Q: My girlfriend and I are arriving in Gwangju next week. Can you recommend some guesthouses or hotels that are clean and not too expensive? Secondly, we need to look for a house or apartment. We tried to find something on the internet but that did not work at all. What is a good place to start, do you know any agencies? We need something like 1 or 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom. We are looking for something furnished as we have nothing with us. Garden or balcony would be great, parking space is not necessary. We usually prefer a quiet neighborhood over central downtown.

A: To select a suitable accommodation, please read the information on our Gwangju Guide website: http://www.gwangjuguide.or.kr (search: accommodation)
There are so many choices for you.
My recommendation is that you choose a motel around downtown.
They are very cheap and very convenient for you since it’s right in the heart of downtown. Windmill Motel may be a nice option, reasonably priced (40,000won ~ 80,000won) depending on room and day of week (weekday/weekend).
Its information and contact number is all available on the site, which also includes so many other motels, hotels, estate agencies, housing option, housing guidelines etc. In case you need an interpreter to deal with renting a house while you are in Gwangju, please contact us again then we will find a volunteer and arrange a suitable time to help you with that.

- – - – - – - – -

Q: Can you please advise me on where I can try to look for a place to stay for such a short time without any long term contracts? I prefer to stay in something near the town center but it is not a must, but definitely I don’t want to stay far away from town in the countryside. Also what is the price of rent in Gwangju? Can you refer some websites where I can look for a place to stay?

A: There are a few options for accommodation in Gwangju: you can stay in a hotel or motel (there are many of them around town), another is the GIC Homestay. It is a program offered by GIC, where international tourists or residents can stay with a Korean family. One night is 35,000 won (including breakfast). We recommend this option because you can experience living with Korean family. For one month stay, the fee is from 400,000 – 600,000 won (you can negotiate with the house owner). For more info please refer here: http://eng.gic.or.kr/ and if you want to know more of other accommodation options, please check www.gwangjuguide.or.kr (search: Accommodation Option)

A: Unfortunately eyelash tinting is not popular in Gwangju. But, there is one place around Chonnam University Back Gate that is quite a good salon. The name is 속눈썹 반영구화장 화장하는여우, located near Isaac Toast, on the third floor of the building across from Paris Baguette. But they only extend eyelashes for 30,000 won. Their phone number is 062-262-8080, to make an appointment before coming. 

Q: I am a plus-size woman and I have difficulty finding winter clothes of my size here in Korea. Can you recommend shops that cater to people my size?

A: Below is information about stores where you can find plus sizes. Crebig at Geumnam-ro and Crebig in Sangmu. One is located on Geumnamro in downtown and another one in Ssangchondong in Sangmu area.

 

Q: Is there a shop in Gwangju that can provide hand-made shoes? I can’t seem to find shoes of the right size here in Gwangju.

A: One such shop is located in downtown (phone: 062-232-0117). The owner doesn’t speak English but he does custom-made formal shoes. He said that he can make up to size 300mm. The price depends on the material and size, but it’s probably over 100,000 won. The shop name is THREE-F, which is located next to a pawnshop. To go there, from GIC go right from the fountain at Asia Culture Complex construction site until you see Crown Bakery which is just in front of a pedestrian crossing. Go straight until you see a Ministop located on the left side of Asia Food Culture Street. We also found one individual outlet called PONG’S. It is a handmade shoes store in Duam-dong, Buk-gu. They also make sneakers. This is their website: www.pongs.co.kr and address: 1F PONGS, 598-8, Duam-dong, Buk-gu Tel: 070-8191-3838. There is also one store in Shinsegae Department Store that makes shoes. The name is Misophera located on the 3rd floor of the store. Phone: 062-360-1828.
————————————————————————————–

SPORT  

Q: I was hoping that you would have information about tennis courts in Gwangju and how they work. Do you book times and pay for them, or do you just walk on the courts and play? Do you have to join a club or is it a pay-as-you-go fee? I would love to play tennis here in Seogu but I just need to know the best way to go about doing it. Thank you for your help!

A: We suggest you to go to Yeomju Stadium as it is near your home. For personal use, the court fee is 3,500 won for weekdays and 6,900 won for weekends. Membership fee for a month is 34,500 won for which you can use the courts during the times mentioned below, although you need to make a reservation before playing. The court opening times are from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for members.

 

Q: I am a foreign teacher living in Gwangju. I am wondering if you know of any information about where I could possibly play volleyball. I used to play volleyball quite competitively back in Canada and I would love to have a chance to play or practice either with other foreigners or Koreans. I am interested in indoor volleyball and also beach or grass volleyball. If you have any information or know of anyone I would be able to contact, please let me know.

