Category > Practical

Korea Seeks Volunteer Force

I can’t imagine only staying in the Army 18 months.  My first enlistment was 2 years, and that is about how much time it takes to become an expert in one’s MOS (Military Occupational Specialty).
March 3, 2010: South Korea is also in the midst of a 15 year plan to transform their army from a [...]

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Koreans Develop Speedy Liquor

This is great news for those of us who binge drink….
To test the health benefits of oxygenation, the researchers gave subjects 19.5 percent alcohol uncarbonated drinks and 19.5 percent alcohol oxygenated drinks at doses of 240 ml and 360 ml (about as much alcohol as would be in 2.5 and 4 80-proof shots, respectively).   [...]

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Korean Visas Made Easier

From the American Citizen Services newsletter comes this:
The JoongAng Daily is reporting that there are new changes in the process to apply for Korean work visas. Companies and individuals may now apply online at HuNet Korea, the government-run visa nomination and online visa application web site: www.visa.go.kr. In addition, JoonAng [...]

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Travel in Korea – Luke Warm iPhone App

Rob has written a well thought out piece on Korea’s almost constant seeking of some sort of brand for itself to promote to outsiders, but is always falling short because of it’s pigheadedness heavy handed approach(es)
Which is not to say there efforts aren’t well intentioned, and indeed the Travel in Korea’s (Is that the Korean Tourism Organisation [...]

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Korean Etiquette

Most of us already know most of the ins and outs of Korean mannerisms, but it’s always nice to have a refresher….  Feel free to share additional pointers in the comments.
+  Suppress the need to blow your nose in public.  Instead, find a private place to take action or you will be considered crass by [...]

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Best places of Korea awards, as decided on by YOU

There are already plenty of ‘best of…’ sort of lists – often put out by official organizations or government departments. Not too many of them are compiled and awarded by expats, however, so let’s start one up.
Think of your favorite places in Korea – where you’ve gotten off the beaten path, saw some fun sights, [...]

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Survey Much?

Over the last couple of weeks I have been running a survey in an attempt to see what’s going on in the Foreigner community here in Seoul.
It is a very small sample – though not restricted to E2 Visa holders it equates to about 1% of the 20000 Language teachers in Korea. Neither should it [...]

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Chuseok Intensive Photography Session!

What are YOU doing for Chuseok?

Designed so ANYONE can come out of the session with specific knowledge — tips and tricks — to improve their photography. Also, it’s designed to expose you, through the tricks and tips themselves, to new and necessary knowledge in photo — a little of the Photoshop you need, a little [...]

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“Seoul to Vaccinate 10 Mil. Against Influenza A”

So says the Korea Times:
South Korea plans to vaccinate 10 million people against influenza A by the end of this year to stem the rapid spread of the disease that has so far claimed three lives in the country.
Health and Welfare Minister Jeon Jae-hee said of the 13.3 million people, including young children and pregnant [...]

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SMOE teachers fired before even arriving in Korea

In the world of English teachers in Korea, there are few non-guilty parties. English teachers are occasionally accused of sex / drug crimes, or of being unqualified teachers; recruiters are often accused of manipulating or outright lying to fill their quotas or please the people writing the paychecks; schools are often accused of taking liberties [...]

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On recruiters and coming to Korea to be an English teacher

To my wonderful readers – this post is dedicated to those wonderful readers who are planning or interested to teach English in South Korea. To the more experienced readers, thanks for reading while I cover some well-covered territory – comment away if you have something to add.A hat tip to Ask The Expat, who has [...]

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It’s hot. have you noticed?

Korea Herald lets you know where you can find a swimming pool near you.
And speaking of other ways to cool off… Naked News looks like it’s on its way out. What a great scam, though: pushing the opening in the media, cashing in on all those subscriptions, and then washing out before having to [...]

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