MY Personal feeling about the True meaning of English Academies in Korea
I have worked at MLS in the Kyungsungdae University District for 2 months now. I am now slowly learning to regret it yet again. Unfortunately I have regretted coming to Korea in the first place simply because my teaching career isn't what I want it to be and furthermore teaching in general isn't what its all cracked up to be.
My situation is simple. I work part time and I get part time pay. I do my best and I do everything that is stipulated by my official contract. I am not a Teacher not a Businessman. I am paid for my service to the school and I have a life outside of work. That is only a view that Americans hold. Why should a company have the key to my life?
I gave my boss a few hours of my free time to help her try to "lure" more students. The only reward I hoped for out of this was getting a chance to teach more hours. I don't know being married and only being able to contribute 800 dollars a month to our marital fund sounds pretty bad to me. I wanted my boss to just say Thank you and APPRECIATE my help. Appreciation is a word that I don't think Koreans can comprehend.
As an American I think that I go to work and I get paid that's expected. I also feel that their is actual appreciation for what I have done whatever it may be. I don't want a pat on the back, I don't want to hear a insincere Thank you all I want is to be understood.
I don't give a shit about how well the company is doing. Simple math folks. I have 3 students... They pay 170 each for my class. That's less than my pay. Is it my problem? I don't think so. Well, when bad news hits the office point to the foreigner.
I don't party, I don't show up late, I don't owe people money, I don't gamble, I try to prepare more and give more than my all. But enough is enough I was lead by my boss that she would be someone different. I thought she and I were a compatible duo and finally after waiting nearly 3 years I had found an easy fit. I was sorely wrong. I am now going to work tomorrow evening and I will sign a new contract. My new contract will be effective through December and maybe January. Why am I deciding to work for her and not take a new job?
3 reasons
1). I don't have anything lined up yet and even if I did I don't want to teach kids anymore and frankly that's all there is at the moment here in Korea.
2). There is an infinite supply of Foreigners unfortunately too many and they are all coming for the grand adventure of earning 2. something WON WON WON per month. I want to grab the nearest bag and puke.
3. I am not a quitter. This means that I will give my boss a chance to change her mind and hopefully make something work out. In my mind I have already given up on the notion of working happily in Korea. Its definitely not worth the airplane ticket I spent to get to this country.
Well there's to giving it all. Let me know what you think I am curious. This is the bad news that I got last Friday and Thanks to my "wonderful" boss it made me really question WHY THE Hell I am doing teaching in Korea. I want to start a career I don't want to listen to babble talk or Baloney and dub it English nor to I want to play office politics in a language that I can't understand or in a culture whose values are too steep and way too rigid to bed to a more realistic practical view of English. 1. to simply come and learn English not to play games. Lastly, to put the money where your mouth is and quit preaching about how there isn't enough money.
You are talking to someone who makes very little and isn't interested about hearing how bad The big Boss head honcho has it. Life's always cozier at the top right?
Well that's enough rants for today Thanks for reading :)
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Winter's Haven
There are 3 Seasons in Korea. Very Hot for 3 months Very Cold for 3 months maybe 4 and normal nearly perfect weather for 6 months. Of course they are spaced in between each other so its hot-perfect-cold-perfect but there really is no difference between Fall and Spring.
Its the onset of winter and unlike the crackling of a nice warm fire, dark nights, a shortened day and the howling of the wind as snow cakes itself to the windows Winter here in Busan is completely different.
The Pitter patter on my window is a huge gust of wind icy to the touch but there is no snow flurries or billows of powder that would make any skier go nuts. When walking outside the moon looks beautiful but there is hardly any glow. There are no stars in the sky here in Busan. I am not sure why that's the case but whatever the reason may be there are no wishes to be made.
Its definitely winter when I am cooped up in the house with nothing much to do other than read or watch TV. here is a few announcements and updates.
1). Its cloudy out which is a typical winter scene in Busan. Cloudy yet really cold. Sadly, I am pondering What should I do when I am bored? Reading, Writing Trivial posts and Watching TV are slowly gutting me. I do need something else believe it or not.
2. My wife has spent the last 3 days in Gumi her hometown which gave me a chance to relax a little and just focus on me but I wasted it away walking around the house.
