Ulsan sight highlights to explore Sunday

Hey teachers!

For those who made it out to the social last night, I hope you all had a fabulous time! For those of you who couldn't make it, or who hadn't arrived yet, I will be organizing a similar social next weekend. The few with whom I've spoke this morning so far have said they had a great time. That was indeed the plan -- for you to have a great time TOGETHER your first weekend in Ulsan! (By the way, send some photos -- or tell me if you post any -- as we'd love to add them to our Ulsan album too!)

As for today:
If you want to see some of Ulsan's many cultural highlights (many of them very traditional, such as ruins and temples), then the TWO AREAS you want to explore are ULJU-GU and JUNG-GU. These areas are also right next to each other and almost overlap. Below are some the highlights. These areas have everything from dinosaur footprints and petroglyphs to one of the country's most modern sports complexes! If you decide you'd like to explore these areas today with some of the other teachers, the best area to meet would probably be Munsu Football Stadium. It is right in the middle of the two areas, and then you can decide where you'd like to go from there. Express you interest in meeting up on the Weekend Socializing Facebook group and hopefully you'll find others that are interested. (There's probably a main entrance where you could meet.)

Go to http://english.ulsan.go.kr/Tour/List.php?l=Tour&m=Mountain and click on "Tourist Guide Map." You'll be able to locate these two areas by looking for Munsu Stadium, then looking to the left (and mountain-ward) to fing Ulju-gu sites. Look to the right of the stadium, and still towards the top (most mountainous) part of the page that is least populated and you'll locate sites in the overlapping part of Ulju and then Jung-gu monuments slightly below them).

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY THE REST OF YOUR FIRST WEEKEND!

HIGHLIGHTS IF ULJU-GU

STUPA OF CHEONGSONGSA SITE
689-861) San 107-4, Gaegok-ri, Cheongnyang-myeon, Ulju-Gun, Ulsan
These three bell-shaped stupas, discovered in the Cheongsongsa site, were stone-towers to hold ashes of famous monks.
The left stupa(3 meters high) comprises Jidaeseok, Gidaeseok, a pedestal with a design of lotus petals and Tapsin(a main body).

MUNSUSU TEMPLE
(689-861) San 342, Gaegok-ri, Cheongnyang-myeon, Ulju-Gu, Ulsan
It is located in Ul-ri, Cheongrang-myun, Ulju-gun, named after the Munsu mountain
Munsusa temple was built by Jijangulsa, priest in the period of Queen Seoduk of 27th
of Silla.

PETROGLYPHS

of Cheon-jeonri & Petroglyphs of Bangudae,
(689-841) San 207-8, Gumi-ri, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-Gun, Ulsan

The designs of circles, mud snails, deer, fish, birds, snakes, human faces, etc. seen on the upper part of the rock, are interpreted as the symbols for the rite for abundance of that time, being used from the New Stone Age to the Bronze Age. The pictures of cavalry parade, sailing boats, dragons, horses, deer, and more than 300 characters on the lower part of the rock were left by people of the Three Kingdoms period and the Unified Silla, which indicates that people of Silla regarded this place holy since the Three Kingdoms Period.

SOMETHING IN THE MIDDLE

ULSAN SPORTS PARK (& MUNSU STADIUM)
(this is sort of smack, right in the middle of Jung-gu and Ulju-gu. While it is technically in Nam-gu, it is the countryside/mountain-side area of Nam-gu which makes it close to Ulju-gu and Jung-gu.)
(680-843) San 5, Ok-dong, Nam-Gu, Ulsan
Acclaimed as the gem of the international football world, the Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium is the most frequented venue by Ulsan residents and tourists because of its spectacular scenery. Mts. Munsuand. Namam, and a nearby lake serve as natural backdrop.

