What to expect
This page could be an entire site. I mean, to tell you about Korean culture is not simply a one-paragraph topic. So I'm going to let you figure out a lot for yourself. After all, that's half the fun.
I will however give you some tips that may really help you in the adjustment process. So without further ado, here's a few:
1. Prepare for "the stare." Unlike many other Asian countries, there are still a very small number of foreigners. Korea is not a tourist hot spot, and it's unlikely for people to be passing through. As a result, the foreigners are either U.S. military or English teachers and they are few and far between.
If you aren't working in a major area in Seoul, you are likely to have people watching you all the time. For many, it's rare to see a foreigner in person and they'll take advantage of the opportunity. You may have people take your picture, yell at you, point you out to their friends and family, the list goes on. It's tough to get used to this, but you have to live with it so be prepared.
2. Get ready for crowds. Korea is a densely populated place, be ready. You have to push and shove to get where you want to go sometimes. Often, elevators aren't politely entered and exited, but rather it's a free for all of everyone trying to get off and on at the same time. Same goes for the subway. Don't try to change it, just go with it. I know it seems crazy, but you'll soon see.
3. Lots of Hangul. Most signs are in Korean. After all, it's Korea. Learn the alphabet. Hangul is easy to read and can be learned in a day. Don't hesitate, learn it now. There are plenty of websites out there, or you can buy a book. Obviously you won't understand what you read, but at least you can see street names, restaurant names, etc.
So there you have it. Hopefully this doen't scare you off. That wasn't my intention. In fact, my hope is that after reading this you will arrive in Korea and feel like it's not as bad as I made it sound:)
Now we're ready to pack. On to what to bring.