How to Pack a Year's worth of Korea in 2 weeks?

So, my sister Stacey will be making her first trip to Korea in January.  This is obviously very exciting and I can't wait for her to get here. My question is how to pack a whole year's worth of Korean experiences into a 2-week trip?

 

To start, we are having our annual ASK Now Ski Trip the first weekend after she arrives, so that will be a good introduction.  From there, I think we are going to do a road trip down the East Coast through Pohang, Ulsan, and down to Busan. Then, up to Daegu to visit the Daegu fam.  After that, back to Seoul. Some things we have to do:

 

Norae-Bang

Dongdaemun

Namdaemun

Itaewon

Namsan Tower

Visit some schools

Eat all kinds of different K food

and....

 

Any ideas on what to squeeze into the trip? 

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

If They are Happy with their Job, Why Not You?

On nights when I run home from the gym at about 10pm, I often see something that makes me think.

 

One of the ways I take to get home from the gym includes a run past a few small factories.  If I happen to pass by at around 10pm, I always see a group of ladies leaving work and heading home either on foot or on their bikes, often two to a bike.  They are mainly Philippino, Chinese, or other South-East Asian women speaking Korean to each other. 

 

The thing that strikes me is that they are always laughing, smiling, and seemingly having a great time.  No, it doesn't seem like that "I just got off of work, so I'm happy" type of happy. It seems more like they just enjoy working together and are happy with their situation in life.  The thing that is strange is that I'm sure they have put in at least a 12-hour work shift at the factory, and I'm sure that they do so at least 6 days a week, and I'm sure they get paid close to half of what most English teachers are getting paid in Korea.

 

My theory is that they have come from a situation that is so much more difficult, that having this type of opportunity is a real upgrade for them and something many people back home could only dream of doing.  On the other hand, a lot of us Westerners who come to Korea seem to perceive it as a downgrade and have a difficult time finding job satisfaction.  Could it be possible that a change in attitude would fix this?

 

The factory workers are looking at the positives of the job. Sure, they work long hours, they don't get paid that much, they have difficult jobs, their bosses may take advantage of them etc...but, I think instead of focusing on that, they focus on the fact that they are making enough money to survive and send some money to family back home, they are in a safe country, and they can improve their status here the more they learn and the harder they work.

 

What if more English teachers decided to look at the pros of their job as opposed to the cons? Yes, schools call last-minute meetings, change the schedule, give evaluations to do and don't always listen to the suggestions of teachers. But, instead of focusing on that, try focusing on the positive aspects and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good you feel at the end of the day.

 

Here is a challenge: Try going 3 days without uttering a single complaint.  Even if there is something legitimate to complain about, don't say it. Also, don't even think about the complaint.  Frame it in a different way.  If you can do this for 3 days in a row, you will be among a very small, small percentage of people. 

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

12 Koreans Vs. One White Guy

Yesterday I went head-to-head with a group of 12 Koreans and I think I won.

 

Sorry, that may be a bit misleading.  Actually, yesterday was the annual presentation to the Gyeonggi Province school board to maintain status as an official recruiter for GEPIK public schools.  For the first time, I did a presentation fully in Korean.  There was a panel of 12 people consisting of the heads of the school board as well as representatives from different schools throughout the province. 

 

I think it went fairly well, although it got off to a rough start!  The power point presentation I prepared wouldn't open on their laptop, so luckily we had printed off a copy of the presentation for everyone and worked off of that.  I only stumbled over a few words, but otherwise, I felt quite comfortable throughout.  Had we not already sent them lots of teachers, I would be a bit worried that we wouldn't make the cut, but considering our past record of sending great teachers, I'm pretty sure I could have gone up there and totally flopped but they'd still want to work with us.

 

So, thanks to all of our public school teachers out there for making me look good!  Without you, we wouldn't have such a solid reputation with the school board and I'd be forced to really impress them!

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

An Update from Melissa on the East Coast

Here is an update that Melissa S., one of our clients living on the East Coast of Korea was nice enough to share with us.