THE AREA OF JUNG - GU

RELICS OF PARK JESANG
(689-842) San 30-2, Manhwa-ri, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-Gun, Ulsan
(this is really closer to the other sites in Jung-gu even though technically in Ulju-Gu)
Mangbuseok is a rock which involves a legend of a woman, missing her long awaited husband, who died and turned into a stone while waiting for him. There are other places with similar legends, but this is the best known.
Park Jesang was a famous loyal official during the reign of King Nulji(417~458) of Silla.

TOMBS OF DAUN-DONG
(681-340) San 147, Daun-dong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan
This a large tumuli was built over the Unified Silla Period from the Bronze Age. Located at the foot of a hill between the Taehwagang(Taehwa River) and the Cheokgwacheon(Cheokgwa Stream) this tumuli was built in the style of the Three Kingdoms Period(57 B.C. ∼ A.D. 668) and the Unified Silla Period tomb over the village and tombs of the Bronze's village.

FOSSILIZED DINOSAURS FOOTPRINT OF YUGOK-DONG
(681-310) 54-1, Yugok-dong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan
The footprints here, precious resources of natural history, are those of large and medium sized dinosaurs of the Lower Cretaceous period, about 100 million years ago.

BAEKYANGSA TEMPLE
819, Seongan-dong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan (681-300)
Baekyangsa temple is the oldest temple of those built in the period of Silla kingdom…It was built by Baeyangsansa, monk, in order to pray defense of the fatherland

ULSAN HYANGGYO
(681-240) 171-1, Gyo-dong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan
Hyanggyo (Confucian Academy) is a local public educational institution of the Joseon period. The structure includes a Confucian shrine and a school building. In the Confucian shrine, there are Daeseongjeon and Dongseomu. Daeseongjeon was dedicated to Confucius (552-479 B.C) and the Four Chinese Saints, the Two Chinese Sages, and the Eighteen Korean Sages.

NO-CAR STREET
[not really “traditional” but in the Jung-gu area, and worth checking out]
(681-210) Seongnam-dong, Jung-Gu, Ulsan
No-car Street was built in June 1998 in the area along the Hyundai Department Store, Seongnam Branch, which is the busiest street in Ulsan, to the four-way junction in front of the old Munhwatang. It was built as a cultural and shopping space that is 315 meters long and 10 meters wide. It was completed after three years. No-car Street was built to create a new cultural center, and to promote the economy of the old downtown.

** These highlights are excerpts from ulsan.go.kr **

Saturday, August 30 Welcome Dinner Social

So, here are the plans for Saturday!

For those of you who would like to spend time exploring Ulsan, getting to know the city as well as your fellow teachers this weekend, we have written up a short ULSAN Guide and have organized a meeting spot for you. The Guide is a mere list of suggestions as to where you can go after meeting up. Also, you can all go the same places, or split intosub groups. Whatever is your fancy. It's up to you! It's just a chance for you all to meet up and see the city, your new home!

Saturday's daytime exploration has been organized around the theme of "Modern

Korea." I'll send another guide later tonight which will give you ideas about what to see on Sunday. Sunday is organized around the opposite theme of "Traditional

Korea." This email has the “Modern Korea” day highlights, and towards the end of the email you find the details of the Welcome Dinner Social I have organized. It will be at a great, local Korean restaurant Saturday night.

If you don’t want to spend the day exploring, that is okay. I’m just providing an opportunity for you to meet the other teachers and hang out for the day. It's a

pretty casual meet up. No obligation. Although, I know it will be a lot of fun for those who attend!

However, I’ve made dinner

plans for Saturday night though and I’d love for you all to be there. So, if you like, you can simply meet all of the teachers at 5.45pm for the Welcome Dinner Social (dinner

details at the end of this email).

Saturday MORNING, August 30

Meet your fellow

Pegasus Teachers under the FERRIS WHEEL inside the Lotte Department Store Plaza at 11.00am. (There are

benches there).

This is a casual meet up without any signs. So, hopefully you'll recognize each other from the flight or Facebook. But, you'll likely

be the only group of teachers hanging out under the Ferris Wheel, "waiting."
Address : (680-815) 1480-1, Samsan-dong, Nam-Gu, Ulsan

The best way to get here is by taxi. It shouldn’t be more then about $5 from where most of you are located and you can share with others in your area.

