 |
| Brenton's present: Snowboarding survival kit + a random toilet sign. |
 |
| Ashley and James presents. |
 |
| Desk warming survival kit: ramon, coffee and alcohol |
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Christmas in Korea
We had a great (but very different to normal) Christmas in Korea. Christmas eve we had dinner, some beers and a Secret Santa with a few of our friends. Then it was off to bed early, so we could be up bright and early for snowboarding Christmas day.
Christmas Day we were up earlier than I ever was for Santa (3:45am) and on the bus to High1 resort at 4:30am. We reached the resort and were ready to hit the slopes by about 9:30 am. It was a beautiful clear day, but really cold (about -12). I think I did ok for my first attempt at snowboarding. I made it down the Jupitar run (about 900m) 3 times before lunch and once after lunch. Snowboarding is hard work! I fell over a lot and everything is sore now!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Korean medical system
Today I had my first visit to a Korean doctor. I have had a cold for almost 3 weeks now. I don't really feel that sick. Although, in the last few days it has developed in to a bad cough, so today I finally followed the advice of all the Korean people I know and went to the hospital. It's not as dramatic as it sounds, in Korea you go to the hospital for anything. It's just liking going to the GP but they are at the hospital. I have heard a lot about the Korean medical system, like how cheap it is and that you always get a needle in the butt. So I was expecting to be sitting in a busy emergency room, see a doctor, get a needle in my butt and walk away wearing a little boot (judging by the amount of kids at school that are wearing booties I have developed the assumption that no matter what is wrong with you, you get one).
My experience wasn't quite like this. The hospital I went to was more like a large GP surgery, there were no emergencies getting wheeled in or blood anywhere. I went without an appointment and only had to wait 5 minutes. I saw the doctor for about 3 minutes he diagnosed me with a swollen throat and printed me a prescription. I didn't even get a needle in the butt or a bootie! This only cost me 3,400 KRW ($2.90). My prescription cost 4,700 KRW ($4).
They don't hold back with the drugs over here. For my swollen throat I have cough medicine I need to take 4X per day and tablets 3X per day. Not only that, but each time I take my tablets, I take between 3 and 5 different ones! I don't know what they all are but I hope they get me healthy before my Christmas snow boarding trip. The doctor also recommended that I wear a mask (uh.... not happening) and I don't go out in the cold (a little hard when its only 4 degrees during the day and I don't have a car!)
My experience wasn't quite like this. The hospital I went to was more like a large GP surgery, there were no emergencies getting wheeled in or blood anywhere. I went without an appointment and only had to wait 5 minutes. I saw the doctor for about 3 minutes he diagnosed me with a swollen throat and printed me a prescription. I didn't even get a needle in the butt or a bootie! This only cost me 3,400 KRW ($2.90). My prescription cost 4,700 KRW ($4).
They don't hold back with the drugs over here. For my swollen throat I have cough medicine I need to take 4X per day and tablets 3X per day. Not only that, but each time I take my tablets, I take between 3 and 5 different ones! I don't know what they all are but I hope they get me healthy before my Christmas snow boarding trip. The doctor also recommended that I wear a mask (uh.... not happening) and I don't go out in the cold (a little hard when its only 4 degrees during the day and I don't have a car!)
 |
| 3 days worth of medication |
 |
| My cough syrup and a free ("service") vitamin drink |
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Supergook: Episode 1
This is a TV series that has been made about English teachers in Korea. If you are wondering what life is like teaching in Korea....this is the closest thing I have to show you how it is.
All of the things that they are forced to eat and drink, I have eaten/drank. Including moving octopus and silk worm larvae.
Loren and I actually went to the town where this show is set for my birthday. We drank at the same pub that is in many of the scenes.
I'm looking forward to the next episode of this show to come out. Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Korean Study
The Korean education system is very effective. The latest generation to graduate from high school have had a very intense educational experience and in comparison to the US, Australia or the UK, Koreans are learning more at school. But at what cost? The average Korean student will study for a minimum of 12 hours a day. Stressful exams start for these students in grade 1 of primary (elementary) school.
As you can imagine, studying for 12 hours a day would be very tiring work. This of course takes its toll on the students. My students will fall asleep if I give them more than a 30 second break in between activities. I kid you not. I have an average of 5 students falling asleep in classes with no breaks.
Ok, so the Korean education system is very effective and produces some excellent results...but is it efficient? Definitely not. Students are studying all day but are only running at 20% as they have a lack of sleep and are constantly over worked. So students sit in class all day but pay attention 20% of the time.
The average Korean middle school student will arrive at school at 8:10am in the morning and stay at school until about 4:10pm. Next it is time to go to their first academy. Most students attend several academies with dinner in between and won't make it home until after 10pm.
Do the students like this? Would you? Sure studying all day makes you intelligent but also unhappy. Not to mention the amount of stress that is put on these kids. It is no surprise that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
As you can imagine, studying for 12 hours a day would be very tiring work. This of course takes its toll on the students. My students will fall asleep if I give them more than a 30 second break in between activities. I kid you not. I have an average of 5 students falling asleep in classes with no breaks.
