Just to start: WOW! I never though that a Korean city would be on my list of places to visit or live in. Busan(부산) is better in every way, architecture, tourists, locals, attractions, and vibe, than anywhere else I've been in Korea. The older buildings that seem to have had their own architects that are nestled on the lush mountains right on the sea is a refreshing sight. Even the way the locals sound less whiny that those in the north.
Getting to Busan from Incheon is easy but a little bit of a headache. The trip between Incheon and Seoul Station is about 90 minutes by bus (without traffic) or subway and then three hours by KTX highspeed rail to Busan Station. Tickets on the KTX range from 48,100w to 71,100w depending on if you get economy or first class. You get there just as quick and even with the extra leg room I couldn't sleep well in first class, so the value is your call. In town I skipped the subway, but I hear it works well. Taxis were similarly priced to those in Seoul, but it seemed traffic was even worse here and I would advice agains traveling across town via taxi.
For a weekend trip, this was a great deal. KTX can be cheap enough if you get economy and the hotel was w40,000 a night for three people and was across the street from the beach. It was too cold to swim or sunbathe, but not to enjoy a brew or two on the beach. Eats were varied with us trying Chinese shabu shabu, k-style tacos, and a western place that thought it was New York style. We tried the Paradise casino where I left up 100%, Andrew ~150%, and Renee down everything. The casino is nothing compared to Vegas, but they had baccarat, black jack, slots, and roulette. Jagalchi fish market was interesting to see and The Piff is a nice place to have drinks in the Nampo area.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Korean Toast
Sometimes all it takes to bridge the language gap is French toast.
I was a Home Plus staring off into space in the pots and pans aisle when a Korean man excuses himself for grabbing my attention. His English was fairly good, but it was clearly not his first language. His simple, but interesting question was, "How do you make French toast?" I was taken aback, but I understood his question and proceeded to inform him of the minimal bread, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon recipe including hand gestures to bring it all together. I loved after how simply I explained the ingredients and process, he just stared at me blankly with a "Now tell me the secret step" stare. He just couldn't believe that such a "fancy" dish could be conjured up so easily. He even elaborated that he has indeed tried and enjoyed French toast before when he had worked with the U.S. Army as if letting me know that he couldn't be fooled and that he knows what he is talking about. I reassured him the simplicity and we parted ways, but I think he will still Naver his inquiry just to be certain.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
With a Cherry on Top
The 2009 cherry blossom festival on Yeoido island was better than sitting at home all day. After learning that these cherry blossom are not that same ones that come from trees that produce cherries, I was slightly discouraged. Luckily, it still worked out for the best. The best news from this glorious message from the gods is that winter has ended and spring is starting/right around the corner. Namely, after the horrible cold with windy conditions, anything different is welcome.
Heading out to Yeoido is the normal excursion that is required when you set sail from Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon. After the obligatory 1.5 hours subway tour we were greeted to a nice Han River walk from Dangsan Station surrounded by tons of other people on the same pilgrimage. The throngs of people aside, there were vendors, performances and cherry trees for everyone. I head out with several coworkers and I believe everyone had an enjoyable time. It was nice to see the Korean National Assembly and business area. Given it was a Saturday, there were only really tourists around, but it was great to be out and about with other people.
The Status of Immigration 10 Years Later
One of the books that my academy teaches is about the Elián González affair, Elian Gonzalez: Caught Between Two Countries (it's out of print, so don't waste your time).
Not only is it difficult to explain such a complex, international relations issue to elementary students that are learning to comprehend English, but the book is just boring and a non-topic for the kids... Until now:
President Obama's improved ties for the U.S. and Cuba
Immigration: Teen vs. Japan
These current events don't make the book anymore fun or the topic more interesting to young Korean children. It is just nice to see that the world keeps spinning when you aren't thinking about it.
