*G20 Summit* ~ Seoul, South Korea

For those of you out there who are living here in South Korea are probably completely unaware that this year, one of the biggest global leader "get-together's" is being held here in Seoul on the 11th & 12th of November this year. 

Apart from meaning that it will be nearly impossible to visit Seoul for some last minute Christmas shopping...what's the big deal right? What is the G20 Summit anyway?

According to everyones favourite web dictionary, Wikipedia:

"The Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (G-20, G20, Group of Twenty) is a group of finance ministers and central bank governors from 20 economies: 19 countries plus the European Union, which is represented by the President of the European Council and by the European Central Bank...Collectively, the G-20 economies comprise 85% of global gross national product, 80% of world trade (including EU intra-trade) and two-thirds of the world population.

The G-20 studies, reviews, and promotes discussion (among key industrial and emerging market countries) of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability, and seeks to address issues that go beyond the responsibilities of any one organization". 

From last years Pittsburgh Summit, The G-20 Finance Ministers were tasked to take action in the following areas;

• Framework for Strong, Sustainable, and Balanced Growth
• Strengthening the International Financial Regulatory System
• Modernizing our Global Institutions to Reflect Today's Global Economy
• Reforming the Mandate, Mission, and Governance of the IMF
• Reforming the Mission, Mandate, and Governance of Our Development Banks
• Energy Security and Climate Change
• Strengthening Support for the Most Vulnerable
• Putting Quality Jobs at the Heart of the Recovery
• An Open Global Economy

Behzad Shahandeh at the Korean Times has the following to say about the up and coming Summit;

"South Korea needs to play an even greater role than it did at the London Summit by depicting itself as an emerging economic power. This entails adopting action programs and balancing agenda items on such divisive issues as the one involving China and the United States in relation to the devalued Chinese yuan. 

As an example of the positive image that South Korea already has ushered in is its contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, which is a plus for the nation’s image, and must be duplicated in other areas of international voluntary work. An important effort to ponder upon here is to enhance Seoul’s economic and humanitarian help to North Korea regardless of any other considerations, as rising above politics will go long a distance in presenting the real Korea and its rich heritage of caring for others.

The Seoul G20 meeting will enable Korea to present its soft power based on a long history, rich civilization, cultural values ― especially the family ties so rare in a world confronted with family crisis ― and bountiful natural scenery. The beauty of Korea’s natural sceneries could be promoted through international tours through which foreign visitors would be able to discover this well-preserved environment, while at the same time experiencing the deeply-rooted sense of hospitality of the people".

 So what do you guys and girls think? Will Korea be able to show the world that its a real contender in the economy? That it's making a real stand against global warming and that its all for "going green"??
(or am I just a girl with a BA in English literature teaching English to little kiddies...). Let us know your thoughts!

    

Oh thought this was quiet worth noting considering we are SOUTH AFRICANS living in SOUTH KOREA:

"President Lee Myung-bak began making phone calls to leaders of the Group of 20 nations to ask for support in the upcoming summit in Seoul.

Lee on Wednesday called South African President Jacob Zuma and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Lee’s spokesperson Kim Hee-jeong said.

Lee thanked Zuma for South Africa’s active role as the joint chief of working groups for IMF reform and development, and for his planned participation in the G20 business summit.

“Please take special interest in the development agenda. Your interest in setting up action plans for the coming years would greatly help African nations,” Lee was quoted as saying by Kim.

Zuma replied that it was highly meaningful that the upcoming summit will be held outside the G8 nations" Korean Herald

Good on you Zuma :)

24 Hours in Seoul!

The 9th of October marked one of the biggest events of the year for South Korea, Global Gathering 2010. (Well not quiet as big as the Grand Prix!!! But still pretty big)

We spent the day exploring the throbbing streets of Hongdae (Hongik University) before making our way to the DJ festival.
As usual, we stayed at the great backpackers, Blu GuestHouse, where a room for 8 people cost us each W17 000 (about $17) for a comfortable bed and a nice hot shower.

The free market, which is right by the Universities campus is a great place to find good bargains, and great bits and bobs!

Here is a short clip of a very interesting street procession:

And of course the most AWESOME Lomography shop in Seoul! (remember Farmboy's Fisheye camera...they have loads of them for sale and of course the film and every other kind of accessory!)

