Korea Herald 20090401

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COMMUNITY

WEDNESDAY APRIL 1, 2009

Expat Living is a section dedicated to the daily living of expatriates. It is printed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. To share stories about your life abroad, send stories or story ideas to Matthew Lamers at [email protected] Submissions may be edited for length or clarity.

Take advantage of tax savings By Christopher Dykas

Although we have come through the first quarter of 2009 already, it’s never too soon — or too late — to think about next year’s tax returns. This article will explain two simple ways to accumulate deductions — and save you hundreds of thousands of won — simply by tracking the money you already spend. The easiest way to earn tax refunds is by using your credit card for making major purchases. It should be noted that check cards and normal bank accountbank account transfers do not count. To receive benefits from credit card and cash receipt spending, taxable individuals must spend at least 20 percent of their income in this manner. If total credit card and cash receipt spending surpasses this 20 percent threshold, then taxpayers receive a 20 percent deductible tax benefit, up to a maximum deduction of 5 million won. To receive tax benefits, all you have to do is print out your cash receipt report (available online), and any credit card year-end statements, and submit them with your tax forms when filing for refunds. What is a cash receipt? While shopping for any number of goods in Korea, you may have been asked before if you would like a cash receipt. The cash receipt system is not an actual paper receipt, but rather an electronic method to track sales tax. Many businesses attempt to evade taxes on cash transactions, so to encourage legal transactions, the government initiated a tax incentive program by which consumers are encouraged to help track sales tax when shopping.

When you ask for a cash receipt, you present either a card, or simply your phone number, and the transaction is reported directly to the tax office. Registering for the cash receipt system online is surprisingly easy, and the whole process can be done in as little as 10 minutes — assuming you are a registered taxpayer. The hardest part of the process is that the website is only available in Korean. What is a cash receipt report?

Smart shopping tip

To register, go to the National Tax Service’s website at www.taxsave.go.kr. Look for a login prompt on the left side with a picture of what looks like a credit card. Beneath this credit card are three links, the first of which is the registration link. Click there, and you will be taken to an explanation page that prompts you to select your form of registration: on the left is the method for consumers, and on the right, business owners. Next, click on “I agree,” and you will be taken to the page where you input your personal information. The final step is to simply confirm your method of entering each payment within the system. The first option is to have a card issued and sent to you. Perhaps the easiest way, however, is to simply use your telephone number. Click on your desired option, and you are set to use the cash receipt system. For more information on these benefits, call the SGC hotline at 1688-0120 for both tax and consumer consulting.

When shopping for something, especially clothes or electronics, you might be offered a discount. They either explicitly say, “if you pay in cash, we’ll give you 20 percent off” or when you take out your card they say, “if you want to pay with your card, I can’t give you a discount.” What this really means is, “If you pay with a card, this sale gets reported to the government, and then I’ll have to pay taxes, and I’m trying to keep my reported income as low as possible.”

he Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has put tourism related information in Korean language on PTDC website www.tourism.gov.pk for the benefit of intending Korean tourists/visitors. If interested, visit the website for further information.

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H Toastmasters is a fun, supportive environment to learn public speaking and leadership skills. We meet 8 pm every Tuesday in Hyehwa. Guests always welcome. Find a map of our meeting location and contact information at: khtoastmasters.com

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NTV Korea introduces its new websites featuring 24/7 Bible Expositions of the Most Sensible Religious Preacher in our Times. www.imeem.com/untvkorea , www.esoriano.wordpress.com

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pportunity to spread hope and change lives. HOPE, a non-profit organization led and managed by foreign English teachers is looking for volunteers. Native English speakers wanted for weekly volunteer opportunities working with underprivileged children. Koreans with

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nyone who have the problems of spinal balance and related joints & muscle pain Free Chiropractic consultation and Normal Posture eudcation Member of KCA , Near at Kangnam sub App Call 0109170-3544 00% Free Language Exchange Community, hanlingo.com, invites you to meet our great members learning your language. If you are learning a new language esp. Korean, please check us out at http://www.hanlingo.com o you enjoy popping dance!? Come join Culcom b-boys! You are not charged anything but offered a chance to make friends and a gathering place! Feel free to join us! Free beer will be served. 019-301-7512 hee-

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The Photo Challenge is sponsored by Hyosung Camera (English: 010-7203-9599) and Babo Shirts (www.baboshirts.c om). Winners of the weekly competition receive a 50,000 won store credit at Hyosung Camera and a Babo Shirt. To take part in the competition, simply upload your photo at www.flickr.com/ groups/seoulphotoclub — Ed.