Not only is it difficult to explain such a complex, international relations issue to elementary students that are learning to comprehend English, but the book is just boring and a non-topic for the kids... Until now:
President Obama's improved ties for the U.S. and Cuba
Immigration: Teen vs. Japan
These current events don't make the book anymore fun or the topic more interesting to young Korean children. It is just nice to see that the world keeps spinning when you aren't thinking about it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Seoul Music
It seems there is a serious lack of popular western-artists concerts in Korea. It is well know that most popular bands seem to shun this peninsula to play in Japan or for any number of other reasons. Now, I know Oasis visited April 1, but playing on Wednesday night is not a way to attract the working class, especially when the weekend dates are clearly saved for Japanese shows.
Luckily there is not a lack of lesser-know artists from the west or Koreans that have embraced the western-style music that want to play. Last Saturday's Club DGBD concert was a fun frolic into Korean-punk mix, Western-electronic, and some combination of the two.
The bands:
This was not my favorite band by a long shot. It just wasn't my type of music, so no knock to their ability. Their MySpace page has some well edited and enjoyable tracks. It just seems the songs that I heard were just screaming. I couldn't stand more than a few songs from their set before I had to leave and give my ears a break.
Ambient rock band from Korea. They all seem to be very skilled with their own instruments, but the group lacked harmony and came off as a collection of noise. Great potential for the future.
These guys were a great instrumental band. The duo did a great job of incorporating the drums, guitar, and synthesizer. They had great harmony and I would definitely have bought their CD if I had seen it. I'll be honest, I was debating leaving the show early until one of their wives told me to wait and hear them; a great tip well headed.
A trio of girls that knew how to play. I won't lie, this was the group that I wanted to see at the show. Their uploaded tracks sounded good and I'm kind a sucker for all-girl groups that play well. I came into their set halfway through, but everything I heard was very good.
A great punk-rock group from Korea. This band was most like the kind of music that I thought the whole show would be like. All the members were skilled at their instruments and they all seemed to be having fun. They played well as a group, but they all had their own sound. I would definitely try and hear them again.
Luckily there is not a lack of lesser-know artists from the west or Koreans that have embraced the western-style music that want to play. Last Saturday's Club DGBD concert was a fun frolic into Korean-punk mix, Western-electronic, and some combination of the two.
The bands:
This was not my favorite band by a long shot. It just wasn't my type of music, so no knock to their ability. Their MySpace page has some well edited and enjoyable tracks. It just seems the songs that I heard were just screaming. I couldn't stand more than a few songs from their set before I had to leave and give my ears a break.
Ambient rock band from Korea. They all seem to be very skilled with their own instruments, but the group lacked harmony and came off as a collection of noise. Great potential for the future.
These guys were a great instrumental band. The duo did a great job of incorporating the drums, guitar, and synthesizer. They had great harmony and I would definitely have bought their CD if I had seen it. I'll be honest, I was debating leaving the show early until one of their wives told me to wait and hear them; a great tip well headed.
A trio of girls that knew how to play. I won't lie, this was the group that I wanted to see at the show. Their uploaded tracks sounded good and I'm kind a sucker for all-girl groups that play well. I came into their set halfway through, but everything I heard was very good.
A great punk-rock group from Korea. This band was most like the kind of music that I thought the whole show would be like. All the members were skilled at their instruments and they all seemed to be having fun. They played well as a group, but they all had their own sound. I would definitely try and hear them again.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Like a King in Hong Kong
Hong Kong was great for Lunar New Year. It was especially great because we got a four day weekend with Monday and Tuesday off for festivities (I hear that in China, workers get up to a week off). We had to make up the missed days with extra classes on Wednesday and Saturday, but so is life in Korea.
Saturday we left Yeonsu at 6am in a taxi with falling snow (-7C/20F)
The 8:50am Cathay Pacific flight out of ICN got delayed for about an hour and a half due to de-icing the wings several times. When we finally arrived in Hong Kong it was about 2pm to cloudy 12C/54F weather. We stayed at the Yess Inn Hostel which was small, but clean, inexpensive, and central for our needs.