A:  There’s a volleyball club called ‘Happy Serve’ playing in Chipyeong Middle School

Address: 21 Hwajeong-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju (near Uncheon Reservoir) (광주 서구 화정로 21, 운천저수지 근처)

They said that they are now recruiting new members and they play volleyball three days a week: Mon, Wed, and Fri from 7:40 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.

 

Q: I was watching MBC Sports one day after school and they were showing a women’s baseball league game. I want to see a women’s league game sometime this year. Can you find a schedule somewhere?

A: For your inquiry, I tried to find the schedule about Women’s league but the website is not updated frequently. Finally, we talked to the membership curator to ask and she said that:

- The Women’s League in Gwangju practices every weekend (2 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday) in Cheomdan Softball Stadium – There would be a match on October 14th but the plan hadn’t been fixed yet. The officer said they would post on the website sooner or later.
If you would like to see a game, you need to check the up-to-date schedule on the website frequently.

————————————————————————————–

 

TELECOMMUNICATION

Q: Hello. I have an iPhone that I bought in the USA, and I would like to use it here as my regular phone. I have heard from some foreigners on Facebook who say they have successfully done this. Can GIC help me?

A: I tried to call KT, Regarding to your inquiry about iPhone.

The staff told me, if your network company is AT&T in the USA, you will need to obtain a new iPhone, because USA company locks its connecting iPhone network.
But if you are not subscribed to AT&T, you can call KT or SK customer service through below number:
KT: www.kt.com, KT customer service: 1588-8448 Or 100
KT foreigner customer service center: 02-2190-1180.
SK: www.sktelecom.com/eng,  SK customer service: 080-816-2000
Or probably go to a nearby representative of SK and KT here in Gwangju (they are almost everywhere in town) to help you unlock the phone so it can be used in Korea.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: What is the best possible way to get the Blackberry service while staying here in Korea for vacation (let’s say 1 or 2 weeks)? (Note: His phone is a GSM Blackberry)

A: Here is some information about your inquiry.

Regarding the best way to get the Blackberry service, buying a local prepaid SIM card is a better choice than using roaming service (as you mention before, its more expensive). Then, if you want to use a local prepaid SIM card:
- You should cancel the country lock in your Blackberry before leaving your country.
- and after entering Korea, you can buy a local prepaid SIM card in mobile phone companies in Korea (If you want to use e-mail service in Korea, only SK Telecom offers this service.)
- Each local prepaid SIM card cost is 5,500 won.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: I was wondering if you know of a phone store (branch) where an employee speaks English. I would like to switch my phone plan and talk to someone about my options.

A: Regarding your question, I think every store varies with the provider, so you should go to your respective phone provider, for example if you’re with SK telecom plan, you cannot switch your plan at a KT store. However sometimes they have stores which can do services for all three providers, although we have to look for them.
Most phone stores near universities (Chonnam or Chosun University) should have staff speaking at least basic level of English, or if you’re living nearby, I can assign an intern or myself to go with you to help you talk with them.

————————————————————————————–

HOBBIES

Q: Do you know anywhere I can learn to read music? I was wondering if there are any hagwons where I can learn beginner piano through English, as an adult. Places in Unnam-dong or the surrounding area would be ideal. My Korean is basic though.

A: We found an academy for you to learn to read music at.

The name is “More Music Academy” (Tel: 062-400-7270)
Address: 33-1 2^nd Fl., Moa Apartment shopping area in Joonghueng-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju They can speak English and they are very excited to hear from you.
And for learning beginner piano, I recommend Dongmin Piano which is located at 776-1 Unnam-dong, Gwangsan-gu
Tel: 062-953-1123
I recommend them mostly because they told us that they have taught foreigners three times in the past. The tutoring fee is 100,000 won per month for adults.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: What places do you recommend for Vietnamese food? We are ready for something other than barbeque… And do you know a shop that has some specific ingredients and vegetables for Thai / Vietnamese / Indian cooking? Many things we cannot find in the supermarkets. Thanks!

A: We found one place that sells South East Asian ingredients although it may be far from your area: Asia Mart

Tel: 062-953-4027

Address: Jangdeok-dong 992-17, Gwangsan-gu (Hanam Industrial Complex 4, 2nd Fl. of Post Office) (광주 광산구 장덕동 992-17번지 제4 한남공업단지, 우체국의 2층)

The store sells products from China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka

Operation hours: Everyday 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Bus stop: 700, 92, 94 Get off at Jangdeok Nonghyup

The supermarket sells Indian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Philippine foods and they have restaurant next door selling Vietnam/ Cambodian/ Philippine foods.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: I would like to know, is there any Halal restaurant in Gwangju.

A: The Gwangju Mosque has a halal store selling halal foods and there’s one in Hannam as well,

Asia Mart

Tel: 062-953-4027

The store sells products from China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka as well as International Calling Cards.

Operation hours: Everyday 8:30 a. m. – 9 p.m.

