By @Andrew Cole
By @Andrew Cole
By @Andrew Cole
By @Andrew Cole
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Pictures
By @Andrew Cole
By @Andrew Cole
By @Andrew Cole
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
SOFA stamps and ration cards
You will need to get a SOFA stamp 1-3 days after your arrival in Korea. All you have to do is go to MPF and they will help you out with this. Make sure to register in the DBIBS system while you are there. And make sure to get your ration card for the commissary too!
Clinic and Health concerns
A non-command sponsored spouse and other non-command sponsored dependents use the clinic on a first come first serve basis. Non-command sponsored dependents are automatically enrolled into Tricare Prime. There is a 20% deductible when you see a physician off base. You can use the ER on base whenever you want to though. It is easier to get a child in to see a pediatrician on base though because there are not as many children living on base. The dental clinic is harder to get into though. You have to continue to call and see if they have openings; eventually they will fit you in.
Off base housing
The base requires any military member living off base to go through a real estate agent. Your real estate agent is the go between between you and base housing. They will be the ones to vouch for you when you have payed your rent etc. The housing office will have to come and inspect your living quarters before you are approved and you can get an advance in pay for rent and deposit money.
There are manny real estate agents near the base that are very willing to help with housing arrangements. All it takes to find a real estate agent is to walk a few hundred yards off base. Two of the agents right off base are Happy Realty and Korea Realty. Manny of the apartments are furnished. My husband did some searching and found that utilities were often included in the rent which, for an E5 Airman, means an extra $700 a month. This number will fluctuate as the utility allowance is based on an average of what people pay for utilities in this region. Know that if you have to pay utilities they are based on increments not paid by kilowatt hour like here in the USA. So, for instance you may pay 200KW for you first increment of electricity but, if you go over your allotted increment your next increment will be double that price so, you automatically pay 4000KW regardless of weather or not you have used that increment or not. From there it doubles again so, 800KW and it continues to double. None the less, your bill can get quite expensive!
Make sure to tell your real estate agent what you need. If you see something missing that you feel will make you more comfortable ask and they can often negotiate prices.
Also, if you live off base make sure to stock water and canned goods. During monsoon season the power can go out or the water turned off. During the winter pipes can freeze so, water won't be available. Also routine cleanings of the pipes will cause the water to get shut off. When the pipes are being cleaned it takes about 6 hours for the water to come back on again.
There are manny real estate agents near the base that are very willing to help with housing arrangements. All it takes to find a real estate agent is to walk a few hundred yards off base. Two of the agents right off base are Happy Realty and Korea Realty. Manny of the apartments are furnished. My husband did some searching and found that utilities were often included in the rent which, for an E5 Airman, means an extra $700 a month. This number will fluctuate as the utility allowance is based on an average of what people pay for utilities in this region. Know that if you have to pay utilities they are based on increments not paid by kilowatt hour like here in the USA. So, for instance you may pay 200KW for you first increment of electricity but, if you go over your allotted increment your next increment will be double that price so, you automatically pay 4000KW regardless of weather or not you have used that increment or not. From there it doubles again so, 800KW and it continues to double. None the less, your bill can get quite expensive!
Make sure to tell your real estate agent what you need. If you see something missing that you feel will make you more comfortable ask and they can often negotiate prices.
Also, if you live off base make sure to stock water and canned goods. During monsoon season the power can go out or the water turned off. During the winter pipes can freeze so, water won't be available. Also routine cleanings of the pipes will cause the water to get shut off. When the pipes are being cleaned it takes about 6 hours for the water to come back on again.
Official paperwork for non-comand sponsored spouces
First things first. You need a passport. You can take a trip to your local post office for the application or you can submit one online at the link provided previously (click on the first mention of the word passport). There are instructions with the applications that you turn in to the USPS but, you can also turn in your application online where a passport specialist will walk you through the rest of the process. If you are living OCONUS you can have your significant other bring you to the passport office for a military issue passport. They make them for civilians too they just are not 10 year passports like the civilian issue passports. Providing an ID and a proof of citizenship are two of the requirements for obtaining a passport.
Next you will have to get a visa (permit) from the Korean government to enter there country. The military visa for Korea is an A-3 visa. According to my friend, whom I call Dianna on this blog, you can be in Korea for 30 days without a visa. You can apply for a visa at the MAC terminal. A visa can also be submitted by going to the website (click on the underlined word "visa" above) and filling out the required paper work. You can also go to the Korean consulate to apply for a visa. All you will need is a set of orders and your marriage certificate. You do not need to be on the orders (as a command sponsored spouse). All in all not too much work just a bit of patience.
