Well, reading posts, and sometimes the random comments again, makes me feel like it's time to update. Nothing really exciting has happened since my last post, although I did what most Singaporeans won't do.. travel by ship to China via Korea.
With airfares that are not as expensive as before, why did I choose to do that then? Well, simply because it's an experience. If you are from Singapore, the only boat/ traveling by sea are the boats to the nearby islands and perhaps a cruise to Malaysia, which is also not that far away. So staying at the hostel, I have heard of people who traveled from Russia to China to Korea on sea and I find that fascinating.
So when I had to leave Korea again in September, I did exactly that. I took a ship from Incheon to Qingdao. It's 16 hours but most of it was at night. It was a fascinating experience, though it was a lonesome one. I wrote a lot then, my fan fictions mostly. There was even fireworks on board the ship! And for a 9-day trip, all I planned was when I left Korea and when I would arrive back in Korea. Everything in between was a question mark! It was insane yet exhilarating! You can only travel like that if you are alone, or with someone who would go with your flow. Or if you are insane like me.
I went to Beijing. I went to the Forbidden City and I climbed the Great Wall of China. And being in a country where the food and language is familiar is GREAT!! Osaka was beautiful, but not knowing any Japanese made the experience really bland. But I'm going again in December with Victoria and this time, we have a guide! I got in touch with one of the guests I met at the hostel and asked him to be our guide. He agreed and even offered to put us up! :) So we just have to worry about getting there and back and letting him know when. Nice!
Back to my China trip, my biggest realization was if Singapore were to just depend on tourism, we will be dead. Or we would have to import culture like we import everything else. I went to the Ming Tombs and the first thing I thought to myself was, "When Mr. Lee Kuan Yew passed away, how would Singapore remember this man? Would we build a memorial?" Then the cynic/comedian in me kicked in "Nah, there's no land in Singapore. If we build him a memorial, we would probably have to dig it up in 10 years to make way for progress."
So China has all these fascinating historical sites, it got me thinking about Korea. To be honest, I was more of a tourist in China than Korea. So while I did go to some of the touristy places, I wasn't really impressed. And if you have been to Forbidden City before Gyeongbok Gung, then seriously, it pales in comparison. But interestingly, Korea has created another cultural hotspot for themselves: K-pop.
To Koreans, it fascinates them whenever they asked foreigners why they came to Korea and the reply is "K-pop". I got the same "you must be crazy look" when I said the reason why I came to Korea was to watch 2AM's concert. But they have to realize that K-pop has become a real push in their tourism business. It has become a commodity that every other country outside of Korea wants to import and won't mind spending money on. Even Singapore. We are forever importing, never really creating. Sigh. What are we going to do?
What am I, a Singaporean who's abroad worrying about the future of Singapore? Pfft.
Thursday 3 November 2011
Tuesday 9 August 2011
"The Scent Of A Woman" - No Unlimited Tomorrows
I started watching "The Scent Of A Woman" last night. Well, it was loaded but I didn't really hit the 'Play' button. So I got bored last night and decided to watch it seriously. And honestly, while I cry easily, the plight that the female lead really made me cry and think.
*SPOILER* (In case you want to watch the show)
The female lead, 34 yrs old, worked at the same tour agency for 10 years, treated like shit and swallow every single humiliation that was thrown her way because she had to keep her job and make sure she can feed her mum.
Right from the beginning, and I mean really beginning, we are told she's going to die. She has like 6 mths left. Suddenly, she HAD TO, FORCED TO face her life. And realised that it sucks. Because all her life she was living her life for others, thinking about how the others would think of her. And suddenly she has 6 months.
So I cried. Seriously, I mean I'm in a place where I want to be. But it does get lonely and at different points, I would ask "what am I doing here?" "Am I being stupid?" and I start thinking whether I should just go home, back to the routine, back to responsibility, back to reality.
But the thing is this. I was talking to Quasi the other day and I told him the main reason that I'm still here is because I definitely can't get away from working 1 day a week and have the time to myself. I'm selfish, that much I admit. Maybe in old age, I'd pay the price. I would end up with no one and I'd die with my cat chewing on my eyeball (no wait, come to think of it, he won't do that).
I hear all the time that I'm 'brave', I 'adapt well'. But life is just about that: When you are thrown into the big, deep blue sea, what do you do? You either freaking swim or you just give in and die. We live without a stopwatch above our head, thinking that we have limitless tomorrows. That's the scary thing. You are going to wake up one day, take a good look around you and go, "Where am I? What am I doing? Who am I with?" and then the ultimate question: "AM I HAPPY?"
You don't have to wait till you die. You are possibly already dead. Your heart is beating. Consistently. Maybe we should have this one moment in life where our heart stops. Then we might really look at our lives in a more critical and honest manner.
My life is not perfect. I don't have a lot of money. But I have lots of time for myself. And at least I can say I have a laugh a day. And best of all, I'm not complaining about work. :)
*SPOILER* (In case you want to watch the show)
The female lead, 34 yrs old, worked at the same tour agency for 10 years, treated like shit and swallow every single humiliation that was thrown her way because she had to keep her job and make sure she can feed her mum.
Right from the beginning, and I mean really beginning, we are told she's going to die. She has like 6 mths left. Suddenly, she HAD TO, FORCED TO face her life. And realised that it sucks. Because all her life she was living her life for others, thinking about how the others would think of her. And suddenly she has 6 months.
So I cried. Seriously, I mean I'm in a place where I want to be. But it does get lonely and at different points, I would ask "what am I doing here?" "Am I being stupid?" and I start thinking whether I should just go home, back to the routine, back to responsibility, back to reality.
But the thing is this. I was talking to Quasi the other day and I told him the main reason that I'm still here is because I definitely can't get away from working 1 day a week and have the time to myself. I'm selfish, that much I admit. Maybe in old age, I'd pay the price. I would end up with no one and I'd die with my cat chewing on my eyeball (no wait, come to think of it, he won't do that).
I hear all the time that I'm 'brave', I 'adapt well'. But life is just about that: When you are thrown into the big, deep blue sea, what do you do? You either freaking swim or you just give in and die. We live without a stopwatch above our head, thinking that we have limitless tomorrows. That's the scary thing. You are going to wake up one day, take a good look around you and go, "Where am I? What am I doing? Who am I with?" and then the ultimate question: "AM I HAPPY?"
You don't have to wait till you die. You are possibly already dead. Your heart is beating. Consistently. Maybe we should have this one moment in life where our heart stops. Then we might really look at our lives in a more critical and honest manner.
My life is not perfect. I don't have a lot of money. But I have lots of time for myself. And at least I can say I have a laugh a day. And best of all, I'm not complaining about work. :)
Sunday 12 June 2011
When 'Good Enough' Is No Longer Enough
I met with Jin with Tako today at The Famous Lamb. She actually came across my blog while searching for opportunities in Singapore and Hong Kong. And between me and Tako, we kind of represent Singapore and Hong Kong. Life works in a way that you can't really decipher, nor can you fully understand.
Basically, we talked about our motivations to leave our own country amongst other things. For me, part of it was circumstantial, the other part comes from always wanting to be here. Tako just wanted something different from HK. And Jin, while everything seem good enough but somewhat it's not enough anymore.
Thus the title for this post.
Very often in life, we kind of settle for 'good', and tell ourselves that's enough and we shouldn't be greedy. And in doing so, we will forget what we really want to do, say when we were 6, 12, 16, 18 and 21. These are random numbers but think about what you said when people asked you "What do you want to be when you grow up" at those ages. What were your answers? How far away from your initial answer are you now?
There are some who will read this and will probably go, "Wake up, Audrey, stop dreaming, especially when you are already 30."
To these people, I would like to prescribe some sleeping pills and if possible a dream that reminds them of their dreams, hopes, ambitions, visions, etc. One doesn't or should I say, SHOULDN'T STOP dreaming or aiming higher. It is what gives us motivation to carry on. If not, we are just living life one day at a time.
Actually, 30 is a turning point in everyone's life. You are done with teenage, early adult-hood and this is when you take a serious look at your life.
And in return, I'm going to ask the same people who asked me to stop dreaming, "When was the last time you did something that makes your heart beat faster? Or put a smile on your face?" While Tako and I might not have a lot of money in our pockets, but we do enjoy a laugh a day. Or more.
Will laughing give me money you might ask? When was the last time you laugh when you were paid?
Ouch.
Basically, we talked about our motivations to leave our own country amongst other things. For me, part of it was circumstantial, the other part comes from always wanting to be here. Tako just wanted something different from HK. And Jin, while everything seem good enough but somewhat it's not enough anymore.
Thus the title for this post.
Very often in life, we kind of settle for 'good', and tell ourselves that's enough and we shouldn't be greedy. And in doing so, we will forget what we really want to do, say when we were 6, 12, 16, 18 and 21. These are random numbers but think about what you said when people asked you "What do you want to be when you grow up" at those ages. What were your answers? How far away from your initial answer are you now?
There are some who will read this and will probably go, "Wake up, Audrey, stop dreaming, especially when you are already 30."
To these people, I would like to prescribe some sleeping pills and if possible a dream that reminds them of their dreams, hopes, ambitions, visions, etc. One doesn't or should I say, SHOULDN'T STOP dreaming or aiming higher. It is what gives us motivation to carry on. If not, we are just living life one day at a time.
Actually, 30 is a turning point in everyone's life. You are done with teenage, early adult-hood and this is when you take a serious look at your life.
And in return, I'm going to ask the same people who asked me to stop dreaming, "When was the last time you did something that makes your heart beat faster? Or put a smile on your face?" While Tako and I might not have a lot of money in our pockets, but we do enjoy a laugh a day. Or more.
Will laughing give me money you might ask? When was the last time you laugh when you were paid?
Ouch.
Tuesday 24 May 2011
Life in Korea: And then the Supernatural calls...
I've been really slow in getting my blog posts out but well, sometimes it doesn't come as rapidly as it should. Last Monday, I tweeted about me going for a tarot card reading. Seriously the whole evening was just plain weird but here goes~
I was actually going to go for a Language Cast meet-up (if you follow @ttmik-Talk to me in Korean, you would know what that is). The meeting was going to start at 7.30pm. I was there at 6.30pm. BUT I didn't stay for it. I got up from my seat at 7.15pm, went downstairs and walked out of the cafe and got onto a bus that I know goes back to Hongdae where I live.
Actually, I could have gotten down at a stop nearer to Kimchi Hostel but when the bus reached Hong Ik University's main gate, I got down. At the bus stop, I stopped to take a look at some of the posters advertising various acts. One of the posters was actually advertising a tarot cafe. I didn't pay it any attention. Trust me, there are plenty of tarot cards/fortune telling cafes/shops in Hongdae so it's not the first time I saw it.
So anyway, I was walking down the streets towards home when a pink poster caught my eye. I stopped and took a closer look and it was the same poster advertising the tarot cafe. So in the end, I decided to give it a try. If nothing else, there's always coffee. I walked towards the cafe and then I went upstairs, got myself a drink and then sat down in front of the tarot card reader.