I was relaxing, having a coffee on Saturday afternoon in a coffee shop near Insadong in Seoul, when I noticed the number of cameras that people had. Of course, photography is very popular these days and there are more cameras around than there have ever been before, but for some reason it really hit me how many people had DSLRs. There seemed to be at least one at every table — no exaggeration. I decided to try and unobtrusively check the dial on the top the cameras to see what settings people were using. I was surprised. The reason I was surprised when I noted the settings of the many cameras I saw was that the vast majority of them were

set to one of the several automatic modes of shooting that are available. I thought that if so many people are using their DSLRs in this way, they could have saved a bit of money and bought nice little point and shoot cameras. Any camera that allows you to control as many aspects of an image in the way an SLR camera — film or digital — does is a very powerful creative tool. However, access to this creativity can only be unlocked if you get out of Automatic mode. Operating a camera in one of the various Auto modes can be convenient, but the difference between a DSLR set to Auto and a point and shoot is not very much. The huge advantage a DSLR has over a point and shoot though, is the creativity it allows you through the various degrees of manual setting. You can create beautifully blurred backgrounds in portraits in Aperture Priority mode, or capture a dynamic action shot with the use of motion blur using Shutter Priority, or produce stunningly lit night images with the longer exposures available in purely manual mode. The ability of a point-and-

Community Bulletin Board

English speaking abilities needed for volunteer support. Please visit www.alwayshope.or.kr.

HE OLD PATH Program hosted by the Most Sensible Christian Preacher in our Time is now in South Korea. To listen for free Bible Expositions of Brother Eli Soriano, please call 010-31442561, 010-3004-0817

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In focus: Don’t be automatic

By Aaron Raisey

To comment on this article, email [email protected]. To contact the author, e-mail [email protected] — Ed.

To apply for a free ad, send your ad text to: [email protected]

Announcements

PHOTO CHALLENGE WINNER — Old meets new — Near Hwaseong, Suwon, old meets new in a traditional Korean guard tower. Reflected in the plastic of a CCTV camera, a Derek Winchester traditional guard post is monitored by a modern sentry.

[email protected] herlock Holmes Club will meet every second Tuesday day at Itaewon, 7.30pm. (Venue to be announced) A story from the canon, a short talk on Holmesiana, a Holmes quiz, and a Holmes movie: seriousfun. Email Morrison at [email protected], or phone 010-6376-3965.

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Personals am a Spanish woman fluent in Korean language and also in English, offer my service as an interpreter for Spanish speaking people in Korea. I also do Spanish & English languages tutorial. Call 010-3040-6101

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’m a 24 year old Korean American male. Looking for a female language exchange partner to help me improve my Korean or a friend that can show me around Seoul. Text me at 010-7218-2422

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want to share my life, culture for friendship with native English speakers. I’m 33 yeas old guy who live in Chuncheon. Gender, age doesn’t matter. Please contact me Email: [email protected] mobile 010-9556-1324

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’m Korean male living in Seongnam and 34 years old. I’d like to make foreign friends speaking English fluently who want to exchange culture and language. Gender or age doesn’t matter. Please contact me. 011 9619 7409.

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7 years old Black African guy living in Seoul and Deagu English only looking female Korean or foreigner for culture exchange. E-mail: [email protected]

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want to offer free English conversation and tutor during my free time. My purpose is to help and for friendship. You may contact me at my email ad; [email protected] or call me at 010-8525-8294.

