Korean Job Discussion Forums

[C00LAS1CE]

Going for the first time. What I am looking to find is a cell phone store with English speaking staff and good places to buy western food (as in groceries, not restaurants). I will also need directions to said places from the subway if possible. I am hoping this thread will stay around so other Korea newbies like myself can use it in the future.

[4 months left]

Itaewon is not big, just wander around and you will easily find what you are looking for.

[Troglodyte]

There are 4 exits from the subway stations. They are the four corners of an intersection. Exit at the one by the Coffee Bean cafe (or a similar name, there's only one corner of the intersection with a cafe). Now, you are on the corner of a large street with a small street. Right by the intersection there is a cell phone store. For more selection, go down the little street about maybe 50m. Then you come to another intersection. To the left is uphill. This street is Fish Alley. Along this street you can find many small shops with foreign food. There are also a few cell phone stores with foreigners working there. They can speak English and sell you a phone, even without an ARC. Keep going along that street (uphill) until the next intersection. Cross the road and keep going up the hill and you are on Hooker Hill. At night time it's obvious why. But if you turn right at that intersection and go up the big road, you can find some more foreign shops. On the left side of the road is "What the Book". They have a huge selection of second hand English language books. Mainly novels, some travel books, some phrase books. They also have new books.

If you use Google Earth (or someone other mapping program), enter the following coordinates to get an idea of where some stuff is.

subway exit
37�32'3.76"N 126�59'39.57"E

Cell phones and stores
37�32'2.15"N 126�59'39.84"E

What the Book
37�31'59.67"N 126�59'44.57"E


But like it's already been said, Itaewon (the part that you want) is a relatively small place. You can just wander around for half an hour and find most of what you want. Or just as one of the 100s of foreigners you'll see if they can point you in the right direction.

[toxicblue]

what the book actually has a pretty good map.. and on the way, you will pass at least one foreign grocery store

http://www.whatthebook.com/visit.html

[Steve_Rogers2008]

going to itaewon for the first time, best to bring a condom or two, just to be on the safe side....


hey, things happen! one minute you're eating at the BK, next you find yourself with a good lookin cashier in the women's room acting out the good scene in "Top Gun." and if you know what that is, you're halfway there.

[SNOTOSEOUL]

Last night i went to a Canadian themed bar called Rocky Mountain something or other... They had 3,000W wings (on tuesdays) and cheap pitchers of Cass, also a full american/canadian style menu. Ask around about it.

[greene]

"rocky mountain something or other"

lol noobz

[prideofidaho]

OP, I'm going to keep my eye out for you : http://media.ebaumsworld.com/2007/06/mr_cool_ice.jpg

As someone else said, Itaewon is small and a good idea is to just take some time to walk around. I don't know what kind of food you like, but if you keep your eyes peeled I am sure you will find something you like!

[SNOTOSEOUL]

greene, rearrange the letters in noobz....booz'n. But yeah that was my first time in that area, but it was what the OP may be looking for, the staff speaks english, there is a white guy that works there too. Western food, and drinks.

Its the place with the Salish art on the entryway...you know like totem pole art

[bsrosenfeld]

Right next to What the Book? is the Foreign Market. Use the map link above to help out.

They have a comprehensive selection of foreign goods from around the world. A little pricier than Costco or other black markets, but it's all under one roof for your convenience.

My favorite thing there hands down is there falafel mix. They keep it in plastic tubs in the back freezer. All you need to do is add a little baking soda and fry in oil. Falafel = delicious

[DeMayonnaise]

[definitely maybe]

[Illysook]

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever...you get it from a certain kind of blood sucking insect, be careful kiddos!

[Skippy]

Check out Happy Telecom in Itaewon. They will sell you a basic cell phone (Used) for 20,000 won, The newer the phone the higher the price. Then tack on 20000 extra for connection and 10000 calling time. They speak english fine. Thru you will need your ARC card to get a phone.

The store is located around the fish alley which is at the corner where the Quizno's and Cold Rock Creamery is... Actually look for the never to open Taco Bell Store and down the little alley a 10 meters across the way is Happy Telecom.

You may also want to check out the red door market which is about 100 meters down the road from the taco bell (same side of the street) Look for a glass door with a red frame
http://wiki.galbijim.com/Red_Door#Red_Door

Good Luck

[C00LAS1CE]

Thanks everyone for the responses but for cell phones I am looking for a phone with a good quality camera - 5 MP or above (so I don't have to carry around a separate camera with me). I checked out 3-4 places in Itaewon last weekend and all of the english-speaking cell phone places had bottom of the line cheap/used phones. Am I right in assuming that I am not going to get the phone I'm looking for without someone who speaks Korean?