You start your day's explorations here because this department store calls itself the "best and

the biggest department store in Ulsan." That's not all! In addition to shopping, this "department store" also has: eight multiplex theatres, a huge

"Ferris Wheel that allows you to catch the East Sea in one glance," and theme restaurants, among so many other attractions. This is a great introduction to department

store, and shopping culture in Korea. You might spend a while here! Nam-Gu, and specifically Samsan-dong, is the thriving area of Ulsan. There are many cafes, restaurants and stores to

keep you busy for the afternoon. So, you will easily be able to spend a lot of time here! (Many of the banks are in this area too, if you happen to have any

banking inquiries, you can pop into one of them).

When you are ready to move on, you can check out the following other department stores and shopping

experiences in the same area. And don’t worry, you don’t need to plan on spending any money either. These shopping institutions are simply great

spectacles to behold!!

E-Mart
Address : (680-815) 1646 Samsan-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan

This has no connection to Wal-Mart. This is an electronic-mart and it is like nothing you have experienced before. It's like a

mega IKEA of Electronics!! This "mall" (it's not a mall according to North America's standards -- it's more like one

of our department stores on steroids) is massive. It includes more electronics than you can imagine!! In addition to electronics, the

place includes: food/beverages, services, fashion, toys, a bea

uty salon, pet shop, pharmacy, travel agency, and an automobile repair shop...

Hyundai Department Store
Address : 1521-1, Samsan-dong, Nam-Gu, Ulsan (680-816)
It's not just a car anymore.

It's a whole shopping experience. In addition to a shopping mecca, this 13 story department store is the full meal deal -- it has a McDonalds within it.

Saturday EVENING, August 30, 5.45pm
Meet back under the FERRIS WHEEL in the Lotte

Department Store Plaza
Anyone who wasn’t wandering the town with the group during the day can catch up with the

group again here.
Ann Katherine Sterrett

(a Pegasus Teacher who has been in Ulsan for the last month at a private school) will be meeting you by the benches under the FERRIS WILL
will get you directed to the restaurant.
You’ll all share taxis to the restaurant, at the cost of about 50cents-$1 a person, as the restaurant is not far. Ann will get you all directed there though. (But write the address down too, so that you call also show it to your taxi driver).

THE RESTAURANT:
Hamyangjip (Hamyang House).
Location : 579-4 Sinjeong3-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan
Reservations have been made for about 25 teachers for 6.00pm.
(To help locate it, it is also less than 100 meters from a “White Castle Motel” that looks like a funny Disney-ish castle hotel and there is also a Japanese restaurant, “Mancheong Japanese Food,” close-by on the corner of the block).

Why I’ve picked this restaurant:
It is THE OLDEST TRADITIONAL BIBIMBAP RESTAURANT IN ULSAN.
It’s been operating for 80 years, and its signature dish is the owner’s very traditional and delicious “bibimbap” Korean dish. Everyone should try it once, and it’s a great intro to Korean cuisine. AND what better place to try it than the establishment that is famous for it? It’s a small little restaurant and seats only about 50 people. I’ve reserved half the restaurant for you teachers! (By the way, seating is traditional style, on the floor…)

What is bibimbap? It is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (sautéed and seasoned vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste). You can eat it without adding the gochujang if you don’t like spice. A raw or fried egg and sliced meat (usually beef) are common additions. The ingredients are stirred together thoroughly just before eating. It can be sometimes served cold and sometimes hot.These the two types. (It is also served with everything on top, and then you stir it before eating. If there is an ingredient you do not fancy, just pick it out before stirring it all together.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibimbap
Bulgogi (BBQ) is also a highly recommended dish and may be a good choice for the less adventurous.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulgogi
There should also be a few other menu options, and the menu will likely be at least partly/mostly translated into English.
If you’d like to try the local beverage of choice, ask for SOJU.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soju

