http://joongangdaily.joins.com
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr Weekender section
http://www.lifeinkorea.com
http://www.townmax.com
http://www.visitseoul.net
http://www.seoulite.net
http://www.seoulselection.com
SGSG Transition Guide
This transition guide is presented in the following order for your convenience
1. Things to prepare before coming to Korea,
2. Things to take care of when you first arrive in Seoul, and
3. General items of information for you to make the most of your experience at the GSG and in living in Korea.
Please remember that many of the details may change over time and you should be prepared to check with the Planning & Operations Team or current GS for the latest updates. Also, if any of these details conflict with your signed contract, please note that it is your contract terms and conditions that apply.
Planning for your move to Seoul
Checklist:
Visa obtained before flying to Korea?
Sea shipment picked up and confirmed with the agent?
Airfreight shipment picked up?
Airplane tickets set up?
Arrival date
We strongly recommend you arrive in Korea at least two weeks before your employment start date. This will allow time to search for a place to live as well as take care of some of the more urgent administrative items before orientation and then project work. Some GS have even opted to come one month before their start date, first find a place to live and then take a vacation in Asia before starting work. Hopefully, you will have a sense of where to focus your housing search based on a previous visit to Seoul. It may also be helpful to consult current GS for housing recommendations.
Airplane tickets
The Planning & Operations Team will help arrange one-way tickets to Korea for the new GS and his or her spouse and dependent children. It is GSG policy to arrange tickets only for married spouse and children.
If you are bringing unmarried partners, we recommend that you look into open-ended or changeable two-way tickets or round-the-world tickets for unmarried partners because someone who has a one-way ticket without a visa to live in Korea may have a problem with immigration.
Work visa
In order to work legally in Korea, you will require an E-7 work visa. This can only be obtained at Korean diplomatic missions outside Korea. In most European countries, that means the Korean embassy in the capital city and in the US it means either the Korean embassy in Washington D.C. or a Korean consulate in one of the major US cities. You will receive documentation from the SGSG, which you must take with your and your family’s passports to the diplomatic mission. Processing time is usually a few days and costs vary depending on your nationality. Keep the receipt for reimbursement from the SGSG. Some nationalities are issued with multiple entry visas, if you receive only a single entry visa, you will be able to get a multiple entry stamp after you arrive in Korea.
Moving
The Planning & Operations Team will pass on your contact information to the local moving company handling Samsung relocations in your area. You can then make the arrangements directly with them. Several points are worth bearing in mind from past experience:
1. It can take up to 8 weeks for a sea shipment to reach Korea from the US or Europe, longer if there are labor strikes as there were in August 2003. Try to plan as far ahead as possible and send the shipment as early as you can before flying to Seoul.
2. A week or two after the moving company has picked up your possessions; it is worth making a call to them to get the name of the ship and the sailing date to Korea. If you have any concerns, speak with the Planning & Operations Team. Take the time to make detailed notes of the contents of the boxes and assess the value of the items at replacement value. Keep all paperwork in case something breaks or does not arrive.
3. The same company that handled the sea shipment can also handle your airfreight shipment just before you leave to come to Korea. Consider including bedding, towels, toiletries, one business professional type outfit, and other things likely to be used immediately upon move-in to a new apartment in the airfreight shipment.
Note that the Airfreight luggage described in your contract is NOT the same as accompanied or excess baggage for your flight to Korea. Airfreight takes about 5 days to reach Korea.
Summary of moving benefits provided by Samsung
Accompanied luggage on your flight………. Within the airline free allowance
Airfreight………………………………….. Within the contract allowance
Seafreight………………………………….. Within the contract allowance
Since you will not yet have a home address in Korea, you can use the GSG office address and later the Planning & Operations Team will update the address with the shipping company. The following is the shipping address for the GSG:
Samsung Global Strategy Group
18th floor Taepyongro Building
310 Taepyongro-2Ka
Choong-Ku
Seoul 100-102 KOREA
Tel)82-2-3706-7799
Passport
Some of the countries to which you may travel from Korea on business or pleasure, have requirements that a passport be valid for more than 6 months beyond the date of travel. If your passport is approaching its expiration date, it is a good idea to get it extended while you are still at home. The same is true if your passport is getting low on pages.
Medical certificate
Employment with Samsung is conditional on a medical certificate. This should be obtained before coming to Korea. Many doctors’ offices appreciate it if you draft a template of the medical certification (it should basically state that you are healthy). Please contact the Planning & Operations Team for more information.
Immunizations
At present, no compulsory vaccinations are required for entry to Korea. It is, however, advisable to make sure that you check with your doctor about appropriate immunizations for Korea. For children, the basic childhood vaccination program throughout the world should be followed. For adults, Hepatitis B immunization is recommended, as is a chest x-ray for tuberculosis.
