A wonderful friend of mine is currently looking into what us Americans need to do when it comes to tax time while living in Korea. We'd thought we were exempt but have recently discovered otherwise. I will add more to this when I know all... But here's a start:
http://www.overseasfiler.com/articles/who_must_file_a_tax_return
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
~~Raw~~
www.rawkorea.com
Random find on Children's Day & sooooo happy to have noticed this place! My friends had actually tried to find the Gangnam location months ago without success, so we were pleased to have stumbled upon the Apujeong one.
The great thing about this place is that not only is it really sushi (not just sashimi like most Korean places) but this is Japanese-American sushi! So my friends from the states (& the many others who have visited there & eaten sushi), this is the place to go if you're missing the 'real deal'.
Below are some pictures I took off their website, but they are all from their leaflet. Not ALL the rolls are shown on either - there are some really amazing ones not listed (like the spicy tuna!). We also tried the Salmon Crunch Roll - my current favorite. Bonus: if you get it take-out you get 10% off!
These sets are a REALLY great deal:
Directions / phone numbers
The one on the left is Gangnam / Right is Apujeong:
E-2 Visa Extension After Contract Finishes
In preparation for leaving Korea, we discovered there was (of course) another step in the process we hadn't heard about before. Although our contract states something about getting return airfare to our home country paid for by our school as long as we leave within 10 days of finishing our contract, the government has other ideas about this.
I'm not 100% sure how to explain this except to use our own situation as an example...
Our contract finishes on June 18th, 2010 which is a Friday. Our ARC expires June 19th. We weren't planning to leave the country until June 22nd in order to give ourselves some time to send money home (after making sure we got it all) and closing down our bank accounts, etc. So we have to apply for an extension of our Visa from the 20th-22nd.
Rumors circulate that without doing this you could end up getting fined 100,000 won/day for every day you stay in the country after the last day on your ARC when you try to leave the country. I don't know how true these rumors are but I'm not willing to take the chance. If you find yourself in the same situation, you can apply for this extension online & it only takes a few days to get it back. Then you print out the paper and bring it with you to the airport. Better safe than sorry!
Here is the link for the site (Hi Korea). You must first create an account. (This will require putting in your ARC number.)
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/StipDetailRM_en.pt
After you have created your account you can then apply for the extension. I went to the wrong one many times so I thought I'd try to make it easier for others:
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/CvlapplInfoDetailR_en.pt?cvlapplCd=12700000095&locale=en&cvlapplGbSeq=
Good luck!
I'm not 100% sure how to explain this except to use our own situation as an example...
Our contract finishes on June 18th, 2010 which is a Friday. Our ARC expires June 19th. We weren't planning to leave the country until June 22nd in order to give ourselves some time to send money home (after making sure we got it all) and closing down our bank accounts, etc. So we have to apply for an extension of our Visa from the 20th-22nd.
Rumors circulate that without doing this you could end up getting fined 100,000 won/day for every day you stay in the country after the last day on your ARC when you try to leave the country. I don't know how true these rumors are but I'm not willing to take the chance. If you find yourself in the same situation, you can apply for this extension online & it only takes a few days to get it back. Then you print out the paper and bring it with you to the airport. Better safe than sorry!
Here is the link for the site (Hi Korea). You must first create an account. (This will require putting in your ARC number.)
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/StipDetailRM_en.pt
After you have created your account you can then apply for the extension. I went to the wrong one many times so I thought I'd try to make it easier for others:
http://www.hikorea.go.kr/pt/CvlapplInfoDetailR_en.pt?cvlapplCd=12700000095&locale=en&cvlapplGbSeq=
Good luck!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Haddon House / Haddon Supermarket ~ A Great Place for Foreign Food Supplies
Everyone gets homesick when they move so far away. And food, especially comfort food - although comfort food can be just about anything familiar when every meal comes with kimchi - can really help you with that. I have been on many quests to find specific food products since coming to Korea; some successful, and others not so much.
Recently I went to Haddon House, a place I heard of but everything I'd heard made it sound like an urban myth... Was it really even there? And there weren't any accurate directions online - everyone said it was so difficult to get to the first time.... Fortunately, we didn't have too much trouble. I had someone who could read Korean with me, and we asked Koreans for help when we weren't sure. So I will post what I believe to be accurate, easy directions here. And you should definitely use them. Haddon House - or Haddon Supermarket as the sign reads - is a wonderful place to get your foreign food items. They are fully stocked with loads of things we haven't seen elsewhere & some of their prices are cheaper than other places.
Do keep in mind when you go that foreign food shops that prices on things you are familiar with will be more than you are used to paying. Consider the fact that someone had to import it. And that you don't have to pay for it. But its there...