 

 

 

I teach a total of thirty-two children within six hours a day. Each class last about fifty minutes and they're mostly filled with me saying "English!" in "English please!" I try to explain again and again to the Amy's and Martin's that yes, they can talk about Star Crafte and Transformers... just in English please. Lindsey says the mixture of Korean speaking with English words drives her nuts. She says she hates that Korean businesses think it's fancy to throw in an English word here and there. It's confusing and stupid and makes no sense she continues. I'd agree with her if I understood a whiff of Korean, but since I don't, the fact that "Fryed Chichen" is very popular here has saved me twice from breaking down and ordering the live squid next door.

All day Thursday it rained and I loved it! The smell of the wet pine trees was a treat. The air was cold and crisp. And there was just enough traffic to make that "swoosh" noise I love when a car drives by.

Friday morning I finally saw the owner of the garden out front of my apartment. Crouched down between the squash and collards, a cigaret dangling from between his teeth, the old man evaluated the rains work. I paused as I passed by on my way to work. I wanted to say hi. Chat him up about his garden. He looked completely disinterested in me, even a little suspicious. Maybe he could tell I also want to get to know those lovely sweet potatoes of his and whatever those reddish, fire pink flowers are that grow near the curb.

Saturday morning was cold with strong wind. The beach is a ten minute walk from my apartment and with the moutains all around, I think I'm in for a serious winter. I threw on a pair of sweats, sneakers, a hoody and headed out for a brisk walk to the Paris Bakery. It's a perfect example of what Lindsey hates: A straight up Korean business with an English sign. God bless'em. I discovered Korean pastries in K-Town years ago and though I'm not really one for breads, I love theirs. The white bread especially is so damned good. I could eat a loaf alone in one sitting. The three pastries I ate this morning were of course only in preparation for my five hour round-trip hike up Sorak mountain later.

Sorak Mountain is in Sokcho Si (Sock - Shoe City). It is said to be the most beautiful mountain in Korea because of the striking balance between rock and trees and for the Buddhist temple (built in 647) that is nestled within the high valley. And beautiful it was. Because the last of the trees are turning, seemed every family within drivng distance decided to hike it this weekend. It was packed! Tour buses every five minutes ferried hikers up and down the mountain. Those of us who decided to walk literally had to jump to the side of the road so as to not get run off it into the river below. But nothing could take attention away from the sheer beauty, color and texture of the land. So many purples and oranges and deep, deep crimsons. The river bed was stunning. It rushed the burnished leaves down the mountain in a clear stream dressed in white striped gray and blue stones.

Once at the top we stopped for Ramen noodles, bread and coffee. I'm still in awe of the lines of people I saw at the temples. This hike is no joke with or with out the bus. The lines could've been from Disneyland. Young and old. People of all sizes and shapes out enjoying nature as if it were the Matahorn. I was impressed to say the least and surprised at how indignant I felt at first. As if nature must be silently revered in order to be appreciated. Folks were out celebrating it! Other than the costant stream of people quietly walking to and fro, there was no litter, no graffitti, none of the usual markings that say people have passed this way. I got a lesson today in appreciation and enjoyment.

Outrage continued

So, let's pick up on the adventures of our North Korea bound marijuana searching friend....

 

It seems as though the director brought him to the hospital and got him some meds.  What kind of meds, we are not quite sure.  However, they were effective enough to make our friend change his mind and decide that he wanted to stay in Korea and felt like he could reduce the drinking and the cravings for mary-jane.

 

Well, to celebrate, our friend went home and had a relaxing evening.  It seems one habit he hasn't kicked is cigarette smoking. After enjoying a nicotine fix, our friend tossed the cigarette butt into the trash.  We all know where this is going now! 

 

Yup, nothing like celebrating your decision to stay in Korea than by having a bonfire in your laundry room!  Start the sirens!  5,000,000 won in damage later, the director has no choice but to have our friend work off his debt!  We're all happy nobody was hurt...yet.  Stay tuned to find out if there are any updates in the next little while. Have a great weekend!

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

The Most Outrageous Reason I've Heard for Quitting Yet

When Brant told me about this one, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.  It is a very good indication of the issues schools face when hiring teachers. 

 

This particular client of ours was a very intelligent and well-spoken recent graduate from the UK.  We ran into a few challenges with his placement, but in the end, all went fairly smoothly and he arrived in Korea about a month or so ago.  However, Brant recently got a call from the director saying that this particular teacher had given notice that he would like to leave.

 

The reason....

