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What people from Busan think of Seoul

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This is bound to get interesting. Whenever you compare to cities, you run the risk of stereotyping and oversimplification.  It’s complicated, we know. We asked a bunch of people living in Busan to give us their opinion of Seoul. Some people might have gone a little overboard, but you’ll get the idea…

1. I. CAN’T. BREATHE.

Seoul is too busy! Busan has fresh air and the sun reflects off the cold, blue water. Nature is accessible and feels like it’s just… closer. I feel like I can breathe here.

2. You mean, there are no waves?

Sure, the water isn’t too far from Seoul… but you won’t find a beach with waves like the ones we have in Haeundae. This definitely increases my quality of life in Busan.

Winters in Seoul

Winters in Seoul

3. That’s the cost???

The cost of living is way lower in Busan! Seoul is very class-based. Clubs and bars in certain areas (Gangnam, Apgujeong, Itaewon) can be pretty expensive.

4. Too cold!

Busan is the warmest city during Korea’s freezing winters. Seoul is too cold for me.

 

 

5. Wait, I can actually speak English here?

It’s always crazy how many people speak English in Seoul. The people are generally more conservative and English is not as widely spoken in Busan.

Seoul Subway Map

Seoul Subway Map

6. How am I  suppose to read this subway map?

Busan isn’t as big as Seoul, so it’s a lot easier to get around here. The subway in Seoul is huge – I’m sure people living there get used to all the different transfers, but it’s just more simple down here.

7. Too many people!

Sure the beaches get pretty crazy during the summer down here, but Seoul is crowded all the time. There are just too many people for me.

 

Here’s more on what people from Busan think of Seoul: what would YOU add?

Seoul vs Busan: 6 things Seoulites think when they go to Busan

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What do Seoulites think when they go to Busan? This is the Seoul vs Busan showdown!

Busan is often called the “Summer Capital of South Korea” and as the city’s slogan goes, it is a vibrant and dynamic city. Some might say that this city has it all…but what do Seoulites really make of it when they go to Busan?

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Streets in Busan

1. They don’t understand me…

The minority of people here speak basic English. Seoul is slightly more international and has more people that speak English. Here in Busan, you will also be less likely to understand signs around the city.

2. Can I make this go any faster?

Life is slower in Busan, whereas Seoul has developed into a busy city with massive developments over the years.

3. Okay, I’ve seen it all. Now what?

Sure, there are things to do like hiking, shopping, visiting Spa Land, Yonggungsa Temple and going to the Busan International Film Festival, but there is perhaps much more choice in Seoul when it comes to activities.

Haeundae_beach_in_Busan

Beach in Busan

4. Did winter skip this part of Korea??

With four distinct seasons, the weather is milder, and it’s not nearly as cold in the winter. It also has a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate in the summer.

5. So this is how it feels to spread my arms out

It’s not nearly as crowded or busy in Busan, whether it is on the subway, in the streets or in shopping districts. If you are agoraphobic, you should probably move to Busan, rather than Seoul.

6. I can breathe…

Comapred to Seoul, Busan is a breath of fresh air. It has been given”good” Air Quality rating by AQICN. The natural environment of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between the mountains, the rivers and the sea.

Of course, there are two sides to every story…don’t miss our article about what people from Busan think of Seoul!

 

 

 

6 Amazingly Weird Places in Korea

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Yes, we know about all the must-do’s in Korea.. But how about the weird, the different, the unusual places in Korea…?

1. Theme cafes in Korea:

There are so many different theme cafes in Korea such as cat cafes, dog cafes, a Photography cafe, a Charlie Brown Cafe, a Victoria Era cafe, a Puzzle Cafe, and even a Board game cafe. Which is your favorite?

2. Yongma-land abandoned amusement park

NGQhn2g8OsQ6dCg5PYQlVIymT9uleXD9yFNgsmd9kPevAI9zXicqRwjPEYkG7qGhIOH2kp9ACmEl4ncZ8TGWtrpwVUVPUtSKOxUujvWqbtF0h3EhP7PGRLAnc_s090mHEAYongma-land closed down a while ago, and is situated near Mangu Station. Mr. Youn, the owner, charges an access fee of 5,000 won per person.

