I finally managed to get a cell phone. Prepaid, but fortunately, in Korea receiving calls and messages is free. (Also, the lack of a stupid 160 char limit and ability to use unicode/special symbols is really nice!)
I really don’t understand why they make it so difficult, though, especially if you can provide the phone. I mean, what’s the worst someone could do, make some prank calls? A bank account is a little more understandable, there’s some potential for fraud there.
Things I love about Korea
First, great public transportation. Subway system and bus system here are fantastic. In my hometown…the 3 bus lines they have are pretty useless. Subway’s not hard to figure out, and the bus system is, by its nature, a bit more complicated but very nice. Everything’s rather modern, e.g., almost all bus stops (and, of course, all subway stations) have displays telling you when the next bus (or subway) of a given route number will arrive.
Stops are all announced via automated systems (just Korean on the bus, Korean, English, and sometimes Japanese and Chinese on the subway)–no need to try and guess where you are if you’re new to the area. All public transportation costs are paid by an RFID card you can buy at any convenience store, though with cash is a more expensive option if you lose it or something.
Next…there’s none of that “99 cent” crap here. All prices are nice even numbers. Quite a few places smaller places only have a cash box–no need for a register when the math is this simple!
From Here
I’ll be leaving today if possible, tomorrow if not. My next place is very unlikely to have internet access. Might be a bit.
Also, there are some new pictures up and I’ve got more to add when I have time.