Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mack the knife]

So, this place worth a visit, or what?

[eamo]

You've lost me.

[JongnoGuru]

Is it for foreigners? I was under the impression it was for scotch-drinking, big-tipping Korean men. Was I misinformed?

[mack the knife]

It's the first foreign-owned bar/restaurant in Korea. Good article in the Herald today. Good article in the Herald? *gasp!*

[alicat_blue]

I went to the opening night and I thought it was a great place. The two guys who own the place are really nice and the food is excellent. It's located right in the heart of Sinchon. It has a lovely roof patio and I recommend a visit.

[Mashimaro]

directions?

[JongnoGuru]

Most of the customers are foreigners who are attracted to the international food and ambience, but Watts is confident that the word will get around that Watts on Tap offers both drinks and free English language practice. Although the bar is near Yonsei University, Watts hopes the bar will attract older Koreans as well as college students.

So, did you offer any free English practise to the older Koreans at the grand opening? Was it fun? Sorry. That was mean. I wish them luck.

The Herald article is here:
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/archives/result_contents.asp?id=200507110015&query=watts

[eamo]

[JongnoGuru]

[mack the knife]

I think it's a bad idea for a foreigner to open a biz in another country without a native partner. There will always be issues which only a native can handle. Sure, managers can handle most issues, but only if you TRUST them. A co-owner has much more at stake, so you can be at least 95% sure they will do the right thing in a given situation (and if they don't you at least have the option of sueing their ass off if you created a decent contract).

The owner of Watts had to hurdle the usual piles of bureaucratic red tape, but that seems de riguer in most countries. What I'd like to see now is a foreigner importing foreign goods and selling them at reasonable prices*





*Carrefour does a decent job. Last night I was at the Hannam supermarket (the one near UN village, not the one near Volvo) and almost everything was more expensive than Carrefour by at least W1000 or so.

[alicat_blue]

To get there, go like you're headed to Hongik University, I believe it's line number two, the green line. Get off at Sinchon, the station right before Hongik. Leave Sinchon station via exit number 2 which is right across the street from Mcdonald's (unfortunate but recognizable landmark). When you reach the top of the stairs, turn left and head down the street towards Yonsei University. About two or three blocks down start looking down the small side streets on your lefthand side. Watts is tucked a little ways down one of these, you can see it from the main road, it's the top level of a three story building. And I was too busy dancing and making merry that night to talk to anyone, as the music was too loud anyways. I mainly saw white folks and the koreans I did speak too just wanted to have a good time as well, not too interested in practising their englishey.

[itaewonguy]

[hellofaniceguy]

[hellofaniceguy]

[mack the knife]