Passport photographs
When you arrive in Korea, there will be a number of procedures requiring passport photographs. These can be easily obtained in Seoul, or you may find it easier to bring 8-10 copies with you when you arrive.
International Driver’s License
It is officially illegal to drive in South Korea without a Korean or an international driver’s license. An international driver’s license is often quick and easy to get, and valid for one year. However, international driver’s licenses cannot be obtained for non-Koreans in Korea, and must be obtained in your home country (If you are a member of AAA, you can go to your local AAA office to obtain a license for ~USD$16). It is also possible to convert your national driver’s license into a Korean driver’s license upon arrival to Korea. See http://english.metro.seoul.kr/residents ... g/license/ for more information. The public transportation system in Seoul is very good, and taxis are inexpensive, so a good number of GSs do not have cars and do not drive in Korea. However, the GSs who do have cars utilize them for transporting families, going shopping, exploring Korea, etc.
Goods to take with you when moving to Korea
• Electric appliances such as washing machine, dishwasher, and dryer (*VERY* optional).
Keep in mind that many of the houses offered for rent are already equipped with a dishwasher and a combination washer/dryer (on in some cases, a washing machine only). Dryers are hard to purchase in Korea, although many washing machines are actually combination washer/dryers. Most GSs in recent classes found that their housing included such amenities.
Korea uses the same 220-volt two-prong electrical plugs found in most of Europe (“type C” prongs), but not in the UK or in the US. Transformers are available in Korea if your appliances require a different voltage, although it may be easier to purchase these before arrival. Some foreigner housing, however, has US outlets as well so you may want to choose your housing before you buy transformers. Make sure with expensive electrical equipment that you carefully check that you are converting not only the prongs, but also the voltage (e.g. 110 to 220) or you will fry your appliances. If you are coming from Europe where the frequency is 50 Hertz, some appliances may have a problem with the 60 Hertz in Korea – check for each appliance you plan to bring.
If you buy the appliances locally, the manuals will only be available in Korean, but your real estate agent will be able to help with set up. Appliances should be older than 6 months. New ones will be subjected to import duties.
• Electronics, such as home theater systems, speakers, TVs, etc.
You may find as well that your DVD players do not work with all DVDs while abroad, depending on where you bought the player. We recommend purchasing a code-free DVD player if possible. Sometimes, you can get your current DVD players transformed to a code free player in certain electronic markets in Korea. See http://www.laserrot.com/info/lrinfo/dvdmap.html for more information.
While Korea is a high tech consuming country, the electronics market is not competitive with the likes of U.S. or Hong Kong, due to import tariffs and the like; therefore while a wide range of electronics goods are available for purchase in Korea, it may make sense to bring older goods from the U.S. or Europe. You may find that major electronics can be bundled as part of your rent, if your budget allows and your real estate agent negotiates.
• Deodorant and feminine products (can be found in Korea in supermarkets catering to foreigners, but they are more expensive than purchasing them in one’s home country)
• Large sizes of clothes and shoes, if appropriate
• Typical “specialized” foods from home (can be found in Korea in supermarkets catering to foreigners, but they are more expensive than purchasing them in one’s home country)
• King-sized sheets and blankets, if appropriate (actually, any bedding is better brought from abroad)
Many foreign apartments come furnished with: Bed, Sofa, TV, TV stand, and some chairs so if you don’t have these, or don’t want to bring them from home, there’s a good chance you can find an apartment with these items included. It is also possible for real estate agents to negotiate to include such items into your rent, if your Samsung budget allows.
Soon after arrival in Korea
Checklist:
Alien registration card obtained?
Multiple entry stamp obtained (if necessary)?
Bank account opened?
Medical insurance forms filled out?
Samsung credit card obtained?
Alien Registration Card
Within 90 days of entering Korea, you will need to obtain an Alien Registration Card from the Seoul Immigration office. You can think of it as your internal passport or social security card within Korea, and you will need to show it almost all the time. The Planning & Operations Team will assist you with this process, but it will be good to be familiar with the procedure and requirements. You will need to take your passport, 3 passport photographs, a certificate of employment (from the Planning & Operations Team) and a fee (which depends on nationality).
The Seoul Immigration Office is in Yangchon-ku, about a 45-minute taxi ride from the office. Before you go to the office, you can fill out the necessary forms in the GSG office. Once at the Immigration office, go to the ground floor office on the right side, take a ticket from the automatic machine for “Registration” and wait for your number to be called. You are also required to have your fingerprints taken. You have to leave your passport with the Immigration office and can pick it up (or ask someone else to do so). You should allow up at least 2 weeks to receive your alien registration card and your passport back, although one week turnaround is possible in less busy times.
