Wise spending habits lead to a happy life in Korea!
C O N S U M E R I N F O R M AT I O N G U I D E
Knowledge is Power
A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer | For Married Immigrants
만든이│
후 원│
C O N S U M E R I N F O R M AT I O N G U I D E
Knowledge is Power
A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer | For Married Immigrants
01
Consumer rights and responsibilities
Eight Consumer Rights
Contents
03_ Consumer rights and responsibilities 05_ What is economy 06_ Where to buy merchandise
01
Right to Safety : Consumers have the right to expect protection from hazardous products and services purchased in the marketplace.
02
Right to Information : Consumers have the right to receive adequate information about products on which to base buying decisions.
03
Right to Choice : Consumers have the right to have the opportunity to select the goods and services that they want to purchase.
04
Right to be Heard : Consumers have the right to have consumer interests represented in the policy making process of government, trade, professional and industry association.
05
Right to Redress : Consumers are afforded an opportunity to have a hearing to voice dissatisfaction such that a resolution is reached and the complaint is settled satisfactorily.
06
Right to Consumer Education : Consumers have the right to some form of training and mastery of knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions in the marketplace.
07
Right to a Healthy Environment : Consumers should be protected from the devastating effects of air, earth, and water pollution that may result from the performance of daily marketplace operation.
08
Right to Organize and Act : Consumers have a right to create an organization and work for developing the strength and influence to promote and protect their interests.
08_ How to obtain price information 09_ How to pay for merchandise 10_ How to make a good deal 11_ Savings 16_ How to be insured 17_ What should I do when I buy the wrong clothes 19_ How to manage conflicts in buying products or services 21_ How to send certification of contents to retailers 22_ I need help 24_ Green consumption campaigns for a sustainable environment - Reducing household waste 26_ Green consumption campaign for a sustainable environment - Saving energy 29_ [ Appendix ] Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
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02
What is economy
Five Consumer Responsibilities
Economy is
With rights there are also responsibilities. In conjunction with the above rights, there is also an expectation that consumers act rationally, and accept a reasonable level of responsibility when exercising choice and entering into transactions in the marketplace.
An economy is a social system of production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of goods and services of a country. For example, if a household wants to purchase rice, it needs money. To earn money, there should be labor, which leads to the production of goods or services. The goods and services are sold to consumers in a marketplace. This series of processes is called economy. The Korean economy is a market economy based on a principle of open competition.
01 02 03
Critical Awareness : The responsibility to be more alert and question the use of, and the price and quality of, goods and services.
Action : The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. As long as we remain passive consumers, we will continue to be exploited.
Social Concern : The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other citizens, especially disadvantaged or powerless groups, whether in the local, national or international community.
04
Environmental Awareness : The responsibility to understand the environmental consequences of our consumption. We should recognize our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.
05
Solidarity : The responsibility to together as consumers to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect our interests.
Household Household Finance : Household finance pertains to how to manage family income and expenditures.
Savings Savings refers to money that is saved in a bank.
&
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Living Expenses Housekeeping book
Living expenses refers to expenditures in daily life, such as food, clothing, and taxes.
y
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03
Where to buy merchandise
Market A market is a place where goods and services are bought and sold.
01
A Wholesale Market : A market where goods are bought and sold in large quantities at cheaper prices, usually to shopkeepers who then sell them to the public.
02
A Retail Market : A market where goods are sold directly to the public in small quantities.
C
type
D
type
Discount Retailer : Like a department store, a variety of merchandise is available, and goods can be bought at cheaper prices.
Home TV Shopping : You can buy merchandise via a home shopping network on TV with less time and effort. However, you should be wary of impulse buying.
Types of Marketplaces Since there are various types of marketplaces, you should carefully choose where to shop so that you can purchase high quality goods at a reasonable price.
E
type
Traditional Market Square : Traders set up stalls and buyers browse the merchandise. You can buy at cheaper prices compared to a department store or a discount retailer.
A
type
F
type
B
type
Door-to-door Sales : A door-to-door salesman visits consumers and sells merchandise. Consumers may buy goods or services on impulse, or may be pressured to buy.
Department Store : There is a variety of merchandise and high quality services, but prices are higher than at other marketplaces.
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Online Shopping : You can purchase products and services over the Internet. It is easy to compare prices and the quality of the goods. You can save time and effort in shopping.