Directions: Buses no. 700, 92, 94 Get off at Jangdeok Nonghyup

 Mosque

Address: 284-13, Yangsan-Dong, Buk-Gu, Gwangju 284-13 (광주 북구 양산동 284‐13 (KT&G 광주연초제조창 후문 쪽에 위치))

Tel: 062-972-5136

E-mail: gwangjumuslims@yahoo.com

Website: www.quran.or.kr/gwangju (English)

Bus stop: KT&G Gwangju Jejochang Humoon

Halal food shop is situated on the first floor of Gwangju Islamic Da’Wah Centre. Halal Food vendor’s name is Qasim Khan from Pakistan. A variety of halal food (Continental spices, Meat, Chicken, Basmati Rice, Flour) and Calling Cards are also available at the shop.

————————————————————————————–

  COMMUNITY

 

Q: I would like to do some volunteering work in Gwangju for under privileged children. Can you recommend some places for me?

A: UNESCO KONA Volunteers

http://cafe.daum.net/konavolunteers

UNESCO KONA Volunteers is an organization that helps underprivileged kids by teaching English through storybooks. They constantly seek long-term volunteers to help children from low-income families on Sunday afternoons. Volunteers who are interested in practicing their Korean are welcome to stay with the children at the center for a short cultural exchange.

Contact: Youngim Kim at konastorybookcenter@ yahoo.com, or 062-434-9887

2. Sungbin Orphanage www.gjw.or.kr/sungbin
Address: 70-3 Nam-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju (광주 동구 남동 70-3번지)
Tel: 062-222-8278

Sungbin Orphanage is looking for long-term volunteers to mentor girls aged 7 to 14.

Contact: Daniel Lister at daniellister7@hotmail.com

3 Mudeung Dream Garden
Address: 873 Ulrim-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju (광주 동구 울림동 873)
Tel: 062-222-3762

Mudeung Dream Garden is home to children aged 2 to 18. Mudeung Dream Garden is looking for volunteers to share their talents and time with children.

Contact: Eun-kang Chung at silverkang@hotmail.com, 010-4744-3762

 

Q: My wife and I are leaving Korea in a few days and we have some clothes we want to give to charity. A colleague said that GIC may be able to help with this. Kindly let me know if it is possible to route these through GIC. Thank you in anticipation.
Q: 저와 아내는 며칠 후 광주를 떠날 예정이라, 가기 전에 의류 몇 벌을 기부하고 싶습니다. 제 동료가 말하기를 광주국제교류센터에서 우리를 도울 수 있을 거라고 합니다. 교류센터를 통해 기부 할 수 있는지 방법을 알려주시기 바랍니다.

 - – - – - – - – - – -

A: There is the Beautiful Store in Korea, which is a second hand store and you can donate used items there. The beautiful store sells collected goods and then the profit all goes to neighbors who need help. The phone number is 1577-1113. There are several branches in Gwangju. You can find more information from the Gwangju Guide website: http://www.gwangjuguide.or.kr (Search = Second-hand Stores)

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: I’m doing a survey regarding existing non-profit organisations / charities running in Gwangju. How many are there, who are they, where are they?

A: Gwangju NGO center supports public activity and was established by central, local government. It’s an organization managed from Council of Gwangju citizen, Gwangju civic group’s association, and Gwangju women’s group association together. Their work is to connect citizens and companies, local government, NGO etc to develop the local community.

Gwangju NGO Center as a networking organization, it can help you to find out NGOs and NPOs in Gwangju.

Gwangju NGO center
Address: Chipyeongdong 1220-1 KT telecop Honam district 3^rd Fl., Seo-gu, Gwangju (광주 서구 치평동 1220‐1KT 텔레캅 호남본부 3층  )

Tel: 062-381-1133
Website: www.ngocity.org

 ————————————————————————————–

COMMUNITY

Q: I exchanged my British driver’s license for a Korean license. Can I rent a car using it and can you recommend a good rental company in the Sangmu area?

A: Yes, you can rent a car with that license. Here are some necessary documents for renting a car in Korea: Driving license, passport, current dwelling place in detail, contact information, payment should be made by credit card.

You should make a reservation 2 – 3 days in advance, and also contact the company before visit their office.

Below is the information about a rental car company in Sangmu
AJU-AVIS (Reservation Customer Service 1544- 1600)
Open: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p. m., Weekends 9 a.m.- 6 p. m.
Sang-mu Branch (Tel: 062-373-7113)
Address: Jegalaryang building 2 Fl., 1203 Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju (광주 서구 치평동 1203 제갈량 빌딩 2층)
Directions: Buses no. 01, 16, 25, 38, 64, 518, 790, 1000 (get off at Gwangju City Hall). The rental car office is located nearby Gwangju City Hall and the Korea Bank branch.