Here’s a snapshot of the menu:
Cheoyong Bibimbap: 5,000 Won
Traditional Style Bibimbap: 6,000 Won
Gomtang (a thick broth) made with Korean Beef : 5,000 Won
Hanwoo Seoksoe Bulgogi (Korean Beef Bulgogi grilled on a gridiron) : 18,000 Won (likely enough to share)
Joseonpa Pajeong (Fried mixture of flour and Korean onion): 8,000 Won

The restaurant closes at 10.00pm, and it IS acceptable in Korea to hang around eating and drinking for hours. When you are done eating and drinking, if you so choose, you can head out to check out the local night scene. Ann knows many of the local night spots. There’s a lot of nightlife in Samsandong (the same area as the Lotte Dept Store) or in surrounding areas. Ann will give you a ton of ideas if you’re up for continuing the day’s adventures on into the night!

Have fun! And just promise to post photos!!

Also, email me if you plan on going to the dinner, as it will allow me to tell Ann how many people to expect to be waiting for at Lotte. I’ve made reservations for 25. I’d LOVE it if everyone attended, of course!!

By the way, a photo of Ann is attached so you know who to look for at the Ferris Wheel Sat at 5.45! J

Orientation etc

Here's what happened with orientation...

It is NOW confirmed. In Sept. The cancellation was not indeed a cancellation at all, and this was a miscommunication from the MOE rep who spoke to you. Further details to follow asap as I get them from the MOE. I promise. As soon as I know them, you will know them. Hang in there... Once you know the orientation dates, you will feel much more settled and comfortable with your new teaching responsibilities. I know. So, have patience and I will get them to you just as soon as I know them! It's important to us that you feel settled! Stay tuned! I won't leave you hanging.

Your teaching expectations now that you are all arriving at your schools...
I've been assured that your assigned co-teachers are to help you out for the first couple weeks with lesson ideas and preparation. So, you are not on your own! They are the ones with experience. Ask them many questions. Let them take the lead. While they are co-teachers, they can take most of the load in the beginning, and you should be able to watch and learn. If you have problems with your co-teacher, let us know. Also, Scott Kim, in Korea, is more than happy to help you with any concerns that may come up with the placement. He's also in your time zone. So, he will quickly and easily be able to get back to you. He's asked me to ensure that you have his email address and do feel free to send him your questions.(cc me though too, and we'll both work together to get your needs met)...

WELCOME PARTY THIS WEEKEND

Also, I am looking at getting a Pegasus Teacher social gathering happening this weekend.
I'll let you know asap about this too. It will be a great way to mingle and unwind after your intense week of leaving/arrival.

Some Korea Inspiration for your Arrival

TOP TEN THINGS YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT TEACHING ENGLISH IN KOREA

10. 24 hour food/take-out services.
Got hunger? Get take-out. Anytime, anywhere. Many Korean establishments operate around the clock and they almost always offer delivery. An easy phone call and TADA! A few minutes later, a little man on a scooter will arrive at your doorstep offering almost anything your grumbling stomach may have desired. (You may want to brush up on a few ordering phrases though to ensure you get what you want. You’ll likely have to order in Korean.) You can also find a plethora of cool snacks and drinks in vending machines around the city or in the ubiquitous 24 hour convenience stores such as LG. I fell in love with Lotte’s vending machine canned coffee drinks!

9. Bluntness is a-okay when talking to Koreans.
Single and looking? There’s no tip-toeing around the subject of age and relationship status here. If you’re single, and happen to have your eye on a Korean, your can acceptably ask them, point blank -- “how old are you? Are you single?” Koreans don’t like guessing games. So ask away! They’ll answer. Also, be prepared to be asked. All Koreans will be curious about your age and status, even if they have no interest in dating you. It's about as commonly asked as "how are you?"

