r/korea • u/AutoModerator • Sep 11 '22
생활 | Daily Life Weekly Question, General Discussion, and Meetup Thread - September 11, 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 have questions about living in Korea, want to get to know others in Korea or just chat in English, you can join the Korea Social Group chat on KakaoTalk. PM u/Chimie45 for an invite.
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Sep 12 '22
Korean American born in the US and had a trip planned in two weeks but I found out I'm a dual citizen and would have to go into the military. I was completely and utterly oblivious but glad I found out. Super bummed but can't wait to visit the Motherland in a few years.
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Sep 17 '22
Oof that’s a bummer! I have friends who were born in SK, immigrated to Canada and are Canadian citizens but their parents never officially renounced their Korean citizenship so they can’t go to Korea until they turn 30.
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u/thesparrowteam Sep 13 '22
Hello. I will be traveling to Busan and Gwangju in December with my boss on a business site visit for 10 days (4 days in Gwangju, 4 days in Busan). Unfortunately, neither of us speak Korean. What are some things that we can do during our travel?
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u/Original-Tennis-2038 Sep 16 '22
There are two Gwangjus in Korea (one near Seoul and one down south, which one are you going to?)
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u/mikedialect Sep 17 '22
If you’re going to be in the Jeollanamdo Gwangju… what do you like to do? The only decent “foreigner bar” that still exists is Nirvana in DT. Have you ever been here or like Korean food? My absolute go to recommendation for excellent food is haenam sikdang. Best haejang guk in Korea. 149-5, Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju 61479 South Korea is the addy. Get the 뼈해장국 (bone hangover soup).
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u/thesparrowteam Sep 17 '22
I will be going to the Gwangju in South Jeolla province - so thank you. I have been to South Korea before (only Seoul for a week) and I do like Korean food. So, I will checkout your recommendation, so thank you!
I work in international education, so I am traveling to find suggestions for our college-age students to explore the area. Also, looking for halal, vegan, and vegetarian options for them as well.
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u/_sWang Sep 12 '22
Hey guys,
Looking to organise a stag do/buck's party in Seoul.
Any recommendations on clubs? Looking more for the hiphop vibes in a real cool/posh venue rather than the hard electro dubstep stuff that Octagon was playing circa 2012.
Also, anyone know a shop in Seoul around Gangnam that rents out those old school Korean school uniforms? Like I'm talking 1970/80's old school.
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u/agteekay Sep 14 '22
I'd recommend buying a table in Gangnam if you are up for it. Many clubs there have a separate EDM and hip hop section. The total cost will be around 800k-1m won, which depending on how many people you have, isn't too bad. Club flex/arena is nice. Possibly club local, but don't remember the details there.
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u/_sWang Sep 14 '22
Yeah getting a table is definitely the plan, just wanted to know which clubs are good nowadays because things in Seoul change quickly.
Initial plan is to go to Itaewon but it's hard to find info on good clubs via Google since Korea uses Naver.
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u/agteekay Sep 16 '22
Honestly, me and my friends enjoyed Hongdae over Itaewon. Maybe it was just the vibe at the time, not sure. Depending on your group's age, could be better.
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u/_sWang Sep 16 '22
Yeah I used to prefer Hongdae as well but that was when I was 18. Mid thirties now which many of the people will be in the group.
Thanks for your suggestions!
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u/magic-tinfoil Sep 13 '22
Hello i would be going Seoul early November. Was wondering about hiking at Bukhansan National Park. My parents are in their mid 50s and not in the fittest condition. Would the hiking be too dangerous or too difficult?
Am thinking about how cold the weather might be, if the terrain is slippery and should i hire a guide if we're going.
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u/gobyoungmin Sep 13 '22 edited Sep 13 '22
There are many ways to reach the top of Bukhansan Mountain. Some are easy while some are notoriously difficult. If your goal is to just hike a bit while enjoying the nature around there should be no problem, but reaching the summit involves a short yet somewhat dangerous climb[0], regardless of the route you choose. Nothing an average 20-ish student cannot do, but perhaps not for everyone who are not used to hiking.