 ————————————————————————————–

 TRANSPORTATION

Q: Please allow me to ask something. Since you are in contact with many foreigners, is it possible to withdraw money from my home account, since I have one in Euros. Is it possible to get some money out, there should be a way, shouldn’t there? Maybe someone else has been through this and might have told you. It would be of great help.

A: It does not matter if your account is Euros or dollars but what matters is your bank, so we can know if there is a branch or connecting bank here.
It is possible to withdraw money from your account if its Visa card, Master card. Other brands including Western Union are not common in Gwangju.

- – - – - – - – - – -

Q: I understand that it is possible to set up some sort of bill auto pay from my bank account (where money would automatically be deducted monthly from it to pay for my utilities), so what would I need to do to set this up? I have to go to my bank to pay one of my bills, and it’s pretty far from where I live.

A: About your question on how to set automatic billing service up: I have been to some banks and they told me that the way to set it up is just by calling the utility bill company which you have to pay money to (for example: for electric bill you can ask Korea Electric Power Corp, etc).

If you want your phone bill to be deducted automatically from your account you can call your phone company, and then ask for them to set up an auto payment. You can also go to your phone company branch anywhere in Gwangju and ask them to set your payment to automatic transfer.   

A: If your problem is related to the bone, you should go to an orthopedics. If it is related to a nerve, you should go to a neurosurgery clinic. We recommend you to first visit and orthopedics or a neurosurgery near your area before going to the hospital by bringing the companion letter from the clinic to get medical insurance coverage. Our hospital recommendation would be Chosun University Hospital near downtown since it has International Clinic both orthopedic and neurosurgery (062-220-3770 – call first to schedule an appointment) or Y. International Clinic (062-367-1100) which specializes in orthopedics.

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: I need to find an English-speaking acupuncturist in Gwangju.

A: Geumdang Korea Traditional Clinic in Samhwa building 1st floor, 151-3 SSangchon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju.  (Tel: 062-383-8007)

Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Tues and Thurs, until 9 p.m.), Sat: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Take these buses to bus stop SSanchon hyun dae: 64, bus stop Hanguk hospital: 47, 36, 72, 69, bus stop Gwangmyung Heights Apt. Back gate: 39, 38, 16, 518, 89*

You have to be there at least an hour and a half before closing. Or you can also try Kimsunghun oriental medical clinic (www.herbalclinic.co.kr). It’s located in Dong-gu Sansu2-dong 567-9. (Nearby Duamtown 4-junction). Tel.no is 080-090-1075. You can take buses 17, 35, 36, 82, 87, 1000 and get off on Duamtown Saguri (4-junction) station. You must call first before you go.

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: I am suffering from kidney stone and I’m looking for an English-speaking urologist.

A: Chosun University Hospital’s International Medical Assistance Center (558 Seoseokdong, Dong-gu, Gwangju ) ( (광주 동구 서석동 588))

http://hosp.chosun.ac.kr/eng 062-220-3114).

To make an appointment call 062-220-3006 or 062-220-3009. For international residents support: 062-220-3770 or Chonnam University Hospital (671 Jebong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju) (광주 동구 제봉로 671).

Contact no (for foreigners): 062-220-6902. Contact no (urology clinic): 062-220-6718.

To get there: buses 9, 37, 45, 51, 52, 54, 59, 95, 150, 151, 152 (stop at Chonnam National University Hospital.)

- – - – - – - – - -

 Q: Where could I find a podiatrist (doctor specializing in feet) here in Gwangju?

A: We’d like to suggest you to find an orthopedic clinic near your home. If you need more detail diagnosis and treatment, after receiving a companion letter to Chonnam National University Hospital and Chosun University Hospital.

When you go to the hospital, first you should find the orthopedics department and then find a podiatrist. For Chonnam National University Hospital, you can check for the information here: www.cnuh.com. In Chosun University Hospital, you can look for the orthopedics department. Please call their international center for his consultation hours at 062-220-3770. Here is site address. http://hosp.chosun.ac.kr

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: I am looking for an English-speaking psychologist; could you tell me where I could find one?

A: Chosun Univ. Hospital has a Psychology department and they can speak English, maybe not very fluently, but they have an interpreter as well. If it’s your first time there, you have to register by bringing your Alien Registration Card and Medical Insurance (if any, especially the national health insurance). It is advised that you visit the hospital directly since you will need to fill out some forms. You can call the Int’l Medical Assistance Center directly: 062) 220-3770, they have fluent English-speaking receptionist. The opening time is from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and after lunch from 1.30 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Or you can also go to Christian Mental Hospital (Tel: 062-234-8575)
Address: 436 Yongsan-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju (광주 동구 용산동 436)
Website: www.cmh.or.kr
Direction: By bus (get off at Sotae Subway Station or Gwangju University) and by subway (get off at Sotae Station).

