For the U.S. Americans: Anti-Government Demonstrations in South Korea
July 1, 2008
Public Service Announcement for US Citizens living in Korea from the US Embassy:
The U.S. Embassy in Seoul is transmitting the following information through the Embassy’s warden system as a public service to all U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea. Please disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your organizations or to other Americans you know.
The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens throughout the Republic of Korea to exercise caution during demonstrations and vigils protesting the resumption of American beef imports and the policies of the Korean Government. The protests, which began eight weeks ago, have become more violent in recent days. Korean authorities stated on June 29 that they would crack down further on violent protesters. They have begun using water cannon and fire extinguishers to stop the advance of demonstrators and have stated that they reserve the right to use tear gas.
Up to this point the demonstrations have not been overtly anti-American in nature, but American citizens are nevertheless strongly urged to avoid the areas of the protests and to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of demonstrators. The center of protests in Seoul has thus far been Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, with demonstrators frequently attempting to move north along Sejongno toward the Blue House, the Presidential residence.
American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. The U.S. Embassy in Seoul will continue to keep the American citizen community informed of any changes in the overall security situation via this email system and the Embassy websites at http://seoul.usembassy.gov and www.asktheconsul.org.
The Embassy encourages all U.S. citizens to register their presence in Korea with the American Citizens Services office at the U.S. Embassy or via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html or http://www.asktheconsul.org/.
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If you did not receive this message directly via the U.S. Embassy’s warden email system, we encourage you, as an American living or traveling in South Korea, to register with the Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, http://travelregistration.state.gov.
Americans without internet access may register in person at the Embassy. Registration is a voluntary way of telling us that you, as an American citizen, are in Korea, whether for a long-term stay or for a short visit. In the event of an emergency, we use registration information to communicate with you. This could include a family emergency in which relatives in the United States request that the Embassy contact you. Registration also automatically signs you up to receive our emailed monthly newsletter and periodic warden messages about safety, security, and other topics, such as voting.
If you choose not to register, you may still subscribe to our email warden message system simply by providing your email address on the Embassy’s website at www.asktheconsul.org.
For the latest security information worldwide, Americans should regularly monitor the State Department’s website at travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the Unites States, or, for callers from outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Embassy Seoul Contact Information:
American Citizen Services
U.S. Embassy Seoul
32, Sejongno, Jongno-gu
Seoul 110-710, Korea
Tel: 02-397-4114 (operator available 24 hours a day)
Fax: 02-397-4101
DSN: 721-4114
Website: http://www.asktheconsul.org/
Email: seoul_ACS@state.gov
An Association for Foreign English Teachers
February 29, 2008
There’s discussion going on the Marmot’s Hole about a Foreign English Teacher’s Union. Personally, I don’t think its going to happen, but I would happy that I be wrong here. You can join the discussion here.
http://www.rjkoehler.com/2008/02/27/an-association-for-foreign-english-teachers/
VISA RULES FOR FOREIGN INSTRUCTORS
January 1, 2008
Here is new information for all of the American English Teachers in Korea.
1. VISA RULES FOR FOREIGN INSTRUCTORS
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The Korean Ministry of Justice announced that as of December 15, 2007, foreigners will have to submit medical and criminal background checks when applying for a visa to become a foreign language teacher in South Korea. The U.S. Embassy cannot provide a background check or fingerprinting service, and we cannot notarize, certify, or verify the authenticity of background checks or diplomas.
As we understand the new requirements, E-2 visa applicants who are U.S. citizens can obtain the necessary criminal background check either by submitting their fingerprints to the FBI or by applying for a local police check where they last resided in the U.S. Procedures for obtaining criminal background checks in the U.S. are explained on our website at http://www.asktheconsul.org
Regrettably, the Korea Immigration Service (KIS) has placed incorrect information on its website concerning services U.S. embassies can and cannot perform. As of this writing the “New Release: Mandatory Requirements of Criminal Background Check and Health Certificate” on the KIS website contains incorrect information about the length of time it can take to get a criminal records check in the U.S. and also states erroneously that the U.S. Embassy can notarize or certify background checks. We have asked that the incorrect information be removed from the KIS website and we regret any inconvenience or misunderstanding that has resulted from their explanation of our services.
