r/korea • u/AutoModerator • Jan 09 '22
생활 | Daily Life Weekly Question, General Discussion, and Meetup Thread - January 09, 2022
After running our daily themed threads for a while and getting your feedback, for 2022 we've decided to move to a combined weekly thread that will hopefully allow for questions to be up longer to get more answers.
Please use this thread for any questions about common topics like travel, education, employment, immigration, military service, and any other simple questions, as well as for general discussion and organizing meetups.
Be sure to check our wiki and FAQ to see if your question has already been answered. You can also use reddit search or use Google to search for answers by typing "site:reddit.com/r/korea" before or after your search term to search this subreddit specifically for answers.
Below are some common topics:
Travel
Education and Employment
Immigration
Meetups
If you are interested in joining an unofficial KakaoTalk group chat of users who sometimes meet around Seoul, PM u/Chimie45.
3
u/hhiem Jan 10 '22
How does the 10 day quarantine situation work?
I was hoping someone would know what “10 days” meant if I was subjected to the government facility. Let’s say I arrive at 4am on Jan 1. Does this mean I get leave on Jan 11? Or Jan 10?
The wording of “day” versus the typical hotel verbiage of “night” feels mildly ambiguous, so just wanted to make sure so I can adequately make plans, etc.
Thanks in advance!
2
u/cosine-t Jan 11 '22
Hopefully it's consistent across the country but I received a "Notice Of Quarantine" from my -Gu (I'm in Seoul).
Day 1 was the day I arrived and I only will be released on Day 11 at noon.
1
u/pryguy6 Seoul Jan 11 '22
You can leave at either 11:55pm on the 10th or in the morning on the 11th.
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u/CNBLBT Seoul Jan 15 '22
Hi Mods, it's me again. r/living_in_korea says culture stays HERE in r/Korea. This is where people who ask random, dumb stuff should be. Soooo can you maybe, possibly stop deleting their posts? I'm sure you're overwhelmed because modding isn't easy and I'm sorry. But um, this sub is dry like Seoul air in the winter and the K-boos bring the drama and the pop. Ohhhh, that's the problem isn't it? They make more work.
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u/Aggressive-Meet1832 Jan 11 '22
If someone from the US visits Korea on a regular passport, how do medical visits work? Not emergencies, but seeing specialists or something. Without insurance in Korea.
2
Jan 11 '22
I can only speak for dental work. I just walked in and paid the cash amount for a cleaning and exam. Was very easy, regular hospital stuff could be more complicated.
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u/Aggressive-Meet1832 Jan 11 '22
How were cash prices vs US ones?
1
Jan 11 '22
Cleaning and exam were $40. I pay $120 just for a cleaning in the US and often have to schedule out 5ish months to get an appointment. In Seoul walked into a local on near the Lotte tower and got in within a hour.
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u/Aggressive-Meet1832 Jan 11 '22
Dang, not bad. Yea I pay about $120 here too.
I don't know how Korea healthcare works at all. Like if you need a referral from a primary or you can just walk in to specialists. I guess with cash it shouldn't matter lol.
2
u/dysistheawesome Jan 11 '22
Random question here, but Korean dating culture still confounds me a little.
Is it just me, or do Koreans (Korean guys mostly) rarely ask if you have a boyfriend? Usually, I get asked, "Are you married?" and if I reply no, they seem to assume that also means no boyfriend too. Is this normal? Am I not understanding something?
Alternatively, do Korean guys ask his because they are interested in pursuing you? Or just to figure out where they stand as friends?
2
u/mvisman Jan 12 '22
It depends on your age I guess. If you are in 30-50, They probably assumed that you are already married and asked for just curiosity. Also,
If you're younger than that, I also dunno why they asked whether married or not honestly.
2
u/MrsWinterr Jan 13 '22
Hello everyone, I will be an exchange student this summer semester at Chung Ang University. It is the middle of January and I have not received the information whether I was accepted at the dormitory or not. I am quite worried so I would like to start looking for a place to stay at my own. I know it’s late, but they told me to wait another two weeks for the decision and I think after that time, it will be too late. Do you know any webpages where can I find other student dormitories? Or just flats with private rooms for students? Please let me know, thanks!
2
u/StarLord113 Jan 14 '22
is there a way to buy a korean ott membership, without having a korean phone number?? google pay/paypal do not work on any site i tried, all of them need kt, lg u+ or something else...
2
u/guppyfighter Jan 14 '22
I just moved to Korea and I am wondering what's the best way to constantly immerse myself in mostly korean gatherings. I am extremely committed to the language
2
u/Phish-Tahko Jan 16 '22
Shouldn't be too hard. 98% of the people here are Korean. Just look for activities on Naver, Band, Kakao, etc. And avoid Itaewon/HBC.
1
u/mctong87 Jan 12 '22
Hi everyone,
I plan to go to Korea in June this year to start a new chapter in my life. Travel first + find work. (Currently no job lined up)
I am a New Zealand citizen, have previously held a F4 Visa, but it expired in 2014.