Bobby and Rodel were soooo helpful (so much so I wished I was still in the Philippines!) and friendly to us, as I'm sure they will be to you. They even wrapped up our frozen items in newspaper and individual plastic bags to ensure they would make the train journey home without defrosting!! And they answered all our questions as well as allowing us to take pictures to share some of the product information with you!
Directions:
* From Oksu station (it is a connecting station but it doesn't matter in terms of exits as there's only one set of exits for both train stops) take exit 3.
*At the bottom of the stairs go left across the road. (There is a street sign saying this is 34 Hallimmal-gil.) Go past the taxi stand and continue on the road & up the hill. (Keeping Seoul Okjeong Elementary School on your right & Baskin Robbins on your left.)
Taco seasoning, gravy mixes, etc.
Truffle oil. Wow.
Loads of variety with balsamic vinegar and olive oil
A friend said they'd seen these elsewhere, but they were more expensive. Here you get 12 in a package and they cost 12,500 won.
Some cereal I haven't seen in a very long time!
Condiments. A really great variety compared to what I've seen elsewhere:
REAL (as opposed to sweet) Garlic Bread
Fresh basil, cilantro, and other herbs:
Cheese! (This is actually the smaller cheese section, the other one is HUGE)
Again, the smaller deli meat section - they have so much!
Swiss Miss puddings
Beer, juice,etc.
Cherry coke, mountain dew, mountain dew code red, etc...
Aside from the wine, they have a huge section of canned goods, the largest variety in types and brands of pasta I've seen anywhere in Korea so far, as well as a great section of baby food. They also have a larger beer selection than many other places - don't get TOO excited, it still isn't like home but its better than most!
Anyway, as I was TRULY impressed with both the shop & the service I promised to recommend them... And I do! :)
Recently I went to Haddon House, a place I heard of but everything I'd heard made it sound like an urban myth... Was it really even there? And there weren't any accurate directions online - everyone said it was so difficult to get to the first time.... Fortunately, we didn't have too much trouble. I had someone who could read Korean with me, and we asked Koreans for help when we weren't sure. So I will post what I believe to be accurate, easy directions here. And you should definitely use them. Haddon House - or Haddon Supermarket as the sign reads - is a wonderful place to get your foreign food items. They are fully stocked with loads of things we haven't seen elsewhere & some of their prices are cheaper than other places.
Do keep in mind when you go that foreign food shops that prices on things you are familiar with will be more than you are used to paying. Consider the fact that someone had to import it. And that you don't have to pay for it. But its there...
Bobby and Rodel were soooo helpful (so much so I wished I was still in the Philippines!) and friendly to us, as I'm sure they will be to you. They even wrapped up our frozen items in newspaper and individual plastic bags to ensure they would make the train journey home without defrosting!! And they answered all our questions as well as allowing us to take pictures to share some of the product information with you!
Directions:
* From Oksu station (it is a connecting station but it doesn't matter in terms of exits as there's only one set of exits for both train stops) take exit 3.
*At the bottom of the stairs go left across the road. (There is a street sign saying this is 34 Hallimmal-gil.) Go past the taxi stand and continue on the road & up the hill. (Keeping Seoul Okjeong Elementary School on your right & Baskin Robbins on your left.)
*At the top of the hill you will find yourself at a gas station. Turn left. Walk for about a minute and you will see the building pictured in the 3rd photo below. There is an entrance on the side of the building in the picture but the main entrance is actually on the opposite side of the building.
Subway Map showing the exits and the area Haddon House is located:
Map near the gas station of the area:
Building where Haddon House (or Haddon Supermarket) is located:
Lots of baking goods including jell-o & pudding! (4,000 won/ea)
Tortillas of all sizes! And naan bread:
Wow. Cut off the Cheetos at the top by accident. Tostitos are 7,000 won but I believe they were the most expensive.
Alcohol! There is an entire wine section (separate) as well.
Taco seasoning, gravy mixes, etc.
Truffle oil. Wow.
Loads of variety with balsamic vinegar and olive oil
A friend said they'd seen these elsewhere, but they were more expensive. Here you get 12 in a package and they cost 12,500 won.
Some cereal I haven't seen in a very long time!
Condiments. A really great variety compared to what I've seen elsewhere:
REAL (as opposed to sweet) Garlic Bread
Fresh basil, cilantro, and other herbs:
Cheese! (This is actually the smaller cheese section, the other one is HUGE)
Again, the smaller deli meat section - they have so much!
Frozen spring rolls/samosas
WOW!!! Waffles
Swiss Miss puddings
Beer, juice,etc.
