How To...

Editor’s note: Thanks to Ryan for compiling this info for us. There is some general information on replacing a license and for getting a license if your home country doesn’t have a reciprocal license agreement with Korea. There’s also a more generalized answer in The Official Word, and some info on getting a motorbike license (necessary [...] more

Laser hair Removal at NB Clinic (Natural Beauty Clinic) Laser hair Removal is a common procedure in South Korea. Why Laser Hair Removal? Why not? Laser Hair Removal is great! It means that you don’t have to worry about shaving when you are on vacation. Laser hair removal is not permanent, but it is as [...] more

As you may or may not have heard, the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, is rather upset about several things right now (the new SK President, tightened UN sanctions, SK/US military drills) and is threatening (again) to turn Seoul into a lake of fire. This is mostly a lot of hot air and bluster [...] more

The South Korean economy is weathering the on-going global recession better than many countries, and as its reputation and international standing grows, so does its foreign population. Here are some recent stats, given to UlsanOnline.com by the Ulsan Metropolitan Police Agency. In the past 5 years, Ulsan’s foreign population has been steadily rising, from about [...] more

Many expats turn to sites like Amazon.com to find products that they can’t easily come by in Korea, or to save themselves the expensive trip to Seoul to go shopping. Here’s some guidelines to help you decide if it’s worth it: (Thanks to Jason Teale for digging this up) The Korea Customs and Tarriff Handbook [...] more

What follows is  one woman’s story of medical malpractice. Specifically, the medical procedure is Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis or what is commonly known as LASIK – the correction of nearsighted vision by laser surgery. We are not publishing this story to warn people away from LASIK, nor are we attacking the Korean medical system. Most [...] more

Rainy season is forecast to start this week. In the past, this prediction meant the change from a long, dry winter and spring into a hot, humid, rainy summer. Of course, in recent years, the climate patterns have changed so much that we now have rain frequently throughout the year, so the idea of calling [...] more

A Korean man threatened to hit a foreigner with a chair, and when he was physically removed from the situation, called the police on the foreigners involved, which ended up in several days of legal hassle until he decided to drop it. A foreign man was surrounded and threatened by a large group of men, [...] more

Over the past few weeks, our Facebook group has been averaging about 15 new members per week, which is pretty awesome. Welcome to Ulsan to all of the newbies kickin’ around town.  For those of you just joining us, I’d like to take a few moments to introduce you to this little site of ours. [...] more

It’s that time of year again. The temperature is nosing its way above 10 degrees, tentative buds are poking out of the tree branches, and any day now, the flowers and blossoms will begin to show themselves; Spring is coming! Unfortunately, during March and April in Korea, the trade winds shift from the cold Siberian [...] more

For a lot of expat English teachers, the year you come to Korea is the first time you’ve spent your holidays away from your friends and  family. Even if you haven’t lived at home in years, odds are you’ve made the trek home for Christmas (or Hannukah, or <insert December holiday here>). This first year [...] more

One of the most difficult cultural differences for many Westerners to accept in Korea is how sickness is dealt with in the professional environment. At home, if you’re sick, you’re usually encouraged by your boss to go home, stop spreading your germs around the work environment, and rest up. You’ll be more productive with a [...] more

Every winter, as I loudly proclaim how much I hate the cold, people inevitably say, “But you’re Canadian!” as though that somehow makes me naturally invulnerable to sub-zero temperatures. While the nature part is not necessarily true, there are some things I learned that helped me deal with growing up in a country that can [...] more

At home, it was so easy. If you had a question, you just asked someone and they could either tell you, or tell you whom to ask. Here, it’s a little more difficult, mostly due to the language barrier. My second year here, I promised my students that I would bring them in some nachos [...] more

Korea is a strange place. Expats who have lived here for years still find themselves constantly surprised. The culture is inherently contradictory of itself, and while deeply rooted in centuries old customs, also changes and adapts faster than any other culture I’ve yet experienced. In the years I’ve lived here, I’ve seen some of the [...] more

