Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - No comments

Korean Washing Machine

One of the first pieces of advice I got was about how Korean washing machines are pretty tough on clothes.  After one year here, I'd say it's true.  My clothes wear twice as fast, without ever even being in a dryer.


Column 1           Column 2               Column 3
water temp       agitation                 water level
(hot)                   (strong)                   (full)
(cold)                 (medium)               (high)
                             (low)                         (med)
                                                                 (low)

Column 4                          Column 5
timer:                                 cycles remaining
(left) time remaining   (filling)
(right) minutes              (washing)
                                              (rinsing)
                                              (drying)

                 Column 6                                                Column 7
left side:                         right side:                      (start/pause)
(regular)                         (self-cleaning)       
(soak)                              (wear well)
(quick wash)                 (quiet)                            Column 8
(jeans)                             (lingerie)                        (power on)

Push #8 to power up, choose your settings,then push #7 to start the cycle.

The best, most colorfast detergents contain OxyClean (옥시크린).  Many other strong detergents will fade colors after just a few washings.

When there is 15-20 minutes left in the cycle (guesstimate), an alarm (섬유린스) will sound.  It means that the final rinse is starting.  Adding softener (선택) will make clothes feel softer and smell better. It's easy to confuse detergent and softener, so be sure to read the packaging carefully.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - ,, No comments

An Afternoon in Suwon

Update: The Fortune House coffee shop has closed.

Suwon is a really cool city.  I started the afternoon visiting the Canon camera service center (right next to Suwon Station ^^) and browsing in guitar shops.  Then, I made my way to Hwaseong Fortress.  While Ansan is a new planned city without a sense of rich history, Suwon has some sites that are worth a look.


The city today is fully developed around it.  It is really convenient. 

Just before that, I dropped in at Fortune House coffeeshop.  It is a really nice place.  Coffee, juice, sandwiches, rice, waffles, you name it; all in large portions.


http://blog.naver.com/moody27?Redirect=Log&logNo=67204983
http://coconuthouse.tistory.com/55

Location: 73-1 Paldallo 3(sam)-ga, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - ,, No comments

Friendliest guitar shop outside of Seoul-Nakwon

While checking out Suwon yesterday, I did some browsing at Muz Guitars.


This is a stock photo from the internet.  The store is just over 2 months old now.  I've been to a few places before that wouldn't even let me play a guitar.  I walked in and the lady working there practically insisted (in English) that I play the Epiphone Les Paul I was looking at.  She offered 4 times.  When I played it, I did my best to play well for her.  hehe.  


Guitars and accessories only.  No amps. :-(
Really nice people.  I will come back.

http://cafe.naver.com/muzguitar/2582
http://map.naver.com/local/siteview.nhn?code=21607685

Location: 81-1 Gyo-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 - ,, No comments

How to Communicate Using Perfect Korean

I had a rare day off yesterday.  It was a great chance to catch up on some loose ends.  Number one on the list: getting a new check card.  I was a little nervous about how long it would take to get it done.  Getting my first check card took nearly 4 hours. This time it took less than one.  Much of that time was spent waiting for my number to be called.

How did I get so lucky? I used a note written for me by a Korean teacher:

"I've lost my check card.
체크카드를 읿어버렸습니다.

Can I please get a replacement?"
새것을발급받을 수 있을까요?




Location: 530 Gojan-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Monday, August 27, 2012

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Sunday, August 26, 2012 - No comments

Ansan City Foreign Resident Tax Bill

A scary sight appeared in my mailbox last week.  A bill that I've never seen before, addressed to me!


The bill is standard for foreign residents of Ansan.  Expect to get one.   It's W5,000 if paid by the end of August, otherwise add 3% through October.

There are three ways to pay this bill:

1. An ATM money transfer to their Nonghyub account.  (This did not work for me after several attempts.  Nonghyub is listed on ATMs as NACF or NACP.)

2. Visit a local convenience store.  It isn't stated it on the bill, but a Korean teacher on our staff confirmed that their website lists several convenience stores as payment locations. When you visit either website listed on the bill (wetax and giro), they will BOTH try to download .exe programs to your computer for some reason.  Strange.

3. The wonderful accountant at your school can take the bill and your money and pay it online for you in a matter of moments.


Saturday, August 25, 2012

Saturday, August 25, 2012 - , No comments

ChakhanDwaeji Restaurant in Jungang

How does $10 for all you can eat sound?  Pork, chicken, duck, fruits and veggies, you name it...


착한돼지 in Gojan I dong is the place; buffet style, with 1,000W discount if you are seated before 5pm. 
(awesome pictures from http://blog.naver.com/bereyong  ^^)










This sign is a warning.  Don't take food from the buffet that you can't finish eating.  You will pay a 5,000W penalty if you waste their meats.  Understandable.  ^^



Location: 539-14 Gojan 2(i)-dong, Danwon-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Thursday, August 23, 2012 - ,, No comments

Your What Hurts??

Yesterday was my one year anniversary of teaching in Korea.  I have gained a lot of wisdom, lost a little weight, and increased my immunity to germs!  I used to be sick all the time.  These days, things are 1000% better.

The one time I broke down to see a doctor, I did my best to describe my symptoms to them in English.  For some reason, he typed them into his computer in English as well.  I saw that he translated fatigue to "sleepy" and loss of appetite to "anorexia".

Here a list, made by a Korean, of common names for common symptoms.

Cough: 기침이나요
Stuffy Nose:  코가 막혀요
Congested: 숭쉬는게 블편해요
Sore Throat: 목이 아파요
Diarrhea: 설사해요 ( "salsa hey yo!" ㅋㅋㅋ)
Upset Stomach: 속이 메스꺼려요
Vomit: 토해요
Dizzy: 어지러워요
Can't Sleep: 짐을 잘수 없어요
No Energy: 힘이 없어요
Can't Eat: 먹을 수 없어요
Sore Muscles: 근육이 아파요, 몸이 쑤셔요.


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tuesday, August 14, 2012 - ,,, No comments

Reliable Source for Ansan Information

Last month I was burned making a trip to an unexpectedly closed Homeplus.

I was told a few different things by a few different people.  I became wary of shopping on Sundays in general.  Then, I discovered The Ansan City Website.  Specifically, I saw this post.  It told me everything I needed to know about why the big box stores in town were closing on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.

Only took a year to discover this one.  ^^


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