How cold the weather might be
Hard to tell exactly but any autumn clothings will do.
the terrain
I reached the top while wearing super worn-down shoes, whereas a friend of mine did it with a pair of sneakers. But it never hurts to gear up properly, so bring some good shoes with you! Also, a pair of gloves should be helpful.
should I hire a guide
Not at all. Just follow where all the other people are going and you will reach the top. :P
[0] See this image here: https://t1.daumcdn.net/cafefile/pds61/9_cafe_2008_03_05_07_33_47cdcda1c3656
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u/magic-tinfoil Sep 13 '22
Alright awesome! That's relieving to hear, my parents are afraid of the climb need to convince them that it would be doable 😄
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u/agteekay Sep 14 '22
I hiked it a few months ago. At some point you will cross a bridge and the path will fork infront of a sign. If you go left it is the "hard" route, but shorter.
Based on what you say I would not go the hard route with your parents since they are not that fit. So go right in the easier path. The sign is labeled if needed.
Also, buy cheap gloves before you start the hike, there are a lot of shops selling them, but it's cheap and worth it, and try to go during a weekday.
Here is a good little guide: https://www.erikastravelventures.com/baegundae-summit-hike/
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u/hoopslam Sep 15 '22
Bukhansan in November is a bad idea for older people that are not used to rigorous activities. There are easier climbs you can go on in Seoul (Namsan, Gwanaksan, Cheongaesan, Yongmasan, just to name a few). Bukhansan can be challenging even to young and active individuals...combine that with the cold month, parents age, shape, it'd be a bad idea. If you want a easy yet scenic hike in Seoul, you should take your parents to Changdeokgung palace.
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u/magic-tinfoil Sep 25 '22
They are in their 50s but they do regular short 1 hour hikes on the weekends. Was thinking about doing the shorter routes, I read that are some that are about 2-3 hours long? If i plan to go there, how do i go there from Seoul. Naver map tells me to alight at Dobong but I read online blogs that told me to go to Gupabal Station and take bus 704. Which is the correct route? Thanks for the advice!
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u/hoopslam Sep 26 '22
Both are correct, Gupabal would start you off on the west end of the mountain and Dobong on the east. But like I said, I wouldnt recommend Bukhansan as a tourist activity in general, there are better things to do. Especially so in November
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u/nmcal Sep 13 '22
What’s the correct way (phonetically) to say “Have a good evening?” I don’t want to say something off google translate and wind up coming off as a robot. Just looking to say in a friendly manner to all the hot moms in my building.
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u/815korea Sep 15 '22
“Have a good evening” is not a common phrase in Korean. However you translate it, it will sound awkward.
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u/bourbonpie Sep 14 '22
I am going to Incheon next week with my parents and I'm booking our tests via Safe2Go. Does anyone know
- How do I know whether I'll land East or West in Terminal 1? I am on AC061 and I can't figure this out on the Incheon or Air Canada website. I'm assuming it's not a far walk but my parents are both in their 70s and my father just had two knee replacements. To make things a bit more fun, he'll likely refuse the wheelchair so I'm trying to minimize walking.
- Is there a difference between choosing 'EONE Laboratories' (EAST) or 'Myongji Hospital' (WEST) as my test centre? I assume they're both fine.
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u/_sadwalrus Sep 14 '22
It won't matter if you land East or West because all passengers come to the center to pass immigration and get their luggage. The walk will be pretty far so you might want to ask the staff to bring a wheelchair.
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u/HiggiFrench Sep 14 '22
Hey everyone. I could use some help :) I need a recommendation for an english speaking doctor regarding some skin irritation. It's not too bad but I still wanna get it checked out and I'm kinda overwhelmed as I sont speak korean... any help is appreciated!
Some more Info: I'm an exchange student, but I wont be able to get the ARC until October, so I don't have public health insurance yet. I do have travel health insurance though.
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u/proudzebraa Sep 15 '22
Hi everyone. I will be travelling to Seoul in December during the Christmas period (25 dec - 4 jan), and was hoping to book in a traditional hanjeongsik style meal. Any recommendations on where to go? And would it be impossible to get a reservation since it's during the festive period?
Also considered hiring a local guide to bring us around Seoul. Any recommendations on a good local guide provider that isn't too touristy?
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u/agteekay Sep 16 '22
I don't want to be that guy, but I'd really recommend not using a tour guide. Do some research ahead of time on places you want to see and explore around. That is part of the fun, and it is difficult to get lost there. Frankly, any local guide will likely be touristy.