Cherry coke, mountain dew, mountain dew code red, etc...
Aside from the wine, they have a huge section of canned goods, the largest variety in types and brands of pasta I've seen anywhere in Korea so far, as well as a great section of baby food. They also have a larger beer selection than many other places - don't get TOO excited, it still isn't like home but its better than most!
Anyway, as I was TRULY impressed with both the shop & the service I promised to recommend them... And I do! :)
Telephone: 02) 794-0511 Fax: 02)2298-2596
Saturday, April 24, 2010
A few words of Caution...
Browsing the net recently, my boyfriend found a really interesting article. I would suggest reading it if you are considering teaching abroad, especially South Korea. I will say, don't believe everything you hear on the web, but I also advise you to move forward with caution.
Months ago we had a conversation with many other foreign teachers we know. And we began to discuss if we would recommend teaching abroad in South Korea to people we knew. Most of us said that we would have to tell the person it is so hit or miss, you may very well find yourself unhappy. That said, I've met plenty of people who have come over and had the most amazing time. But again, the tone of your school will most likely have the strongest affect on your overall experience.
This article also gives a list of questions to ask. I think they are brilliant. And even if you think some of what you read here or in the article is far-fetched, I would strongly advise asking these questions. It can't hurt & has the possibility of preventing you from ending up at a school you will grow to hate.
Of everything in the article the biggest thing I would suggest doing would be to get the emails of some current teachers at the school!!! At least the email of one teacher. Ask them questions. They will be the biggest help to letting you know what your potential school will be like for a foreigner.
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0503/teaching_english_abroad_the_good_the_bad_the_ugly.shtml
Months ago we had a conversation with many other foreign teachers we know. And we began to discuss if we would recommend teaching abroad in South Korea to people we knew. Most of us said that we would have to tell the person it is so hit or miss, you may very well find yourself unhappy. That said, I've met plenty of people who have come over and had the most amazing time. But again, the tone of your school will most likely have the strongest affect on your overall experience.
This article also gives a list of questions to ask. I think they are brilliant. And even if you think some of what you read here or in the article is far-fetched, I would strongly advise asking these questions. It can't hurt & has the possibility of preventing you from ending up at a school you will grow to hate.
Of everything in the article the biggest thing I would suggest doing would be to get the emails of some current teachers at the school!!! At least the email of one teacher. Ask them questions. They will be the biggest help to letting you know what your potential school will be like for a foreigner.
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0503/teaching_english_abroad_the_good_the_bad_the_ugly.shtml
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Gyeonggi Province Information
I will come back to this post at some point and add more information specific to the Gyeonggi province. For now, I will post this link from the gov't which leads to a 42 page PDF file filled with really helpful information (I only wish we'd known about it 9 months ago!)
Thank you Ben for finding this!
http://korvia.netorage.com:8711/harddisk/user/4.VIDEO/GEPIK%20LIVING%20GUIDE%20BOOK.pdf
Please let me know if the link stops working!
Thank you Ben for finding this!
http://korvia.netorage.com:8711/harddisk/user/4.VIDEO/GEPIK%20LIVING%20GUIDE%20BOOK.pdf
Please let me know if the link stops working!
~Hopyeong / Pyeongnae Buses~
As I have recently informed a few people this information was already up I thought I should add it quickly!
*M2104 - Goes from the bus station in Hopyeong (not Emart) to Pyeongnae and about 3 other stops in Namyangju and finally lands you directly at Dongdaemun Station (not Stadium or as it has newly been renamed History & Culture Park)
*1000 - (red bus) Goes from the bus station in Hopyeong around the area, stops at Emart, in Pyeongnae and takes about 40 minutes to bring you to Jamsil.
*1100 - (red bus) Goes from Emart to Pyeongnae, a few other stops in Namyangju, to Jamsil and continues to COEX finally stopping in Gangnam.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Getting Around
Your school will usually arrange for someone to meet you at the airport and bring you wherever is deemed necessary after your arrival (your school, temporary housing, or your new apartment) so you needn't worry too much about that. It is also kind of fun to come through the arrivals door & see someone waiting with a sign bearing your name. (Although it was creepy to have the guy take hold of my cart and usher me towards his van & whisk my boyfriend & I off without really being able to speak a word to us about what was going on - good thing we knew Koreans are pretty harmless!)
After your initial drop off you will need to get around on your own. Everyone's situation is a little bit different based on where you are located but I will try to list some basics (& more specifics when possible).
