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I just wanted to show you some pictures that I have come to treasure. These photos were taken while on one of my many hikes. I just didn't want to take these while walking on the streets because I felt like getting above the tree line and rewarding you with some Fall Foliage. Enjoy!







Thank you for checking me out. If you want to see the other photos go to the "Photo's Tab" and scroll through them. Sending Love from South Korea!

Joe - OUT!!

So yeah there is none! As the days in darker more quickly as Fall dashes toward Winter I was looking forward to Day Light Savings Time. When I was younger I always seemed to forget but that's what God made Mother's for, because she would always give an announcement to the family that we could either stay in bed for an extra hour or be forced to rise an extra hour earlier.

I feel really bad because I might have told some students that we DID have daylight savings time on Sunday and to set back their clocks. I am pretty sure my kids will have something to say about that this week in class (my bad!).

The funny thing is that I went online after the fact and "Googled" if South Korea had in fact participated in Day Light Savings. I was surprised to find that although they do not, they did some time ago. From the years 1948-1951, 1955-1960, and 1987-1988 South Korean observed the savings but now they do not. All in all it's really no big deal but I just have to get used to running all of my errands in the dark. Be that as it may I enjoyed learning something new today and I thought it would be cool to share it with you. The following image is an updated map from 2010 of all the countries that observe DST (courtesy of Wikipedia)


Blue Areas have DST
Orange Areas once had DST
Red Areas never had DST

Joe - OUT!!

The rules of disciplining students has extremely changed and many of Foreign teachers may not be aware of this. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has announced a decree issuing a Complete Halt of Student Corporal Punishment of Any Kind. Before I get into this topic I want give you a brief synopsis of South Korean schools and their previous disciplinary tactic's.

Before in South Korea Corporal punishment was seen as lawful and necessary tool to effectively teach students in high occupant classrooms. This act of South Korean school discipline usually took the form of smacking with a stick that was small, too rigid and too thick to be considered a cane.

The areas where disciplined was administered were: the buttocks (fully clothed),the calves, the soles of the feet, or the front and back of the thighs. The reasons why students are punished were for offences such as: failure to complete homework, speaking in class when the teacher has requested silence, when a student strikes another student, when a student disrespects a teacher, and failing to achieve a good exam score.

Now on the other side of this issue there are those that will make a stance around Human Rights. They feel that the extreme situations where students who are being hurt from overly forceful discipline needs to be halted. Also those who support Korean Educational Law feel that corporal punishment is not a legitimate way to discipline students. This sentiment I completely agree with namely because whoever gets enjoyment from beating up abusing little kids, without any intent to correct misbehavior for their individual betterment, should not be allowed to work with youth. However this Human Rights focuses on the extreme cases of abuse, not misbehavior. Thus it falls short of a pragmatic approach to addressing the growing stresses of the teachers responsibility to teach too many students with too little resources. So this now becomes an issue of shifting the dynamic of responsibility from all on the teacher to a mutual responsibility of the student and the teacher.


Coming back to my point about high occupant classrooms is where my attitude about discipline changes. When you have a classroom of ANY size, why should the education of the majority be slighted over the shenanigans of a few? This behavior, if not confronted, will translate into future time-consuming malfeasance in the workplace. For instance have you ever worked at a job where, even though you put your full earnest effort into a good days work, there was one or two employees who either slacked off or couldn't get their act together so everyone had to suffer and work harder? The same thing apply's here. At least with the latter situation you had a supervisor or a boss who had a list of protocol to follow in order to correct the employees behavior before terminating the individual. In the former situation is the reality of what many Foreign teachers have to deal with. There truly are little to none actions to take when dealing with students who are disrespectful of your authority or who are continuously noisy in class.

Unfortunately working in South Korea or any foreign country comes with a lot of hardships on top of teaching rowdy students. Since many expat teachers either work at Hagwons (private schools) or work without a Korean co-teacher there is very little recourse to keep your classroom quiet and keep your lesson plans effective. Just like any other student they fidget for a number of reasons:

- Students are often tired from attending school all day.
- Many are under motivated to learn your subject.
- The material may seem daunting and redundant,
- Honestly, some students love the attention from acting out
- They are Children!

There are many other reasons why kids slack off but many of them are so consumed with pre-adolescent thoughts and desires that it is hard to constantly break through the white noise and make sure that everyone learns something.


Because what this now means for foreign teachers, like myself, is that our hands are completely tied. Oftentimes school directors will say that in order to deal with a rowdy student is just to stand them up in the front of your class in continue teaching, because the child will feel shame standing in front of their peers. This, however, does not happen. Since many students act out to be recognized putting them in front of your class gives them the stage to make silly faces and distract the other students from your lesson.

Since the "Stand in front" idea never works I usually have them hold up one or two books over their head and tell them in a stern voice to "Be Quiet." It works for me because even my baddest of students can't hold a book forever. Now other teachers may yell at there students but it's not in my teaching style to yell at anyone. I don't even yell to get a taxi. I've never liked anyone yelling at me so I respectfully don't yell at others, especially my students. So the last thing to consider is to send little Mr. or Miss Trouble Maker to the Principles Office. But wait! We don't have one of those, oftentimes the Directors are conducting class themselves and don't have time to deal with students behaving badly.

