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OnTheOtherSide
Joined: 29 Feb 2008
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 Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:22 am Post subject: A few random Korea questions |
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Hello everybody  Greetings from California.
A couple months ago I decided that I want to teach in Korea. I'm currently in the process of getting the paperwork all done to start teaching there and i'm ready for all the good and the bad. When I first made this decision I had a million questions in my mind, now after countless hours of research, including the topics on this site, I only have a few lingering. If anyone here would like to answer one or two, or all of these for me it would be very much appreciated.
Bicycling in Seoul: I will most likely be going to Seoul. How is it biking around the city? I understand that there is a nice trail along the river, but when venturing into the city how is it? I've heard very mixed things about this. Some people say that biking is great and lots of people do it. They say that it's generally easy to bike on the sidewalks. Others have said that biking anywhere in Seoul is dangerous because of cars, that the sidewalks are too packed with people, and it's generally not very doable. What's the truth on this? I curretly bike about 15 miles per day, all over the city and want to keep it up after moving there.
Banking: I understand that banking can be a problem and i've heard lots of tips about dealing with banks. But are there any specific banks that someone could recommend? I havn't seen any banks specifically cited as being particularly good, the last that I read was that none of the banks are really better than others. But is there a bank there that's finally getting it's act together now? Also, how feasable would it to be bypass the banks altogether and deal exclusively in cash? Are there any "Check Cashing" places where I could just get some cold, hard Won instead of dealing with the hassle? What other options are there?
Wierd laws: I was reading about Seoul city parks, and on one website it said "This is the only park in Seoul where it is legal to walk on the grass." What is this all about? And it got me thinking...what other strange and unexpected laws might they have there that an American might not be aware of? I would rather not suddenly be accosted by police and be completely oblivious as to why it's happening.
Tattoos: I understand that tattoos aren't particularly favored over there, but to what extent? I know that while teaching, they should remain covered at all times and a professional appearence should always be maintained, i'm ready for that. But when walking the streets, going to saunas, gyms, at the beach, etc. How would people react to a few very large tattoos on the arms? I'm not talking about a little tiny one, i'm talking big ones on the forearms and biceps. But otherwise I am very friendly, personable, and good looking  I've heard that tattoos can draw some rather intense outbursts from people and bring extreme prejudice. But i've heard very mixed things about this as well, so any insight would be very helpful.
Thanks for your help people. And if you want to hang out with a new guy in Seoul when I get there let me know. I don't know anybody there yet so meeting some people cool beforehand would be nice. I'm into biking, rock climbing, music, art, outdoor sports and lots of other stuff. Thanks |
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caniff
Joined: 03 Feb 2004
Location: All over the map
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:29 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
| Tattoos: I understand that tattoos aren't particularly favored over there, but to what extent? I know that while teaching, they should remain covered at all times and a professional appearence should always be maintained, i'm ready for that. But when walking the streets, going to saunas, gyms, at the beach, etc. How would people react to a few very large tattoos on the arms? I'm not talking about a little tiny one, i'm talking big ones on the forearms and biceps. But otherwise I am very friendly, personable, and good looking I've heard that tattoos can draw some rather intense outbursts from people and bring extreme prejudice. But i've heard very mixed things about this as well, so any insight would be very helpful. |
If they are on your forearms, and you have to keep them covered while at work, I hope for your sake the hogwon/school has a/c.
The summers here can really suck, IMO. (You're from CA, I'm from MA, so maybe you'll deal with it better than I would were I forced to wear long-sleeve shirts. I'd probably die.) |
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Sadebugo1
Joined: 11 May 2003
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:31 am Post subject: |
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I haven't worked in Korea since '03, but I always found the Korean Exchange Bank to be good about money transfers to the states. I guess the name also indicates some expertise in this area. If you just want a bank to hold your money, I'd say they're all about the same. Hope this helps.
Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/ |
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kermo
Joined: 01 Sep 2004
Location: Eating eggs, with a comb, out of a shoe.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 12:40 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
Bicycling in Seoul: I will most likely be going to Seoul. How is it biking around the city? I understand that there is a nice trail along the river, but when venturing into the city how is it? I've heard very mixed things about this. Some people say that biking is great and lots of people do it. They say that it's generally easy to bike on the sidewalks. Others have said that biking anywhere in Seoul is dangerous because of cars, that the sidewalks are too packed with people, and it's generally not very doable. What's the truth on this? I curretly bike about 15 miles per day, all over the city and want to keep it up after moving there.
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If you bike just for fun, there are many paths along the riverside. However, I wouldn't recommend it as a mode of transportation. Bikes are quite rare on the road, and sidewalks are not only crowded with people, there are motorbikes galore, and often parked cars too. Many intersections actually have barriers on the sidewalks in the form of little stumps to try to prevent cars from doing this, but if they can, they will. Also, in Seoul, the pollution is such that you might want to avoid doing a lot of outdoor activity, particularly in the spring during the Yellow Dust season.
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Banking: I understand that banking can be a problem and i've heard lots of tips about dealing with banks. But are there any specific banks that someone could recommend? I havn't seen any banks specifically cited as being particularly good, the last that I read was that none of the banks are really better than others. But is there a bank there that's finally getting it's act together now? Also, how feasable would it to be bypass the banks altogether and deal exclusively in cash? Are there any "Check Cashing" places where I could just get some cold, hard Won instead of dealing with the hassle? What other options are there?
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Your school or hagwon might want to set up your account for you, so this point might be moot. If I had to choose a bank for myself, I'd go for a bank that has branches abroad, like Citibank or Standard Chartered.
The problem with your cash idea is that the largest denomination of cash is 10,000, which is about $10 American dollars. You'd have to carry your pay cheque home in a duffle-bag. I don't recommend it. Just grit your teeth and you'll weather most of the nonsense that banks throw your way.
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Wierd laws: I was reading about Seoul city parks, and on one website it said "This is the only park in Seoul where it is legal to walk on the grass." What is this all about? And it got me thinking...what other strange and unexpected laws might they have there that an American might not be aware of? I would rather not suddenly be accosted by police and be completely oblivious as to why it's happening.
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It's actually a lot less policed than back home. For instance, it's okay to drink a beer as you're walking down the street, and "loitering" and "public disturbance" laws aren't enforced. The civic laws seem quite relaxed. I wouldn't recommend getting mixed up in anything like a street-fight, as the police aren't know for their logic, reason or racial equality policies, and even if you hit someone in self-defense, he can still sue you for "blood money." Also, immigration and drug violations aren't smiled upon.
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| Tattoos: I understand that tattoos aren't particularly favored over there, but to what extent? I know that while teaching, they should remain covered at all times and a professional appearence should always be maintained, i'm ready for that. But when walking the streets, going to saunas, gyms, at the beach, etc. How would people react to a few very large tattoos on the arms? I'm not talking about a little tiny one, i'm talking big ones on the forearms and biceps. But otherwise I am very friendly, personable, and good looking I've heard that tattoos can draw some rather intense outbursts from people and bring extreme prejudice. But i've heard very mixed things about this as well, so any insight would be very helpful. |
People associate tattoos with gangs, and you're going to get that kind of reaction from most people. I don't know what to tell you-- you're going to get "intense outbursts" from people anyway, from people who are angry with Americans, or just too drunk to know what's coming out of their mouths.
I really hope you have a good time here. I wouldn't recommend it for most people, but I guess you know what you're getting into. Keep us informed! |
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Saxiif
Joined: 15 May 2003
Location: Seongnam
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:02 am Post subject: |
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Biking: also Seoul is the city of massive hills. Biking is doable (after all if the mopeds can drive all over the sidewalks so can you) but generally not a very pleasant option.
Banking: the biggest source of annoyance is getting an ATM card that works outside of Korea. If you want an ATM card that works within Korea it'll take you five minutes and they'll give you no problems at all.