3. I start work here soon in about 2 hours. I am not excited at all. I have to talk to my boss about "contract Malarkey and I think I need another change of venue yet again.
I hope that this post in all its infinite space stirs up some thoughts with anyone out there. I wish I could go to Japan sooner and I wish I had something else going on but alas here I am waiting for my Thunder.
Its the onset of winter and unlike the crackling of a nice warm fire, dark nights, a shortened day and the howling of the wind as snow cakes itself to the windows Winter here in Busan is completely different.
The Pitter patter on my window is a huge gust of wind icy to the touch but there is no snow flurries or billows of powder that would make any skier go nuts. When walking outside the moon looks beautiful but there is hardly any glow. There are no stars in the sky here in Busan. I am not sure why that's the case but whatever the reason may be there are no wishes to be made.
Its definitely winter when I am cooped up in the house with nothing much to do other than read or watch TV. here is a few announcements and updates.
1). Its cloudy out which is a typical winter scene in Busan. Cloudy yet really cold. Sadly, I am pondering What should I do when I am bored? Reading, Writing Trivial posts and Watching TV are slowly gutting me. I do need something else believe it or not.
2. My wife has spent the last 3 days in Gumi her hometown which gave me a chance to relax a little and just focus on me but I wasted it away walking around the house.
3. I start work here soon in about 2 hours. I am not excited at all. I have to talk to my boss about "contract Malarkey and I think I need another change of venue yet again.
I hope that this post in all its infinite space stirs up some thoughts with anyone out there. I wish I could go to Japan sooner and I wish I had something else going on but alas here I am waiting for my Thunder.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Closure of Piff
Pusan International Film Festival is an event that happens each year. This year the dates of the festival were October 7th thru the 15th. I was able to see 2 movies in Centum City and tour the beach at Haeundae. The other location that I didn't get to hit up this year was at Nampo-dong. Here is the center stage of PIFF and were over the course of the year Food Stands selling Duck bokki, Sundae, and other assorted Korean snacks occur. the proceeds help fund PIFF and all the directors, actors, and other VIP assembled people put on this event. I haven't decided if this year was my last PIFF or if I will go to the next one in 2011.
There are many different colors I had hoped to capture most of them.
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| Movie Ticket! |
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| for me and my wife! |
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| Erratum-A Polish film it was alright a little bit too serious |
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| Scene from the movie |
Weekly Ramblings
Is it not the job of a blogger to keep readers posted even when nothing seems to be going on? I am happy that some of my postings have been well taken lately. I am always trying to paint a fresh picture into the minds of my readers and currently I am also exploring the depths of others in order to get a better more insightful view of details about Korea, Life and trivialities in general.
Apparently I have a holiday tomorrow. I am supposed to work 20 days a month and last month I worked 16 which included the 1st of this month. My boss must be behind schedule as she gave me a day off even though I don't technically deserve one nor want or require one. I am working 2 hours at an Academy that isn't as esteemed as I thought it was. Unfortunately I am teaching less than 6 students and that isn't very good business if you are my boss. Truth be told I work 40 hours a month and make 800 bones. If anyone really cares.
In America no one asks about your salary and how much you make but here it might as well be a label on your t-shirt. I never would even think of peeking at my dads pay stub growing up...once I did and I couldn't understand all the numbers... pension fund, taxes for this and that etc. etc.
I decided to help my boss this week. I gave her 2 days of volunteer work. A little spree that I did where all I had to do was give out a flier. Piece of cake. I finally resolved my stupid book dilemma I had with her as well. ....
ok so get this...
'
If I teach at a school they should provide me with some supplies right? They should reimburse me for my educational materials and they should also train me when giving my contract right?
I bought a book because I was told to get my own material for the class. I spent 20,000won and after waiting over a month I finally got my refund. I had to volunteer two hours of my time not to mention prep time at home and travel time etc. and then I was told to take a day off which may cut me 40,000 won.
Its now Sunday I just finished working at YBM and then went to PNU (BUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY) to stay with my brother in law and visit my sister in law as well. I was planning on going the distance with MLS but due to recent events I am thinking of cutting out early. I will finish my contract at the end of November.
