Japan and Back in 48hrs

Konichiwa, Brett here.

Most of you would be aware that I have had more than my fair share of problems trying to get a work visa to teach in South Korea. The process started in March and after months and months of torturous waiting, multiple e-mails, numerous phone calls and hours of research, within two hours of receiving conformation form Korean immigration, I was on my way to Japan to collect my visa.

Around 6:30pm Wednesday night I received a phone call from our school saying that my E-2 number was ready and that they were looking into getting me on the ferry to Japan the next day. “Great”, I thought. Half an hour later the school called back and said “You should pack your bag, it would be better if you left tonight!”

At 9:00pm I was driven by the Korean foreigner assistant, Hong-Jae to the Daegu train station and at 10:20pm caught an express train to the port city of Busan. When I arrived at 11:30pm the two hotels that had been recommended were both full. I managed to find a dodgy looking establishment called the Seoul Motel, which wasn’t actually too bad, for 25,000won (about $25).

At 8:30 the next morning I caught the 3 hour Hydrofoil ferry to Fukuoka (Foo-co-ka), Japan. Upon arrival, I made my way to the Korean Consulate and handed over my passport to be processed. Fukuoka is a beautiful and serene city. The people are friendly, funky and well dressed. The streets are clean and there seems to be a peacefulness in the air.



The next day I returned to the consulate to collect my visa. At last! It was a lot of heartache for a little sticker!

After 48 hours, 6 trains, 4 buses and 2 ferries I returned home around 9:00pm Friday night, Visa in hand. It was a long time coming. I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Now I can begin to do what I do best.... shaping the young minds of Korean school children.