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Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
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Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
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 Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 1:09 am Post subject: |
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| Canonite wrote: |
| Yaya wrote: |
| Dude, why are you being so lazy? You can EASILY look up the answers to most of your questions, so don't ask posters to do your work for you, loser. |
Haha...wow...what an awesome introduction to this board. Thanks! That's the first reply to my first post ever...looks promising so far! 
To answer your question, because this is much easier than sifting through thousands of threads, pages, ads, etc on Google (which I have been doing, as time allows, for weeks anyways). While I may not be the world's most important person, these days I'm so busy that if I can save a few minutes by asking a direct question on a board such as this instead of Googling forever, I'll do that.
Yesterday I ran around town getting my criminal background check from the cops, getting it notarized, etc. Today I travelled/etc 11 hours to get TWO stamps from the Korean consulate (criminal record/degree verification).
If you aren't going to be helpful and you're going to act like a child and call names, please leave my thread alone, I really am too tired for stuff like that. |
And yet you complain of having little time to do a bit of research yet make time for snide responses to legitimate complaints against your laziness? Great, yet another lame excuse for a teacher coming to Korea. |
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kengreen
Joined: 19 Jan 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 1:55 am Post subject: |
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| And yet you complain of having little time to do a bit of research yet make time for snide responses to legitimate complaints against your laziness? Great, yet another lame excuse for a teacher coming to Korea. |
Don't worry, Cannonite.
Many of the people who frequent this board are downright retarded.
Just look above. Case in point.
All the cities have lots of foreigners.
Electronic stuff is expensive here. So bring your own.
You'll do fine. |
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pangaea
Joined: 20 Dec 2007
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:12 am Post subject: |
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Openfire wrote:
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| I try not to post on these boards too often because most people are quite rude here but that doesn't mean there isn't any useful information around. I have read almost all the threads ahah ( too much time on my hands) but I have learnt heaps. |
Canonite wrote:
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| I can't keep my eyes on two dozen threads...I just wanted one neat place where I can ask random questions and hopefully have people chime in as they please. |
You will find rude people on this board and you will also find people here who are very helpful. Many people here want to be helpful, but you have to use this board to your best advantage. I think a lot of people have been in Korea for a few years and forget what it is like to not know much about Korea or where to look for specific information. That being said, you do need to read the FAQs and post specific questions to get specific answers. Part of the reason you are getting a negative response from some people is that these same questions have been asked hundreds of times. Also, you wrote a long post with a lot of random questions. You say you can't keep your eyes on two dozen posts but people here don't have the time or the inclination to answer two dozen random questions in one post. It will be much easier for you to get information if you start a thread on a specific topic.
As far as living in Changwon, you can start a thread specifically asking about things to do in Changwon. Also, check facebook and yahoo groups to find out if there is a group or message board for your city.
If you want more information about owning a car, try starting a thread specifically on that topic.
Electronics are very expensive here. If you want more specific information about electronics, try posting in the Technology forum.
Bring your favorite spices, toiletries, plenty of clothes and underwear, and medications, including cold/flu, pain relievers, and antibiotic ointment. All of those can be gotten here, but it is good to have them on hand until you know what to ask for in a pharmacy. If you have hobbies, bring the things you need for those if at all possible. You can get pillows here, but they are not the same as the ones you are probably used to. They tend to be very firm and all synthetic. If it all possible, pack one and use it on the plane. You can also find them vacuum packed and easy to fit into a suitcase. I think it's starting to warm up here, but you still might need long underwear for layering. It's not necessary, but a good idea, to bring some small items from home to have in your apartment. Photos, cards, and small items from friends and family can make your apartment feel much more like a home than an empty one room with bare walls. Check the FAQs and read "Getting organized to come to Korea."
Most laptops can operate on 100-240 volts. You may just need a plug adapter or new cord. Check your computer's voltage requirements to make sure. For other questions about electronics, check the FAQs or post in the Technology forum.
Again, if you have more questions, you are more likely to get a response if you post your specific question rather than adding to this thread.
Good luck. |
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Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:16 am Post subject: |
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The guy said he worked as a journalist yet didn't bother to research like a good journalist would. 
But hey, I'll give you a little something for your trouble (and hopefully you'll do just a little bit of work like you should have done this time).
http://www.korea4expats.com/ |
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kengreen
Joined: 19 Jan 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:20 am Post subject: |
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| Yaya wrote: |
The guy said he worked as a journalist yet didn't bother to research like a good journalist would.
But hey, I'll give you a little something for your trouble (and hopefully you'll do just a little bit of work like you should have done this time).
http://www.korea4expats.com/ |
Why don't you just apologize for being a grump?
You didn't have to reply to the man's post at all. You could have simply ignored it.