If you are a citizen of the USA you do not need a visa to enter the country of South Korea. You can be in country for 90 days without a visa. Once you get to Korea, you can apply for a A-3 visa at the Suwon Branch of the Korean Immigration office. It is located at the passenger terminal of Osan AFB. The A-3 visa is valid for 5 years.
Next you will have to get a visa (permit) from the Korean government to enter there country. The military visa for Korea is an A-3 visa. According to my friend, whom I call Dianna on this blog, you can be in Korea for 30 days without a visa. You can apply for a visa at the MAC terminal. A visa can also be submitted by going to the website (click on the underlined word "visa" above) and filling out the required paper work. You can also go to the Korean consulate to apply for a visa. All you will need is a set of orders and your marriage certificate. You do not need to be on the orders (as a command sponsored spouse). All in all not too much work just a bit of patience.
If you are a citizen of the USA you do not need a visa to enter the country of South Korea. You can be in country for 90 days without a visa. Once you get to Korea, you can apply for a A-3 visa at the Suwon Branch of the Korean Immigration office. It is located at the passenger terminal of Osan AFB. The A-3 visa is valid for 5 years.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fun links about Korea
Eat your Kimchi is a fun video blog about a Canadian couple who lives in Korea and their awesome adventures there. Check it out! My kids loved there video on Everland theme park. :)
More links to come!!
More links to come!!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Customs information
I am currently resarching the restrictions going through customs from Korea but, here is a link from the US department of homeland security's website on what things must clear customs. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/restricted_goods.xml
Here is a list of personal items you might think about before bringing them home. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml These are restrictions that apply to anyone regarless of what country they are entering the US from.
Here is a link with vehicle compliance regulations http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/automobiles.xml
Amimals that are on the endangered spices list can not be imported or exported. Shellfish, marine animal, crustations, coral and the like MUST be declared through the US fish and wildlife service and a permit is required . Here is a quote from the code of Federal Regulations (referring to the exceptions to import declaration requirements and regarding the importation of animal fur/parts) And I quote:
(2) Wildlife products or manufactured articles that are not intended
For a more intensive look at the regulations regarding import/export of animal goods follow this link http://www.fws.gov/permits/ImportExport/ImportExport.shtml
Here is a list of personal items you might think about before bringing them home. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml These are restrictions that apply to anyone regarless of what country they are entering the US from.
Here is a link with vehicle compliance regulations http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/automobiles.xml
Amimals that are on the endangered spices list can not be imported or exported. Shellfish, marine animal, crustations, coral and the like MUST be declared through the US fish and wildlife service and a permit is required . Here is a quote from the code of Federal Regulations (referring to the exceptions to import declaration requirements and regarding the importation of animal fur/parts) And I quote:
(2) Wildlife products or manufactured articles that are not intended
for commercial use and are used as clothing or contained in accompanying personal baggage, except that an importer or his/her agent must file a Form 3-177 for raw or dressed furs; for raw, salted, or crusted hides or skins; and for game or game trophies; and (3) Wildlife products or manufactured articles that are not intended for commercial use and are a part of a shipment of the household effects of persons moving their residence to the United States, except that an importer or his/her agent must file a declaration
For a more intensive look at the regulations regarding import/export of animal goods follow this link http://www.fws.gov/permits/ImportExport/ImportExport.shtml
Con's to living in Seoul
There are a few alarming facts that you might want to know before embarking on this journey to a country so far removed from our western culture. These next few facts are for military members. The US Air Force issues gas masks to all the spouces and children that come through Osan Air base. It was quite a shock to a friend of mine when her 10 year old was issued a gas mask. The gravity of living 51.7850 miles from the Korean Demilitarized Zone was a grim reality for her at that moment in time. My friend, we'll call her Dianna and her son were also asked to do a few bomb drills during there stay. Dianna and her son also volunteered to do an evacuation drill where they flew to Japan. These types of things can be hard for a family with children to get used to but, they are all safety precautions and the United States military is the brightest and the best for a reason.
Space A travel on Hops
First I would like to quote the individual who wrote an extensive article in Wikipedia about space available travel. "Space-availabe travel is a privilege (not an entitlement) available to the Uniformed Services members and there dependents."