Medical Insurance Paperwork
The Planning & Operations Team will ensure that you fill out the necessary medical insurance paperwork for CIGNA on your first day at the office. While you will be covered immediately, you will need to wait about 4 weeks to receive the actual card. You should call the CIGNA service center and get the details of your family’s coverage and policy numbers in case you need them before you receive your card. You can register to have your reimbursements direct deposited into a bank account of your choice in the currency of your choice.
Please note that GSG policy is to provide medical insurance only for married spouse and children.
You will either need to cover unmarried partners through their national health care plans or through international health providers such as BUPA (http://www.bupa-intl.com).
Housing search
When you arrive in Seoul, you will first stay at the Shilla Hotel or another hotel, depending on how you choose to use the initial hotel allowance (~3 millon KRW). You will be put in touch with real estate agents who can show you the range of housing options available and assist with negotiating the contract. You are recommended to talk to other GSs about the different locations, prices and recommendations of real estate agents. The Korean rental system usually requires one year of rental payments upfront, and this can be covered subject to the terms of your contract. When negotiating the contract, you can sometimes have appliances or other benefits included – check with the real estate agent and also with other GS. Some housing agents also provide you with cards that contain your name, address, and a map to your home in Korean, which can be very helpful if you are getting things delivered or are taking a taxi home.
Be sure to confirm what is or is not included in writing before signing a contract. Some appliances and services (such as security) may or may not be included.
In recent classes of GS, most have settled in Sindangdong(13) and, Hannam-dong (12)
Multiple Entry Stamp
If you originally received only a Single entry visa from a Korean Embassy/Consulate, you will need to get a multiple entry stamp in your passport. Copies of the necessary form are in the GSG office and you can apply for the stamp when collecting your Alien Registration Card. You need the Alien Card before applying for a Re-entry stamp. The stamp can usually be processed in less than an hour (i.e., while you wait).
Bank accounts
You should open an account soon after arrival in Korea in order to receive direct salary payments. Almost all of your bills (e.g. phone, credit card, etc.) can be automatically deducted from your bank account, talk to your bank about details (you will probably have to pay the first bill manually, no matter what).
Most GS members have an account with Woori Bank, which has the convenience of a cash machine on the 5th floor of our building and a branch on the 2nd floor of the adjacent building (Samsung Main Building). Woori Bank also offers a convenient English-language call center service. Woori Bank also provides a very convenient English-language website from which you can make bank transfers and check your balance. To get full access to this service, you must sign up in person at your bank branch. Keep in mind that you will probably sign up for your first salary payments under a different account number than your actual alien registration card number. When you receive your alien registration card number, you should update the bank’s records and if you have already applied for Internet banking, you will have to sign up for a new ID.
Korea still has certain central bank regulations governing money transfers out of the country. One is that you are allowed only one bank from which to make such transfers, in order to keep a single record of the activities. Another requirement is that you provide copies of your pay slips to cover an amount equal to that which you want to transfer out of Korea. The purpose here is to prevent you from transferring out an amount more than your salary. The first time you make a transfer, you must take to the bank copies of your passport, your employment contract, the necessary pay slips and an employment certificate (which you can obtain from the Planning & Operations Team). You will then need to furnish additional pay slips to cover transfers from the salary received in later months.
It is a good idea to keep an active bank account in your home country, particularly if you wish to hedge currency exposure.
ATM cards and machines
Your bank account will provide an ATM card, which can be used at most ATMs around Korea (usually open 8am-10pm). Please keep in mind that although some ATM machines in Korea will accept non-Korean ATM cards, very few ATM machines will also accept foreign credit cards for cash advances.
Woori Bank has light-blue Woori Bank Korea-only ATM cards as well as dark-blue Woori Bank international ATM cards. The international card works in Korea as well as in any ATM machine around the world on the Cirrus or the Maestro network. The international card functionality is likely to be only for emergency use, since you can take out up to US$100 with each ATM access, up to a maximum of US$5000 per day. Each ATM access carries a fee of US$3, plus a MasterCard processing fee of 1.1% of the transaction. You can only access funds during Korean banking hours (08:00-23:30), regardless of where in the world you may be.
Samsung credit cards
It is very important to get a Samsung credit card for living in Korea and working at Samsung. Most major shops and restaurants accept the Samsung credit cards. Furthermore, most GSG clients will require that you use a Samsung credit card for business trip expenses in order to be refunded for these expenses. You can link your Samsung credit card in with Korean Air Skypass miles and earn 1 mile for each W1,000 you spend. In addition, you can give your credit card the ability to act as a transportation card (a “kyotung card”) saving you the time and effort of refilling it every time you use public transportation. Finally, the Korean government offers tax deductions to anyone, including foreigners, who use their credit card a lot.