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3-year-old Korean male is looking for native English speakers for friendship and culture exchange. E-male: sjleewotis.co.kr

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Korean handsome guy looking for Filipina who live in Seoul. I stayed in CEBU in the Philippines. Please connect me. [email protected] 010-3253-3936

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o you want to learn Korean language and culture? I’m Korean male, living in Seoul,

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retired from school teacher and can help you. Gender or age doesn’t matter. Please e-mail me at; [email protected] Korean woman is looking for a native Japanese speaking friend for language and culture exchange. If interested, please email to [email protected]

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am looking for English conversation parter. If anyone want, I can offer one room in my APT (FREE), hwagokdong located. My company is KBS in yeouido. [email protected]. 010-32133771

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ant to learn free Korean with a high educated, cute and friendly university student? I live in Shin-Chon and looking for native English speakers for friendship. We can have beer while we study! Feel free to Email me or text me 01194212548, [email protected]

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i, I’m 21 year old Chinese American fluent in English. This is my first time in Seoul. Looking for female Korean language exchange partner or friend to show me around Seoul. I’m an exchange student at Yonsei University. Text 01080507149

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Sports nternational badminton club looking for new foreign members. Competitive (top class level) players preferred, we play on Sat, Sunday near Chamsil lotte world 2-6 P.M. If interested send me email for more information [email protected]

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’m an English professor who loves playing rackets sports and is looking for a partner. Whether it is squash, badminton or tennis, if you like to play then let me know and let’s have a game. I live in Seoul. Age, gender or nationality does not matter. Look forward to hearing from you. 011 9990 4291

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Wanted apanese Female looking for a room for 3-6 months in Seoul, Line 2 or 7 from April 1. Prefer flat share in furnished spacious apartment. Willing to pay up to KWR 7,000,000 per month. based on condition. Shoot email to [email protected]

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’m looking for a foreigner teacher who can teach English. It’s a part time job. Once in a week. Gwan ak gu,Sin-won dong. Please E-mail me. [email protected]

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ung-fu club is looking for new foreign members in Seoul. If you are interested, please call at 019-826-1980

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rirang Taekwondo Club is looking for new members interested in Taekwondo and cultural exchange. Class is every

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All ads must be under 40 words in English and commercial ads are not acceptable.

Sat & Sun at 2 pm ~ 5:30 pm at Samgakji sta. near Itaewon. All nationalities are welcome. Email to [email protected] / 010 3078 1433

e are looking for an experienced bilingual writer who can write English passages for high school reading books. Contact: [email protected] (Kumsung Publishing Company at Mapo-gu, Seoul)

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shoot camera to capture photographs of this nature is quite limited, so don’t limit your creativity behind your DSLR by leaving that dial stuck on Auto. In the next couple of columns, we’ll look in more detail at the various manual modes on a camera and the creativity you can take advantage of. I just want to hark back to something I said earlier. I mentioned that access to greater creativity could be enabled by using a camera’s Manual mode, I didn’t suggest the ability to take better pictures would be unlocked. The route to better pictures is through the photographer, not the camera. There is a difference between being creative and being better. This is why good photographers can usually produce good photos no matter what gear they are using. One of the benefits of the Seoul Photo Club on Flickr is that members help develop each other’s photography by posting constructive feedback, opinions and getting constant exposure to great photos from other members. So, don’t be automatic and get out there. ([email protected])

yundai Sonata New EF 2002 Model, 90,000 kms, black color, leather seats in mint condition. Great offer $5,000. Contact 01041624188 or [email protected]

e’re looking for a bilingual writer who has a lot of experience of editing or paraphrasing passages for Korean students. Work three times a week, 3 hours each time. [email protected] 0119933-4130

Korean classes ree Korean teacher available, 27 male in Seoul. 6 years experience teaching Korean in English from basic to advanced. Purpose: Make good friends. Cell: 010-2029-2677 Email: jetasd @hot mail.com

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e invite you for FREE Korean, hindi, Indian Music Instrument classes from 4pm every Sunday at Haebongchondong. For directions and details on Sunday program visit www.krishnakorea.com or call 010-2448-6441.

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e invite you to Language Exchange Club (LEC), the multilingual exchange club. You can make many friends, learn various cultures & languages, enjoy outdoor activities as well as learn Korean language. Please come to Starbucks in Myung-dong at 5 p.m. on Sundays. E-mail to Song : [email protected]

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ookmyung Korean education volunteers. 4 levels for beginner to high intermediate, once a week for 2 hours on every Saturday from 15:00 to 17:00, at social education building in Sookmyung Women’s Univ. 02-710-9623

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