Bottom line about this post is simple:
Either I work 2 hours part time and make a small amount of money and thus need to find more work to support my marriage or I need to sell myself out to my boss who thinks my 2 hours of work are my life. What do you think pretty nuts a Rooney?
I have a lot more to say but unfortunately FAMILY TIME calls me.
Apparently I have a holiday tomorrow. I am supposed to work 20 days a month and last month I worked 16 which included the 1st of this month. My boss must be behind schedule as she gave me a day off even though I don't technically deserve one nor want or require one. I am working 2 hours at an Academy that isn't as esteemed as I thought it was. Unfortunately I am teaching less than 6 students and that isn't very good business if you are my boss. Truth be told I work 40 hours a month and make 800 bones. If anyone really cares.
In America no one asks about your salary and how much you make but here it might as well be a label on your t-shirt. I never would even think of peeking at my dads pay stub growing up...once I did and I couldn't understand all the numbers... pension fund, taxes for this and that etc. etc.
I decided to help my boss this week. I gave her 2 days of volunteer work. A little spree that I did where all I had to do was give out a flier. Piece of cake. I finally resolved my stupid book dilemma I had with her as well. ....
ok so get this...
'
If I teach at a school they should provide me with some supplies right? They should reimburse me for my educational materials and they should also train me when giving my contract right?
I bought a book because I was told to get my own material for the class. I spent 20,000won and after waiting over a month I finally got my refund. I had to volunteer two hours of my time not to mention prep time at home and travel time etc. and then I was told to take a day off which may cut me 40,000 won.
Its now Sunday I just finished working at YBM and then went to PNU (BUSAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY) to stay with my brother in law and visit my sister in law as well. I was planning on going the distance with MLS but due to recent events I am thinking of cutting out early. I will finish my contract at the end of November.
Bottom line about this post is simple:
Either I work 2 hours part time and make a small amount of money and thus need to find more work to support my marriage or I need to sell myself out to my boss who thinks my 2 hours of work are my life. What do you think pretty nuts a Rooney?
I have a lot more to say but unfortunately FAMILY TIME calls me.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
25 Random Things...and then some
Looking over old notes that I posted on FACEBOOK over a year ago I found an interesting old note that I will attach here and update it accordingly
February 22nd, 2009 Sunday
1. I am living in Korea now for the second time in my life. I am working in Busan teaching Hangooks how to speak English
2. I am going to get married to my Korean girlfriend in December and need to find a way to get a lot of money.
3. I am officially 25 years old in September but my age is 27 to my girlfriends family and 26 to all of Korea. Sometimes I don’t understand why they count your first day of your life as 1 year old.
4. I am trying to write a book and hope to be a published author someday.
5. I ate Chicken intestine called Dak dong Jib=chicken shit house is the literal translation. I did this with my student and she and I had 5 pitchers of beer. I was a little sick but managed to do well. I will teach them tomorrow so I hope that they say I am still ok.
6. my students are taking me out to eat or drink or both. I love them, not because of this but because they actually talk to me. All the Korean Women teachers like me a lot^^
7. I am currently planning on staying here for 3 years because of my gf, economy, job, and future outlooks. I can’t work this type of job back home unfortunately.
8. I am living in a studio with free internet because its wireless but slow, there is no tv, and nothing good in my house.
9. My gf wants me to BUY a house. Stressed out
10. I miss Missoula and everything that is there. Food For Thought, oval walking, Mount Sentinel, and all the good things that happened to me in my 4 year tenure.
11. I was once a runner and used to be able to run fairly decently.
12. I almost died when I was born. So I had CPR performed on me and not many people I know can say that. I actually don’t talk about it much.
13. I really want to find a way to rid the world of Prejudice.
14. I miss Depot nights with my 3 best friends
15. I met my girlfriends father and he said I was brave for entering his house. I am confident but still in shock for meeting my in-laws. Its just a little intimidating. I didn’t give him a heart attack yet.
16. I love her family so much. She has great brother, a sister, and wonderful niece and nephew. I played with her nephew so much.
17. I want to become boss, and a professor here at YBM or at the University systems in Busan and or in Seoul. I want this in 3 years.
