so started the day around 8:30.
the us embassy is in front of Gwanghwamoon, so off I go.
the statue of King Sejong the Great is a new addition to my eyes,
but it's already showing signs of age.
went to the embassy to find out that my ID picture is too old (~1 year),
and I had forgotten to print one paper that they required.
I did know that the ID picture was too old, but I hoped to slip by.
the fact that the same picture was in my year-old passport didn't help.
getting a new picture taken was no problem--there were a bunch of shops in front of the embassy for people like me.
got a picture hastily taken.
I don't think I'll be using the other 5 copies.
now, printing was more pain than I imaged.
last time I came to Korea, the place was filled with PC rooms.
it seems that's not the case anymore,
with every kid in the block having internet-connected smartphones.
had to walk around everywhere and finally found a bookstore that had a printing service.
anyways, got myself back to the embassy.
interview was a breeze.
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once that was done, began to try getting some cell service.
I noticed a "olleh square" (something like an apple store for kt) on my way to the embassy,
so headed there.
tried to get a prepaid sim card,
then landed on a problem--
they needed identification, and my passport,
which currently is my only form of official identification in Korea,
was just handed to the US embassy for visa stamping.
I tried to give them my national identification card,
but apparently that doesn't work because the number was invalidated.
so cell service today.
and until I get my passport back..
