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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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tomwaits
Joined: 05 Feb 2003
Location: PC Bong
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 Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:27 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not sure what to make of what happened to th op.
What I do know is that Gunthar, for all his redeeming qualities, is a cheapskate and I'm sure he is tough to work for. ONE THING he expects isthat customers spend money and I can't blame him..He used to hate people coming in drunk and straddling a beer for 2 hours.
Place is immaculate, good food and drink and a big screen forthe World Cup---all free. Yes you should be ready to spend if you go...Look at the Korean places that demand you order food etc..
And keep in mind (at least in 2001 when he opened) Gunthar was in the place early morning prepping, opened at 1-4 and finally closed down 2ish. 6 long hard days a week. I'm not on his payroll HAAA.
Really to the OP give it another chance. |
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Pyongshin Sangja
Joined: 20 Apr 2003
Location: I love baby!
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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| She could be beautiful but she has a constant scowl on her face and is a real B****. |
That's Al's Korean wife. If you wonder why the waitresses are still hounding you to buy more drinks, look no further. She keeps the ajuma tradition alive. She's a nice lady, actually, but she runs the bar like every other place in Itaewon. It's not a hostel. Buy something or take a hike. |
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jhaelin
Joined: 30 Aug 2006
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 7:03 pm Post subject: Re: 3 Alleys Pub - Is this customary? |
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i guess if i was a bar owner or worker and someone started a tab with a credit card i would be assuming that they are planning on "drinking".
similar to how i would avoid using a credit card to buy anything under 10 bucks at the counter, i think openning a tab with a credit card does imply certain unspoken expectations.
in that light you may say that you were sort of being a rude patron, or perhaps pretentious is a better word...
this might explain why they were harrassing you for drinks.
as to the guy embarrasing you with the 6,000 won bill,
well..
these seemingly odd events often occur when koreans try to passively or indirectly show their anger.
i bet if you started the bill with a credit card and ended up paying a 15,000 won bill in cash that event wouldn't've happened.
just my two cents and opinion on korean culture/customs.
| byunhosa wrote: |
So on Fri evening, after having dinner with a Korean colleague of mine, we decided to head to Itaewon for a few beers. Given that he is the olderish type, I thought from the descriptions on this Board that 3 Alleys Pub would suit him, so we headed over there. I myself had never been in this place before.
I opened a tab with my credit card and we ordered two draft beers. We took our seats near the pool table there. While chatting and drinking our beers, we were accosted at least 4 times in less than 15 minutes by increasingly impatient staff asking if we were going to order more beers.
After contacting my colleague's friend, we decided to move on to another place. The woman behind the counter told me the bill was 6,000 KRW, and after she rolled her eyes at my attempt to pay with the credit card, I handed her a 10,000 won bill, collected my change and credit card, and joined my friend already out on the street.
We start up the alley and all of a sudden the adjeosshi comes charging out yelling my name. I stopped and he told me that I did not pay the bill. I calmly explained to him that I did, and paid in cash, that it was 6,000 KRW and I had received 4,000 in return (admittedly I did not grab the receipt, which I should have; no, I was not intoxicated). He insists that I come back in the bar.
I reluctantly follow and am a bit annoyed and embarrassed. I point out the woman behind the bar who took my money, and explain that not 20 seconds ago I had paid her the required amount. There is some grumbling but finally she admits that she did take my money, but does not apologize.
I walk out by my friend is irate and says he will never patronize the place again. I am a bit annoyed at being treated like a punk but I didn't get too excited about it.
Has anyone else been treated similarly at this place? This is not a "racism" story, but I thought their behavior was strange at best and downright dishonest at worst. |
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jaganath69
Joined: 17 Jul 2003
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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| JongnoGuru wrote: |
| jaganath69 wrote: |
| JongnoGuru wrote: |
| Yakity yak, blah, blah, blah, back under the reign of King Sejong, I once had me a firkin of ale there. |
In all honesty though, can you suggest a better bar in the 'won? RMT, I know nationalistic Canuks who rate that one too OTT. Wolfhound? Good concept but the plastic paddy infestation gives me hives. Scrooges? If they fired that a$$hole flippa who works behind the bar I'd maybe go back, 3A staff don't steal tips. Hollywoods? Not bad for an evening watching the footie and skanks, but a bit too noisy and the spirits are sh1te. Seoul Pub? Hobos give it a swerve as the dumpsters have more class. Nashville? When the roaches' visas expire and they move on to teach in China, I might go back. |
Hey, I didn't say yakity blah blah. But I'll agree with your scores for the rest of the places. For all my b1tching, I haven't sworn off 3AP, and if anything, *I'M* always the one trying to steer the group back there and let bygones be bygones. But they won't go.