 

Apparently, the lack of availability of marijuana in Korea was a bit too much for him and he would like to go to a country like Vietnam where marijuana is more readily smokeable.  Wow.

 

I guess that due to the lack of mary-jane in Korea, he has taken to drinking a bit too much.  So, the new vice is alcohol and it is a bit costly to go out drinking nightly.  Before leaving Korea for good though, he would like to stop by North Korea...

 

...by sneaking in at night on a fishing boat.

 

Ahh, ok. I'm not so sure if that's a great idea, but I hope all goes well!

 

No matter what kind of pre-screening process there is, it seems as though there will always be some interesting characters making their way over here.  Enjoy the trip to Vietnam!

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

Christmas Party 2008 and Lunar New Year Ski Trip 2009

Hello,

 

This is an invitation to two events. First is our Annual Christmas Party which will be held on December 20th and second is our Annual Ski Trip which will be held during the Lunar New Year vacation on January 24th till 26th 2009.

 

Part 1:

 

This year the Christmas Party is going to be extra special. We've been doing some research to put something together that we've never done before: Turkey Dinner with all the fixins'!

 

Yes, we have tracked down an Austrian Chef who is going to cater a full-on Christmas home-style dinner for us.  We're talking turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, and likely even pumpkin pie for desert along with a few other tasty treats.  (egg nog with rum anyone?)

 

Picture sitting there with a big group of teachers and enjoying a taste of home. That's the atmosphere we are aiming to create.  There are a lot of hotels around Seoul that put on this type of dinner, but they charge 50,000-70,000 won per person.  We've been able to work out an amazing deal with Chef Meili since we are going to be a big group.

 

The cost:

ASK Now placed teacher: 29,000 won

Non-ASK Now placed guest: 35,000 won

 

Seats are going to be very limited for this event. If you haven't heard of Chef Meili, you are in for a treat. He is a kind, funny Austrian Chef who runs an Austrian restaurant and a deli just behind Gecko's in Itaewon.  When we first got in touch with him about catering for us, we decided to visit his restaurant.  From the first moment we went in, we could tell by the aroma coming from the kitchen that we found the guy we were looking for!  The food was amazing. I can't wait to see what he does with a massive turkey dinner.  

 

How to sign up? As always:

 

http://www.asknow.ca/events.aspx

 

We will send payment information. It must be pre-paid of course and the deadline will be Wednesday, December 10th.  

 

We are settling between two locations in Seoul depending on the number of guests we have. After dinner, we will also offer the option of going out together for drinks and to enjoy the rest of the night.  

 

I expect this to fill up by the end of the week, so please do get in if you want to go. Anyone who has been to any of our Christmas Parties know what they are like. This one will be the best yet.

 

Part 2:

 

Are you looking for something to do during Lunar New Year that won't be too expensive?  We are putting together our annual ski trip.  This one is very special for me since it will be the first time my sister Stacey (whom many of you know through your applications with ASK Now) will be visiting Korea. She is looking forward to meeting as many of our teachers as she can, so I hope all of you are able to make it.

 

Here are the details:

 

When: January 24th-26th 2009

Where: Yongpyong Resort

Who: All ASK Now clients, guests, and friends of ASK Now

What: Room for 2 nights about 3 minutes from the slopes. (Korean-style shared with our group). Snowboard or ski rental. Half-day lift ticket for the first day we arrive and another full-day lift ticket for day 2.

How Much: 150,000 won (2 night stay, 2 lift tickets, rentals)

What else do I pay for? Bus, which is about 26,000 round-trip depending on departure location. Clothes rental if you don't have clothes. Food.

 

How: http://www.asknow.ca/events.aspx

 

We have booked enough room for only 50 people. So, only the first 50 people to register and pay will be able to take advantage of this trip.  Again, if you want in for this one, I would suggest signing up within the first week because that's how long it usually takes to sell-out.  You can see videos of past ski trips at the events page.  I don't know if we'll be doing the snow-filled-tub-of-beer this year, but you'll have to be there to find out!

 

That's all for now. Send any questions to me via email.

 

Looking forward to 2 great events to end 2008 and start 2009.

