Korean Job Discussion Forums

[youmepicnic]

Here is my take on OSAKA. Taiwan to be posted soon. Use this information, take 2 nights. Fly out mid/late afternoon, stay the night, get up early and get you butt to the Consulate ON TIME. Spend the day shopping, eating Ramen and making a few new friends. Go for a drink, enjoy the nightlife and rest. Pick uo the visa the next afternoon, get on the train and get back to Korea. Its a simple plan; below are the details.

cheers!


Osaka survival guide

What do I need at the Korean Consulate?:

As of November 26th, 2006 I needed:

1) My Passport
2) Visa Confirmation Number
3) Address and phone number of your place of employment.
4) 2 Passport Photos
5) About 7000 yen for the visa stamp


There is also a machine in the consulate in case you have forgotten or misplaced your photos.

What time do I have to be there?

The sign reads that individuals have to be there to make their applications between 9:30 and 11:30 and they can be picked up the following day between 1:30 and 3:30. Sometimes you can get it earlier but this is not a sure bet.

Remember to take into account that the Korean Consulate will be closed for Japanese Holidays and most Korean holidays. It is best to check with them in advance.

HOW TO GET TO OSAKA

1) After passing immigration and customs you will need to find the Kansai International Trains which are located on the 2nd floor (Arrivals are on the first). Proceed up the stairs and turn right. Go out the doors and cross the bridge. Walk into the doors and look to the left. There will be a ticket booth on the wall. Go to the Red Ticket Booth.

2) Your destination is Namba Station and there are two trains you can take. The Rapid Express Train which costs 1400 yen and takes about 30 minutes making just a few stops. The other train is the regular express train that makes many more stops. It takes 45 minutes, moving but reamains stopped for sometimes up to an hour and costs 890 yen. TAKE THE FAST TRAIN.

3) When you get to the Namba station, look straight ahead. There are stairs down that lead to the subway. Follow the signs to Exit 7. If you see an information booth stop and ask for an OSAKA CITY MAP> have then find Osaka Capsule Inn Namba. Have them point you in the right direction.


HOUSING
I opted for the Osaka Capsule Inn Namba. It has floors dedicated for Men and Women but you can't mix the sexes on a floor.


To get there:

1) Go to Exit #7 The exit is back out of the main hub-bub and around a few corners. It�s a maze, but follow the signs. Continue walking straight until you hit the Sabi Shoe store and take your left. If you hit the Glamour Beauty School you have gone too far.



2) Continue walking until you get to the cute Love Motel . Take a left and the Capsule Motel will be right there. Its on the left hand side. It has the fa�ade of a pyramid.

HOW TO GET TO THE CONSULATE

I prefer visual landmarks and not numbers especially in the Namba Station/Walk maze. So, I opted to get out of the maze and go to the street at Exit #10.

Once you get to street level take a left and head in the direction this picture is facing. You will pass the famous Shin-Kabuki Theatre on your left (where the banners are hanging ). You may even be lucky enough to dodge a line-up of old women as they wait for tickets for an upcoming performance. The theatre is a shorter building with a wavy fa�ade, and it�s much older than the buildings around it.


Enjoy the approximately 300 meter walk. You will pass by a Subway Restaurant, Exit #25, and McDondald's before getting to the consulate.

When you get to the Consulate proceed up the stairs. Fill out the paperwork, get your pictures if necessary, and then take a number. She will direct you to get a payment stamp from the machine. On the run I took in 2005 and 2006 it cost 6000 yen (Canadian and English) or 5400 yen (American). Return back to the window (you don't need to take a number again) and submit it. You will receive a Visa Acceptance Receipt and your pick up time. Congrats.

Places to see:
Shin-sai-bashi walkway
Shopping, eating, etc.
There is a castle near but you have to take a different train� I didn�t do it.

Budget
Train to and from airport 28,000
Lodging 50,000
Breakfast Included
Lunch 6,000
Dinner 20,000
Snacks/water 12,000
Visa stamp 60,000-65,000
191,000- 200,000

From the consulate, cross the street at the nearest crosswalk. Look down each block until you see the giant crab, walk TOWARDS the crab. This is the walkway for shopping.


Good luck!

[everydavid]

very generous of you to provide that info. Wish I had known that when I did my visa run there.

[True Samurai]

Hai everydavid-san. Domo arigato!

[mep3]

Re:

1) My Passport
2) Visa Confirmation Number
3) Address and phone number of your place of employment.
4) 2 Passport Photos
5) About 7000 yen for the visa stamp

In the FAQ's it says you also need transcripts and diploma?

Also, about what's the airfare round-trip Seoul-Osaka?

Thx .... mep

[ttompatz]