Korean Job Discussion Forums

[papa_geno]

...and probably not the sharpest marble in the bag for coming with absolutely no Korean under my belt, but very open to learning what I can while I'm here. One thing I would like to learn about is the local or near-local community of folks living and working here, but right at present, I haven't a clue about that, either. In fact, I haven't even managed to land a map of the city (Gangneung) I live in. I'm hoping tomorrow I can get a few essentials (residence card, cell phone, home internet) worked out at the place where I work, but it's clear that means a fair bit of cooperation on the Hagwon's part. Clearly, how quickly these things get tended to will be some indication of how decent a place I've landed.

I've done a bit of lurking here, already, so know most of the standard warnings, and will watch for them.

Is there any place near Gangneung where teachers regularly meet up, or anybody in the area interested in doing so? Obviously, if I can post here, I've got a PM account, or replies could be posted here. Thanks in advance.

p_g

[peppermint]

Chances are you'll need your ARC and a bank account to get both a cell phone and internet set up in your name, so try to get that done first.

[papa_geno]

Yeah, we made a run to a local cell phone shop yesterday, and that's pretty much what they told us. I'm sure there's a perfectly logical reason for needing an ARC to purchase a cell phone, but so far, it's eluding me. Right now, I'm chalking it up to cultural dizziness, and await enlightenment.

That is the first order of business tomorrow, yes. Thanks.

[Wangja]

[papa_geno]

@wangja:

Consider me enlightened. Thanks.

[peppermint]

not these days. All I needed was ARC, as proof that I'm working legally here, and a bank account, so they could set up automatic withdrawals for my payments, with LG telecom.

Which ever phone company you go with, ask for the DC card while you're there ( they'll need to mail it to you though) It will get you discounts on things like movies, and western restaurants.

[papa_geno]

Okay--DC card, check.

*p_g scribbles furiously in his notebook, tongue clenched between teeth in concentration*

All such info more than welcome, of course.

And I know some of you *have* to be around Gangneung...don't be shy. I don't bite--much. And I'm holed up in this apartment with no clue as to where to go for the occasional good time.

[desultude]

Welcome to Korea! Try to make some acquantances here on the board while you are getting settled and meet some people close by.

Good luck!

[schwa]

I'm no expert on Gangneung but I visit occasionally.

Downtown is compact. Sort of behind the movie theaters & next to the central market theres an entertainment area where you might run into other foreigners. Specifically, the Warehouse (I think thats the name), a 2nd-floor bar, attracts some of the local expats.

I also like Bar Bumpin', a friendly hole-in-the-wall drinking spot with a great music system. Go a short way up the street to the left of Pizza Hut & turn right at the Family Mart.

Fri/sat nights of course are your best bet but theres usually a few thirsty hagwonners out any given night. Friendly little scene in my experience. Best luck.

[joe_doufu]

[peppermint]

If you've got even a thought in your head of being here for more than a year, having a cell phone in your name is preferable, and besides, I just don't like having that much of my life tied to my job.

[papa_geno]

@schwa:

That sounds like just the information that I need. Today I got brave, wandered around the town, found myself downtown and went down several side streets to get there. I'm at my neighborhood PC room so I'm pretty much home safe (that is, if none of these thuggish young Korean gamers take it into their head to pound my Yankee head in...no such vibes so far, though...). I think, after today's excursion, I can even manage to find the places you're describing. Yippee!

(Just so long as I don't try organizing a poetry slam...if I do that, I'm properly rooted...)

@j_d: things look pretty good on the ground so far, and while instant phone cell and internet access would have been a nice perk, it certainly isn't something I would have expected from the contract I signed. I'm guessing they'll do what they need to to help me out on the residence card--it feels that legit so far--and as peppermint suggests, that'd be a more "independent" solution to the question anyway, which I'm all for. So I'll feel all that out tomorrow, and guide my own actions from there.

...funny thing is, today, while wandering the streets of Gangneung, I happened upon the offices of one of the ex-workers of the place I'm working for (Korean)...I was at the tail end of my exploration and actually headed home, but heard an English program on the radio and turned to poke my curious nose into the place of business, but before I could do so, the fellow at work there came out and introduced himself. After a little small talk, I found myself immersed in a very basic Korean lesson! I think I've mastered numbers 0-6, though we'll see if they stick until tomorrow morning, and I got to ask a few questions about reading, as well. It's a small start, but I already feel much more able as a result...though there's a long road ahead. The kicker was, of course, that the guy used to work where I'm working now...and had nothing but good to say about it. We'll see, and all that, but for now, anyway, lots of positive signs, and feeling a lot less queasy about coming here than some descriptions of this work in Korea had led me to feel in the past few months.

I'm in that little slice of existence that occurs when one makes the transition between two cultures (this is my 3rd nation since moving from the states, so, though I know bloody little about Korea, I'm not unfamiliar with those early culture collisions)--where it's usually best to reserve judgment--either positive or negative--just taking in what signs I can. The worst so far has been the fact that I worked 5 hours on the day of my arrival--less than 15 hours after my flight landed in Seoul. Not great, but then, not entirely unexpected.

Anyway, thanks, all, for the info. It's quite helpful, and much appreciated.

p_g

[peppermint]

Good stuff. If you can get your head around the alphabet early it will make life so much easier, because many signs are English words written with Korean characters.
I've only visited Gagneung once, but I remember nice beaches there. Check them out in the next week or two if you can, I was told they're off limits most of the year.

[papa_geno]

Well, that was part of my day. I was actually able to get a ride out to a couple of the beaches, among other things...and now know how to get there should I want to.

I'm thinking my future weekends may involve a fair bit of hiking. Good stuff.

[buddy bradley]