This blog is really going to take off in about a month. For the past few years I haven't been posting regularly because I have been in America. I left Korea in February of 2010. I returned for a brief stay in 2011. I haven't been back to Korea in the past 3 years. I bet so much has changed!
Now that I'm going back to Korea I will be posting daily or multiple times in a day. I'll still keep up with popular music, movies, dramas, and news stories in Korea. I'm going to add a lot of new series such as Korean food, beauty, products, snacks, etc. I will be visiting new places, but also revisiting a few places so I can add videos.
I'm still thinking of a way to write my daily posts. Or if I even should write daily. Maybe I should just write if something interesting happened in that day. For my first trip I wrote every day and I would title it "Day 1: ...." and use something interesting from the day as a title. (I was there for 438 days..yes I wrote daily!) For example, 'Day 300: Trip to Busan'. Now I'm not sure what to use as a title. Maybe I could title it "Round 3-Day 1: Trip to Busan". This will be my 3rd time going to Korea. The 2nd trip didn't turn out so well so I didn't blog about my negative experience. (Don't ask).I really don't want to revisit that topic.
There are some things that I'd like to keep up with in every post like the weather and the exchange rate ($1USD=? KRW). I like to keep up with those to see the trends. In 2009 the exchange rate fluctuated a lot. I remember arriving in December of 2008 and the rate was 1262. During 2009 the rate went all the way up to 1500! Right now the exchange rate is really low at 1039. It was never that low while I was in South Korea. The ideal rate is 1000, but the government will never let it get that low. I like to keep up with the weather so people can get a feel for what the day to day conditions are like during the 4 distinct seasons.
I have so many ideas about beauty, Korean food, attractions, etc. My video/blog list is so long! I might not get around to all of my ideas. If I do I am going to be a very busy girl!
When I see blogs about Korea it seems like everyone does the same thing. They talk about their school, their apartment, Korean food, tourist attractions, etc. I'm trying to come up with some things that I haven't seen 1000 videos about already. There will be a lot of the typical things, but also some less talked about topics. I'm going to work hard to think of some ideas.
I'm not sure what direction I want to take after I leave Korea. My Visa is for 1 year. I could end up staying 2 years if I really enjoy it this time around. I don't know how long I will continue to write after coming back home. There will probably come a point where I will stop posting and leave the blog up for information purposes. I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
D-24!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Documents for E-2 Visa
These are the documents that you will send to South Korea to receive a Visa Issuance Number (Hagwons)(Not Public School)
What documents do you need to apply for an E-2 Visa?
(US Applicants working for private academy (not public school)
1. Notarized Copy of your diploma that has an apostille attached to it. (This apostille comes from the Secretary of State in your state)
2. Criminal Background check from the FBI with apostille (This apostille comes from the US Dept of State)
3. Medical Form
4. Copy of info page from passport (the page with signature and picture)
5. 2 passport size (2x2) photos
6. 1 set of transcripts that are sealed
7. Resume
8. Copy of employment contract
I ordered my diploma near the end of November and it arrived quickly due to being so close to graduation. Last time I sent in my original diploma and they kept it so I had to order a new one.
I got my diploma notarized on December 30 at my bank. I wrote up an affidavit for the notary to sign. Then I mailed it off on the same day to the secretary of state in South Carolina (where I live). The cost $2. The apostille was dated January 2nd and I received it in the mail on Monday January 6th. Total time: 7 days
Next I ordered my Criminal background check from the FBI. I had to go get fingerprints at a local police office and then mail off the application and a money order for $18 to the FBI office. I mailed it off on December 6. It arrived at my house on January 29. Total time: 7 weeks and 5 days from the day I mailed it off.
I mailed off my cbc for an apostille on January 31. I used 2 day flat rate priority mail for there and back. The Flat rate letter is $5.70. The apostille costs $8.00. I sent that by money order. I got it back on February 18th Total time: 18 days (there was a delay due to a big stow storm. My 2 day priority mail was more like 6 days)
Total time to get all of my documents: 3 months
What documents do you need to apply for an E-2 Visa?
(US Applicants working for private academy (not public school)
1. Notarized Copy of your diploma that has an apostille attached to it. (This apostille comes from the Secretary of State in your state)
2. Criminal Background check from the FBI with apostille (This apostille comes from the US Dept of State)
3. Medical Form
4. Copy of info page from passport (the page with signature and picture)
5. 2 passport size (2x2) photos
6. 1 set of transcripts that are sealed
7. Resume
8. Copy of employment contract
I ordered my diploma near the end of November and it arrived quickly due to being so close to graduation. Last time I sent in my original diploma and they kept it so I had to order a new one.