After talking to the tarot card reader about how I was from Singapore and now staying in Seoul, etc, we settled down for the first reading. The first question we asked the tarot was about my vision. I mean I'm in Korea to achieve a few things: Learn Korean, get TOPIK qualifications, translator qualification, if I have money, pursue a masters in Entertainment Management in Korea. So it was a 'LIFE' reading (10 cards)
Here's a summary and what I can remember of it:
Past: Chariot-used to be full of passion and zeal in the job I was in (teacher) which is true but I lost some of that along the way. So one of the advice in my 'FUTURE' card was to find back that passion and zeal again. The present was really on-the-spot. It basically said that I have to settle a lot of things, think a lot and basically starting afresh. You guys know what coming to Korea means to me (if you don't, go back to the beginning of this blog. :p) and how I blog about starting afresh, etc. So that made me cry. But the reading also tells me that I can't keep sitting on the fence about things in general and stop being lazy. If I have set my heart on something, then I should make the best out of it. One card stood out: The empress card. The lady told me that it's a very good card, that in my life there are always people who would be helping me, especially in the area of money. And honestly, thus far, yes, I would say I have no complaints in that area but more importantly, it is the fact that I will have people around me who would help me. Overall, the reading wasn't bad but it did caution and remind me that I need to make a decision and stick to it. There will be challenges, for sure but then what is life without its share of challenges right?
Of course, although I might not seem like it but one of the biggest decision and one that occupy my thoughts A LOT is "Should I stay or should I leave?" so that was what I asked. In the tarot card reader's way of asking the question: Career prospects - Is it better in Singapore or Korea?
I have to tell you, I laughed out loud. This was a 5-card formation, forming a V. At the point where both side meets, is the PRESENT state and it was a BRIGHT picture, of people dancing and joy basically. The lady went, 'that's you at the present moment.'
The two ends, one represented 'Singapore' and the other represented 'Korea' and I have to tell you, Korea side were DARK cards and Singapore side was BRIGHT cards. No joke, the contrast was DAY and NIGHT, it's so amusing to me.
Korea cards:
If I continue to stay in Korea and want to pursue a CAREER, it will be difficult to find a job. I will have a lot of worries that I can't even sleep at night (ok, that seemed to be happening now, the 'cannot sleep at night' part) And eventually I will be so bugged by them that I fall into depression or something. But then, I told myself, finding a job was never quite the goal in Korea. It's good if I can find one but I'm in more for the 'learning' part so that kinda made me a little less depressed.
Singapore cards:
I only remember the Wheel Of Fortune cards. Can't remember the last card but basically, there are a lot of opportunities and eventually I might find something that I like but still it wasn't enough to make me want to go back. My heart is not in Singapore I guess.
So after 'LIFE', 'CAREER', what could be next? LOVE right? This is totally funny and people who knows me well in real life would know who I am thinking of when I do the reading. Can't remember the exact question for the first LOVE reading but it was still amusing to me.
Overall, the guy's impression of me: I'm generous, loving, etc. And the description of the guy: he's family-oriented (he is though some of my friends won't agree with me), he's rich (yes, that too) and he's a spend-thrift (towards people he cares about yes, but not someone to spend money unnecessarily.) I must mention that the Ten of Cups card appeared again, so there can be a happy ending between the two of us. (I can so imagine Genette and Victoria's expression). Our present state was represent by the 'Tower' card which basically meant that something unexpected happened, though I can't really be sure if it's unexpected. But the funniest and MOST amusing card has got to be this:
I was actually going to go for a Language Cast meet-up (if you follow @ttmik-Talk to me in Korean, you would know what that is). The meeting was going to start at 7.30pm. I was there at 6.30pm. BUT I didn't stay for it. I got up from my seat at 7.15pm, went downstairs and walked out of the cafe and got onto a bus that I know goes back to Hongdae where I live.
Actually, I could have gotten down at a stop nearer to Kimchi Hostel but when the bus reached Hong Ik University's main gate, I got down. At the bus stop, I stopped to take a look at some of the posters advertising various acts. One of the posters was actually advertising a tarot cafe. I didn't pay it any attention. Trust me, there are plenty of tarot cards/fortune telling cafes/shops in Hongdae so it's not the first time I saw it.
So anyway, I was walking down the streets towards home when a pink poster caught my eye. I stopped and took a closer look and it was the same poster advertising the tarot cafe. So in the end, I decided to give it a try. If nothing else, there's always coffee. I walked towards the cafe and then I went upstairs, got myself a drink and then sat down in front of the tarot card reader.
After talking to the tarot card reader about how I was from Singapore and now staying in Seoul, etc, we settled down for the first reading. The first question we asked the tarot was about my vision. I mean I'm in Korea to achieve a few things: Learn Korean, get TOPIK qualifications, translator qualification, if I have money, pursue a masters in Entertainment Management in Korea. So it was a 'LIFE' reading (10 cards)
Here's a summary and what I can remember of it:
Past: Chariot-used to be full of passion and zeal in the job I was in (teacher) which is true but I lost some of that along the way. So one of the advice in my 'FUTURE' card was to find back that passion and zeal again. The present was really on-the-spot. It basically said that I have to settle a lot of things, think a lot and basically starting afresh. You guys know what coming to Korea means to me (if you don't, go back to the beginning of this blog. :p) and how I blog about starting afresh, etc. So that made me cry. But the reading also tells me that I can't keep sitting on the fence about things in general and stop being lazy. If I have set my heart on something, then I should make the best out of it. One card stood out: The empress card. The lady told me that it's a very good card, that in my life there are always people who would be helping me, especially in the area of money. And honestly, thus far, yes, I would say I have no complaints in that area but more importantly, it is the fact that I will have people around me who would help me. Overall, the reading wasn't bad but it did caution and remind me that I need to make a decision and stick to it. There will be challenges, for sure but then what is life without its share of challenges right?
Of course, although I might not seem like it but one of the biggest decision and one that occupy my thoughts A LOT is "Should I stay or should I leave?" so that was what I asked. In the tarot card reader's way of asking the question: Career prospects - Is it better in Singapore or Korea?
I have to tell you, I laughed out loud. This was a 5-card formation, forming a V. At the point where both side meets, is the PRESENT state and it was a BRIGHT picture, of people dancing and joy basically. The lady went, 'that's you at the present moment.'
Ten of Cups
The two ends, one represented 'Singapore' and the other represented 'Korea' and I have to tell you, Korea side were DARK cards and Singapore side was BRIGHT cards. No joke, the contrast was DAY and NIGHT, it's so amusing to me.
Nine of Swords
Ten of Swords
Korea cards:
If I continue to stay in Korea and want to pursue a CAREER, it will be difficult to find a job. I will have a lot of worries that I can't even sleep at night (ok, that seemed to be happening now, the 'cannot sleep at night' part) And eventually I will be so bugged by them that I fall into depression or something. But then, I told myself, finding a job was never quite the goal in Korea. It's good if I can find one but I'm in more for the 'learning' part so that kinda made me a little less depressed.
Singapore cards:
I only remember the Wheel Of Fortune cards. Can't remember the last card but basically, there are a lot of opportunities and eventually I might find something that I like but still it wasn't enough to make me want to go back. My heart is not in Singapore I guess.
So after 'LIFE', 'CAREER', what could be next? LOVE right? This is totally funny and people who knows me well in real life would know who I am thinking of when I do the reading. Can't remember the exact question for the first LOVE reading but it was still amusing to me.
Overall, the guy's impression of me: I'm generous, loving, etc. And the description of the guy: he's family-oriented (he is though some of my friends won't agree with me), he's rich (yes, that too) and he's a spend-thrift (towards people he cares about yes, but not someone to spend money unnecessarily.) I must mention that the Ten of Cups card appeared again, so there can be a happy ending between the two of us. (I can so imagine Genette and Victoria's expression). Our present state was represent by the 'Tower' card which basically meant that something unexpected happened, though I can't really be sure if it's unexpected. But the funniest and MOST amusing card has got to be this:
Strength
The lady told me that the only thing I could do is wait and be patient and one day, the lion will be tamed. Trust me, I really LAUGHED when she told me that. The guy is strong, and stubborn in his own way but if I would just wait it out, we can have the happy ending, that is, if both of us wants it. Well, I have been waiting, my friends think I'm absolutely crazy to be waiting. But I don't know, I believe that we have that one person in our life that we are meant to be with for the rest of our lives and in the strangest, most crazy way, that man is the one for me is how I feel about it. He's NOT unreal and no, he's not one of those idols that I'm crazy about *ahemSeulOngahemJinWoonahem*.
But I can't go on waiting infinitely too right? So of course the next question was 'WHEN?' So this was the last reading. The lady only asked me to pick 5 cards. Can't remember what one of the cards was for but the other 4 was for each of the months from May to August. But when it seemed like there wasn't any 'meeting' in those months, she picked one more card and told me we would probably meet again in September. She said we made contact in May, which was quite true too. And if things really go well, the next time we meet, we might well be talking about our future.
Two of Cups
The card was one that spoke of partnership, of reaching a decision from both parties. I have a suspicion is the Two of Cups but I'm not too sure. I really kept laughing during the two 'LOVE' readings. But well, whatever it is, I believe this time, the ball is in his court. So we'll see.
But the amusing to me is that everything that was spoken pulled at something inside. And in case you are wondering, I spent 25,000won on 4 readings. The first one with 10-cards cost 10,000won but the rest costs 5,000won which wasn't too bad considering ONE reading in Singapore would have cost $60. And the thing was this wasn't part of the plan for the day. I just wanted to go for the meeting, but ended up with a tarot card reading instead. And then, the weirdest thing happened. Steve, the weekend staff at Kimchi, messaged me and was telling me that he wants to go for Language Cast meeting. I was like, 'Ok, that's officially freaky.' Then again, Korea thus far has been one of those 'freakish' trip so I'm just rolling with the flow right now.
Exciting right my life? It's been an interesting ride thus far. I will post up pictures of the cafe at a later time. I need to sync the photo from my phone first. Maybe I should persuade Victoria to have a go at it when she comes to Korea in June. It would be fun! The lady spoke a splattering of Korean and English. I try to clarify using Korean a couple of times so it's mostly correct.
Or maybe I should bring Tako and Suzy (I have to take a picture of her tomorrow. She's very pretty! She's like our Korean practice partner at Maple Coffee) then Suzy can help us translate!
Tuesday 17 May 2011
The Gradual Transition - Traveler to 'Resident'
It's been some time since I last updated. It's amazing that although I don't really have a job in Korea, my days are quite occupied. I might not be doing anything that's of any significance in the eyes of strangers but I am doing a lot of things.
But I choose this topic to write about because Tako, a girl from Hong Kong who is pretty much like me- came to Korea to try out something new, to experience a different lifestyle or maybe simply to be out of Hong Kong for a while, said this to me last Saturday:
"I think I'm going through the same thing that you are going through when I first met you at Kimchi."
