Send via SMS

Korea Life Blog
7/30/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Vacation: Philippines

Surprise! I'm leaving in the morning for 5 days in the Philippines. I was supposed to go to Shanghai, China, but my passport is too full of stamps for a Chinese visa which requires one full passport page. I could have gotten new pages added but it would take 3 extra days and I had no time. This is what I get for not planning ahead. Then I tried Pattaya, Thailand, but no tickets were available as this is peak season. So I decided to go to the Philippines. So many nearby countries to choose from! I'm actually pretty excited. I'm not sure if I'll be able to update from there or not, depends on what the PC rooms are like and if I have time. I made a new page that will detail my journey.


Click here for Vacation: Philippines



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Molla Game


I found this game while walking around in Suwon. I call it Molla Game. (Molla means "I don't know" in Korean, one of the first expressions you pick up on.) Actually, I do know, but I thought it may be a joyful riot if my readers guess and make jokes about how it's supposed to be played. Funniest idea wins the laughter of readers around the world!



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - McDonald's Dessert Center


I'm not sure if they have these back in the states, but they are popping up in a few places around Korea. No, you can't buy a hamburger here. You can only get coffee, pies, ice cream and whatever other McD's desserts. A small ice cream cone goes for 500 Won here, or about 40 cents. In the regular McD's here a small ice cream only costs 300 Won, or 25 cents. It's a hot day, just look at the line.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/28/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Over-employment

If you have ever been to Korea you know how they tend to over-employ here. Especially at the department stores. This is probably because minimun wage in Korea is 2,500 Won, or about $2.25. Others have said it's the culture: they believe it's helpful to customers. For foreigners anyway (and, oddly enough, every Korean I've talked to) it's usually uncomfortable and intimidating. It's not uncommon for there to be an employee in every single aisle. They follow you around and stand next to you when you try to look at something. Often they are aggressive. On a number of occasions I have not purchased what I wanted simply because the sales person was completely annoying. While they may think they are being helpful, they make you feel as if you're about to steal something, the way the follow you and watch you. When they do this I will purposely act insane: walking in circles, zig zagging left and right, back around, ducking behind a display, leaping out, shucking and jiving, all the while laughing maniacally and bewildering the desperate sales clerk. Overemployment doesn't only occurr at the department stores though, it's at the grocery stores, and even at the American fast food chains.


On a sunday evening, I stop off at the Baskin Robins in Suwon where one employee makes my milkshake and three others observe. A classic example of over-employment, brought to you by Korean Life Blog.


|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/27/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Apartment Madness

With so many people and not enough land, the only solution is high hise apartment buildings. They're tall, they're plain, they block all the scenery, they're everywhere. I have for you here now a stunning collection of modern Korean living taken from a new resedential area somewhere in Suwon.


Hundreds of apartments loom into the distance. Looks like something out of a science fiction movie. Run! Highrise apartments are invading!


Modern day Korea: a clean, safe street, new buildings, giant apartments in the distance.


For a mere $200,000-$300,000 dollars you can move here. Imagine saving your entire life to buy one of these apartments. It boggles my mind considering what that money could buy you in Western countries. The good side is the value of apartments skyrocket here, meaning you can get rich easy if you have money to purchase a unit and sell it even just a few years later. The rich keep getting richer in life.

(oops, picture deleted)
A Pizza Hut, a hospital, and SK high rise apartments. SK, one of the Korean major monoplistic conglemerates controls most of the telecommunications market. In the states it would be like moving into Verizon Apartments. All of the big names here make apartments, including Samsung and Hyundai. As if they don't make enough money otherwise. Can you imagine moving into Microsoft Apartments?


It's been a busy day. Sit down and relax. Enjoy a cold drink and the excellent view.


A massive complex. Can't they come up with some different designs? They all look exactly the same!



Here is a new elementary school. Why can't they make apartments look like this?

I hope you enjoyed this collection. Have a nice day.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/25/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Modern Korean Electronics

To dispell the rumor that Korea is some strange remote country that makes plastic toys and clothes and perhaps some TVs and cars with long warranties, it's time to show the world that Korea really is a modern country. Here are a few pictures of some cool Samsung products.



It's impossible to show here the clarity of these flatscreen Korean made Samsung televisions. They are beautiful, as much as any Sony TV.



Fax machines, printers, big screen TVs, stereos, humidifiers, fans, refrigerators, air conditioning units...yes, Samsung makes it all.



