3/26/2015

Emart card is a joke (Shinsegae)



I gave up my "emart point card" long time ago.

We spent a good amount on it (30ks+) and received a measly 30,000won store credit.  We bought things at Shinsegae mall, Cartier, Emart...

Seriously, a big scam.


We are just giving out our information on what we're buying(..etc) for the company to better rip us off.

I gave up on those points card like I gave up on Facebook (same concept).

I shop at Emart (Shinsegae chains) without their card now.  And I always get asked if I have a point card, as if I'm missing out!  They may want you to feel like you are, but believe me, it's better not to bother with it for its measly small points. 

But I am soft on Lotte point card and other cards that actually DO rack up good points.  For now, Emart (Shinsegae) is not getting my shopping info.




F4 visa renewal & change of address & number

As of 2015,

You can renew your F4 visa only 2 months before it ends.  So you can't renew it 6 months before your visa expires.

Also to change your address, you just have to go to your nearest "gu-chung" (city or district hall) before 14 days after moving. 

Toll free number is 1345.

You can get to a rather friendly voice with different languages.

Hope that helps anyone.




3/25/2015

The story of my life


For a long time, I had a hard time figuring out where to put myself.  I am half Korean and Filipino  + American (KoreanFilipino-American??).

I was raised in the jungle (playing under huge papaya trees and delicate star fruit trees) in Philippines (amazing memories), studied Korean culture when I was in grade school in Korea, and grew up in the states as a rebel (trying to figure who I was).




Everyone makes their own experiences from the same thing.

I came back to Korea because partly I didn't really know who I was.

I didn't fit in America - I graduated with a 4 year degree and didn't feel like I was born to work a 9-5 job and do what everyone was doing.  I left the states to find myself.  

I had no relatives in Korea (long story)  - but I knew that I needed to be alone and figure things out on my own. 

I hated being asked why I came to Korea when everyone wants to be in America.

I would get asked about my real heritage - I was an American, but not quite Korean looking... Koreans were damn curious.



It's a love and hate relationship, like your family/relatives.  You love them, but sometimes, you just don't want to...  It's like that.  Korea is that to me.

But I've come to accept Korea for the great things.

I have an easy life here because I am Korean blooded (they keep my Korean name in my ARC btw as a reminder?).   My visa is 3 years and I can do what I want (kind of). 

I am also very fortunate that I don't have to work at a 9-5 job because I don't have to have a car/house(=tied down).   I feel almost sick to my stomach thinking how that concept is the success platform of a college grad.  

I can do what I want here (thanks also to my husband who supports my many dreams).  Korea is a good place to start a business if you know what you're doing.  Many Korean-Americans are changing the food scene for one.  It's exciting to see the changes. 

I've traveled well and seen a few countries being in Korea.  I probably wouldn't have traveled much being in USA (media/money/life style?).



It's funny how it's just a perception.  It took a while for me to get it.

I hope everyone makes the best out of everything given to them.  Or just do what they want and be happy.


You know just be happy.






photo credit: Watching telly, drinking wine... photo credit: one daisy, two daisy via photopin (license)via photopin (license) photo credit: 212/365 Wash Away the Past via photopin (license)

The cost of moving in Korea


wow, it's expensive to move in Korea.

This is our first "real move" here.  With all the stuff we accumulated over the years and having a much bigger place for 4 years..  We hired a mover.

It costs 1,390,000 won.

::: we will have 4 men and 1 woman over around 8am and work until 4~5pm.  It also includes the "elevator truck"(?) used in apartments here and the end of the month is "expensive" and not to mention the Spring season (high season for moving).  And we are only moving one subway station away.   I was expecting somewhat around it, but it's not so bad that they are going to clean and put everything together (installing blinds, frames etc).  We won't have to do anything - except just to take our valuables separately with us. 


***The process of hiring a mover is to call a few ones, have them come over and get an estimate, set up appointment and pay a down payment (we paid 100,000won) for the date.  They will give you a contract and make sure to ask everything you want to know. 




The nice thing is that these movers guaranteed that they would wrap things well with its own covers (mattress/sofas..etc) and move everything with caution.  I just heard horror stories on the internet about the movers here breaking things and scratching up the floors even with a reputable name.

I will keep posted on how the move goes.


If you want to move well and without sweating, you have to pay a good amount.  But we are thankful for these services here so we are not complaining.  Renting your own truck is actually difficult in Korea - you supposedly cannot rent/drive the trucks without a separate license for it - it's no wonder you don't see "U-hauls" around here.




photo credit: Books in Hall — So Many! via photopin (license)

3/23/2015

hello Spring!


The only permanent thing about life is change.  Someone said that, it wasn't me.

Change is the only constant in life.” ― Heraclitus.


We will be staying in Korea for a long time.

I had my "down" time here while trying to figure things out.  To keep living in Seoul or go back to the rural American life (not suburbia). 

We just signed a 2 year lease in a new place (one subway station away).  We're excited for the change.

My posts will be more positive and fun - I'll try not to be so cynical ^^

It will be a busy week of moving..so for now, until next time!

Enjoy the warm weather here!



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