I met Tako at Kimchi Hostel. I believe at that time, I was at my one-month mark since arriving in Korea. The guests and even the staff sometimes do not get why I stay at the hostel all the time. They are always asking me to go out. But at that point in time, I have just decided that I was going to stay till the end of my visa and I just wanted to experience "growing roots" at a place. But at Kimchi, I have found my home in Korea so it's almost like getting used to the fact that I have a permanent place here.
Tako has since moved out of Kimchi Hostel. First she moved to her friend's Korean friend's place (complicated right?) but now she's renting a studio apartment (one-room apartment). And she made the remark. I believe she is settling down and changing gear. Since she has a working holiday visa, she is now getting her ARC (Alien Registration Card) done. The 'traveler' status is now being changed to a 'semi-resident' status. The feeling is very different.
I have moved beyond the settling down stage and am probably in the 'LIVING HERE' stage. I go to the shops in my area. The ahjummah at 김밥천국 (Kimbap Heaven-a franchise that serves Korean food at affordable prices [below 6000won]) and Pizza School probably can recognise me by now. The ahjummah at Kimbap Heaven told me once when I bought Coke to the restaurant that I'd put on weight if I drink Coke. The baristas at Maple Coffee (Suzy and Yoon) are on first-name basis with me. I am taking free Korean lessons at the Yeonnam Global Village which is like a few streets away from Kimchi. Tako joined the class last week so after class, we went to Maple Coffee to revise and do our homework. Suzy sat down with us last Thursday after her shift and helped us with Korean while we help her with English. And we made arrangement to do the same thing each week.
Tako and I also went to another free Korean language class run by kongbubang.wordpress.com. This class is near Sook Myung Womens' University which is on the same line as Myeong Dong. After class last week, we went to Myeong Dong for dinner. Myeong Dong is like Orchard Road or City Hall to me now. So now we have a weekend hangout place too.
Today (16th May), I was going to do something different - expand my social circle to environment beyond 1 kilometers around Kimchi. I wanted to go for Language Cast, a gathering for people learning languages organised by the people who runs "Talk to Me in Korean" and actually registered saying I'd go. I did go. I was at the venue but just before it started, I chickened out and left the cafe.
Maybe I'm not ready yet. Or maybe I don't want to have even more 'connections' in Korea. Already thinking about the fact that I might have to leave one day, leaving my 'family' in Kimchi behind is not something I look forward to. If I start to know MORE people, it might get worse.
Whatever the reason is, I have to try to move on to the next stage. And seriously, life in Korea is full of strange and wonderful happenings. Read my next entry to find out why~
But I choose this topic to write about because Tako, a girl from Hong Kong who is pretty much like me- came to Korea to try out something new, to experience a different lifestyle or maybe simply to be out of Hong Kong for a while, said this to me last Saturday:
"I think I'm going through the same thing that you are going through when I first met you at Kimchi."
I met Tako at Kimchi Hostel. I believe at that time, I was at my one-month mark since arriving in Korea. The guests and even the staff sometimes do not get why I stay at the hostel all the time. They are always asking me to go out. But at that point in time, I have just decided that I was going to stay till the end of my visa and I just wanted to experience "growing roots" at a place. But at Kimchi, I have found my home in Korea so it's almost like getting used to the fact that I have a permanent place here.
Tako has since moved out of Kimchi Hostel. First she moved to her friend's Korean friend's place (complicated right?) but now she's renting a studio apartment (one-room apartment). And she made the remark. I believe she is settling down and changing gear. Since she has a working holiday visa, she is now getting her ARC (Alien Registration Card) done. The 'traveler' status is now being changed to a 'semi-resident' status. The feeling is very different.
I have moved beyond the settling down stage and am probably in the 'LIVING HERE' stage. I go to the shops in my area. The ahjummah at 김밥천국 (Kimbap Heaven-a franchise that serves Korean food at affordable prices [below 6000won]) and Pizza School probably can recognise me by now. The ahjummah at Kimbap Heaven told me once when I bought Coke to the restaurant that I'd put on weight if I drink Coke. The baristas at Maple Coffee (Suzy and Yoon) are on first-name basis with me. I am taking free Korean lessons at the Yeonnam Global Village which is like a few streets away from Kimchi. Tako joined the class last week so after class, we went to Maple Coffee to revise and do our homework. Suzy sat down with us last Thursday after her shift and helped us with Korean while we help her with English. And we made arrangement to do the same thing each week.
Tako and I also went to another free Korean language class run by kongbubang.wordpress.com. This class is near Sook Myung Womens' University which is on the same line as Myeong Dong. After class last week, we went to Myeong Dong for dinner. Myeong Dong is like Orchard Road or City Hall to me now. So now we have a weekend hangout place too.
Today (16th May), I was going to do something different - expand my social circle to environment beyond 1 kilometers around Kimchi. I wanted to go for Language Cast, a gathering for people learning languages organised by the people who runs "Talk to Me in Korean" and actually registered saying I'd go. I did go. I was at the venue but just before it started, I chickened out and left the cafe.
Maybe I'm not ready yet. Or maybe I don't want to have even more 'connections' in Korea. Already thinking about the fact that I might have to leave one day, leaving my 'family' in Kimchi behind is not something I look forward to. If I start to know MORE people, it might get worse.
Whatever the reason is, I have to try to move on to the next stage. And seriously, life in Korea is full of strange and wonderful happenings. Read my next entry to find out why~
Thursday 28 April 2011
Traveling to Korea: Practical Tips for Planning a Trip to Korea: Accommodation
The other day, I was on the phone with my friend who just flew to Korea for a holiday with her family. The whole family was staying at a hotel in Gangnam for the Seoul leg of their tour, which was part of their tour package. They are extending their stay for a few more days and will stay in another hotel in Gangnam.
Other than the fact that the weather was colder than expected, I was a little shocked to hear that the hotel didn't have WiFi (She had to pay to get WiFi), and didn't provide toothpaste too. So I was like, ok and that's a 5-star hotel? Alright, never mind that. But then as I was riding the subway train today, I thought of a VERY important question: How is she going to go to the airport when they are leaving Korea? I mean when she came with the tour, it was easy since the tour bus took them to the hotel but Gangnam is really far from Incheon airport. Go and look at the map of the Seoul Metro Lines. And you'd know what I mean.
So I decided to write this little piece on some of the practical things to think about when you are choosing your accommodation when planning your trip to Korea.
ACCOMMODATION
If you have been reading my blog or following my Twitter, you would know I'm staying at Kimchi Hostel. A few reasons why I would suggest choosing a hostel over a hotel. And I'm saying this in general, not just specific to Kimchi Hostel.
1. FREE WiFi
Most of the hostels I have read about provides free WiFi on top of a few computers for people to check their mails/make contact on Facebook (That's like the FIRST site everyone goes to the moment they sit down). So you don't have to pay extra for accessing the Internet. And for people with smart phones, it's an added bonus since they can log onto the WiFi network and use their phones to communicate via the various applications available (whatsapp, Kakao, Skype, etc)
2. Laundry Service
This might not be free or provided everywhere but if you intend to be in Korea for more than a week, try to look out for a hostel that provides laundry service. I learnt that in this trip to Korea that I really didn't need to bring so much clothes when I can do my laundry every few days.
Now, when you go about choosing accommodation, LOCATION is VERY IMPORTANT especially if you are traveling on your own and not with a tour group. Seoul is a very big city, well, compared to Singapore, it's much bigger. So a trip from the airport to your destination is not going to be cheap. So you should choose places where the locations are either accessible by AREX or the limousine buses. Otherwise you are going to be faced with the problem that my friend is going to face soon.
Below is the AREX line that goes from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station
As you can see, the train will pass by a few stations. The notables ones would be:
1. Gimpo Airport station (so if you are flying in from Gimpo Airport, you will get on at that station)
Other than the fact that the weather was colder than expected, I was a little shocked to hear that the hotel didn't have WiFi (She had to pay to get WiFi), and didn't provide toothpaste too. So I was like, ok and that's a 5-star hotel? Alright, never mind that. But then as I was riding the subway train today, I thought of a VERY important question: How is she going to go to the airport when they are leaving Korea? I mean when she came with the tour, it was easy since the tour bus took them to the hotel but Gangnam is really far from Incheon airport. Go and look at the map of the Seoul Metro Lines. And you'd know what I mean.
So I decided to write this little piece on some of the practical things to think about when you are choosing your accommodation when planning your trip to Korea.
ACCOMMODATION
If you have been reading my blog or following my Twitter, you would know I'm staying at Kimchi Hostel. A few reasons why I would suggest choosing a hostel over a hotel. And I'm saying this in general, not just specific to Kimchi Hostel.
1. FREE WiFi
Most of the hostels I have read about provides free WiFi on top of a few computers for people to check their mails/make contact on Facebook (That's like the FIRST site everyone goes to the moment they sit down). So you don't have to pay extra for accessing the Internet. And for people with smart phones, it's an added bonus since they can log onto the WiFi network and use their phones to communicate via the various applications available (whatsapp, Kakao, Skype, etc)
2. Laundry Service
This might not be free or provided everywhere but if you intend to be in Korea for more than a week, try to look out for a hostel that provides laundry service. I learnt that in this trip to Korea that I really didn't need to bring so much clothes when I can do my laundry every few days.
Now, when you go about choosing accommodation, LOCATION is VERY IMPORTANT especially if you are traveling on your own and not with a tour group. Seoul is a very big city, well, compared to Singapore, it's much bigger. So a trip from the airport to your destination is not going to be cheap. So you should choose places where the locations are either accessible by AREX or the limousine buses. Otherwise you are going to be faced with the problem that my friend is going to face soon.
Below is the AREX line that goes from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station
As you can see, the train will pass by a few stations. The notables ones would be:
1. Gimpo Airport station (so if you are flying in from Gimpo Airport, you will get on at that station)
You can choose to get onto Line 5 or Line 9 at this station or take the AREX line to the other stations.
2. Digital Media City (Line 6)
3. Hongik University [aka Hongdae] (Line 2)
4. Seoul Station
You can then transfer to Line 1 or Line 4.
Since I stay in Hongdae area, I can only give you a reference how long it would take from the airport to Hongik station. It is about 40 minutes and the fare is about 3600won.
The advantages of taking the AREX would be that it's cheaper than the limousine buses (10,000won). However, as you can see, it travels to fewer destinations. The buses have a wider choices of locations. The other not-so-good thing about the Korea subway system in general is there are a lot of staircases. So that should be factored in when you are choosing the mode of transport from airport to accommodation.
The other thing to look out for is whether the accommodation you choose can be accessed by both the subway and the limousine buses. You really want to have that choice to be honest. And make sure that the accommodation provide CLEAR instructions on how to get to the place.
In all honesty, do choose accommodation either at Hongik/Hongdae (Line 2) and probably Line 4 would be the other subway line to consider for your accommodation. Line 4 goes to famous spots like Myeong Dong and Dong Dae Mun and there are quite a number of hostels and hotels in those areas.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Life in Korea: Buying Plus Size Clothes in Korea
Where to buy clothes that fits me is always a big question mark, even in Singapore. The problem becomes more glaring when I'm in Korea. It is difficult to find clothes that fit me. So in the end, I turned to the only source that I'm familiar with - Google and searched for plus-size clothes for women. And from a forum, I saw a recommendation for OKBT in Itaewon so I decided to try my luck. I was getting tired of seeing myself in just jeans. So I thought if I could get some legging it would be great.