Samsung's Magic Station. I really want to buy this. Hey look, the salesclerk has been reading my blog!



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/24/2003


South Korean Flag


The Seoul Blog - Strange Conglomerations (2)


Here is the second installment of Strange Conglomerations (Korean buildings with an odd assortment of businesses).


At this building somewhere in Suwon, you can shop for electronics, go to the hospital, study Chinese at a private school, study martial arts (sword fighting), or sing a song at the no rae bang, the ever popular Korean karaoke singing rooms (I'll do a post about these sooner or later). How convenient!



Wow, look the assortment of businesses in this modern building. You can get some ice cream at Baskin Robins (this American Franchise is more popular here, found on virtually every popular street) eat at the Korean fast food chain, Lotteria, buy a phone, go to a book store, stop at the securities bank, visit the hospital, buy bread at the bakery, study playing the piano, buy stationary supplies, attend a private English school, and on and on. Conglomerations like these, albeit strange, are necessary to help save ever dwindling land space.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/23/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - New Poll (1)

I added a new homepage poll on the right side of the page. Here are the stunning results of the previous homepage poll:


What's your favorite thing about korea?

where's korea? 2 (2%)
the food 9 (12%)
my movie star aura 17 (22%)
girls actually like me here 7 (9%)
no tipping 11 (14%)
coffee girls 7 (9%)
the money 0 (0%)
scooter delivery/ dish pick-up 4 (5%)
i love it all 13 (17%)
i hate everything 5 (6%)


Edging out "I love it all," "my movie star aura" takes the top position. Not a single vote for "the money" is a big surprise. I personally voted for "the food," although I was sorely tempted to choose "my movie star aura" and "girls actually like me here."



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - The Old Man with a Wart

After looking at some books of them at my school, I have become more interested lately in reading Korean folk tales for children. The stories are usually interesting and comical, the animations cute, sometimes ridiculous and bizarre. I stopped at a bookstore the other day and had a look.


I snapped this picture when the book store ajushi wasn't looking. It's a sneaky business these days to entertain my readers. Ths is a classic example of a well known story here: The Old Man with a Wart. (I'm not too sure that thing is really a wart. He'd better get it checked out quickly...he may well be The Old Man with Two Buck Teeth and a Hideous Malignant Tumor.) Notice the unique sounds the wind and owls make in Korea.



Other Korean books for kids. Note the silly animations. I wish I knew Korean better, I'd really like to read these.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Shout Out Comments

The original 'Shout Out' comments are officially and completely gone. The server they were on was down often and had been slowing down my website. Sorry to all those who left comments. The good news is you can go back in time and leave new comments on all your favorite posts! If you haven't left any comments, now is a new chance to do so! Three cheers for Korea Life Blog!



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/22/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - I Need a Computer

The internet has been down at work and the lone PC bang in my town changed the computers so that they can't be modified, meaning I can't transfer pics from my camera here anymore. I planned an exciting update, but I have no way to upload pics. I've been putting off buying a computer because I can't decide if I want an expensive notebook computer, or a much cheaper desktop. I want the desktop computer, of course, but I don't want to carry that when I move. Notebook computers are still double the price of a desktop here. What a dilemma. Argh! In other news it has not stopped raining here for 2 days and the whole town is soaked. I got drenched on the way here. Ugh!



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Let's Punch and Kick

A popular past time in Korea is kicking and punching games. No matter where you go, big city or small country town, you will come across these games. You compete with your buddies to see who can punch and kick the hardest, usually when your drunk. The only prize: high score and the respect of your peers. You've spent a lot of time at the gym, now it's time to put that effort to a useful means.


Check it out. It's Girl Fighter Upper Cut!. For a measly 500 won, or about 40 cents, you can fantasize about slugging your sister, your wife, your mother in law, or that girl who broke up with you because she wanted to explore her options. Hee ya! 1000000 points!


The name of this game is Vie Zzang. What the hell that means exactly is anybody's guess. Apparently two people punch at the same time and compare scores. What a great concept -male machoism at it's finest.


Phew, after all that punching your foot gets jealous. Time to kick. Yee haw! You're so cool! In your mind you are the greatest soccer player that ever lived! It's the World Cup. You kick! You score. America wins! (Later, when the alcohol wears off, you wake up in the hospital with shattered dreams and a broken foot.)



