Usually, being polite is sufficient to convince people to be a little patient with my mediocre Korean skills. That’s not always the case, though. The seemingly endless back and forth I’ve had with immigration regarding my online visa renewal application has been a headache. No matter how many times I call the immigration hot line, the other officers in Changwon reviewing my application find new ways to torture me. I mean, new documents I must scrounge up and submit. I had already started an online renewal application, but wanted to gather everything possible in case I did need to go to immigration in person. Helen had left for vacation, Jack…

If you don’t know by now, there’s a certain class of person in Korea called 아저씨 “ajusshi”. This term is usually what you can politely called a much older man that you don’t know. But of course, calling a young man or a man who thinks he is young by this term can be insulting. These men have their own stereotype. They are usually gruff, big smokers, big drinkers, impatient, and a big fan of fishing vests. I’ve met many a man who fit this category perfectly. They are the men that I usually fight with the most. They might also be the men that are the most helpful, like…

Jack, I, and all other contract employees have to submit a yearly health check to school. The test includes tuberculosis, HIV, and drugs. As if it’s even possible to get drugs in Korea. Marijauna use carries heavier penalties than assault. I was nervous because it meant going to a Korean hospital that I don’t know. As you’re well aware, I can either have a wholly positive experience, or a terrible, tear-inducing experience. Or today, I found out I can have both! Helen warned me before leaving that Korea has changed the COVID testing procedure given the uptick in omicron cases. As a result, anyone with symptoms is required to get…