18. Im living in Fast Forward and excited for future possibilities. I just hope that I am not restricted to just Korea.
19. I am 80% English and Norweigan the rest I don’t care.
20. I used to drink a lot in College but now I don’t drink much anymore
21. I like all music especially Reggae, Rock and Classic (old hits)
22. I am now talking and using the expression “your generation” when addressing younger folks.
23. I am the youngest person in the school I think. My students are mostly older than me but I know English . but I feel old.
24. I am a blogger, mad emailer, and worry a lot.
25. I want to hear from anyone but I think everyone is too busy now. I like this 25 random posting.
TODAY OCTOBER 18th, 2010
1. I am living in Gwangan Busan in South Korea working as an English Teacher
2. I was born on September 15th, 1984 in a log cabin in Somers Montana. This cabin is now on the historical registry. 9530 days ago actually....
3. I have a younger brother living in Loss Angeles doing some acting.
4). I have 1 uncle 4 aunts, and 16 cousins on my dads side and I have 3 uncles and 7 cousins on my moms side.
5). I met my great grandmother (mothers fathers side) and my great grandparents mothers mother side and my great grandfather fathers father
6. I am happy to say that I have a friend on every continent. I have met someone from Ghana Africa, many places in Europe like France, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Norway many people from Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
7. I have worked and lived abroad since June of 2007 and only went back home for 4 months August-December of 2008 and a 3 week break in January 2010. I am looking forward to going back home.
8. I have taught all age groups in Korea including 4year old elementary middle high school, university and company workers.
9. I love National Geographic and would do anything to get a job with them and save me from the bullshit of teaching. I don't enjoy teaching it hasn't been rewarding for me. Sadly enough.
10. I love Blogging, meeting new people and I am very committed to making relationships work out. The only thing I like about Korean manners is saving face.
11. I have an interest in Photography, writing, and am hoping to write a book still.
12. The Mybi Transportation card is the greatest debit card ever in Korea.
13. I like Happy Point as well. This allow me to save points when buying Coffee at Dunkin Donuts.
14. While I fight with my wife all too frequently I love her very much. She makes me a better person and we are good for each other. WE have been married for 324 days, dated since 1214 days ago and are enjoying our time together
15. We met at my first Academy. YALE Academy in Gumi, Korea. She was my first true girlfriend since no girl liked me in college. All the women I met here are shocked by this and frankly so am I. I am handsome enough not necessarily the model playboy sort but something I would have thought wouldn't be passed by.
16. PIFF Pusan International Film Festival is one of my favorite Events here.
17. Gwangan Beach is where I live now, Nampo-dong is where I work at YBM now usually only on Saturdays, and I work at Kyungsung University area at MLS 2 hours a week teaching middle school students. I need more work actually, but I would rather return back to school. PNU is one of my favorite areas as well.
18. Brett Farve and the Vikings are my favorite Sports TEAM. I always liked Brett even though he played for GB. I learned over here that you shouldn't hate someone simply because they are better than you or may even burn you especially when you will never meet them.
19. I always listen when people are talking to me and can give good advice. I love helping people solve problems from A-Z.
20. I like traveling because I wanted to learn more about myself.
21. I have 2 best friends from my Kindergarden days! CALEB and James I have 3 best friends from high school that were all football players and probably hated me because I was a skinny cross country runner in high school. We all would go to the Depot a lot and drink during college. I miss those times and I could honestly say those were the best times of my life. I picked fights with them for fun. The slap wars, the insult festivals, the hooligan raids remember the firecracker night Peter? The drunk brew haha's.... debaucheries I desperately want to get back to just have a reunion at least once.
22. My ultimate dream is to fix the problems going on in my family, buy the cabin back which was started by my great grandfather and follow some traditions that the old Palmer family followed. Maybe a bit of a pipe dream
23. I used to Run Cross country and was fairly good at it. I regret quitting and I at times regret coming to Korea. Simply put, I don't like the lifestyle, the blatant hostility, prejudices, etc. I was raised to respect people not judge them.
24. I like watching M*A*S*H, Law and ORDER SVU and now my favorite show of possibly all time is 2 and a half men.
25. while I don't write people much any more or feel like I do enough I do love you all. Friend or Foe a like.
