How to use the street view in Korea?

Sorry to google street view

when you are preparing a trip to strange place.You may have a experience of using street view of google. Google street view is a very good way to check up your travel route but unfortunately you can't use in Korea any more. Let's have a look at this picture.

Only seoul and busan is covered by google street view. so you can't check up on the street in Korea. 

But it's so early to be disappointmented in such a excellent IT infrastructural country. Than how Korean use street view? Let's go to the famous Korean searching engines.

This is the most popular search engine 'NAVER'. It's Korean but you can get the street view service to check up your trip.

There are street view and sky view. steet view is same as google street view but sky view is view of airplane. So you can enjoy the virtual trip on your computer. On your smart phone you can also use this service with 'naver map' application

If you need more help or wanting to make a friend, please mail me or MANNAM they will help you. I hope this information is helpful to you. Check up your trip before departure and have a safe journey. 

Korean traditional heating system 'Ondol'.

While living in Korea you may face problem to heat your room. The way of heating in Korea and western is little bit different. In western country, there are fireplace. But in Korea fireplace is hardly used. Electronic heater is also often used but in Korean prefer use heat from the bottom of floor which called an ondol(온돌).

Ondol : An ondol, also called gudeul, in Korean traditional architecture, is underfloor heating which uses direct heat transfer from wood smoke to the underside of a thick masonry floor. In modern usage it refers to any type of underfloor heating, or a hotel or sleeping room in Korean (as opposed to Western) style.

The main components of the traditional ondol are a firebox or stove (agungi; 아궁이) accessible from an adjoining (typically kitchen or master bedroom) room, a raised masonryfloor underlain by horizontal smoke passages, and a vertical, freestanding chimney on the opposite exterior providing a draft. The heated floor is supported by stone piers or baffles to distribute the smoke, covered by stone slabs, clay and an impervious layer such as oiled paper.

This Korean architectural element is similar to the kang bed-stove found in nearby Northern China and Manchuria, which is used in and constructed similarily to the ondol. - from : wikipedia

Traditional Ondol is little bit hard to find in modern city but ondol affect on it. You may easily find under heating system in Korea somewhere in studio apartment or dormitory. This kind of under heating system use boiler and hot water to heat room. But it is origin from the Ondol. Personally I really like ling on the floor and relaxing on the Ondol. It's wonderful. One of room in my grandparents house was traditional Ondol, when I was a little kid. Every time visit there I always burn firewood and enjoyed it.

Don't be embarrassed if you couldn't find any heater or fireplace the heating system would be under the floor.

Let's share your experience and make a better world with MANNAM. If you have any idea or question, please feel free to let me know.

Common mistakes from cultural difference

While living in Korea as a foreigner, you can easily make a mistake cause of cultural difference. I'd like to tell you some of the mistakes.

1. Do not wave your hands to elders

  It seems like unfair. But in Korean or Confucianism culture, older person is regarded to be eligible for respect. However in western culture it is not. So at the beginning, it may considered to be rude that your word or acts without considering for elders or your superior. you had better consider the principal or boss in your workplace. If you have any experience of learning Korean, you may understanding easily. In Korean there is different way of making sentences for elders which is called '존대말'.  

 Little bit over 10 years ago English boom was occurred. Some company hired is second-generation Korean Americans for their ability of both language. But soon they shocked cause the Korean American's behavior. they wave their hands to their boss. it seems to be rude. waving your hands is only for your friends or same level person. To elder or higher level of person you had better bow instead of waving your hands.

2. Don't misunderstand

 While staying in Korean you may face some people who run away or evaded after your asking. They don't ignore you but they are suppose to speak in English without confidence. So if some one run away at your asking, don't be misunderstanding another person will help you.
 Many Koreans possibly ask your age. It is not interrogate you in Korean language there is different ward to elders and friends. So asking age is very common thing in Korea.

3. Different sign of come here

Korean style come here

Western style come here

 In USA or Europe the sing of come on is like right picture. Standing up your hands and move the fingers. But in Korea the sign of come on is like left picture. Down your hands and move the fingers. So if some one act like this, it means 'come on'.

4. Elder's first

  Like a 'lady first' in Korean manners, there is 'Elder's first'. When you have a meal with elders or professor, you need to wait for elders for starting to eat as a cultured person. If the boss allow to eat first than it is fine. But usually Elder's first. And if you adjust your speed of eat following elder's, you will be considered to have a sense of manner.