Saturday night I had the pleasure of speaking at the Ulsan Culture and Awareness Night at Benchwarmers Bar in Shinae. This evening of information is becoming yet another Ulsan tradition. My partner this time was not the legendary Troy MacDonald, but one of the trio of owners that now own Benchwarmers, Chris Mazeroll. During the [...] more

Another article in our ongoing series of getting acquainted with Korea. This article will focus on how to follow the rules of Korean driving. Be careful out there…it’s a jungle. Credits: Yakety Sax by James Q. “Spider” Rich Bicycle Race by Queen Photos and video by Martin Rehder and Deirdre Madden more

(Updated May 2013) There are a ton of new EPIC teachers arriving in our midst, so I thought I’d write up a handy summary of info for everyone to help you get acquainted with our city. Most of the information is available on the site in more detail, so read through the older posts by [...] more

It’s that time of year again. Every weekend there’s another leaving party, and soon there will be a new crop of fresh English teachers, ready to explore all that Korea has to offer. Some who arrive will be eager to experience the inherent contradictions that make this country such an interesting and challenging place to [...] more

Add fine weather, friends, roast pig and wine to a sun-soaked patio bar. Mix well. Serve chilled. Now you’ve got a recipe for a fun afternoon. The Ulsan Wine Club is always a great event to meet people and enjoy some fine wines.  Insan Hospital hosted this month’s Wine Club event with a “wine and swine party” at Cima [...] more

March 2nd marks the first day of the new school year for students in Ulsan. That day also marks the first day of work for many new teachers that arrived in Ulsan only a week ago. Ulsan Online would like to welcome all of the teachers to Ulsan and to give you a quick tour [...] more

We’ve had another reminder this week that we are living in a country still at war with it’s nearest neighbour (and brother). North Korea has been accused of starting the skirmish by launching missiles at the South Korean island of Yeonpeong. South Korea then retaliated by firing missiles back. Two South Korean marines were killed [...] more

I was contacted the other night in regards to an unfortunate incident that occurred in Ulsan. I was asked by one of the individuals involved, to kindly pass on some details and advice for the foreign community of Ulsan.  I write this in a hope that it will help those who may find themselves in an unfortunate [...] more

As a Canadian I am used to standing in lines for extremely long periods of time for just about everything. However, I was pleasantly surprised this past Saturday as renewed my Korean Drivers License in a record amount of time. I was so happy in fact that I tried to run every red light on [...] more

In an effort to both boost the flagging national birthrate and extend the “working class friendly” policies, Lee Myung-Bak’s administration has included free infant daycare in their 2011 budget. Anyone making under 4.5 million won per month can expect the government to pay the full cost of daycare for their infants. However, multicultural families, which [...] more

After a meeting two weeks ago, here’s the official response from the Ulsan Police Department regarding emergency calls: By Jung Ji-Won, Chief of Foreign Affairs, Ulsan Police, Department: Letting you know the ’3 way system’ in police agency. If you are in the emergency, you can always call ’112′. Are you worried about the language [...] more

In connection to Marty’s last post, here are rules for driving here that I wrote back in 2003 (satirically). I’ve driven about 75 000 km on the roads here since then, had 4 accidents, 3 more bikes but I’d say that they are as true now as they were then These are some rules to [...] more

While some people out there complain about the lack of selection in stores around Ulsan, whether they sometimes stock good stuff and then never carry it again, or the local farmer’s union doesn’t carry a large selection of western good specifically catered to the needs of foreigners, there is an alternative. I discovered the secret [...] more

Kester and his canine friends need your help! In 2008, a dog shelter was in need of some tender loving care when a few dog lovers came to the rescue. Busan Abandoned Pet Sanctuary (BAPS) was established to provide the community with a no-kill shelter for homeless pets. BAPS has taken tremendous strides in helping [...] more

The F2 visa is meant for internationals married to Korean nationals, providing them with a comfortable alternative to the binding E2 visa. I realize that the need for the information contained in this article may be slim in Ulsan but I hope that readers from other parts of Korea can benefit from the insights provided. [...] more

