Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Globutron]

First of all, I'd like to say that this forum has been a complete lie from top to bottom. I've come here, and since I arrived, I haven't stopped having fun. Koreans are permanently friendly. Statistically far more so than they are hateful. The statistics being that every single place I went I was waved at, hugged, given coffee, called handsome e.t.c. So, Anybody reading this thinking about the negativity on this forum, well, maybe. If you are the kind of person that seeks negativity.
Actually I love to seek negativity so I'm ashamed with myself for failing so far.

now for the actual point of the thread. It seems to be a slight ambiguity between my fellow teacher fellows, about ATM machines. I only have 60,000 won on me, the rest is about �800+, which for some odd reason nobody here knows how I can actually access. I'm in Anyang, I came across local ATMs but so far not a single international one... they a rare occurance? How do I get my money? - before my ARC, of course. I'll get that sorted ASAP though.

[dunc180]

Citibank usually has Global ATMs.

[alwaysbeclosing100]

citibank and keb

[blackjack]

woori have some as well. A lot of the GS25s have international atms as well.

You also don't need your ARC to open a bank account, you can do it with your passport.

As to the negativity, people use this place as a place to vent. Imagine how boring this site would be if everyone just said "I had a normal day, nothing special happened"

Also you have only been here for a couple of weeks (?) everything is still shiny and new

[lifeinkorea]

Do you have some kind of debit card? I used this before my first pay when I came to Korea. The hagwon owner offered to lend me 300,000 and take it out of my salary.

You might want to try this advance option, since it will keep your current money in pounds. It's easier to use money with cards than trying to get it from banks.

Also, it is my understanding there are 2 Citibanks. One you can take money out, but the other is not global (or not as global if that makes sense).

I tried to go to one in Pyeongtaek and I couldn't get money out, but I could use it at a mom and pop store. Technology, go figure.

[ticktocktocktick]

There's a branch of Citibank at Beomgye stn in Anyang, I suggest trying there. It's on the main road near homeplus.

[Globutron]

Oh cheers guys, very helpful. I'll have a look around and get myself sorted. My boss is definitely the kind to lend if necessary, and one of the other teachers has already offered to, but I don't really feel comfortable with this whole lending process so early on.

I've already had to allow everyone to buy me everything, in return for me paying everything for them. So strange.

And yes you're right it's shiny and new, I'm sure given a month or so I'll come here with a couple of urgh's and grrr's. But still, People oughtn't be put off!

[ttompatz]

[Globutron]

Why? I already know what culture shock is. And I'm completely aware of its affect on me. Not least because of the sudden bowel problems. But the fact that all I know so far is good, except for the toilets, implies an at least above-average future. Unless I suddenly fall out with everybody I have met and the average number of Koreans that like me drops dramatically due to weather change or something.

It's a good start, is all.

[Wishmaster]

Oh, been here a short while and think you've got it all figured, eh? Spend a couple of years here and then assess it. The waving will get old fast, especially if it comes from packs of middle school students who will say such awe-inspiring things as "Hello", "I'm fine. And you?" and the occasional "F### you." Oh sure, it is not bad the first couple of times, but after a couple thousand of times, get back to me and tell me how you feel. Hugs? Hmmm...they don't really do that one. Perhaps you walked up a certain hill in Itaewon. I guess it all depends which hill there. Did a femal or male hug you? . Oh, and the handsome comment. EVERY foreigner gets that one. If you are black, they tell you that you look like Denzel Washington. If you are white, you are Brad Pitt. Even old, bald guys get called handsome here. The Prison Break guys seems to be falling out of favor here, but Brad Pitt is the old reliable and you probably were told that you look like him. Enjoy the honeymoon period. Get back to us when you've actually done some time in the place.

[Globutron]

Check it out, more bitterness. I never once claimed I 'had it all figured'. In fact I made it very clear how completely aware I am about being in a shiny new stage and it is all fresh. Very clear to those who don't feel the need to unleash their 'experienced' negativity on those they deem as ignorant and naive, without reading what they actually mean to say.

I'm also very aware that they do it purely on the fact that I am white. You're not getting my point. I get grunts, insults and robbed back in the UK. Regardless of how tiring and annoying I may find it, they are still - even if superficially - far more friendly and accepting here, from my initial perspective.

When I read this forum, I came here assuming I would get people demanding I leave and stop stealing their girls and jobs, that they resent my existence. If they do, they're pretty good at hiding it, by buying me coffee and wrist bands for free day trips out.

oh and no it wasn't Itaewon, it was in Anyang, the hugs. I think I am climbing some big hill in Itaewon tomorrow though, or somewhere in Seoul.

Anywho, This isn't the point of the thread, the point has been answered so it may close now. Thanks for you guys who did answer that, too =D

[lifeinkorea]

[Globutron]

Why NOOOOOOOOOO? is it too big? too boring? I hear mountains here just have steps carved all the way up =\

Enlighten me damn it

[djsmnc]

[seonsengnimble]

It's pretty random where you can find a global atm. When I was in Anyang, the nearest bank only accepted cards from Korea or the Philippines, but the buy the way next door took my card.

If you're really desperate, you can either go to Itaewon and use any atm there or if you're in the Western half of Anyang, go up to siehung dong in geumcheon gu and use the atms at the Industrial Bank of Korea. Take the 150 bus From Seoksu station and get off at Siehung Sageori.