So virtually all of my discipline options are null. Because something as small as a tap on the hand can end up in a lawsuit, a fine, and/or a trip back home. So with that being said don't ever say that I never warned you. Keep your hands to yourself and lets hope that your bad students will act better.

Joe - OUT!!

Now I know that we don't spend a lot of time together, baby I know that. But you know that I am out here trying to make things happen and get this money. I appreciate you staying here with me through it all and these silly escapades into my life in SK is the only way that I can connect with you anymore. So before I put on the Barry White album and I light you up like Christmas I wanted to slow it down and talk about the stupid little things that make me want...uhm...well...cut you!

All joking aside I truly respect South Korea but with everything else in life the good comes with some undesirable bads. Now I am the first to admit that my perception is limited but I will remain veracious as possible. And for those of you reading this before coming to South Korea keep a positive mindset and keep researching and reading. So let's get started with the least irritable things and we'll move our way up.



10) Limited Book Selection - Despite what many people might think, there are book stores out here that have books in English. Although if you're an avid reader than you are going to wish that you bought and iPad or a Kindle and packed it with tons of books before you came out here. Because I don't know how much longer I can reread Lord of the Flies.


9) Buying Clothes - When you get here you only have a limited selection of threads to choose from. So understand that your students will see you in the same several shirts A LOT! So if you lose weight, gain weight, or you get your favorite pair of jeans marked up in red crayon by a 4 year old(GAHH!! KEVIN) you will have to consider buying clothes from local outlets. If you are lucky you can find a no name thrift store that you can pick up some cheap, cheap hand-me-downs. But if you are fully figured you WILL have some trouble. I am going to stop there so as not to proliferate any stereotypes but I will say this: "Ladies I am not ashamed to say that where I come from, my ass is considered a piece of art ;)"


8) Where's the Rum? - This one is pretty self explanatory. Every E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Rich Mart that I've been to doesn't sell Rum. There is also a selection of wine, vodka, soju, whiskey, gin and other spirits. To all the guys out there, I'm sorry but I'm a Cocktail Guy and proud of it. However it's hard trying to unwind properly without a nice glass of rum in hand.


7) Super Sweet Sweets - I have a notorious sweet tooth and I enjoy feeding it an array of cookies and candy from time to time. However the candy here in South Korea make you second guess your consumption habits. A lot of Korean sweets are REALLY sweet to a point where even a little is too much. Which is sad because now I have to add Candy to my list of fears; next to snakes, babies, bears, baby bears, and spiders.




6) Ambiguity Galore - For all of you who truly know me, you know that I am a huge fan of efficiency. When you ask me to do something I pride myself on my aptitude and showmanship on completing said task. While working here I have noticed a huge gap in our cultural conversation styles. Conversation here with Koreans is more implicit whereas English is way more explicit. There is a lot of guessing of the When's and Where's things need to be done. So just be ready to ask a lot of questions so just bring your patience in boat loads and not just for the students.


5) Stop Gawking Please - When you patiently and humbly accept that you are the new kid on the block and that you are different you still have to deal the staring. And I know this may just be my personal preference but I can't stand when people stare at me. I'm not self conscious but I will go rabid if you don't take your eyes off the back of my head!

Again I understand that the staring is motivated by innocent curiosity but don't eyeball me while the whole time I am sitting, eating, shopping, etc. And Yes, yes I completely forgot that I am black, I know that I am tall, and I know how to read Korean, so please tell the whole train car to STOP LOOKING AT ME!


4) Zero Personal Space - Again with the cultural differences. I enjoy a conversation as much as the next person but there are rules. If you can see the fillings in my mouth then please take a step back. I am Pro-Personal Space, I am so adamant about my personal space that I will stop an entire conversation if you are too close. How awkward is that? One minute we are talking and laughing then all of a sudden I stop talking and stare at you until you adjust yourself...haha..yeah.. Great Times...


3) Put the Phones Away! - Now this just bothers me from an ethical standpoint. Why is that students as young as 6 have cell phones? I understand that times changes and the importance of cultural paradigm shifts but c'mon! Who is my little student calling and texting during my class?! And when you ask about it to your director its always, "It's Okay." No, dumbass it's NOT okay. It's called an educational barrier. You want me to teach them English with limited resources, fine. But don't give them external stimuli to distract the students. A perfect example is this 7 year old student who texts his grandmother during class no matter how much I ask him not to. Despite my illogical request the mother and the grandmother have the nerve to call the school and complain why the student is not improving in English. My only reply to that is "I don't have time for this."


2) Over-the-Top Loudness - In the states we are known for our unique ability to tell you "Shut Up" or "Be Quiet." I can't tell you how much I have been told that I talk really low and too quietly. This is funny to me because I come back with "Yeah, that's weird because has anyone told you that you're just loud...I'm sorry did you hear me?"

Seriously, all the conversations seem to be miked here. We have big "Hello's" and "Goodbyes" which is exciting at times yet annoying at other times.


