For the past year and a half, I had put myself beyond my comfort zone, into not just a new employment opportunity, but the chance to go beyond the borders of the continent I am so used to living in. Having went all the way to South Korea to work in a field unfamiliar to my current experience was both breathtaking and and frightful. Despite the fears and worries, I ventured fourth, through hardship and joy to eventually succeed in this new environment. I had also made an effort to try and convey information to people to both understand be aware of what sort of things to expect and how to deal with issues that may arise for other fellow Expats who decide to take the plunge into this new world.
As I write this, I am sitting back home in Canada, but I do plan to leave a few tidbit of information on the departure notion. A month or so before I was to leave, I had taken a lot of time to figure out just what I need to do; things such as my phone plan had to be cancelled, what sort of luggage I could deal with and transportation, not to mention what I might need to do with my ARC. Though some of those I was able to answer, a lot left me forgetful, and quite in a tricky story.
First and foremost, you MUST try to leave 3 HOURS early. Normally, back home in Canada, it would be a good two hours, but that's because I'm familiar with the system. Korea I wasn't too sure, plus it's better to have the extra buffer anyway. If possible, get to the Airport early, but you'll have to wait awhile. The ticket booths only open 2 hours before a flight. Dreadful really that you can't check in and just relax. Still, that was the least of my worries; thought finding food and a nice meeting with someone was always a nice experience.
Anyway, moving on, I had to deal with my ACR and Luggae once I got to the airport. I didn't know where to return my ACR, I wasn't sure where to go, but I kind of found out last minute it was something I should have done when I first got to Incheon. First and foremost you got to return the ACR. This is done at the immigration office; it's at the far end of the terminal, just a little office. Go in, sign some papers, return the ACR and you're good. This is also helpful to work on any edits to your flight plan or if something with documents is amiss. I had the problem of my LAST name being my MIDDLE, so it was my First name and my middle name as my last name; which was hell of confusing when you look at the Passport. Despite having it all sorted, I regretted not booking the flight myself and finding a better deal to be reimbursed. Remember seeing 800 or so Direct for Toronto when I sought them out in March and May. Still, I shouldn't complain, they school paid for it.
Anyway, with ACR done, I had to handle the second issue, my luggage was overweight. I had to go to the opposite end of the terminal where a packaging service was. I had to box one of my smaller suitcase and throw a bunch of stuff into it and it was just a mess. It was suggested to me by the teller, and this is what I really like about Korean's, their so helpful, they want to give you a hand; this guy was telling me the best way to get through this weight thing. After I got that sorted, I was a bit overweight, but the manager was willing enough to waver most of it for me. I had to pay still for the overweight, but they had made it a bit easier for me. There was however one final dilemma I had.
My Airsoft pinged security, so as you could guess I had to go in and see what the fuss was about. I had heard and was told many times over that getting Airsoft into Korea is harder than getting it out; both native and expats had told me about it. Yet for me, go and figure that I have to be called by Security. It was expecting, but also suprising, when I went into the security room at the end of the belt I saw two chicks checking luggage. One already had mine to the side and asked me to take the stuff out. I do, and throw my two small pistol cases on the table while I laid my big one on the floor. \I showed them all the gear I had, I could tell they were surprised and it started this while cufuffle of people as the supervisor, manager and a few other employee's all came to the office, could tell this wasn't a common thing. A guy translated for me, asked me questions of where I got them, what I did and I explained how I got it all in Korea and I plaid on weekends. The guy told me everything would be okay, the only issue they seemed to have was my two pistols which didn't have colour parts. Now, I know those are important and without colour the things look way too realistic, but after some explaining, and the EOD guy saying he knows, I was let go; with 30 minutes to get to my flight.
I know that takes time, but tbh it wasn't so bad. I missed going to the bank before leaving, left money back there. Not cool, but their are ways to get it back; call the bank is always helpful especially if they have a expat service line. After getting that sorted I'll be given a card to take out my money at my local branch, which is wacked b/c the same bank I used, KEB, is here in Canada too. Sadly the Korean and Canadian don't really interlink unless you have internet or global banking plans on your accounts.
Afterwards it was a quick trip through security and I was on my way.
Coming into Canada it was, as I read, a lot easier to pass my Airsoft through. I did as many people advised, be honest, say what it is, and don't forget to claim it on the immigration card in black or blue ink. I had to go through Security, but it was fairly painless as they checked me out and then just let me go. Food was a bigger issue, that's stuff you shouldn't really bring (snacks perhaps, but they'd be smushed.)
Coming back was great, despite the haphazardly in the airport of Korea, I didn't have a bad time, and it was definitely an experience that I'll carry on though life with me.
