Community Forums => General Chat => Topic started by: Spak-Spang on March 03, 2009, 02:07:02 PM
Title: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 03, 2009, 02:07:02 PM
So, I sold my Wii last weekend. It was a big step that many of my friends didn't understand.
I am moving to Korea for at least a year (hopefully longer) to teach English, and I am using this experience as a self discovery "wilderness" experience. So I am getting rid of much of my possessions that are just weighing me down.
My Wii is one of the sacrifices and I probably will be out of this console generation for good. I still have my Nintendo DS, and I am thinking about getting a DSi. I was playing Mario Kart DS and I realized that for games that use the shoulder buttons frequently that the DS is very uncomfortable, and I am hoping this will change for the DSi.
Anyway, I hope to still be on a much as I can...and see you guys still. I do have a question on laptop computers do I need to buy a power converter or does the power cord box already take care of electricity regulation for that.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Pale on March 03, 2009, 02:09:49 PM
Wow, how much of your decision was logistics versus personal?
Like, is the main reason you did it because you don't want to set it all up at whereever you are living in Korea, or would it be easy to set up, you truly are just simplifying?
Sorry, I'm just curious. Simplification is something that has been going through my mind a lot lately (especially considering I just purchased a 360 so I now own all consoles) :-/
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Khushrenada on March 03, 2009, 02:09:58 PM
Wow. Well, good luck to you and I hope things go well for you. Didn't realize you were into communism so much.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Stogi on March 03, 2009, 02:23:19 PM
Korean food is sooooooooo good!
I applaud your decision to break out of your shell. The best of luck!
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: ThePerm on March 03, 2009, 02:49:43 PM
my brother just moved to Korea for the airforce he's in Kunsan
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: UltimatePartyBear on March 03, 2009, 02:55:26 PM
I was playing Mario Kart DS and I realized that for games that use the shoulder buttons frequently that the DS is very uncomfortable, and I am hoping this will change for the DSi.
That's why I bought a DS Lite, and it didn't help any.
You'll probably need an adapter for your laptop. The AC adapter you have probably isn't universal. Chances are they don't even have the same shape outlets we do here.
Good luck on your trip.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: ThePerm on March 03, 2009, 03:26:01 PM
its hard to say on the outlet matter
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: stevey on March 03, 2009, 03:45:07 PM
I am moving to Korea for at least a year (hopefully longer) to teach English, and I am using this experience as a self discovery "wilderness" experience. So I am getting rid of much of my possessions that are just weighing me down.
My Wii is one of the sacrifices and I probably will be out of this console generation for good. I still have my Nintendo DS, and I am thinking about getting a DSi. I was playing Mario Kart DS and I realized that for games that use the shoulder buttons frequently that the DS is very uncomfortable, and I am hoping this will change for the DSi.
Instead of selling your stuff can't you leave it with a friend or relative for the time being? Also, you're leaving the Wii/World for ENGLISH!???
Quote
Anyway, I hope to still be on a much as I can...and see you guys still. I do have a question on laptop computers do I need to buy a power converter or does the power cord box already take care of electricity regulation for that.
It most probably does has a built in voltage regulator but going from 125~V to 220-250~V is a big leap so don't just plug in anything without checking it first. Check the back of it and see if it supports the right voltage (http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y267/n64/voltge-info.gif)
More info http://www.adaptelec.com/index.php?main_page=document_general_info&products_id=159 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_outlet#Type_C (Koren is type C, NA is type B&A) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_wart http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 03, 2009, 04:02:21 PM
I could have left it with friends or brought it over. No, the decision was a personal decision. I personally have felt a strong desire to just simplify my life and get rid of everything I don't need.
I wanted to have what I call a wilderness experience...(a Biblical reference) basically I want to discover who I am and my desires in life, and to do that you need to cut yourself out of your comfort zone. Getting rid of my Wii was one of those choices. Getting out of the country was one of those decisions too. We take for granted every blessing we have in America. Korea was chosen because the opportunity is so great and I do love the culture.
Thanks for all the support guys, and I am excited about the food. For the computer question. I have an Apple laptop I am bringing, I plan on doing more research before plugging my computer to charge overseas I don't want to blow it up or anything.
And Stevey, I am not giving up on Nintendo. If I can't play Nintendo I will give up on gaming completely. I have my DS for my fix...I am just stepping away from awhile.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: bustin98 on March 03, 2009, 05:26:27 PM
Often times I allow my mind to think about the materialism in my life and what I have versus what I need. Your move isn't motivated by materialism but it seems related. When I was in my early 20s, I spent a boat load of money on crap without blinking an eye. Now I have a ton of crap that doesn't even do anything for me anymore. Now adays I still get a twitch to go blow some money but I take a step back and ask myself if I really want something or do I just want to spend some money for the sake of spending money. Its small steps to move from capitalism to commercialism to materialism.