The Planning & Operations Team should assist you with setting up your credit card. To apply, you must have an alien registration card. You can link your credit card to your bank account for automatic payment if you choose. You should allow at least 3 weeks to receive your card from the time you apply. You may apply for cards for family members with living permits as well. However, for GS with unmarried partners in Korea, the only option is to apply for a second card of a different type (e.g. a Mastercard and a Visa).
Because you probably have no prior credit history in Korea, you will be given an overall credit limit of W4-5million, regardless of the number of cards you sign up for, which is more or less insufficient for setting up your life in Korea and for your any business travel you will take. Please talk to the Planning & Operations Team, who can swiftly resolve this issue for you.
Samsung securities
If you want to play the Korean stock market, you can sign up for an account with Samsung Securities by going to the branch located in the 5th floor of Samsung Main Building. It is best to call beforehand to arrange a meeting with someone who speaks English. Talk to the Planning & Operations Team to find out how to contact Samsung Securities Overseas Business Team. One recent GS, with the assistance of a GS alum working at Samsung Securities, opened an account at the Samsung Securities Headquarter Building (Jongno) with the Overseas Business specialist. In order to open an account, you need a ‘proof of employment’ certificate (which the POT can generate for you); bank account information; alien registration card; and passport.
Home telephone and utility services
Home telephone service is provided by Korea Telecom. Most real estate agents will assist you with phone set-up as well as electricity, cable television, water, gas, etc. Clarify these issues when you are negotiating to move into the apartment. You can also get broadband Internet access at home using ADSL or cable for about $25 per month. From our experience, cable Internet is usually a better option since it is more reliable. For rubbish/trash disposal, Seoul uses a pay-per-bag system, so make sure that you buy trash bags for the area in which you live. To get rid of big trash, get someone to call 535 34 11 (in Korean).
Mobile telephone
Most people in Korea have a mobile phone. The phone that you buy depends on the operator you choose.
Buying one is simple, although it is not easy to find models that offer menus in English. We highly recommend finding a model that you like and buying it online at http://www.ssayu.com (you may need the help of one of the Korean staff for this) as you will save about 30% on the cost of the phones. Another option is to buy a used phone from someone else and have it transferred to your name.
Most GS use SK Telecom as their mobile provider, which also offers a convenient English-language call center service. You will have to give SK Telecom a W200,000 deposit (in case you leave the country without paying the last bill) refundable at the end of your stay in Korea. Service costs around W15,000 per month plus phone charges.
You must have an alien registration card to get a subscription mobile phone service. However, contrary to what many people will tell you, foreigners with an E-7 visa (such as GS, but NOT their spouses) may have more than one phone per person. Therefore, you should be able to provide your children and partners with phones in this manner.
Until you have the alien registration card, it is not possible to get a subscription service. Two options around this include having someone else sign up for service or renting a mobile phone until you have your alien registration card. We highly recommend that you avoid the latter as it is expensive.
International Calls
For international calls, you can use a different provider depending on the prefix you dial. 001 uses Korea Telecom, 002 uses Dacom, etc.
You can buy telephone cards to call other countries for a lot cheaper than what you will pay using one of the standard providers. There are three types of cards and they are often sold in denominations of $10 or W12,000, and can be found, for example, in front of Paris-Baguette next to the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon.
Even cheaper than telephone cards (often half the price, depending on the country you are calling) is to use a computer to make calls over the Internet. We highly recommend http://www.net2phone.com as the leading service provider with the best quality, and you can find rates listed on the site. The quality is about the same as calling from a telephone, although it can on rare occasion be out of phase or be off-line. Quality can be further improved by buying a headset with built-in microphone (about W12,000 at Technomart).
Business Cards & Email
The Planning & Operations Team should help you sign up for business cards and a Samsung “SINGLE” account for email. Once you have all your information, it takes 2-3 days to print cards. It may make sense to wait until you know your mobile phone number (if applicable) before you get your business cards printed. If you want to be able to exchange business cards with the executives you will meet during orientation, try to submit your request for business cards (there is a form in the file drawers near the POT offices) as soon as possible upon your arrival.
Getting Around in Seoul
Public transportation in Seoul is very easy and efficient. The subways and the buses allow the use of a kyotong card so you don’t have to buy a ticket every time. Buying a kyotong card gives you a discount on fares as well. You can buy a kyotong card at several newspaper stands or at your bank. You can also get one added to your credit card.
Buses cost W700 per ride and up. No printed map is available in English, but you can get an online interactive bus route map at http://bus.metro.seoul.kr/eng/index.asp . Otherwise, you will need to know which one goes where.
One subway ride including all transfers will cost W700 and up. Signs are in English everywhere. The only problem is that there are often many stairs and few escalators, so it may be difficult to use when you have young kids.
There are two kinds of taxis: the gray/white ones are relatively cheap and common, the black ones are slightly more comfortable and much more expensive. When the light is on, it means the taxi is available. It should read “빈차”, which means ‘empty car’, in red.
