No. I don't mean K Pop here but the Korean population. This is a very interesting topic for me since human makes up a country's population. And a country's population can greatly affect its economy.
I'll just make this short. Nowadays, whenever I see a pregnant immigrant woman, I think of this as this is Korea's future. It seems that this is the only most obvious alternative for the country to hopefully raise their rapidly declining population. For sure there are the other way of attracting other migrants to choose to live in Korea with the country's advanced technology and developed nation but I don't think it will be an easier one to take considering the Korean's traditional culture, plus the language. I won't be surprised why marriage immigration gets more attention nowadays. Koreans still prefer to have blood relations over totally becoming global regardless of such.
It brings me back to this funny notion that if you are an immigrant woman who doesn't have kids yet (by choice or not), you are not a productive immigrant. Literally. In my case, even though I already have a school-grader, I still have that strange feeling sometimes. That notion comes up every now and then whenever I attend some immigrant activities.
This leads me to some questions though. Korea might try to raise the population with imported spouses, but are they sure that these will produce quality future citizens. They need to educate most of these imported spouses not only with the language and culture but in raising their children.
I'll stop here. I need to go back to studying to learn the language now.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
By Country 모임 at the MC Center (Multicultural Center)
Naver translates 모임 as a meeting. That's what I thought it would be when I decided to attend. Unfortunately, Naver's definition and my own understanding turns out to be on a different page compared to the Koreans and the other people who showed up.
It turned out to be a very casual one, without much purpose but getting people sign up for the other upcoming activities. I'm not sure if the same thing happens with the other groups but it wasn't that really organized in this one.
First, in my book, a meeting should have an agenda. People should show up not just because of free food. The time, effort and funding to gather people should be maximized that it should be more beneficial not just for the people who attended but for others as well. After attending this one, I may not be that interested to do so next time. What's the point?
When I got there, they were doing some coloring. WT...okay, I think it's a good thing to do while waiting for me. hahaha...Kidding aside, I have no problem with that except that it went on until we finished the paper. In between that, there were a couple of people who dropped in to have us sign up for other upcoming activities. The staff also asked about what other programs we can suggest that we would be interested in. Someone suggested belly-dancing, a possible music class for their kids, and I even heard something about noraebang. The last one, seriously? I couldn't understand everything coz even if most of us were from the same country, I heard three different languages spoken during that meeting, not including myself who is more comfortable in English specially when I need to explain my self quickly.
Along with those topics were small individual chats between ourselves. I never got to know much coz I assume everyone knows each other and no introductions were made. I'm not sure if this the first time the the center arranged a so-called "meeting" but if it wasn't so, I won't be surprised why our group is not very much updated with the center's program. It's not just because there is a Vietnamese in the office, it's because we are not organized. If we become organized, we might have a chance for our voices be heard.
I am basically an idea person, and I don't think I can actually get some stuff going specially when it comes to people. If there's someone who is willing to come forward, I'd be willing to pitch in. The problem with my fellowmen is most of them would either just try to find job, usually as a factory worker in my current area. I only know of a few people who are actually invested on their future here. Factory work will not last long in this fast changing Korea.
I'll have to stop right here coz this topic will only lead me more to declining population, ageing population, national pension and all the other macroeconomic issues beyond my grey cells for now. I'll save these little grey cells from dissipating for the time being. Perhaps on another sunny day.
It turned out to be a very casual one, without much purpose but getting people sign up for the other upcoming activities. I'm not sure if the same thing happens with the other groups but it wasn't that really organized in this one.
First, in my book, a meeting should have an agenda. People should show up not just because of free food. The time, effort and funding to gather people should be maximized that it should be more beneficial not just for the people who attended but for others as well. After attending this one, I may not be that interested to do so next time. What's the point?
