Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jajdude]

Just a reminder of a link posted before for cheap hotels in Fukuoka.

www.fukuoka-now.com/hotels/index.php

[SirFink]

Anyone else taking the ferry from Pusan on the 27th?

[Theda]

I'll be going on the ferry from Busan on Tuesday the 25th (and back on the next day), if anyone else is going on this day please feel free to PM me.

[going_places]

I just got back from Fukuoka last week. I had a simply an amazing time and want to pass somethings along.

First, if you have some cash, ask your boss to extend your ticket!

While still at the airport, exchange your won for yen, of course, and try to get some small change if you can--you'll need it for the subway.

You've arrived at Fukuoka airport, get your bag and step out of the airport. Jump on the free airport shuttle bus bound for the "Domestic Terminal." Once you arrive, at the terminal, walk down to the right about 30 feet (10 meters) to the subway entrance. There's one subway line that you have to concern yourself with--the orange line. Drop change in the machine to the amount of yen you need for your stop to Tejin-Mochi. You will find colored maps right over the machines in both Japanese and English, as well as subway stop announcements while you are riding. Take your ticket and keep it for the machine on the way out as well (dual-validation system). If you see one, ask a station agent for a day pass, and do this each day! 600 yen (approx. $6 usd) it pays for itself with a few uses, depending on where you're going of course.
Tejin-Mochi (not to be confused with Tenjin station) is where you will get off for your visa. Take the 2 line away from the airport (and the 1 when returning back in that direction). Walk to the end of the subway and follow the signs that says "Exit 1" with a Japanese character for exit. Follow a long curved hallway--towards the end, stay to the right and walk up (and down and back up) a flight of steps. Walk out and look around. Across the street will be a sign that says "Green Co-Op." Don't cross that street, instead continue on straight down the sidewalk, you will cross a serious of small intersections. At the first major intersection, (the second one with a crossing light, but big and obvious, cross the street and take a right at the corner.) Continue walking for about 4-5 mins. You should see the Yahoo Dome straight ahead, a funky looking pastel multi-colored complex called "Wonderland" and a Hard Rock cafe. Straight ahead should be a white building with a garden in the front, and of course a Korean flag--enter it from the side. Go before 12:30 or after 1:30 (lunch time). Make sure you have a copy of your passport (if you don't have one already, which you should when travelling anywhere) on you before leave, the embassy will hold your passport while they process your visa and you'll need a copy to check into a hotel, <<anywhere.>>

If you're looking for somewhere to eat afterwards, go up the stairs up to the Yahoo Dome, bear to the left and you'll find a cheap Wendy's.

Remember, for hotels, double back to subway and check out "Hakata" station and the general area. There's also a nice information kiosk there where you can get a map and obtain directions to a hotel. Get a copy of "Fukuoka Now," a neat little brocure with hotels, clubs, events, restaraunts, and parks listed.
Check out a capsule hotel if you're a man and want to experience something something completely different and relatively cheap. There's also in the station complex, it's sort of like an underground mall, and lot's of cheap restauraunts, including, yes, sushi carousel-style and dumpling houses.

"Tenjin" on the same line is the night life area. There are two directions to go once you get out from the subway, one way takes you towards Canal City, and the other takes you to a straight up club and Karaoke strip. Don't ask me where the "Crazy C---" is, it escapes me. Many of the clubs/bars have little lockers for your cameras, bags and hoodies, so carry small change. There are alot of nice restaruants in the area, especially if you walk down towards Canal City. Great Shopping there, interesting buildings if you dig architexture. Check out the Ramen houses, they're tops! (said to be the best Ramen in the world.) A bit of a red light district as well. If you follow the canal, you'll find many nice tent style sidewalk restaurants. The walk itself is pretty with a tree and flower lined path.

"Ohari" (one stop over from Tejin Mochi) is where you'll find a series of beautiful parks as well as a Japanese style garden. You'll find a locker there for your stuff if you want to do a day trip on the way out of Fukuoka and don't have your hotel room for the day. It's really beautiful and shouldn't be missed, and you'll get a nice sense of the people living there.

Any questions, PM me. Good luck and have a great time!

[jajdude]

Got the visa no trouble at all, in under 24 hours, just needed "blue form" number (+ photo, fee and passport of course).

The ferry from Busan is all right. A good deal cheaper and only 3 hours. A few buses go from the terminal to Hakata or Tenjin.

[chronicpride]

http://wiki.galbijim.com/Fukuoka_visa_run

Feel free to edit this, as needed.

[killyridols]

if anyone's going on the run this coming Tuesday, pm me. I haven't been for three years, but i think i can find the bar selling 'english hooligan beer' [old speckled hen]. going via ferry from busan in the morning.
johnny daegu

[killyridols]

re; Kangsan Travel package. The hotel is called 'Central Hotel' but I can't seem to find it on the hotel list from the 'fukoka-now' website. it sounds quite close to downtown (15mins). can anyone direct me to a map? or tell me how to say central hotel to a taxi driver? [i'm lazy i know]. last time i went i just found the hotel card in the terminal and showed that. thanks. johnny

[ujgnawg]

If I get to Fukuoka at noon and get my visa application in around 1 or 2, when can I expect to pick up my visa?

[jajdude]

[ujgnawg]

Thanks jajdude. I'm going to Fukuoka for the first time next Tuesday, so I've been reading these threads and I recall one poster saying it now takes 2 days to get your visa. I booked the Fukuoka Package from Kangsan Travel and it will arrive at 1pm Tuesday and will leave at 2:30pm on Wednesday. I hope that won't be too tight.

[kiwiliz]

Hiya,
I am leaving Incheon on thursday morning, back on Friday afternoon, my lousy recruiter won't extend this to cover the weekend....but is anyone else going? or will be there? Please PM me! would love some company

Liz

[fortuneandglory]

I know it's short notice, but I was wondering if any one else was doing a VISA run this Sunday-Tuesday to Fukuoka. I'm taking the Ferry from Busan and wouldn't mind some company for the trip.

[b_canadian_eh]

Hey, can't seem to find the info in this thread, though I am sure it's there.

Is there a ferry from Busan to Fukokua that leaves in the evening, like after 8pm? Also, is there a phone number or, better yet, a website where you can find info and/or book tickets? Thanks a bunch.

[whatthefunk]

yes there is an overnight one that leaves at about 7:30 and gets to fukuoka early in the morning. its called the Camellia Line. web site here: www.camellia-line.co.jp its in japanese though. try a travel abgent or just go to the ferry terminal if you live in busan.