Once you are settled
Medical services
Medical services for non-Koreans in Seoul are limited. Places which have been used by many GSs are the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital International Clinic (which is only 10 minutes from the office) and the (Kangnam) Samsung Medical Center International Clinic.
FOCUS
FOCUS (Foreigners’ Community Services) is a non-profit organization, which can help you in any matter related to medical services (they have Western nurses or medical people who visit doctors and hospitals, they can then recommend the pediatrician close to your house as well as the right English-speaking doctor for a particular problem). It also provides a 24-hour medical hotline.
The best thing is to call them or visit them to know exactly what they can provide. Last year, the subscription was W90,000 for a family, valid for your entire stay in Korea. They also maintain a blood-donors list, very important if you have negative blood type, which is very rare among Korean people.
Phone number: 798 7529 or 797 8212. They are located in Hannam-Dong (very close to the Hannam supermarket)
Hospitals
It is recommended to visit some hospitals not too far from your home during the first weeks of your stay, to see how they work in case of emergency. In some hospitals you may need to bring a lot of cash (they do not always accept credit cards, and sometime you may need to pay before treatment). Ask if they always have an English-speaking doctor. Two of them are:
• Soonchunghyang Hospital (In front of the Thai Embassy, Itaewon)
Emergency room: 709 9116
International clinic: 709 9158 (during the day)
24 hours, on-duty staff: 011 3219 161
They always have English-speaking doctors in the emergency area.
• Samsung Medical Center International Clinic
50, Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710
Telephone: 3410 0200 (also use this number for emergency, a nurse will translate)
Pediatricians
• Dr Yoo, Hannaro building, Insa dong 735 4694
(You can see this building on any map given by the tourist office)
• Dr Ruth Kim, Samsung Medical Center International Clinic
50, Ilwon-dong, Kangnam-Ku, Seoul 135-710
Telephone: 3410 0200
Doctors:
Doctors will not go to your home. You have to go and see them. They are not available at night, and usually only on Saturday morning during weekends.
• Seoul Polyclinic, Hanaro Building, Insa dong, Dr Lee, 732 3030
• Seoul Foreign Clinic, Dr Rhee, right after the entrance of the UN village, on your right. 796 1871.
• Samsung Medical Center: 3410 0200
Gynecologist
• Dr Hae-Ree Sung (female), 273-3 Hannam dong, Yongsan ku. Right before the entrance of UN village. 2nd floor, above the restaurant called “Paris Croissant”. Tel: 790 0802
• Dr Lee (female), Soonchunghyang Hospital (International clinic)
They both do obstetrics too.
Dentists
Many GS have used the dental service in the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital. This is only about 10 minutes walk from the office and most of the dentists speak some English. Another option is the Harvardian Dental Clinic on level B1 of the Seoul Finance Center (up the street from City Hall, before Kyobo Bookstore). GS’s have patronized this clinic for regular teeth cleanings and the dentist, Mr. Kyuho Lee, speaks English. Phone number is 3783-0660/0661.
For other types of doctors, you may want to contact FOCUS for advice (if you plan to be a member). You may also contact Dr. Ruth Kim at the Samsung Medical Center. She is in charge of relations with foreigners. She eases the dialogue between foreigners and specialized doctors. The telephone number of the International Clinic for Dr. Kim is 3410 0200. She will recommend someone in this hospital.
Getting A Car in Seoul
Buying a car is not difficult in Korea, although most foreign models are much more expensive than in other countries because of import duties. It is also possible to buy used cars and there are many used car lots around Seoul. In addition to the car, you will also need to purchase car insurance and register the car with the city government. See http://english.metro.seoul.kr/residents/driving/buying/ for more information. You can get a discount on car insurance (up to 20%) if you can prove that you have not had an accident for a long time. Many GS have used GINA for car insurance, contact Ms. Eun Hee Jun at 794 7414.
Parking in Seoul is not easy, and quite expensive. Don’t forget that when you go to a hotel, a department store, supermarket or other place, you may have your ticket stamped, and parking will be free (or at least less expensive)! Also, don’t forget that fuel costs a lot more than in the U.S. or most of the EU.
Health & Beauty
Some GSs have joined the health clubs at the five star hotels near our office, such as Shilla, Hilton and Plaza, which usually operate on an annual fee basis, costing W2-4million. One cheaper alternative is the public JoongAng Sports Center about 10 minutes walk from our office. Another alternative, which is very popular with GS, is the American chain California Fitness in Myong-dong, about a 15 walk from the office. This newer, modern facility has sauna, free weights, machines and equipment, as well as personal trainers for a fee. Memberships start at W350,000 with a W125,000 monthly fee, but can be negotiated much lower if you make a one- or two-year contract, or if you apply as a couple. They also have a massive location in Apgujeong-dong, south of the river.
