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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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bretto
Joined: 01 Sep 2007
Location: Shinchon!
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 Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:23 am Post subject: Anyone free tonight? |
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Hey peeps,
I'm a 22 year old aussie dude wanting to cause a bit of havoc on the streets of seoul tonight. Alas, no one to go out with. Anybody want to join? Im in Shinchon. Also, was wondering if anyone knows places where I could just rock up by myself and start chattin to ppl. In need of a good time as broke up with my girlfriend recently. Let me know. Ill stay on the net until someone replies haha!
Laters. |
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bretto
Joined: 01 Sep 2007
Location: Shinchon!
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 4:45 am Post subject: |
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C'mon guys. Someone must know something?
I walked into a bar near here bout 20 mins ago and it looked pretty shady. Help me out fellow forumers. |
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Capo
Joined: 09 Sep 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:04 am Post subject: |
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u been here 1 year n u still got no friends and don't know where to go?
well as I'm a nice guy I suggest you take a stroll over to whats on tap as it in your neighborhood its directly opposite the GS24. Its owned by a canadian and theres usually people hanging around there although I can't guarentee it,. |
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PeteJB
Joined: 06 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:18 am Post subject: |
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| Nothing to do in Sinchon? Damn. |
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ciccone_youth
Joined: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:24 am Post subject: |
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| I'm free and bored but too far. |
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PeteJB
Joined: 06 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:45 am Post subject: |
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| Wheres that then? Busan? |
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Geckoman
Joined: 07 Jun 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:48 am Post subject: Try 'Watts on Tap' |
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I recommend you go to the expat bar, "Watts On Tap."
It's right in your hood of Sinchon.
A lot of English-speaking expats hang out there.
It's well-known within the English-speaking expat community.
I was just there last night with some coworkers. The only customers I saw at that time were foreigners. We were on the roof.
It's owned and operated by Sean Watts, who along with being the bar owner, is a a business development consultant and professor.
Watts on Tap was the first, and thus is now the oldest, fully expat-owned bar in Korea.
Here's a bit about the place (the type of people who go there, atmosphere, etc.):
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The Watts On Tap owner described the clientele as a mix of Koreans and expats. "Our family is mostly in their 20s and 30s, both men and women. We often get people my age, coming for our good food, drinks and conversation. I like the fact that we are a respectable, friendly, safe place to relax and have fun," said Watts. "This describes most of the people at Watts. Otherwise, I can only note that many people here are from international graduate school programs - so luckily there are a lot of intelligent people here."
Source: The Korea Herald; June 5th, 2008; www.koreaherald.com
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Here's instructions on how to get there:
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To get to Watts on Tap go to Sinchon Subway Station, Line No 2. Exit 2, walk 300 meters toward Yonsei University, turn left 30m down the alley across from Holly's Coffee (between Starbucks & SK Telecom). Watts is above Aroma Coffee Shop - across from GS25. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
Source: The Korea Herald; June 5th, 2008; www.koreaherald.com |
Watts on Tap was featured in The Korea Herald's Expat Living section recently. See below.
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Expat spotlight - Watts On Tap
Sometimes the simplest concepts are the most successful. A case in point is Watts On Tap, an expat-run bar in Sinchon.
"An English bar where Koreans could relax, experience foreign culture and practice English, while foreigners can get back to their `home away from home` may be a fun and good investment," said business development consultant, professor and bar owner Sean Watts.
Sean is celebrating his 15th anniversary in Korea, at his bar much-frequented by expats and Koreans. After a couple of weekend visits, it was clear that it is cozy and friendly; a popular place to meet new people or to hang out with other regulars. Think that retro-80s TV bar so many managers have tried to mimic - but so often failed - "Cheers."
Yet the success it now enjoys did not come without growing pains.
Watts said the idea emerged years back in conversations with a man who had hired his consulting company to research a business to compete with Starbucks franchises.
"I own an international business development consulting company that was meeting a client in Seoul. A businessman overheard of my abilities and hired me to research a business that may be an interesting and profitable franchise," Watts said.
There was demand for a venue where Koreans and expats could mingle. After it was determined the English-speaking bar would be a great idea, the idea was started. Unfortunately the initial client was audited and could not invest for months. Watts, a single, young workaholic said he took the opportunity to open the bar himself.
The result was the first fully expat-owned bar in Korea. And that is no small feat. "I think I was the first foreigner to open a bar in my own personal name in Korea." Watts described significant challenges, not the least of which he said were restrictive government regulations.
"The various government departments required to approve work were set up, so it was impossible to obtain all the permits without going beyond the box," said entrepreneurial Watts. "Most suppliers would also not sell to me in the beginning - a far change from now."
