sex. Public displays of affection between couples, like hugging and kissing, are considered very improper.

South Korean public baths, moyoktang, are wonderful. After a long, stressful day, there's nothing like a steamy sauna and bath to wash away your troubles. Moyoktang are found throughout the city and cost about W2,352 (US$2.85). There are usually showers to use before entering the hot tub. Many places also have a cold water tank, which is amazingly refreshing after a piping hot sauna. A special feature of the baths is the underwear-clad massage. For about W6,000–W8,000 ($7.30–$9.70 plus tip) the masseuses will scrub you down with hot water and towels, removing all traces of grime. You've never known the true meaning of "squeaky-clean" until you've experienced the wonderful traditions at the public bath.

 Bring fruit or good quality chocolates or flowers if invited to a Korean's home.

The number 4 is considered unlucky, so gifts should not be given in multiples of 4.

Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper, since these are royal colours. Alternatively, use yellow or pink paper since they denote happiness.

Do not wrap gifts in green, white, or black paper.

Gift Giving Etiquette

Remove your shoes before entering the house.

Send a thank you note the following day after being invited to dinner.

Chopsticks should be returned to the table after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.

Do not pick up food with your hands. Fruit should be speared with a toothpick.

Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is.

Dress Etiquette

Under no circumstances insult or to criticize in front of others.

This is a culture where "less is more" when communicating. Respond to questions directly and concisely.

Appointments are required and should be made 3 to 4 weeks in advance.

It is a good idea to send both an agenda and back-up material including information about your company and client testimonials prior to the meeting.

Have all written materials available in both English and Korean.

 Have one side of your business card translated into Korean.