Korean Job Discussion Forums

[gypsymaria]

Hi everyone!

I've been in Korea a month now, and I've only really figured out some of the foods I like and how to get the bus to and from work. I haven't even gotten my first paycheck yet, or a phone, or my ARC, etc etc...

But payday is coming soon, and I would like to start taking Korean lessons.

I'd also like to find out how/where I can obtain birth control, and what brands are recommended (I'm from the US and use Modicon/generic Necon currently). I use it for medical reasons, so this is sort of important to me; I was unable to obtain a year's supply from my doctor (my insurance wouldn't cover it and I couldn't pay out of pocket), but I have enough to last me until December.

Any other Anyang people on this board? I know there are a ton of hagwon in this city. I work in Uiwang, actually, at the EPC English Village (not a public school, but not quite a hagwon). It's a really nice school, and I'm enjoying the work so far.

The search function on this board doesn't work for me (is this a common problem?) and digging through the forums hasn't turned up much of the info I need, so if any of you kind folks happen to know a thread that would help and could link it here, or if there are any veteran EFL teachers hanging out in the Anyang area that want to make a new friend, please respond! I'd love to meet more people while I'm here and branch out from my current network of EPC staff and teachers.

[mhope1]

hey-
glad to hear you're liking it here.
I live in Anyang as well (right near Beomgye Stn). been here just over a year. i'd be glad to meet up with you and help get you acquainted. i don't know much about Uiwang, but I could probably help answer some questions.
as far as birth control, it's super cheap and easy. most of what's available here, you can get over the counter. just go into a pharmacy and ask for "Pee-eem-yahk" (contraceptive medicine). as far as brands, I've only used Mercilon (kinda pronounced muh-she-lone)which, from what I gather, is similar to orth-tricylen lo, I think it cost me about 6,000.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=45777&highlight=birth+control

good luck!

[ttompatz]

[computermichael]

There are free Korean lessons at the community center (I think that's what it is), which is located on the street between Beomgye Station and Homeplus. They're either in the circular building (nearby the one that says 동안구청) on this map or in one of the ones right next to it: http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=37.392187,126.952944&spn=0.004791,0.009645&z=17 I've never went so I can't remember. You can take bus 6 from nearby Uiwang Lotte Mart, going either way since it runs in a loop. Bus 60 goes from Uiwang to there, too.

Also, to find crap on this site, it's easier if you go to google and type site:forums.eslcafe.com/korea and then enter your query.

[wylies99]

If you're close to Anyang subway station you can take the #1 line into Seoul and it won't take long to get to most of the tourist areas and shops.

[gypsymaria]

Wow! Thanks for all the helpful advice and links, folks! I feel so welcomed! <3

Awesome. 6-10k won a month for pills is actually really cheap, considering I would have to pay USD$30 per month for my prescription back home. \o/

Hey, if any of you happen to be in the southern part of Anyang, drop me an email ahead of time and maybe we could meet up! (gypsymaria -at- gmail -dot- com) I've seen a lot of other foreigners in the neighborhood, but I'm unusually shy (for me, it's unusual) about just walking up to them and starting a conversation. I've already learned the hard way that just because there are other westerners here, doesn't necessarily mean they're friendly. But I swear, I'm nice and not an axe murderer!

... or am I?

(Just trollin', guys. )

[asc422]

....

[gypsymaria]

Anyang does seem to be a nice place to live. Lots of great restaurants, both Korean and foreign (they have two US pizza restaurants here). I've noticed a lot of other foreigners here, too. Hahaha, the other foreign teachers at my school frequent Happidus quite a bit! I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, though, so I don't really do bars.