So I left Kimchi Hostel and went to take the subway train to Itaewon. I couldn't find the shop in the first round of walking around with the limited instruction that was posted in the forum and I can't remember the shop name as well. I took a rest in Starbucks then walked back towards the station on the other side of the road. I was about to give up hope when I finally saw the sign!! So I went up and I found the shop.
The shop is not fanciful but it serves its purpose which was to provide clothes for plus-sized women. I asked if she had leggings (which was my goal) and when she said yes, I was so relieved. She found the leggings, and I tried them on and it fits!! So I bought 2 of those and walked around a bit more. I didn't see anything I fancy at the moment but I wasn't really looking for anything to buy at the moment.
At least now I know if I were looking for something to wear, I know where to look for it!
So I left Kimchi Hostel and went to take the subway train to Itaewon. I couldn't find the shop in the first round of walking around with the limited instruction that was posted in the forum and I can't remember the shop name as well. I took a rest in Starbucks then walked back towards the station on the other side of the road. I was about to give up hope when I finally saw the sign!! So I went up and I found the shop.
New World Plaza
2F Itaewon-dong 119-26
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Subway: Itaewon Station, Exit 1.
Walk in the direction AWAY from Hamilton Shopping Center
The shop is not fanciful but it serves its purpose which was to provide clothes for plus-sized women. I asked if she had leggings (which was my goal) and when she said yes, I was so relieved. She found the leggings, and I tried them on and it fits!! So I bought 2 of those and walked around a bit more. I didn't see anything I fancy at the moment but I wasn't really looking for anything to buy at the moment.
At least now I know if I were looking for something to wear, I know where to look for it!
Friday 22 April 2011
Life in Korea: Fangirl-ing-JAY PARK!!
I was not a big fan of Jay, that I would admit but under the influence of suzelle (translation for IAM for 2AM) I began to show more interest in Jay. I liked 2PM when Jay was still in it but I will not dwell too much in there. I was impressed with Jay's cover of "Nothing on You" and I start to anticipate his comeback as a full-fledged solo artiste.
And because I'm awake at the unearthly hour of 4AM KST, I actually saw the teaser for 'Abandoned' almost immediately after it was uploaded! All I can say is I can't wait!
Can't wait for the full MV (the dance steps look sleek!)!
Can't wait for the album to be available in stores!
Can't wait for his live performance!!
I think it's going to take the K-Pop scene by storm.
So, without further ado, teaser for 'Abandoned'
And because I'm awake at the unearthly hour of 4AM KST, I actually saw the teaser for 'Abandoned' almost immediately after it was uploaded! All I can say is I can't wait!
Can't wait for the full MV (the dance steps look sleek!)!
Can't wait for the album to be available in stores!
Can't wait for his live performance!!
I think it's going to take the K-Pop scene by storm.
So, without further ado, teaser for 'Abandoned'
Thursday 21 April 2011
Life in Korea: the famous Lamb
I love coffee. A few people had gone for coffee sessions with me back in Singapore (yes, Lynda, I'm talking about you!) In Korea, I got to know Yoon unnie (who I will introduce in a separate entry) and she brought me to this coffee joint, the famous Lamb that is near to both Kimchi Hostel and Hong Guesthouse. It's nearer to Kimchi actually, like 2 streets away and on the way to Hongik University Subway station.
the famous Lamb is one of the many coffee joints other than the main commercial brands that you can find in Seoul. But what I like about this place is
1. the coffee isn't too expensive,
2. free refills (select from their hand-drip coffee menu and Americano) after ordering the first drink,
3. free WiFi,
4. friendly staff
5. near to Kimchi Hostel where I'm staying so I don't have to walk too far away.
So today, I came to the famous Lamb with Danny to study Korean after lunch. Didn't really manage to study a lot since I had to do other stuff as well. But I'm reminded of the days back in Singapore where I would just pack my laptop and go to Starbucks for a cup of coffee and get some writing done. Maybe I would make this a daily routine instead of just staying at Kimchi the whole day. It's becoming a joke that I'm there longer than the staff who works there.
No, I didn't get a free cup of coffee for writing this. It's a nice and cozy place and since this is all about my life in Korea, I have to write it down.
the famous Lamb
Seoul, Mapo-gu
Donggyo-dong
203-30
the famous Lamb is one of the many coffee joints other than the main commercial brands that you can find in Seoul. But what I like about this place is
1. the coffee isn't too expensive,
2. free refills (select from their hand-drip coffee menu and Americano) after ordering the first drink,
3. free WiFi,
4. friendly staff
5. near to Kimchi Hostel where I'm staying so I don't have to walk too far away.
So today, I came to the famous Lamb with Danny to study Korean after lunch. Didn't really manage to study a lot since I had to do other stuff as well. But I'm reminded of the days back in Singapore where I would just pack my laptop and go to Starbucks for a cup of coffee and get some writing done. Maybe I would make this a daily routine instead of just staying at Kimchi the whole day. It's becoming a joke that I'm there longer than the staff who works there.
No, I didn't get a free cup of coffee for writing this. It's a nice and cozy place and since this is all about my life in Korea, I have to write it down.
Wednesday 20 April 2011
KOREAN LANGUAGE 101: Korean Verbs-Present Tense (Answers)
If you have not downloaded the notes and table of verbs, you can do so with the links below.
Korean Verb Conjugation-PRESENT TENSE (Formal and Informal Polite) SUMMARY
Korean Verbs Conjugation Table-LIST OF KOREAN VERBS
Below are the answers for 'Test Your Understanding' inside the summary and the correct formation of the 20 verbs given yesterday.
Here's the next 20. Fill in up in your own table. Yes, I don't want to let you copy and paste.
Korean Verb Conjugation-PRESENT TENSE (Formal and Informal Polite) SUMMARY
Korean Verbs Conjugation Table-LIST OF KOREAN VERBS
Below are the answers for 'Test Your Understanding' inside the summary and the correct formation of the 20 verbs given yesterday.
Here's the next 20. Fill in up in your own table. Yes, I don't want to let you copy and paste.
Tuesday 19 April 2011
Life in Korea: Meeting New People - The Taiwanese Ladies!
Since I traveled alone to Korea this time, if I wanted to have someone to talk to, I would actually have to take the first step in talking to other people. So this would be a series of stories of people I met at Kimchi Hostel and where I went with these people. I have to emphasize that they are not necessarily in the order I met them.
SO! I think this occurred after David moved me back to Kimchi Hostel. There were 3 ladies from Taiwan and I got to know them when they first arrived. Since I spoke Chinese and they spoke Chinese, I became the bridging gap when they can't really speak English to the staff or when they don't really understand the staff. But we only got closer when they had to buy tickets for Park Jung Min's birthday fan meeting and they got Daniel to help them with it since it's all in Korean.
I tagged along for the last few days of their trip here. To be honest, without them, I probably won't have visited some of the places myself. While I acted as the guide on some occasions, they were the ones with the guidebooks. The two boys from Singapore, Shi Hao and Jason came along as well.
I shall talk about our trip to Myeong Dong-Seoul Tower. Basically we decide to go to Myeong Dong because the CD shop that I know of sells CD at cheaper and more reasonable prices than the other shops we saw. We went on the day the Big Bang Special Edition came out.
Here's a tip on getting to Myeong Dong. Because Kimchi and Hong Guesthouse are both located near Hong Dae area, we are on Line 2 of the Seoul Metro. By right, if we want to go to Myeong Dong, we would have to transfer to Line 4 at Seoul Station. That's a VERY LONG walk. So from Hongik Univ. Station, take the subway to Euljiro 1-ga, walk towards Exit 5. You will see a shop selling socks/accessories. Climb the staircase that's next to the store. When you exit, you should see Starbucks to your left and Outback Steakhouse in front of you. Make a right turn and walk straight. After probably 3 minutes, you would probably see Coffee Beans. Continue walking straight, you should see MLB. Once you reach MLB, you are in Myeong Dong. :)
Anyway, since our main motive for going to Myeong Dong was to get the albums and then take the bus to the Seoul Tower, we didn't spend a lot of time in Myeong Dong itself. To put it very simply, Myeong Dong is the mecca of Korean cosmetic brands. You can find probably every Korean brands there, with more than one outlets most of the time.
Getting to Seoul Tower by bus. I know most people would want to do the cable car because it looked so romantic in dramas. I have not tried it myself but I have people telling me that they have to walk quite a distance. So to me, taking the bus is 1. cheaper (900won) and 2. it takes me to the foot of the tower. I have to climb up a very steep slope to reach the tower but that's fine.
To get to the bus, get out at Exit 4 of Myeong Dong Station. Walk towards the bus stop. You should walk past Paris Baguette. Wait for Bus no. 5. It's a special bus that travels from Myeong Dong to Seoul Tower. If you have T-Money card, just tap. If you have to pay cash, it should not be more than 1000won.
I have gone to the Seoul Tower on my own during the day but the view at night was really great. So my advice if you want to go to the Seoul Tower would be to do it when the sun is setting. The setting sun view is gorgeous as well. And then when the city landscape is lit up by the lights, it is really nice!
The highlight of Seoul Tower, other than the observatory is the locks left behind by lovers. We have seen it done on We Got Married (Khuntoria) and Si Ying was actually going to try looking for the Khuntoria lock. No, she was not successful.
I think more than the scenary, it was the company that matters. People who likes the same things as you, people who opened their arms to a stranger when there isn't a need to. So I really have to thank the 3 lovely ladies for a lovely time I had with them.
SO! I think this occurred after David moved me back to Kimchi Hostel. There were 3 ladies from Taiwan and I got to know them when they first arrived. Since I spoke Chinese and they spoke Chinese, I became the bridging gap when they can't really speak English to the staff or when they don't really understand the staff. But we only got closer when they had to buy tickets for Park Jung Min's birthday fan meeting and they got Daniel to help them with it since it's all in Korean.
Introducing my traveling partners from Taiwan: Xiao Mi, Yu Yun and Si Ying
I tagged along for the last few days of their trip here. To be honest, without them, I probably won't have visited some of the places myself. While I acted as the guide on some occasions, they were the ones with the guidebooks. The two boys from Singapore, Shi Hao and Jason came along as well.
I shall talk about our trip to Myeong Dong-Seoul Tower. Basically we decide to go to Myeong Dong because the CD shop that I know of sells CD at cheaper and more reasonable prices than the other shops we saw. We went on the day the Big Bang Special Edition came out.