There is also a Samsung sports center called the Samsung Leports Center. Membership is very difficult to get unless you are sponsored, but facilities can be used by non-members on weekends and include squash courts, a bowling alley, and a pool.
Sandy B., Hera nail clinic: 793 0426. Itaewon Main Street (shops street). When you come from Banpo bridge, you pass the Mc Donald’s on your right, you see the Korea exchange bank on your left. Sandy is in the same building as the bank, on the 3rd floor (you have to take an elevator, which is one door after the shopping mall door). If you arrive at Hamilton Hotel you have gone too far.
Haircuts for men are generally cheap and efficient ($6-15). Hair design by Miss Han: 796 5624. Itaewon, near gate 3 of Yongsan army main post. Jacques Dessange for men and women is downstairs in the basement of the GSG building. Wash and cut for only W15,000 for men and W16,000 for women (includes Samsung discount—bring your ID or business card). There are many more upscale hair salons in Apgujeong.
Renter’s Insurance
Although a Samsung company signs your housing contract, it is your responsibility to protect your belongings in case of theft, fire or accidental damage to property. ARMS provides affordable coverage here in Korea. Ms. Roh of ARMS has handled coverage for a few GS in the office. Her phone number is 3785-1129 and her email is arms.ssroh@aig.co.kr.
Apartment cleaning service
You can arrange for a cleaning lady to visit your apartment once a week for a cost of about W30,000. Check with the Planning & Operations Team or a GS for more information.
Grocery
There is a small grocery at almost every street corner, which sells many kinds of beverage (water, beer, milk), cereals, biscuits, etc.
Several shops sell Western food, as follows.
• Basement level of major department stores. Usually in any department store there is a grocery at the basement, (Hyundai, Lotte, etc.) with some Western food, as well as veggies, fish and meat.
• Hannam supermarket: (basement of the Volvo building, Hannam dong, in front of Hannam Tower apartments, on the street going from the Hannam bridge to Namsan, closest subway station is Hangangjin on line 6). A lot of Western products: chocolate chips, chocolate cream, spices, sparkling water, frozen vegetables (green beans, peas, fries), ham for kids, ketchup, mustard, cheese, magazines in several languages, and much more. All of this is quite expensive, but everything is in the same place, and depending on where you live and the amount you buy, they deliver for free (good if you do not plan to get a car).
• Carrefour: Several around Seoul. A lot of Western products (including frozen vegetables), cheaper than the Hannam supermarket, but further from the center. You would need to have a clear explanation of the directions or go with someone the first time.
• Fresh markets: Several in Seoul. E.g., Banpo dong , or Itaewon. Take the street in front of the Hamilton hotel (along Burger King), go to the second intersection, you see high raised buildings in front of you, it is there in the basement (take the parking entrance on your right, right after the intersection). They both have a lot of vegetables, as well as some Western products.
• Price Club (Costco). Several in Seoul, in a variety of locations. Just like in California, even down to the Churros, although some of the products are localized for the Korean market. A great place to buy cheap liquor. Check out http://www.costco.com for more information.
• Kim’s Club. Several in Seoul, the biggest is in front of New Core Department Store in Janwon-dong. Sells some Western products and rather inexpensive.
• Jell Deli. In the street going from the Hyatt hotel down to the Yongsan army base (on the right side, 200-300 meters from Hyatt). There is a sign with a bottle outside. There is a wide choice of wine and ‘deli’ items. Quite expensive.
Water and milk can both be delivered to your place, and there is someone who can speak English on the line.
Evian water (for babies), 20 000 won 12 bottles: 3442 0045
Diamond water: 335 5171
Soksu water: 707 3636
Denmark milk: 793 1557
Shopping
You do not need to speak Korean to bargain with sellers.
Don’t forget these words: pissayo (too expensive), and gagajooseyo (discount). Even if you do not speak, it is better to show you are not a tourist, you will get a better price.
Clothes for kids
You can find some cheap ones at
• Namdaemun market (open-air market)
• Express Bus Terminal (not always very cheap)
• Itaewon (lots of good imitations)
• Tongdaemun (Freya tower, Doosan tower) (clothing and apparel wholesalers)
and some more expensive ones in department stores and in Myongdong market too.
Clothes for adults
• Markets (Namdaemun, Tongdaemun, Express Bus Terminal) for casuals, cheap but low quality.
• Itaewon for better quality and not too expensive.
Women:
• Victoria Silk between Yongsan & Mc Donald’s, right before McDonalds.
• Underground market (from Yongsan, it is right after McDonalds, in the same block)
• 1st story above the underground market
• in front of Burger King, 3rd story (silk)
Men: several tailors (suits, shirts).
• Myongdong (near Namdaemun and Galleria department store). This is an area with a lot of shops (not a market, the kind of shops you would imagine in a mall). Quite expensive (but less expensive than department stores).