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/20/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Beggar


I made 100,000 Won today, or about $90, playing games with kids. This man begs for money, obviously not as fortunate as I am. Ajushi, did you eat dinner? What happened to you? Did you you lose your job? Did your marriage fall apart? I don't really care what happened actually. If you are this needy, well I can afford to give you some change. I hope it helps.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/18/2003


South Korean Flag




Korea Life Blog - Coffee Machines


Coffee machines are popular in Korea. The coffee is very strong. It comes in small paper cups. These machines are everywhere, and a cup only costs about 300-400 won, or about 25-30 cents, for a cup with cream and sugar. It's strong and can make for a quick pick-me-up.


A typical coffee machine. I'm not sure what all the choices are. The button all the way to the last is always "milk coffee" and has cream and sugar in it.



Why not have some coffee and make a phone call or two? You can tell them about how awful it tastes.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/17/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Crane Game (2)

I was walking around Suwon and, with nothing better to do, decided to try out another crane game...let's see how I made out:


Here's the machine. It looks pretty old. There's a lot of marks on the front - undoubtedly the result of pissed off people kicking it in anger. But perhaps those people were empty headed children, drunken college kids, Russian prostitutes, or maniacal imbeciles. I swell with confidence. I can do this, I think. And, since it's an unusually high 500 Won for 3 tries, I decide there might be a chance.



There are the prizes, tantalizingly spread out, looking rather easy to grab. I eagerly fish around in my pocket for some change and insert 500 won. I move the crane out to the middle. It drops and clenches a little cutesy wootsy stuffed dog. The excitement builds, my heart starts to race. The toy is mine, I cry. All mine! Then alas, with a hard jerk, the crane changes direction, dropping my would-be toy out just before it reaches the hole! - yes, it's another machine rigged with the Crane Game Jerk of Despair. After three tries I give up and run away, shamed and humiliated once again.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Instant Store by a Subway Station Entrance (2)

This post disappeared somehow, so I'm re-doing it here.


Out side the Suwon subway station, an ajuma has set up an Instant Store by a Subway Station. What's for sale? White hotdogs? Bags of clay? Oh, I see. It's deok, Korean traditional rice cake filled with sweet beans. The ajuma looks extremely excited at the prospect of record breaking sales. Wait - what's this? The man in the background is getting ready to strangle the ajuma and steal the deok! Run ajuma, run!!



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/15/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - What's in my Fridge? (1)


It seems Shawn is really turning Korean. He opens his fridge. There's a bottle of water, two plastic boxes of Kimchi, and, alas - some frozen mandu...



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - At the Movies in Korea

I knew you people back home were wondering about the movies in Korea. Well American movies are very popular here as well as Korean movies. American movies usually open a few weeks or more later than they open in the states, though. And many times some good movies may never make it here. I went to see Bruce Almighty this weekend with my friend. It was surprisingly funny, I thought.


The snack bar at the movie theater. The prices are more reasonable here, but the popcorn isn't fresh. By the way, is there any place in the world you can't buy Coca Cola these days?


A promotional poster for Terminator 3 coming soon to a Korean theater near you.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/14/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - What a Waste

I heard that South Koreans throw away more food than North Korea has to eat. I believe this is true. If you pass by any restaurant on a regular basis you will likely see bags and bags of food waste piled up on the curb. Millions of Americans grow up hearing their parents tell them, "finish all the food on your plate, they're are people starving to death..." I guess it hit home for me, because I really dislike wasting food. I do finish everything, as best I can. If something drops on the floor, I'll rinse it off an eat it. If somebody cringes at this, I'll pee in their soup. People really are starving. That's just how I was raised, anyway. While no doubt Americans waste food, South Korea is exceptionally ridiculous, no offense to the culture because I really love the food here. Most meals are served with a lot of side dishes. I regularly see people eat just a little or not even touch them at all, eating only the main dish. Take a look at this BBC article. (click here)


Look at these garbage bags full of wasted food. It's really not funny. It's sad.

Now click here to see a little girl starving in North Korea. Don't click here if you don't want to see it.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/12/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Korean Letter Paper

I picked up some Korean letter paper today at a small stationary shop next to my home. Each set has 5 pieces of letter paper and 3 envelopes. They cost 1000 Won for each set, or about 80 cents. If you buy 4 you get 1 free, at this particular store. I used to have a big collection of these but I brought them home to the states to give away as gifts, the big spender that I am. Some of the sets are funny with strange cartoon characters and have either have terrible English sentences such as "love the night starry wonder and dream" or they have Korean expressions such as (example would go here if I took the time to translate...). Anyway, I think they are a lot cooler than greeting cards and make for a nice way to send a letter back home to your ex girlfriend who dumped you to let her know how in Korea you are a famous movie star and have an entourage of babes that cater to your every whim.