Here's a tip on getting to Myeong Dong. Because Kimchi and Hong Guesthouse are both located near Hong Dae area, we are on Line 2 of the Seoul Metro. By right, if we want to go to Myeong Dong, we would have to transfer to Line 4 at Seoul Station. That's a VERY LONG walk. So from Hongik Univ. Station, take the subway to Euljiro 1-ga, walk towards Exit 5. You will see a shop selling socks/accessories. Climb the staircase that's next to the store. When you exit, you should see Starbucks to your left and Outback Steakhouse in front of you. Make a right turn and walk straight. After probably 3 minutes, you would probably see Coffee Beans. Continue walking straight, you should see MLB. Once you reach MLB, you are in Myeong Dong. :)
Anyway, since our main motive for going to Myeong Dong was to get the albums and then take the bus to the Seoul Tower, we didn't spend a lot of time in Myeong Dong itself. To put it very simply, Myeong Dong is the mecca of Korean cosmetic brands. You can find probably every Korean brands there, with more than one outlets most of the time.
Getting to Seoul Tower by bus. I know most people would want to do the cable car because it looked so romantic in dramas. I have not tried it myself but I have people telling me that they have to walk quite a distance. So to me, taking the bus is 1. cheaper (900won) and 2. it takes me to the foot of the tower. I have to climb up a very steep slope to reach the tower but that's fine.
To get to the bus, get out at Exit 4 of Myeong Dong Station. Walk towards the bus stop. You should walk past Paris Baguette. Wait for Bus no. 5. It's a special bus that travels from Myeong Dong to Seoul Tower. If you have T-Money card, just tap. If you have to pay cash, it should not be more than 1000won.
I have gone to the Seoul Tower on my own during the day but the view at night was really great. So my advice if you want to go to the Seoul Tower would be to do it when the sun is setting. The setting sun view is gorgeous as well. And then when the city landscape is lit up by the lights, it is really nice!
The highlight of Seoul Tower, other than the observatory is the locks left behind by lovers. We have seen it done on We Got Married (Khuntoria) and Si Ying was actually going to try looking for the Khuntoria lock. No, she was not successful.
I think more than the scenary, it was the company that matters. People who likes the same things as you, people who opened their arms to a stranger when there isn't a need to. So I really have to thank the 3 lovely ladies for a lovely time I had with them.
Life in Korea: Getting a phone line without buying a phone!!
OMG OMG OMG! I'm feeling invincible because I have a Korean HP number!! Seriously this is a question that a lot of people ask when it comes to traveling to Korea. And to be honest, I would never have found the answer if Danny had not told me about it. It's great that Danny is here as a foreigner, first as an exchange student and now as an intern. Because I think a lot of Korean didn't know about the change in rules either. And staying at the hostel helped since I hang out at the reception quite a bit.
So the conversation started because Danny mentioned that he brought his phone over from Germany and all he did was get a SIM card. I was 1. surprised that a phone from overseas can be used in Korea, 2. surprised that he can get a line in the first place (but then he did come on a student's visa so that's different)
After apologizing to him (I doubted his information about the bank account, so he made me apologise), he told me how to go about getting the phone line. Long story short, KT Olleh (or Korea Media rules) has changed since January 2011, you can read about it here.
I ventured to KT Olleh Square at Gwang Hwa Mun (Gwang Hwa Mun Station, Line 5, Exit 2) today, determined to get my pre-paid line since that's the easiest to get. All you need is your passport. But the line is only for use for 3 months. After that you would need to renew with your passport again.
The staff was not too sure that it can be done with JUST my passport and they were going to ask me to go to another store that can do the procedure. So I put on my 'tough customer' mask and told them straight in the face that this is like the MAIN KT Olleh, what do they mean by they can't do the procedure. And I knew my information was right. The shop they want me to go to is under renovation as stated on the website. So they have no choice but to work out how to help me. (They had to call several parties to get the procedure started, etc)
Have your IMEI and SERIAL number ready. For the iPhone, it's easy since you can find all the information in the settings. Not too sure about the other phones but these information should be readily available. Make sure that the country where you bought your phone did not lock your phone and that the phone is a model that's already available/in use in Korea.
The procedure for me is simple. KT Olleh GLOBAL have English-speaking customer service staff. So tell them you want to get a PRE-PAID SIM card for use with your phone. Show them your passport and if they insist that you need a Alien Registration Card, tell them it's NOT necessary for a pre-paid line. The SIM card cost 5,500won and minimum top-up is 2000won. Please have cash ready. You can't pay for the SIM card using credit card and topping up using credit card is only for KOREA-ISSUED credit cards.
Initially, the SIM card didn't work on my phone. But it worked on someone else's phone. I had to call Singtel (I hope I can get that call waived) to ask if they lock the phones. As far as I know, Singapore doesn't practice this. So no, it wasn't Singapore side. In the end, they realised that they typed in the IMEI number wrongly. So they quickly rectified the problem.
What could have been done in 30 minutes took longer than expected. I had to look for a bank since I didn't have cash on me and the whole mistake on my IMEI. But once we got that sorted out, it was a great sigh of relief all round! I don't know how long I can survive on a 10,000won top up but the cost for pre-paid isn't that high. I got the line because I'm going to stay here till June at least so it made more sense to have a phone line and not worry when I want to check my Twitter, etc.
If you ask me if it's necessary to get a pre-paid if you are simply traveling, I would say it really depends on how long you are in Korea. If it's for less than a week, you can opt for the more convenient though more expensive method of renting the phone. You could also choose to roam on your phone.
For foreigners who are coming to work here in Korea, if you have your ARC, you can get a phone line without having to buy a phone. The steps are pretty much similar but you will definitely need your ARC for that. To find out more read the KT Official English Blog.
So the conversation started because Danny mentioned that he brought his phone over from Germany and all he did was get a SIM card. I was 1. surprised that a phone from overseas can be used in Korea, 2. surprised that he can get a line in the first place (but then he did come on a student's visa so that's different)
After apologizing to him (I doubted his information about the bank account, so he made me apologise), he told me how to go about getting the phone line. Long story short, KT Olleh (or Korea Media rules) has changed since January 2011, you can read about it here.
I ventured to KT Olleh Square at Gwang Hwa Mun (Gwang Hwa Mun Station, Line 5, Exit 2) today, determined to get my pre-paid line since that's the easiest to get. All you need is your passport. But the line is only for use for 3 months. After that you would need to renew with your passport again.
The staff was not too sure that it can be done with JUST my passport and they were going to ask me to go to another store that can do the procedure. So I put on my 'tough customer' mask and told them straight in the face that this is like the MAIN KT Olleh, what do they mean by they can't do the procedure. And I knew my information was right. The shop they want me to go to is under renovation as stated on the website. So they have no choice but to work out how to help me. (They had to call several parties to get the procedure started, etc)
Have your IMEI and SERIAL number ready. For the iPhone, it's easy since you can find all the information in the settings. Not too sure about the other phones but these information should be readily available. Make sure that the country where you bought your phone did not lock your phone and that the phone is a model that's already available/in use in Korea.
The procedure for me is simple. KT Olleh GLOBAL have English-speaking customer service staff. So tell them you want to get a PRE-PAID SIM card for use with your phone. Show them your passport and if they insist that you need a Alien Registration Card, tell them it's NOT necessary for a pre-paid line. The SIM card cost 5,500won and minimum top-up is 2000won. Please have cash ready. You can't pay for the SIM card using credit card and topping up using credit card is only for KOREA-ISSUED credit cards.
Initially, the SIM card didn't work on my phone. But it worked on someone else's phone. I had to call Singtel (I hope I can get that call waived) to ask if they lock the phones. As far as I know, Singapore doesn't practice this. So no, it wasn't Singapore side. In the end, they realised that they typed in the IMEI number wrongly. So they quickly rectified the problem.
What could have been done in 30 minutes took longer than expected. I had to look for a bank since I didn't have cash on me and the whole mistake on my IMEI. But once we got that sorted out, it was a great sigh of relief all round! I don't know how long I can survive on a 10,000won top up but the cost for pre-paid isn't that high. I got the line because I'm going to stay here till June at least so it made more sense to have a phone line and not worry when I want to check my Twitter, etc.
If you ask me if it's necessary to get a pre-paid if you are simply traveling, I would say it really depends on how long you are in Korea. If it's for less than a week, you can opt for the more convenient though more expensive method of renting the phone. You could also choose to roam on your phone.
For foreigners who are coming to work here in Korea, if you have your ARC, you can get a phone line without having to buy a phone. The steps are pretty much similar but you will definitely need your ARC for that. To find out more read the KT Official English Blog.
KOREA LANGUAGE 101: Korean Verbs-Present Tense
In this blog, I would also try to share what I have learnt about the Korean language, hopefully in digestible bits. What happens is after I have studied the topic, I would try to summarize, provide examples and practice relevant to the topic.
Actually, tackling the verbs first might not be the smartest thing to do but I just want to get started on this because verb is a HUGE part of any language. One of the thing that I have not been able to find online is a list of useful verbs in Korean. So I hope I'm helping out.
You can download the 2 files below. One is the summary on the conjugation of Korean verbs-Present tense for both FORMAL and INFORMAL (Polite) form. The other is a table of verbs that you can use to fill in. Every day, I would 1. give the answers for the mini exercises in the summary 2. the answers for the tables for the verbs given in the previous day 3. provide more verbs to fill in the table.
The table of verbs is in Korean alphabetical order.
I know. I sound like a teacher. Trust me, when you see the files, you would know that I was really a teacher. ^^
Korean Verb Conjugation-PRESENT TENSE (Formal and Informal Polite) SUMMARY
Korean Verbs Conjugation Table-LIST OF KOREAN VERBS
Actually, tackling the verbs first might not be the smartest thing to do but I just want to get started on this because verb is a HUGE part of any language. One of the thing that I have not been able to find online is a list of useful verbs in Korean. So I hope I'm helping out.
You can download the 2 files below. One is the summary on the conjugation of Korean verbs-Present tense for both FORMAL and INFORMAL (Polite) form. The other is a table of verbs that you can use to fill in. Every day, I would 1. give the answers for the mini exercises in the summary 2. the answers for the tables for the verbs given in the previous day 3. provide more verbs to fill in the table.
The table of verbs is in Korean alphabetical order.
I know. I sound like a teacher. Trust me, when you see the files, you would know that I was really a teacher. ^^
Korean Verb Conjugation-PRESENT TENSE (Formal and Informal Polite) SUMMARY
Korean Verbs Conjugation Table-LIST OF KOREAN VERBS
Monday 18 April 2011
A New Beginning: New Home and Family-Kimchi Hostel
People who have been reading this blog knows about my decision to come to Korea, how I missed my flight (wait, I didn't write about that YET but I think I would include that in a 'Incheon Internation Airport MUST-KNOWs' post), and eventually how I decide to stay in Korea. I really have to thank the good people at Hong Guesthouse and Kimchi Hostel for providing a shelter and lots of hospitality towards someone who was pretty much lost and left stranded in a foreign land.
So from today onwards, I will be writing on my life in Korea, from the perspective of a tourist, the difficulties faced, the places I have visited or visiting etc. And if you have any questions, do feel free to comment. If I have an answer, I will let you know. If I don't, I would ask around.