I'm sure you'll come back with a fresh outlook on your life and will be better off for it.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 03, 2009, 05:59:51 PM
I hate to spend money...but sometimes I do it just because I am bored.
Usually my spending is wrapped around hanging with friends and taking my wife to dinner, not actually buying possessions, but experiences.
For the last year or two I have desired to take things away and really push myself to read, to rediscover my God, and to focus on my marriage and beautiful wife. We have taken the TV out out our house for a month once and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I find myself playing Nintendo less and less and when I do it is only because I was too lazy to think of something else to do.
In Korea my wife and I will have the exact same schedule something we have never had in the 7 years of my life, and we will be able to do stuff together. Develop hobbies, read, explore life together...and that has me excited. I am also excited that I will be able to push myself with teaching. I have not worked much with kids and I am not comfortable in front of audiences, the job is going to be a huge challenge for me. I will succeed and that will be huge for my development.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: NWR_pap64 on March 03, 2009, 06:42:17 PM
Wow, talk about an amazing experience.
Up until recently I was unemployed. Been this way for nearly a year, right after graduation. It really depressed me because I felt that my life was going nowhere. Had I been given the chance to do what you are doing Spak I would have taken it in a heartbeat. It truly does sound like an amazing, one in a lifetime experience. Selling your Wii was just a small sacrifice. You can still get one, maybe when its cheaper. But this, this can't wait.
The only advice I give you is; don't look back. Keep going for it. The only reason to look back is if you feel something is wrong. But if its helping you grow as a person then go ahead, asks no questions. Do it. You will not regret it.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 03, 2009, 07:55:42 PM
I am not looking back and in fact my wife and I have already stated that if we enjoy the experience we will at least do it for another 2 years. So 3 total minimum.
You know anyone with a 4 year college degree can do this...it is VERY, VERY easy to find a job.
My biggest problem will be selling my house, because I really don't want to worry about renting that while I am away. But the market is not good. I hope I can sell it and get out without a lose. But I will not let the house hold me back.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: King of Twitch on March 04, 2009, 02:31:12 AM
Quote
Develop hobbies, read, explore life together
THAT'S WHAT ANIMAL CROSSING IS FOR >:(
Well, good luck to ya
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Dasmos on March 04, 2009, 02:47:48 AM
When are you leaving? Also does this mean you're giving up mafia?!
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 04, 2009, 09:28:19 AM
No, I am planning on doing my last Mafia, before I leave, but I will also play Mafia just oversees. When I am able to be online it will either be late at night or early morning. So I can still play mafia. I can't give that up...you guys are too awesome.
And I will be leaving late June.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: BeautifulShy on March 04, 2009, 09:30:56 AM
Late June?When exactly?
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Pale on March 04, 2009, 09:37:55 AM
Maxi are you looking for a precise moment in time or what? =P
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Dasmos on March 04, 2009, 09:38:24 AM
Maxi are you looking for a precise moment in time or what? =P
My bet is June 26th, 8:07AM.
I picked that time and date because that's when I would have been born 22 years ago!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: BeautifulShy on March 04, 2009, 10:34:06 AM
Pale I was just looking for a date.I want to know if it is before or after the 23rd.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: RABicle on March 04, 2009, 10:35:21 AM
May the Fist be with you Spak!
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 04, 2009, 11:07:09 AM
I don't know exactly.
Basically we just signed our contract. It states we start work July 1st. Does that mean training starts July 1st or actual teaching? I have that question sent in now...I predict it would be around June 18-20th.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: NovaQ on March 04, 2009, 09:28:24 PM
No, I am planning on doing my last Mafia, before I leave, but I will also play Mafia just oversees. When I am able to be online it will either be late at night or early morning. So I can still play mafia.
That's kind of how it is for me, and I died pretty quickly in my first game - although that might've been because I'm not very good at Mafia.
At any rate, your move sounds like a real adventure. I may not know you all that well yet, but I wish you luck!
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: S-U-P-E-R on March 05, 2009, 05:28:31 AM
How much are you getting paid to do this and through what company?
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on March 05, 2009, 09:07:55 AM
My wife and I are both getting 2.1 Million Won and the school is named ECC NamGwangju.
It is in Gwangju City.
And if you are wondering that is about $1,300 a month for each of us.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: decoyman on March 06, 2009, 10:21:35 AM
Wow, exciting Spak! Could you send me a PM about this job, and how you found it? And I may have missed you mentioning this already, but do you speak Korean then?
Best of luck with all that... I've really debated whether I should give up the tv (I'd have a hard time giving up video games completely, I think), because there are so many other productive things I could be doing. I always feel guilty after I plop myself down and spend an entire night in front of the tv.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 17, 2010, 09:53:51 AM
So I decided to let you know what is going on.
