A few months back I was given a notice in Korean that said I had to undergo a mandatory medical exam before the end of my contract. This is for all school employees and if I dont then the school will be fined.I'd put it off for a long time and finally decided to go now that classes are over. I had to request early leave (we still have to sit in empty schools) and went to the local hospital. To my surprise they said because I've had lunch they cant do the test. I ...

Leaving Korea can be an emotional and stressful time with a million and one things to remember. Fortunately for Canadians and Americans we are eligible for a Pension Refund and can apply for this within 30 days of our departure date.Things to take to the Pension Office include- copy of your ARC card & Passport- copy of banking details where you want the money deposited- copy of your confirmed booking to show you are leaving KoreaIts not necessary to have a Ko...

The final stop of my long day trip to Danyang was to the newly opened aquarium. I wasnt able to find any website or location on google maps but fortunately it was very easy to find as it was part of the newly built bus terminal complexThe Korail travel magazine also did a write up as part of their feature on DanyangDanuri Aquarium, which opened in May 2012, is the largest fresh-water fish aquarium in Korea with 82 tanks and some 15,000 fresh-water fish. About 13,...

The next part of my trip to Danyang took me to the Gusu Caves. I had actually planned on coming here first from the train station to rest from the midday heat but there was already a bus to take me to Guinsa Temple so I went there first (see previous entry).Entry to the cave is 5000w ($4.50) but is a bit awkward to find. The caves are just across the bridge from the bus terminal downtown so not really that difficult. The road will pass thru a lot of tourist shops...

I thought I was done exploring the main temples there were to see in Korea but I recently learned of one more undiscovered temple for a final weekend trip. A friend had actually invited me to go with her but I didnt understand what it was until I read her blog and saw her pictures. It was actually very impressive and unlike anything I had seen thus far so worth an extra effort to get there.Guinsa was also featured in this months Korail travel magazine which gave ...