5. Use two hands for elders

When you give something or receive something to or from elders, you can show your respect to use your two hands for elders. Otherwise the elder could deem you be rude. Especially when you drink with elders you should use two hand at elder's pouring. If you turn your face opposite side of elders and hide drinking yous your hands. It is much better.


Let's learn Korean culture while staying in Korea. learning Korean culture will help you to expend your understanding and knowledge. If you need any help, reach your hand to MANNAM they will help you.

Delivery food service in Korea.

While staying in Korea, there is one thing you should have. That is 'Delivery food service'.

Korean delivery food service is great. In that industry delivery fee is free. Actually it is already included but it's not expensive. The range of food also a lot. You can choose a food, what ever you want, and call like a room service in hotel. No matter where you are you can order to delivery service restaurants if you are in a city.

The menus

1. Chicken - It is a major menu in delivery service.
 Price : 12000 ~ 15000 won per one chicken, 16000 ~ 18000 won per two chickens.
 Time : From 11 a.m. To 1~2 a.m. Usually it takes 30 min

2. Pizza
 Price : 15000 ~ 25000 won per one pizza
 Time : From 11a.m. To 1~2 a.m. Usually it takes 30 min

3. Chinese food
 Price : 4000 ~ ( It is up to what you order. There are many kinds of food. But each price is quite low, you had better order from 2 portions.)
 Time : From 10~11 a.m. To 9 p.m.
   (The bowls and dishes are rented. So after eating you have to put the bowls and dishes in front of you house or door)

4.  Jokbal / Bossam
     (boiled down pig's feet with sauce / boiled pork eaten with a salty sauce and wrapped in greens)
 Price : 20000 ~ 40000 ( There are 2~3 kinds of size and other side dishes.)
 Time : From 11 a.m. To 2~3 a.m.


5. Jimdark (stewed chicken)
 Price : 16000 ~ 25000 ( There are 2~3 kinds of size and other side dishes.)
 Time : From 11 a.m. To 2~3 a.m.


6. Fast foods (KFC, Burger king, Lotteria, McDonald's, Pizza hut, Mr. pizza...)
  These ara quite famous brands. Some times they request delivery fee.


7. Others
  Tteokbokki, sundae, fried foods, grilled bulgogi, Korean cold noodles.. etc...

How to order

To order you need to know the information of delivery restaurant. You may find a commercial journal near your house or you can use an applications '배달의 민족', '배달통' to find. These apps are in Korean. It could be a little bit difficult. After that choose the food which you want to order. And than call it.

1. Let them know what you want to order. 
2. Let them know where you are.

You should speak in Korean to order. Ordering delivery food is a special experience. Let's speak in Korean. If you want, connect to MANNAM Korean class or let me know.

Take a TRAIN or BUS in Gumi?

Gumi bus terminal

Today I would like to give you useful information for Gumi citizen. Gumi citizen often go to Daegu. But most of friends only know the train to go Daegu because of the language. But using intercity bus also has benefit. So if you live in Gumi or near, you would better take it.

Strength

1. Number of departures.

Gongdan bus terminal

  Train - Only 1 station (Gumi station). actually there is one more station(Yangmok station) but only few train stop in there.

 Bus - three terminals (Gumi bus terminal, Gongdan bus terminal, jugong, bus terminal)
Bus is via two more terminal to go a Dargu. so It is the most strength of bus you can choose one terminal near you.

Jugong bus terminal

2. Number of destinations.

 Train - 2 stations (Daegu station and Dong-Daegu stiaion)

 Bus - 3 terminal and one stop (Dong-Daegu terminal, Buk-Daegu terminal, Seo-Daegu terminal and Seongseo homeplus stop)

 those terminal and stops are located near subway station only except Buk-Daegu terminal)

*Dong-Daegu terminal : near Dong-Daegu station
*Seo-Daegu terminal : near Seongdangmo station
*Seongseo homeplus stop : near Yongsan station

3. The frequency of departure

 Train - usually 1 or 2 trains per an hour.

 Bus - usually for Buk-Daegu : every 20~25min / for Seo-Daegu (via Seongseo) : eveny 30min / for Dogn-Daegu 1 or 2 times per an hour

Weakness

1. The time of first and last vehicle.

 Train - around 06:00 ~ 02:00

 Bus - around 07:00 ~ 21:00

when you go late night you can only use train.

2. Service.

 Train - very well. The officers are sometimes able to spake English. But most of information is presented by Korean and English.

 Bus - not good. The officers can not speak English. Only Gumi bus terminal's time table present English name of destinations. So you'd better be able to read Hangul(Korean character) a little bit to find your destination.

