Agnes Yu
How much difference can a year living in Korea make?
It’s not just about learning how to eat kimchi or drinking “makgeolli” while sitting with the silkworm-peddling street vendors: the fastest growing trend among foreigners over the past twelve months has been the new, interactive social network at HiExpat.com.
HiExpat burst upon the scene in February 2010 with an unparalleled website catering to English-speakers living in or contemplating coming to live in Korea. By providing hundreds of free job postings, restaurant and pub listings, housing options and a robust Buy and Sell marketplace geared specifically for foreigners, HiExpat.com quickly skyrocketed to become the main English website in and about Korea.
The brainchild of Daniel Behrendt, a long time resident of Korea, the mission of HiExpat.com is quite simple: “Provide foreigners in Korea with the information they need to have a productive, memorable, and fun time while living overseas.” Thus far, that mission has resonated ― in a little over 11 months, HiExpat.com has garnered over 3 million page views and a little under half a million visits. “I realize that the numbers alone aren’t that impressive,” says Behrendt, “but what we lack for in absolutes we make up for in a passionate and active user base.”
Behrendt’s comment is certainly a modest one, considering that there are slightly fewer than 25,000 E-2 visas issued to foreigners, while HiExpat.com has over 30,000 registered members. With features that continue to expand (HiExpat just introduced a “Coupons” function for local businesses and is launching a new “Beauty & Health” directory), HiExpat.com is poised to grow even further and address all the needs of a foreigner living in Korea.
As an integral part of enhancing expat life in Korea, HiExpat.com promotes DJs and events, offers a huge database of over 400 restaurants and businesses, sponsors two football teams and features online articles from Korea’s most popular English-language magazine, Groove, as well as having links to popular blogs. The ever expanding and worthwhile website has already been featured twice as a Top 100 website in Korea by Alexa.com.
“People that don’t have access to good jobs, things to do with like-minded people or just don’t know where to go for some home-cooking, are more likely to get stuck in a negative rut in the same surroundings, feeling alienated, and far from home,” notes Behrendt. “HiExpat.com can be a useful tool for foreigners to better adjust to and enjoy life in Korea and before they are disillusioned or frustrated while living abroad… by exposing them to new opportunities for adventure or employment ― in English.”
The website design is simple, easy to navigate and the tone is positive, with no shortage of foreigners and Koreans sharing ideas and tips on life in Korea, advising on places to see and things to do, including reviews of tourist attractions, restaurants and bars. The employment section is particularly impressive, with an emphasis on teaching English in Korea, but also containing modeling/acting, marketing and editing/publishing positions.
“I love the website format and content,” said Martin Espley, an English teacher from Stockport in the United Kingdom. “Frankly, the best part of the HiExpat website is the huge number of active bloggers and commentators that share their valuable insights on living, working, traveling, food and teaching. HiExpat.com really is my first stop in Korea.”
Visit www.hiexpat.com and see for yourself.