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04
05
How to obtain price information
How to pay for merchandise
Price
Cash
Price is a numerical value assigned to goods, services or assets.
If you pay in cash for your purchases, you can avoid impulse buying.
Price System in Korea
• Pay in cash in traditional market squares. • You can benefit from an income tax deduction administered by the National Tax Administration. • You are required to show your identification card such as a certificate of residence, an alien registration card, or a passport when you pay with a check (for ten, one hundred, or five hundred thousand won).
Sellers determine the prices of goods and services. Fixed price only : department stores, discount retailers, and internet shopping malls Price negotiation available : traditional market squares and door-to-door sales
Credit card
Price Check
You can pay using your credit card instead of cash. However, you may spend money on items you may not really need or want.
After making a decision on what you wish to buy, check the price of similar products
• You can pay using your credit card in department stores and at discount retailers. • Your signature on the back of your credit card and that of credit card receipts should be identical.
• You can visit stores and check the price in person.
(If you do not sign the back of your care, you will be responsible for transactions that occur on your card in the
• You can use price comparison sites on the Internet.
event that your credit card is lost or stolen.)
• You can ask for information about the price from family members or friends who have previously bought similar goods.
! Beware of these! • You cannot be rebated even if you buy goods at a more expensive price than what is usual. • You should check information of product quality if the product seems to be too inexpensive without any reason. • Check the receipt carefully after you purchase goods or services. • Make sure that the information on the bill and the receipt match exactly. - If the product is defective, you will need a receipt to make any demands regarding refund or exchange.
• Take advantage of your local recycling centers or flea markets. • Take advantage of sales. • Take advantage of discount coupons.
R e c y c l i n g
Gift Certificates Cou pon
Tips for frugal shoppers
ment Departre Sto
• You should use your own credit card, and confirm the receipt of your purchase. • Credit card receipts should be kept for 3 years. • If you lose your credit card, notify your card provider immediately. • Your personal identification number (PIN number) should be comprised of numbers that other people cannot easily guess. (e.g., Avoid birthday date and phone numbers.) • Do not give any information to people looking for credit card information over the phone. • When you pay using a credit card, confirm your payment. • You can obtain a SMS service that informs you of any credit card purchase you have made.
ount Disc
You can pay for merchandise using various gift certificates. Not all stores accept gift certificates. Make sure that the store where you are shopping accepts the gift certificate you have prior to making a purchase. • Book coupons (redeemable at bookstores) • Cultural gift certificates (redeemable at bookstores and movie theaters) • Department store gift certificates (redeemable at department stores) • Gas station gift certificates (redeemable at gas stations)
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06
How to make a good deal
How to choose good products - food
07
Savings
Why is building your savings important?
• Check the expiration date. • Check if the brand is reliable.
Emergencies
• Check if the product is properly packaged.
By having money saved you can be prepared for unexpected emergencies and deal with them properly.
• Check if the price is reasonable.
How to choose good products - Consumer information Consumer information is marked on the package of a product. Consumers can obtain information on a product such as its name, expiration date, manufacturing company, and price. Quality information
Meaning
Product name
You can learn the name of the product.
Ingredients and place of origin
You can learn the ingredients and their place of origin.
Expiration date or the date of manufacture
You can learn until when a product should be sold or consumed, or when it has been manufactured.
Care, maintenance or handling
You can learn how to take care of or handle the product.
Manufacturing company
You can learn the company that makes the product.
Telephone number or website address
You can learn the telephone number or website address of the manufacturing company.
Price
You can learn the price of the product.
Terms and Conditions Terms and conditions are set by sellers when they provide consumers with goods or services. Before signing or making a contract, be sure to first confirm and agree upon the terms and conditions. Most consumer problems are dealt with according to these terms and conditions.
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Major payments
Building wealth You can put money aside in a bank or invest in a pension plan and buy stocks and bonds for building your personal wealth.
Savings
Having some money saved can help you from falling into real financial troubles in the future.
Retirement plan By saving money now you will be able to enjoy your old age comfortably without working.
How to save money • Make an expenditure plan and save a regular amount of money in advance. • Open a bank account and deposit some money or save money in a piggy bank.