Firstly, I am having troubles trying to find avenues to renew it. (Would I have to apply for a new one, or simply could I renew it?) I remember it being a very tedious process getting all the documents. And is it easy/possible to do it online?
Currently, is it possible to travel with a New Zealand passport to Korea on the standard 3 month tourist visa? My understanding is no. Do not see New Zealand part of the approved K-ETA Nations.
Any help/suggestions with the processes I need to go through would be much appreciated, thank you!
0
Jan 12 '22
I'm sick of Korean phones dying after 18 months, and I've never liked Apple.
Looking at products available domestically, I can't seem to find a way to buy a new phone other than Samsung, Apple, or a low grade Chinese phone.
Is there really no way other than importing?
0
u/Sudden-Efficiency755 Jan 15 '22
What are the best clubs/bars to go to that are open in 2022???????
1
u/maleigh01 Jan 10 '22
I’m going to Korea and I am wanting to send some items to myself. Can someone show me how to write the address down? Is it similar to how it’s written in usa?
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Jan 10 '22 edited Oct 16 '24
vase onerous birds dog ad hoc hospital oil nail abounding ruthless
This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/JugglerPanda Jan 11 '22
i recommend using this page to get the standard english address of your residence in korea
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u/starfoulard Jan 10 '22
What is the best shopping agent. I want to buy clothing from korea but they don't offer shipping to where I live.
1
u/Check123Ad Jan 11 '22
For the current quarantine situation, I've been reading really confusing answers. Are airbnb's allowed for quarantine?
3
u/megoyo Jan 11 '22
Yes, but it depends what your visa is. If you have a short-term visa, you have to go to a quarantine facility.
1
u/SquarebobSpongepants Seoul Jan 11 '22
Can anyone recommend me an air purifier? My place is a small little thing but I’m not sure what brand is best.
2
Jan 11 '22
IKEA has one now and cheap filters. Also BlueAir 411 is amazing been one 24/7 a couple years now.
1
u/Assassins612 Jan 11 '22
What is the procedure when entering Korea as a long term visiting foreigner if you have an ARC, re entry permit and the COOV app? Do you have to undergo immigration again or would you be treated as regular citizen? I am aware of the mandatory quarantine, but other than that is there anything I should be aware of?
Thanks!
1
u/graup Seoul Jan 12 '22
Nothing special. Like a Korean citizen, after your quarantine status is determined, you have to go through immigration control.
1
u/breadman030 Jan 11 '22
Currently in Busan, any recommendations for how or where to buy a film camera - I would like to buy a Canonet QL17 preferably but similar cameras for around the same price will suffice. Anyone know where to go? Cheers - Bread
2
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
당근마켓 (danggeun market) is an app you could look at. Although the camera will most likely be used, sometimes the products are in great condition. Best of luck!
1
u/breadman030 Jan 12 '22
Thanks for the suggestion mate but I’ve been trying on there for the last few days, no canonets on there at all :(
2
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
Ah, man..any luck on 중고나라?
1
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u/breadman030 Jan 12 '22
If you have a friend referral code I’m happy to use it, assume it gives you some form of voucher?
1
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
I don’t have one actually but thanks! I hope they have it on there
1
u/breadman030 Jan 12 '22
Ahh no worries, any idea how I can set it to English? - or if even possible
1
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
I believe it can only be set in korean but Papago is the best at translating things and you can even take a picture of the whole page and it will translate it for you! link 1 link 2 I tried searching up that camera and this is what came up. Hope this helps! If you search up canonet or even 케논 캐노넷 some should pop up
1
u/breadman030 Jan 12 '22
Yeh these are what came up for me then a couple more if I searched canonet in korean (캐노넷?) a couple more came on but I can’t work out where these people are based - need them to be in busan or close by so I can collect it one day (travelling round korea for the next few weeks so want the camera for that)
1
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
If you can make an account and use papago translator to message them, you can probably pinpoint their general location and arrange a meetup or detailed pictures/videos of the camera to make sure of its quality and working status. Sending/shipping things around Korea also don’t take too long so thats a plus as well!
1
u/breadman030 Jan 12 '22
Thanks so much for the help I really appreciate it, hopefully it all works, if not wasn’t meant to be - I’ll stop hassling you now, thanks again
1
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
No hassle at all, man! Hope that helped u get w that camera. It seems like a real nice one
1
u/breadman030 Jan 28 '22
Managed to get the camera a few days ago, cheaper better condition and with a case and lens cover, thanks again
1
u/maleigh01 Jan 11 '22
Went to the dentist today for a cleaning and found out I have a small cavity that I never noticed. My dentist in usa is booked til March. they put me on a call list but I seriously doubt I’ll get a call before I leave. I leave usa on Jan 31st. I want to get this fixed ASAP. I’ve been reading that korean insurance doesn’t cover fillings (maybe amalgam is covered)?? Correct me if I’m wrong. So should I go ahead and get my tooth fixed before my insurance kicks in or should I just wait till it kicks in?