I got my diploma notarized on December 30 at my bank. I wrote up an affidavit for the notary to sign. Then I mailed it off on the same day to the secretary of state in South Carolina (where I live). The cost $2. The apostille was dated January 2nd and I received it in the mail on Monday January 6th. Total time: 7 days
Next I ordered my Criminal background check from the FBI. I had to go get fingerprints at a local police office and then mail off the application and a money order for $18 to the FBI office. I mailed it off on December 6. It arrived at my house on January 29. Total time: 7 weeks and 5 days from the day I mailed it off.
I mailed off my cbc for an apostille on January 31. I used 2 day flat rate priority mail for there and back. The Flat rate letter is $5.70. The apostille costs $8.00. I sent that by money order. I got it back on February 18th Total time: 18 days (there was a delay due to a big stow storm. My 2 day priority mail was more like 6 days)
Total time to get all of my documents: 3 months
How much did the documents cost:
Cost for Diploma: $25
Apostille (Diploma) $4 (I got 2 copies just in case)
Passport pictures: $0 (I did them myself with a digital camera and printer)
Passport pictures: $0 (I did them myself with a digital camera and printer)
CBC $18
Priority mail for apostille: $5.70 (x2)
apostille (CBC) $8
UPS documents to Korea $65
Total Cost=123.40
After my school submitted my documents to Immigration it took less than a week for my Visa to be approved.
Total Cost=123.40
After my school submitted my documents to Immigration it took less than a week for my Visa to be approved.
Thursday, April 17, 2014
South Korea blocks adultery website
1000th post!!!
Read the full story here: http://news.yahoo.com/south-korea-blocks-ashley-madison-adultery-website-014747275.html
South Korea has blocked "Ashley Madison" which is a popular adultery site. The site's motto is "Life is Short. Have an Affair".
The site was just launched last month in Korea and over 50,000 people joined in the first week. Now the government has blocked the site because it goes against family values because adultery is a crime.
In South Korea a person can go to prison for up to two years for having an affair. 216 people went to prison in 2004. In 2008, there were only 42.
In 2011, a Christian pastor was given an 18 month sentence for adultery. He had an affair with a woman that he performed a wedding for.
__________________
I wonder why they even let the site launch and get 50,000 members before deciding to shut it down. Why not just block it from the beginning?
People will still find a way to commit adultery. There's always Craigslist.
It would be interesting to see the statistics on how many people went to prison each year because of adultery. I didn't even know it was a crime in South Korea.
South Korea is such a conservative country. I find it odd how they crack down on an adultery website, but not on prostitution. Everyone knows where the red-light districts are, but it doesn't seem like anyone is cracking down on them.
FYI: Korea also blocks porn websites.
Read the full story here: http://news.yahoo.com/south-korea-blocks-ashley-madison-adultery-website-014747275.html
South Korea has blocked "Ashley Madison" which is a popular adultery site. The site's motto is "Life is Short. Have an Affair".
The site was just launched last month in Korea and over 50,000 people joined in the first week. Now the government has blocked the site because it goes against family values because adultery is a crime.
In South Korea a person can go to prison for up to two years for having an affair. 216 people went to prison in 2004. In 2008, there were only 42.
In 2011, a Christian pastor was given an 18 month sentence for adultery. He had an affair with a woman that he performed a wedding for.
__________________
I wonder why they even let the site launch and get 50,000 members before deciding to shut it down. Why not just block it from the beginning?
People will still find a way to commit adultery. There's always Craigslist.
It would be interesting to see the statistics on how many people went to prison each year because of adultery. I didn't even know it was a crime in South Korea.
South Korea is such a conservative country. I find it odd how they crack down on an adultery website, but not on prostitution. Everyone knows where the red-light districts are, but it doesn't seem like anyone is cracking down on them.
FYI: Korea also blocks porn websites.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Music Video: Sihwan Park "I Just Loved You"
This is my 999th post!
Sihwan Park was the runner up on "Superstar K5". He debuted in 2014.
This video is very creative. They recorded the videos using the iphones. The iphone has great video quality! It was neat how they kept rearranging them.I haven't seen that done before. I also like the song. Sihwan has a great voice.
Sihwan Park was the runner up on "Superstar K5". He debuted in 2014.
This video is very creative. They recorded the videos using the iphones. The iphone has great video quality! It was neat how they kept rearranging them.I haven't seen that done before. I also like the song. Sihwan has a great voice.
Friday, April 11, 2014
**Music Video: 2Bic "Love Game"
I love this song. I have been listening to it over and over. Their voices are amazing!!