I'll choose the yellow paper. "Dear Grandma: Hello from Korea. Love, Shawn."



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/11/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - My New Phone



I finally got myself a new Samsung handphone. Hand phones in Korea are much cooler than hand phones in America. I guess this is an international phone, so I can use it back in the states, but not exactly sure if I can simply use it, or if I have to register it there. It also has English menus built in, a nice plus, except anything you want to download from the internet for it is listed in Korean. I want some new animations and melodies! Wahhh!


Another angle. Check out this large, crisp, clear LCD display. This model is one of the most popular. It cost me 350,000 Won, or about $275. There's one with a digital camera built in that costs around 500,000 Won, but I have no use for that anyway. This one is still a little expensive, but now I'm so cool. I'm sure to have a new date every week.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/10/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - At the Hagwon (1)


I guess some people might be interested in what's going on in my school now and again. (You may want to visit the Geoje-do links to see what it's like facing the students in Korea for the first time.) I have to admit my current job is by far the best place I have worked in Korea. I teach the teachers, all four of them, for an hour from 11-12. It's become my favorite class as they are all girls and they each have a good personality and sense of humor. It doesn't feel like work, in other words. Then we all eat lunch together. One of the teachers, on a daily basis, kindly brings me rice and her mother's homeade Korean side dishes that are wonderfully delicious. After lunch I study Korean for 30 minutes with another teacher. Then I go home to watch the news and Judge Judy on AFN, the American Forces Network, after which I read the Korea Herald or a book, perhaps listen to music or clean if I'm bored enough. I go come back around 2:30 and teach 3 or 4 forty minute elementary school classes. Each class has between 2-9 students. The classrooms are clean and organized (I'll get some pics next time) Since I only teach each class one time per week, I'm encouraged to play games, teach a little from their books or whatever I want. Any breaks that I have, I am allowed to leave or sit here and use the internet until my heart's content. Incredibly, in addition to having a brand new one room apartment, (click here, there are 2 posts on this archive page about my apartment) I receive full time pay, paid weekly.


Glancing through one of the kid's Korean made English story books, I noticed this stunning example of Korean English. I love the hilarious stories and drawings in the Korean English story books.


Two cute girls. They are in the same class together and are the only students in that class. What should I teach them?


I know, I'll use this same puzzle I've been using all week in every other class. It will take them at least 20 minutes.


Now let's write and draw. While you're busy making spelling mistakes and coloring, I'll be busy studying Korean or reading some articles I photo-copied earlier. By the way, in case you wondered, my favoile anmol is deer.

At last another long day is over. Phew, earning money is not easy. Well, I'm off to the health club. Have a nice day.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/9/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Another Smurfy Day in Korea

Well, I got bored with my empty, undecorated apartment, so I got out some of the smurfs and set them up:


Here comes the dark, black robed Gargamel sneaking up on a happy, unsuspecting, sleeping smurf. The symbolism is too real!



It's an ordinary day in smurf village, Korea. I wish my town looked like this...



A close-up shot of the smurf windmill. There's Clockwork Smurf, Yohan and Peewit. Handy's come by to make a repair.


Gargamel's castle. There's Gargamel in the window, looking angry as usual. The smurf's must have gotten away. Scruple and Azrael are outside looking for them.

As you can see, life is pretty exciting for me at the moment. Wanna come over and play?



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/8/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - The Health Club

I joined a health club last month and finally got around to taking a pic. (Sure, it may seem easy enough to snap some pictures before a work out, but then everybody will stare at you even more than usual and wonder why the crazy foreigner is taking pictures of the place.) It's a pretty big club with a lot of new machines. However, the loud Korean techno music is enough to drive me crazy. Am I here to dance? Also, they don't believe in air conditioning health clubs in Korea for some reason and it's gets pretty hot up here on the fifth floor. The upside is you can pay month to month (54,000 Won here, or about $42) and get free training if you want.