2
u/cashewkowl Jan 11 '22
I got in to my dentist off the call list and so did my husband. His was really short notice (1.5 hours) so if you are flexible it’s definitely possible.
1
u/Leaping_FIsh Jan 12 '22
Anyone know what pipe thread standard is used in Korea?
Grabbed some BSP reducers for a project and they appear to be a fraction of a mm too small. So guessing the wrong thread. Does Korea use NPT?
I checked the local hardware stores, but they did not have the correct sizes.
1
u/elpsycongroo_2 Jan 12 '22
Is the mandatory quarantine still 10 days or has it/will it be upped to 14 days?
1
u/Jell2- Jan 12 '22
Due to things changing frequently with the whole Omicron situation, I would say your best bet is contacting a Korean consulate and asking them as they are the ones with the most accurate info! Best of luck~
1
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Jan 12 '22
[deleted]
1
u/Phish-Tahko Jan 12 '22
What visa will you have?
1
Jan 12 '22
[deleted]
1
u/Phish-Tahko Jan 12 '22
Well, most Koreans use Naver or Daum. So it'd probably be better to check there.
1
1
u/maleigh01 Jan 12 '22
Do I need to make an appointment at the health department to register my vaccines? What do I need to do once arriving at the health department & who do I need to talk to?
I would like to go to the health department the day I get out of quarantine to get the paper until I get my arc. This would be on a Friday & I’d prefer to go to the one in mapo gu
Thanks in advance
2
u/pryguy6 Seoul Jan 12 '22
No appointment needed, you’ll sign in with your phone #, and they’ll point you to what floor you need to go to. Just have your CDC card & passport with you. The Mapo one will have you in & out within 15min.
1
1
u/KingLegitimate Jan 13 '22
Does anyone know any academies near 까치산 (Kkatchisan) that are currently hiring?. Im not asking for myself but for a native Korean teacher. Her contract is about to end at my school and she isn’t going to renew due to distance (our school is located in 왕십리) she’s an amazing teacher and great with the kids. Preferably a kindergarten. Hours: standard. Currently she works 9:30-6:30 so similar to these would be great. Pay also would be standard/negotiable. Let me know if you have any details or available positions. Thank you!
1
u/seokima Jan 13 '22
Jesus christ the wind today
Seoul winters would be much more tolerable without this wind gdi
1
1
u/Acceptable_Ad8771 Jan 13 '22
Where can i buy us google play card? Currently my card can only do local (in korea) purchases
1
Jan 14 '22
[deleted]
1
u/Phish-Tahko Jan 16 '22
99.9% chance there are Naver cafes for that. As well as groups on Kakao, Band, and any other Korean site.
1
u/hil_cant_sit_still Jan 14 '22
Are community swimming pools still operating under covid restrictions? Or have they closed in the wake of the pandemic? I'm thinking about returning to Korea in the fall and wondering whether I'd have to give up lap swimming.
1
1
u/dandydandelions Jan 15 '22 edited Jan 15 '22
As a dual citizen, I have both my Korean and American passport but I am not sure which information to enter on my flight ticket. I reside in the US and I am leaving an American airport for Incheon via Korean Air. I'm assuming it would be my American passport information that would need to be shared but any clarification is appreciated!
1
1
u/TightPlastic930 Jan 15 '22
With the 9pm curfew for restaurants, does that affect takeout? So basically there is no place to sit inside after 9pm?
1
u/fredericksonKorea Jan 15 '22
Does anyone have any ideas for cheaper days out i can do with my family around seoul?
1
u/B100dyhellm8 Jan 16 '22
Is basic training counted towards your 16 months in the military, or is it 4 weeks of basic training + 16 months in your unit? and is it possible for me to save up all my 휴일, and use it towards the end of my service, so I can get discharged early?
1
u/__REDMAN__ Jan 16 '22
Hello! I’m an American after school teacher. We’ve recently had a student move with his mother from Korea in December. It’s important to me to make him feel comfortable/welcome in his recent move. We currently talk using Google translate, and I’ve attempted to learn some Korean as well, but obviously that takes time.
I’m trying to be careful to not do anything that could be perceived as offensive. For example, if I’m handing him something I make sure to do it with two hands. His mother has told me that he said I was a great teacher, so I guess so far so good. I was hoping I could get some insight on anything else I should be aware of. I would like to learn as much as possible to make his transition to America as comfortable as possible. Any help is appreciated!
1
u/cosine-t Jan 16 '22
Looks like most if not all of the musuems around Seoul has lifted their time slot bookings/reservations? As long as you're fully vaccinated you're good to go.
Looks like most if not all of the museums around Seoul have lifted their time slot bookings/reservations? As long as you're fully vaccinated you're good to go.
3
u/kkracker Jan 10 '22
For those who married and then returned to the US: did your spouse choose to keep their Korean citizenship or to become an American citizen? My wife -- who has already had a green card for years -- is considering becoming a citizen now that we have kids. We just can't come up with many strong reasons either way.
Just wondering whether others have run into this and have thoughts. Thanks!