 

Jason and The ASK Now Team

www.asknow.ca

  

 

Billy Joel + John Digweed = Fun Weekend

So, Saturday night was a fun evening.  We had great seats for the Billy Joel concert and our friends at Mass in Gangnam put on a great night with John Digweed.

 

One of my favorite concert moments ever happened at the Billy Joel concert.

 

At the start, it was your standard floor seating with everyone being pretty calm.  Then, Billy saw a group of people who looked like they wanted to come dance in front of the stage, so he waved them over. A group of mainly foreigners made their way to the front and that started a flood of other people. Before you knew it, there was a big group of people rockin' at the stage.

 

Then, a couple of songs later, when they were playing "In the Middle of the Night" the Korean staff were instructed to get everyone back to their seats. So, they started to do so and everyone was nice about following the orders....except Billy Joel. In the middle of the song, he completely stops, gets up from the piano, music stops, and he gives a "What the hell is going on?" and waves everyone back to the front of the stage. The crowd goes nuts, everyone comes back and even more people make their way to the stage.  He sits back down and keeps rockin' in the middle of the song.  The whole arena at this point just gets up and goes crazy and everyone is on their feet for the rest of the show.  Great moment of "what the hell are you doing, this is a rock concert!" 

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

Is Your Bathroom Broken Too?

Well, one of our recent arrivals to Korea has been kind enough to remind me that things are different in this country and that I can forget what it's like to first arrive in Korea.

 

This client does have a few legitimate issues with his apartment that we are having the school fix right away, but there was something that made me laugh in his message, having been here for a while. Anyone who has been here for a while will enjoy this quote:

 

"All of this can be fixed or repaired (in time) except one issue- my shower is not separated from the area where my toilet and bathroom floor is. Can you imagine that every time I have a shower my toilet will get wet, as well as my bathroom floor."

 

Yes, I can imagine that very well!  I remember when I first came to Korea, this blew me away too. We took video of us spraying water all over the bathroom and then sent it home for the amusement of others.  I guess we can't prepare our clients for every nuance of this land.  I hope our new friend learns that this type of bathroom ends up being much more efficient.  I know when I return to Canada, I'm a bit frustrated when I can't wash the bathroom with the shower head. 

 

And, as Brant said, it's a great system for teaching people in which order you should be taking care of business in the morning.

 

Jason

www.asknow.ca

Extreme Live in Seoul

Need a little refresher on "More Than Words?"

 

'Take Us Alive World Tour' Extreme's first live show in Korea is coming up this December.

This chart topping band, most famed for their hit song "More Than Words," have finally reunited to go on a world tour. It has been 12 years since they broke up.

The concert is scheduled for Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Melon-AX concert hall in eastern Seoul. Tickets cost 88,000 won. For more information call (02) 3444-9969 or visit http://ticket.interpark.com

Billy Joel in Seoul on Saturday, November 15th

Tomorrow, there will be a concert by the legendary Billy Joel at Jamsil in Seoul. I'm not sure if there are any tickets left, but if you want to try to get in at the last minute, for English inquiries and reservations, send email to ticket@b4hent.com.

We are lucky enough to have a good friend who works for the concert promotion company and she's landed a couple of tickets for us.  I can't say that I am normally someone who goes out of my way to listen to Billy Joel, but hey, live music is great and I'm sure we'll have an amazing time at the concert.

 

We're going to work on trying to get an agreement with the company that promotes these concerts to see if we can get tickets for prizes for our ASK Now (www.asknow.ca) clients.  A lot of times, there are concerts that people would want to go to, but we don't know until the last-minute, so to be able to let people know in advance would be helpful.

 

I'll send my report of the concert afterward.  We'll also be going to the John Digweed concert (info at www.youloveit.com) that same night.  Busy! 

 

Hope to see some of you there,

 

Jason

John Digweed at Club Mass in Gangnam on Saturday

For any fans of electronic music, you'll want to make your way to Club Mass in Gangnam for legendary DJ John Digweed this Saturday, November 15th.  For info on where to get tickets, visit http://www.youloveit.com

 

There will be a few of us going and if you want to meet up with the ASK Now Crew, just send me an email.  It should be a lot of fun. 

 

Jason

Video on how to get to SMOE office for interviews

Here is a short video on how to get to the office at SMOE if you are going for an interview.

How to get to SMOE from SMOE Coordinator on Vimeo.

