Gap: Big Size Clothes

Ever walked into a Korean store, looking for clothes to fit an expat but having no success? Well, hope is now here: in the form of Gap (a North American favorite). They have an abundance of big size clothing. Expat size you could say. They've got all the basics.

It's at the YaWooRi. Just go in the main entrance and go straight to the back. Or from the bus terminal, go up the stairs near the Coffee Bean (the inside one) and you'll see it.

Piercings in Cheonan

There's a store called "Artbox" in Cheonan that does piercings. It's on a side-street, right next to the CGV Movie Theater. If you're walking down the main road from downtown to Cheonan-yeok, keep walking past the train station and turn left at Baskin Robbins and you'll find it on your left hand-side.

I got my eyebrow pierced for 10 000 won. You'll have to stop by the store for more information about other stuff, I didn't ask.

Change of Location for Immigration in Cheonan

Here's the information about immigration, coming to Cheonan.

- Location: Local office of Ministry of Labor, 2^nd floor of Chungnam Tower Building. It's right beside the big Lotte Mart in Seung Jeung Dong.

- Office day and hours: Every Wednesday (from March 26, 2008)

10:30am-4:30pm (lunch 1:00-2:00)

- Work concerned: Alien registration card application, permission of extension of the period of sojourn, permission for change or addition of a place of employment

Krispy Kreme is Here!

I can't believe it! Krispy Kreme is here in Cheonan!

We used to make special trip to Seoul to get our sugar buzz but now we just have to go to the bus terminal to pick up a box of sweet melt in your mouth stay on your hips goodness. Some of my friends complain Krispy Kreme is no longer special because you can get it any time you want. But I'm not complaining.

Location: Yawoori first floor. Main street entrance.

http://www.krispykreme.co.kr/

Kyobo Book Store

There is a new Kyobo Bookstore in Cheonan. They have a small selection of English books (novels and textbooks). If you apply for the KYOBO Book Club membership you can get a 10% discount on English books.

Kyobo also has a nice selection of stationary supplies and a record store.

Location: 5th floor Yawoori.

Immigration in Cheonan every Wednesday

Immigration is now in Cheonan every Wednesday from 10:30-4:30. It is very busy so get there early to get a number and get in right away or get there at 10:30 and plan to come back in the afternoon sometime. Even if you're missed your number being called, you can go up to the front of the line.

Location:

충남북부상공회의소(원성2동 소재) 041-556-7131

Chungnam Bukbu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It is not too far from downtown. If you're walking from downtown, head towards the Kyobo Building (past Oryong Stadium on your left). At the Kyobo Building intersection, turn right and walk for about 5 minutes. It's on your left, on the other side of the street.

Services: Alien registration, permission for extension of sojurn. You need to purchase the stamps (fee) in advance at a post office.

New Airport Bus Schedule

Starting on December 1st 2006 there will be new airport bus times. That's great news. Getting back to Cheonan on a evening flight used to be a hassle. Check out the new Cheonan to Incheon Airport Bus Limosine schedule here.

If you do have to stay in Incheon overnight or if you have a really early flight, stay at these cheap hotels near the airport:

Incheon Guest House 48,000 won/night for a double bed
www.ghincheon.com korea@ghincheon.com, 032-747-1872
It was highly recommended. You need a reservation. They have regular shuttle buses to and from the airport.
Jan. 1. 2006 Rates: Single room : \38.000 Double room : \48.000 Twin room : \48.000 Triple room : \58.000

Incheon Airport Backpacker Hotel $48.96/night for a single, $56.94/night for a double
032-747-0161