Notes of a Native-Speaking English Teacher

 

This is a good sign - implying that someone there speaks English.  

When I walked in, I noticed one member of the staff energetically gesturing to someone across the room.  She was motioning to that person to take care of me.  She took me to the desk and I was speaking to a representative within 10 seconds.  I was literally the only visitor there.  No line, no take-a-number, and no waiting.

I brought my passport, ARC, a voided check from my USA checking account, and my plane ticket.  I read on other sites that proof-of-employment might be necessary, but it wasn't for me.  I think this might be due to only working a single job that is funded by the city.  If my work history was more complicated, I suspect they may have asked me more questions.

I was given a simple English application form, my documents were all copied, and I got an official printout of my account balance.  She told me the date that the transfer would be made and how much the total would be.  

I was in and out in 10-15 minutes and there wasn't any confusion or awkward moments.  It's comparable to applying for a Homeplus point card, except there is a lot more English and you need to bring a few extra documents.

I was totally impressed by the experience and I made sure to tell the representative about it.

Piece of cake?  Umm... yeah!

Bad news: the first time I went to try it, it was down.  Not sure what the sign says, but I am hopeful that it will be up and running soon.

I found out later that there is a second KB atm, between this one and the one at E-Mart.  They are hiding in plain site.

 

It's not easy to see, but there are several different bank ATMs outside the entrance of Hosu Maeul apartments near building 129.  In this picture, KB is on the left side.

This is the secondary location.

 

In a nutshell: not ready for prime time.

I was happy to see the English options on the screen and relatively simple instructions.

Tried to go online to register.  Wouldn't take my name and ARC number.  Went to the booth near Gojan and spoke to the people there about it.  They had nothing to offer me, but they did take me in the office and help me try on the computer.  They told me to bring back a Korean speaking friend.  I asked them the best I could to write the issue on paper.  They wrote down in Korean "bring a Korean speaking friend".  Facepalm.

A friend in the office of my school made a phone call.  We were told that foreigners weren't added to the system yet.  They would do a work-around if I filled out a special form and send a copy of my ARC.  Done.

A few hours later, another call.  The ARC copy wasn't faxed clearly enough.  Send again - lighter.  Done.

A few hours later, yet another call.  Foreigners aren't yet eligible for the program yet due to a computer issue.

Three or four weeks later, no clear solution yet.

 

If you are facing the main counter, this room is to the left.  It's called the 포장실 (the packing room).

All the rates are listed on the desk.

It took almost two years, but I finally found something (accidentally) that relates to trash and garbage removal.  I found this at the bus stop near Ansan Station.  It explains the different sorts of materials and when and how they are collected.

When I researched it, I discovered that their main office is right outside EXIT 10 at SEOUL STATION.  Once I went up the escalator at the exit (past some guys doing electrical work on an OPEN circuit), I ended up in a tiny courtyard.  Went up the stairs to street level and walked less than 100 meters to the Seoul City Tower.

After walking in the front door, it wasn't hard to this office: T-Money Town.

I was in and out in less than a minute! I just had to write my name and sign. She kept the card and gave me the cash. She even spoke a bit of English. 99% travel time, 1% business.

There are a variety of workshops for all kinds of English teachers. This month featured classroom management techniques and next month will feature error correction.  The latest schedule can be found here.

Here are some shops that I've purchased stuff from; sometimes online and sometimes in their store.

http://www.freebud.co.kr

http://interpark.co.kr

http://www.schoolmusic.co.kr

http://www.angelsound.co.kr

http://www.avgood.co.kr 

http://www.mostsound.com 

http://www.musicforce.co.kr 

http://musicitem.co.kr