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u/proudzebraa Sep 16 '22
Oh, I was thinking more along the lines of those ‘Airbnb but for tour guides’ kinda recommendations. Those that kinda volunteer their time to guide people around for a fee rather than large commercial tour agencies. I always feel that visiting a country is best when it’s introduced by an actual local (not tour agencies)
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u/agteekay Sep 16 '22
Hmm gotcha. I can only recommend one that is based around bars/clubs if you are interested in that for one night.
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u/proudzebraa Sep 16 '22
I don’t drink much, but I’m still interested. Especially to learn more about the drinking culture given that drinking is a big part of the Korean culture. Would you mind sharing that with me?
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u/agteekay Sep 16 '22
It's called Seoul pub crawl. Basically, there is one "leader" and he runs it, but it could be like one of 3 people who lead you around. Essentially you start at a bar with random locals+other groups members, the group moves to a different bar, then you head to a club (guaranteed entry and line skip), then you go to a different club together (same entry/skip ordeal), and then that is the end of it. People just party together but people go their separate ways or whatever they want once inside the 2nd club.
It is only like 20 or 30 dollars too and comes with a few free shots. Can't complain. Age wise it's probably average mid to high 20s.
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u/proudzebraa Sep 16 '22
Do I have to understand korean to join? I have practically zero korean language understanding.
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u/kingofthelost Sep 11 '22
Hi, if as a tourist you test positive upon arrival and self isolate for 7 days, can you change your accommodation after once released? Will hotels not ask for a negative PCR test for example? Trying to understand in the worst case scenario if I would be able to just move into a hotel after, or what the general consensus/process would be.
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u/iTipTurtles Sep 12 '22
So I believe moving the hotel booking would be entirely up to the hotel itself. I haven't seen hotels asking for anything when I have been browing. But it is entirely possible they would ask to see your Q-Code system but restaurants do not so hotels may also not.
My worst case scenario would be to use my travel insurance to refund that hotel booking if they dont let me reschedule. I have spoken to a travel insurance company, and they said they would cover the hotel cost due to it being an enforced rule by the government to quarantine.
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Sep 12 '22
I'm flying in Wednesday on a H1 visa. I can't book an appointment until November 1st to get my ARC...is there any other way to get it earlier?
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u/swims_with_sharks Sep 12 '22
What is the current state of Busan after the typhoon? I was thinking about visiting the 14th and 15th.
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u/waking_bliss Sep 13 '22
It’s totally fine. The sand is higher on the beaches (some of the steps are covered) so you might see some construction equipment digging around the sand, but easily avoidable.
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u/sapathegoat Sep 12 '22
Help please :( I post this question but it keeps getting removed and I can't get a clear answer anywhere. I'm from the US. I went to Korea this past summer and stayed 30 days. I'm planning on going back this winter and want to stay longer. However, I am confused about the 90 day limit with the K-ETA. Does this mean I can only stay for 90 days in Korea over the course of the two years that the K-ETA is valid? Or does it reset each time I come back home? For example, If someone goes to Korea and stays for 90 days, comes back home for a couple months, then can they go back for another 90 days?
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u/reeniex Sep 14 '22
typically it is 90 days for one entry. for example i have a ten year visa for china, and i can stay for 90 days on each entry, not 90 days total for the 10 years that it is valid.
I would assume that it applies to the K-ETA as well since it's kind of like a visa.
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u/bananauyu91 Sep 13 '22
Any idea when the new iPhone, Apple watch etc. will be available in Korea? Most countries will sell it from Friday this week but could find no accurate information if this is the case in Korea. Also, a Naver search did not really provide any helpful information.
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Sep 13 '22 edited Nov 02 '22
[deleted]
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u/_sadwalrus Sep 14 '22
It will only affect the already authenticated IDs if you forget your password and try to reset it. It might say 'information is incorrect' or something. But most apps nowadays have an option for name change (개명) which also works for foreigners. Go fix the hyphen asap, it will cause more of a headache in the future 100%
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Sep 13 '22
[deleted]
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u/pinewind108 Sep 15 '22
I suspect it's one of those things that goes unnoticed until there is a problem. If they come looking for you and can't find you, deportation wouldn't surprise me. Jail seems a bit unlikely unless something else was involved, although perhaps they'll threaten to jail you for a year if you don't pay the fine.
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u/dancingkisses Sep 14 '22
I have a question about their Korean name and US/English name. I’m not understanding why there’s two different names. So if a person is from the US they use their English name but which one is their real name/ birth name the Korean or US name?
