ADDRESS

The compound is situated approximately 800m north of the main gate/entrance to the Hyundai Shipyard. The compound comprises of apartment blocks and a group of bungalows set in pleasant grounds and enclosed by a fence. There are guards posted at each entrance to the compound.

HOUSING

The bungalows are mostly three bedrooms although some have four. The bungalows all have good size gardens.

Cooking

Cooking is by gas supply coming from a central point. All apartments have a microwave oven in addition to the gas cooker.

Refuse

ELECTRICITY

WATER

The water supply on the compound is not suitable for drinking therefore bottled water should be used. It is probably safer to use bottled water for cleaning your teeth and making ice cubes as well. Bottled water can be delivered to your door and is dispensed from a 5-gallon bottle. The replacement schedule for empty bottles is presently every Tuesday and Thursday. The contact for this is Korea Crystal Natural Mineral Water Co. Ltd. Tel: 0375 32 4419.

IN FLAT ENTERTAINMENT

Each apartment and bungalow in the compound is provided with a television set, video and music center. There are various stations available including, Star, Star Sport, Children's Cartoon Channel, CNN, AFN, Japanese television and Korean channels. A detailed list of the channels and station number can be obtained from Mr. Kang. In addition, a closed circuit television channel is on-feed to all compound residents and plays a video nightly at 9PM with children's videos played weekends at 9AM and 4PM.

TELEPHONE

Each apartment has its own telephone and a list of compound numbers is available in the clubhouse. There are various local long-distance carriers; Korean Telecom and Dacom are just two. These companies will install a direct outside line in the flat, which will allow the Internet to be used. A deposit of 250,000won is required but 240,000 is returned when the person decides to have the line disconnected.

REPAIRS

If any repairs are required in you accommodation you can contact Mr. Kang at his compound office near the golf range, or telephone him at 0243/0245 and leave a message on his answering machine.

NEWSPAPERS

There are two English language newspapers published in Korea, the Korean times and the Korea Herald. Mr. Kang can arrange to have either or both of these papers delivered to your apartment every day. Payment must be made to Mr. Kang. The Korean times is provided daily (not Sunday) to offices within HHI free of charge.

MILK

Morning deliveries of milk can be arranged through Mr. Kang.You can also order fresh orange juice, Cheese, Cream, Yoghurt, Danish sausage and sour cream as well.

MAIDS

Many people who live on the compound employ maids to do their housework. Rates are very reasonable and most of them perform an excellent service. They will wash; iron and some of them will act as babysitters while the mothers go out shopping, or in the evenings for special occasions.

MAIL

All mail is delivered to the clubhouse where it is placed in the pigeon holes in the video/library room. Registered mail and parcels are usually left in the bar for safekeeping. If you want mail sent to the clubhouse, please use the address provided at the beginning of this document. Also if you are going to use the clubhouse as your mailing address then please arrange to collect your mail on a regular basis because uncollected mail will be returned to the post office after one month of the date stamp that is placed on the mail when it is delivered to the clubhouse. It may be preferable to use your business address.

SCHOOLING

The compound school has both an infant and a junior department, which provides education for children from 5-12 years, and classes are taught in English. The four teachers are British and the British curriculum is taught. The school year is roughly equivalent to that in Britain.

For children above the age of 12, a boarding school is located in Taejon, which is English taught, and of a good standard. It allows children home leave twice monthly for weekends.

HYUNDAI FOREIGNER'S KINDERGARTEN

This is run by an elected management committee and staffed by women from the compound on a voluntary basis. It is for children between the ages of 3years and 4-1/2 years.

PLAYGROUNDS

The compound has three play areas for young children, which are equipped with swings and slides. One is located near the tennis courts and one next to X-block; the other one is located at S2 block.

CLUBHOUSE

The clubhouse is a members run and sponsored organization. There is a charge for membership. Members then have free use of all the facilities. Details of membership fees are available on the notice board and fees should be paid to the bar staff. Any member of the committee will be happy to give furthers details. Compound residents are obliged to become members of the clubhouse so that they can take advantage of its many facilities and functions i.e. Swimming pool, Squash courts, Lunchtime and evening time dining, videoclub, library, postal delivery and various classes that take place in the dining room.

Guests are allowed in the clubhouse providing a member signs them in. Guests who are eligible to become members can only be signed into the clubhouse on two occasions; thereafter they should apply for membership.

All members are very welcome in the clubhouse and it provides a focal point for the community. For most people it is their main source of entertainment.

Dinner is served in the dining room every Thursday evening at 7.00pm and members can sign up for this on the appropriate list if interested. (See list for charges).