You read Tzechuk's 2nd post here about still liking the food and wanting to go back, but after some bad incident, her husband refuses to return? Well, it's the exact same with me -- I'll go, but I can't convince others (and their grievances are based on far more than one surly waitress).
You've never had a problem there, that's terrific. My first and worst bad 3AP experience -- worst service experience in Korea, for that matter -- occurred THE VERY FIRST TIME I WENT THERE, and I certainly didn't have it coming to me. Even still, I brushed it off and the 3AP was my #1 favourite pub for the next five years. Unfortunately, they succeeded in gratuitously offending one friend after another over the course of those years, so now it's completely off the option list.
Every time I see one of these "can you believe this??" 3AP threads, it just reinforces that the crap I've seen isn't a fluke. I know it's popular and everyone's been there, but is there a single pub in all of the ROK that gets slammed on this board more than the 3AP? I don't think there is. Now, we may both not care for Seoul Pub, but the worst I've heard is their client�le smells funny. |
Come on guy, I was just funnin with ya, the ammended quote was more a dig at your long reign here. I agree the place gets quite a few knocks, but how many people bother to post a positive review of any place they go. It certainly has its fans, and I am one. Might see you there for a beer one day. |
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Wangja
Joined: 17 May 2004
Location: Seoul, Yongsan
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject: |
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| tzechuk wrote: |
| Wangja wrote: |
| I'm with you. I prefer my glass to be refilled pronptly without having to shout "Yogioh!" all the bloody time. |
If you wanna take me there, wangja, I'll go any time   |
Great TZ!
I'm in Germany for few weeks, when I'm home, it's a date! |
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hogwonguy1979
Joined: 22 Dec 2003
Location: the racoon den
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:06 pm Post subject: |
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I'm a semi-regular, go about once a week sometimes twice and everytime I've been there I've had no problems whatsoever. Yeah Gunther had a mean streak in him but he knew his business. Al and Bernie are some of the best people behind a bar I've ever met. They know your name and your drink which is all I ask
Also the barmaid who gets off at 7 is pretty hot which helps |
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Natalie
Joined: 16 Apr 2007
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| Posted: Thu Sep 27, 2007 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: 3 Alleys Pub - Is this customary? |
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| jhaelin wrote: |
i guess if i was a bar owner or worker and someone started a tab with a credit card i would be assuming that they are planning on "drinking".
similar to how i would avoid using a credit card to buy anything under 10 bucks at the counter, i think openning a tab with a credit card does imply certain unspoken expectations.
in that light you may say that you were sort of being a rude patron, or perhaps pretentious is a better word...
this might explain why they were harrassing you for drinks.
as to the guy embarrasing you with the 6,000 won bill,
well..
these seemingly odd events often occur when koreans try to passively or indirectly show their anger.
i bet if you started the bill with a credit card and ended up paying a 15,000 won bill in cash that event wouldn't've happened.
just my two cents and opinion on korean culture/customs.
| byunhosa wrote: |
So on Fri evening, after having dinner with a Korean colleague of mine, we decided to head to Itaewon for a few beers. Given that he is the olderish type, I thought from the descriptions on this Board that 3 Alleys Pub would suit him, so we headed over there. I myself had never been in this place before.
I opened a tab with my credit card and we ordered two draft beers. We took our seats near the pool table there. While chatting and drinking our beers, we were accosted at least 4 times in less than 15 minutes by increasingly impatient staff asking if we were going to order more beers.
After contacting my colleague's friend, we decided to move on to another place. The woman behind the counter told me the bill was 6,000 KRW, and after she rolled her eyes at my attempt to pay with the credit card, I handed her a 10,000 won bill, collected my change and credit card, and joined my friend already out on the street.
