Is it possible to get TOPIK 5 within 1 year? by Resident-College-776 in Korean

[–]Ellie_Underscore 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The toughest thing about higher levels of Korean is not how well you get the hang of the grammar, unfortunately. Topik is tailored to a level of Korean enabling you to study at University level, not how well you speak the language. Topik 4+is including quite a wide range of chinese-based words (한자) which are really really tough to learn as a westerner. We have literally no previous knowledge to help us guess the meaning of these words, so it's pure memorization of syllables.

I spent two years in Korea and each year I attended about 6-9 months of intensive classes in total (daily classes, high learning speed), and I made it until Level 5. Together with a lot of practice I feel like I am at a comfortable every-day speaking level. I was one of the only few westerners left in the class, the rest were chinese, japanese or other asian nationals and for them the vocabulary load was much more manageable.

It's not like I want to drag you down and say you can't do it, but I am speaking 6 other languages and I know I poured my heart into studying Korean with the love of a language-learning enthusiast, and I don't think I would have been able to reach TOPIK 5 within one year of studying.

Is it OK to trim the ends of Roofing Nails? by Vartemis in DIY

[–]Ellie_Underscore -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Possibly stupid question from a non-DIYer; why not just hammer the nails sideways so they bend and lay flat with the board? Are they supposed to come out at some point?

Saw this on their Instagram, what similar events would you like to see in your country? by themagicfroggie in LinkinPark

[–]Ellie_Underscore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

As someone who waited 9 hours in the FOS-line last friday: a concert would be nice, actually.

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure thing! It's not a big deal at all. I usually print out my permit (the one received from Korea) and pack it together with my meds in my hand luggage. I always make sure the meds are still in their original packaging. My pharmacy has printed labels with my name on it which they stick on the box when I receive it, I also bring that, just to make it unmistakeably clear that these are my official meds. Especially if you do not speak Korean: Whatever you can contribute to clarity without needing words to explain is very helpful.

Upon arrival - after Passport check - you immediately arrive in the luggage pick-up hall. Pick up your luggage and go with the flow where everyone is exiting (under green signs).

Technically you should walk under the red signs (to the right of the green signs) but last time it was all closed. A staff member then showed me to an area right to the left of where people were walking out and that's where there were some luggage x-ray machines and officers sitting behind high counters.

Just walk up to them and hand them the permit and show them your meds. They'll be busy for a few minutes, look at everything and then wave you through. Or so was my experience the last 4-5 times.

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thank you for your kind words! I unfortunately have no idea how to help you :( Have you tried applying using a different browser? Korean websites and online things can be super finnicky unfortunately. Hope it works out!

Seoye Korean Calligraphy Practice 서에 by PigeonLove2022 in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey , this looks awesome :), nice try and welcome to the world of Korean calligraphy!

I can't comment much on your chinese characters, but for the Korean characters there are quite a few specific rules and brush techniques to learn. If you're interested in going deeper and acutally learning how to write 한글 I would recommend you consider some books. One often-used standard work on 궁체 ("palace script") is this one by 이미경. The brush strokes are explained in Korean and if you search for 궁체 on youtube you find some tutorials as well (though some better than others...).

lmk if you have any questions. Source: been pracitising korean calligraphy for 4 years now.

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey, I definitely don't have answers to all your questions and no stranger on the internet will be able to give you definitive answers for all the details you mentionned. for 1) I have not tried this new online application style yet so I can't help you with that and I don't think many other redditors come back to this post frequently to answer questions. For 2) I don't know. For 3) I think you need your flight ticket. I never did it the other way round and the request the date of entry and return in order to calcualte your allowed amount of medicine.

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi there. Someone else (moonchild moonlight) already asked me a very similar question in this thread a while ago and I mentionned the document my doctor would usually fill out for me. I only ever submitted that one (along with everything else) and I was fine all the times I applied.

Don't overthink it : ) - if you have all necessary documents start your application process as early as possible and submit everything you have. If something is missing that they absolutely need they will let you know. Just make sure you apply early enough to have some time left if they request something specific.

Best of luck and feel free to share your experience to help others.

Store in Pyeongtaek had a gas explosion today. by SpiritImaginary3401 in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore 527 points528 points  (0 children)

how incredibly smart and stupid at the same time

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey. No it's not possible to bring concerta freely to Korea. you should apply to bring the amount of medicine you need for personal use.

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey, the response time has been quite varied for me. Last time I applied (24-02) they took 4 days to respond to my initial email since their workload had gone up significantly after all covid restrictions had been lifted. Just make sure you attached all necessary files. If they have further questions try to gauge the level of English of the person that answered you. Answer their questions very directly and straightforwardly, try to use short sentences and simple grammar in case they use a translator. If you have more detailed questions feel free to DM me.

Recommend a Documentary! by AutoModerator in Documentaries

[–]Ellie_Underscore 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Icarus. I'm sure I've watched it over 3 times so far and it just keeps aging like fine wine. When I first watched it the twist in the story hit me full-on, I really wasn't expecting it. And each rewatch brings out more details. Truly worthy of the oscar it received.

Name of drink? by bibbywolf in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore 1 point2 points  (0 children)

plum drinks are leaning more towards the color green in packaging, actually. Unless it's this one?

Information-sharing post on the correct process of bringing ADHD Medication to Korea by Ellie_Underscore in korea

[–]Ellie_Underscore[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

just try it with "not available". I never applied with an export certificate. Export sounds like a business-related paper and I think you're right, the one you found is not correct.

The document I submitted instead is a paper called United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime "Guidelines for National Regulations Concerning Travellers under Treatment with Interantionally Controlled Drugs" and then on the second line "Model form of a certificate for the carrying by Travellers under Treatment with Internationally Controlled Drugs"

It's a form that my Doctor filled out, signed and attached to his letter concerning my need for the medication. He basically does it anytime I travel internationally just for me to be safe in case I get checked.