8. Korean dramas/soaps.
You don’t need to know much of the language to get in on the fun. Oh, the facial expressions… and the tears!! They say it all!! You may be tuning in every night, and even Youtubing for more!

7. Trust.

Koreans are very trusting people in public places, and can also be trusted. At Starbucks, you’ll notice people leave things on the table, without worry, while they go outside to smoke, leave for the bathroom, etc. The best part is that I’ve never heard of anything going missing either.

6. “Konglish”

Konglish is how Koreans speak English words. It’s derived from their adoption of some English into their language. However, the pronunciation carries over into how they speak English. At first it might be confusing listening to Koreans speak English, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it. It can actually be a lot of fun translating English words to Korean sounds to understand what Koreans are saying to you, and to communicate back to them (or, as a teacher, to correct them back into actual English). In Konglish, Fs are pronounced p or h, Vs are pronounced b and Rs are pronounced l. Vancouver = “Bun-coo–bear” / Really = “Lilly” / Funny = “punny”… You get the idea…

5. Technology.

You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you brag about the cool cell phone you have in Korea. The phone, tv, and camera technologies in South Korea are years ahead of North America. Long live LG. Life really IS good in Korea!

4. The food.
If you like spicy, spicy food, you’ll love Korean food, that is. I do, so I was in heaven. Ko-chue-jung (HOT chile paste) can be added to almost any dish. Kim chi is also great for people who love spicy foods, although as it is also a cabbage side-dish, it is certainly an acquired taste. There are also many great foods for those averse to spice. Korean BBQ cannot be missed. Ask a Korean where the best Korean BBQ restaurant is and try it out!

3. Side-dishes.

Oh, the side dish selection when you eat out in Korea... You won’t find French fries as side dishes here! Side-dishes are a traditional affair. No matter what you order, Korean food always comes with various side dishes. These side dishes (literally small little dishes) offer a variety of small vegetable based foods, usually different types of salads, including the aforementioned kim chi -- to be shared with the rest of your table. You’ll want to master chopsticks though. Everything in Korea in eaten with chopsticks, even salad. (It’s hard to find forks at restaurants, unless they specifically cater to foreigners and offer western food.)

2. You’ll be bowed to frequently.

No, you may not be royalty, but you will be bowed to… Bowing is a gesture of respect, and you’ll notice all Koreans giving a little bow of the head as they say hello, thank you, goodbye, among other expressions. It is a culture thing. It has nothing to do with your Rockstar status as a foreigner. (If you would like to be polite, and show respect back, return a little bow of your head.)

1. Your Rockstar Status at Home.
You’ll be the envy of all of your friends when they hear about the grand life you are living, not to mention your AMAZINGLY cool gadgets. They don’t need to know how cheaply you are able to live this Rockstar life! They’ll hear about the fabulous time your are having, the money you are saving/spending, your cool gadgets, your many travels, and no one will look at you the same again. Forget Hollywood’s pseudo-stars! In your friend’s eyes back home, YOU are the real deal!

Korean internet access when you get there

Some of you have expressed concern over getting on to the internet right away in Korea. While you are waiting to get your apartment's internet set up, never fear!! You will be able to email family right away and really easily!

PC bongs are everywhere! What, you ask, are they? Well, internet cafes, of course! PC, is of course referring to computers, and bong is the Korean word for room!! (For example: Noree bong is singing room, Korean karaoke).So, just look for a PC bong, and you'll be away to the internet/email/Facebook races!! These PC bongs are located everywhere -- literally on every corner, in every neighborhood, you'll find one. They have high speed internet and are cheap -- about $1 per hour usually! Around you, you'll find instant noodle eating Korean youth logged into gaming sites outnumbering foreigners logged into Facebook but Koreans are used to English teachers using them as internet cafes. These rooms have sprung up as a way to relieve the stresses of Korean youth, who when at home are encouraged to study not play. So, they escape to a PC bong for their pleasure. Most PC bongs are 24 hours as some youth game all through the night! You will also find an occasional cafe that has internet too, which will be more like a North American internet cafe -- where you can either use a computer there or log into a wifi network. So, no matter what, you'll definitely be covered until you get your own at home internet!!You should also have a computer room in your school which you will be able to use during breaks.