Space-available travel is a program that allows military members, retired military, and military dependents to fly on government owned/contracted flights where there is enough space to occupy a person or persons and often luggage. These flights are only available when they do not interfere with the mission. The Majority of these flights are available through the Air Mobility Command (AMC) or through the Navy. Flights are available to Japan, Korea, Alaska, Guam, Spain, Italy and several other locations.
This is a link to a forum where space-availabe flights are listed and the schedules for these flights. You have to be a registered user to access this site but, if you are traveling and don't want to sit in the terminal for hours when a flight is rescheduled then you might like this site.
I heard it from a post here that you should "TRY TO AVOID FLYING FROM MAY TO SEPT" That said, it is probably a good idea to keep your hops to a minimum of 3 flights or less. The more planes you board the more time it will take and the more likely you will be to get stuck in a location that you might not want to be in. Personally, I don't think I will be taking any hops that require more than one flight unless I am on there per the provision of the US Military for the purpose of a PCS (moving to a new home). I travel with 3 young ones and I don't plan on putting them through that. I am fine with saving money to travel to locations that I want to go and save myself the headache of being stuck in 5 different locations for several days in each location just to "save money". Traveling from Texas to Thailand via space-available travel is a stretch at best. But, hey if you want to try it you need to know that you will have to wait and you will get "stuck" at least a couple of times! :) If you are adventuresome then this could be the ticket for you!
A good blog that really gets into all the in's and outs of space-availabe traveling is here
http://spacea.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Space-A_Travel_FAQ
This blog has many explanations to the terms and conditions for Space-available flights and links that you may be interested in when considering travel.
Space-available travel is a program that allows military members, retired military, and military dependents to fly on government owned/contracted flights where there is enough space to occupy a person or persons and often luggage. These flights are only available when they do not interfere with the mission. The Majority of these flights are available through the Air Mobility Command (AMC) or through the Navy. Flights are available to Japan, Korea, Alaska, Guam, Spain, Italy and several other locations.
This is a link to a forum where space-availabe flights are listed and the schedules for these flights. You have to be a registered user to access this site but, if you are traveling and don't want to sit in the terminal for hours when a flight is rescheduled then you might like this site.
I heard it from a post here that you should "TRY TO AVOID FLYING FROM MAY TO SEPT" That said, it is probably a good idea to keep your hops to a minimum of 3 flights or less. The more planes you board the more time it will take and the more likely you will be to get stuck in a location that you might not want to be in. Personally, I don't think I will be taking any hops that require more than one flight unless I am on there per the provision of the US Military for the purpose of a PCS (moving to a new home). I travel with 3 young ones and I don't plan on putting them through that. I am fine with saving money to travel to locations that I want to go and save myself the headache of being stuck in 5 different locations for several days in each location just to "save money". Traveling from Texas to Thailand via space-available travel is a stretch at best. But, hey if you want to try it you need to know that you will have to wait and you will get "stuck" at least a couple of times! :) If you are adventuresome then this could be the ticket for you!
A good blog that really gets into all the in's and outs of space-availabe traveling is here
http://spacea.net/mediawiki/index.php?title=Space-A_Travel_FAQ
This blog has many explanations to the terms and conditions for Space-available flights and links that you may be interested in when considering travel.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Pro's to living in Seoul
There are plenty of things to do in Korea shopping is the first that comes to mind well, because I am a self admitting shop-a-holic! There is a large underground mall where there is a movie theater, shops, restaurants and department stores.
It is the local culture to bargain when shopping in the markets. If a salesman states a price, it is common practice for the customer to try to get a better price. If you have previously payed for an item at a different location and a new seller is asking more tell them that you already paid a certain price with another seller and they will usually give you that price. If not just walk away. Usually they will give you that price as you are walking away. They like to drive a hard bargain. It's part of the "game" if you will. Once you have become accustomed to this type of exchange, you may just find yourself enjoying the hunt for the next good bargain. Never pay the original stated price. The seller is always trying to make an extra buck and the buyer is always trying to save. Just be careful to never state a lower price after beginning bargaining. Give leeway as you bargain till the seller and you, the buyer, come to a price that both can agree on. It is also considered less than civil to state a price that is more than 1/4 of the sellers asking price.