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: I need information on alcohol addiction counselors in Gwangju, most preferably English-speaking ones.

A: Yohan Alcohol Counseling Center in St. John Hospital offers counseling in alcohol addiction. Tel: 062-526-3370 (Korean only) Buses: 38, 51, 65, 95, get off at St. John Hospital. They have experience in dealing with foreigners before, and they could offer a translator, but they advise us to make an appointment for the translation reservation before you come so they could arrange their schedule. However it is more convenient for them if you could ask/ bring a Korean-speaking friend with you to help you with the translation.

- – - – - – - – - -

A: Kim Gi Sig’s Dental Clinic’s dentist is fluent in English. The address is Gwangsan-dong 76, Dong-gu (동구 광산동 76) and the number is 062-227-2897. The clinic is on the 3rd floor of T-World Building, which is located midway between the fountain and Grand Hotel downtown; cross the street at the pedestrian crossing in front of Crown Bakery. You can also refer to the ‘Downtown Map’ on page 3 in Gwangju News. You may want to make an appointment first, as he usually has lots of patients. The clinic is open from 9.30 a.m. (Mon-Sat) until 6 p.m. (Mon-Fri) or 4p.m. on Saturday with lunch break from 12 noon to 2 p.m.

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: What should it cost to get a tooth cleaning in Korea?

A: The price for teeth cleaning may vary from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. I asked around and even Koreans said that usually in Korea dental treatment will not be done in one visit. They will ask you to return again. The time differs depending on your treatment and teeth condition.

- – - – - – - – - -

 Q: A friend of mine in Buk-gu asked me about mole removal surgery in Gwangju. Could you help find some information?

A: We’d like to recommend ‘Goun Dermatologist’ which is close to Chonnam National University.

Address: 357-7 Unam-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju ( 광주 북구 운암동 357‐7)

Tel: 062-524-2727

I have checked the information on their website about mole removal. After having surgery, you should go to hospital a few more times to check your condition so the closer hospital might be good for you.

Another is Miracle Clinic. Many people say that this hospital is good for mole removal. However, the problem is that it is far away from our location.
Address: 670-1 Ssangam-dong, Cheomdan Medical Center 2^nd Fl, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju (광주 광산구 쌍암동 670-1번지, 첨단메디컬센터 2층)

Tel: 062-974-1882

Website: www.kjmiracle.co.kr

 - – - – - – - – - -

 Q: I would like to make an eye doctor appointment and dermatologist appointment at Chonnam University Hospital. Do you know if they have someone who works with foreigners – a contact person who speaks English? Also, do you know if there is a bus from downtown that goes there?

 A: Before you go to big hospital, we suggest you to visit a nearby eye clinic in your area. Most clinics can give diagnosis and treatment for first stage. If the treatments heal your problem you don’t have to go to big hospital. But if not, then you will be issued a treatment certificate from the clinic which you can bring to the big hospital to receive a better and more detailed diagnosis. Furthermore, you can get subsidy if using national health insurance if you go to the clinic first. If you go directly to big hospital without visiting the clinic, there is a possibility where you have to pay full price without subsidy as there is no companion letter. But if you still want to go to hospital, you can go to Chonnam National University Hospital in Hak-dong, Gwangju by taking bus no. 51, 59, 95 from Culture Complex and get off at Chonnam National University Hospital bus stop or Namgwangju Market.

- – - – - – - – - -

Q: I’m pregnant and I’m looking for prenatal care. I’m looking for an OB/GYN in Gwangju. I’d like to find a doctor who has experience with foreigners a lot and speaks English well

A: Most Korean doctors can speak English, so we’d like to recommend you to visit the ob/ gyn near your area. In Buk-gu there are Eden Hospital in Duam-dong, Munhwa Women Hospital in Unam-dong, Boram Hospital in Ilgok-dong, in Seo-gu there is Mizpia Hospital in Sangmu, in Nam-gu there is Moan Hospital in Baekun-dong, in Gwangsan-gu there is W Women Hospital (Suwanjigu) are hospitals that caters baby birth and in-house postpartum care center

————————————————————————————-

 Q: Hello. I need a traditional Korean medicine doctor that is English-speaking. 

A: There are many traditional Korean hospitals and clinics around Gwangju and most of doctors there can speak English well.
So you may not need to worry about communication.
One of the most popular traditional Korean treatment hospitals with fluent English-speaking doctors is: Wonkwang University Medical Center in JuWol-dong
Address: 543-8 Juwol-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju (광주 광역시 남구 주월동 543-8)

Tel: 062-670-6500

Website: www.wonkwangmed.co.kr

- – - – - – - – - -
OTHERS

Q: Where in Gwangju can I find a hospital or clinic that offers HIV/ AIDS test with English-speaking doctors?