If you’ve ever had a burning desire to be famous, even locally famous here in fabulous Ulsan Korea, here’s your opportunity.  UlsanOnline.Com is looking for writers.  Whether it’s restaurant or nightlife reviews, travel talk or just about Korea in general UlsanOnline.Com is your ticket to getting that 15 minutes of fame.  And if you use [...] more

Well, as you are always told by Koreans, there are 4 distinct seasons here. Sadly, one of those 4 is yellow dust season. It comes for about 2 months, and is quite dangerous. Basically, this is a historic weather pattern that has existed for as long as Koreans can remember. The spring winds blow across [...] more

Tired of the tedious buses? Taxis taking too much of your mekju money? Perhaps its time to consider getting wheels of your own for getting around town.  Depending on from where you come, that can be relatively easy or you might have to make a short, but painless, trip to Enyong. Once upon a time, [...] more

Sending money home is wrought with difficulties, and myths. The most common myth told by banks is that you can only send your money through one bank, if you’ve used it, it’s the only one you can use. This is a lie. You can use any company you want, even if you don’t have an [...] more

I’m new to this country and before coming I did like everyone else and I researched the heck out of Korea about everything from food and customs to living conditions and sightseeing.  I was fully aware that Korea had two types of toilets: a western style and a squat toilet.  Now being from the US [...] more

Many foreigners who come to Korea come here to work, take in a little culture, see the world, make a bit of coin and then move on, never staying beyond their first contract. However, a growing number of foreigners have entered into long-term relationships with the Korean’s they’ve met and have made Korea their home.  [...] more

T-HOPE is a group of foreigners in Ulsan who spend Sundays volunteering at the Ulsan Orphanage, playing games, doing crafts, and teaching English to the kids, ranging in age from infants to older teens. Seems like a fine way to help counter the negative image of foreigners the Korean news outlets have been pandering. More [...] more

Editor’s Note: This was originally published in the Ulsan Pear (the newspaper predecessor to UlsanOnline.com – you can check out the archives here) in February 2006. I’m republishing it here in celebration of White Day, which is tomorrow. By Mike Weber Every country and culture has its own unique courtship rituals. Sometimes, ideas and customs [...] more

Coming to a new country and culture can be daunting. There are so many new things to learn, whether they are customs, manners, food, clothes and yes, even laws. For most things, the laws here in Korea are no different than laws in any other country.  No one needs to tell you that stealing is [...] more

For those of you who had great aspirations of starting off 2012 right – you know, eat healthier, get fit, be nicer, get up before noon even if you start work at 3 – but have had trouble keeping your resolutions, you’re in luck! Here in Korea, you get two shots at a fresh start [...] more

While the western world honours the fallen soldiers of World Wars I and II, and hold a moment of silence in memory of their sacrifice, an entirely different spirit prevails in Korea at 11:11 on 11/11. This is the moment when, apparently, if you exchange Pepero sticks with someone, your love will last forever. And [...] more

Korea is a strange place. Expats who have lived here for years still find themselves constantly surprised. The culture is inherently contradictory of itself, and while deeply rooted in centuries old customs, also changes and adapts faster than any other culture I’ve yet experienced. In the years I’ve lived here, I’ve seen some of the [...] more

A while ago I wrote an article for a national magazine on Ulsan and the comments that it received were far from nice. They said that Ulsan was “the most boring, polluted and dirty cities” that they’ve had the “displeasure” of living in. One commenter also mentioned that Ulsan has “zero in the way of [...] more

“Are we really that different”? Interacting with foreigners while demonstrating a friendly atmosphere based on cultural understanding and communication. Korea is filled with an atmosphere of jovial spirits and good tidings, the language demonstrates a need for respecting elders, strangers (of Korean descent) and impressions of gratitude. “Wagukens” or “foreigners” coming to Korea are entertained [...] more

Julia is a bright 8-year-old grade-one student who, like most of her peers, attends an English hogwan after the state school is finished for the day. After English class, she has art class and piano class at other private academies. Once home, she does her homework for about an hour and a half before studying [...] more