Here’s an M/V music video, shot at this spooky amusement park!

3. Weird but awesome party hotels!

Would you like to stay in Korea’s ‘Santorini’? Or in an Egyptian-like palace? There’s something for everyone at these crazy-awesome party hotels!

4. Gonjiam psychaitric hospital

img_8693It is illegal to visit this sinister abandoned building but people go nevertheless. We recommend you don’t go but just read about it instead!

If you don’t heed our advice and somehow end up there, take bug spray!

5. Jindo sea parting

Once a year in Jindo, the seas mysteriously part and visitors can walk through the sea from the mainland to a nearby island. Biblical!

6. Gangnam Rooftop

Some of our teachers came across this palm sweat-inducing view, from the rooftop of the CGV building in Gangnam.

Head to our Facebook page and let us know about any other weird places in Korea that you have discovered!

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Korean Bank account

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How to open a Korean Bank account

One of the first things to do in Korea, is opening a bank account. With so many banks to choose from, it can be quite a mission to decide which bank to go to. It is common for schools to provide assistance or recommendations to banks nearby the school or in the area. Here’s a little bit of information about how to open a bank account in Korea

 

Process

If you are on a Student or Work visa, it’s pretty simple to open a bank account. You might be more restricted if you are on a Tourist Visa.

To be able to open a bank account, you will need the following:

– Passport 

– ARC (Alien Registration Card): Even if you don’t have your ARC yet, you will still be able to open a bank account, but you’ll just be a bit more limited for the first month. You might be able to get a bankbook, and only receive the card once you show your ARC, but you’ll be able to get by without too much trouble

– They will provide you with a form to fill in (Make sure that you have your Korean address with you, and check that your name is written, as per your Passport)

 

You should be able to receive your Bank card and Pass Book (Bank book) within a few minutes.

 

Different Banks

 

KB (Kookmin)

This is the most popular bank, as you will find numerous branches all over Korea.

 

 

 

NH (Nonghyup)

The phone staff is knowledgeable and they provide good service, but doing online banking is a headache. NH is quite popular outside of Seoul.

 

 

Shinhan

They pride themselves as a Strong and Healthy Bank that could withstand any crisis. They have branches and ATM’s everywhere

 

 

Woori

They do not have the best service, as they use translators instead of people, qualified in the banking business, to answer questions. Their website is however compatible with all major browsers, unlike some of the other banks

 

 

Hana

It is one of the larger banks in Korea with branches in U.S.A.,  Japan and China.

 

 

 

KEB (Korea Exchange Bank)

They provide teachers great service in English and their site is very user-friendly. It’s is the only one that offers foreigners-only bank accounts that record all transactions in English.

 

 

Overseas card

Most international cards should work in Korea. It’s possible to withdraw money directly from most of the ATM’s. Make sure that you have one of the following cards though:

– Maestro

– MasterCard

– Cirrus

 

International transactions

Overseas Remittances

To send money overseas,  it is necessary to designate a specific bank as the one you will use for these transactions. It is advised to bring proof of your bank account bank home, to make transfers in between a lot easier.

 

Banking hours:

Generally between 9am- 4pm on weekdays, but might vary from one bank to another. Some are open over weekends.

 

 

 

 

China Town in Incheon

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China Town in Incheon

China town IncheonLocated just west of Seoul, Incheon is the 3rd largest city in Korea with a population of 3 million people. Nestled right next to Incheon Station is the bustling, historic, lively center of China Town. It was founded in 1883, right around the time that Incheon Port opened. Trust us – it’s worth a day trip.

To get here, take the Seoul metropolitan subway to Incheon Station. The main entrance (Junghwamun Pailou gate, pictured above) is right across from the station’s only exit.

Jajangmyeon Museum, opened in April 2012, celebrates the birthplace of the delicious Korean dish, jajang-myeon.

Not a fan of Jajangmyeong? Don’t worry – options for other delicious dishes are easy to find!