Instead, you had to show everybody what a bigshot you are...a big message board bully.
What a shameful display.
You really need to get a life. |
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Yaya
Joined: 25 Feb 2003
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:27 am Post subject: |
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| kengreen wrote: |
| Yaya wrote: |
The guy said he worked as a journalist yet didn't bother to research like a good journalist would.
But hey, I'll give you a little something for your trouble (and hopefully you'll do just a little bit of work like you should have done this time).
http://www.korea4expats.com/ |
Why don't you just apologize for being a grump?
You didn't have to reply to the man's post at all. You could have simply ignored it.
Instead, you had to show everybody what a bigshot you are...a big message board bully.
What a shameful display.
You really need to get a life. |
Who's a bully? I just told someone who is obviously lazy to do a little more and I'm a bully? YOU are the one who needs to get a life. |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 2:28 am Post subject: |
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| Canonite wrote: |
| ttompatz wrote: |
IN a word... FAQs.
Newbies should learn to read before they post.
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My word...is everyone on this board as pleasant as you two fine specimens?
I have read through the FAQs...I'd be willing to bet half a bag of Skittles that AT LEAST 50% of the information on those FAQs is from 2003-2005. |
Nope, I am usually known for being the most unpleasant soul on here.
AND what makes you think that much has changed since 2003-2005?
AND truthfully, if you can't take some time to read and research then you CERTAINLY can't take a year to come here.
That said, the school of hard knocks is a great teacher (and Korea can be right up there with the worst of them) and you will remember your lessons.
So lets tackle your random questions and get them out of the way so you can begin your Korean Party in earnest.
1) Getting a car. It ain't like home but it isn't that expensive. Expect to pay from 1-3 million won for your average beater. Expect to pay 600k - 1 million per year for insurance. You will need to have your car inspected on a regular basis to keep the registration. You will need to get a Korean D/L. It is not hard to do but takes some running around and if you want to drive and be legal it needs to be done. http://www.dla.go.kr/
2) a car is NOT necessary. You can get anywhere by bus. They are quick, run frequently and are cheap.
3) Electronics, unless you know what you are doing and where to look in places like Yongsan, are MORE expensive than home. Bring your computer, DSLR and glass with you.
4) bring spices (other than salt and pepper) that you regularly use. Here you can get them but they cost a LOT. If you have a brand preference for toiletries, bring them. If you don't care, then you can get Korean brands here.
5) Electric IS different BUT most modern electronics (cameras, laptops, etc) are dual voltage. Read the power label and you will know for sure.
If it says INPUT: 110-250VAC then you are good.
If it says INPUT: 110-125VAC then leave it at home.
6) Internet is CRAZY expensive and super slow here:
10mbps = 15k won
100mbps = 35k won (100megabits per second)
1000mbps = 60k won (gigabit service)
There are NO bandwidth limits, restrictions or throttles. You can download your face off (torrents are popular).
ALL of the above is readily available and easy to find in the general forum, FAQs (get past the stickies) and tech form.
Newbies still need to learn to read before they post.
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Canonite
Joined: 01 Feb 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 3:13 am Post subject: |
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Thanks very much for everyone (including the grumpy ones who missed their happy pills this morning) for the help and advice, I do appreciate it.
"Lame excuse for a teacher"...haha...thanks, buddy. You sound like a piece of work.
I'm not lazy and I'm not stupid, I'm just ridiculously busy, that's all. It's kind of funny, I've done this thing before that I started a thread where I ask all my random questions in one thread (originally I was offered a contract in Japan and asked on another message board) and not one person reacted the way you guys did. By the way, what makes me think things have changed, for example, is the fact that they have. As far as I can see, deodorant is not AS big an issue as it used to be, and the won has gone down quite a bit compared to the dollar, obviously changing the price of EVERYTHING if you're comparing it to prices back home, to name two. EDIT: another thing I just bumped into...someone asked about international licences back in '04...one poster replied with a link to the application for the IDL, another with the price...well, guess what, both of those have changed (I updated it)...the point is, that things tend to change a lot in nearly a decade...
It's not that I can't take the time, it's simply that I don't have the kind of time it would take to read through all the FAQs. (If everything goes according to plan, between filling out my application form and landing in Korea less than 4 weeks will have passed. In that time I have to tie up a few loose ends here and get all my proper paperwork done for Korea, buy everything necessary, book a plane ticket, etc...slowed down by the fact that it's a holiday there, and so on). With the kind of stuff I'm doing, I really don't have time to read through every thread where people argue for 3 pages about whether chocolate dipped into peanut butter is, in fact, a proper replacement for Reese's peanut butter cups (see...I HAVE read your precious FAQs  ) I'm not "obviously lazy," I'm simply "ridiculously busy." So let's just get over that and move on, shall we?