As day turned into night, we made our way to the concert;

The high-lite of the evening was Justice & Fatboy Slim, with a great line up of other great DJ's in between.
For info on other events happening in and around Korea, check out InterPark (where you can also buy tickets!)

Going to the Dentist in South Korea

"Hmmm...we've been here for 8 months now and I vaguely recall my Dentist saying something about getting a check up at least every 6 months...He was probably trying to scam my parents out of more money. But then again, I've got a really sore tooth and its not going away"...he sighs looking up at me with puppy-dog eyes.
"Doesn't your co-teacher know an English speaking dentist???"
"Ok, ok...I'll phone her and see what I can do".

That evening we were off for our first experience with a dentist here in South Korea.

*Korean F1 Grand Prix*...we were there!

5:30am on Saturday the 24th saw 2 very, very, very excited South Africans running around Daejeon trying to find a taxi to get to the station in time for the 6 o'clock KTX ride to Mokpo. Why, i hear you ask? Well,  to see the FIRST KOREAN F1 GRAND PRIX!!!! And having not checked the weather report the night before, we were unprepared for what lay ahead.

It was windy, It was cold, it was wet, it was muddy...but it was fantastic!! We arrived early bells at Mokpo Station, running around in the pouring rain in search of a cup of coffee and an umbrella; found the one in a seedy convenience store, and the other in a sparkling new coffee shop. After a rather tense disagreement regarding sharing umbrellas vs just buying my own one (Farmboy I'm sorry for being so difficult!) We set out in search of a way to get to the track.

So far so good, we hoped on the first bus we could find that was showing a F1 sign on it, and 10 minutes later we arrived at the brand spanking new track.

We had tickets (thanks to the most awesome Dad in the whole world!!!) for Ia...(thats the orangey colored seats)

But we were not prepared for the site that awaited us....once we had stood in a very long line, for a very long time (and then found out it was only for the VIP's needing the limousine shuttle to the Grand Stands) we headed off for the long and muddy hike through the hundreds of parking lots to collect our tickets. Once that was done, poncho's and umbrellas in hand, we headed for our seats. 40 minutes later and we were sitting in the stands awaiting the start of the race. Its was only 10 o'clock...the race was due to start at 3...we had some time :)

Farmboy's Summer Camp!

Being with EPIK, each and evert Native English teacher will have to make/design/participate/teach a camp (of 40 hours) in both the Summer and the Winter Vacation.
What you do is up to you, most schools go the boring old fashioned route and follow the camp plans of old, using the same games and activities "Let's cook", "seasons", "animals" etc.
Here is what went down @Farmboy's school:

Rock Climbing in Korea!

This weekend marked the beginning of *real* climbing for us here in South Korea. By real climbing, I mean climbing on real rock, as opposed to a man made wall with nice and easy grips to hold on to, and routes that are well marked out for you to follow. We headed up to a great climbing place just outside of Seoul, called Ganhyun (which is in Seoul). From Daejeon, its a 2 1/2 hour bus ride and then a 10 minute taxi ride, or 2 train rides and a 10 minute taxi.
I would say the bus is the easiest and cheapest way to get there, for W10 000, get the bus from the Dongbu Bus Terminal which is right by Daejeon Station (buses 2, 102, 105, 106, 201, 501, 601, 602, 607, 611, 616, 701, 802 go there).


We headed there early Saturday morning with Dan and Minhee for a great day of climbing and being outdoors while the weather is still so nice!

What do you want?

Farmboy's latest video of his kids.
The lesson title is..."What do you want?"

Who doesn't like a bit of king~fu every now and again
:)

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcJnFM9fk6A

Farmboy's Summer Camp!

Being with EPIK, each and every Native English teacher will have to make/design/participate/teach a camp (of 40 hours) in both the Summer and the Winter Vacation.

What you do is up to you, most schools go the boring old fashioned route and follow the camp plans of old, using the same games and activities "Let's cook", "seasons", "animals" etc.

Here is what went down @Farmboy's school:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrcKo3iFVUU

What do you want?

Farmboy's latest video of his kids.
The lesson title is..."What do you want?"