 

Any cases related to Korean law, such as fingerprints, criminal record issuance, immigration office information, national pension, conflicts with employment (contracts and salary), termination of contract, income tax, fraud, employment, lawyer info, and/ or notary information.

- – - – - – - – - -

IMMIGRATION 

 

Korea Immigration Service:

Hotline: 1345

Website: www.hikorea.go.kr

 

Gwangju Immigration Office

Address: 196 Hwajeong-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Tel: 062-381-0015

Website: http://gwangju.immigration.go.kr

Directions: Buses no. 22, 34 (get off at Gwangdeok-go Sageo-ri), 20, 36 get off at Seogwangju Tax Office

 Q: I lost my passport and alien card. What should I do?

A: You will need to report your passport to your country’s embassy. For your Alien Registration Card (ARC), you will need to report it lost to your local police station. Take the lost form from the police station report to the immigration office for reissuing. After receiving your new passport, you will need to report the change and the new passport number to the immigration office within 14 days of receiving it.

Q: I have a few questions for you:

1.  I renewed my passport not too long ago, but I am unsure about whether or not I need to inform immigration here about it.  So, do I need to go to inform them? (I’ve been looking online www.hikorea.go.kr, but have been unable to find any answers.  According to the most recent Gwangju Guide [page 111], though, I do.)
2.  If I do need to go there, do I have to do it within a certain time?  
3.  If there is a time limit, what would the penalty be if I were to go once it was past the said limit?

14 days, you can just fax a copy of your passport, a copy of ID card, and an application form to their office.

If your passport has been renewed for over 14 days, you can bring those papers to the immigration office to submit. No penalty will be enforced, so do not worry about it, and just visit the office in your free time.

————————————————————————————
Q: J, who holds F2 visa wants to extend her visa. Since the rule sometimes changes, she would like to confirm where she should go to (the immigration office or the US Embassy) and which documents are needed.

A:  You can visit the immigration office to do the visa extension process. Necessary documents differ depending on where you reside (inside Gwangju or around Jeollanam-do) and also whom you work for.

If you work for a public school, only basic documents are needed: passport, Alien Registration Card (ARC), 30,000 won (cash), the contract with your school (original and duplicate).

If you work for a private academy, you need more documents: all documents listed above (passport, Alien Registration Card, 30,000 won, Contract with your academy), proof of Academy foundation, timetable of your classes, income proof (salary), lesson plan, level of education verification document, police record (optional)

Police officers recommended calling or visiting in person to ensure clear and accurate information is given.

Reference:

Extension of Stay

In case there is an expiration of one’s permission of stay, the foreigner is to receive permission for his/ her extension of stay if he/she desires to stay continuously in Korea.

Application Period for Extension

The foreigner shall apply 2 months before the expiration date. In case of applying for the extension after the expiration date, the individual will have to pay the penalty according to Article 25 of the Immigration Act.

————————————————————————————

Q: I want to apply for a visa-run in Fukuoka, Japan. What should I prepare?

A: You can reach Fukuoka from Busan by jet ferry. The Busan ferry site is www.busanferry.com (Korean) or www.mirejet.com. There are three kinds of ferries to Fukuoka: New-camellia, Beetle and Kobee. New-camellia takes 6 hours and Beetle and Kobee take 3 hours. You will need to take these following documents to the Korean Embassy in Fukuoka: Passport, visa issuance number (obtainable from Immigration Office before leaving), 3.5 x 4.5cm color passport photo, an application form to fill in there and fee of 4,500 Yen.

————————————————————————————

Q: I already have an ARC, but it is about to expire and I have decided to stay in Korea for another 4 months. Do I still need to bring two color photos of myself, even though I already have the card? If you know anyone who has been in the same situation, that would be useful.

A: If you already have the card, you don’t need to bring those photos. You can extend the card two months before the expiration date. The contact number for the international information center of Korea Immigration is 1345. Please make sure you call them to get the most accurate information, since English is available.

————————————————————————————

LABOR & WORK 

A: The list of universities are the following:

Jeonju전주

Jeonju University 전주대학교 (www.jj.ac.kr) Tel: 063-220-2464

Jeonbuk National University 전북대학교 (www.jbnu.ac.kr) Tel: 063-270-2114

Jeonju Vision University 전주비전대학교 (www.jvision.ac.kr) Tel: 063-220-4114

Woosuk University 우석대학교 (www.woosuk.ac.kr) Tel: 063-290-1114

Jeonju Kijeon University 전주기전대학 (www.kijeon.ac.kr) Tel: 063-280-5208

 Suncheon순천

Sunchon National University 순천대학교 (www.sunchon.ac.kr) Tel: 061-750-3114

Cheongam University 청암대학교 (www.scjc.ac.kr) Tel: 061-740-7100

Suncheon Jeil University 순천제일대학교 (www.suncheon.ac.kr) Tel: 061-740-1234

 Gwangyang광양

Hanlyo University 한려대학교 (www.hanlyo.ac.kr) Tel: 061-761-6709/6703

Gwangyang Health College 광양보건대학교 (www.kwangyang.ac.kr)

Tel: 061-760-1400

 Yeosu여수

Chonnam National University, Yeosu Campus 전남대 여수캠퍼스 (www.jnu.ac.kr) Tel: 061-659-6114

Hanyeong University 한영대학교 (www.hanyeong.ac.kr) Tel:061-650-4000

 ————————————————————————————

Q: Do you know if Korean employers provide a form that shows how much money I have earned? I’m asking because I need a document with this information to file my taxes back home.