And I am going to write in Chinese too. Do help me spread the word around. :)
I have stayed in both Hong Guesthouse and Kimchi Hostel but now I'm pretty much settled in Kimchi Hostel. So I'd introduce my family in Kimchi Hostel first. The pictures will come a little later, have to give the guys some advance notice so they can put on their best shirt.
David: The man who runs both Hong Guesthouse and Kimchi Hostel. He shuffles between the two, organises dinner and weekend parties for the guests in both guesthouses. He's around most of the time and speaks really good English since he grew up in Vancouver.
Day Staff
There's a total of 3 daytime staff at Kimchi Hostel
Jun (Monday-Wednesday)
Daniel (Thursday-Friday)
Steve (Saturday-Sunday)
Night Staff
Danny
Danny is also my Korean language studying partner. So we spent the evening from 9 to 12 studying Korea while he looks after the reception desk. I might start a section on "What I have learnt today" about Korean language on this blog, so keep a lookout for that too.
I hang out at the 'living room' a lot since that's where the TV is. Steve is my TV watching partner when I'm around during the weekend. He'd ask me if I want lunch/dinner when he wants to order delivery.
So all in all, I'm very happy. Now I can spend my days exploring, writing and learning about Korea. I would say I'm at the best place right now.
About the author:
Singaporean who decided to pay Korea a visit after 2 long years of simply talking about it. Due to unforeseen circumstances, ended up staying in Korea.
Currently residing in Seoul, South Korea and staying at Kimchi Hostel.
So from today onwards, I will be writing on my life in Korea, from the perspective of a tourist, the difficulties faced, the places I have visited or visiting etc. And if you have any questions, do feel free to comment. If I have an answer, I will let you know. If I don't, I would ask around.
And I am going to write in Chinese too. Do help me spread the word around. :)
I have stayed in both Hong Guesthouse and Kimchi Hostel but now I'm pretty much settled in Kimchi Hostel. So I'd introduce my family in Kimchi Hostel first. The pictures will come a little later, have to give the guys some advance notice so they can put on their best shirt.
David: The man who runs both Hong Guesthouse and Kimchi Hostel. He shuffles between the two, organises dinner and weekend parties for the guests in both guesthouses. He's around most of the time and speaks really good English since he grew up in Vancouver.
Day Staff
There's a total of 3 daytime staff at Kimchi Hostel
Jun (Monday-Wednesday)
Daniel (Thursday-Friday)
Steve (Saturday-Sunday)
Night Staff
Danny
Danny is also my Korean language studying partner. So we spent the evening from 9 to 12 studying Korea while he looks after the reception desk. I might start a section on "What I have learnt today" about Korean language on this blog, so keep a lookout for that too.
I hang out at the 'living room' a lot since that's where the TV is. Steve is my TV watching partner when I'm around during the weekend. He'd ask me if I want lunch/dinner when he wants to order delivery.
So all in all, I'm very happy. Now I can spend my days exploring, writing and learning about Korea. I would say I'm at the best place right now.
About the author:
Singaporean who decided to pay Korea a visit after 2 long years of simply talking about it. Due to unforeseen circumstances, ended up staying in Korea.
Currently residing in Seoul, South Korea and staying at Kimchi Hostel.
Friday 15 April 2011
People You Meet Directly or Indirectly Gives You What You Need...
Currently I'm sharing the 4-bed dorm with a lady from Malaysia. The lady is closer to my mother's age rather than the usual young travelers that I'm used to. So we talked a little more serious stuff beyond the "where did you go to today?"; "Which idols do you like?" topics. But I guess it's also because we are in a room together.
I spoke to her extensively on 2 occasions. Once about my supposed last day in Korea and why I'm still in Korea. I mean she cheered me on and that meant something cos it's difficult for the older generation to really understand this crazy, insane need to be daring. I did think it was just a consolatory thing for her to do that. But my chat with her last night cleared some doubts.
I'm making this announcement for the first time. I'm staying in Korea. Right now, it's 80% fixed. (Don't worry about the merchandise, it will get settled) The biggest qualm I have is I have not told my family about it. And I'm not answering any phone calls from them either. Sounds mean and all that right? But it's a "I don't know what to say to them" situation. Eventually I'd have to but yea. After I have enough money to buy myself a one-way ticket back to Korea, I would tell them because it means I'm going back to Singapore to settle a few things. But that also means that what I thought out to do is successful. Of course, it's not really fixed yet but the dispersed twinkle of light spots are gathering together to become clearer to me. So that will serve as a guide.
So how did the lady help me? The lady shared with me last night that her daughter did the same thing. Went to Taiwan and then kind of dropped off the radar. Initially, they were all afraid and what nots, not knowing what had happened to her but gradually, they calmed down enough and know that she had her reasons for doing so and just leave her be. On some levels, they even gave her their blessing but unspoken. They didn't know what she was going through then and she only started telling them after 2 years when she finally went back to Malaysia.
I cried last night while talking to her. The family part got to me, talking about the depression period I went through last year after my job evaluation. It always difficult to put what I feel into words when it comes to my family. A big part is the fear of disappointing my family, the other part is the idea that "it's my problem, why involve others?" And she said to me, "It's good that you are starting here at Ground Zero. Cos when you are there, the only place you can go is up." The other thing she said to me: "你的这个零不是空的." Basically translates to: "This zero you have is not empty" and that's true. It contained my dreams and desire for 2 years, my passion to make it work and be successful.
And that's exactly it. To me, if my ultimate goal is to stay in Korea in the long run, go through that language program that I have been talking about to become effectively tri-lingual, then I have to DO instead of TALK. I need to think about blog-shop name (suggestions?), how to go about getting it started, profit margin, products to carry, etc etc. And in a month I have met people from different places that could be my contact points in other countries. And I have an IT expert in the hostel as well. So maybe I can get his help with the website design, etc.
Because I'm here, I can't give myself anymore excuses. It's where I want to be, with the chance to do what I want. So yes. I'm doing it.
Maybe one day, I would look back and laugh at myself. But right now, it's full steam ahead.
Audrey! FIGHTING!
P/S: I'm sorry that this supposed 'travel blog' has evolved into a self-awareness/motivational(?) blog but I received a tweet the other day from @pjpeejay about how she was inspired after reading my blog and what I did. She went and applied for an exchange program in Korea and she got it. So she's gonna be here from June to August. I'm happy to hear this so I wish her all the best.
I'm going to the cherry blossom festival tomorrow so maybe I would have nicer pictures and what nots to show and talk about tomorrow.
I spoke to her extensively on 2 occasions. Once about my supposed last day in Korea and why I'm still in Korea. I mean she cheered me on and that meant something cos it's difficult for the older generation to really understand this crazy, insane need to be daring. I did think it was just a consolatory thing for her to do that. But my chat with her last night cleared some doubts.
I'm making this announcement for the first time. I'm staying in Korea. Right now, it's 80% fixed. (Don't worry about the merchandise, it will get settled) The biggest qualm I have is I have not told my family about it. And I'm not answering any phone calls from them either. Sounds mean and all that right? But it's a "I don't know what to say to them" situation. Eventually I'd have to but yea. After I have enough money to buy myself a one-way ticket back to Korea, I would tell them because it means I'm going back to Singapore to settle a few things. But that also means that what I thought out to do is successful. Of course, it's not really fixed yet but the dispersed twinkle of light spots are gathering together to become clearer to me. So that will serve as a guide.
So how did the lady help me? The lady shared with me last night that her daughter did the same thing. Went to Taiwan and then kind of dropped off the radar. Initially, they were all afraid and what nots, not knowing what had happened to her but gradually, they calmed down enough and know that she had her reasons for doing so and just leave her be. On some levels, they even gave her their blessing but unspoken. They didn't know what she was going through then and she only started telling them after 2 years when she finally went back to Malaysia.
I cried last night while talking to her. The family part got to me, talking about the depression period I went through last year after my job evaluation. It always difficult to put what I feel into words when it comes to my family. A big part is the fear of disappointing my family, the other part is the idea that "it's my problem, why involve others?" And she said to me, "It's good that you are starting here at Ground Zero. Cos when you are there, the only place you can go is up." The other thing she said to me: "你的这个零不是空的." Basically translates to: "This zero you have is not empty" and that's true. It contained my dreams and desire for 2 years, my passion to make it work and be successful.
And that's exactly it. To me, if my ultimate goal is to stay in Korea in the long run, go through that language program that I have been talking about to become effectively tri-lingual, then I have to DO instead of TALK. I need to think about blog-shop name (suggestions?), how to go about getting it started, profit margin, products to carry, etc etc. And in a month I have met people from different places that could be my contact points in other countries. And I have an IT expert in the hostel as well. So maybe I can get his help with the website design, etc.
Because I'm here, I can't give myself anymore excuses. It's where I want to be, with the chance to do what I want. So yes. I'm doing it.
Maybe one day, I would look back and laugh at myself. But right now, it's full steam ahead.
Audrey! FIGHTING!
P/S: I'm sorry that this supposed 'travel blog' has evolved into a self-awareness/motivational(?) blog but I received a tweet the other day from @pjpeejay about how she was inspired after reading my blog and what I did. She went and applied for an exchange program in Korea and she got it. So she's gonna be here from June to August. I'm happy to hear this so I wish her all the best.
I'm going to the cherry blossom festival tomorrow so maybe I would have nicer pictures and what nots to show and talk about tomorrow.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Day 34: Realisations
I've been in Korea for more than a month now. Re-reading my entries in this blog, I realised and perhaps remembered again why I'm here and still here. It's a dream of 2 years. And when you have spent enough time being lost, you just want to find the destination.
A lot of people, including my family members would probably think I'm crazy, rash, unreasonable, insensitive, etc to continue being in Korea when there are more pressing things to see to: 2AM merchandise spree, AC hoodies, etc. But to be honest, if I had gone back when I'm supposed to, I think I'd regret it. Yes, I'm apologetic towards people who trusted me to bring the merchandise back and give it out to them on time. But at the end of it, once I have finished distributing those items, I would ask myself "what's next?".
Am I making excuses for my actions? Maybe I'm giving an explanation. You have read about my desire to come to Korea. I didn't want this trip to be in vain. I wanted a way out. The only way is to make sure that I act instead of talking about it. Ask yourself when was the last time you really wanted to do something yet when presented with the opportunity, you told yourself, "never mind, there's always a next time."
When you are 8, the 'next times' come quick and easy.
When you are 18, 'next time' comes quick but not as easy.
When you are 28, 'next time' is not something you would consider. You would just grab anything that comes your way. Because you would think that you don't have time anymore.
Anyway, through these 34 days, I have met many people/travellers.
Some came here, knowing it's a temporary respite, a holiday.
Some came here, knowing this is just a stop and where they are heading next.
Some came here, not know where they are going at all.
Some I talked to about my dreams. It might sound crazy but maybe it's the way I said it, people ended up cheering me on, praying for me, helping me along the way. It's actually quite amazing. Some listened to my story and probably would think that I'm derisive but I believe, one day down the road, they would remember that they once heard a crazy story and hopefully find some kind of hope in it.
