Getting Ready to Go!

**Photo from May 2009: At Sub Zero an Ice Bar in HongDae, Seoul**

5 weeks before I depart to Korea!!! It feels like yesterday was September and I was running around trying to apply for this exchange. Now I am moments away from jetting off. I am beyond excited, but before I can even think about flying off there are a few things I need to take care of here before I go. Plus what am I suppose to pack for 4 seasons?!?!

So I am leaving in February (end of winter) and am planning to stay till next December. That means I will be passing by all four seasons. Trying to allocate a years worth of clothes into one suitcase is going to be really tough! Some of you might say, but you can bring two suitcases onto the plane...well I am a girl and I am FOR SURE going to shop in Korea (and wherever else I visit). If I pack two suitcases now I will be doomed for the trip home.

Luckily I have visited Korea before and know what the weather is like for two ish seasons. Friends have also told me it gets really cold in the Winter and really wet in the Summer. Also I was introduced to this really great blog post on what to pack for a year in Korea! (http://thedailykimchi.blogspot.com/2007/07/ultimate-packing-list-what-to-bring-to.html)

With all this great advice to my disposal I think I can ultimately cut down what I need. Wish me luck!!! All my friends worry I won't be able to leave my shoes behind.

I know this is a very random post, but I was reading another great Korea blog today and it got me all excited to go!!! I cannot wait to be there and to start sharing with everyone what Korea is all about. My departure date is Sunday, February 20, 2011...and so my countdown begins!

Korean Consulate - Vancouver

Today I went straight to the consulate to get my visa application in. I actually wanted to go on Thursday when I received the letter, but reconsidered since closing time was 4:30m and I didn't get home to see my letter till 2:30m. None-the-less bright and early the very next day I went to the consulate a 10Am.

It is located at 1090 West Georgia, Suite 1600 (which is on the 16th floor of course).

When you get up there there are only two options Visa/Passport on one side and the Korean Consulate on the other side. As we head over to the Visa/Passport room it's pretty straight forward. There are three different windows Visa, Notarization and Passport. Just head on over to the Visa line window and wait. Since I was there so early in the morning there essentially was no line up. I waited about 10 minutes total and then they told me to pick up my Passport next Friday or anytime after.

Of course I don't expect it to be so quick all the time. I suggest going in the morning before 12pm because most of the International Korean students will be in classes at that time. When I was working at an ESL school I hear a lot of students talk about visiting the consulate after class, which is normally the afternoon, so to avoid them going before 12pm is the best.

Also for the FEES, it's CASH ONLY (this might be subject to change later...but at the moment it's cash only). If you are getting a single entry visa it's $55 and for a multiple entry visa it's $88 (check their website to double check fee prices).

Overall it was a pleasant and efficient time at the consulate, no hassles whatsoever. Can't wait to pick up my visa from them next week!!!

Now just have to wait for confirmation on my flight and book my air ticket. We are definitely underway.

D2 Visa Application

It's been a while since my last post ! 새해 복 많이 받으세요 Happy New Year to everyone =D

I received the last piece of information for my visa application today in the mail, which is the acceptance letter from SCH. This is exciting because this is basically the item that will give me the official go ahead to attend SCH. Without this visa I cannot study in Korea.

As a Canadian citizen if we were to just travel to South Korea it's great, no visa is needed and we can stay up to 180 days (which is approx 6 months). Of course like any other country, if we were to study or work we definitely will need to apply for a visa.

Like I stated in my previous post SCH is very helpful and informative in prepping us for our trip over there. Now that I have everything all I need to do is pay a little visit to the Korean Consulate here in Vancouver and away we go =D

I will be applying for the D-2 visa which is for "Study Visa to Attend Regular Studies".

Here are the required items for the visa application:

• Completed visa application form (you can print it online through the consulate website)
• One recent passport-type colour photo
• Original and a photocopy of passport (remaining validity of at least 6 months)
• Flight itinerary issued by a travel agency or an airline**. (Applicants are advised not to purchase their tickets until their visas are approved.)
• CDN $55.00 visa fee (CDN $88.oo for multiple visa)
• Additional items required for this type of visa:

Certificate of admission issued by the president of the college or university

Certificate from the most recent school attended

Reference documents which prove applicant's financial ability to cover expenses in

Korea

(This was taken from the Korean Consulate website: for FULL details please check out their website...I summed up the main points --> http://can-vancouver.mofat.go.kr/eng/am/can-vancouver/visiting/visacategories/index.jsp#d2)

**Now SCH getting ready package told me I should give them my flight details by Jan 18, 2011. I received by acceptance letter today...I have JUST enough time to finalize my visa details before booking my flight.

Alright, I should be heading over to the Consulate tomorrow or Monday...stay tuned!