Although Korea has been driving on the right side for a long time, they have walked on the left until recently. According to the Korea Times, The National Police has begun changing signs and encouraging citizens to walk on the right. There are new signs directing pedestrian traffic around Munsu Stadium. Therefore, Korea is in [...] more

With all the recent news regarding the 20th anniversary of the reunification of the two Germanys, many people have turned the focus on Korea and are wondering why these two countries are not working towards the same goal. The two sets of twins share many common traits. Both  countries were single entities before World War [...] more

There are gold nuggets sometimes to be found in strange places.  Perusing the comments section of a favorite site, I found an interesting white paper hosted on the Kinsey Institute (the sex psychologists) on the Sexuality of Koreans. Although originally written in 2001 and updated in 2003, things change fast. Not all of the the [...] more

Wondering what all your students will be doing during the Chuseok holiday?  Pretty much the same things they do during the other big holiday, Lunar New Year.  Last winter, I wrote a description of the ceremonies Korean conduct during these events. For westerners who’ve never seen one, its an eye-opener – especially the part about [...] more

Here in Korea, it’s called “gi” and if you’re not sure what it is you may not know the joys you’ve been missing. Qi, or Gi, if you prefer, is the natural energy flow of the human body and is similar to “prana” in yoga. In traditional Korean medicine, the body has natural pathways of [...] more

(Originally written for the Ulsan Pear in 2004, this article discusses the virus scare of that era – SARS. It’s interesting to note that since the Swine Flu pandemic, the same claims still have some legs. – Editor) Is there something that Koreans know that the World Health Organization should be told about? Is there [...] more

An interview with a hospital administrator and health professional. Originally written for the Ulsan Pear by Keith Zufelt Mr. Park was approached in an attempt to get to the bottom of the whole man power” myth. The following are excerpts from a conversation I had with Mr. Park, written in the best Konglish that I [...] more

The quiet humming as it sits in the corner sends chills down my spine. On quiet nights I lie there awake, staring, fearing. I don’t want to become yet another statistic, I don’t want to die of fan death. Again.Fan Death. The rumours run like wildfire. Whispering  in the streets and alleys, mentions in the [...] more

Before you head out the celebrate the Ulsan Whale festival, there is something that you need to know. The Seoul government, under pressure from local fishermen wants to push the IWC to re-instate whaling. Because it is a tradition to eat whale, the Ulsan government has invested a lot of money into the whaling festival. [...] more

Believe it or not, this is part 2 in my history of the development of Korea. “The New Village movement or What’s the name of the dictator that helped build Granny’s?” So gather ’round, because today, little children, I’m going to tell you the story of the Dictator and the village. During the Korean war, [...] more

If you’ve been in Korea for more than a few weeks, you’ve been through two New Years holidays. The first and more minor of the two is January 1st. This is the New Years of the western world and is celebrated here in Korea but plays only a small part. On this holiday Koreans typically [...] more

This is the first entry in my series about the development of one of the world’s most crowded countries. (Originally posted at www.urbanneighbourhood.wordpress.com) Unlike modern times, Korea’s population wasn’t always high, during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1920) it hung somewhere around 8 million. For a country (complete country) twice the size of Ireland, 8 million people [...] more

When the fresh autumn winds come to Korea, they sweep away the incredibly hot days of summer and replace them with cooler, more manageable days. Days when the air con is off and you can walk to work without feeling you need a change of clothes. Summer activities and their accompanying summer clothes are packed [...] more

Story and Photos by Jacek Glowacki We all eat it. It can be seen and purchased in stores and markets all over Asia and is one of the most commonly used food groups in this part of the world, yet it remains a relatively foreign concept in the west. Seaweed comes in many forms, shapes [...] more

Story by Martin Rehder Everyone who comes to live in Korea faces challenges. For some, it’s the language, others it’s the food and some struggle to find some semblance of western life. For certain individuals, however, the challenges of being ethnically Korean but culturally foreign present special problems the rest of us never have. Rachel [...] more