To start here is a general site for transportation from Korean Tourism:
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_1_1.jsp
*T money cards - are essential to getting around & will make your life so much easier. They look like a credit card in size and shape & can be purchased at any convenience store. The first time you must of course purchase the actual card (2,000 won maybe?) and add money onto it (we usually do it in 10,000 won increments but its up to you really).
- These reusable/refillable cards can be used on the buses, subways and even in taxis!
- Your rate is discounted (at least on the buses) by using them. For example: Bus rate is 1,800 won... your rate will be 1,700 won.
- You are also able to get free transfers within a half hour. So if you take a bus into Seoul, get off & take the subway, you aren't charged anything!
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_4.jsp
*Buses in Seoul typically will have the routes in both English & Korean at bus stops. The buses may even say in English/Korean on the front where they begin & end. Outside of Seoul this isn't as common but it happens sometimes.
-The last buses typically run around midnight.
Here is a great site for bus information - and actually says much of what I was going to list here in a very organized & we'll written manner so I will just refer you to them!:
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/trans/buses.cfm
*Some specific information on buses in Namyangju (Hopyeong / Pyeongnae especially) in the Gyeonggi Provence section.
*Airport buses run from all over the country to both Incheon & Gimpo airports. There are many websites listing the buses, their stops, prices, times but I like this one:
http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busList.iia?flag=E&fake
And because I am in Namyangju, and was given NO help with things like this I will provide a link specifically for those traveling from this area to the airport (the bus starts in Maseok & the second stop is for Pyeongnae - if you are in Hopyeong you will use this stop as well. It is directly underneath the only footbridge crossing the main road from "Seoul" through Pyeongnae & into Hopyeong):
http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busView.iia?seq=205&flag=E
After your initial drop off you will need to get around on your own. Everyone's situation is a little bit different based on where you are located but I will try to list some basics (& more specifics when possible).
To start here is a general site for transportation from Korean Tourism:
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_1_1.jsp
*T money cards - are essential to getting around & will make your life so much easier. They look like a credit card in size and shape & can be purchased at any convenience store. The first time you must of course purchase the actual card (2,000 won maybe?) and add money onto it (we usually do it in 10,000 won increments but its up to you really).
- These reusable/refillable cards can be used on the buses, subways and even in taxis!
- Your rate is discounted (at least on the buses) by using them. For example: Bus rate is 1,800 won... your rate will be 1,700 won.
- You are also able to get free transfers within a half hour. So if you take a bus into Seoul, get off & take the subway, you aren't charged anything!
http://www.knto.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_4.jsp
~Buses~
*Buses in Seoul typically will have the routes in both English & Korean at bus stops. The buses may even say in English/Korean on the front where they begin & end. Outside of Seoul this isn't as common but it happens sometimes.
-The last buses typically run around midnight.
Here is a great site for bus information - and actually says much of what I was going to list here in a very organized & we'll written manner so I will just refer you to them!:
http://www.lifeinkorea.com/information/trans/buses.cfm
*Some specific information on buses in Namyangju (Hopyeong / Pyeongnae especially) in the Gyeonggi Provence section.
*Airport buses run from all over the country to both Incheon & Gimpo airports. There are many websites listing the buses, their stops, prices, times but I like this one:
http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busList.iia?flag=E&fake
And because I am in Namyangju, and was given NO help with things like this I will provide a link specifically for those traveling from this area to the airport (the bus starts in Maseok & the second stop is for Pyeongnae - if you are in Hopyeong you will use this stop as well. It is directly underneath the only footbridge crossing the main road from "Seoul" through Pyeongnae & into Hopyeong):
http://www.airport.kr/airport/traffic/bus/busView.iia?seq=205&flag=E
~ Subway ~
Seoul subway maps are pretty easy to come by, and you will most likely have a guidebook when you arrive which has something to start you off. A website with a good Seoul subway map:
Heres a list of subway stops for places you may want to go but aren't labelled as such:
Samseong (Line 2 - green line): COEX
Anguk (Line 3 - orange line): Insadong
or Jongno 3 (sam)-ga (intersecting stop of Line 1, 3 &5): Insadong (Anguk stop is easier to find Insadong from)
Hoehyeong (Line 4 - light blue line): Namdaemun
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Line 1 - dark blue line): Easiest access to most Dongdaemun markets
Hoehyeong (Line 4 - light blue line): Namdaemun
Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Line 1 - dark blue line): Easiest access to most Dongdaemun markets
Yeoksam (Line 2 - green line): Tomatillo Mexican Restaurant (Exit 2 go into Gangnam Finance Center down two flights on escalators) *Maybe not huge on people's lists but they have great Mexican!
Myeongdong (Line 4 - light blue line): Easiest access to Namsan & North Seoul Tower (as well as some really great shopping!)
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