• Department store (more expensive than Europe or the US)
Furniture/dishes/decoration
It may be best to bring these items with you, based on quality and price.
• There are many antique shops that sell Asian-style furniture in Itaewon.
• In the main street of Apkujong (the one with Hyundai and Galleria department stores), there are a lot of furniture shops. They are often of Western style (sometime quite old style), and are very expensive.
• Casamia (furniture, few dishes and deco): this is a bit like IKEA, but more expensive (for real wood furniture at least). In the same street as the above, go from Hyundai department store in the direction of Hannam bridge. It is on the left side of the street.
• Nonhyun-dong in Kangnam has many furniture shops.
• Dongdaemun (furniture)
In this furniture street you will find low quality furniture (for storage mainly), and chairs (not high quality, but wooden chairs here are horribly expensive). Be careful with chest of drawers, they usually do not have drawers stoppers (if you have toddlers)
• Second-hand shops (furniture). To go there you need to show directions in Korean. They usually also have beds, sofa (for temporary one), closets, and other things.
• Kim’s Club (furniture). For storage they have small furniture you can put in a closet or storage area (usually closets here do not have shelves, but you can make one easily). Plywood or plastic. This is located in front of New Core near Chamwon (you can see it on maps)
• Namdaemun market (decoration). Do not forget you can get a map of Namdaemun in the Namdaemun information center.
• In the street going from Namdaemun gate to Myongdong market (this street goes along Namdaemun market) you will find some stores selling “make it yourself” wooden kits, with wood, paint, many things.
• There are two decoration floors with many different things: 2nd floor, building D, 3rd floor, building E.
• Lots of dishes (Korean China, iron, pans, saucepans, glasses,…). Really cheap things. 3rd floor, building C and D.
• Kim’s Club: they also have quite cheap dishes, pans…, but less choice than Namdaemun.
• Specialized items: baby sheets, cushions, curtains or other: 2nd floor, Express bus terminal. If you can bring a sample it is better, else you can explain.
Books
Kyobo book store (Kyobo building, subway city hall) and Chongno Book store (1 street from the Kyobo) have many books in English, French, German, Japanese, and books and tapes for children (in English) as well as books on Korea (in English). Amazon also ships to Korea, although it can take 7-10 days and you might have some customs duties imposed.
Children’s needs
Freya tower, 9th floor, Tongdaemun (Freya is just behind Doosan and Migliore). Toys, strollers, bicycles, bottles, safety equipment, plates. On the same floor they also have a play area for small kids. Kim’s club, New core: strollers, toys (less choice than Freya for toys). (Both shops are one in front of the other). For equipment, at Kim’s Club do not forget to ask for their catalogue, they can order a lot more than what you can see. At New Core, they have 2 buildings and kids equipment on 2 different storeys, plus clothes in others. Department stores (Lotte, Hyundai, Galleria, etc) are a lot more expensive than the other shops. There are some adverts for second hand equipment at the Hannam supermarket (baby/toddlers furniture, etc.)
Baby sitters will usually ask for W50,000 a day (8 hours), unless you get one who does not speak English at all. Make sure what this includes, they may ask for a bonus (up to 2 months), plus being paid during vacation, etc.
Electronics
Yongsan is the electronics mecca for Seoul. You can routinely bargain down 10-30% of list price, but plan on using cash. Computers can be purchased piecemeal and can be very inexpensive if you avoid branded parts. Consumer electronics are unlikely to be cheaper than other international locations, but this area is the least expensive in Korea.
Clubs/Associations for foreigners
Royal Asiatic Society
They organize tours of Seoul during weekends. Mostly foreigners go there. Cultural visits of Seoul or surroundings. Telephone: 763 9483
Women’s Groups
Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA): siwaseoul@hotmail.com President Bev Parker (795 7478).For women of any nationality, SIWA holds meetings in English every 3rd Wednesday of the month at the Hilton (9.30 AM). W5,000 for members, W10,000 for non-members. Membership was W35,000 in 2002. This is just a morning session with coffee, where you can meet other women from any nationality, with a speaker.
Career Women in Korea (CWIK). Several GSs are members of this organization that hosts monthly networking dinners with guest speakers in English. The meetings are the third Wednesday of every month. Ask a fellow GS for further information.
Contact your embassy to find out if there is a group from your country (AWC for US, AFC for French-speaking, BWG for British). Women’s Working Network meets on the second Monday every month.
USO
http://www.uso-center.org or call 724-7003 in Seoul for tours
Offers the best and most complete tours to the DMZ.
There are also chambers of commerce for major countries – the American Chamber (AMCHAM) is particularly active.
Consider registering for your local alumni club. Many foreign institutions have regional associations that host monthly events, occasional conferences, and holiday parties in Seoul.