Hope this helps you!

PS -- if you are ever looking for something, like a PC bong, and can't find it, just say this to a Korean -- "PC bong, ody -- ee -- soy - yo?" What you have just said is, "Where is the PC room?" They should point you in the right direction! "Ody-ee-soy-yo?" is a very good phrase to know!! "Ody" is the main word in this phrase. It means "where." Sometimes Koreans shorten the phrase to just "Ody?"... If you hear it, they are not calling a dog! They are asking "where?"... Also, "Ody-ga?" is also a short form for asking, where are you going?

Hope you enjoyed this mini Korean lesson! Once you get into it, the language can be really fun to learn!!

Congrats Pegasus Program (Ulsan) Teachers! You've made it!

Okay. A HUGE congratulations is in order! Here's a virtual high five for you!!. Okay, that may have been cheesy. But seriously...YOU'VE MADE IT! You've pulled it all together. You may have had your moments when you doubted it would all work out, moments when your patience was tested... but it has all worked out! You have your contract, you've got your entry visa, your flight is booked, your bags are packed, and now? Now you just need to get thee to the airport! Now is the really easy part. So, take a deep breath, and just think about the incredible journey you have created for yourself, and the incredible year you are about to have!

Nerves may be kicking in right about now. Until now, you've been running on adrenalin, getting everything together. But, now you can feel the nerves. Don't worry, it's all part of the process. And once you get to the airport, you'll be running on adrenalin again. Trust me. These are exciting times! For many of you, it will be the first time you have travelled so far from home. Friends and family will surely be missed. But that's what internet, email and Skype are for, right? And maybe you can encourage them to come visit!

So, how can I speak so confidently about how easy it is to leave everything behind? Well, as you know, at Pegasus we've all been in your shoes. We've all taught in Korea. What you may not know though is that for me (Tracy), specifically, Korea was not only my first time traveling internationally alone, it was my very first international experience, period. I had never been outside of North America at all. And this may be the case for many of you. Basically, I had been so focussed on university, and working during my summers, that I never really had a chance to get away. All I really knew was Canada and the US... Then came Korea...

Korea will be an amazing experience. For me, it was an amazing experience that lead to many more amazing experiences. In Korea, you will be exposed to an entirely new culture and way of life. Although it is also a very modern society. You will have many of the conveniences that have become a part of your everyday life -- like computers, cell phones, and high speed internet. Even with these constants though, everyday life will be slightly different. So, the most important thing is that you maintain an open mind.

The people that have the best experiences in Korea are the ones who keep an open mind about what they are seeing and experiencing. You will learn a lot about yourself and the world around you. While some things are different, so many simple things -- like human kindness -- are the same the world around. And if you are like me, you will be inspired to do more travelling. Since leaving Korea, I have traveled through more than 25 countries, and I'm nowhere near done yet. Experiencing new cultures is one of my greatest joys. During school holidays in Korea, I traveled around Korea (you must visit Jeju island -- we'll help organize a Pegasus trip there) and around Asia. I had traveled around Thailand, had been to Beijing and the Great Wall of China, and had seen most corners of Korea! Then, with the money I was still able to save teaching in Korea, I purchased an around the world (RTW) ticket when I left Korea, rather than flying home. You might want to do the same at the end of your contract! I travelled through parts of Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe, all on one ticket, for about $2500 (2,500,000 won). Teaching in Korea is not the only part of the experience that will be great for your resume. In fact, many employers highly value travel on a resume. So, when the travel bug bites and your start planning all those trips, just tell people you are "resume building"!

After you've arrived in Korea, check the blog on Thursday (28th) for the Letterman inspired "TOP 10 REASONS YOU'LL LOVE TEACHING IN KOREA!" I've saved putting them up until now. I decided it would be something neat for you to read once you are in Korea, as a bit more of it will make sense then.