A: There is a form named “급여명세서”, which shows the details of your original salary, deductions for taxes, deductions for insurances, deduction for National Pension, and the total amount of payment you have received.

————————————————————————————

Q: I want to find job for my mother. She has already had an H-2 visa and the time of her arrival to Korea will be around the beginning of August. So until this period I have to find a job and know the information about living conditions for her. It will be the first time for my mother to travel abroad. My mother and I are from Uzbekistan. I’m now an intern at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), so I live in Gwangju and I am able to help search for a job for my mum. So could I receive some advice regarding my situation to help my mother find a job and prepare the best I can for her arrival to Korea?

A: Actually, the GIC isn’t involved in job recruiting, and we can only give information on job recruitment places. However, for your mother’s sake, here is some helpful information:

1) She can go to the Gwangju Regional Ministry of Labor and apply for a job there. (It is located near GIST)
2) There, she should sign a standard employment contract and a special employment confirmation document.
3) Job interviews will follow.
4) When everything is ready and she has a job, she has to inform the Gwangju Immigration Office within 14 days.
If you want to know more information on this topic, call 1345, which is the immigration’s office number. Press 3 for English or press 12 for Russian.

 ————————————————————————————

Q: Do foreign teachers have to pay pension or is it optional? Do foreign teachers have to take national health insurance or is it ok to take private health insurance instead?

A: Under Korean law, all foreigners are obliged to have both the National Health Insurance (NHI; from January 2006) and National Pension Service (NPS, from August 1995) and must be insured until they leave Korea permanently. Your employer must register you on your behalf, and if your employer refuses to do so, you can report this conflict of interest to the National Health Insurance Corporation. Their English-speaking call center is 02 390-2000 and the National Pension Service is 1355, and at this number you should explain that your employer won’t apply for you. The NHIC and NPS will take necessary action with your employer and most likely will investigate why your employer won’t do so. The health insurance is mandatory for all foreigners with an Alien Registration Card, without any exception. Even though the National Health Insurance will be able to cover general medical treatments, you have more choices on medical treatment coverage with private health insurance, so if you can, having both (private insurance is optional) is better, just in case.

————————————————————————————

Q: I have a few questions regarding pension lump sums. First, do you know where the regional office is located in Gwangju, and do the employees there speak English?Second, do you know how long the process takes to receive a lump sum once I have applied? I leave on June 20 and I think I need to apply soon.And third, do you know if they will contact my employer when I file?

A: There are a number of National Pension Offices in Gwangju, and below are listed those addresses:

Gwangju Regional Office

Address: 3^rd Fl., Kukminyeongeum Gwangjuhoegwan Bldg., 1582-4 Usan-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju (광주 광산구 우산동 1582-4 국민연금 광주회관 3층)

Tel: 062-958-2075

Directions: Buses 29, 70, 20, 37. Get off at IlSin Apt or Honam Hospital.

 

Dong-Gwangju Regional Office

Address: 8^th Fl., Amore-Pacific Building, 5 Geumnam-ro, Gwangju (광주 금남로 5가 아모레퍼시픽빌딩 8층)

Tel: 062-230-0789

Directions: Buses 19, 38, 39, 57, 70, 79, 160, 170, 180, 180-1, 1187, get off at Lotte Department Store

Subway: Get off at Geumnamno 5 ga station, take exit No. 1. It takes about 2 minutes from there by foot.

 

Buk-Gwangju Regional Office

Address: 1 – 2^nd Fl., Songgang Bldg, (33-43 Yu-dong), 291Geumnam-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju (광주 북구 금남로 291 (33-43 유동) 송강빌딩 1~2층)

Tel: 062-520-8124

Directions: It is across from HanGuknochong at Yudong Intersection. Go to the 2nd floor.

Some staff speak English, although it is basic. You can also call their international center in Seoul for help and assistance at 02-2176-8700. We are not sure how long exactly the process takes, but they say the longest time is one month. Therefore, it is better to apply in advance as soon as you know the date that you are leaving.
There is a possibility that they will inform your employer because the pension is to be paid by you and the company.