When I got there, they were doing some coloring. WT...okay, I think it's a good thing to do while waiting for me. hahaha...Kidding aside, I have no problem with that except that it went on until we finished the paper. In between that, there were a couple of people who dropped in to have us sign up for other upcoming activities. The staff also asked about what other programs we can suggest that we would be interested in. Someone suggested belly-dancing, a possible music class for their kids, and I even heard something about noraebang. The last one, seriously? I couldn't understand everything coz even if most of us were from the same country, I heard three different languages spoken during that meeting, not including myself who is more comfortable in English specially when I need to explain my self quickly.
Along with those topics were small individual chats between ourselves. I never got to know much coz I assume everyone knows each other and no introductions were made. I'm not sure if this the first time the the center arranged a so-called "meeting" but if it wasn't so, I won't be surprised why our group is not very much updated with the center's program. It's not just because there is a Vietnamese in the office, it's because we are not organized. If we become organized, we might have a chance for our voices be heard.
I am basically an idea person, and I don't think I can actually get some stuff going specially when it comes to people. If there's someone who is willing to come forward, I'd be willing to pitch in. The problem with my fellowmen is most of them would either just try to find job, usually as a factory worker in my current area. I only know of a few people who are actually invested on their future here. Factory work will not last long in this fast changing Korea.
I'll have to stop right here coz this topic will only lead me more to declining population, ageing population, national pension and all the other macroeconomic issues beyond my grey cells for now. I'll save these little grey cells from dissipating for the time being. Perhaps on another sunny day.
Getting Started Driving in Korea thru the Multicultural Center
This last week of the month had been a busy one with the driving test scheduled right after the long weekend. I had to study for the written test with all the last minute resources that I was able to get my hand on less than a week from the test date.
Let me do a backtrack on how the Driving Program in the Multicultural Center go. The program is a joint effort of the Multicultural Center, the Police Office and (maybe) some Driving School. I wasn't sure about the last one. They basically prepared us for the written test (I'm sure some people can do that alone) but for me who just keeps procrastinating, it gave me the idea how to work the licensing system and actually sit for the test.
1. Sign up for it. From what I've heard, they offer the program twice a year, during spring and fall. I'm not so sure with the latter though coz I've signed up for the spring one which I missed last year. This is pretty popular one so try to start asking about it sometime around end of February. In my case, I was curious how the program will work even though my Korean language skills still suck.
There were almost 20 people when we started on the first session but it dwindled to about a dozen on the test day.
2. Attend the lectures. It was totally in Korean and I felt like a sinking ship most of the time. Nonetheless, I was able to get some resources like books, website links, and some key points through illustrations. The policewoman who was in-charge was cool and really quite helpful. She would have inputs every now and then and they were all very practical and useful. I didn't miss any session specially the last one which was very beneficial for me. Seeing that I could hardly understand the mock test they had in Korean, the policewoman lent me the latest test book reviewer, and taught me how to find other English resources from the Korean website.
They also had has do the paperwork ahead during those lecture sessions: filling up the all-K forms, submitting copies of other documents like passport and ACR, as well as the 3 pcs. 3x4 cm photos.
3. Show up for the test. Everyone loaded into the medium sized bus around 8:45 AM, and we headed for a 45-minute ride to the nearest licensing office.
I've done a bit of my homework and knew that the place is a bit far-off from places to eat so I had to pick up some food for my tummy, just in case. I wouldn't want to travel on an empty stomach, much less take a test. I spotted a bag of bread and tetra- packed juice which I guessed was gonna be our lunch. Both were too sweet for my throat so it was good that I was able to pick up some deokk earlier. That was enough to keep hunger at bay.
During the ride, the policewoman collected the 12,500 W from everyone which I think should cover the application fee but I found out later that it is only about 7,500. I guess the remaining one was to cover the tour bus ride and snacks which was not so bad coz I wouldn't be able to figure out how to get there in the first place on my own without a lot of stress. At least, with this one, I got the ride, and someone to guide us inside.
