Get your TESOL certificate in Busan

The Asian EFL Journal, closely affiliated with the eminently useful EFL Law website, is sponsoring a one-week intensive TESOL course February 18-22nd in the lovely Busan.

I recieved the information via the email, which I will post below: Read more

Seoul Global Center

For those who don’t know, the Seoul Metro Gov’t created the “Seoul Help Center for Foreigners” a few years back. Yours truly was a volunteer for quite a number of months.  I pointed quite a few tourists in the right direction, answered telephones and tried to help others living in Seoul with some of the insider knowledge that i had picked up in my experience living in Seoul.  (also provided quite a few disgruntled teachers with information to take on their bosses in court.) 

We as foreigners needed an establishment like this.  The mission of the center also started encompassing the publishing of Events in Seoul, Jobs for Foreigners, as well as Investment Help for people with deep pockets.

To my knowledge, the center continued to exist and help those in need.  To my surprise last week, i read a newspaper report that talked about a new “Seoul Global Center.”

What was this center and how did it differ from the previous SHC? I had to find out, so a field trip was in order.  Off to the Press Center, 3rd floor. It’s right there next to the SFC (Seoul Finance Center downtown for all you that aren’t in the know.) 

And what did i see?

Beautifully designed…hard to find. Albeit, i went on the second day of operation–there were no signs in the Lobby indicating the center was on the 3rd floor. I accidentally went to the 4th floor because that’s where i thought it was located. Luckily, i bumped into someone with a working knowledge of English and she pointed me to the right direction. 

My main point of contention is that the Seoul Press Center is off the beaten path for a lot of people. In the past 6 years, i only knew about the building in the past 4 months.  Good luck to the tourists and locals finding it–there is a map on the site though that is good enough.

So, what is it? It’s an office space filled with representatives from Mobile Phone Carriers, Immigration Dept, Drivers License Agency, Banks, Living help, and business help for those like i said earlier–those “with deep pockets.”

Don’t look for a million answers–unless you fit into the “Deep Pockets” division. As an “English Teacher” or salaried “F-2 holder”, not many answers for us.

Immigration doesn’t handle F-2 Visas, just tourist visas and D-8 “Deep Pockets” Visas.  I went to the Driver’s License reps…They only appear to be able to take a current license and exchange it for a Korean license. Not the best option for those always traveling home or those with an expired license. My license expired in June, i asked how to go about getting one–i asked if they had a book or guide or something.  No help–they gave me a website of someone else to call.

The bank wasn’t much more help either. 

I’m not criticizing…yet. But, i worry about the motives behind this flashy new version of the SHC. Their heart is in the right place, but they are lacking in the follow through and extended vision. I have to agree with GI Korea about hoping to see this place improve and spread into other areas–it will definately make our lives easier.

Please go…express your concerns, ideas, and suggestions for improvements. Speak out Seoulites!~ Let your voice be heard so that our lives will improve.

More on banking in Korea

This morning The Marmot posted a link to a great article about expat banking in Korea. No tips on how to deal with the difficulties, but there are a few hints as to which banks will still offer International ATM cards and credit cards.

Super Bowl!

Updated! See below
In an effort to share information on the coming Superbowl, we’d like to open up a place for people to share what they find. As of now, I only know about a few places with events. The most reliable information seems to be from Lao Ocean Girl about a yearly party that’s open to the public (HT to ZenKimchi). Read more

The coming week’s events from the Korea Herald

SeoulSteves’ top events for this week

Live Music

Budding performers of all stripes should know about the Open Mic Night at the Aussie Grub n’ Grog on Monday Jan 29th. www.AussieGrubnGrog.com for more info.

Newcomers to Korea may not know about Club Night in Hongdae. On Friday Jan. 25th, one 15,000 won ticket gets you into 11 different clubs with a free drink at each. On the last Friday of every month, Hongdae’s Club Night is the only place to be for nightlife.

Community Events

The Korea Ultimate Players Association holds regular Sunday pick-up games on Sundays at noon at Yeoinaru (여의나루). www.koreaultimate.net

The British Chamber of Commerce in Korea is sponsoring a ‘New Years Welcome Back’ Party at the Banyan Tree spa on Tuesday, Jan. 30th. 39,000 won for non-members gets you a dinner buffet including beer and wine. There is also an ice rink and a sledding hill on premises that can be used free of charge. Party guests will also be presented with discount spa packages for the new year.

Peace, Love, Unity, Respect (PLUR) has an active chapter in Korea and they are organizing a visit to the Hwang-Ae orphanage. From 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Contact marcinmelon@yahoo.co.uk

Restaurant

Thursday the 24th (tonight!) is Margarita Night at On The Border near Yonsei/Shinchon (Exit 4 from Shinchon Station). 25,000 won gets you all you can drink margaritas and a Mexican buffet from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. www.ontheborder.co.kr

Aussie Grub ‘N Grog, in between Itaewon and Noksapyeon stations (north side of the street), is hosting an Australia Day party on Saturday January 26th. Email info@aussieshopkorea.com for more information.

Wine

‘Movie Wine Cellar’ near Yeoksam Station is hosting a wine tasting on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. 35,000 won per person. The presentation will be in Korean, but the wine list is all Pinot Noirs ranging from 94,000 to 194,000 won per bottle. Reserve your spot by bank transfer. Call 02-564-0723 (Korean) for more info.

Travel

ZTravelBug is planning a Lunar New Year trip to the gangwon province that will include casino visits, skiing, hiking, and hot springs. www.ztravelbug.com

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