TEACHER KOREAN!!!

Backstory:
One of the first challenges an ESL teacher faces is that of getting his students to stop speaking their native language in class. This is especially important if the teacher himself does not speak the language. The best way for an inexperienced teacher to accomplish this task is through a rewards system. At the elementary [...]

Sinchon Dentist

I went to the dentist this week for my first ever dental scaling, which I was surprised to find was quite different from a cleaning. The mint-flavored polish and manual scraping I’d grown accustomed to have been replaced by an ultrasonic drill and a tube gushing ‘bad water’ into my mouth. I chose Beautiful Smile [...]

You come and go

I took a taxi to my gig last night because my fashionable lateness was nearing downright rudeness, though it ultimately garnered a simple wtf!?! from a couple of the members. Truth is, I was on the other side of the city having dinner with a bunch of waegooks, playing pool (aka pocket ball), chatting it [...]

Nagwon Arcade

I realized today that my blog is the number one authority for information relating to Nagwon Arcade, according to Google at least. Thus I feel I should provide some useful information.
Nagwon is a giant music mall located in Central Seoul and containing over 200 stores that sell instruments and recording gear of all varieties. Many [...]

What do Koreans want for Valentine’s Day?

After a few weeks on hiatus, I’ve resumed reading the daily metro newspaper. I’m getting better and was able to comprehend close to fifty percent of my focus article today.
The fact is that nobody knows anything about most of the St. Valentines other than their names, and the celebration has pagan roots. The whole [...]

Another piece of Korean history burned to ashes

What a tragedy…
Last night some ajosshi bum burned down Namdaemun, the 600 year old wooden gate which marked the south border of the old city.
There are a ton of photos out in the media.
This one was snatched from the Korea Herald website.

Here’s a historical photo tribute
which links to what are possibly the most striking shots
coming [...]

Primaries Schmimaries

I’ve been paying close attention to US politics lately, or at least the freakfest that is primary season.
On the GOP side, I’ve been disgusted by the ignorance/religious exploitation of Huckabee as well as the inconsistencies of Romney and McCain and their futile/petty arguments.
I’ve found Ron Paul’s message refreshing and enjoy hearing him talk, but kind [...]