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How to use a bank
How to use a credit card
Business hours : 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m. How to open a bank account
• Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration card),
• Required documents : identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration
• Where : credit card provider company (Samsung, LG, KEB, Kukmin, Shinhan, Lotte, Hundai, BC) or banks
card), personal seal, money for the first deposit (usually more than ten thousand won, but it varies from bank
bank account number • When you pay by a credit card, you will make a payment for the purchase to your credit card provider after one month.
to bank)
01 STEP_Take a waiting number ticket and wait for your turn. When your number is called, go to the assigned bank window. 02 STEP_Explain your reason for visiting the bank. For example, you can say, “I want to open a bank account.” 03 STEP_Fill out an application and provide the bank with money with which to open the account. 04 STEP_You can decide if you want a check card or internet banking service.
You need to open a bank account if you wish to have your own cell phone number.
• You can conveniently buy merchandise by credit card without cash. However, there is a risk of impulse buying. • Set the amount of money that you can spend per month when you use a credit card for the first time. • Cash advances are available, but the interest rate is high. • You can take advantage of an installment plan. The interest rate varies depending on the installment period. • Do not make your credit card payments late; otherwise, you will eventually have a bad credit rating. • Some credit cards work just like a transportation card depending on the area or the types of card.
How to use a bank card ATM card • Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration card), bank account number • ATM operation hours : 8:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 p.m.(Before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. you must pay fees.)
Credit card number: Never let anybody know your credit card number.
Signature : Write your signature here.
• You are free to deposit or withdraw money without visiting a bank.
Check card • Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration card), bank account number
• You can pay by a check card up to the amount of money in your bank account. • No check card : Payment for cell phone usage, reservations for railroad trips, and direct deposit service. Expiration date : Check the expiration date.
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CASE
1
Personal identification number (PIN number)
Mr. Tusar met some friends and drank too much. He lost his wallet and cell phone. The next morning, he reported that he lost his credit card and found out that someone had already withdrawn 2 million won using the cash advance service. How could the thief find out Mr. Tusar’s pin number?
The pin number to Mr. Tusar’s credit card was the same as his home telephone number. What’s more, the speed dial #0 of his cell phone was set to his home. Avoid using numbers such as birthday dates or your home telephone number, which other people can easily figure out, as your pin number.
CASE
2
CASE
3
Credit card charge fees
I purchased about 1 million won worth of electric home appliances. The store demanded that I pay 3% of my purchase in cash under the name of a credit card charge fee. I did not know what to do, so I paid it and received a receipt. Is there any way that I can get the charge fee back? Membership fees are money that credit card member shops should pay to the credit card company. It is against the law to pass on these fees to consumers. Anyone who violates these laws may be sentenced to less than one year or be punished by a fine not exceeding 10 million won.
Giving a credit card number Mr. Sumaoro lost his credit card and reported it. But a thief had already withdrawn 3 million won through a cash advance service. Later, he remembered that he had gotten a call from someone telling him he had won a kimchi fridge at an event by a credit card company. The thief had represented himself falsely as a customer service rep and asked him to give the pin number to his credit card. Mr. Sumaoro had given it to him with excitement. Never give the pin number of your credit card.
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08
How to be insured
09
What should I do when I buy the wrong clothes
What is insurance?
I bought clothes, but they do not fit me.
• Insurance is a way of protecting against financial losses. For a payment (premium), an insurance
• If the stitches on the clothes are uneven, the fabric is poor, or the clothes are the incorrect size, you
company will take the responsibility of compensating your financial losses. • There are certain types of insurance: accident insurance (against damage by accidents), life insurance (against financial loss resulting from death), and health insurance (against financial loss resulting from disease prearranged to be covered by your insurance, i.e., cancer)
can request an exchange for your purchase. • If the clothes that you bought are not your size or if you do not like the design or color, you can request an exchange or refund. • You should check the care labels of the clothes when you do laundry.
• There are various types of insurance products on which insurance coverage is different. Decide what kind of insurance you want and apply for an insurance policy.
How to be insured • Required documents: Identification card (temporary residence registration card or alien registration card) • You can be insured through an insurance planner, an FP (financial planner) or internet websites provided by insurance companies. If you call insurance companies, you can get more information about various insurance products.
Laundry care label symbols
When you are insured, make sure of the following:
Machine wash, 30℃, Reduced
Machine wash, 95℃, Normal action,
• Write your insurance contract by yourself.