There are many trips to take through ITT like the festivals that take place, or going to a local theme park like Everland or the Zoo
ITT also schedules trips to nearby folk villages and Jeju Island. There are plenty of other opportunities to take advantage of through ITT so, make sure to check them out!
Here is a great video from Eat Your Kimchi to check out on Jeju Island! Martinas jeu trip
If you are into cultural then this is a good place for you! Koreans love our troops. They are very warm and friendly people! It is the Korean culture that you say what you need so, don't try to beat around the bush when trying to get help. We had friends tell us that when they moved into there off base housing that when they asked for a stove for there apartment they got a propane burner stove and a fish oven that looked like a toaster oven. They advised us to say "American oven" if we ran into the same thing.
Annother great thing about the PACAF that Korea is in is that there are hops that go from Korea to Hickam, HI, Japan, Elmendorf, AK and Guam. If you like to travel it has been said that flights take place about twice a week between these places. My cohort, known on this blog as Dianna went with her family to Hawaii on a hop for there mid tour and LOVED it.
The base has many American amenities that include but are not limited to a Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Chillies, Taco Bell, Gino's Asta La Pasta, bowling, a pool, golf course and many other things.
It is the local culture to bargain when shopping in the markets. If a salesman states a price, it is common practice for the customer to try to get a better price. If you have previously payed for an item at a different location and a new seller is asking more tell them that you already paid a certain price with another seller and they will usually give you that price. If not just walk away. Usually they will give you that price as you are walking away. They like to drive a hard bargain. It's part of the "game" if you will. Once you have become accustomed to this type of exchange, you may just find yourself enjoying the hunt for the next good bargain. Never pay the original stated price. The seller is always trying to make an extra buck and the buyer is always trying to save. Just be careful to never state a lower price after beginning bargaining. Give leeway as you bargain till the seller and you, the buyer, come to a price that both can agree on. It is also considered less than civil to state a price that is more than 1/4 of the sellers asking price.
There are many trips to take through ITT like the festivals that take place, or going to a local theme park like Everland or the Zoo
ITT also schedules trips to nearby folk villages and Jeju Island. There are plenty of other opportunities to take advantage of through ITT so, make sure to check them out!
Here is a great video from Eat Your Kimchi to check out on Jeju Island! Martinas jeu trip
If you are into cultural then this is a good place for you! Koreans love our troops. They are very warm and friendly people! It is the Korean culture that you say what you need so, don't try to beat around the bush when trying to get help. We had friends tell us that when they moved into there off base housing that when they asked for a stove for there apartment they got a propane burner stove and a fish oven that looked like a toaster oven. They advised us to say "American oven" if we ran into the same thing.
Annother great thing about the PACAF that Korea is in is that there are hops that go from Korea to Hickam, HI, Japan, Elmendorf, AK and Guam. If you like to travel it has been said that flights take place about twice a week between these places. My cohort, known on this blog as Dianna went with her family to Hawaii on a hop for there mid tour and LOVED it.
The base has many American amenities that include but are not limited to a Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, Chillies, Taco Bell, Gino's Asta La Pasta, bowling, a pool, golf course and many other things.
more on market shopping
For now this section will be full of things that I have HEARD about the market and not of the things I have experienced myself as I have not yet been to Korea.
There are many shops full of knock off handbags such as Louis Vuitton and Coach . If you are a fan of fashion or just love clothes you are in luck! The local seamstresses, tailors and shoe makers are very good at reproducing items that you show them a picture of. Shoes, suits, even mess dress! My husband has been told on many occasions to wait till he gets stationed in Korea to buy this specific uniform.
Other good items to buy are luggage, furniture and electronics. Many expates also enjoy purchasing mink blankets. The authenticity of this fur is questionable but the blankets are cozy. Your young ones are sure to approve of a Hello Kitty or Spiderman dyed "mink" blanket.
There are many shops full of knock off handbags such as Louis Vuitton and Coach . If you are a fan of fashion or just love clothes you are in luck! The local seamstresses, tailors and shoe makers are very good at reproducing items that you show them a picture of. Shoes, suits, even mess dress! My husband has been told on many occasions to wait till he gets stationed in Korea to buy this specific uniform.
Other good items to buy are luggage, furniture and electronics. Many expates also enjoy purchasing mink blankets. The authenticity of this fur is questionable but the blankets are cozy. Your young ones are sure to approve of a Hello Kitty or Spiderman dyed "mink" blanket.
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