Wierd laws: don't worry too much about that, the police here are pretty low key and generally don't hassle people. A lot of them are kids who're only cops to get out of being in the army. As long as you don't hurt someone or their property you should be OK.
Tattoo: those would be a big strike against you since large tattoo = organized crime here. I would ALWAYS keep them covered at work, but outside of work you probably won't get too much trouble from them aside from some wierd looks. |
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esetters21
Joined: 30 Apr 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 1:19 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
Tattoos: I understand that tattoos aren't particularly favored over there, but to what extent? I know that while teaching, they should remain covered at all times and a professional appearence should always be maintained, i'm ready for that. But when walking the streets, going to saunas, gyms, at the beach, etc. How would people react to a few very large tattoos on the arms? I'm not talking about a little tiny one, i'm talking big ones on the forearms and biceps. But otherwise I am very friendly, personable, and good looking I've heard that tattoos can draw some rather intense outbursts from people and bring extreme prejudice. But i've heard very mixed things about this as well, so any insight would be very helpful. |
I have 10 medium sized to very large tattoos. I was always cognisent of where I placed them on my body (even in America) because they simply aren't excepted by many people. I always chose not to get them on my forearms even though I wanted to. If you have ones that are visible, then you can expect to be associated by a lot people here as being a criminal or a gang member. Your best bet is to keep them covered. Children think they are nice pictures and even some older Koreans are interested, but for the most part, nope it isn't that cool to them. One of my older students asked me if I was in a gang before I was a teacher  .
As far as the scrutiny goes; if you hang out in foreign "friendly" areas only (places near military bases), then they are pretty accustomed to seeing it. Your school is not going to be receptive of them by any means I would not anticipate. Good luck. |
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Letiz7
Joined: 29 Jan 2007
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:04 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
| A couple months ago I decided that I want to teach in Korea. |
Want to? Fvck, most people have to, to pay of debts and stuff. |
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ryouga013
Joined: 14 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 4:37 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| Letiz7 wrote: |
| OnTheOtherSide wrote: |
| A couple months ago I decided that I want to teach in Korea. |
Want to? Fvck, most people have to, to pay of debts and stuff. |
They don't have to teach in Korea.
I chose to teach in Korea because I wanted a job sooner rather than later. I rolled the dice, got doubles, not the boxcar I wanted, but was still paid either way you look at it. |
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ABC KID
Joined: 14 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 6:30 am Post subject: Re: A few random Korea questions |
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| kermo wrote: |
| Quote: |
Banking: I understand that banking can be a problem and i've heard lots of tips about dealing with banks. But are there any specific banks that someone could recommend? I havn't seen any banks specifically cited as being particularly good, the last that I read was that none of the banks are really better than others. But is there a bank there that's finally getting it's act together now? Also, how feasable would it to be bypass the banks altogether and deal exclusively in cash? Are there any "Check Cashing" places where I could just get some cold, hard Won instead of dealing with the hassle? What other options are there?
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Your school or hagwon might want to set up your account for you, so this point might be moot. If I had to choose a bank for myself, I'd go for a bank that has branches abroad, like Citibank or Standard Chartered.
The problem with your cash idea is that the largest denomination of cash is 10,000, which is about $10 American dollars. You'd have to carry your pay cheque home in a duffle-bag. I don't recommend it. Just grit your teeth and you'll weather most of the nonsense that banks throw your way.
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I agree with Kermo on this one. However, just thought I'd mention that it was on KBS News last year that 50,000 won and 100,000 won bills will be introduced quite soon, which might be useful. I don't know if it is certain though. It was just on KBS one night and I haven't heard anything about it since. |
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ella
Joined: 17 Apr 2006
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:42 am Post subject: |
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| I've had consistently good experiences with KB Star bank. They seem accustomed to dealing with foreigners and their service has been consistently reliable in different cities. I've sent and received money from home and arranged transfers and bill-paying while I was out of town. No complaints. Maybe they just like blondes. |
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kermo
Joined: 01 Sep 2004
Location: Eating eggs, with a comb, out of a shoe.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:57 am Post subject: |
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| ella wrote: |
| I've had consistently good experiences with KB Star bank. They seem accustomed to dealing with foreigners and their service has been consistently reliable in different cities. I've sent and received money from home and arranged transfers and bill-paying while I was out of town. No complaints. Maybe they just like blondes. |
I have an account with KB too. I get the same guy every time and I think he's out to get me. He's raised questions about my eligibility to be in the country (he misread my alien registration card) and recently refused to send money to the account I've been sending to for the last year, until I brought him my bank transit number. This can easily be looked up, but he sent me home to get it. I got it for him and came back another day, but he wanted two extra numbers, which turned out to be simply the bank code (again, not hard to find out.) I had to run across the street and pay for a full hour at the PC-bang just to look it up for that sorry scoundrel.