Normal rinse and spin
• After making an insurance contract, confirm that you receive insurance clauses and confirm your
약30℃ 중성
mechanical action, Normal rinse and spin
insurance. When you receive an insurance settlement, confirm whether it is true to the insurance clauses. (If you do not receive insurance clauses within three months, you can cancel your insurance policy.) • When you pay insurance, make sure that you receive a receipt issued by the insurance company. If you pay your insurance via bank transfer, confirm that the bank account is in the insurance
염소표백
Chlorine bleach as needed
염소표백
Non-chlorine bleach as needed
company’s name. • When you make out an accident insurance contract, you should let the insurance company know all of your medical history. 손세탁 약30℃ 중성
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Hand wash only, 30℃, Reduced rinse and spin
Do not wash
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How to manage conflicts in buying products or services
Consumer problems and damage 염소 산소 표백
Bleach as needed, Any bleach
염소 산소 표백
Do not bleach
Consumer problems result from dissatisfaction when the consumer purchases goods or services. • When cancellation of a contract and an exchange or refund are not available • In case of inferior goods • Unfair contract terms and clauses
Hot iron (180~210℃) 180~210℃
Hot iron (180~210℃) on cloth 180~210℃
Do not iron
드라이
• Dissatisfaction with after-sales service
Consumer damage is caused by serious consumer problems. It can involve physical, mental, or financial damage to consumers.
Dry clean
Tip!
드라이
약하게
Do not dry clean
드라이
Dry clean with perchloroethylene or
석유계
petroleum-based solvents
No spin
Reduced spin
Consumer Rights and Responsibilities CONSUMER RIGHTS
CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES
• The Right to Safety
The Responsibilities of Critical Awareness,
• The Right to Information
Action, Social Concern, Environmental
• The Right to Choice
Awareness, and Solidarity
• The Right to be Heard • The Right to Redress • The Right to Consumer Education
뉘어서
Dry flat
Hang on a coat-hanger to dry 옷걸이
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Hang on a coat-hanger to dry in 옷걸이
뉘어서
shade
• The Right to a Healthy Environment • The Right to Organize and Act
Dry flat in shade
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How to resolve consumer problems
How to send certification of contents to retailers
Write a complaint letter to the seller If you are not satisfied with a product or a service that you receive, you may want to write a complaint letter to the seller. You can send any complaint letter by Certified Mail. (Certified Mail: When sending certified mail you will receive a mailing receipt and a delivery record will be maintained by the post office.)
STEP
1
Call the seller
STEP
2
Contact a consumer agency
You complaint letter should include the following: • Date and place that the item was purchased, the item, and its model name • Product problems • Compensation (reparation/exchange/refund) • Consumer’s name, address or telephone number, and the date when the letter has been written
How to cancel a purchase agreement STEP
4
Take legal action
STEP
3
File a complaint with a dispute resolution program
You can demand purchase cancellation when your purchase is not paid by cash; if you purchase an item with a value of 200 thousand won via door-to-door sales, on-line shopping, or home TV shopping, you can cancel the purchase agreement within a certain number of days.
01 STEP_ If you have a consumer problem, try to give the company an opportunity to resolve the
Period of purchase cancellation
problem. First, contact the manager or owner to see if the problem can be solved. 02 STEP_ Try contacting the Korea Consumer Agency or a local consumer agency to see if the problem can be settled on a local basis. 03 STEP_ If you are unable to resolve your problem by dealing directly with the company, file a complaint with the appropriate regulatory agency or with a dispute resolution program. 04 STEP_ If your dispute remains unresolved, you may want to seek legal advice to decide whether or not you should file a claim in court.
• Door-to-door or call sales : Contract date / 14 days after receiving the product • Online shopping or home TV shopping : Contract date / 7 days after receiving the product • Multi-level marketing : Contract date / 14 days after receiving the product • Installment purchase : Contract date / 7 days after receiving the product
(Consumer agency : Consumer agencies help consumers resolve consumer problems or consumer damage.)
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I need help
Korea Consumer Agency
Activities of consumer groups
Korea Consumer Agency protects basic consumer rights and interests, and helps you become a wise consumer.
Activities of consumer groups • Consumer counseling : Consumer groups provide consumer counseling and help consumers deal with damages from their purchases.