Well here it is, the country town health club. Not too bad. They have most of the usual machines and free-weights as found in the states. I snapped this picture late on a Saturday when the place was almost empty. It gets very busy here during the week. Most of the people are older and out of shape, which of course, makes me feel better about being older and out of shape. Actually, I'm not too far out of shape (180cm/78kg - 6'0/175lbs) but I didn't work out for the past six months after breaking my arm back home in the states. Now I have a gut and am back to feeling like I'm going to die after every workout...ugh!



Forget the gym, check out the view from the window. Ahh, the perfect place for some new high rise apartments, a convenience store and a PC bang!


Another angle from the window showing a plant farm and a greenhouse. "Hey greenhouse ajushi! Don't you realize you're about to be added to Korea Life Blog? Smile and say kimchi!"



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/7/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - The DVD Bang

A popular and somewhat dubious activity amongst young people is going to DVD Bangs. They're everywhere. You pick out a DVD and get a private little room with a big screen and a loveseat for you and your date. In concept, DVD bangs are a romantic place to cuddle with your special someone and watch a good movie - she: crying at a touching scene, he: holding her tightly in a tender embrace, wiping away her tears with a tissue conveniently located on the shelf to the right. The reality, of course, is that they're a cheap, convenient place to do what's what. DVD bangs are usually packed, especially on the weekends. The most popular rental is of course...Titanic. Not because it's a particularly good movie, but rather because it's one of the longest movies in the place. A lot of time to make each other happy, if you have the endurance.


Inside the DVD bang (photo of date excluded by request). I wonder how many "special" times have taken place on this loveseat. At least it's leather and easily cleaned. It's also very comfortable. Ooh! Ahh!


The big screen. A student's father passes the teacher, Kim Bong-Doo, a bribe to "take care of" his son. What happens during the rest of the movie is anybody's guess...



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - In My Yard



Here is the yard on the side of my building: a pile of garbage (not shown), an abandoned wheelbarrow, five sewer manholes, chunks of leftover concrete, some plastic tubes, and - a tree. A perfect representation of modern day Korean landscaping.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/5/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Fast Food Craving

Every once in a while (probably more for others) I get into a food funk. One of those days when the mere thought of eating more kimchi and rice makes my stomach depressed, suicidal even. When I walk up and down the main road here no less than 5 times trying to decide what to eat, peering helplessly into windows, shooing off ajumas anxious for business. Nothing sounded good. I contemplated mandu, but I had already eaten it at least 12 times this week. I could cook at home, I thought hopefully. Then I remember all I had was ramyon, eggs, and alas, frozen mandu. Then it hit me - that insane desire to eat fast food. Almost at once my stomach cheered up, growling excitedly as my mouth drooled like Pavlov's dog.


Thirty minutes on a bus and I'm here at last: Suwon Station. My stomach knows there's a Burger King in there. It growls wildly.


Alas, the familiar site of the Whopper Value Meal. Within 5 minutes I will devour 1600 hundred calories, but my stomach will love me again.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/3/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Coffin Car

While SUVs are becoming increasingly prevalent in Korea, accounting for over 25% of all vehicle sales, small compact cars still remain popular, especially amongst young people. They're cheap and good on gas, which is important considering the cost of gasoline is triple that of the US. The downside is they get a little too compact, if you ask me, which is especially unnerving considering the increase in larger vehicles on the road.


Here is the ever popular Hyundai Atoz vehicle. When I lived in Ulsan, I knew at least four people who owned this model, including one of my girlfriends at the time. She was an awful driver, no surprise, and we agreed I should be the driver. I drove it around the city and even a few times to Pusan, about 30 miles down the highways. While it was a nice change from public busses, I feared for my life at every moment in this thing. It's like driving your own coffin around. If you were to crash, chances of surving without serious injury would be pretty remote. Why can't I find a girlfriend who has a Hyundai Equus? (If you're a Korean girl who owns an Equus and would like to meet me, or if you're a Korean girl who doesn't own an Equus but have some other good qualities such as your dad owns an Equus, or if you're just plain beautiful, or if you're not that beautiful anyway please feel free to e-mail me as soon as possible...)