Some banks have better overall service, perhaps better internet banking, but it all comes down to who is standing across the counter from you, and what kind of mood he or she is in that day. |
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DaeguKid
Joined: 09 Dec 2006
Location: Daegu
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:25 am Post subject: |
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| kermo wrote: |
| ella wrote: |
| I've had consistently good experiences with KB Star bank. They seem accustomed to dealing with foreigners and their service has been consistently reliable in different cities. I've sent and received money from home and arranged transfers and bill-paying while I was out of town. No complaints. Maybe they just like blondes. |
I have an account with KB too. I get the same guy every time and I think he's out to get me. He's raised questions about my eligibility to be in the country (he misread my alien registration card) and recently refused to send money to the account I've been sending to for the last year, until I brought him my bank transit number. This can easily be looked up, but he sent me home to get it. I got it for him and came back another day, but he wanted two extra numbers, which turned out to be simply the bank code (again, not hard to find out.) I had to run across the street and pay for a full hour at the PC-bang just to look it up for that sorry scoundrel.
Some banks have better overall service, perhaps better internet banking, but it all comes down to who is standing across the counter from you, and what kind of mood he or she is in that day. |
wow...Kermo, dont put up with that. Especially if you have been giving them business month in and month out. Ask to speak to the manager if this happens again. Because after that, it won't happen again. I got the impression you have a great spirit, but sometimes you gotta be a Pri-ck to get things done....especially if your a returning customer with no reason for it happening...
DK |
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syi012
Joined: 04 Mar 2008
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:32 am Post subject: |
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| thanks everyone for the information |
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alibuch
Joined: 18 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:34 am Post subject: |
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ontheotherside:
Keep a bank account at home to transfer money to. Your hagwon will help you get an account here set up. KB seems to be a decent one. I bank with SC and haven't had any problems with them.
Biking is a pain in the ass in the city... sidewalks are crowded and it's dangerous to ride in the street. Your best bet is keep it for the paths along the river.
As for tattoos... I have two decent sized tattoos on my chest and after a month at my hagwon I gave up on keeping them 100% covered... it's a bit hard at times (I'm a girl) because they come up past my collar bone. I got a few questions from students but nothing from the director (I also have a nose ring, not a stud... and showed up with my lip ring in one day)-- no complaints AND parents have seen me multiple times. I haven't had any problems out in public... nor have any of my friends who have large tattoos. While not 100% accepted (or anywhere near the rate of acceptance in the US and Canada), it's becoming more popular. There was even an article in the paper today about tattoos in Korea...
Chances are though you will have to wear long sleeves in the summer though.. pray for good air con in your hagwon. |
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JamesDavid4th
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Location: Daegu, South Korea
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 10:04 am Post subject: yes |
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i moved here from san diego about a year and a half ago too. if your looking for a nice change, you will like korea.
-KB Star bank is a good one. i have always been able to transfer money back to the states there with no problems, always very helpful
-tatoos: i have tatoos, one being on my forearm. at first i was a little nervous they wouldnt accept them at my work, and always wore long sleeve. soon as summer came around tho i started just wearing collared short sleeve shirts, and no one cared. the kids will find your tatoos pretty interesting. no one else with give you any grief about it. lest it be someone you dont know judging you from a distant, but who really pays attention to that anyway. |
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