Gonggalbbang: Hollow large crispy bread buns

Jajangmyeon: A noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of chunjang, diced pork and vegetables, and sometimes also seafood

Tangsuyuk pork: Korean-ized version of sweet and sour pork or orange chicken

Onggibyeong: Baked dumpling

There are dozens of unique little shops – it’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind keepsakes to take home with you

 

China town Incheon2

 

 

 

Want to find out more about Incheon’s China Town? Check out the links below:RJ Koehler (2006)

The Korea Blog (2013)

The Korea Blog 2 (2013)

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Abandoned Amusement Park

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Abandoned Amusement Park

Some of our Teachers came across this abandoned amusement park on the Eastern outskirts of Seoul called Mangu: Yongma land. Apparently this amusement park is scheduled to be torn down, so it could be out of existence any day now…

The nearest Subway stop: Mangu Subway

 NGQhn2g8OsQ6dCg5PYQlVIymT9uleXD9yFNgsmd9kPevAI9zXicqRwjPEYkG7qGhIOH2kp9ACmEl4ncZ8TGWtrpwVUVPUtSKOxUujvWqbtF0h3EhP7PGRLAnc_s090mHEA

Yongma Land Yongma Land2 Yongma Land3

Have you stumbled across any Abandoned Amusement parks in Korea? Let us know! Send us some photos!

[email protected]

…brought to you by Adventure Teaching…

Facebook Groups in Korea

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Teachers, Expats, Foreigners and Tourists.
Find them on Facebook in YOUR area…

One of the best parts about living and working in South Korea is the long lasting friendships you make with other expats. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to find people – especially if you’re in an area that has less foreigners.

This interactive map should be able to help you connect to other areas of Korea. Perhaps you’re considering a move to a new city, or maybe you just want to find out more about the people…

Either way, here is a tool that you can use to get connected easily with other expats in Korea.

 




Ilsanite Club Jeonju Knowledge Adventure Teaching Anseong Newbies Iksan Foreigners Association The Northern Alliance Wonju English Teachers

Let us know about Facebook Groups in Korea that can be added,
Comment below.

English Magazines in Korea

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Various Free local English magazines in Korea.

These English magazines in Korea, provide information on the following topics:

– Things to do, Korea’s Treasures (Places to go), Events, Comprehensive Guides, Interviews and so much more!!

 

Groove Korea 

More expats turn to Groove Korea than any other publication in the country for our news analysis and extensive community, music, sports, travel and food coverage.
Groove Korea is the country’s most-read English publication, including the three daily newspapers. 

This is their online issue for November 2013:

 

Seoul Magazine

Seoul Selection is a Seoul-based book and magazine publisher. They publish SEOUL, a monthly English language magazine that provides a wealth of information for foreigners traveling and living in Seoul.

With in-depth reporting on culture and living, foreigners’ perspectives on living in Korea, an overview of Seoul events and cultural news, SEOUL magazine is an indispensable resource for those who want an insider’s viewpoint of Seoul life.

An online edition of November 2013:

 

Busan Haps

They claim:

“It’s for you. The reader. The Writer. The Photographer. And the people typing weird things in Google.”

Busan Haps Magazine is a bi-monthly print magazine featuring stories of people from all walks of life in Busan, covering news and trends in lifestyle, society and more.

If this is for you, you can find the issue of Fall 2013 here:

 

10 Magazine is more than just a magazine. In its many forms, it’s the #1 resource in Korea for expats and tourists who are desperate for information on where to go and what to do in this country.

Find their Facebook page here:

 

PIK

PIK is an online photography magazine featuring contemporary photography from established and emerging photographers living in Korea.

PIK publishes in-depth exhibitions, tips, reviews, and interviews and care- fully curated imagery, with the goal of helping to showcase lesser known but significant photographers, and bring their originality, creativity and style to a wider audience.

Find below the link to their second issue, November 2013:

 

 

Can you advise on any other English magazines in Korea worth reading?

Let us know!