Throughout the rest of our trip we saw monkey mountain (where 50 monkeys were originally released to eat a toxic fruit that would poison the water supply and there are now over 2000) , Victoria Peak, Maccau, and various streets and alleys.The really nice place was being able to get western items like Pabst Blue Ribbon or Lays potato chips. The food was great from restaurants as well like Agave (better than On The Border for Mexican food), some Chinese place that was diner style in speed and quality, and Fernando (a popular Portuguese restaurant in Maccau). The ferry between Maccau and Hong Kong was inexpensive at ~$300HKD (~$38USD). Unfortunately we missed the parade due to being in Maccau and the fireworks due to an obstructed view. Either way I would return.
Saturday we left Yeonsu at 6am in a taxi with falling snow (-7C/20F)
The 8:50am Cathay Pacific flight out of ICN got delayed for about an hour and a half due to de-icing the wings several times. When we finally arrived in Hong Kong it was about 2pm to cloudy 12C/54F weather. We stayed at the Yess Inn Hostel which was small, but clean, inexpensive, and central for our needs.
Throughout the rest of our trip we saw monkey mountain (where 50 monkeys were originally released to eat a toxic fruit that would poison the water supply and there are now over 2000) , Victoria Peak, Maccau, and various streets and alleys.The really nice place was being able to get western items like Pabst Blue Ribbon or Lays potato chips. The food was great from restaurants as well like Agave (better than On The Border for Mexican food), some Chinese place that was diner style in speed and quality, and Fernando (a popular Portuguese restaurant in Maccau). The ferry between Maccau and Hong Kong was inexpensive at ~$300HKD (~$38USD). Unfortunately we missed the parade due to being in Maccau and the fireworks due to an obstructed view. Either way I would return.
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| Hong Kong |
Monday, November 17, 2008
Sweet Jesus
So it happened. I was warned about it, but it didn't help. It was the first day of winter and it is going to be horrible.
I've been told that it feels like a warm autumn day until winter hits and then you just wake up and it is freezing. That day was today.
It was a high of 8 degrees Celsius (48F) with a low of -1C (30F) when I got off. One of my kids had the balls to tell me that the news said it may snow.
This is mid November and I do not understand this. I am woefully unprepared for this. I may have gotten myself in too deep.
The sky is grey, the air is cold, and the wind is piercing every layer that I have put on.
Sweet?!
I've been told that it feels like a warm autumn day until winter hits and then you just wake up and it is freezing. That day was today.
It was a high of 8 degrees Celsius (48F) with a low of -1C (30F) when I got off. One of my kids had the balls to tell me that the news said it may snow.
This is mid November and I do not understand this. I am woefully unprepared for this. I may have gotten myself in too deep.
The sky is grey, the air is cold, and the wind is piercing every layer that I have put on.
Sweet?!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
So I know it has been a while and the posts have been sparse. But, I have been busy! I have been to two islands, one national park, and North korea; all in two months. Just the break down on that is a different adventure every two weeks.
So what fills the off time? That is mostly runs to areas of Seoul or the greater Incheon area. Keep in mind that around 24 million people live in this area, around half the population of the Republic of Korea. These trips are noted not by "Let's go to Seoul," but rather, "Let's go to Bupyeon, Bucheon, Iteawon, or any of the other areas so big to be their own city." So I can be and have been busy just getting to know my surroundings.
I will keep you posted with pictures and recaps when I can find some down time.
So what fills the off time? That is mostly runs to areas of Seoul or the greater Incheon area. Keep in mind that around 24 million people live in this area, around half the population of the Republic of Korea. These trips are noted not by "Let's go to Seoul," but rather, "Let's go to Bupyeon, Bucheon, Iteawon, or any of the other areas so big to be their own city." So I can be and have been busy just getting to know my surroundings.
I will keep you posted with pictures and recaps when I can find some down time.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The First 24
So, on September 7, 2008 I began my journey to the branchise I'd be working at. This is the first 24hours.
