Korean Culture
Korean culture offers a unique blend of the traditional with modern, with family being one of the most important aspects of daily life.  Koreans take great pride in their ancestry, and children are taught to respect their elders from a young age. 

Korea is on the cutting edge of technology. You can rent DVD rooms (little personal movie theaters), or sing with your friends in private karaoke chambers.  High-speed Internet cafes can be found everywhere.  Koreans are quickly assimilating many ways of the West, and their cities are concrete warrens of neon-lit restaurants and shops that are familiar to westerners.  Over the past 15 years Koreans have become fully accustomed to foreign teachers, and in many cases go out of their way to accommodate them.

South Koreans tend to work harder than westerners and will expect you to keep pace.  The Korean work week is typically 55 hours.  They also get little time off.  If you are constantly sick or absent, your employers will not hold you in high regard.  This can cause problems.  If you are willing to work hard, you will absolutely earn respect from your employer and colleagues.

Language
Speaking Korean is certainly not required for you to enjoy living in Korea. However, if you do make an effort to learn the language, your experience will be richer. All Koreans speak the same language, Hanguel. Hanguel consists of 10 vowels and 14 consonants that are combined to form syllabic groupings. There are several dialects of Hanguel, but they are so similar to each other that Koreans have little trouble understanding each other.