Useful Seoul Websites
http://joongangdaily.joins.com
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr Weekender section
http://www.lifeinkorea.com
http://www.townmax.com
http://www.visitseoul.net
http://www.seoulite.net
http://www.seoulselection.com
Travel agencies
There are many travel agencies in Seoul providing English language services. One is BTI at 723-0204 (ask for Mrs. Chang). Another is Marco Polo, Tel: 757 2300, ask for Itchie. Many GS also use MS Kang at KS Park Travel, Tel: 3785 0127.
Asiana Airlines now operates an English website specifically for foreigners in Korea; it even offers Internet fares.(http://www.flyasiana.com/english/ )
Language Classes
In addition to the courses sponsored by Samsung, if you wish to increase your exposure to Korean teaching, there are many cost-effective ways to do so.
1. Find a language exchange partner. Pick up a free copy of Seoul Classified at a tourist desk (e.g. almost anywhere in Itaewon) and look at the classified ads for language exchange.
2. Go to Saturday afternoon classes taught by volunteers. There are classes near the campus of Sookmyung Women’s University (subway line #4) as well as Ehwa Women’s University (subway line #2). The classes are free and they help at various levels of language knowledge.
Movies
Movie listings in English are found at http://www.townmax.com and the Weekend section of the Korean Herald, but are not 100% reliable. Also, Korean cinemas (such as Coex) often sell out in advance. It’s best to make a reservation online at least 1 day before, and there's usually a 10% discount (or more with certain credit cards).
Restaurants
The Seoul Food Finder is the best (and really only) food guide for Seoul written in English. It is a good start that is sometimes--but not always--reliable.
Coffee
Seattle’s Best and Starbucks each have a branch within 100m from the GSG office.
Lunch (near the GSG office)
For Korean food, there are a number of places in the alley behind the office which serve mul-mandu (boiled dumplings) and yaki-mandu (pot-stickers). There is also a wide selection of restaurants in Samsung Plaza (including pizza at Cactus) and for bulgogi, go to Nam Kang, on the road behind the GSG building.
For sandwiches, good choices include the Tantalus Deli in the supermarket area of Samsung Plaza near the grocery store, or the slightly more upscale Westin Chosun Hotel Deli. You can get a VIP card that provides 10% discounts not only on sandwiches but all restaurants at the Westin Chosun.
The Seoul Financial Center has a good number of more upscale lunch places of all varieties including Thai, Indian, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The Indian restaurant Ganga there (also has a location in Apgujeong) comes highly recommended, as does the Asian Fusion Bistro Smap, which serves a mean hwe-dap-bab (sashimi rice ball).
For Italian food, Wood & Brick at Gwanghwamun is highly recommended.
The Young Life Plaza, a new department store next to the Lotte hotel, has a very nice restaurant area on the 6th floor with a western style sushi restaurant, a burger joint, a European deli and a Korean restaurant.
Dinner
For those who crave pizza, there are a number of chains that deliver pizza such as Domino’s and Pizza Hut. There is also a Pizzeria Uno’s in Apgujeong.
Apgujeong has a number of very good restaurants from the American style TGI Friday’s and Bennigans to the more upscale Bamboo House (upscale Korean) and Xian (Chinese). Anna Bini serves Italian on the patio for outdoor dining. Next to Apgujeong – Chungdamdong – many very good restaurants open monthly. Check with other GSs to get good recommendations for places there.
Itaewon has plenty of choices including a number of excellent Italian restaurants, such as La Tavola and La Volpaia (our resident Italian prefers the latter, but both are worth trying), and decent French restaurants, such as Le Sainte-Ex and La Cigale. For Thai food, go to Thai Orchid on the third floor of the building across from the Cheil Communications Building (there is another Thai restaurant in the same building on the second floor, but it is not quite as good). For Turkish food, check out Merhaba, across from the Thai Embassy or Salam near the mosque.
Seoul’s hotels all have excellent but pricey choices for dining out. Some of the best include La Continentale at the Shilla for French, the Paris Grill at the Hyatt for continental and a great brunch, and Sushi-cho at the Westin Chosun for Japanese. Just across from the Hyatt is La Cucina, which has pricey but good Italian food.
For vegetarian Korean, head to Kamjabawoo near Apgujeong Station down the street from the carnivore’s paradise Samwon Garden (for bulgogi lovers).
Wine Bars and Breweries
The popularity of microbrew pubs and wine bars is growing all the time. Check with other GSs to find out the best spots.
igro писал(а):Я это откопал, разбирая файлы. (Думаю, может будет кому полезно.) Только не обращайте внимание на разные мелочи, т.к. это писалось, кажется, для американцев (ну или других - людей свободных, самостоятельных, которым противит, когда всё на блюдечке и за них уже решено...)