Not so much dangerous, but telling of my future in K-town was my first night in Incheon. I finished training in Seoul at 5pm and was in a car at 7:30pm head to the school to meet the other teachers and staff. As is custom when a new teacher arrives, the Korean staff took everyone out to drinks and dinner; drinks being the operative word. The temporary teacher, that was covering my classes in between the teacher I'm replacing and when I got there, is some sort of a hot head and alcohol doesn't help. So as we were all migrating between venues and he got into a fight were the cops were called. Everyone had had a few too many and I was no exception; throw in my full work day at training, the hour and a half car ride and partying as hard as I could, I was in no mood to see where this was going. So everyone ran off from the cops (Korea has a no fault policy where whoever throws the first punch/isn't hurt as much is in trouble regardless of the motive and that can also mean any foreigner vs. Korean fight = foreigner going to jail). So with the combination of booze, no sleep and being in a city I've never been with and people I just met, I should have known this wouldn't end well.
Needless to say I didn't end well. I got separated from everyone and I couldn't find my way back home. I wandered the street looking for my hotel or the office until I was too tired to continue. I made base camp on some stoop near a 7-11 and slept until a guy yelled at me to move (I guess that is what he said as it was in Korean). I finally found my way to the motel (~8am), but I still couldn't sleep as I was only going to be there a little longer until I went to my first apartment and I don't have a departure time. This is where I note that the motel is a love motel and the bed was freaking me out.
The picture to the right is the love motel. These are cheap accommodations for just what the title insists/encourages. In Korea many people live with extended family until and after marriage, so if alone time in necessary, these motels are the sanctuary. These are also cheap enough to throw a foreigner in for the night.
The temporary apartment (~11am) they put me in was a hell-hole only slightly better than the love-motel. The bathrooms here are all wet, so the shower, sink and toilet are in the same place and everything gets wet when you use the shower. I forgot to take a picture of this one, but I don't really need to remember it. The u-joint in the sink just emptied into the drain on the floor, so my socks got wet when I tried to brush my teeth.
Now by 8pm I'm in my current quarters and life is good. This really set the stage for the future perfectly.
Not so much dangerous, but telling of my future in K-town was my first night in Incheon. I finished training in Seoul at 5pm and was in a car at 7:30pm head to the school to meet the other teachers and staff. As is custom when a new teacher arrives, the Korean staff took everyone out to drinks and dinner; drinks being the operative word. The temporary teacher, that was covering my classes in between the teacher I'm replacing and when I got there, is some sort of a hot head and alcohol doesn't help. So as we were all migrating between venues and he got into a fight were the cops were called. Everyone had had a few too many and I was no exception; throw in my full work day at training, the hour and a half car ride and partying as hard as I could, I was in no mood to see where this was going. So everyone ran off from the cops (Korea has a no fault policy where whoever throws the first punch/isn't hurt as much is in trouble regardless of the motive and that can also mean any foreigner vs. Korean fight = foreigner going to jail). So with the combination of booze, no sleep and being in a city I've never been with and people I just met, I should have known this wouldn't end well.
Needless to say I didn't end well. I got separated from everyone and I couldn't find my way back home. I wandered the street looking for my hotel or the office until I was too tired to continue. I made base camp on some stoop near a 7-11 and slept until a guy yelled at me to move (I guess that is what he said as it was in Korean). I finally found my way to the motel (~8am), but I still couldn't sleep as I was only going to be there a little longer until I went to my first apartment and I don't have a departure time. This is where I note that the motel is a love motel and the bed was freaking me out.
The picture to the right is the love motel. These are cheap accommodations for just what the title insists/encourages. In Korea many people live with extended family until and after marriage, so if alone time in necessary, these motels are the sanctuary. These are also cheap enough to throw a foreigner in for the night.
The temporary apartment (~11am) they put me in was a hell-hole only slightly better than the love-motel. The bathrooms here are all wet, so the shower, sink and toilet are in the same place and everything gets wet when you use the shower. I forgot to take a picture of this one, but I don't really need to remember it. The u-joint in the sink just emptied into the drain on the floor, so my socks got wet when I tried to brush my teeth.