Like I said, thanks for the info, I do appreciate it. I have been on the fence about buying a new laptop, but I think I'll just do it here and get it over with, rather than have mine die there and then have to pay through the nose for one.
Spices and stuff I don't care about, I'm going there to experience new things. Besides, I'm not much of a cook anyways haha. Pillows...I can live with. Toiletries, thanks for that advice as well, I was worried about it, since so many people talk about it...I'm fine with whatever won't make me smell like an old lady or break out in massive rashes.
Car...thanks for the advice, I'm going to plan to NOT buy a car. I wasn't sure about the subway system in Changwon, I mostly have read about Seoul's excellent subways.
I still would like to know how hard it is to get out into the country and whether a little scooter would be appropriate for such little weekend journeys?
Follow up to that...do people camp in Korea? I heard that in Japan it's all but nonexistent.
Pangaea: I understand people don't want to answer a dozen questions...they don't have to I'm not forcing anyone...I'm simply throwing it out there in case anyone is inclined to help. On most message boards starting one thread with 12 questions is preferred to 12 threads with one question, so that was my starting point. I will start a thread about Changwon, however, once I get my letter of appointment
I keep reading about the underwear...I think I'm going to go out and buy a bunch of brand new ones before I leave haha. Definitely bringing some painkillers and Polysporin
Anyways...thanks especially to ken, jdsolo and pangaea for your replies. |
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Skipperoo
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 5:20 am Post subject: |
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| Hey Canonite, I'm moving to Changwon from the UK this Sunday! Drop me a message when you arrive Will be nice to have a fellow newbie to freak out with. |
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jdsolo
Joined: 25 Jan 2011
Location: Hell
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 5:30 am Post subject: |
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Even if there aren't extensive subways lines in your area, there are buses and they go everywhere. You'll have the opportunity to ask your korean co-workers on how to get to places. I'm sure they will be more than willing to help.
I don't know anything about buying scooters and being certified to drive them so I won't comment.
And Koreans do camp. I believe several national parks have camping grounds. |
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Died By Bear
Joined: 13 Jul 2010
Location: On the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 6:32 am Post subject: |
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Back in the day, we only had word of mouth to learn about the way things worked in Korea. Very good friends were valuable because you'd be able to succeed where others would fail, make more money, etc. Now we have valuable resources on the internet. I've always been an advocate of learning through word of mouth, over beers of course.
It's too bad that you got off on the wrong foot with Tom, he's probably the most valuable resource on this board, has been for years, not to mention is regarded a saint by more than a few people he's rescued. The man is very very very helpful as I mentioned before, people have been saved a lot of misery with his help. If you spend any amount of time on these boards you'll discover this on your own. He's also a fair man as well. If he's giving you a hard time, it's not because he's a mean grinch.
Suck it up, learn from it and welcome to the boards.
You do get 100 points for the catchy thread title. I nominate this to be a current FAQ worthy thread. DBB out. |
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Canonite
Joined: 01 Feb 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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Skipperoo: woohoo...awesome...I'll definitely PM you once I know for sure that I'm going (should be in a few days, I hope). I see you're also looking into two-wheeled forms of transportation...hopefully we can help each other out as we go along
jdsolo: Thanks, that's great news about camping...in Canada I have a station wagon and camp in that (in the summer it's fitted with a mattress, mini fridge, etc haha) and was planning on possibly doing that abroad as well, but I think a backpack, a tent and a motorbike may be a decent alternative!
DBB: haha thanks. I'm also a fan of word of mouth and hope to spend my time in Korea hanging out with new people (be they expats or Koreans) and not sitting behind this silly screen |
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Canonite
Joined: 01 Feb 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 12:27 pm Post subject: |
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Question...I'm watching YouTube videos trying to pick up some of the basics of the Korean language (I know absolutely nothing).
I see that there is a formal and an informal way of speaking...will people get offended if a complete newbie talks to them in the informal way? |
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ttompatz
Joined: 05 Sep 2005
Location: Kwangju, South Korea
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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| Canonite wrote: |
Question...I'm watching YouTube videos trying to pick up some of the basics of the Korean language (I know absolutely nothing).
I see that there is a formal and an informal way of speaking...will people get offended if a complete newbie talks to them in the informal way? |
Unlikely. It is more a case that they will be amused at your attempt to speak Korean. Then, if you are lucky, they will point out your error and correct you.
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Canonite
Joined: 01 Feb 2011
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| Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 8:07 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks! That's definitely good news
New question...how expensive are glasses? (as in for my eyes, not the stuff you drink out of).
I need glasses, but they can be pretty pricey here. I'll be getting the usual 50% coverage paid for by the employer. |
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