The reason of why Gumi citizen is often go to Daegu is from characteristic of Daegu. Daegu is my hometown. So it is little bit sad to say that. But unfortunately Daegu has not big company. So income is lower than other major cities in Korea. Therefor the price also less than others. On the other hands Daegu is a center of transportation and distribution from old times. The number of school, theater, shopping center, and hospital also much more than other near cities. Therefor Daegu became a perfect city to hung out or live. So many people have a job in other cities based on Daegu.

Able to speak in Korean is a big strength in Korea. To survive it is fine, but so limited. If you are traveling in Korea, you can make special experience than only looking around sights. If you are living in Koran, it give you a lot of benefits and confidence. Have you ever ordered delivery food at midnight in your home? Let's make a friends and learn Korean for free in MANNAM Koran class. If you have a any question, feel free to ask me.

What is the MANNAM?

MANNAM is a volunteer association which is non political, non religious, non racial group

About MANNAM

  Mannam was originally established within the Gangnam district with 700 members and currently has 70,000 members. Mannam Volunteer Association has been working as a steady hidden light in korea. the land that does not forget kindness and grace. Not only within Korea but also internationally, Mannam has been able to shed this light through its branches abroad. On June 6th Mannam's branches united to hold the fastival for the 54th Memorial day of Koran in 2009. This festival, The 1st National Patriotic Citizen's festival "Love for the Taegguk(Korea Flag), Love for Mugunghwa(Rose of Sharon)" went beyond the borders of district volunteer work to became an acknowledged association in holding nation festivals and a light to the world. This festival without parallel gave an opportunity for 54 volunteer organizations within Korea and internationally to unite to become the greatest and purest private association. Each of the district branches came together with patriotic hearts to hold a total number of three national civilian festivals. These district branches also take on various volunteer activities. Mannam volunteers have worked on the foundation of self support and pure volunteer work. Beyond love for the districts the nation and the world, Mannam will extend its efforts to set a new path for volunteer work.
from-http://mannam.org/en/content.php?p=about/about

Vision of MANNAM

MANNAM is the common ground on which all people of the world, irrespective of their 
differences, can unite and work towards the goal of the world peace and a culture of 
respect and tolerance through true volunteerism.

Principles of MANNAM

• Pure Volunteerism

We embody the spirit of pure volunteerism and work to promote unity among the peoples and
the cultures of the world.

• Celebrating Communities

We offer our time and skills to aid the communities by participating in events and festivals that
promote the principals of peace, unity and volunteer service.

• Giving without expectation

We strive to be a source of light and hope for others, not accepting payment for services rendered
through MANNAM.

• Reaching out

We aid, uplift and enrich society, starting within our own communities and reaching out to the world.
We uphold the principles of justice and equality for all. We do not discriminate against any group or
individual longing to work towards peace and unity for all humanity.

from - http://www.mannamintl.org/about-us/our-vision.html

The video of MANNAM

When Light meets Light there is Victory

Korean culture for elders and volunteer spirits of MANNAM

  While using a bus or train, you can easily find some special sine for elders. The sine is for yielding   this seat to elders. Some of my friends don't understand why should they yield their seat for elders. The elders not paid same a mount of money event thought they use the subway for free. They thing it is unfair. yes it is unfair in this point of view. But you have to understand Korean culture to understand it.

The sine of elders, disabled and pregnant's seat.

 From long time ago the Korea respect elders. That spirits is exposed in culture or language. May be it is affected from the Confucianism. So when they meet a elder on a load or have a meal with a elder, they always respect elders. It is one of the manner and duty as a men in the society. After public transportation is came to Korea, same thing is going. they make a elders seat in middle of bus. you can have the seat when that's empty but when elders coming, you have to yield it for a elder. It looks unfair but everyone is going to elders. So it's making a reservation for the future. If you sitting on a seat and one old men is getting on a subway with hobbling. what are you going to do? The good behavior would be yielding your seat. It is tiny solicitude however to elders it is thankful.

  Volunteering is very similar with this. My little tiny help makes other people to have huge glad. Every time when I'm volunteering with MANNAM can realize it. Last Christmas volunteering in orphanage, fund raising for children of Sri Lanka and supporting the Nation Sports Festival through those kind of activities with MANNAM, I can face with volunteer spirits and have a chance as a member of society. In Korean society volunteerism is getting growing but it is not a part of Korean's life yet. Considering the respecting elders in Korean culture it is nonsense. Most of Korean tend to think volunteering is only donating money or only for some people who have lots of free time. But  if you don't have enough money you can donate your ability rather than money. I hope that all people participate volunteering for making a better world.