Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Positive Realist]

Hi Everyone. This post is part job related, part general discussion, so it may get moved.

I've been combing this site for months, somewhat of a lurker I suppose, and have received a plethora of helpful information from your posts. Thank you to all those who have posted such great answers, perhaps you can help me.

I arrived in Korea 4 days ago, and for the most part, have adjusted just fine, though I have a few questions I can't seem to find the answers to. Please, please, please, do not refer to me my Korean 'handler', as they could care less about me or my situation - aren't public school 'handlers' paid to deal with us newbies?


1. Are there any public school teachers that will, or have, taken part in the 'English Cafe'? If you know anything about this program, can you please give me the 411? I've been told I will be teaching 2 hours a week (I don't know if this is 1hr. twice a week or 2hrs. once a week), in the evening, to children of unknown ages. Any information regarding this would be great. Actually, I would appreciate info. from anybody who knows anything about this type of program.

2. Do your students have doutangs, binders with paper, or anything that involves the recording of information? My request to have them write something down is received with a, 'what? we have to write things down in conversational English class?'. Am I expecting too much? This is more of a complaint than a question, but I'm curious to see if anyone has encountered the same situation.

3. I need to find chick peas and tahini paste, oh yes, I am going to make hummus. If you know where I can find cans with English labels, that would be great, if not, a translation for these terms would be appreciated.

4. Can I paint this ugly *** apartment? I know I physically can do it, but am I allowed? Do you think anyone would find out, or mind if I did it? If anyone has done this, please let me know how it turned out; both aesthetically (I think painting over textured wall paper would look cool) and repercussion wise. I will my hummus with anyone willing to help

5. What is the translation for 'mute'? I've been turning the TV off every time the phone rings. Pressing all of the button has yielded no results.

5. Short of having them shipped in, does anyone know where to buy Canadian smokes? Dare I say it, I'm a girl, I smoke, and NO I'm not a *beep*, just an addict; what's up with that perception anyway?.


P.S. If anyone wants to chill, hit up the market, or perhaps a hip hop club, let me know. I have yet to see one non-Korean face in this place, and though I haven't been looking, I�m sure you�re out there. If you want to find me, just follow the rubber necks � are girls with pony tails that unique?

Sorry guys, this was suppose to be a short post, but seeing as I haven't spoken, or written, in full sentences in 4 days, I kind of got carried away. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Alyallen]

[the eye]

[Demonicat]

Gonna give you my best shot here-

1. Are there any public school teachers that will, or have, taken part in the 'English Cafe'?
Not a public school teacher, sprry

2. Do your students have doutangs, binders with paper, or anything that involves the recording of information?
My students have binders for grammar and creative writing (my classes). They also act put upon and surprised that they have to write. Don't worry, this is a complete act. They figure there is a 1% chance that you won't make them write after all, so why not try?

3. I need to find chick peas and tahini paste, oh yes, I am going to make hummus.
Tahini, I'm not so sure where to find it, but it is VERY easy to make
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blcon110.htm
Chick peas are available all over itaewon. Look for indian or pakistani people, watch where they shop. There is one place near whatthebook? on hooker hill, and another in hannam.

4. Can I paint this ugly *** apartment? I know I physically can do it, but am I allowed? Do you think anyone would find out, or mind if I did it?
The landlord would probably freak out, the school would lose their key money (which is ALOT), and it would be a horrid experience. Best solution is always non-permanent.

5. What is the translation for 'mute'? I've been turning the TV off every time the phone rings. Pressing all of the button has yielded no results.
answered already

5. Short of having them shipped in, does anyone know where to buy Canadian smokes?
Girls who smoke rule, sadly I am an American, so can ya name me some brands?


P.S. If anyone wants to chill, hit up the market, or perhaps a hip hop club, let me know.
I love the hiphop, so I'd be down for whateva'. Girls with ponytails are NOT unique here so you may have to identify yourself a little more.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Qinella]

I'm pretty sure I saw chick peas at the Hannam market. Not sure about that tahini paste, though. Check out this web page (and the rest of the site for most of your other questions): http://wiki.galbijim.com/Black_markets#Hannam_Supermarket

Ah, I just saw Ya-Ta's post. Anyway, the Hannam market is good to know about as it carries products you won't find at other places.

[Positive Realist]

Thanks 'the eye', didn't realize I left out my location. I live in Gunpo.

Demonicat; smoke brands such as Bellmont (my fave), Dumaurier, Players, anything that doesn't taste American will do. I'd love to do the Hip Hop thing, I'll PM you tom.

Thanks for the replies guys, I will begin my chick pea finding mission this weekend.

[Demonicat]

Of those, I have only seen Players, and those were in deep Ansan. Ansan Station get out and go to the filipino 'hood. I saw those only a few times, mind you, but if you want to go there, I'll join ya- I need cloves.