Activities of the Korea Consumer Agency • Consumer counseling and consumer damage control
• Consumer education : Consumer groups provide consumer education programs.
• Researches & surveys activities
• Consumer information : Consumer groups provide a guidebook with useful consumer information.
• Consumer safety-related activities
• Consumer campaign : Consumer groups conduct campaigns for a rational consumption life.
• Consumer policy tasks • Consumer education programs • Consumer information & news
Consumer groups Consumer groups help fight for consumer rights. There are about 10 consumer groups in Korea. CONSUMER GROUP
National Council of the Green Consumers Network in Korea
TELEPHONE
1577-9895
Korean federation of housewives clubs
1588-0050
Seoul YWCA
02) 3705-6060
Korea YMCA
02) 754-7891
Consumer Korea
02) 739-5441
National Council of Homemakers’ Classes
02) 2266-5870
Consumers Union of Korea
02) 795-1042
Korean Daily Life as a Consumer Researcher
02) 325-3300
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Consumer groups
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Green consumption campaigns for a sustainable environment - Reducing household waste
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Recycling
The volume-rate garbage disposal system
Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent waste of potentially useful materials.
• Five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred liter plastic bags are available.
• You should throw your trash away using standard plastic garbage bags if it is not recyclable. • Plastic bags are different depending on your residential district. • Garbage should be disposed of between 7 and 11 p.m. (Except for food waste)
Why is recycling important? • Making products from raw materials costs a lot. If they are made from recycled products, financial expenditure in the economy can be reduced. • Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste.
Separate garbage collection If you classify the following garbage correctly, they may be recycled.
How long does it take for trash to biodegrade?
How to separate garbage
Paper
• Glass bottles : Remove the cap, empty, rinse and take them to the closest recyclable resource
2~5 months
• Paper : Newspapers, books, and milk packages are collected for recycling. collection station.
A Milk Carton
5 years
A Cigarette Filter
10 ~ 12 years
Chopsticks
20 years
• Plastics : Remove labels and sort plastics into each separate category type.
A Disposable Cup
more than 20 years
• Styrofoam : Remove labels and bundle together with string.
Leather Shoes
25~40 years
• Food waste : Drain the water of food waste. Be sure not to mix it with other garbage.
Nylon
30~40 years
A Disposable Diaper
100 years
A Toothbrush
more than 100 years
An Aluminum Can
more than 100 years
A Plastic Container
more than 500 years
A Plastic Package
more than 500 years
A PET Bottle
more than 500 years
Styrofoam
more than 500 years
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• Aluminum and steel cans : Empty and crush cans, and take them to the closest recyclable resource collection station.
Recycling Symbols
분리배출
분리배출
분리배출
분리배출
분리배출
분리배출
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14
Green consumption campaign for a sustainable environment - Saving energy
INTRO TO BEING AN ENERGY SAVER-
1 In multipurpose rooms: Collect and do some amount of laundry and use a cycle that finishes within 10 minutes. Dry in sunshine.
3 In the study: Unplug your computer and cell phone charger when they are not in use.
Keep appropriate temperature in a room! The appropriate temperature of a room is 18℃ in winter. If you lower the temperature of a room by 1℃, you can save energy of up to about 4% or reduce 230kg of carbondioxide emissions. In summer, the appropriate temperature of a room is 26℃. If you raise the temperature of a room by 1℃, you can save up to about
1
3
2
4
7.7KWh of energy in a month or reduce about 3.3kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
BEGINNER ENERGY SAVER-
Energy efficiency!
Figure out the energy efficiency of your house. If you purchase energyefficient appliances and home electrics, they can be expensive but you can save energy and money in the long run.
4 In the kitchen: Using a gas ranger is much more energy efficient than using an electric heater.
2 In the living room: Using a remote control can waste energy.
• If you use an energy-efficient light bulb, you can save up to 7,100 won and reduce 30kg of carbon dioxide emission. • A 32W fluorescent lamp with 26mm (what) increases energy efficiency and lasts longer than one with 44mm. An energy-efficient fluorescent lamp can cut your energy usage by 20~30%. ADVANCED ENERGY SAVER INTERMEDIATE ENERGY SAVER -
Be sure of being unplugged!
