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!

 

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.

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.

Read more about it here (in Korean ^^):  http://gagamal010.blog.me/20160951735

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Option 2: THANKs COFFEE.  *how they write it.

It is a bit smaller than The King's Arm.  It only seats 12-15.  However, I went there today and hogged their WiFi for about 3 hours.  No problem.  They seem quite nice and their coffee tastes great.

Pictures here: http://blog.naver.com/skyhanuri77?Redirect=Log&logNo=40169871353

here: http://www.cyworld.com/jina7080/7214018

and maybe here: http://cafelover.tistory.com/39 

The marker lands on the center of the building, but the entrance is on Gwangdeok 4-ro.  It's cool to watch the subways roll through Gojan across the street.

The address is: Gojan-dong 681-6

The following information comes from a note sent along with a telephone purchased from TheArrivalStore.com

It should automatically install. Click the proper buttons to accept the license agreement. You computer will then restart. When it does, plug in your USB and enjoy! ^^

This is drain cleaner.  I had a hard time finding it at first.  I guess the tell tale sign is the curly S shape drainpipe on the bottle.  Sounds silly, but I wasn't really looking for that kind of detail when I was scouring the entire 2nd floor of Homeplus.  A few months later, I forgot all about Homplus when I discovered it here, just a short walk from my apartment.

Column 1           Column 2               Column 3

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.  ^^

Update:

I recently visited Dr. Park and my experience was great.

1. His office is small and cozy and his staff, although not English speakers, were friendly.

2. After giving the staff a list of symptoms and my ARC card, I was able to see the doctor immediately.

3. The doctor speaks fantastic English and his family are currently living in San Diego!

4. He has a polite and pleasant manner.

5. He did not coerce me into an injection and his prescriptions are easily filled at the drugstore on the ground floor.

6.  I was in and out within about 15 minutes. 

This is my new doctor.