Who doesn't like a bit of king~fu every now and again
:)

*Super Mario* ~ computer games in the classroom

Here is a short video of my adorable little grade 3 kiddies playing a cool version of the traditional "Bomb Game"...click below for a link to the game.

Super Mario Bomb Game

(I got this game from my wonderful co-teacher, and is designed for Korean esl, but feel free to download and change what you want!)
*NB If the above link is being faulty as sometimes googledocs don't work, click here for a link to waygook.org where there are loads of great games and other material for your class, just register for free, and away you go)*

Enjoy :)

*InterCity* Bus Schedules

If your living in Daejeon, our last post would give you some info on what buses to catch to get to some of the major tourist places/other destinations here in Daejeon...but what about if you don't live in Daejeon, I hear you say.
Well now you can come and visit :) Just kidding (well maybe not hehe) but here is a site (in English!!) with the bus schedules for all over South Korea.

*At the moment it seems that you can't book the buses online through the English part of the site, but you can book through the Korean section (which is a tad difficult if you cant speak Korea but maybe get a friend/co-teacher to help you).*

Just click on the link below!

KOBUS

Electronics Market in Seoul

If your looking for a new computer, a new computer screen, a new key board, games or anything else electronic, instead of spending a fortune at Computer stores head to the Electronics Market in Seoul.

The Electronics Market is made up of over 20 buildings housing 5,000 stores that sell appliances, stereos, computers and peripherals, office equipment, telephones, lighting equipment, electronic games and software, and videos and CDs. Korean-made products generally cost 20% less here than other retail outlets, while imported items can be as much as 50% cheaper. Transformers of varying sizes can be found at many shops.

The major stores are open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and are closed the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month. Life in Korea.com

As with any wholesale stores, I'm sure there are many pirated goods, and you might have a problem with returning faulty goods. But for the basics (usb's, adaptors, key boards etc) its a fantastic place to get a great deal!

The tunnel to the Electronics Market

Farmboy picked up a really great deal on a T-Card for his Nintendo (which stores hundreds of games) and cost W40 000 (about $40) from Kenny (Nanjin-sanga 15 Dong, below F22Ho 3-23 bunji, Hangangno 3-ga, Yonsan)

*Which Bus!?* Bus numbers for major places in Daejeon

The following is taken from the site Tour to Daejeon and is sooooo useful :)

Hope you think so too!

Tourist Attractions (and Mountains):

Destination	Bus
Expo Park	121, 301, 606, 705, 911, 918
Daejeon O-world	301, 115, 311, 314, 318, 315
Bomun-san (Mt.)	119, 619, 618, 108, 313, 620
Gyejok-san (Mt.)	103, 617, 311, 314
Daecheong-dam	72, 73
Gubong-san (Mt.)	210, 114, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
Jangtae-san (Mt.)	22
Sikjang-san (Mt.)	611, 619, 607, 313, 60, 61, 62, 63, 71
Manin-san (Mt.)	501
Uam Historial Park	311
Jangsu Town	312, 313
Donghak-sa (Temple)	107, 48

Train and Bus Terminals:

Destination	Bus
Daejeon Station	1, 30, 31, 52, 60, 62, 63, 102, 311, 501, 511, 512, 603, 605, 606, 607, 612, 616
Seodaejeon Station	119, 201, 202, 314, 612, 613, 701
Sintanjin Station	2, 71, 72, 75, 703, 704, 705
Express Bus Terminal, Dongbu Terminal	2, 102, 105, 106, 201, 501, 601, 602, 607, 611, 616, 701, 802
Seobu Terminal	21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 34, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 113, 316, 916
Yuseong Express Bus Terminal	109, 911

Public Offices:

Destination	Bus
Govt. Complex Daejeon	102, 211, 216, 605, 618
City Hall	106, 316, 617, 703, 705, 918
Dong-gu Office	52., 711
Jung-gu Office	108, 311, 313, 317, 615, 620
Seo-gu Office	216, 514, 916
Yuseong-gu Office	104, 121
Daedeok-gu Office	314, 606, 614, 616, 711
Chungnam Provincial Govt.	30, 33, 513, 612

Magik Aroma *marvelous soaps & heavenly crunchies*

So...a few days ago I placed an order with Mila from Magik Aroma for some soap and crunchies...did the transfer...and the completely forgot about it...That is, until my package arrived.