So what was the process like? A chart is available on their website. That should give one an overview of the process. But it is slightly different on-site.
1. We filled up a half-A4 sheet form, along with the ACR card. We also needed to some digital fingerprinting to get a temporary card for the process which sucks because of my sweaty hands.
2. Next is the health check area, which also doubles as photo corner if you need one. Give the lady the temp card and the official application form while lining up. The health check is basically a simple eye check. We were made to read numbers only to my relief upon seeing the Snellen chart without any English letters. ;)
3. We were told to head up to the third floor to watch the hour-long video. Each had to swipe the temp card and do the digital fingerprint before and after the video. Before the video started, the staff asked if we would want foreign subtitle. I asked for an English one but she fumbled with the disc and ended up not being able to get it running and had the all-K one instead. The use of temporary card ends here.
4. After the video, it's time to get to the computer testing room. We waited for our names to be called and that is when I started to feel slightly a bit nervous. My name was called, I handed my application form and ACR card for double checking before I was assigned a seat number. I got 42 which was on the last row. The seats were all well spaced and the seat was not really very comfortable but on with test.
There was a preliminary explanation on how to work the screen using the mouse. But first was to input the test taker number, which is your seat number. All one had to do was read, choose and click. The testing time is 50 minutes but 20 to 30 minutes should be enough to breeze through it. I finish the last question with plenty of time still on my clock so I chose to go back to some questions I wasn't sure of. One of the proctors came up to me and told me that I'm already done. But I said that I still have time and want to go over some part still (all in my faulty Korean.) She didn't look quite happy but she backed off. I hit END around after 35 minutes I started. I could have stayed on until 50 minutes but I figured I might just actually be tempted to change a lot of answers and end up getting more mistakes. Plus, there were still a few more people in line and I'm getting hungry.
I hit the END and my test score popped up. Not so bad. I passed anyway. Not everyone did. They stamped "passed" on my application as the lady handed it back to me and off I go. I can now return the reviewer book to the nice policewoman. Everyone wanted to know the result when I got out. Now that I look back to it, I should have pulled a prank at first and pretended to have failed.
Before we got too noisy waiting outside for the rest to finish, we were herded downstairs and given our snacks-cum-lunch. I took my chance to roam the area a bit, checked out the bus stop for my future on-my-own trip.
The next part was the Basic Driving Skills Test. About ten was left behind to take that since most of us are not ready for that. I just tagged along as they line up and pay. I have to know as much as I can as to which window to pay, how much, etc. so I can do it on my own next time if ever.
So what did I learn about this program? This would basically just assist the foreign married immigrant access to learning to get the driver's license. If you are a total newbie like me, with limited Korean language, the lectures itself didn't help much. One has to do his own studying in order to pass the written test. This won't also cover the actual hands-on experience. Either you do it on your own with someone who has been driving legally for at least 2 years or sign up at a private driving schools before you take the test.
It did give me a way to find out what options I have and how I can possibly navigate the Korean system of acquiring a driver's license in case my husband will not be very willing to help me. I have now a better understanding of the next steps I should take when I'm ready. I'll have to find the right academy, learn the hands-on basics and rack up enough hours on the road. In order to prepare for that, I can learn the basic facts and tips online and youtube so I'll be more ready when I actually sit behind the wheel. This time, it's not just studying for the written test anymore. It will need practical know-how and skills.
Driving school seem to be the most obvious way to get the license but I won't guarantee that since I've met some who had already done that but still couldn't get past the written test. I'm taking it one step at time. I will now have to prep for the hands-on part.
Hopefully, I will be able to complete these before my written test result expire by next year. My target is to do this around this fall. Crossing my fingers!
Let me do a backtrack on how the Driving Program in the Multicultural Center go. The program is a joint effort of the Multicultural Center, the Police Office and (maybe) some Driving School. I wasn't sure about the last one. They basically prepared us for the written test (I'm sure some people can do that alone) but for me who just keeps procrastinating, it gave me the idea how to work the licensing system and actually sit for the test.