As we receive updated information on the Korean visa requirements, we will post it on our website. The U.S. Embassy website will also continue to be the best source of information about the services that we are able to provide under U.S. law and regulation. If you have further questions, we suggest that you contact the office responsible for the new requirements, the Korea Immigration Service, Border Control Division, at 500-9116, 500-9117, or 500-9118, or consult their website at http://seoul.immigration.go.kr
http://moj.korea.kr/moj/jsp
List of Banks in Korea
September 12, 2007
Need a bank account in Korea? It’s not easy if you are a foreigner- especially, because a bunch of foreign teachers got busted for drug possession. Instead of going on that tangent here is a list of banks in Korea with a basic rating of their friendliness.
Many of these require internet explorer only.
| Bank Name |
Comment | Foreigner Friendliness Rating (0-5, 5 being best) |
| Bank of Korea | Click on “English” They don’t really deal with private customers | ? - Never had an encounter |
| Korea Eximbank | I think this is a bank for exporters and importers explicitly | ? - Never had an encounter |
| Hana Bank | Only supports Korean Speakers | 0 - complete site is in Korean |
| Kookmin Bank (KB) | Their Itaewon branch is a very good place to get help | 3 |
| Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) | These guys make an effort to reach our to the ex-patriots | 4 |
| Kyongnam Bank | I’m guessing by the looks of it is part of the Woori Financial Group | 1 |
| Shinhan Bank | Decent bank, but they don’t have many interface for English doesn’t work very well | 3 |
| Pusan Bank | Another one of those sites that just explain what their bank is about. | 1 |
| American Express | American Express has great customer service but American Express in Korea, isn’t easy to deal with. | 2 |
| International Bank Korea (IBK) | Another bank I’m not familiar with, but looks like they have some English speaking interfaces | 3 |
| Woori Bank | Another Bank you’ll see in Korea | 3 |
| Daegu Bank | Another local city bank | 1 |
| Standard Chartered Bank (SC) | They recently merged/bought with “Jaeil” Bank | 3 |
| Nong Hyup Bank (NH) | I believe this was originally the blue collar workers’ bank | 3 |
| Cho Hung Bank (CHB) | Was bought/merged with Shinhan | N/A |
| Korea Development Bank | Another one of those government institution type banks | 1 |
| Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) | They make quite the effort to serve English speakers everywhere | 4 |
Korean American Banks -
Nara Bank specifically for those in the US
Banks in North Korea:
They don’t have English friendly websites… or websites that I know of for that matter.
Daesong Bank
Koryo Bank
I’m sure I’ve missed a bank here and there, but here are the banking options that I know of. Feel free to add your own suggestions and ratings in the comments.
Consular Section, American Citizen Services (ACS) Newsletter - September 2007
September 4, 2007
In keeping with updating the website with useful information- here is one for all of the US citizens out there.
U.S. State Department, U.S. Embassy Seoul
Consular Section, American Citizen Services (ACS) Newsletter
September 2007
The U.S. Embassy is transmitting the following monthly newsletter via its warden system as a public service to U.S. citizens in the Republic of Korea. Please feel free to disseminate this message to U.S. citizens in your organizations or to other Americans you know.
In this issue:
1. Health Information for Travelers
2. Social Security Numbers Are Required on U.S. Passport Applications
3. Voting Information
4. Dual Citizens and U.S. Passports
5. Reporting Internet Fraud
6. Recent Travel Warnings and Public Announcements
7. Next Consular Services Visit to Busan – September 19-20
8. Upcoming Holidays: September 3, 24-26; October 3, 8
9. Embassy Contact Information