Lunch is served Monday through Saturday at 12.00 noon. A limited menu as well as a daily special is offered.

Various events and functions take place in the evenings and on weekends. These have included barbecues, dances, and casino evenings, Burn's suppers and variety nights. These events are organized by the committee and rely on club members helping to carry out any preparation. New ideas are always welcome. Tickets for these kind of events are bought over the bar in advance of the function.

BAR

The bar is open six days a week from10: 00am to 2:00pm and 4:pm to 11:00pm. Volunteer bar staff are used on Sundays and public holidays but at other times Mr. and Mrs. Shin serve behind the bar.

The club is a non-profit organisation. Prices are set only to cover supplies, overheads and salaries and are therefore reasonable and well below local establishments.Facilities include a separate pool and darts room. Please remember that there is a membership fee and only members and their signed in guests may use the bar and associated facilities.

Details of other memberships is available in the clubhouse.

LIBRARY

The book library is located on the ground floor of the clubhouse between the bar and the dining room. It contains several hundred books; mostly fiction but a small number of non-fictions and other language books are available. Members are free to use the library at any time. Contributions of new books are always welcome.

COMMITTEE

The clubhouse is run by an elected committee of members who serve for 4 months at a time. It is their responsibility to pay the bar and kitchen staff, organize and run functions and to manage the day-to-day running of the club. Any paid up member who resides in the compound is welcome to put themselves up for election, a sign up lists go up on the noticeboard two weeks before each Quarterly General Meeting. A term on the committee is a good way of meeting new people. Meetings take places every fortnight. There is a suggestion box in the bar and anyone is welcome to write to the committee who will discuss his or her suggestions at the next committee meeting. A list of committee members is displayed on the notice board in the clubhouse.

SPORTS FACILITIES

SWIMMING POOL

The unheated outdoor swimming pool is located between the clubhouse and the school, and is normally open between May and September. There are changing rooms, toilets, and an area around the pool for sunbathing. Sun chairs are usually unavailable.

There is a locked gate at the entrance and children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the pool area unaccompanied. Maintenance of the pool is on the rota basis and volunteers should sign up on the notice board. Access to the swimming pool is restricted to FULLY PAID UP members and their guests.

SQUASH COURT AND FITNESS ROOM

There are two squash courts located next to the clubhouse. A reservation sheet and key is kept at the bar and can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Shin. A squash ladder is usually in operation. The fitness room is located within the clubhouse on the 1st floor.

FOOTBALL/SOCCER

There is an active football club on the compound and they play both home and away games. Football practice takes place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm. For more details look on the notice board.

TENNIS COURTS

There are two flood lit all-weather tennis courts and a practice wall. Tournaments are arranged throughout the year. There is "social" tennis mornings and evenings and any adults are welcome to participate. The accent is on fun and not competition. Please check the notice board for further details. A reservation sheet and key is kept at the bar and can be obtained from Mr. or Mrs. Shin.

GOLF DRIVING RANGE

There is a driving range located on the compound. It is fenced in and has an automatic ball return. Golf balls are provided for use on the range.

HOCKEY

Hockey is played Monday nights at 7:00pm on the tennis courts. Sticks and balls are provided.

BASKETBALL

There are basketball goals located on the tennis courts.

CLUBS AND SOCIETIES

The clubhouse has several long-standing clubs but of course these vary according to the current membership of the club. If you have a particular interest, which is not covered, please contact a member of the committee.

VIDEO CLUB

The clubhouse owns over 1,000 videos, which are available for hire at w1000/video. A fully refundable deposit w30,000 is required for membership. The club is open every Thursday from 8:00pm until 9:00pm. Korea uses the NTSC system, not PAL.

KOREAN BRUSH PAINTING

A Korean artist/teacher comes to the clubhouse to teach Korean brush painting. His fee includes the cost of paints and equipment and he can also arrange for paintings to be framed. For information look on the notice board.

TODDLERS GROUP

This group meets on Wednesdays at 10:00am, usually in the clubhouse.

MAH JONG

Mah Jong is played weekly during the day in the clubhouse.

KOREAN FLOWER ARRANGING

Classes are held in Korean flower arranging when an interest arises. Check the board in the clubhouse.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

The hash leaves the clubhouse at 10:00am sharp every alternate Sunday for a fun run and/or walk in the countryside. Everyone is very welcome. There is a nominal charge for participants to cover the cost of refreshments and badges for achieving "milestone" number of attendances.

MONDAY NIGHT HASH

The Monday night hash, irreverently dubbed the BIG BOYS HASH, is a monthly event. It leaves the clubhouse around 6:15pm for an evening run through the countryside. Bring a flashlight, as the boys tend to go ON ON.

PUSAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION

Every second Wednesday of the month a bus leaves the compound for one of the hotels in Pusan. This provides an opportunity to meet with women of all nationalities living in Korea. Various fund raising events are organized.

ULSAN SHOPPING

A bus leaves the clubhouse to go downtown once a month. See the notice board for this event.

ORPHANAGE COFFEE AFTERNOON

On the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30pm in the dining room a coffee afternoon is arranged. The proceeds of this event go to the orphanage at Ulsan and Pusan. Everyone is welcome to come and socialize over a cup of coffee/tea.

COMPOUND NEWSLETTER

A newsletter is distributed every week with as much news of the compound as possible. Any help or ideas on content will be gratefully received.

SHOPS

HYUNDAI DEPARTMENT STORE

Most people shop at either the Hyundai department store; Carrefore or Mega Market which all sell a wide selection of household goods, clothing, furniture and food. Although a great deal of food is not to western taste the necessities can be bought there.

A satellite Hyundai supermarket is located in the basement of the small shopping center 200meters north (turn left out of the compound gate) of the main compound gate.

A wide range of fruit and vegetables are available in Korea, although fruit prices tend to be expensive, more so at the department stores than at the street side vendors.

The meat counter in the stores offers a variety of meats, which is of good quality; there are also imported meat counters if this is preferred. Next to the Hole in the wall you can find a butcher where many of the foreigners shop.

It is usually wise to buy things when you see them, as they may not appear again for a while. There are two large department stores downtown Ulsan. One is called Amazon the other the Hyundai atrium. You can learn about these stores and other places from compound residents.

POST OFFICE

There is a post office about six shops back from McDonalds at a little shop, which also sells "black market" good. The staff understands sufficient English to get the message across. There is also a post office just inside the main gate of the shipyard.

DELICATESSEN

A small deli is rumored to be in the local Hyundai Dept Store.

HAIRDRESSERS

There are both men's and ladies hairdressers in the Hyundai Hotel. Extra services such as massage are available to men in some hairdressers! It is worthwhile for ladies new to the compound to talk to the ladies on the compound about ladies hairdressers around the area.

DRESSMAKERS

There are several of these situated near the compound. A good one is Victory Tailor, 253 Bum Dong, Bassar Jin Ku, Pusan. Tel:288 5583. He will visit the compound on request.

DRY CLEANERS

A number of dry cleaners operate near the compound. Although they might not be what we are used to at home, in that they hang cloths outside to get rid of the smell. They are usually reliable and the prices compare well with the UK. The Hyundai Hotel has a dry cleaning service and is very reasonable.

RESTAURANTS

There are four restaurants in the Hyundai hotel:

The Niagara Café

This café serves a range of meals from snacks to full course diners. The staff is friendly and used to foreigners and many speak reasonable English.

The Mipo Restaurant:

This is a self-service buffet catering for both Korean and foreigners.

Pisa Restaurant:

This is an Italian a-la-carte restaurant; the portions are small and rather expensive.

The Nami Restaurant:

This is a Japanese restaurant and offers a wide range of food. There are several private rooms with the option of sitting on the floor or sitting at a table with a hole in the floor.

HOLE IN THE WALL

This is the nearest restaurant to the compound; just on you're right as you walk towards the Hyundai department store. It has a large menu and the food is good, the fish and chips are particularly good.

CHICAGO PIZZA

Although the staff speak little English they are always polite and friendly and can just manage to take orders over the phone. Delivery to the compound is fast and reliable. The pizzas are good and they sell French fries (chips for the British) spaghetti bolognese, etc. The phone number is 233 2700.

SUZI'S BAR/WHEELHOUSE PUB

This restaurant and bar is located about 800m south of the Diamond Hotel on the main street. The bar is at main road level while the restaurant is upstairs.

HYUNDAI DEPARTMENT STORE

There are 4 restaurants within the dept store including a Chinese.In the basement level next to the supemarket there is also the fast food court which also includes the burger outlet HARDEES.

There is a Macdonald's on the main road across from the Hyundai store.

HAN MAUM SPORTS CENTER

There are Western, Chinese and Korean restaurants in this center and are all reasonably priced. This center is located behind the Diamond Hotel.

PIZZA HUT

There is a pizza hut located at Namok about five minute's drive north. They also do a delivery service.

VOYAGER KEBAB

Go outside the compound turn right drive until you reach the Ulgi park turn.The shop is located on the right just before the traffic lights. They also deliver to the compound.

In addition to the above eating houses there are many good Korean and Japanese eating houses in the area and they are not expensive.