Use the energy in your home more efficiently! TELEVISION
Unplug appliances and home electrics because they draw energy
• Reduce TV watching hours.
even when they are not in use. If you use a power bar, you can easily
• Turn down the volume and brightness and wipe the television screen.
unplug electric home appliances.
• Unplug the television set after watching TV. • Turn off the television when you are not watching TV. • Do not go to bed with the TV on. • Turn the TV on or off only if necessary.
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Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Cancellation of a purchase agreement
REFRIGERATOR • Do not open the refrigerator door often. • If you put cooked food in the refrigerator, make sure that the food has cooled down first. Fill the refrigerator only to 60%. • Purchase an energy-efficient refrigerator. • Keep a ten-centimeter space between the refrigerator and the wall. Clean it often. • The appropriate temperature of a refrigerator is 5~6℃ in summer,
How to cancel a purchase agreement • You can cancel the original purchase order for not-delivery and demand the return of any money paid. • If you purchase goods or services through telemarketing or door-to-door sales, you should use certified mail to request contract cancellation within the cancellation period (14 days) after purchasing. (In case of purchasing goods or services through an installment transaction or online shopping, you should do it within 7 days).
3~4℃ in spring and fall, and 1~2℃ in winter. AIR CONDITIONER • If you use both an air conditioner and a fan, you can save energy and money. • The difference between indoor temperature and outdoor temperature should not be more than 5℃. Keep the temperature of a room at 26~28℃. • If you clean the air conditioner filters every 10 or 20 days, you can reduce energy waste. WASHING MACHINE • Wait until some amount of laundry is collected. When you do laundry, use a cycle that finishes within 10 minutes with a moderate amount of detergent. • If you rinse and then spin, you can save time and energy. • Unplug the washing machine after doing laundry. • Do not use the dry function in the washing machine.
What is certified mail? • Certified Mail refers to a special mail service in which the post office guarantees delivery of certain documents. It can be used to verify that documents have been delivered and received. • Requests for contract cancellations should be made in written form. Your complaint letter should include the name of the item, contract date, and the reason for purchase cancellation. After writing a letter, make two copies.
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF PURCHASE ORDER
Receiver To : Address : Telephone : Sender
Name : Address : Telephone :
1. Product Name : 2. Contract Date : 3. Contract Money : 4. Paid Money : 5. Details (The following should be included.) A. Circumstances
COMPUTER • If a computer is not in use for more than 10 minutes, turn it off. • Plug in the printer, speakers, and scanner only when you are using them. You should use a multi-tap to save energy. • Keep the computer running on low power with data still in memory.
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• Take three copies of the letter (including the original) with you to the post office, and ask for certified mail. You should keep one of the copies. After one of the copies is sent to the seller, the post office keeps the other.
B. Reason for cancellation C. Others Year
Month
Day (Signature)
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
The right to refute
Quality Guaranteed Mark
(Article 12 of Installment Transaction Law: The consumer right to refute)
You can exercise the right to refute toward a seller and credit provider when sellers fail to perform contractual obligations after purchasing goods through installment transaction. You can exercise the right to refute on installment transactions for up to two hundred thousand won over two months. You can only ask for the money that has not been paid to your credit card provider.
REQUEST OF CANCELLATION OF INSTALLMENT TRANSACTIONS ( 200 . . )
Receiver
Store Name
Certification mark guaranteeing safety of 18 hazardous industrial products
Safety certification mark for 47 potentially hazardous products after performing self tests for safety
Product safety certification mark for electronic appliances
Green seal certification mark for environmentally friendly products
Safety certification mark against harm from electromagnetic waves of EMI
Energy saving mark guaranteeing 30~50% energy efficiency
Address
Purchasing Date
Payment
Goods (Service)
Reason for the request - Write down all the details
Name Sender
Q mark or quality guaranteed mark by a government agency
Green certification mark for organically farmed foods
GR mark for recycled highquality products
Recycling mark for reusable products
Telephone :
Address Card number
• After completing a request form, make two copies of the original. Send one copy to the seller through certified mail, and then register or fax a copy of the certified mail to your credit card provider. • If sellers fail to fulfill their contractual obligation and you request cancellation of an installment transaction, you need a contract document.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Proverbs about Money
Checklist for wise spending
CONSUMPTION PATTERN
Money power : Money talks.