If I was the guy I wouldn't wait as long as he did!
If I was the guy I wouldn't wait as long as he did!
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
**Music Video: High4, IU "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms" (English Subtitles)
It seems like a new girl/boy band debuts every week! High4 is collaborating with IU for their debut.
High4
Debut: 2014
Members: Kim Sung Gu, Alex, Baek Myung Han, and Yun Young Jun.
This is a cute video. I really like this song! The song has a nice soft sound. I can relate to the song. You are alone while watching everyone else falling in love.
High4
Debut: 2014
Members: Kim Sung Gu, Alex, Baek Myung Han, and Yun Young Jun.
This is a cute video. I really like this song! The song has a nice soft sound. I can relate to the song. You are alone while watching everyone else falling in love.
Music Video: Eric Nam "Ooh Ooh"
(Featuring Hoya of Infinite)
Eric Nam is so cute. All these cute pop stars are so young! He is 25 and originally from America.
This is a cool video. I like the checkered suit. Its a great song and the video has nice effects.
Eric Nam is so cute. All these cute pop stars are so young! He is 25 and originally from America.
This is a cool video. I like the checkered suit. Its a great song and the video has nice effects.
Music Video: Eddy Kim "The Manuel" (English Subtitles)
I like this video. It has a sweet message. He has a nice voice!
Dream Concert 2014 Foreigner Ticket Info
Info: Dream Concert 2014
http://www.lottejtb.com/images/inbound_en/etc/dreamconcert.pdf
These are the ticket prices for foreigners:
(Ground)
VIP 300,000KRW (Including official essay book and official towel)
R 220,000KRW (Including official essay book)
S 180,000KRW (Ticket Only)
(2nd Floor Stand seat)
A 100,000KRW (Ticket Only)
Contact Us Page: http://www.lottejtb.net/html/contactus.php
To buy tickets you need to send this information to the link above:
If you live in Korea and would like to pay with domestic credit/debit card, we need more information. (Credit card No., its expire date, first two digits of your passwords, last seven digits of your certificate of alien registration No)
NO REFUNDS!
http://www.lottejtb.com/images/inbound_en/etc/dreamconcert.pdf
These are the ticket prices for foreigners:
(Ground)
VIP 300,000KRW (Including official essay book and official towel)
R 220,000KRW (Including official essay book)
S 180,000KRW (Ticket Only)
(2nd Floor Stand seat)
A 100,000KRW (Ticket Only)
Contact Us Page: http://www.lottejtb.net/html/contactus.php
To buy tickets you need to send this information to the link above:
- Seating Grade (VIP, R, S, A)
- Number of seats
- Full name in English
- Nationality
- Email Address
- Payment Info (Mastercard or Visa only...Card number and expiration date)
If you live in Korea and would like to pay with domestic credit/debit card, we need more information. (Credit card No., its expire date, first two digits of your passwords, last seven digits of your certificate of alien registration No)
NO REFUNDS!
- You cannot designate a specific seat in advance, it’s a first come first serve basis. (VIP & R: First order/pay first serve basis)
- We are also waiting for the seating plan at the moment.
- After having booked ticket, we will send you the receipt.
- After we get the actual seating plan, we will send you the voucher via email.
- Please bring this voucher on the concert day at the concert venue.
- You can change this voucher to the entrance ticket.
Wow. I don't think I will be going!! The ticket costs @$100 for the general admission seats. The only group that I really want to see is UKiss. I'm not sure I have the patience to be in a stadium with screaming fans for 3+ hours.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Music Video: BTS "Just One Day" (English Subtitles)
BTS is the abbreviated version of Bangtan Boys (방탄소년단). The translation of their name is Bulletproof Boy Scouts.
Genre: Hip Hop
Debut: 2013
Members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V, Jungkook
Label: Big Hit Entertainment
The video has a nice message. The song has a nice sound and beat. They are so cute and young. The members range in age from 16-21.
Genre: Hip Hop
Debut: 2013
Members: Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Rap Monster, Jimin, V, Jungkook
Label: Big Hit Entertainment
The video has a nice message. The song has a nice sound and beat. They are so cute and young. The members range in age from 16-21.
Friday, April 4, 2014
2014 Dream Concert
The 2014 Dream Concert will be held at World Cup Stadium on June 7th.
http://www.dreamconcert.kr/
The lineup includes:
Girls’ Generation
EXO
B2ST
Kara
4Minute
B1A4
VIXX
A Pink
Girl’s Day
T-ara
U-Kiss
BTOB
Rainbow
Block B
Crayon Pop
Boys Republic
Dal Shabet
TopDogg
F.Cuz.