ENTERTAINMENT

There are a large number of bars catering for westerners in the vicinity of the compound. Many of these bars are hostess bars and are very expensive. If you do not want the additional services these bars provide it is cheaper to go to one of the many Hof bars in the area. Sometimes in the Hof bars there is live music.

HAN MAUN (ONE MIND) CENTER

Although usually very busy it is an excellent entertainment center. It contains a swimming pool, ice skating (in the winter), bowling, weight room, Taekwondo, cinema, library, boxing ring and a very well equipped gymnasium and a children's room.

HYUNDAI SWIMMING POOL

There is a small swimming pool at the HYUNDAI Hotel which non-residents can use for a small charge. Bikinis are frowned upon and bathing caps should be worn.

CHURCHES

There are numerous Protestant churches, Catholic churches and Buddhist temples in the area. Unfortunately all services are in Korean. A clergyman will travel from Pusan upon request to give an inter-denominational service. If interested please contact: Edwin Ward, Port Missionary: Phone No.051 627 9188 or 644 7787.

MEDICAL CARE

ULSAN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

This hospital is located next to the Diamond hotel and is a general hospital. The hospital also has a dental unit. There are several doctor and dental surgeries within easy reach of the compound but care should be taken. It is wise to ask some of the compound residents which ones to use.

TRANSPORTATION

AIRPORT

Ulsan airport is located approximately 8km from the compound. It is plagued by regular and frequent closures especially during inclement weather or crosswinds. Because of this, many residents now allow themselves an extra two-hour window so that if Ulsan Airport is closed they still have time to make the trip to Pusan Airport.

There are regular flights to and from Seoul and the journey takes 45 minutes flying time. The Diamond Hotel provides a shuttle bus service to and from the airport every day except Sunday. Taxis are also available from the Diamond Hotel to the airport.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The train station is located about 8km from the compound. Train travel is cheap and reliable and the trip from Ulsan to Seoul is worth it for the scenery. If you travel first class, there is ample legroom with rests and it is a very relaxing journey. It is wise to reserve your seat in advance.

There is a bus downtown Ulsan that runs every few minutes. The cost is w700 per single journey. You pay upon entry by dropping the exact amount into the box. Make sure you have the money ready, as there is always a push to get on the bus! You can get of the bus at the Koreana Hotel. It is advisable to get the cream/green/orange bus of any number except 101(airport) and 102, 105 (Chung-GU area of Ulsan), as they do not stop at every stop. Please note that the green/orange bus stops are different from the normal ones. The bus stop nearest to the compound is about 150m down the main road to the left coming out of the compound. The journey takes about 25 minutes during the weekdays.

There are two express bus terminals. One is located downtown across the river from the Koreana Hotel. Buses to Seoul leave every 15 minutes. There are two types of buses, regular and luxury.

There is also an express terminal by Bangojin City bus terminal. These buses go to Taegu and Pusan. You can catch these buses either at the terminal or in front of the Hyundai department store.

The intercity bus terminal in downtown west of the train station. These buses go to nearby cities such as Pusan, Kyongju, Pohang, Masan etc.

TAXIS

Taxis can be flagged down on the street. Newcomers should be aware of the common practice called "HAPSUNG". This is like a communal taxi and the driver picks up as many different fares as he can to load his taxi. Everyone pays a much lower fare than that on the meter. BUT BEWARE!!! Many foreigners have been asked and paid the full fare at their stop. Should you have any problems with taxis ask to be taken to the police station or make a show of taking down the license number. This normally reduces the overcharging. For longer hauls "Call Taxis" or "Radio Taxis" are recommended and they will pick you up at the door. Mrs. Shin at the clubhouse can help to arrange one.

ROAD SAFETY

This is rather a misnomer, as there does not seem to be such a thing as road safety in Korea. It is very common to see, traffic ignoring red lights, cars not stopping at crossings and motor bikes riding on the wrong side of the road or on the sidewalk. Great care should be exercised at all times, as pedestrians seem to be unaware of the dangers they face. Shilla Street is particularly bad and if you really have to drive down it beware of children darting across the road. Road signs are nonexistent.

USEFUL BOOKS ABOUT KOREA

This is an excellent book covering many aspects of living in Korea. IT covers such topics as housing, shopping, health, transport, business, what you need to bring with you and schooling.

Culture Shock Korea; Boye De Mente, published by Merehurst Press.

Korea, an Introduction; James Hoare and Susan Pares, published by Kegan Paul International.

Maps on Korea are not very good but they are readily available at the reception areas of HHI owners/Classification Office on the 4th/5th floor.