돈만 있으면 귀신도 부릴 수 있다
(Money rules the world.)
O
I did not buy unnecessary products.
I thought over the necessity of purchasing before buying.
I did not purchase goods or services for free tickets or coupons.
I discussed with friends or family before deciding on the purchase. I did not open the package before paying for the product. Attitude toward money : Don’t be obsessed about money.
I compared prices and found the best deals before buying.
있다가도 없고 없다가도 있는 것이 돈
(Money isn’t everything.)
I made a friend stop buying an unnecessary item. I checked the identification of someone who visited for building maintenance. I read carefully the clauses and terms when I made a purchase.
I obtained the seller’s telephone number and address when I made a purchase contract. How to make money : Money which is earned
쉽게 번 돈 쉽게 나간다.
( Easy come, easy go.)
easily will be lost easily.
I received a receipt.
I read carefully the operating instructions of my new purchase. I followed instructions of medicine or health foods.
I demanded an exchange or refund for an unfavorable purchase. I asked for a purchase cancellation.
I did not use disposable products. Beware of ostentation : Do not spend money to show off.
I filled the sink with water when I washed my face or brush my teeth.
뱁새가 황새 쫓아가다 가랑이 찢어진다
( Keeping up with the Joneses.)
I unplugged electric appliances when they are not in use. I recycled. COUNT YOUR O.
티끌 모아 태산 ( Many drops make a shower.)
Importance of saving : A little adds up to a lot.
17~19 : You are a wise consumer. 13~16 : You can be a wise consumer if you make efforts. 09~12 : Have you ever argued with your family members when you went shopping? Take a deep breath and think again before your purchase decision. less than 9 : You should be careful when you go shopping. Carry this guide with you all the time.
X
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Public Health Center
Public health centers are government-funded centers that aim to prevent diseases and help you manage a healthy life. Public health centers provide medical examinations and treatment, including vaccinations, medical treatment for chronic diseases, physical examinations, physical treatment, dental treatment, and traditional medical treatment. Medical treatment is offered at a less expensive fee than at regular medical institutions.
2. Specialized Home Medical Care Service Public health centers offer home medical care. A staff member from a local public health center visits your house and provides medical treatment or connects you with a suitable medical institution. Benefits • Health management for those who have had strokes and those suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, dementia, or mental diseases • Family health management for chronic diseases, disabilities, and accidents • Health management for pregnant women and health development guidance for infants • Health education and consultation How to apply
Application
Examination
Selection
• Apply as a beneficiary at the Visiting Health Care Division of a local public health center. • A staff member assesses the applicant’s health problem. • If you are selected as a beneficiary, the Visiting Health Care visits and provides medical care service on a regular basis.
3. Free Mental Healthcare Service 1. General Medical Service
CLASSIFICATION
MEDICAL SERVICE
Medical Examination and Treatment
Chronic diseases, High blood pressure, diabetes, physical examinations, and physical treatment
Oriental Medical Treatment
Acupuncture, moxa cautery, and herbal medication
Dental Treatment
Dental examinations and consultation, dental protection, cavity treatment
Medical Expenses
Medical examinations and treatment = 1,100 won Medical examinations and treatment + prescription from outside the medical institution = 500 won Dental treatment = 1,100 won
Process
Registration → Examination and treatment → Payment → Prescription → Pharmacy
Immigrating to a new country and having different cultural norms can cause mental stress. Free Mental Healthcare Service aims to help you overcome such stress and difficulties. Subject • The provided medical services will be helpful in the event that you or a family member is suffering from melancholia, insomnia, alcoholism, illusions, delusion, obsessive suspicion, personality disorder, or a mental disease. • The provided medical services also help patients that have been treated for mental diseases to maintain their mental health. Benefits • Helps people with mental diseases and provides related treatment. • Provides education and group counseling for patients with mental diseases and their families.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center 1577-1366
Multicultural Family Support Center 1577- 5432 (Transnational Marriage & Family-Support Center)
• The Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center is open 24 hours 365 days a year. • The Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center provides help to victims in need of immediate protection due to domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking. • Counseling on matters related to everyday life is available. • Legal advice concerning nationality status and sojourn is available. • Professional counselors that are migrant women speaking Korean, English, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Thai, and Mongolian are available. • Counseling is offered anytime at 1577-1366. Private counseling is available when needed.