And what a package it was! Full of tempting smells, I ripped though the tape and newspaper, and could not contain my excitement at the very FULL packet of crunchies that lay within my reach :)

You see, here in South Korea, it's quiet hard to get hold of some of the finer things from back home (South Africa), and this is where Mila comes in...

Her crunchies (hard cookie/biscuit thingy's for those who have no idea what I'm talking about) are amazing *to say the least* and she makes her own scented soaps and candles too! All delivered safe and sound to your doorstep. Just drop Mila a message through facebook :)

Facebook group:
Magik Aroma

Open Class...

If you are teaching English here in South Korea with EPIK, there are quite a few 'unsaid' things that you will have to do at your school, the least of them being judging speaking competitions, helping students to prepare for English competitions and the like. But one of the scarier things, will be to prepare for at least 2 open classes.

Open classes are when other teachers/VIP's/your Principle etc will come in and watch your class, thus evaluating you and your co-teacher on a number of things. Most teachers here do 2 open classes for outside teachers (including other Foreign English Teachers) to come and watch, as well as open classes for their students' parents. Another type of open class is for the annual teaching competition. As well as having teachers and Principles watching you, your class is also video recorded, and then sent in (with a huge amount of other documentation) to the Metropolitan Board of Education and is then evaluated against the other candidates. The teaching competition is optional, and your co-teacher is usually the one who decides whether or not to enter.

For your open class, you can do whatever lesson you want (and then whichever period you want in that lesson) and you are free to change/mix up/delete/add anything to your lesson. So for example, we filmed our own videos for the 'Look and Speak" part of the textbook, and for the listen and repeat section, we do mini role plays using a dialogue that we make up (but using the key expressions of the lesson). Be as creative as you want!

This year, my wonderful co-teacher 정히 (Cindy) entered us into the competition, and we went through the the second round (YAY!!!!). We just had our second open class earlier this week, and now wait, with baited breath, to find out the results (please hold thumbs for us!).

The class went really well, the students were great and really participated well, the hardest part was trying not to pay too much attention to the 5 very important looking adjudicators sitting at the back of the classroom, all with stony faces and no smiles! But it went well...so we will just have to wait and see...oh! The winners of the competition get to go on a paid trip somewhere (it sounded really nice, but I cant remember) and it's an amazing thing to have on your CV :)

Here are some photo's of what we prepared for the class:
(again, my co-teacher actually had to do the majority of the work; writing up a report (40 pages!), making a portfolio of all our work, and sending in loads of application forms...so thank you Cindy!!!!)

*We did grade 6, lesson 11 "I'm stronger than you", period 2*

English Worship Services in Daejeon

We recently found out about Onnuri Church (with English Worship Services!), which is located 10 mins from City Hall Subway Station, and 5 minutes from Time World Galleria.

With a wonderfully friendly and smiley pastor, and an amazing group of both foreigners and Koreans, if your looking for a warm and welcoming Church, then come to Onnuri (wow I sound a little like a sales person hehe).

Here is a link to their website and Facebook group (they are so jacked up with technology!)
Daejeon Onnuri English Church Facebook Group
Daejeon Onnuri English Worship Website

when:
English Worship~ 2 pm every Sunday

where:
Vision Hall, Onnuri Church, 4th Fl
Good Morining Building (Near Gallaria TimeWorld/City Hall)
Subway: City Hall St. Ext. 2, Bus: 104, 106, 703, 911, 316, 617 and many others that pass Dunsan area.

Its a really great worship service...if your feeling a little intimidated to come along by yourself, drop us an email and we'll be happy to meet up with you before :)

Video & Pic’s: Hakha Elementary School

Ive done a few post with pictures (click here) and a video (click here) about one of my schools, Kyochon Elementary...thought it was about time I showed you all what my country school (Hakha Elementary) is like...

Hakha is a very small school, with:

Grade 1: 7 students

Grade 2: 4 students

Grade 3: 4 students

Grade 4: 9 students

Grade 5: 8 students

Grade 6: 4 students

So its a complete change from teaching at Kyochon, where I have anything from 22-36 students in a class :)

But enough about that, here are some pics of my kiddies :)

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Even though the kids can be a real handful (especially Grade 5) they still know how to make me smile :)
What are ur schools like? Do you teach at 1 school/2 schools...public/hagwon? We would love to hear from u!