Okay, now I'll just cut to the important reminders...
If you are on the Pegasus Flight through Tokyo, remember the rendez-vous details. I still haven't had any volunteers for putting a sign up. So, hopefully someone will print or write a sign! I want you all to find each other! The details have been posted here: http://pegasusconnection.blogspot.com/2008/08/tokyo-airport-rendez-vous-430pm-august.html

For ALL of you, general arrival details in Pusan are posted here. This info applies to anyone arriving any time of the day on the 27th: http://pegasusconnection.blogspot.com/2008/08/pusan-aug-27th-arrival-info.html
(If you are arriving after the 27th, make direct arrangements with Guy/Scott to ensure someone is there to meet you).

Here's the 10 day weather forecast for Ulsan. It looks like it will still be around 70F/20C at night, when most of you arrive, so dress accordingly for your arrival. [Also, just a friendly reminder that deodorant -- at least the kind your are probably used to, is hard to find cheaply in Korea... So, especially with these temperatures, you may want to stock up!]
The daytime high is around 80-82F (28C) most days right now. It seems to have just cooled down a tad after a month averaging highs of 90F/32C. http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/KSXX0029?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_business

Finally, remember to have pertinent docs with you on the flight.

Please ensure that you have any and all original documents that you have yet to submit to the Ulsan MOE, such as: police background check, any medical documentation that you are not completing in Korea, copies of your degree or any teacher/ESL certification (i.e. TESOL/TEFL certificates), letters of reference or letter verifying teaching experience (if applic).

Also, in order to facilitate the reimbursement of your airfare, make sure you hold on to: your ticket receipt, boarding pass, and ticket or e-ticket. And, of course, don’t forget your passport!

Ok, that's it...

Have a safe flight, and don't forget to send us a message when you have arrived. We want to hear from you!

Pusan Aug 27th Arrival info

You may have already gotten an email about this...but here it is again to ensure everyone gets it! If you will be arriving after 27th, due to visa concerns, not a problem... just let Guy know so that he can make arrangements!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Scott Kim will be at the airport on August 27th to meet you all and ensure that everyone has arrived safely.

There is a designated spot for all teachers to meet. A prominent sign will indicate this spot. If you cannot find it, please follow these instructions:

*** Meeting Point- The Meeting Point is on the first floor of the domestic terminal of the Gimhae Airport – if you are arriving on an international flight (i.e. from Tokyo or Beijing), you will need to go to the domestic terminal it is a short walk (3-5 minutes) and there are baggage carts available to move your luggage. At the center of the terminal there are long benches (chairs) in front of the information desk. The Gimhae airport is a pretty small airport, so you can’t miss the meeting point.

*** Scott’s Cell Phone - Scott Kim will be at the airport to meet you. Please call his cell phone number, 017-252-4595 if you have any problems. Also, Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor at the Ulsan MOE, will be at the airport. If you are unable to get a hold of Scott, her cell phone number is 011-592-3415.

***Arrival Procedure - You will meet Ms. Mallay Oh, the supervisor of the Ulsan MOE, at the Meeting Point – you must check in with Ms. Mallay Oh. She will call your co-teachers to prepare them to pick you up when you arrive in Ulsan via the airport bus. The tickets for the bus will be purchased by Ms. Mallay Oh. She will instruct you where to catch the bus. Your co-teachers will be waiting for you in Ulsan to pick you up and take you to either your school or your accommodations, depending on what time you arrive. Those of you arriving in Pusan at 8.45pm on the NW will likely all be on the same bus to Ulsan!! :) And your co-teachers will be taking you to your new accommodations when you arrive in Ulsan.