1) Other Foreigners - The number one annoyance on the list is observing other foreigners from my home country. If you are young, like myself, you can use this experience as a very good and positive platform. Some people use this experience to do some soul searching and find an inner strength while running into other like minded people that you can hang onto for a lifetime. Other people, however, use their time in South Korea as a launch pad to prolong their indecisiveness and prolong their college drunken stupor. It pains me not only to hear but also to see other fellow expats acting downright stupid. Now not everyone is fit to be an ambassador for their country but show some self-restraint and have some class.

Another thing that rubs me the wrong way is the heavy ethnocentric attitude that comes with Expat Expectations. When you go into a 7-11 in Korea don't just start rambling off in English and just expect the person to just know what you're talking about. You are in South Korea, it would take you all of 20 seconds to master how to ask a question in Korean. And don't get mad at other people because you don't understand and now your ego is shot. Get over it there is no "saving face" because you don't have one here. I'm sorry if you feel differently but let's put it into perspective. You are an English Teacher on a temporary stay in South Korea. You are a guest in their home, so don't be careless and wreck the place. Because you never know, one day they probably won't invite you back over...

Joe - OUT!!

This had to be one of the most awesome things that I've seen in my entire trip thus far. I was on my way to a big department store (Lotte Mart) to pick up some items that weren't carried in closer stores and learn a new bus route when I came across this couple.



Now I'm no stranger to love, but I will say that this simple display of cooperation really made look at relationships differently. I was just amazed at their level of casual while doing what seems to be a simple task. Trust me it's not! I had two bags about that size in both hands and it wasn't a fun trek home. These days, however, I will find any excuse to exercise since the cold weather is coming in. Good grief Charlie Brown is it winter already?



Although this picture was inspirational to me I wanted to throw some pictures up of my little country town while I was out. I hope you enjoy them!





Joe - OUT!!

Yep that's right, you read that correctly. I almost didn't believe it when I heard it myself but I assure you that YES such a place exists in South Korea. Oddly enough there is not a lot written on this place but I thought I'd do my readers a solid and give them the scoop.

Now why is GameStop so important? The reason that I felt that this place was blog-worthy is because if you're a foreigner and you are considering buying an XBox, PS3, Wii, etc. you do not want to make the mistake of buying a game console in a Korean store with the intent of taking it back home. This is especially important when it comes to buying additional games for your console while you are traveling away from home. If the words NTSC-J, NTSC-U/C, and PAL don't ring any bells you need to stop reading and Google these words. Trust me I am trying to help you save a lot of time, and keep you from disappointment.

In order to get to GameStop you need to go toward the Seoul area. Sorry guys if you don't live in Gyeonggi-do :( You need go to Songtan to get to GameStop. More specifically you will need to go to the Shinjang Shopping Mall, toward Osan Military Base. You can take the blue subway Line One to get there. When you come out of the station you want to hang a right and start your walk.






So if you the option of taking a nice 15-20 minute walk to get there or as you get out of the station you can get in a taxi and say "Main gate." Trust me, they are going to know what you are talking about.



Now if you do decide to walk make sure that you are going toward Shinjang Overpass. You will begin to see signs that will put you in the right direction.





Then after a few short minutes you should come up to a T-Section in the middle of the street. Once you pass that you should be able to Shinjang Shopping Center on your right.



Then on your left you will see the entrance to Osan Military Base.



You want to make sure that you take a right and go into the Shopping Center. Finally GameStop will be on the left hand side of the street. Congratulations! Here are a few more pictures of the inside.







Oh yeah one last thing. They take both USD and KRW won. So don't worry about taking out a bunch of cash before you go. Here are the phone numbers to GameStop in South Korea if you get lost or have questions 031-663-6898 and the cell number is 010-5198-1264. They're also open from 11AM - 8PM everyday!

Joe - OUT!!

Just the other day I went back to Yangju City Hall to go see live performance. If you can recall the last time I went to City Hall I was able to see the Janguu Drum Performance. This time however, I got to see a very talented group called NANTA. NANTA is a very popular Korean culinary themed percussion group (so think of STOMP but with pastry chef hats). And I have got to say, it was probably one of the coolest shows I have yet to see in South Korea. The concert opened with a decent 5 piece Jazz band playing some covers of some old American songs. The most interesting part was that there was a tap dancer that filled in all of the solos sections. I just remembered trying to think of the last time I saw someone tap dancing...ohh that's right SESAME STREET! All-in-all it was a nice addition even if it was a quirky gimmick.

After their set had finished the stage crew rolled a bunch of cooking equipment onto the stage. Unfortunately I took videos on my camera but they were erased but I managed to save some of the low quality stills from the video my camera "claimed" to have shot...ugh! Despite my cameras epic fail I found a couple videos of what NANTA is just for you:

Click Here for Video








As you can see they are a very talented and their show was awesome! It was like watching The Blue Men or STOMP back in the states. Being a fellow percussionists I was thoroughly pleased and I plan to see them again at the beginning of October. Also if your are interested in finding out when you can see them I have a link to their website with all of updated performance listings. If you have seen them or if you plan on seeing them leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

Click Here for NANTA Info

Joe - OUT!!