Useful Phrases for Getting an Exchange or Refund

Sometimes a product you purchased doesn't work out the way you want it to. Instead of getting frustrated, try some of these phrases to help you get an exchange or refund.

5 Ways to Learn Korean In Pyeongtaek

With 2018 knocking on the door it's time to start on your resolutions early. Since we all live in Korea, I think it's fair to say studying Korean is on most of our lists. South of Seoul is here to help you connect with the resources you need to improve your language skills. Our volunteers have tried all of these study options and found them to be both reliable and helpful. Each solution has a different strength and all of them are affordable and accessible.

1. Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) Classes

Pre-registration required.

CLICK HERE TO GET SIGNED UP

Let's start with an affordable program sponsored by the local government. PIEF is an amazing organization working to make sure Pyeongtaek residents have access to affordable language classes (and much more).  They have locations in both Songtan and Paenseong, but we are only listing the Paengseong classes since that's what has been advertised publicly. Of you live in Songtan please contact their center directly for information on classes.

This semester they are offering both morning and evening classes which will be helpful to people who work morning or nights. They are also easy to access from either Camp Humphryes or Pyeongtaek Station.

WHERE:

Paengseong Location Near Camp Humphreys

(The 20 bus from in front of McDonalds near Pyeongtaek Station)

COST: 

25,000 won for 10 classes (Crazy affordable)

Payment Method: 

Card (Easy to pay)

WHEN: 

January 17~March 28 (Wednesdays)

TIMES: 

Morning 10AM~12PM (Basic)

Evening 7PM~9PM (Basic & Intermediate)

TEXT BOOKS:
You can buy books for these classes from Brooklyn English Used Books in Paengseong near the Camp Humphreys walking gate. The store is listed in the South of Seoul app.

CLICK HERE TO GET SIGNED UP FOR PIEF CLASSES

Pre-registration required.

2. Brooklyn English Used Books

Speaking of Brooklyn English Used Books, you can also study Korean there for free! Well, you will most likely need to buy a book but after that Diana fills your head with tons of useful Korean knowledge for FREE. She is amazing. Takes you under her wing and makes you feel at home. The only drawback is that these classes are only in the morning, however, this is perfect for those working nights.

These classes are always listed in the South of Seoul calendar so they are easy to find.

WHERE:

Brooklyn Used English Books

COST: 

Only the cost of materials. Class is Free.

WHEN: 

Thursdays and Fridays

TIMES: 

Morning 9:30am-11:30am

TEXT BOOKS:

Available in the store.

3. Pyeongtaek Korean Tutors

No matter how many classes you take, sometimes you need extra help. That's when you need to call in the professionals and invest some dollars. Jennifer provides custom classes that help you address the individual issues that you face. She is creative and encouraging in her approach. Some of our volunteers have studied with her for years since they need advanced studies classes simply can't provide.

We highly recommend this option for those who plan on being in Korea over time, those that are preparing for Korean language exams, need to improve their writing skills, and for those who wish to progress past basic level.

WHERE:

Varies, but usually near Pyeongtaek Station

COST: 

30,000 won an hour

Payment Method:

Cash or Bank Transfer

4. KIIP Program

Ok, let's say you want to get a better visa and learn Korean for realz realz. What you need to do is get signed up for the KIIP language classes. These classes are trial by fire. Your teacher will not speak any English, your classes could be 2-8 hours long, and it's quite likely that none of your classmates speak English either. It's one of the best experiences you can have, but it's brutal and amazing and terrifying. 

These classes are offered online as well as at Pyeongtaek University and near Osan Station. You will need to make an online ID to get signed up. You will also most likely need a Korean person to help you with this. It's a challenge that can be overcome with the right help. We can't recommend this enough, but it's also seriously hardcore. This is for people on a mission.

WHEN:

Read the Banner for Registration Dates Dates.

You need to register on the website for an entrance test.

After the test you will register for classes. 

Exact dates and times only available after you register.

COST:

Free except cost of the book.

BENEFITS:

Points for better visas, knowledge of the culture, friendships, excellent Korean skills, and more.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

5. Talk to Me in Korean

Let's say you have no time and no money. You can still learn. Just pull up YouTube and start following Talk to Me in Korean. Watch all their videos and follow along. Hands down, this is one of the best resources for learning Korean online. Their information is accurate and informative while also being entertaining. If you watch their videos and do their workbooks you are going to have a lot of success. We have used them to supplement our studies and truly appreciate the work and effort they put in. 

The videos are also accompanied by an excellent blog resource so they truly do have you covered.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THEIR VIDEOS

There you have it. A little something for everyone. Now you don't have an excuse not to get started! Go forth, learn, explore, and love life south of Seoul.

Useful Phrases for Tour Bus Drivers

In Korea one of the coolest things is how easy it is to charter a bus and do a group tour. It's crazy affordable. Usually between 300-550,000 won depending on the size of your bus (24 or 44 people) and where you are going. The one hurdle that foreigners will have when booking a bus is communicating easily with the driver.  Since we are all about empowering everyone to get out and enjoy all that Korea has to offer, here is a set of phrases to help you feel confident in booking a tour for your friends and co-workers and seeing the country on your own terms. (Some of these are specific for Pyeongtaek).

BOARDING THE BUS

DURING TRAVEL

UPON ARRIVAL

(You can save these images and send in an SMS message.)

OTHER

Useful Phrases for the Pantry

Important Western Ingredients and their Hangul doppelgangers. 

Useful Korean Phrases for Parents

This is a list of common useful phrases for parents whose kids attend Korean public schools. You can copy the following phrases and message them to the school and teachers as needed. Simple fill in the missing information.

(name) will be late to school(00:00).

(name)은 학교에 늦을 거예요(00:00).


(name) will not go to school today.

(name)은 오늘 학교에 가지 않을 거예요.


I will come at (time) to pick-up (name).

저는 (name)를 일찍(00:00) 데리고 갈 것입니다.


What time does school begin today?

오늘 학교는 몇 시에 시작합니까?


What time does school get out today?

오늘 학교는 몇 시에 끝나나요?


(name) is sick.

(name)은 아파요.


(name) will go to the hospital today.

(name)은 오늘 병원에 갈 거예요.


(name) is allergic to (Food name).

(name)은 (food name)에 알레르기가 있습니다.


What school supplies does (need) tomorrow?

(name)이 내일 학교에서 필요한 준비물은 무엇입니까?


Does (name) have home work today

(name)은 오늘 숙제가 있나요?


Yes, I understand.

네, 이해했습니다.


Yes, that’s ok. / Yes, that’s fine.

예, 괜찮아요.

If you have additional phrase that you would like to see added to this list, please send them to us via Facebook messenger.

Useful Phrases for Coffee Shops

Always remember, if you don't feel comfortable speaking, you can simply show the server your phone and point the the phrase you need. 

Things you need to know when you order:

• The barista will want to know if you want the coffee hot or cold. In the summer they will assume you want all drinks cold is you don't clarify.
• American style drip coffee is usually not available, so you will ask for hand-drip.
• Although the names of coffee are western, you will need to use the Korean pronunciation.
• Most stores do not have decaf, low-fat milk, or soy milk.
• In Korea, coffee is best considered a slow food. It's not about speed. Don't expect to be in and out of a fancy coffee shop fast.
• The local taste prefers a lighter, weaker coffee. If you want strong coffee you will need to let the barista know.
• Latte's are often JUST milk. If you want coffee in your latte you will need to clarify this.

BASIC  MENU ITEMS

THINGS YOU WANT

THINGS YOU DON'T WANT

OTHER PHRASES