Video & Pic's: Hakha Elementary School

Ive done a few post with pictures (click here) and a video (click here) about one of my schools, Kyochon Elementary...thought it was about time I showed you all what my country school (Hakha Elementary) is like...

Hakha is a very small school, with:

Grade 1: 7 students

Grade 2: 4 students

Grade 3: 4 students

Grade 4: 9 students

Grade 5: 8 students

Grade 6: 4 students

So its a complete change from teaching at Kyochon, where I have anything from 22-36 students in a class :)

But enough about that, here are some pics of my kiddies :)

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Even though the kids can be a real handful (especially Grade 5) they still know how to make me smile :)
What are ur schools like? Do you teach at 1 school/2 schools...public/hagwon? We would love to hear from u!

Farmboys Farm!

Most of you are probably wondering why this blog is callled "FarmBoy & CityGirl", I mean why the need for secrecy/funny made up/overused names??!! Well, the fact is, Dale is really a farm boy, having grown up on his family's dairy farm, in the small town of Creighton, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa...and I really am a city girl, having lived all my life in big cities (Johannesburg, South Africa & London, England). So I thought it was about time to introduce you to a few pictures of Farmboys 'real' farm...

This is the view from the farmhouse...

And of course, the cows!!! (well a few of them anyway, he has lots and lots!!)

The beautiful Farm House

2 of the wonderful ladies that work on the farm, Thulani and Cynthia

So there you go :) These pics were taken by Farmboys wonderful mom, Margie! We miss you!

First Ever Daejeon *Rock Concert*

15 bands from all over the country will descend upon Daejeon for the 1st Daejeon Rock Festival for a unique, diverse and high energy performance starting in the early evening and running into the wee hours

In addition, as part of the Deli Tour Korea Show there will be more than 300 vendors from around the world selling international food, beer and wines.

Admission: FREE!!! 

Q:When?
A:Saturday Oct.16th, 6pm-5am.

Q:Where?
A: KOTRA park beside the Daejeon Convention Centre. Actually, technically the stage is going
to be set in between the river and KOTRA Park/DICC, so it will be an outdoor show.

Q:Who?
A: The Galaxy Express, Apollo 18, Burning Hepburn, One Drop East, Seoul City Suicides,
..Whatever That Means, Vidulgi Ooyoo, Hwannon Gom, Kickscotch, Attacking Forces
Skasucks!, Dirty Gangneung, No Eazy, The Army and G-Jay.

Q:What?
A:In addition to having some of the best bands in the country, there will be more than 300
vendors selling international food and beverages. And by beverages I mean 'Beer'. 300
vendors selling WORLD CLASS Beers. And wines. In a way I guess you could say its
part rock festival, part Oktoberfest...its a Rocktoberfest.

For more info check out Daejeon Access

For the Facebook Group

Hope to see you all there (well those of you in Korea!)

*Cup Cakes* at Lotte!

If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth like me, you'll be happy to know that there are loads of places to find cute cup cakes here in Daejeon.

A bunch of us girls headed to the big  Lotte Department Store, to try out their selection downstairs in the food court.  We had an excuse, Jenny had to carbo~load before her big marathon on Sunday, and we couldn't possibly let her eat cup cakes alone!

The cup cakes are sold by the coffee shop right next door to the actual Grocery Store on the basement level (next to the pizza place) and for W3 500 a pop, they don't come cheap! But they looked so cute that we had to at least try them...and so I present you with "Mint", "Dark Chocolate", "Peanut Butter" & "Cookies"...

(they weren't the best cup cakes we've ever had, but hey, they were cup cakes :) )

Directions to Lotte Department

By Bus:  #101, 602, 604, 703, 107, 211, 618, 316, 318, 315

By Subway: Take the Yungmun Stop, and then its a 2 minute walk (its a huge pink building)

The cup cakes are in the food court on the basement level, along with a very fancy Grocery Food Section!

There is also a really great Cinema/Movie House on the 10th floor!

For more movie theaters in Daejeon click here