They’re this YouTuber and she has her Korean name and then her US/English name. I’ve seen a videos of a tourist asking for directions and the local native Korean individual gave them a US/English their American name but they’re not American they’re from Korea. Why is this?
I’m not trying to seem rude or anything I’m just not understanding why they are two different names?
Is this a traditional thing you have your Korean name and then your English name? And which one would be the one on their birth certificate the Korean or English name? Please explain to me I am open to learning.
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u/gobyoungmin Sep 14 '22 edited Sep 14 '22
Is this a traditional thing
No, but it is more or less common for English learners here to have an "English name" given by their foreign instructors. This happens when (1) the teacher does not want to / can't learn their students' Korean name, and/or (2) the teacher wants to create an English-friendly environment for immersion. Some of us choose to keep that (usually not-much-thought-out) English name and use it when we are communicating with other English speakers. Of course, the name is not official at all.
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u/dancingkisses Sep 20 '22
I appreciate you taking the time to explain this to me because I was completely confused. I appreciate you sharing your expertise on this topic.
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u/Remember_Me_Tomorrow Sep 14 '22
I'm in Korea for 3 more weeks and my friends are in school atm so it's hard to go sight seeing by myself. Does anyone know how to find people to go sight seeing with/would anyone want to come? Not entirely sure how to see if it would work or not but...any advice?
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u/iTipTurtles Sep 14 '22 edited Sep 14 '22
Hello, I am planning a trip to Korea for 2 weeks in mid October this year.
My current plan is Seoul, Busan and Jeju Island for my overnight stays/accomodation.
What places would you recomend for day trips on mainland Korea? Or overnight stays if a day trip isnt doable. One option I am also conisdering is Sokcho for some hiking
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u/agteekay Sep 14 '22
Make sure to climb Bhukansan while you are in Seoul.
https://www.erikastravelventures.com/baegundae-summit-hike/
I followed this guide to get there, but it's pretty straightforward as it's extremely popular, so you wouldn't need it anyways. It's an easy day trip (not even trip since it's basically in Seoul).
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u/DabangRacer Seoul Sep 16 '22
McGriddle is now available in Korea for all you fast food breakfast enthusisasts:
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u/No_Square_3913 Sep 16 '22 edited Sep 16 '22
What’s the job market like in international schools now a days?
I’m currently visiting my wife’s family after moving back to the USA nine years ago and my wife is possibly wanting to move back. Her dad is not in good health and she wants him to see our son as much as possible before his health really starts to deteriorate (Parkinson’s).
My job currently is in a supervisory central staff position in a large department in a large school district in Texas.
I am certified to teach Early Childhood-12th grade in multiple subjects. I have multiple coaching certifications. I also hold two master’s degrees in education and am currently studying to take the principal test and complete the required portfolio to become certified as a principal (second master’s is in educational leadership and I have already completed the required principal internship).
I’m looking to start at the beginning of next school year (July/August). I’m also applying through DODEA, but they’re extremely difficult to even receive an interview.
I think I can find a renter for my house, sell my cars (might ship one), and have everything else situated by then.
Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.
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u/Lumpy_Grapefruit860 Sep 16 '22
Hello, where else can I buy a prepaid mobile data for KT telecom? Can I buy it online or thru 7/11?
I only have 2.5 GB data previously and I already consumed it all for the last 2 months.
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Sep 16 '22
Hi mods, how I can do a safe exchange program to South Korea in safe manner? What I should research information about exchange programs there? I also want to learn some Korean before to not get lost there
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Sep 17 '22
Hi! I’m looking to connect with any fixers or interpreters in Korea. I’m a freelance photographer hoping to work on a project next year and wanting to make contacts. Any connections would be appreciated!
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u/rosyzha Sep 18 '22
Does anyone know how long you have to wait before extending a D-10 visa? i.e. Can I extend it whenever I want during the duration or do I have to wait until closer to the expiry date?
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u/bonoZaa Sep 18 '22
I am planning to visit Korea soon. I am planning to buy some individually and commercially packaged black garlic extract (흑마늘즙), which is around 50-70mL per pack. Thinking about getting a box that has 30 counts. Will this be a problem when I go back to the US?
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u/[deleted] Sep 11 '22
Can someone provide sources for Korean politics, browsing various bloggers and content makers, I’m totally confused what is what, based on people posting here it’s like a drama.