A lot of people, including my family members would probably think I'm crazy, rash, unreasonable, insensitive, etc to continue being in Korea when there are more pressing things to see to: 2AM merchandise spree, AC hoodies, etc. But to be honest, if I had gone back when I'm supposed to, I think I'd regret it. Yes, I'm apologetic towards people who trusted me to bring the merchandise back and give it out to them on time. But at the end of it, once I have finished distributing those items, I would ask myself "what's next?".
Am I making excuses for my actions? Maybe I'm giving an explanation. You have read about my desire to come to Korea. I didn't want this trip to be in vain. I wanted a way out. The only way is to make sure that I act instead of talking about it. Ask yourself when was the last time you really wanted to do something yet when presented with the opportunity, you told yourself, "never mind, there's always a next time."
When you are 8, the 'next times' come quick and easy.
When you are 18, 'next time' comes quick but not as easy.
When you are 28, 'next time' is not something you would consider. You would just grab anything that comes your way. Because you would think that you don't have time anymore.
Anyway, through these 34 days, I have met many people/travellers.
Some came here, knowing it's a temporary respite, a holiday.
Some came here, knowing this is just a stop and where they are heading next.
Some came here, not know where they are going at all.
Some I talked to about my dreams. It might sound crazy but maybe it's the way I said it, people ended up cheering me on, praying for me, helping me along the way. It's actually quite amazing. Some listened to my story and probably would think that I'm derisive but I believe, one day down the road, they would remember that they once heard a crazy story and hopefully find some kind of hope in it.
Tuesday 12 April 2011
To Do What I Have Always Wanted to Do: Blogshop based in Korea!
To be honest, I have played with this idea LONG enough. And since I'm just sitting around waiting for news about my job application I thought I would ask you guys if anyone is interested.
I want to be based in Korea and take orders for K-Pop merchandise, clothes, cosmetics, etc. I'm looking for contact points partners from around the world. I would run the blog shop on my own but what these contact points partners do is:
1. Collect money from people who can't pay through Pay-Pal. So it would be good if these contact points have access to Pay-Pal.
2. I will ship all the items to the contact point with all the items for each individual PACKED and LABELLED with address.
3. Bring the packages to the local post office and mail them out.
The contact person will get a percentage from the NET profit so if you help to promote and more people buys, then you get more. BUT being RESPONSIBLE is very important.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please email me at iamfor2am@gmail.com. In the email pls include where you are from.
I want to be based in Korea and take orders for K-Pop merchandise, clothes, cosmetics, etc. I'm looking for contact points partners from around the world. I would run the blog shop on my own but what these contact points partners do is:
1. Collect money from people who can't pay through Pay-Pal. So it would be good if these contact points have access to Pay-Pal.
2. I will ship all the items to the contact point with all the items for each individual PACKED and LABELLED with address.
3. Bring the packages to the local post office and mail them out.
The contact person will get a percentage from the NET profit so if you help to promote and more people buys, then you get more. BUT being RESPONSIBLE is very important.
If you are interested and would like to find out more, please email me at iamfor2am@gmail.com. In the email pls include where you are from.
Thursday 17 March 2011
Day 7: I Did It!
I just sent in my application to Big Hit Entertainment like 5 minutes ago, around 9.30pm, 17 March 2011. I applied for Overseas Business/Fan Management. My bilingualism should come in handy for these two areas. Whatever it is, I have done something about it instead of just talking about it. So to me, that's a big step.
I have never been able to write a cover letter for all the previous jobs I applied. Then again, for teaching in Singapore, you don't really need a cover letter. I guess for once I really feel that the skills I possess is really of some use to the organisation. I just hope they won't throw my application into the rubbish bin seeing that it's all in English. *fingers crossed*
Anyway, today I went in search of the shop that sells BANC hoodies/t-shirts. Let's just say I travelled quite a distance but only managed to get two of the items so I'm going to go get the rest online later. But it gave me a chance to travel out of the popular spots and head to a quieter part of Seoul(?).
So according to this picture, I was at Munjeong or GaRak Market. It might look like a quiet neighbourhood but they have Lotte Mart there so it can't be all that quiet. If you ever come to Seoul, this is somewhat worth paying a visit. There are quite a number of shops that sell sport brands. I was SO tempted to buy the Big Bang Fila shoes. There were a little over S$50 but well..
I went to Lotte Mart for dinner. At their food court, you order your food and pay first then wait for the shop to call your number. I was looking round for a drinks store but there was none. Then I realised there's a water station where they provide sterilised cups and water coolers. So maybe that's why the Koreans are so healthy. Seriously, they just don't make those carbonated/sweet drinks too readily available. And seriously, the food is good and not too expensive. This meal cost me 6,500won, which is around S$7.50. But since I'm eating one meal a day so it's pretty ok.
When I got out of the mall after dinner, the sun was setting and I thought this was really pretty.
I was in the Jamsil area after that. I remember reading something about river cruise and I was going to try that but well, no luck. So I still need to visit Han River and Namsan tower, as well as Dongdaemun, jimjibang and perhaps Paldang or Busan. We'll see.
Man. One week passed so fast!! I don't want to go back! I like it here. Seriously I really don't feel like a tourist but more of like someone who's getting her footing having just moved to a new place. I hope that would really be the case soon. *fingers crossed*
I have never been able to write a cover letter for all the previous jobs I applied. Then again, for teaching in Singapore, you don't really need a cover letter. I guess for once I really feel that the skills I possess is really of some use to the organisation. I just hope they won't throw my application into the rubbish bin seeing that it's all in English. *fingers crossed*
Anyway, today I went in search of the shop that sells BANC hoodies/t-shirts. Let's just say I travelled quite a distance but only managed to get two of the items so I'm going to go get the rest online later. But it gave me a chance to travel out of the popular spots and head to a quieter part of Seoul(?).
So according to this picture, I was at Munjeong or GaRak Market. It might look like a quiet neighbourhood but they have Lotte Mart there so it can't be all that quiet. If you ever come to Seoul, this is somewhat worth paying a visit. There are quite a number of shops that sell sport brands. I was SO tempted to buy the Big Bang Fila shoes. There were a little over S$50 but well..
I went to Lotte Mart for dinner. At their food court, you order your food and pay first then wait for the shop to call your number. I was looking round for a drinks store but there was none. Then I realised there's a water station where they provide sterilised cups and water coolers. So maybe that's why the Koreans are so healthy. Seriously, they just don't make those carbonated/sweet drinks too readily available. And seriously, the food is good and not too expensive. This meal cost me 6,500won, which is around S$7.50. But since I'm eating one meal a day so it's pretty ok.
When I got out of the mall after dinner, the sun was setting and I thought this was really pretty.
I was in the Jamsil area after that. I remember reading something about river cruise and I was going to try that but well, no luck. So I still need to visit Han River and Namsan tower, as well as Dongdaemun, jimjibang and perhaps Paldang or Busan. We'll see.
Man. One week passed so fast!! I don't want to go back! I like it here. Seriously I really don't feel like a tourist but more of like someone who's getting her footing having just moved to a new place. I hope that would really be the case soon. *fingers crossed*
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Day3-6: A Summary
Day 3: 2AM Day. You can find my account of watching 2AM Encore Concert in the IAM for 2AM forum.
Day 4-5: Wasn't feeling too good and the weather was too cold + I had the room to myself so I stayed in and watched My Princess. I know.. what a waste of time right? But I did go to the neighbourhood to get hot drinks, food, what nots. Day 5, I also went to the World Cup Stadium and the Home Mart. Home Mart reminds me of the one that Kwon and Ga In went to. Looks similar. But I guess all mega-marts are similar.
Day 6: The Day I saw snow!!!
So I decided I have wasted enough of my tourist time and decided to drag myself out of the room today and out into the streets. Decided to go to visit the palaces today so I looked at the map, planned my route and off I went. I only managed to go to one today - Chang Deok Gong which is near Insa-dong. The palace closed at 5pm. I was there at 4.30pm. Anyway, it was rather empty but the walk in the cold was actually nice. So I really didn't mind it being a short visit.
Highlight of today's trip in that area: I saw snow! I have never seen snow in my entire life and I saw it today so understandably, I was excited like a child. When I first realised that it's snowing, I actually stopped in the middle of the road at the side to take a picture. The driver saw snow and said 'It's snowing?' And I just replied 'ne~'. I walked further into the area and went into one of the quaint coffee places, ordered a cup of coffee and just watched the snow while listening to 2AM's 'The Greatest Love'. It was a great way of spending the time. When I got out, that was when I managed to take some pictures of the snow. Gorgeous magical moment!!
I decided that I shall be adventurous and take a bus. Seriously, if I get lost, I'd just get down and take another bus or just get down where there's a subway station. So I got onto a bus thinking it would take me back to Hong Dae but lo and behold, it didn't! It passed by Dongdaemun but I didn't get down, took me back to where I got onto the bus and the bus went all the way to EunPyeon (I think) bus depot! hahah!! It was so hilarious to me!! Seriously I mean, yea, if that's the case, just go and see what bus to take back right? So I went to the bus in front and asked the driver where to take the bus from. In Korean. ahahah! So proud of myself. bwahahha!
But in all honesty I think I saw more of the city in a bus than on the subway. I mean in the subway, there's no sight to see. People might think it's a waste of time to take a bus but seriously, sometimes you might end up in places where the subway won't be able to take you. Maybe because I know how to read Korean so I'm not as intimidated. *shrug*
I had fun today despite not having done too much fun stuff. But getting lost and finding my way again, to me, was fun.
Day 4-5: Wasn't feeling too good and the weather was too cold + I had the room to myself so I stayed in and watched My Princess. I know.. what a waste of time right? But I did go to the neighbourhood to get hot drinks, food, what nots. Day 5, I also went to the World Cup Stadium and the Home Mart. Home Mart reminds me of the one that Kwon and Ga In went to. Looks similar. But I guess all mega-marts are similar.
Day 6: The Day I saw snow!!!
So I decided I have wasted enough of my tourist time and decided to drag myself out of the room today and out into the streets. Decided to go to visit the palaces today so I looked at the map, planned my route and off I went. I only managed to go to one today - Chang Deok Gong which is near Insa-dong. The palace closed at 5pm. I was there at 4.30pm. Anyway, it was rather empty but the walk in the cold was actually nice. So I really didn't mind it being a short visit.
Highlight of today's trip in that area: I saw snow! I have never seen snow in my entire life and I saw it today so understandably, I was excited like a child. When I first realised that it's snowing, I actually stopped in the middle of the road at the side to take a picture. The driver saw snow and said 'It's snowing?' And I just replied 'ne~'. I walked further into the area and went into one of the quaint coffee places, ordered a cup of coffee and just watched the snow while listening to 2AM's 'The Greatest Love'. It was a great way of spending the time. When I got out, that was when I managed to take some pictures of the snow. Gorgeous magical moment!!