We start up the alley and all of a sudden the adjeosshi comes charging out yelling my name. I stopped and he told me that I did not pay the bill. I calmly explained to him that I did, and paid in cash, that it was 6,000 KRW and I had received 4,000 in return (admittedly I did not grab the receipt, which I should have; no, I was not intoxicated). He insists that I come back in the bar.
I reluctantly follow and am a bit annoyed and embarrassed. I point out the woman behind the bar who took my money, and explain that not 20 seconds ago I had paid her the required amount. There is some grumbling but finally she admits that she did take my money, but does not apologize.
I walk out by my friend is irate and says he will never patronize the place again. I am a bit annoyed at being treated like a punk but I didn't get too excited about it.
Has anyone else been treated similarly at this place? This is not a "racism" story, but I thought their behavior was strange at best and downright dishonest at worst. |
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Its 3Alleys policy to take your credit card for any kind of tab - and they ALWAYS offer to make a tab when you are there, so ask for your credit card as a deposit thats all. They don't expect you to pay with it, just to ensure you won't do a runner. |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:09 am Post subject: |
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I think why people knock the 3Alley is because it's pretty darn near to being an authentic Western/British pub. So if some Korean-ness pokes it's ugly head in to ruin the experience, i.e. being asked 10 times per hour if you want another drink, then those who cherish it's near-authenticity get their nose put out of shape.
It's a problem of being so close but not quite there.
There. I've over-analysed it for you all.
I prefer the Wolfhound. But I've appreciated the 3Alley on many an occasion. And, yes. I did experience some Gunther over aggresivness plus annoying waitresses. But hey. It's so close to not being in Korea for a few hours. That makes it worthwhile. |
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indytrucks
Joined: 09 Apr 2003
Location: The Shelf
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 12:57 am Post subject: |
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| jaganath69 wrote: |
| In all honesty though, can you suggest a better bar in the 'won? RMT, I know nationalistic Canuks who rate that one too OTT. Wolfhound? Good concept but the plastic paddy infestation gives me hives. Scrooges? If they fired that a$$hole flippa who works behind the bar I'd maybe go back, 3A staff don't steal tips. Hollywoods? Not bad for an evening watching the footie and skanks, but a bit too noisy and the spirits are sh1te. Seoul Pub? Hobos give it a swerve as the dumpsters have more class. Nashville? When the roaches' visas expire and they move on to teach in China, I might go back. |
Fairly accurate assessment. You forgot about Geckos. You think 3AP has hopeless, apathetic and surly wait staff? Try getting a pint in Geckos. It doesn't even have to be busy. You'll be waiting a while. This is not to mention the multiple times they've tried to charge me 30,000 won for a packet of fags. |
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sojourner1
Joined: 17 Apr 2007
Location: Where meggi swim and 2 wheeled tractors go sput put chug alugg pug pug
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 1:19 am Post subject: |
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Is Gunther the big American dude that does trivia in 3 Alleys of an evening?
When I went, the first thing I noticed and said was, "Are we still in Korea? I feel like I am home again." The place appears to be a mostly 40 and 50 something year old men hangout, probably US dept. of defense civilian personnel who are US forces veterans.
I didn't think people were friendly though, but didn't expect to find small town warmness and honesty in Seoul and didn't have any hang ups with anything or anyone as I drank my expensive Erdingers. Guess it's really not any more expensive than a bar in Germany. The place reminds me of bars near military bases in Germany.
Shame on any bar or business that says you didn't pay when you did. That's unacceptable to not keep track of what's going on. If I was managing a place, my employees would clearly know, "Be friendly, know who is a paying customer, and know what's going on around you at all times." |
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jaganath69
Joined: 17 Jul 2003
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 2:19 am Post subject: |
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| indytrucks wrote: |
| jaganath69 wrote: |
| In all honesty though, can you suggest a better bar in the 'won? RMT, I know nationalistic Canuks who rate that one too OTT. Wolfhound? Good concept but the plastic paddy infestation gives me hives. Scrooges? If they fired that a$$hole flippa who works behind the bar I'd maybe go back, 3A staff don't steal tips. Hollywoods? Not bad for an evening watching the footie and skanks, but a bit too noisy and the spirits are sh1te. Seoul Pub? Hobos give it a swerve as the dumpsters have more class. Nashville? When the roaches' visas expire and they move on to teach in China, I might go back. |
Fairly accurate assessment. You forgot about Geckos. You think 3AP has hopeless, apathetic and surly wait staff? Try getting a pint in Geckos. It doesn't even have to be busy. You'll be waiting a while. This is not to mention the multiple times they've tried to charge me 30,000 won for a packet of fags. |
Correct, that and the general lack of couth amongst those who frequent it is the reason I have avoided the place like HIV since 2004. |
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tzechuk
Joined: 20 Dec 2004
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 2:23 am Post subject: |
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| sojourner1 wrote: |
Is Gunther the big American dude that does trivia in 3 Alleys of an evening?