Now by 8pm I'm in my current quarters and life is good. This really set the stage for the future perfectly.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Wow That Was Fast
Well, this whole process went real quick. Don't get me wrong, I started my job search back in February and this is now September, but the actual submitting my resume to the recruiter to being offered a job was fast. I sent my resume on July 3, 2008 and the first offer was made on July 31, so under a month of emails, phone interviews, and negotiations and I have a job offer from overseas.
Nothing was real difficult about any of this. I had to refine my resume (eg. make it look like I know what I'm doing), send in a photo, and write an easy essay from several broad topics (mine was on the U.N.). The first interview from the recruiter was more to pump me up (the recruiter only gets paid when I sign on the dotted line), so that put me on the private school, Korea track in the teach English overseas race. An actual recruiter from CDI contacted me after the Aclipse headhunter forwarded my resume, picture, essay, and recommendation to them.
Here is where the real fun begins. Aclipse staffers were located in New York or San Fransisco, so it was an easy timezone conversion. The CDI recruiter, however, is in Korea, so we are now playing 16-hours-ahead-of-me phone-tag with the possibility of international calling rates. I knew when I was being contacted by them because it was past dinner time and the caller ID displayed UNAVAILABLE. What glee did I have knowing that someone, somewhere very far away thought I was qualified for whatever they wanted me to do and were willing to pay for it! The recruiter was nice and informative and helped to pump me up some more and work out the best offer. Now is as good a time as ever to let everyone know (I didn't at the time) that in 2007 there were 30,000 openings for foreign English teachers in Korea with one 17,000 applicants, so this processes shouldn't be that stressful.
So after working all that out, here I am. I really couldn't believe how easy the process was, but the speed definitely impressed me as well. From the offer on was a definite crunch as well, the visa process, but that too was even quick.
Nothing was real difficult about any of this. I had to refine my resume (eg. make it look like I know what I'm doing), send in a photo, and write an easy essay from several broad topics (mine was on the U.N.). The first interview from the recruiter was more to pump me up (the recruiter only gets paid when I sign on the dotted line), so that put me on the private school, Korea track in the teach English overseas race. An actual recruiter from CDI contacted me after the Aclipse headhunter forwarded my resume, picture, essay, and recommendation to them.
Here is where the real fun begins. Aclipse staffers were located in New York or San Fransisco, so it was an easy timezone conversion. The CDI recruiter, however, is in Korea, so we are now playing 16-hours-ahead-of-me phone-tag with the possibility of international calling rates. I knew when I was being contacted by them because it was past dinner time and the caller ID displayed UNAVAILABLE. What glee did I have knowing that someone, somewhere very far away thought I was qualified for whatever they wanted me to do and were willing to pay for it! The recruiter was nice and informative and helped to pump me up some more and work out the best offer. Now is as good a time as ever to let everyone know (I didn't at the time) that in 2007 there were 30,000 openings for foreign English teachers in Korea with one 17,000 applicants, so this processes shouldn't be that stressful.
So after working all that out, here I am. I really couldn't believe how easy the process was, but the speed definitely impressed me as well. From the offer on was a definite crunch as well, the visa process, but that too was even quick.
Let's Get the Party Started
Okay, I know I have been lacking, but here goes. I'm kicking it in South Korea for a year as a foreign English teacher because I was poor with nothing better to do (guess which was a deciding factor). I'm working for CDI Holdings through the recruiter Aclipse. CDI seems to have their stuff together with hierarchy, course outlines, multiple branches, and future expansion plans; all the things that many other hagwons (private English learning schools) seem to be missing. As far as this blog goes, I want to try and answer as many questions as one would have about living/teaching in Korea so I don't have to respond to as many individual inquiry as possible.
So lets start a list:
- Hiring process
- Work visa
- Renegociating
- Lost luggage
- The people
- The locations
- The fun
Lets see where this goes and let me know if there is anything else you want to know: cck@oddidea.com
So lets start a list:
- Hiring process
- Work visa
- Renegociating
- Lost luggage
- The people
- The locations
- The fun
Lets see where this goes and let me know if there is anything else you want to know: cck@oddidea.com
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