Speed
Got7
Tiny G
and more
I have to find out how I can attend this concert!!!!!!
http://www.dreamconcert.kr/
The lineup includes:
Girls’ Generation
EXO
B2ST
Kara
4Minute
B1A4
VIXX
A Pink
Girl’s Day
T-ara
U-Kiss
BTOB
Rainbow
Block B
Crayon Pop
Boys Republic
Dal Shabet
TopDogg
F.Cuz.
Speed
Got7
Tiny G
and more
I have to find out how I can attend this concert!!!!!!
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Music Video: NS Yoon-G "Yasisi" (English Subtitles)
Debut: 2009
Genre: Pop
NS Yoon-G is a Korean American who debuted in Korea in 2009. NS stands for 'new spirit'. Yoon-G is her stage name because she thinks her English name (Christine) is too hard for most Koreans to pronounce.
This video has a sexy concept without being too sexy. The song has a nice dance beat. I think it would be a good song to play at a night club. There was a Version A and a Version B for the teaser. I wonder if another version will be released.
Genre: Pop
NS Yoon-G is a Korean American who debuted in Korea in 2009. NS stands for 'new spirit'. Yoon-G is her stage name because she thinks her English name (Christine) is too hard for most Koreans to pronounce.
This video has a sexy concept without being too sexy. The song has a nice dance beat. I think it would be a good song to play at a night club. There was a Version A and a Version B for the teaser. I wonder if another version will be released.
Music Video: Eddy Kim "2 Years Apart" (English Subtitles)
Debut: 2014
Genre: pop
Eddy Kim was in the top 6 of "Superstar K4". He used the name Kim Jung Hwan on the show. "2 Years Apart" is about being seperated from someone you love during the mandatory 2 year military duty. The song is from his first mini-album.
I like the video. He has a nice voice. I know it has to be hard on guys who are dating and completing military service. 2 years is a long time to wait on someone.
.....I'm 10 posts away from 1,000!!!
Genre: pop
Eddy Kim was in the top 6 of "Superstar K4". He used the name Kim Jung Hwan on the show. "2 Years Apart" is about being seperated from someone you love during the mandatory 2 year military duty. The song is from his first mini-album.
I like the video. He has a nice voice. I know it has to be hard on guys who are dating and completing military service. 2 years is a long time to wait on someone.
.....I'm 10 posts away from 1,000!!!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Starting the Visa process...
It is finally becoming official
March 31st I signed my contract...
April 1st I sent off my paperwork by UPS to the school. The documents should arrive around April 7th.
Then the school will take my documents to immigration and they will approve my Visa
I may be arriving in Korea by May 19th! I'm nervous and excited at the same time
D-47
March 31st I signed my contract...
April 1st I sent off my paperwork by UPS to the school. The documents should arrive around April 7th.
Then the school will take my documents to immigration and they will approve my Visa
I may be arriving in Korea by May 19th! I'm nervous and excited at the same time
D-47
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Korean Movie: "My Girl and I" 파랑주의보
This was a cute, sweet movie!! I really liked it. It made me cry at the end.
This is a remake of the Japanese movie "Crying Out Love From the Center of the World"
Genre: Romance
Year: 2005
Length: 95 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix (with English subtitles)
Main Characters:
Song Hye-kyo as Su-eun
Cha Tae-hyun as Kim Su-ho
Song Chang-eui as Park Jong-goo
Kim Hae-sook as Su-ho's mother
Trailer:
Plot:
Su-ho and Su-eun are two teenagers who start dating. Su-ho is just an average guy and Su-eun is pretty and popular. They are madly in love and their classmates are jealous of their love. While they are dating Su-eun gets sick. Su-ho is always by her side until the end.
I don't want to give away too much....you just have to watch it for yourself. I really liked it.
This is a remake of the Japanese movie "Crying Out Love From the Center of the World"
Genre: Romance
Year: 2005
Length: 95 minutes
Where to watch: Netflix (with English subtitles)
Main Characters:
Song Hye-kyo as Su-eun
Cha Tae-hyun as Kim Su-ho
Song Chang-eui as Park Jong-goo
Kim Hae-sook as Su-ho's mother
Trailer:
Plot:
Su-ho and Su-eun are two teenagers who start dating. Su-ho is just an average guy and Su-eun is pretty and popular. They are madly in love and their classmates are jealous of their love. While they are dating Su-eun gets sick. Su-ho is always by her side until the end.
I don't want to give away too much....you just have to watch it for yourself. I really liked it.
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