Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joesunsangnim]

Ive had my bike in korea for just over a year now and explaining things I want done to maintain my bike is nearly impossible when im talking to a man who comes from a culture of "if its old, throw it out and buy a new one." I come from a place where we take something old and do our best to make it like new again. Im trying to get parts replaced on my 10 year old scooter because its big and comfortable but the guy looks at me like Im an idiot.

does anyone know of any shops where they speak english and I can have a proper assessment of my bike done? I live in incheon but am willing to drive to the far ends of seoul if need be.

[Bibbitybop]

I don't know of any English speaking shops. You may have luck (and get charged more for it) in Toegyero 5ga (between Chungmuro and Dongdaemun Stadium stations) in Seoul.

I know the basic lingo for communication with my mechanic. For difficult or odd problems, I bring a Korean-speaker or have my written problem translated beforehand.

[Kafkaesque]

What culture do you come from that says you can make things like new again?

Anyway...if you can't get someone to maintain your scooter properly.. do it yourself.

Go to a Mart...GS.. or E.. or Wal..buy yourself some tools...all you really need is a shifting spanner..( adjustible wrench for you Merrycans.) 2 screwdrivers...one flat bladed...the other phillips head. Buy some cable ties....and some sandwich bags...and a nail file. A set of allen keys is also good. Should cost you about 10,000 won.

The shifter...( adjustible wrench for you... oh never mind)...will serve to undo all the bolts on your bike if you are careful. The screwdrivers and allen keys will open all your cases. The nail file will clean contact breakers and spark plugs. You will find the blade of the nail file is 0.15mm as a guide to set your points or plugs.

The plastic bags are for you to put your cables...(clutch etc) in and soak in oil. Use a cable tie to seal them... hang them overnight and they are ready for use again.

at the Mart....you can buy oil. Change it regularly..5,000 km max! 20/50 for summer weight... lighter for winter weight.

See the next installment for brake fluid, pads, tyres and chains.

Franz

[Bibbitybop]

Working on a bike yourself is great if you have been shown how or you have good mechanical abilities and a good English-language manual. Read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance if you don't believe me.

But working on a bike as a novice and be very tough and if you mess up, you may render your bike inoperable and unable to get it easily to a shop to fix it.

Plus, in Korea, it is so easy, fast and cheap to have work done. In the USA, some shops charge $50 or more for an oil change and can take up to a week. Of course, I did those on my in the USA. But in Korea, 8,000 won and 5 minutes later my bike is fixed and I didn't have to do squat.

[joesunsangnim]

yeah, ten bucks worth of tools could very easily equal a hundred bucks worth of mistakes. if I knew how to change my carb, starter, brakes, tires, shocks, or lights I wouldnt have posted the question. im looking for someone who can help me in my language.

I'm not expecting much in terms of a positive response. I've lived here to long to have expectations. but if there is anyone who can speak the English and owns a bike shop I'd love to meet them. I'm tired of translating a specific problem every time( how do you say: "there's a high pitch rattling sound when I'm in the middle of accelerating and it goes away at high or low speeds."?). I wanna have a conversation with the guy who's fixing my bike.

thanks for your help so far

[scytale]

What kind of bikes does South Korea have? I'm living in western China right now, and electric scooters really make things easier.

[Bibbitybop]