Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Tips & tricks - NAVER app


As I’ve moved around the cities of Korea, there are some things I’ve noticed that make the life for Koreans a lot easier and smoother but yet doesn’t do the same for foreigners. I’m here to share one my favourite tip I’ve learned and hope it’s as useful for you, too!

Koreans are becoming more and more multi-interactional, using their smartphones and applications for many things. But for that quite often we’re forced to download different apps, because we’re used to have the programs separately. But what if you only download one app and use it for everything you need?

NAVER app proved to be quite useful! Even if it’s in Korean, there’s a dictionary to help you along. Only thing required for that is purchased data or wifi spots. And of course, a smartphone.

* click on the microphone next to the search bar

Code scanner*
코드

-      Useful everywhere, especially for bus times. There are bus stops with interactive time table but then there are ones what not. Instead of looking up for the bus schedule, you can scan the QR code on the bus sign and it’ll tell you how far the bus you’re waiting for is!

Music*
음악

-      I enjoyed myself the other day, sitting down in a café with a healthy drink and checking the credibility of the app. It recognized music so fast and easily, to my astonishment I could learn a lot of new foreigner and Korean songs.

Japanese/Kanji*
일본어/한자

-      As a Japanese language learner, I find this quite useful but sometimes difficult to handle. Especially if you’re interested in recognizing the kanji fast and easily. It translates the words into Korean, it is up to you how you use that information.

There are much more things to do, but I leave the fun of exploring into your hands!


MyKoreanFriends


Looking for a way to get in touch with foreigners around the country or for some foreign minded friendly Koreans?

I've come across this very nice place and decided to stay. Because I like it there, I've decided to share and invite you as well.

As the name says, it's all about MyKoreanFriends.

Here are some of the things you can do.


Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Hidden beauty of Daegu


I must say, autumn (fall) is probably one of best wonders in nature. In my humble opinion, that is. The vibrant colours and the fragrance of ripe fruits are all around, stunning the senses of every single person. How to enjoy it the best way? Well, people say that as swimming is for summer, skiing is for winter – in Korea, mountains are for autumn. But I say – get lost!

No matter where you go, near or far away from nature, the plants and trees will suddenly appear in your way. Go off the track, get lost a little and explore new areas of your surroundings. Last time on my way to Daegu Arboretum I took a detour. I walked a lot more than I had planned for, but in the end it was worth it.




If the beauty of random places do not stun you, wait a bit – the maximum of autumn colours isn’t here yet. And if that isn’t sufficient enough, visit the amazing huge Arboretum with lots of different sceneries to offer.

Here are few pictures for teasers, but the rest should be experienced personally.




If you’re interested about Daegu Arboretum, then here are some tips.

Best way to commute with public transport:
Take metro line 1 (red) to last station – Daegok [대곡]. From exit nr 3 follow the instruction signs if you wish to arrive there with shortest walking distance. But if you are not in a hurry, take a detour…



Map:
342 Hwaam-ro Dalseo-gu, Daegu, south korea


After all, viewing is for free…

Monday, October 13, 2014

Smart & Stylish - 3rd monorail



The other day, I had an honour to take the first public ride with 3rd monorail in Daegu. The official start date has been pushed and pushed forward and so was the first test ride for the public. Finally it took place on 10th of October, 2014.

And I must say – it was an amazing experience. Daegu so far only has two types of public transport – underground (metro) trains and over ground (somewhat dangerous) buses. But now, it has a train going above the street through the city – giving it another view angle. And what an amazing view it is! I hope everyone will get a chance to ride the train one day, just to discover new things in the city that you never knew were there before.


Cool things:
-          The white colour and the clean outlook gives it a sophisticated flavour
-          The train will be operated by a computer, without a human driver
-          The windows behind the seats are light and privacy sensitive, meaning when sunlight hits them or houses are too close – they will go opaque
-          In the curves the train slows down tilts to the side, kind of scary though…
-          The train runs on one rubber wheel… or something like that
-          One train, 3 wagons – all there is


Things to worry about:
-          The big gap between the train doors and the platform,  a perfect place for kids legs and random wheels
-          Automatic timing for boarding and going off as there is nobody to control it manually
-          The official starting date, when will that be..? But better safe than sorry!
-          During emergency, one can only leave the train from both ends of it by a slide. So if you’re stuck in the middle, then…


Basically it will be operating with same system as other public transports in Daegu. It’s an extra line for the trains, making commuting around Daegu more convenient and possibly more enjoyable, too.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Cat & Dog Cafe


Even if there’s a huge problem with stray cats and dogs in South Korea, the younger generation of Koreans really love animals so much they even take care of stray cats, for example, together with strangers by teamwork. When walking down the street anywhere in Daegu, I often see strangers going over to owners with pets to pet the animals or play with them. Not only that, I’ve noticed it especially strongly when I was walking around with my friends dog. Most of Koreans we saw on the way, and we walk all together over 10 kilometres, were noticing the dog, smiling happily and sharing the emotion with their partners. No matter the gender, they all were suddenly really happy and smiling. Cooing over the pets as if they were their own.

Cats and dogs might be the first list of pets to come in mind, but I’ve seen people with rats, hedgehogs and even weasels. However it would be dreadful to visit the owners home due the strong to smell… But the jokes aside, what is not a laughing matter is how the pets are sold in glass boxes or how often they are even abandoned. I guess the reason people are overly joyful with random pets on the street is because it’s really hard to have and keep a pet in Korean society. The apartments are small and the schedules are busy. Pets are like family members who need constant care and attention. And proper space.

Here are some examples of how to take care of a street cat. 
The cat is friendly and very used to people, even while eating he/she will come over, greet the new human and go back to consuming energy. Quite often the cat is surrounded by many school kids who stop to greet the cute furry thing before continuing with their schedule. There's a box with food supplies and a diary for the cat. And on a rainy day, there's a small umbrella shelter as well.


If that is not enough, there are two places to go and play with cats and dogs. I’m not going to go into the ethical part of this and concentrate on the cute positive side instead.

As mentioned, next off is the phenomenon of cat & dog cafés, which operate like normal café’s with special furry addition to it. You’re mostly required to buy a drink and you can enjoy your time with animals in addition.

First off – cats & dogs CATDOG café.


Location: Downtown, Daegu
Price: 8,000w + free drink of your choice
Open: 1:30pm -9:30pm

The place is divided into two sections – floor for cats. And floor for dogs. They offer exchange shoes and a locker for your belongings. You can stay as long as your heart desires, but only one day at time.





Map:
120-16, Dongseongro 3-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu (3-4F) / 대구광역시 중구 동성로 3 120-16


Second – cats café 양이양이.

Location: Downtown, Daegu
Price: 7,000w + free drink of your choice
Open: ?

It’s a fairly new place – opened in spring 2014, sometimes you can still smell the paint. Of course, changing shoes is required but no locer for your belongings. You can buy a snack for the cats for 2,000w. Endless hours to spend with furry friends..







Address: In downtown of Daegu, near the stage.
If you face the stage, the cafe is at the 11 o'clock.

These are only few things how to enjoy your time with pets in Daegu.