The Halloween Party Was a Great Time!

Here are a few pics from the Halloween Party. I think everyone had a really good time and our hosts Matt and Dave at the King's Tap of course took good care of our group.  Also, the folks over at BaboShirts (www.baboshirts.com) were kind enough to give us a bunch of shirts to give away. If you didn't get one, be sure to visit their site to check out what they have.  See you at the Christmas Party on the 20th!

 

Jason

Melissa's arrival in Korea

One of our clients, Melissa S. who recently arrived in Korea was kind enough to share a blog entry about her first few weeks in Korea. It is a great description of what it is like to arrive in Korea for the first time. Thanks for sharing Melissa!

Hey Access Now team!

I've been in Gangneung Si for three weeks now thanks to your help. My placement is wonderful and my host amazing! She's someone I'd be lucky to have as a friend where ever in the world. I've been posting notes about my experiences in South Korea every four days or so on Facebook. I thought you might like to read the first post and if you like, add it to your web page for interested candidates to peruse. Thank you for facilitating this experience and please read the following note:

Saturday October 18th through Tuesday October 21st:

I arrived at Incheon/Seoul airport at 5:40 p.m. Though I'd hoped to get a view of Seoul as my bus limosuine (they call it) carried me the four hours to Gang Neung Si (City) it was too late and too foggy to see anything. So I slept. I'd read that South Korea was very conservative and so traded all of my slinky tops and tight jeans for fifties inspired slim waisted skirts and prim blouses. The first woman I noticed before passing out, my head slung sideways into a "neck" pillow was a beautiful Korean woman in a fitted white tee-shirt, tight jeans, hoops and high heel boots. Damn I thought... I woke up later to slob on the side of my face. So much for glamour.

My apartment is tiny. Well appointed. But tiny. My small place in Culver City was no preparation. But this place is beyond cozy. I have heated wood floors, a full kitchen, washing machine, air conditioning, an enclosed tiled balcony, satellite tv and wifi. Come to find out, Gang Neung is the most popular beach destination in the country. The number of restaraunts located in this tiny city is mind-boggling. I can even get nachos two blocks down. Of course it's advertised next to a restaraunt exhibiting live squid swimming in huge tanks out front alongside the upstairs residents laundry -- underwear and all.

Early this morning I walked onto my balcony to look at the garden outside. Across the street from there, "Nekenhouse." You got it, a Heineken bar! Seems the town went through a boom time not so long ago. So while grandma and pa continue to grow pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes and radishes... Dunkin' Donuts, Heineken, Sushi of every kind and SK Telecom go about their business. I'm amazed at how large these gardens are (they're all over the city) and the fact that no one steals from them. These vegetables are huge and look very tastey. I asked Lindsey (she owns the school I work for) if I could pick some flowers since they had grown beyond the city curb that butts up against the garden. She frowned and said it was not such a good idea. The old people won't like that very much she said.

*Lindsey studied English in Seattle for six months about seven years ago. Her two girls were 4 and 6 at the time. Lindsey and her husband Patrick thought it was now or ever for her education abroad. After returning to Korea, she invested all of her money into The Queen's English Academy. It is one of three remaining franchises and she's been in business seven years. They are a delightful family. Actually, so far, I've not met an unpleasant person. It's a funny thing. In some ways, I feel like I'm in K-Town it's so americanized here. But without the car exhaust and stress. Lindsey says Koreans call South Korea Little America and yet, for all of the "things" there are to buy here... no one seems pressed. Lindsey told me today that Korean's pride themselves on efficiency and that she thought America was slow. I couldn't help but laugh since she'd just finished taking me through the fastest, friendliest most efficient health check I've ever experienced. Granted I had to take my pee test squatting over a porcelin floor toilet and pull a chain overhead to flush.

The students at the school are delightful. Typical 7 to 12 year olds. Happy, shy, funny, smart, interested and mischevious. I marvel at their English, they fall over laughing at my Korean. We're off to a good start I think. Tuesday was my first full day teaching. I had enough energy to survive, but not enough to report anything other than they're great. I've got lots to learn.

* Lindsey, Patrick and their daughters Kirsten and Kathy of course have Korean names but insist I use their English names. I do not believe my Korean pronunciation has anything to do with this request.