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

7/2/2003


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Chicken and Hoff

I thought Americans like fried chicken, but Koreans really love it. There's a KFC and Popeye's everywhere you go here. One of my favorite things to do is hang out in the chicken and hoff restaurants drinking draft beer, and eating delicious fried chicken. I love these places and they're virtually everywhere. There are franchises such as BBQ Chicken and Pelican Chicken, Donkey Fried Chicken, Mickey (Mouse) Fried Chicken, Bunny Fried Chicken, etc -(where they come up with these name's I don't know)...Even here in this tiny town outside of Suwon, there are three privately owned ones. I have no idea why this style of restuarant isn't more popular in America. What better idea than drinking beer and eating wonderfully greasy fried chicken with your date?


After a few glasses of ice cold brew and some interesting conversation, the chicken is served at last, piping hot, fresh from the frier. Dip the pieces in the delicious sauces and enjoy!


Ooops, all gone. Already I feel guilty. Good thing I joined a gym this week. I'm going to have to run all day to work that meal off. At least I quit smoking over a year ago. My friend should do the same...(and so should this guy next to me at the PC bang who has smoked at least 7 cigarettes this hour as he plays Starcraft at full volume, oblivious to the fact that the smoke is blowing directly into my face tempting me to poor the overflowing ashtray on his head...)



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link


South Korean Flag


Korea Life Blog - Money!

My post about money magically disappeared due to a Blogger error, so I'm forced to redo it in a shortened form below:

Korean cash currency comes in denominations of 1,000 Won, 5,000 Won, and 10,000 Won only. These notes concur with US 1 dollar, 5 dollar, and ten dollar bills. Also, the money here is about 20% bigger than American money.

An average teacher's salary here is about 2,000,000 Won. Imagine how much money that is. (In case you're a monkey that would be 200 10,000 won notes.) The first time I got paid, I thought there must be some mistake. I thought I was rich. It took 10 long minutes to count it. I hugged my boss. I hired a wheelbarrow to get the money to the bank, where I exchanged it and realized I was still a poor bum.


It looks like a mountain of money, but it's only 900,000 Won, or about $750. Without rent or a car payment, this kind of money lasts a while, though.



|

written by shawn matthews   -|link

Chicken-on-a-stick, for sale outside of Songnae Station in Bucheon, near Incheon. The best chicken-on-a-stick I've ever had.
klb
home
archives
the books
send me email
china life blog
tell the world about me!
korea life blog syndication feed
early entries
seoul - 1
seoul - 2
short trips
taiwan
fukuoka
philippines
klb archives
06/01/2003 - 06/30/2003
07/01/2003 - 07/31/2003
08/01/2003 - 08/31/2003
09/01/2003 - 09/30/2003
10/01/2003 - 10/31/2003
11/01/2003 - 11/30/2003
12/01/2003 - 12/31/2003
01/01/2004 - 01/31/2004
02/01/2004 - 02/29/2004
03/01/2004 - 03/31/2004
04/01/2004 - 04/30/2004
05/01/2004 - 05/31/2004
06/01/2004 - 06/30/2004
07/01/2004 - 07/31/2004
08/01/2004 - 08/31/2004
09/01/2004 - 09/30/2004
10/01/2004 - 10/31/2004
11/01/2004 - 11/30/2004
12/01/2004 - 12/31/2004
01/01/2005 - 01/31/2005
02/01/2005 - 02/28/2005
03/01/2005 - 03/31/2005
04/01/2005 - 04/30/2005
05/01/2005 - 05/31/2005
06/01/2005 - 06/30/2005
07/01/2005 - 07/31/2005
08/01/2005 - 08/31/2005
09/01/2005 - 09/30/2005
01/01/2006 - 01/31/2006
04/01/2006 - 04/30/2006
other korea blogs
G Dimension
Korea Bound
The Lost Nomad
The Party Pooper
Gord's Eclexys
The Korean Blog List
What Not to do in Asia
The Marmot's Hole
Steph's Stuff
About Joel
C-Gyopo
Robert Spear
Square He
Hometown Yeouido
Gyopo Life
Koreachronicles
Wintermoon
Fatman - Seoul
Lost Seouls
Flying Yangban
It Makes a Difference to the Sheep
BigHominid's Hairy Chasms
miscellaneous sites
China Life Blog
my friend in Taiwan's blog
donate to the ASPCA
esl tool
connect korea
hate sauce
what the book?
yank abroad
morning jackhammer
work and play
tesall esl headlines
efl korea law
learn korean here
xe.com currency converter
pusan web writings
the ulsan web
lots of expat stuff
you've been in korea too long
hits since september 2, 2004: ------------------

.................................

:written by Shawn Matthews :powered by blogger