Website for the Gimhae airport - http://gimhae.airport.co.kr/eng/index.jsp

Tokyo airport rendez-vous, 4.30pm August 27

Okay, so...here is the rendez-vous point in Tokyo for teachers leaving on Tokyo-Pusan NW flight @6.20pm, August 27:
[anyone else connecting through Tokyo airport at this time is welcome to pop by too]
4.30pm at CafeLeo 5 in Terminal 1 of Tokyo Narita Airport.
It's AFTER the passport control. But you should be arriving to Terminal 1 from your international flight already anyway.
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/rest_shop/rest/floor_list/shop_page/t1_4_41_cafe5.html

If your flight doesn't arrive until after 4.30, that is ok too. Some of the teachers will be arriving in Tokyo as early as 3pm. At least one teacher will be at the table (with the sign on it) still when you get there! And hopefully everyone will be at the table by 5.30 so that you can meet each other before all heading to your boarding gate! If nothing else, just pass by this cafe on the way to your boarding gate to see if any teachers are hanging out there. If you are pressed for time, just head to the gate. All teachers will be at the NW boarding gate by 5.50pm. (Can someone volunteer to hold up a sign there for Pegasus stragglers?)

There are a ton of tables at the cafe, so you should be able to pull together tables, and pull up chairs! It would be cool if someone could volunteer to arrive there right away at 4.30, and have a sign to place/tape on the table so that everyone can be sure it is the right group when they get there. :) Any volunteers?

We hope you are getting exciting about your upcoming departure! We sure are!

optional Ulsan after school teaching (if you want to make even more money)

We have just been made aware of some great optional programs offered and run by the Ulsan Metropolitan Office of Education:

The Sarangbang English Program

* in-school, evening classes; three times a week from 6:00-8:00pm
* 12 students per class
* co-teaching with Korean English teacher
* total of 24 hours a month at 30,000won/hour = 720,000won extra

Camp Program

* offered during the summer semester break
* you can earn about 1,800,000won extra
* a great way to get some extra money before you take your paid vacation time!

Both of these programs have a high participation rate among current English teachers with the Ulsan MOE with great reviews all around. They are excellent ways to legally increase your pay and boost your teaching experience in a well-establish, government-run program.

You are not required to participate in either of these programs, but the opportunities are there should you wish to. The details of how to sign up will be made known to you after you have arrived in Ulsan.

If you have any questions, please contact Guy Duke - guy@footprintsrecruiting.com

Some of your PEGASUS PROGRAM questions answered:

TOKYO RENDEZ-VOUS POINT:

For those of you on the same flight from Tokyo to Ulsan, arriving at 8pm, we will be organizing a rendezvous for you all before boarding your new flight in Tokyo, so that you can meet and mingle. We'll let you know the details asap! Keep checking here and on the Facebook group!

PLACEMENT:
It looks like most of the schools are elementary schools with a few middle schools thrown in as well. Other than that, we don't have any information about the age of the students or the specific schools/apartment locations. That will all be disclosed at orientation.

AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION:
Scott Kim, Footprints Korean Office Manager in Daegu, is organizing the pick-up from the airport. Once you have booked your flight, Tamra will let us know your itin and we will forward it to Scott. However, if you have for some reason booked through somewhere other than Tamra, PLEASE SEND US YOUR ITIN DETAILS (canyouteach@gmail.com) so that we can ensure that you will be picked up at the airport!

DRESS CODE:
we generally recommend "smart casual" (i.e. khakis/slacks with a collared shirt/blouse). They don't need business attire, but also shouldn't be in jeans and a t-shirt. In general, bright/unnatural hair colours are frowned upon as are facial piercings, but as long as it is tasteful (small nose/eyebrow ring) or easily hidden (tongue ring) then there won't be a problem. Tattoos should be covered up, though.

Countdown to Ulsan has begun!!

As you countdown to your arrival in Ulsan on August 27th, the Pegasus Team has brainstormed a list of cool things to look forward to in Korea! Not that you need another reason to get excited...but...

Watch this blog over the next few days as we post the TOP 10 coolest things about living/teaching in Korea! One will be popping up almost everyday until the 25th!