When I went, the first thing I noticed and said was, "Are we still in Korea? I feel like I am home again." The place appears to be a mostly 40 and 50 something year old men hangout, probably US dept. of defense civilian personnel who are US forces veterans.
I didn't think people were friendly though, but didn't expect to find small town warmness and honesty in Seoul and didn't have any hang ups with anything or anyone as I drank my expensive Erdingers. Guess it's really not any more expensive than a bar in Germany. The place reminds me of bars near military bases in Germany.
Shame on any bar or business that says you didn't pay when you did. That's unacceptable to not keep track of what's going on. If I was managing a place, my employees would clearly know, "Be friendly, know who is a paying customer, and know what's going on around you at all times." |
Gunther is German. The guy that does quiz is a different guy whose name escapes me at the moment. |
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Young FRANKenstein
Joined: 02 Oct 2006
Location: Castle Frankenstein (that's FRONKensteen)
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:06 am Post subject: |
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| Pyongshin Sangja wrote: |
| That's Al's Korean wife. If you wonder why the waitresses are still hounding you to buy more drinks, look no further. She keeps the ajuma tradition alive. She's a nice lady, actually, but she runs the bar like every other place in Itaewon. It's not a hostel. Buy something or take a hike. |
The problem is not that I don't buy drinks, I do. The problem is that I'm hounded incessantly every 3-5 minutes. "Look, ajumma, I'm sorry I'm not some 20 year old college frat boy whose idea of drinking is chugging everything and needing refills immediately. I like to taste my beer and do it socially. "
I finally stopped sitting in the booths. The aggravation didn't agree with the beer. Standup or sit over by the pool tables, and they bother you much less often.
But in the end, I don't care. It's not my particular kind of hangout. I only go there when I'm in town and friends suggest it. |
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RedRob
Joined: 07 Jul 2003
Location: Narnia
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 6:18 am Post subject: |
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| wo buxihuan hanguoren wrote: |
| newton kabiddles wrote: |
| The 3 Alley Pub resembles a western pub......if you're married. If you're single, it's like a pet cemetery. |
Your avatar is interesting because she only has one leg.
I did a search for 'amputee porn' once, and I found it.
That is all I have to say about that. |
I wrote an essay on this once! From memory its called apotemnophilia? - a sexual attraction to amputeees. On the other hand, There are actually people out there who want to be amputees and pay good bucks to have good limbs removed. Its a psyc. disorder or a fetish depending on whether you are analysing them or wanting to chop off yr arm!
The seminal text is called "Better than well" by Carl Elliot.......Just so ya know, in case you would to take yr freakiness further! |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2007 6:50 am Post subject: |
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| cdninkorea wrote: |
The one and only time I've been there my friend and I were constantly being asked, with ever-increasing levels of impatience and annoyance, whether we'd like another round of beers.
And while the accusation of not paying may have been an honest mistake, an apology is definitely in order. |
I never personally had any problems, but a former co-worker said he ended up overpaying before as far as he could tell, and that the German guy who was running it before was very aggressive. I saw him get overly aggressive with this fellow from England after he spilled and his drink and asked for another without even giving him the chance to explain he was going to pay for that other drink. I do like how Alley looks like, the beer selection, and I haven't had any problems myself.
I have had better service at Seoul Pub, Nashville, and the Canadian bar.
Gecko's is all right, but the service sometimes can be slow.
I would still go to the 3 Alley, because the food is good and so is the beer, but it is not my preferred place. I haven't had a problem personally, but I did think how that guy was treated in front of me was uncalled for. |
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