1. Sign up for it. From what I've heard, they offer the program twice a year, during spring and fall. I'm not so sure with the latter though coz I've signed up for the spring one which I missed last year. This is pretty popular one so try to start asking about it sometime around end of February. In my case, I was curious how the program will work even though my Korean language skills still suck.
There were almost 20 people when we started on the first session but it dwindled to about a dozen on the test day.
2. Attend the lectures. It was totally in Korean and I felt like a sinking ship most of the time. Nonetheless, I was able to get some resources like books, website links, and some key points through illustrations. The policewoman who was in-charge was cool and really quite helpful. She would have inputs every now and then and they were all very practical and useful. I didn't miss any session specially the last one which was very beneficial for me. Seeing that I could hardly understand the mock test they had in Korean, the policewoman lent me the latest test book reviewer, and taught me how to find other English resources from the Korean website.
They also had has do the paperwork ahead during those lecture sessions: filling up the all-K forms, submitting copies of other documents like passport and ACR, as well as the 3 pcs. 3x4 cm photos.
3. Show up for the test. Everyone loaded into the medium sized bus around 8:45 AM, and we headed for a 45-minute ride to the nearest licensing office.
I've done a bit of my homework and knew that the place is a bit far-off from places to eat so I had to pick up some food for my tummy, just in case. I wouldn't want to travel on an empty stomach, much less take a test. I spotted a bag of bread and tetra- packed juice which I guessed was gonna be our lunch. Both were too sweet for my throat so it was good that I was able to pick up some deokk earlier. That was enough to keep hunger at bay.
During the ride, the policewoman collected the 12,500 W from everyone which I think should cover the application fee but I found out later that it is only about 7,500. I guess the remaining one was to cover the tour bus ride and snacks which was not so bad coz I wouldn't be able to figure out how to get there in the first place on my own without a lot of stress. At least, with this one, I got the ride, and someone to guide us inside.
So what was the process like? A chart is available on their website. That should give one an overview of the process. But it is slightly different on-site.
1. We filled up a half-A4 sheet form, along with the ACR card. We also needed to some digital fingerprinting to get a temporary card for the process which sucks because of my sweaty hands.
2. Next is the health check area, which also doubles as photo corner if you need one. Give the lady the temp card and the official application form while lining up. The health check is basically a simple eye check. We were made to read numbers only to my relief upon seeing the Snellen chart without any English letters. ;)
3. We were told to head up to the third floor to watch the hour-long video. Each had to swipe the temp card and do the digital fingerprint before and after the video. Before the video started, the staff asked if we would want foreign subtitle. I asked for an English one but she fumbled with the disc and ended up not being able to get it running and had the all-K one instead. The use of temporary card ends here.
4. After the video, it's time to get to the computer testing room. We waited for our names to be called and that is when I started to feel slightly a bit nervous. My name was called, I handed my application form and ACR card for double checking before I was assigned a seat number. I got 42 which was on the last row. The seats were all well spaced and the seat was not really very comfortable but on with test.
There was a preliminary explanation on how to work the screen using the mouse. But first was to input the test taker number, which is your seat number. All one had to do was read, choose and click. The testing time is 50 minutes but 20 to 30 minutes should be enough to breeze through it. I finish the last question with plenty of time still on my clock so I chose to go back to some questions I wasn't sure of. One of the proctors came up to me and told me that I'm already done. But I said that I still have time and want to go over some part still (all in my faulty Korean.) She didn't look quite happy but she backed off. I hit END around after 35 minutes I started. I could have stayed on until 50 minutes but I figured I might just actually be tempted to change a lot of answers and end up getting more mistakes. Plus, there were still a few more people in line and I'm getting hungry.