I hope you like this post I am going to start a new blog in the near future... Any title ideas any other suggestions? I hope you like this one.... Time for some sack time.
February 22nd, 2009 Sunday
1. I am living in Korea now for the second time in my life. I am working in Busan teaching Hangooks how to speak English
2. I am going to get married to my Korean girlfriend in December and need to find a way to get a lot of money.
3. I am officially 25 years old in September but my age is 27 to my girlfriends family and 26 to all of Korea. Sometimes I don’t understand why they count your first day of your life as 1 year old.
4. I am trying to write a book and hope to be a published author someday.
5. I ate Chicken intestine called Dak dong Jib=chicken shit house is the literal translation. I did this with my student and she and I had 5 pitchers of beer. I was a little sick but managed to do well. I will teach them tomorrow so I hope that they say I am still ok.
6. my students are taking me out to eat or drink or both. I love them, not because of this but because they actually talk to me. All the Korean Women teachers like me a lot^^
7. I am currently planning on staying here for 3 years because of my gf, economy, job, and future outlooks. I can’t work this type of job back home unfortunately.
8. I am living in a studio with free internet because its wireless but slow, there is no tv, and nothing good in my house.
9. My gf wants me to BUY a house. Stressed out
10. I miss Missoula and everything that is there. Food For Thought, oval walking, Mount Sentinel, and all the good things that happened to me in my 4 year tenure.
11. I was once a runner and used to be able to run fairly decently.
12. I almost died when I was born. So I had CPR performed on me and not many people I know can say that. I actually don’t talk about it much.
13. I really want to find a way to rid the world of Prejudice.
14. I miss Depot nights with my 3 best friends
15. I met my girlfriends father and he said I was brave for entering his house. I am confident but still in shock for meeting my in-laws. Its just a little intimidating. I didn’t give him a heart attack yet.
16. I love her family so much. She has great brother, a sister, and wonderful niece and nephew. I played with her nephew so much.
17. I want to become boss, and a professor here at YBM or at the University systems in Busan and or in Seoul. I want this in 3 years.
18. Im living in Fast Forward and excited for future possibilities. I just hope that I am not restricted to just Korea.
19. I am 80% English and Norweigan the rest I don’t care.
20. I used to drink a lot in College but now I don’t drink much anymore
21. I like all music especially Reggae, Rock and Classic (old hits)
22. I am now talking and using the expression “your generation” when addressing younger folks.
23. I am the youngest person in the school I think. My students are mostly older than me but I know English . but I feel old.
24. I am a blogger, mad emailer, and worry a lot.
25. I want to hear from anyone but I think everyone is too busy now. I like this 25 random posting.
TODAY OCTOBER 18th, 2010
1. I am living in Gwangan Busan in South Korea working as an English Teacher
2. I was born on September 15th, 1984 in a log cabin in Somers Montana. This cabin is now on the historical registry. 9530 days ago actually....
3. I have a younger brother living in Loss Angeles doing some acting.
4). I have 1 uncle 4 aunts, and 16 cousins on my dads side and I have 3 uncles and 7 cousins on my moms side.
5). I met my great grandmother (mothers fathers side) and my great grandparents mothers mother side and my great grandfather fathers father
6. I am happy to say that I have a friend on every continent. I have met someone from Ghana Africa, many places in Europe like France, Spain, England, Germany, Sweden and Norway many people from Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan.
7. I have worked and lived abroad since June of 2007 and only went back home for 4 months August-December of 2008 and a 3 week break in January 2010. I am looking forward to going back home.
8. I have taught all age groups in Korea including 4year old elementary middle high school, university and company workers.
9. I love National Geographic and would do anything to get a job with them and save me from the bullshit of teaching. I don't enjoy teaching it hasn't been rewarding for me. Sadly enough.
10. I love Blogging, meeting new people and I am very committed to making relationships work out. The only thing I like about Korean manners is saving face.