Now one of the oldest businesses in Sinchon, Watts On Tap is evidence of a fast-evolving Seoul.
Another challenge, according to Watts, was that in the beginning some Koreans were afraid to try to talk to foreigners. He said that times are changing and "many people now know Watts On Tap is a friendly place to relax and chat in a foreign environment."
It is hard to nail down the best part of the bar. From customer reactions, the cheapest pint of Guinness in the country, the friendly atmosphere and the "poutine" (a Canadian dish of French fries, gravy and cheese and one of the most popular items on the menu) are a few reasons this place has a lot of regular visitors.
The Watts On Tap owner described the clientele as a mix of Koreans and expats. "Our family is mostly in their 20s and 30s, both men and women. We often get people my age, coming for our good food, drinks and conversation. I like the fact that we are a respectable, friendly, safe place to relax and have fun," said Watts. "This describes most of the people at Watts. Otherwise, I can only note that many people here are from international graduate school programs - so luckily there are a lot of intelligent people here."
Michael Braverman-Scult, a Yonsei University grad student studying International Relations, said: "It`s nice to walk into a place where people know you. The rooftop is a great place to hangout on a nice summer afternoon. The atmosphere is its biggest drawing point."
"Many of us individually are technically alone in Korea as a foreigner and Watts On Tap is one of the few - if not only - places to relax with people from the same situation and environment. I studied business at three universities and consult business development and management; however my bar is a play ground outside my real businesses - at least until the business franchise is sold - and yes, as a businessman, everything is always for sale."
Watts describes the bar, which sits on the third floor and rooftop of a Sinchon building, as a home away from home. The food and drink menu seem to support his claim. For dinner you can have anything from roast beef and potatoes to a burger.
He says Watts On Tap is "merry, homey, warm in winter, cool in summer ... frequented by smart, friendly, and fiercely loyal regulars as well as a steady flow of occasional visitors. (The bar is) extremely international with plenty of Korean representation - lots of hearty laughter. Situated in the heart of student land means there`s lots of intelligent debate."
Another draw, Watts told The Korea Herald, besides what he described as his exceptionally talented staff that are often international students or Koreans looking to improve their English, is his chef.
"Larry is a legend. He was the chef for a variety of embassies and ambassadors from Chile, France, Kuwait, Spain and even Cameroon. He became tired of having ambassadors leave Korea every couple years so he is now at Watts growing his own restaurant." Watts is always hiring good staff and inviting new people into "the family" so if you`re looking for a good time, give the place a try.
To get to Watts on Tap go to Sinchon Subway Station, Line No 2. Exit 2, walk 300 meters toward Yonsei University, turn left 30m down the alley across from Holly`s Coffee (between Starbucks & SK Telecom). Watts is above Aroma Coffee Shop - across from GS25. E-mail [email protected] for more information.
By Matthew Lamers
([email protected])
2008.06.05
Source: The Korea Herald; June 5th, 2008; www.koreaherald.com
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Last edited by Geckoman on Fri Jul 04, 2008 9:42 am; edited 3 times in total |
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ciccone_youth
Joined: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:49 am Post subject: |
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Haha. No. I'm near Dongdaemun 
I don't feel like taking the subway. |
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PeteJB
Joined: 06 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:50 am Post subject: |
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That your place in the photo? I want  |
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ciccone_youth
Joined: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:52 am Post subject: |
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NO!! I wish!
I probably have the s h i t tiest apartment in Seoul, no kidding. It's literally all brown and falling apart.
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PeteJB
Joined: 06 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:54 am Post subject: |
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| We share the same lazyness and desire for the apartment with the view. I too have no desire to get on the subway. |
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bretto
Joined: 01 Sep 2007
Location: Shinchon!
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:58 am Post subject: |
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Hey guys thanks for the suggestions. Im about to hit Watts On Tap. Actually I've only been here 3 months but have travelled a few times from aus to korea just seeing my gf now ex. If anyone ends up goin to Watts On Tap im wearing a grey shirt with superman logo. Say hi di ho.
Thanks for replying peeps.
Laters. |
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PeteJB
Joined: 06 Jul 2007
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 5:58 am Post subject: |
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| Don't party too hard, it could too into another Daves ESL Cafe exclusive horror story. |
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ciccone_youth
Joined: 03 Mar 2008
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:00 am Post subject: |
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Have fun!!
I'm staying home watching The Hills drama on a Friday night.
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esetters21
Joined: 30 Apr 2006
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 6:13 am Post subject: |
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| I went out for a short time tonight. I live in Apgujeong. Holy $hit, I think this is some sort of holiday for Koreans. They are out in droves tonight (much more so than I have seen to date this year). |
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