Site Search:
 
Speak Korean Now!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Making the most of minimal vacation time.

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Travel Forum
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Katakuri



Joined: 16 Nov 2011

PostPosted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 10:17 pm    Post subject: Making the most of minimal vacation time. Reply with quote

I have recently moved to Daegu and started a job at a Hagwon here. Due to the shortage of holiday time available to me over the next 12 months, I want to make the most of the week I have off from Christmas Eve til New Years Day. If anyone could suggest places to visit for maybe a 3/4 day break then that would be greatly appreciated.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
brickabrack



Joined: 17 May 2010

PostPosted: Wed Nov 30, 2011 11:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

In your situation, I might take the time
to travel to a warmer climate.
Somewhere that was close...most of the SE Asian
destinations would eat up much of your travel time.

Taiwan and Philippines are cheap. I would say ... GO THERE.
China is cold, so is Japan. Southern Ch can be
considered SE Asia as far as travel time goes.

On another note, I just don't understand why anyone
would want to work for only 10 vacation days a year.
I'd go crazy if I couldn't leave this place but for 10 days/yr.
Most of you could get that and an equivalent amount
of money in a more desirable location. ????????
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Katakuri



Joined: 16 Nov 2011

PostPosted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 1:03 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

brickabrack wrote:
In your situation, I might take the time
to travel to a warmer climate.
Somewhere that was close...most of the SE Asian
destinations would eat up much of your travel time.

Taiwan and Philippines are cheap. I would say ... GO THERE.
China is cold, so is Japan. Southern Ch can be
considered SE Asia as far as travel time goes.


Cheers for replying brickabrack. Sorry I should've stated that I am looking for somewhere within South Korea. I'm unfamiliar with most parts of the country so was hoping there might be a few suggestions on short-breaks that would provide something interesting to do over the festive period.

brickabrack wrote:
On another note, I just don't understand why anyone
would want to work for only 10 vacation days a year.
I'd go crazy if I couldn't leave this place but for 10 days/yr.
Most of you could get that and an equivalent amount
of money in a more desirable location. ????????


I delayed my EPIK contract until next year as I wanted a job that would give me little to no time off. I realise that sounds mental, but I know that given weeks and weeks of holiday time that I would blow any money I've saved to clear debts back home (including the large severance package) on living it up around SE Asia. I think in the first year here everything is so new that weekend escapes provide enough of a break to get through the trials of Hagwon life. Plus, Daegu seems a pretty decent place with lots of interesting sights nearby. My school schedule isn't too taxing so I think I should get to next September unscathed. Then I will be in a position where I no longer need to send money home, and can use all my earnings here in Korea to spend on travelling extensively (something I fully intend to do!) Sorry for the life story (if anyone is even reading this) but thought I'd clarify the reasons behind my Hagwon choice.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
cincynate



Joined: 07 Jul 2009
Location: Jeju-do, South Korea

PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
I delayed my EPIK contract until next year


Epik does not like to hire people from Hakwons. It is very hard to move from Hakwon to Epik.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
schwa



Joined: 18 Jan 2003
Location: Yap

PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 9:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

cincynate wrote:
Epik does not like to hire people from Hakwons. It is very hard to move from Hakwon to Epik.

I know loads of people who have done just that (self included). No idea what prompts you to state that. Hagwons in fact can be a great learning ground before jumping into larger ps classrooms.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Who's Your Daddy?



Joined: 30 May 2010
Location: Victoria, Canada.

PostPosted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 5:58 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

cincynate wrote:
Quote:
I delayed my EPIK contract until next year


Epik does not like to hire people from Hakwons. It is very hard to move from Hakwon to Epik.


I'd say it's exactly the opposite.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
young_clinton



Joined: 09 Sep 2009

PostPosted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 4:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

If you haven't seen the DMZ on a USO tour, you should do that. I would visit Gyeongju the ancient capital of Shilla (900 - 1200 AD Korean empire) its a UNESCO site. Take the high speed ferries out of Incheon to the islands NW of South Korea. There is an island (I think the one that got shelled) that is supposed to be an arms throw distance from North Korea. Another of the islands has an unusual pebble beach. South Koreans go these islands on vacation, maybe there is something to them. Visit the fortress in Suwon (if you haven't already). Generally I would visit The Lonely Planet and see the things that they suggest (even if they are a little outdated, like some of you say).
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Katakuri



Joined: 16 Nov 2011

PostPosted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 9:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

young_clinton wrote:
If you haven't seen the DMZ on a USO tour, you should do that. I would visit Gyeongju the ancient capital of Shilla (900 - 1200 AD Korean empire) its a UNESCO site. Take the high speed ferries out of Incheon to the islands NW of South Korea. There is an island (I think the one that got shelled) that is supposed to be an arms throw distance from North Korea. Another of the islands has an unusual pebble beach. South Koreans go these islands on vacation, maybe there is something to them. Visit the fortress in Suwon (if you haven't already). Generally I would visit The Lonely Planet and see the things that they suggest (even if they are a little outdated, like some of you say).


Cheers for that. Much appreciated.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
niceguysfinishlast



Joined: 24 Jun 2010

PostPosted: Tue Dec 20, 2011 8:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hey Katakuri I just saw your post. I am in strangely similar position. I live in Daegu and have Christmas-New Years off. Out of curiosity, did you find anything that you want to do for your vacation time?

And if you have any interest in a travel buddy let me know. Basically all of my friends are working during this time so I have no one to travel with.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Katakuri



Joined: 16 Nov 2011

PostPosted: Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

niceguysfinishlast wrote:
Hey Katakuri I just saw your post. I am in strangely similar position. I live in Daegu and have Christmas-New Years off. Out of curiosity, did you find anything that you want to do for your vacation time?

And if you have any interest in a travel buddy let me know. Basically all of my friends are working during this time so I have no one to travel with.


I've got a few things planned with people I've met here (going to Gyeongju being the main thing) but you are more than welcome to join us. Not sure if I am able to receive PM's (as I can't send them) but if you try and send me your contact details then we'll sort something out.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
niceguysfinishlast



Joined: 24 Jun 2010

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 7:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I sent you a PM. Let me know if you received it.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
ThingsComeAround



Joined: 07 Nov 2008

PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

visiting the DMZ is probably off-limits because of KJI's death.

Check http://www.seoulcitytourinkorea.com/
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Korean Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Travel Forum All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


This page is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Contact Dave's ESL Cafe
Copyright © 2018 Dave Sperling. All Rights Reserved.

Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group

TEFL International Supports Dave's ESL Cafe
TEFL Courses, TESOL Course, English Teaching Jobs - TEFL International