I hit the END and my test score popped up. Not so bad. I passed anyway. Not everyone did. They stamped "passed" on my application as the lady handed it back to me and off I go. I can now return the reviewer book to the nice policewoman. Everyone wanted to know the result when I got out. Now that I look back to it, I should have pulled a prank at first and pretended to have failed.
Before we got too noisy waiting outside for the rest to finish, we were herded downstairs and given our snacks-cum-lunch. I took my chance to roam the area a bit, checked out the bus stop for my future on-my-own trip.
The next part was the Basic Driving Skills Test. About ten was left behind to take that since most of us are not ready for that. I just tagged along as they line up and pay. I have to know as much as I can as to which window to pay, how much, etc. so I can do it on my own next time if ever.
So what did I learn about this program? This would basically just assist the foreign married immigrant access to learning to get the driver's license. If you are a total newbie like me, with limited Korean language, the lectures itself didn't help much. One has to do his own studying in order to pass the written test. This won't also cover the actual hands-on experience. Either you do it on your own with someone who has been driving legally for at least 2 years or sign up at a private driving schools before you take the test.
It did give me a way to find out what options I have and how I can possibly navigate the Korean system of acquiring a driver's license in case my husband will not be very willing to help me. I have now a better understanding of the next steps I should take when I'm ready. I'll have to find the right academy, learn the hands-on basics and rack up enough hours on the road. In order to prepare for that, I can learn the basic facts and tips online and youtube so I'll be more ready when I actually sit behind the wheel. This time, it's not just studying for the written test anymore. It will need practical know-how and skills.
Driving school seem to be the most obvious way to get the license but I won't guarantee that since I've met some who had already done that but still couldn't get past the written test. I'm taking it one step at time. I will now have to prep for the hands-on part.
Monday, May 25, 2015
May Reflections: Subway Sandwich, Yoga Recovery Time: Shorter
There's finally a Subway Sandwich branch in this far off town! I don't have to go far to Cheonan to get my sandwiches. It seems they have just opened last week. I grabbed our dinner from there last night and the place is pretty cool to hang out in one of these days. They open from 8am to 11pm and it's very near my favorite bus stop. I have other alternatives now aside from Kimbap Nara, and Bongouse for my quick bites whenever I need some food downtown.
I might just be able to try out all the different sauces soon. I tried the red vinegar along with the sweet onion last and it wasn't bad. I've tried the honey mustard before and it was pretty hot for my taste. It didn't work well with my usual choice of tuna or vegies. Perhaps, I should try that with some chicken next time. I may have to try to find recommendations somewhere. I'm like doing this blindly tasting whatever name that fancies me. I would like to try the barbeque maybe.
Now to make things equal after the food subject, I move on to exercise. Ever since I started going to yoga classes, I've been doing my stretches more often than before. My recovery time after a class is now down to one day compared to the almost three days when I first started early this year.
This month had been a bit irregular for me then coz of other stuff I had to go to. I had no choice but to skip the Wednesday class. Let's see how I fare next week when I'm back to my regular twice-a-week schedule.
That's it for now. I still have some unfinished business to do for tomorrow.
I might just be able to try out all the different sauces soon. I tried the red vinegar along with the sweet onion last and it wasn't bad. I've tried the honey mustard before and it was pretty hot for my taste. It didn't work well with my usual choice of tuna or vegies. Perhaps, I should try that with some chicken next time. I may have to try to find recommendations somewhere. I'm like doing this blindly tasting whatever name that fancies me. I would like to try the barbeque maybe.
Now to make things equal after the food subject, I move on to exercise. Ever since I started going to yoga classes, I've been doing my stretches more often than before. My recovery time after a class is now down to one day compared to the almost three days when I first started early this year.
This month had been a bit irregular for me then coz of other stuff I had to go to. I had no choice but to skip the Wednesday class. Let's see how I fare next week when I'm back to my regular twice-a-week schedule.
That's it for now. I still have some unfinished business to do for tomorrow.
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