After being in Korea for over a year. I have not owned a video game system for now over a year. I had also given away my DS. It is odd being without a game system but also kinda liberating. I have been reading more, trying to learn Korean, and focusing on my future. Not saying that video games have kept me from any of those things, but getting back to basics has helped.
This year I have given up television as well. It has really opened my eyes to how much time is wasted with that "evil" device.
Anyway, that doesn't mean I have been without games. In Korea there are many PC Rooms, Singing Rooms, and yes even Wii Rooms to play Nintendo. The unfortunate thing is S. Korea is so blasted late on getting any games. I don't really blame Nintendo though, because Koreans don't like to buy anything...they like to steal EVERYTHING.
I bought a new computer for the Korean church I go to, and wanted to get Microsoft Office installed in English. They stated they could do that and asked if we needed any other software. We named a few and asked how much it would cost. "Oh, we can't charge you for the software, we don't have the authority to sell it." They could and WOULD give it for free but couldn't sell it. I asked why, and the guy stated "Koreans don't like to buy software, this never comes up."
So I have visited the local arcades some which make me happy they exist here even if it just filled with music games and Tekken 6. I have also visited friends houses and played Xbox 360, PS3, and the occasional Wii. Being away from games has actually made me think about them more. I have a better understanding, what I loved about gaming, and which games I liked and why. It has reaffirmed my love of Nintendo, and why to me Nintendo games are the games I enjoy the most.
But, what has shocked me, is that here many people do not share my same opinions. Nintendo is looked down upon because it doesn't have the graphics or Tekken 6. (I kid you not, Tekken is like king here.) Anyway, looking at my future in gaming I am leaning to only going portable until I am back stationed for good in America. And perhaps waiting even longer. I am really looking at the 3DS as my next and only game system for awhile and as such I am excited and also anxious. I really want Nintendo to hit a home run with this product, but I know the competition and expectations are extremely high for Nintendo...and I don't think it will be as easy this coming generation.
We shall see. Until then, I am still here lurking. I am not on as much for personal reasons, and I am sorry I have missed so many mafia games and conversations, but I am still here and I am glad many of the same friends I have seen and made are still here.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: vudu on August 17, 2010, 01:31:45 PM
I gotta ask--what's it like living in South Korea during the launch of StarCraft 2?
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 18, 2010, 07:16:09 PM
It's odd. They are treating it like a movie release would be treated in the States. All the city buses have advertising for it.
Lotteria which is like a Korean Mc Donald's has a Star Craft 2 meal. It doesn't come with a toy, but it comes with something.
Finally, you can play the battle mode online without buying the game, if you have a World of WarCraft account.
None of the kids are talking about it...except to ask me if I know what different units are or aliens. I haven't watched the Star Craft channel to see if they have switched over. I am sure at least one of there programs is now Star Craft 2.
I thought it would have a larger impact than it has had. I am kinda shocked.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Stratos on August 18, 2010, 07:31:37 PM
Well, I had heard that Starcraft fan-dom there has hit a decline so that may explain the lull in interest.
Wait...A Starcraft channel? As in a television channel?
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: MegaByte on August 18, 2010, 08:47:28 PM
There's a bit more to video game history in Korea. After WWII, Japanese cultural and related electronic goods were banned in South Korea, not being fully lifted until 2004 (Nintendo of Korea opened in 2006). That meant that any systems and games Nintendo released in South Korea had to be filtered through a Korean company (Hyundai), so I'm sure that affected availability and popularity.
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: TJ Spyke on August 18, 2010, 09:57:34 PM
IIRC, South Korea is also the country where several people have died from exhaustion for doing stupid stuff like playing MMO's for 55+ hours in a row. MMO's are as common in South Korea as FPS's are in North America or RPG's are in Japan. I am not surprised that there is a StarCraft channel there (although I can't actually find anything online about it or that it even exists).
The ban on Japanese games resulted in the NES being released as "Comboy" in South Korea (not sure if Hyundai or Nintendo picked that weird name). Nintendo is trying to increase sales there, but I guess they are not having as much luck as they want. The Virtual Console gets almost no support (I think it has less than 50 games there).
Title: Re: Sold My Wii...getting ready to move to Korea
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 19, 2010, 04:46:57 AM
There are actually several video game based channels and other interesting channels in Korea.
1) There is the 바둑 which is just the Korean version of Go. 2) A Channel totally dedicated to gaming tournaments which means Counter Strike, Street Fighter 4, but mostly just Tekken 6. 3) A Channel dedicated to Star Craft and a few Star Craft clones. 4) Many educational channels 5) 2-3 Channels that all animation. 6) About 3 channels which half their programming is American shows or movies.
The American shows are mostly crap. Super Natural, CSI, CSI Miami, Ghost Whisper and unedited Sex in the City, over and over again.