I decided that I shall be adventurous and take a bus. Seriously, if I get lost, I'd just get down and take another bus or just get down where there's a subway station. So I got onto a bus thinking it would take me back to Hong Dae but lo and behold, it didn't! It passed by Dongdaemun but I didn't get down, took me back to where I got onto the bus and the bus went all the way to EunPyeon (I think) bus depot! hahah!! It was so hilarious to me!! Seriously I mean, yea, if that's the case, just go and see what bus to take back right? So I went to the bus in front and asked the driver where to take the bus from. In Korean. ahahah! So proud of myself. bwahahha!
But in all honesty I think I saw more of the city in a bus than on the subway. I mean in the subway, there's no sight to see. People might think it's a waste of time to take a bus but seriously, sometimes you might end up in places where the subway won't be able to take you. Maybe because I know how to read Korean so I'm not as intimidated. *shrug*
I had fun today despite not having done too much fun stuff. But getting lost and finding my way again, to me, was fun.
Sunday 13 March 2011
Day 2: Myeong Dong
I spent most of today in Myeong Dong but before I go into that, let me tell you a few discoveries I have made about Korea.
1. There are at least 3 types of buses. Not 3 companies (not too sure about that) but there are at least 3 types:
(1) The 'village/district' buses. These are like buses that go around a specific neighbourhood. Like theoretically I live in the Mapo district so there are buses that I can take to travel within the neighbourhood.
(2) The ones that travel outside the district itself
(3) The Airport buses (I think these are NOT the airport limousine buses, but I'm not sure)
Since it's a much bigger place than Singapore, I'm sure the system is a little more complicated and beyond my comprehension at the moment. But it's fun and recommended for those of you who are traveling alone to try out some of the 'village/district' bus just to familiarise yourself with your area. Take the one closest to the subway station to your place then you will realise that you don't have to walk so far to reach the subway station.
2. When you order food at the normal food places (i.e. not the fancy restaurants, the traditional types run by ahjummas) basically you are like paying for a full meal. I don't know if there are people who goes in and just order a rice since the side dishes sort of comes with it. It was quite funny when I walked in and the first thing the ahjumma said was something to the effect of "one person only?" and not exactly to me. I think part of the reason she said that was because most of the other people who came in at that time seemed to be workers from a construction site (they had on heavy-duty shoes).
So, anyway, I ordered a dwae-jang chige which is basically soybean paste soup and I had the side dishes. Now I'm used to the chige having meat inside so I was a little taken aback when I realised there isn't any. I was like.. I want meat. Then I found it in one of the side dishes-fish. It was nice~ heehee ^^ But I do wonder if people do go in and order JUST the rice? No right?
3. I do not have to do the LONG way to get to Myeong Dong.
It was with some level of amusement that I realised that I ended leaving Myeong Dong this evening at the same station that I got off to wait for Christina yesterday. Though she did tell tell me that EulJiRo is part of Myeong Dong, my image of Myeong Dong is mainly from You are Beautiful (when Mi Nam was stranded at Myeong Dong).
When I walked out of the ACTUAL Myeong Dong station and the right exit, I saw MYEONG DONG as I know it. It was crowded since it's a Saturday. But it was still manageable. Maybe I do surf G-Market quite a bit so I have seen the items online before so not much fascination. I haven't gotten round to trying all the street food. That's the other thing I realised about myself: I can probably understand Korean better than speaking it. Or maybe I'm just afraid of making a fool of myself. Oh well, so I haven't really had enough guts to buy the street food. The thing about the people is when you start speaking to them in Korean, they think you know the language and GO REALLY FAST!! So after a while, it was just "ne, ne, ne, a-gae-sup-ni-da, gam-sa-hap-ni-da."
So in the end I ended up with
1. 1 mascara and 1 eye-shadow palette from Holika Holika (if you think it sounds like a spell, I think that's the whole concept.)
2 Korean Grammar books + 3 English-Korean screenplays of movies!
I used to scold a friend of mine who went to Taiwan and bought books back and now I'm doing the same thing. But I have a good excuse: I will NEVER find these books in Singapore, especially the screenplays. I like the idea because the translation are side-by-side. I have seen Shakespeares' text done this way and it definitely helps. So here's hoping *crossing my fingers*
The other highlight of my trip to Myeong Dong today: Nanta.
Esther, Nikki and Irene all said I have to go and watch one of the non-verbal plays when I'm in Korea. So I did. For me, it was interesting to see how the production was done, meaning I like the production value. But personally, if you ask me again whether I would pay 40,000 won to watch it again, I won't. Not that it's bad, but the part that I enjoyed the most was when the performer actually said something to the audience. I thought it was an interactive play based on what the tour guide for the group in front of me and the introduction done in 4 main languages: Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese (video clip) but the only part that was interactive was towards the end and that was the part I like most. I laughed at some parts, I was amazed by the acrobatics but that's about it. To sum it up, I call it 'STOMP WITH A STORYLINE'.
After walking around for a while and after buying the tickets for Nanta, I actually went to Starbucks for coffee and I sat there alone with my dad's iPad reading my own fan fiction. I know it's not what tourists would do but it felt good like I was just spending a leisurely afternoon doing something that I like and want to do. On some level, it feels like it's a place I know well and I am comfortable not doing all the touristy things. But I got excited about Krispy Kreme. I was a big fan of Sex and The City so I have been wanting to try one for a long time. So I was a little disappointed because it's not much different from J.Co in Singapore (or Indonesia for that matter).
I was supposed to go join Christina and friends at Guri but I decided against it since they were going to party it up all night and I'm an old woman. I want to go to 2AM's concert early tomorrow. So I gave that a miss and took a little bus ride around my district and passed by KBS Media Center. I don't think that's the one where Music Bank is recorded but well, yea~
I ended up eating cup noodles and I added one of those sausages that Director Kim (from AML) always eats. It was passable. I was thinking of going out to Hong Dae like now (1am) guess I won't.
2AM CONCERT TOMORROW~ WOOHOOOOO~~~ EXCITED just thinking about it. But I'm a little worried about the IAMs who were going to fly in. I hope they are alright even if they are not coming for the concert. They didn't email me or contacted me so I doubt I'd see them tomorrow.
1. There are at least 3 types of buses. Not 3 companies (not too sure about that) but there are at least 3 types:
(1) The 'village/district' buses. These are like buses that go around a specific neighbourhood. Like theoretically I live in the Mapo district so there are buses that I can take to travel within the neighbourhood.
(2) The ones that travel outside the district itself
(3) The Airport buses (I think these are NOT the airport limousine buses, but I'm not sure)
Since it's a much bigger place than Singapore, I'm sure the system is a little more complicated and beyond my comprehension at the moment. But it's fun and recommended for those of you who are traveling alone to try out some of the 'village/district' bus just to familiarise yourself with your area. Take the one closest to the subway station to your place then you will realise that you don't have to walk so far to reach the subway station.
2. When you order food at the normal food places (i.e. not the fancy restaurants, the traditional types run by ahjummas) basically you are like paying for a full meal. I don't know if there are people who goes in and just order a rice since the side dishes sort of comes with it. It was quite funny when I walked in and the first thing the ahjumma said was something to the effect of "one person only?" and not exactly to me. I think part of the reason she said that was because most of the other people who came in at that time seemed to be workers from a construction site (they had on heavy-duty shoes).
So, anyway, I ordered a dwae-jang chige which is basically soybean paste soup and I had the side dishes. Now I'm used to the chige having meat inside so I was a little taken aback when I realised there isn't any. I was like.. I want meat. Then I found it in one of the side dishes-fish. It was nice~ heehee ^^ But I do wonder if people do go in and order JUST the rice? No right?
Side dishes
Side dishes with dwae-jang chige
3. I do not have to do the LONG way to get to Myeong Dong.
It was with some level of amusement that I realised that I ended leaving Myeong Dong this evening at the same station that I got off to wait for Christina yesterday. Though she did tell tell me that EulJiRo is part of Myeong Dong, my image of Myeong Dong is mainly from You are Beautiful (when Mi Nam was stranded at Myeong Dong).
When I walked out of the ACTUAL Myeong Dong station and the right exit, I saw MYEONG DONG as I know it. It was crowded since it's a Saturday. But it was still manageable. Maybe I do surf G-Market quite a bit so I have seen the items online before so not much fascination. I haven't gotten round to trying all the street food. That's the other thing I realised about myself: I can probably understand Korean better than speaking it. Or maybe I'm just afraid of making a fool of myself. Oh well, so I haven't really had enough guts to buy the street food. The thing about the people is when you start speaking to them in Korean, they think you know the language and GO REALLY FAST!! So after a while, it was just "ne, ne, ne, a-gae-sup-ni-da, gam-sa-hap-ni-da."
Myeong Dong
So in the end I ended up with
1. 1 mascara and 1 eye-shadow palette from Holika Holika (if you think it sounds like a spell, I think that's the whole concept.)
2 Korean Grammar books + 3 English-Korean screenplays of movies!
I used to scold a friend of mine who went to Taiwan and bought books back and now I'm doing the same thing. But I have a good excuse: I will NEVER find these books in Singapore, especially the screenplays. I like the idea because the translation are side-by-side. I have seen Shakespeares' text done this way and it definitely helps. So here's hoping *crossing my fingers*
The other highlight of my trip to Myeong Dong today: Nanta.
Esther, Nikki and Irene all said I have to go and watch one of the non-verbal plays when I'm in Korea. So I did. For me, it was interesting to see how the production was done, meaning I like the production value. But personally, if you ask me again whether I would pay 40,000 won to watch it again, I won't. Not that it's bad, but the part that I enjoyed the most was when the performer actually said something to the audience. I thought it was an interactive play based on what the tour guide for the group in front of me and the introduction done in 4 main languages: Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese (video clip) but the only part that was interactive was towards the end and that was the part I like most. I laughed at some parts, I was amazed by the acrobatics but that's about it. To sum it up, I call it 'STOMP WITH A STORYLINE'.
After walking around for a while and after buying the tickets for Nanta, I actually went to Starbucks for coffee and I sat there alone with my dad's iPad reading my own fan fiction. I know it's not what tourists would do but it felt good like I was just spending a leisurely afternoon doing something that I like and want to do. On some level, it feels like it's a place I know well and I am comfortable not doing all the touristy things. But I got excited about Krispy Kreme. I was a big fan of Sex and The City so I have been wanting to try one for a long time. So I was a little disappointed because it's not much different from J.Co in Singapore (or Indonesia for that matter).
I was supposed to go join Christina and friends at Guri but I decided against it since they were going to party it up all night and I'm an old woman. I want to go to 2AM's concert early tomorrow. So I gave that a miss and took a little bus ride around my district and passed by KBS Media Center. I don't think that's the one where Music Bank is recorded but well, yea~
I ended up eating cup noodles and I added one of those sausages that Director Kim (from AML) always eats. It was passable. I was thinking of going out to Hong Dae like now (1am) guess I won't.
2AM CONCERT TOMORROW~ WOOHOOOOO~~~ EXCITED just thinking about it. But I'm a little worried about the IAMs who were going to fly in. I hope they are alright even if they are not coming for the concert. They didn't email me or contacted me so I doubt I'd see them tomorrow.
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