My commute

I guess I had too much time on my hands this week, because I put this together.

So, for anyone who may be interested, here's a short video of my daily commute through Dunsan-dong, Daejeon.

Read more...

First Week

Well, I finished my first week here in Daejeon. I'm REALLY going to like it here.

First, let me address work. My hours in class each day are from 4:30 - 10:30pm, with a requirement to clock in by 4:10. Yes, that's only a little over 6 hours/day of teaching. I do have to do prep as well, but I can do that whenever I'd like. Usually, I come in an hour or so early everyday to get everything ready. I'll talk more about teaching in a separate post.

Now, as to fun... I've found that I live about halfway between two of the "best" areas of town. A few blocks to the front of my apartment is Dunsan-dong, which is one of the more affluent areas of Daejeon. This is where the school is located. About 4 blocks behind my apartment building is Time World. This is the section of town that contains the majority of the trendy clubs and restaurants-- including the "western" (meaning non-Korean, not "country and western") clubs.

One thing about the Korean culture that I've mentioned before is that it is VERY communal in nature. It's normal for people to go out for dinner and drinks and sit at the restaurant for several (3 or 4) hours talking. Restaurants and clubs are open until dawn, as those who go out for the night often spend the entire night chatting with their friends. Since classes at the school don't begin until 4:30, and other english schools starting at similar times, it's common to see various teachers sitting in a bar or restaurant until 4 or 5 am, particulary on the weekends.

This past weekend there was a group of about a dozen teachers that spent most of the weekend together at various restaurants/clubs--usually about 8 of us at a time. At one restaurant we ate "shabu shabu". Shabu Shabu is basically a large pot of boiling broth into which you add fresh vegetables (onion, bok choy, mushrooms) and beef to cook. When you're finished with the meat and veg, you're brought homemade noodles that are then added into the pot to cook.

Read more...

My Apartment

I won't have internet at my apartment for another week or so because I have to have my alien registration card first, which is still in the works. I am able to use the internet at the school, but most of my time here is spent in prepping for classes. I did want to post pictures of my apartment though. I have a really nice place compared to some, so I'm really happy with it. It's not large... but it's perfect for just one person. It basically consists of one main living area with a kitchen/living room open into each other, a bathroom, a sleeping loft, and of course my balcony.

Entrance way:


Living area and kitchen:














Bathroom:




Loft:



Oh, and I thought some of you guys would get a kick out of this picture from last week in training:

Read more...

A Sunday Walk in Daejeon

I found this video today... made by the same guy who made the previous video I posted. I thought it was really nice, so figured I'd share it here.

Read more...

A Video I found

Here's a video I found on YouTube. It was made by a young man who spent a year teaching in Daejeon City.

Read more...

Some info about Daejeon City

from SolBridge:


Surrounded by idyllic jade mountains peppered with ancient temples and Confucian pavilions, Daejeon is generally considered the most livable and dynamic city among of Korea’s major cities. Traffic is quite reasonable, parks, rivers and museums are never more than a short ride away and one can get to Seoul in 50 minutes by train. But what makes Daejeon unique among all the cities of Asia is its astonishing collection universities and research institutes conducting world-class research in the applied sciences from semiconductors to fusion technology and next-generation satellites. Daejeon boasts a large international community and an incredible population of over 7,500 citizens with Ph.D. degrees in the applied sciences and an equal number with M.A.s and other advanced training. Daejeon has earned its name as Asia’s “Silicon Valley.”

Living

The stunning Gyelong Mountains and the sparkling waters of Daecheong Lake are just a few kilometers from Daejeon. Yet even in the city one is never far away from nature. The mountain paths and hidden valleys that unfold in all directions, the picturesque banks of the Gapcheon River and the numerous parks and rivers are perfect for an afternoon stroll. And a short ride away you will find the charming pottery village, the ancient city of Gongju, and, a little further out, the breathtaking beaches of the Anmyon Peninsula. But it is the vibrant spirit of Daejeon as a metropolis that will win your heart. With its National Government Complex, making Daejeon a “little Seoul,” brand new subway system and excellent highways Daejeon offers all creature comforts. At the center of Korea’s transportation network, Daejeon is close to everything.
After a long day exploring the parks and boulevards of Daejeon, be sure to rest up at the fabulous Yuseong Spa district. Famous throughout Korea for its service, you will be much refreshed after a massage at one of the fine establishments at Yuseong.

Then check out the gourmet restaurants of the hopping Mannyeon District, or go shopping at the luxurious Galleria Department in the Dunsan District. There is something for everyone in the department stores, specialty boutiques, cafes and bars of downtown Daejeon.
Children will especially enjoy Daejeon. Zooland Park, the rides of Gumdori Park, the Ecosystem Museum near Daecheong Lake, the Daejeon Science Museum and the Hanbat Arboretum will win their hearts. Daejeon features a very competitive elementary, middle and high schools including Taejon Christian International School (TCIS) and the Daejeon Science High School. Particulary, the Daejeon Science High is considered the best in Korea. There are many playgroups and activities for the international community that will keep your children busy. The Pyeongsong Youth Center also has many activities to stimulate young minds.

Read more...

Pics of Daejeon City

Read more...

Getting Started

Well, it's kinda hard to believe that I'm actually doing it.

Those who know me know that I've always loved learning about different peoples and cultures. I've been in several countries already. And I've always had an interest in teaching abroad.

Well, the timing was just never right... there was always one reason or another why it never happened... until now.

So.. two days ago I submitted my letter of resignation as an administrator at a college in Tennesee. I've accepted a position teaching English at Chung Dahm Institute in Daejeon City, Korea. And I'll be starting in my new position in about 6 weeks.

Wow... here we go...

Read more...