[email protected]

 

 

 

 

The Best Amusement parks in Korea

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The Best Amusement parks in Korea

There are several large Amusement parks in Asia and each of them, provide us with a lot of entertainment. Here follows the best amusement parks in Korea:

Everland

Everland KoreaThe Scoop: Everland is the first family park in Korea, and holds over 40 exciting rides and attractions. Along with the thrilling amusement park, Everland also includes Safari World and Herbivore Safari (featuring white tigers, tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, elephants and more), Caribbean Bay (one of Korea’s coolest water parks), Everland Speedway (the first ever racing track in Korea), and so much more! You can also enjoy the many festivals that take place there each year. To see all of Everland’s attractions and rides, click here!

How To Get There: Express Bus –  From Seoul Nambu Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an express bus bound for Everyland (1 hour ride).

  • Subway + Bus –
    ① At Exit 6 of Gangnam Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 5002 (50 min ride).
    ② At Exit 13 of Gyodae Subway Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 1500 or 1500-1 (80 min ride).
    ③ At Exit 2 (Seoul Subway Line 2) or Exit 3 (Seoul Subway Line 4) of Sadang Station, take City Express Bus (jwaseok bus) No. 1500-2 (80 min ride).>br>
    City Bus –
    From Suwon Intercity Bus Terminal, Suwon Station, Singal, Yongin City Hall, and Yongin University, take city bus No. 66 or city express bus (jwaseok bus) No. 600 (40 min ride).
  • When To Go: Opening Hours: 9:30am – 9:00pm
  • Cost: One-day Pass — Daytime : adults 37,000 won / Teenagers 31,000 won / children 26,000 won
    Nighttime : adults 30,000 won / Teenagers 25,000 won / children 22,000 won
    Two-day Pass — Adults 59,000 won / Teenagers 50,000 won / Children 45,000 won
    Admisstion Ticket — Daytime : adult 30,000 won / Teenagers 25,000 won / children 22,000 won
    Nighttime : adult 24,000 won / Teenagers 22,000 won / children 20,000 won. * Nighttime tickets are sold from 17:00
  • Contact Info: Everland Website

Lotte World

Lotte World Korea

  • The Scoop: Lotte World is listed as the world’s largest indoor theme park in the Guinness Book of World Records, which is reason enough to visit! Lotte World’s indoor theme park is called “Adventure,” and there is also an outdoor one called “Magic Island.” There’s also a pretty sweet castle to gaze at in the background! To check out all of the attractions, rides, and festivals happening at Lotte World, click here!
  • How To Get There: Get off at Jamsil Station (Line #2 and #8) and get out at exit 4.
  • When To Go: Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 9:30am – 10:00pm / Fri – Sun: 9:30am – 11:00pm
  • Cost: Click here for all the ticket info!
  • Contact Info: Lotte World Website

Seoul Land

  • Seoul Land KoreaThe Scoop: Seoul Land is a fantastic theme park, complete with 40 rollercoasters, an Adventure Theater, Movie Theatre, Story Land, regular festivals, and a very cool Laser Show held in the evening. It is located at Seoul Grand Park, and has a beautiful view of Mt. Cheonggyesan. It also has an area called “World Square,” which holds traditional architecture and folk items from around the world.
  • How To Get There: Exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4).
  • When To Go: Opening Time — 9:30am / Closing time — 6:00pm – 10:00pm (Closing time depends on the seasonal and festival schedule)
  • Contact Info: Seoul Land Website

These are among the best amusement parks in Korea!

…brought to you by Adventure Teaching… 

Goyang Flower Festival

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Goyang Flower Festival (Ilsan, South Korea)

Have we mentioned how much we adore spring in Korea? We love it, and the Goyang flower festival is one of those reasons.

The colors are so vibrant – blue skies, bright flowers, shining sun (without the unbearable heat!) and just a general happiness among everyone. It’s so great.

The Goyang Flower Festival is an annual showcase of flowers from all over the world – over 100 countries are represented!

It’s just north of Seoul and in a new area. The Festival surrounds a lake park that is perfect for a picnic and laying out on a sunny day. There are tons of grocery and convenience stores nearby, as well, so you can pick up some snacks & drinks for the day.

We cannot recommend the Goyang Flower Festival enough.

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What’s your favorite festival in Korea?

Let us know: [email protected]