Ok, so the Korean education system is very effective and produces some excellent results...but is it efficient? Definitely not. Students are studying all day but are only running at 20% as they have a lack of sleep and are constantly over worked. So students sit in class all day but pay attention 20% of the time.
The average Korean middle school student will arrive at school at 8:10am in the morning and stay at school until about 4:10pm. Next it is time to go to their first academy. Most students attend several academies with dinner in between and won't make it home until after 10pm.
Do the students like this? Would you? Sure studying all day makes you intelligent but also unhappy. Not to mention the amount of stress that is put on these kids. It is no surprise that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Things I Love About Korea: #1 Love Motels
There are a lot of things I love about Korea. Brenton's posts tend to be on the negative side (he said "I can't write something interesting without it being negative"), so I decided to write a post about things I love about Korea. One of the things I love most about Korea are love motels. They might sound a little sleazy and really they are, but you get so much for such a cheap price.
Love Motels can be rented by the hour or overnight. In Korea people tend to live with their parents until they are married, so privacy is pretty difficult to come by. When I have stayed in Love Motels most other people there seem to be young couples. Although, I am sure they are also used by people having affairs and people paying for girls and the room by the hour. There are lots of dodgy Love Motels in Korea, but in my experience if you choose one that looks new and has lots of neon you are going to get a great room (Although, a more expensive room than the dodgier ones).
In mine and Brenton's experience really nice Love Motels cost between 50,000 and 120,000 Won ($43-$105) per night depending on location. For that price you can expect a room that averages between 2 and 3 times the size of our entire apartment here. You will also get a spa in the bathroom, a bigger than king size bed, 130cm+ flatscreen TV (with multiple channels that show English shows), free mini-bar (no alcohol), all the bathroom products you need, and 2 computers with internet.
Love Motel in Chuncheon:
Love Motel in Pohang:
So basically Love Motels have better facilities than most "nice" hotels (like the Novotel or Rydges) for a fraction of the price. So if you can get past the renting by the hour and the tackiness of Love Motels they are the perfect accommodation in Korea. I am really going to miss them when we are slumming it in hostels around Europe for a similar price!.
Love Motels can be rented by the hour or overnight. In Korea people tend to live with their parents until they are married, so privacy is pretty difficult to come by. When I have stayed in Love Motels most other people there seem to be young couples. Although, I am sure they are also used by people having affairs and people paying for girls and the room by the hour. There are lots of dodgy Love Motels in Korea, but in my experience if you choose one that looks new and has lots of neon you are going to get a great room (Although, a more expensive room than the dodgier ones).
 |
| Love Motel's in Gyeongju |
Love Motel in Chuncheon:
Love Motel in Pohang:
 |
| A couch! A luxury we don't have in our apartment. |
 |
| Free wine! It was pretty gross wine, but most wine is in Korea. It was re-stocked every day too. |
 |
| Our Love Motel was right on the beach (the 2nd tallest building). We had great views from our room. |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Korean temperature Part 2 of 2
A short time ago, the temperature was about 25-30 degrees everyday. The sun was out, the birds were singing, it felt good to be alive. I opened the windows to my classroom so I could enjoy some of the great weather while I was at work. Sadly, my windows were closed shortly after they were opened as most of my class were complaining that it was to cold. I could not get my head around this. When it is above 30 degrees it is too hot, but 25 degrees is too cold? WHAT? WHEN ARE YOU HAPPY???
Lately, I have been enjoying the nice Autumn temperatures. It has been between 20 and 25 during the day, which in my mind is perfect. I am walking around in jeans and a t-shirt, sun glasses on and a big smile on my face. The rest of Korea is wearing 3 layers of clothing including a coat with the option of a beanie
or scarf. Once again, this gets me thinking. WHAT? WHEN ARE YOU HAPPY???
The temperatures outside are good. However, if you go inside anywhere where a Korean is controlling the temperature you will get hot. This includes everything like supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, buses, taxis and the subway. So the temperature is back up to about 30 degrees. Logically, you'd think if you had a big coat on outside and you got onto a bus that is 10 degrees warmer, you would take off the coat. Right? WRONG! You would leave the coat on and stare at the waygook (foreigner) who is in just a t-shirt.
Lately, I have been enjoying the nice Autumn temperatures. It has been between 20 and 25 during the day, which in my mind is perfect. I am walking around in jeans and a t-shirt, sun glasses on and a big smile on my face. The rest of Korea is wearing 3 layers of clothing including a coat with the option of a beanie
or scarf. Once again, this gets me thinking. WHAT? WHEN ARE YOU HAPPY???
Me enjoying the sun...while we are trying to discreetly
take a photo of the couple behind me in matching outfits.
The temperatures outside are good. However, if you go inside anywhere where a Korean is controlling the temperature you will get hot. This includes everything like supermarkets, restaurants, coffee shops, buses, taxis and the subway. So the temperature is back up to about 30 degrees. Logically, you'd think if you had a big coat on outside and you got onto a bus that is 10 degrees warmer, you would take off the coat. Right? WRONG! You would leave the coat on and stare at the waygook (foreigner) who is in just a t-shirt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)