11. I have an interest in Photography, writing, and am hoping to write a book still.
12. The Mybi Transportation card is the greatest debit card ever in Korea.
13. I like Happy Point as well. This allow me to save points when buying Coffee at Dunkin Donuts.
14. While I fight with my wife all too frequently I love her very much. She makes me a better person and we are good for each other. WE have been married for 324 days, dated since 1214 days ago and are enjoying our time together
15. We met at my first Academy. YALE Academy in Gumi, Korea. She was my first true girlfriend since no girl liked me in college. All the women I met here are shocked by this and frankly so am I. I am handsome enough not necessarily the model playboy sort but something I would have thought wouldn't be passed by.
16. PIFF Pusan International Film Festival is one of my favorite Events here.
17. Gwangan Beach is where I live now, Nampo-dong is where I work at YBM now usually only on Saturdays, and I work at Kyungsung University area at MLS 2 hours a week teaching middle school students. I need more work actually, but I would rather return back to school. PNU is one of my favorite areas as well.
18. Brett Farve and the Vikings are my favorite Sports TEAM. I always liked Brett even though he played for GB. I learned over here that you shouldn't hate someone simply because they are better than you or may even burn you especially when you will never meet them.
19. I always listen when people are talking to me and can give good advice. I love helping people solve problems from A-Z.
20. I like traveling because I wanted to learn more about myself.
21. I have 2 best friends from my Kindergarden days! CALEB and James I have 3 best friends from high school that were all football players and probably hated me because I was a skinny cross country runner in high school. We all would go to the Depot a lot and drink during college. I miss those times and I could honestly say those were the best times of my life. I picked fights with them for fun. The slap wars, the insult festivals, the hooligan raids remember the firecracker night Peter? The drunk brew haha's.... debaucheries I desperately want to get back to just have a reunion at least once.
22. My ultimate dream is to fix the problems going on in my family, buy the cabin back which was started by my great grandfather and follow some traditions that the old Palmer family followed. Maybe a bit of a pipe dream
23. I used to Run Cross country and was fairly good at it. I regret quitting and I at times regret coming to Korea. Simply put, I don't like the lifestyle, the blatant hostility, prejudices, etc. I was raised to respect people not judge them.
24. I like watching M*A*S*H, Law and ORDER SVU and now my favorite show of possibly all time is 2 and a half men.
25. while I don't write people much any more or feel like I do enough I do love you all. Friend or Foe a like.
I hope you like this post I am going to start a new blog in the near future... Any title ideas any other suggestions? I hope you like this one.... Time for some sack time.
Monday, October 18, 2010
What are Friends For and an Update
This post has a lot of pictures and hopefully a lot of information I hope you find it interesting since I took maybe 3 days to write it up. my adventure starts with a trip to NAMPO!  |
| Nampo-dong Subway Station 111 (a new sign maybe for the PIFF festival) |
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| Used Books in an area around Kukjae Market |
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| Comic Books that my wife just loves |
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| One of my best friends Kim, Hyun Dong a restaurant owner in Nampo dong |
Whenever I meet my friend I am usually in the company of my wife. We usually have lunch at his restaurant every Saturday. He has helped me figure out a lot of problems about living in Korea, some constructive advice about life, marriage and work. He has been there for me whenever I needed a friend and has acted like my father in many ways. A good friend indeed. A few days ago we spend the afternoon exploring Yongdusan park and talking about the city history circa 1950.
He used to be part of the US Military and enjoy talking about the military. He runs a Seoullongtong and Gom tang restaurant. I envy him since he has successfully managed a family run restaurant in the heart of Busan. Thank God I have met someone like him since I don't think I could live here without his understanding.
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| An outside view of his restaurant |
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| My imaginative wife talking to birds now |
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| Bonapetite! Kimchi, side dishes, rice and Seoullangtang |
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| Its hot and fresh Onions, broth, beef soup mix |
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| Aren't the inside dining table for a family of four or more wonderful behind the sliding glass doors? |
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| "GOM TANG" |
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| Yongdusan TripPArt 1... Bell that the Buddhists ring to commemorate special events and of course the tower which has 5 floors I think, Observation decks 1 and 2. Snack bar as well and 3 levels of pictures, Galleries, and a Ship museum |
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| The harbor |
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| My wife with General Lee in the background and a flower with a rotating clock |
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| We took many snapshots of various ships from around the world |
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| At the Restaurant! |
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