OK, this seems like a random topic but it's generally a concern for any westerner who is traveling abroad. I don't have any official information on the tap water but the general consensus among the teachers here is that we only drink bottled water. This is true whether you're in Yeonggwang or Seoul. The good news is that bottled water is cheap. I buy 6-packs of 2 liter bottles and I think they cost less than $5.00 US.
My concern before coming over here was that the tap water might be like it is in Mexico. If you have every been to Mexico you know that even a small amount of tap water there can make you very sick. That's not the case here.
The Korea tap water is OK to drink, but it's not as clean as what we are used to back home. It is safe to use for washing dishes and rinsing vegetables before you cook. It's also fine for washing your hands before taking out your contact lenses (I remember wondering about that when I first got here). The schools are have water purifier machines so I fill up my water bottle several times a day at work. Also, the restaurants only serve purified water.
From what I understand, the water problem here in Korea is the high amount of limestone that seeps into the water supply (hence, that white film in your bathroom sink and floor). From what I heard, it can mess up the enamel on your teeth. Better to play it safe and drink only bottled or purified water. Tony
ReplyDeleteI heard it was the pipes that made the water bad. I was told to boil it, which I did. i never bought bottled water...As far as the # of teachers and schools, go to the Office of Ed with a Korean to help you, if you really want a more accurate count. Also there is a website called waygook.org for Jeollonamdo teachers. It has lessons plans, etc, but also some forums. You could post stuff from here on there, as most of the teachers, obviously, live in the larger cities. This would give Yeonggwang a slightly higher profile...
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