————————————————————————————

 ADMINISTRATION

Q: My boyfriend and I want to be married in Korea. We are both foreigners. How do we register our marriage? What documents/procedures are needed to get a marriage certificate in Korea? 

A: If you would like to get married in Korea, you will need a certificate of legal capacity to marry. This certificate certifies that you are single and you both are able to marry from your embassy. If your country is not an English-speaking country, then you will need to have the document translated into English or Korean. After obtaining the certificate, you will need to bring it along with your passport to the ‘gu’ office (district office) and fill out the application for marriage. You will need to provide two witnesses’ names (adults residing in Korea). Unfortunately for Gwangju residents, all reports of foreigner’s marriage have to be done at Jongro District Office in Seoul. The required documents that you need will are: Passports, Alien Registration Cards, seals from two Korean adult witnesses and both parties’ original and the translated affidavit of eligibility for marriage from the Embassies (all documents must be translated into Korean)

————————————————————————————

Q: I bought a scooter from a friend and it has not been registered by them. They also don’t have the papers. Can I register it, and if so, how?

A: To register your scooter, you will need to go to the committee office of your district. For example, if you live in Buk-gu, you should go to the Buk-gu Office. Before going to register, you will need to prepare these documents:

1. Insurance certificate: can be applied in almost any insurance company. For example with the ‘LIG’ insurance company, motorbike insurance is 300,000 won per year. When you apply for insurance, you will need to show your original Alien Registration Card and let them know the type of vehicle.

2. Alien Registration Card (ARC)

3. Proof of Residence (if different than the address on your ARC)

4. Scooter

Q: We are about to sell our car, so I needed to know what documents we need to prepare, and which office we need to visit and where.

A: When you sell your car to a used car mart or to a used car dealer, with your personal ID card and passport, you also need to prepare Vehicle Registration Card, Authentication Certificate of one’s Seal, Certificate of Completion of Automobile Tax. You can get these documents at your District Administration Office. Then, you need to go to your District Administration Office or Vehicle Registration Office.
————————————————————————————

Q: How do I change my Filipino name to Korean?
A: The following steps must be taken in order to change your Filipino name into Korean name:

- Your Family Registration Certificate, Alien Registration Card, Marriage Certificate, Standard Certificate are required. All these documents can be processed at your local community service center.
- You can get a Criminal Record Certificate from a police station. You have to bring them to the Gwangju Court.
- Fill out the application form available in the Law Court.
Other documents to prepare before going: 2,000 won for a stamp fee and 18,360 won as a delivery fee.
Before going to the Law Office, you should choose your full name and check the family name carefully since Koreans use Chinese characters for Korean names.
For example: there are some different ‘Kim’s with different meanings, so if you would like to use ‘Kim’ as your family name, you should know which ‘Kim’ (written in Chinese) to select.
More papers may be required depending on your family circumstances (your parents, your children, and/ or your other family members.). You will be instructed further information in the Law Court.

A: If you’d like to change workplaces, you can apply for this at Gwangju Immigration Office in Hwajeong-dong (tel: 062-381-0015) before leaving your current workplace. These documents are needed: a written application for altering a working place, passport, certificate of alien registration, appendices according to each type of visa (*) and a fee of 60,000 won

(*) Appendices for E-2 visa (if needed during judgment, documents requirements may vary): an application form (available at the Immigration Office), the reason for changing one’s workplace, employment certificate, certificate of establishing and managing academies and the company’s business license (either faxed or photocopied), the agreement for the previous work place, a certificate of police records (issued within 6 months), a physical test for recruitment (including TBPE and HIV results), and a personal reference. If you quit a contract before completing a year of work, then you may not be able to receive the severance pay. Try to contact Ministry of Labor (031-345-5200) or visit their website at www.moel.go.kr.. They have an English-speaking staff and they would be the best source for obtaining the most accurate information on regarding your rights as an employee. However if you want to know more about obtaining a visa, you should call the Korea Immigration Service hotline at 1345 (working hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekdays only) and then press ‘3’ and ‘*’ for English. And according to the Immigration Office, you don’t have to go through the process of receiving a new visa unless you change the visa type.

————————————————————————————

A: For English speaking community with children,we suggest you to join the Facebook group ‘Gwangju – 광주’.

By posting your inquiry you will be able to get more information. However if you would like to find class for English speaking children, there is also another option. GIC runs GIC Kids Class where foreign children learn Korean and we also have Korean children who learn English. Please see this link for more info: http://eng.gic.or.kr

 

GIC Korean Language Class Classes available: -          Basic, Intermediate, Advanced -          Speaking, Reading -          TOPIK Class -          K-entertainment Class -          Tutoring -          GIC Kids Class Contact: gic@gic.or.kr   GIC 한국어교실 초급, 중급, 고급, 회화, 읽기, TOPIK, K-Entertainment, 튜터링유치원 반. 연락처: gic@gic.or.kr