The Multicultural Family Support Center provides married immigrants with various services, such as education, counseling, and cultural programs for stable settlement and harmonious family relationships.
Education: • Korean language education / family education / cultural comprehension education / information technologyeducation / job training education Counseling: • Individual counseling (staying, financial
Support for Child care: • Childbirth education, and childbirth . child care . housework aide, babysitter, language development examination, and psychological treatment • Support for adapting to school life, afterschool education programs, multicultural education
problems, human rights, domestic violence, and
• Online counseling is offered in six languages at www.wm1366.org. • Migrant Women’s Hotline 1366 center introduces you to other facilities that can help solve your problems, such as domestic violence counseling centers, sexual violence counseling centers, domestic violence shelter homes, police, lawyers, hospitals, women’s organizations, welfare organizations, and One-Stop Support Centers at 14 hospitals located across Korea.
sexual abuse)
• Family life counseling and couple counseling servic Support for multicultural families: • Support gatherings according to home countries for multicultural families, • Multicultural family camp • Arrangement of married immigrant women and mentors • Korean Cultural Events
Education . PR for multiculturalism and strengthening employment capability: • Education and PR for a multicultural society, multicultural festivals, and campaigns • Training multicultural instructors, native speakers, translators . interpreters, and professional counselors
Women’s Emergency Call Center 1366 Women’s Emergency Call Center 1366 cooperates with the Migrant Women’s Hotline 1366 Center. Those who have difficulty speaking Korean may wish to call the Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center at 1577-1366.
Internet website: www. familynet.or.kr The programs of The Multicultural Family Support Center are provided for free. The programs may vary from center to center. Please ask for information in advance. For information call 1577-5432 nationwide or visit a local center.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money
Organizations Offering Korean Language Classes
[ Seoul · Kyeonggi · Incheon ]
[ Chungbuk · Chungnam · Daejeon ]
ORGANIZATION
TELEPHONE
ADDRESS
ORGANIZATION
TELEPHONE
ADDRESS
Gangseo-gu Office
02) 2600-6984
153 Hwagong-ro Gangseo-gu Seoul
Happy School
043) 730-4593
175 Hun-ri Annae-myeon Okcheon-gun Chungbuk
Gangdong-gu Community Center
02) 480-1320
Seongnae-dong-gil 27 Seongnae-dong Gangdong-gu Seoul
Jecheo Hangul School for Foreigners
043) 643-0050
88-13 Jungang-ro-2-ga Jecheo-si Chungbuk
Gandong-gu Cheonggasan Social Welfare Center
02) 868-6856
144-3 Gasan-dong Geumcheon-gu Seoul
Korean Language Research Institute in Chungbuk National University
043) 276-9909
12 Gaesan-dong Heungdeok-gu Cheongju-si Chungbuk
Center for Korean language Culture Education in Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
02) 2173-3253
270 Imun-dong Dongdaemun-gu Seoul
Cheongju YMCA
043) 259-6104
119-5 Seomun-dong Sangdang-gu Cheongju-si Chungbuk
Purn People Power
02) 964-7530
2Fl 345-7 Imun-dong Dongdaemun-gu Seoul
Neulpurenn Baeumteo
041) 953-0526
486 Changseon-2-ri Janghang-eup Seocheon-gun Chungnam
Human Resources Bank
02) 3142-4131
3Fl Cheongok Building 229-1 Sangsu-dong Mapo-gu Seoul
Geunheung middle school
Vietnam Disciple Mission
02) 703-6153
1619 Punglim VIP Building Geongdeok-dong Mapo-gu Seoul
Bono Social Welfare Center
031) 438-8321
523-1 Bono-1-dong Sangnok-gu Ansan-si Kyeonggi-do
Youngsin School of Continuing Education
031) 538-2237
795 Wongok-dong Danwon-gu Ansan-si Kyeonggi-do
Women’s Community Center
031) 538-2237
San 103-1 Haseongbuk-ri Gunnae-myeon Pocheon-si Kyeonggi-do
Bucheon Migrant Workers’ Shelter
032) 654-0664
3Fl 1093-1 Wonmi-gu Bucheon-si Kyeonggi-do
Pyeongtaek Migrant Workers’ Center
031) 652-8855
633-3 Bijeon-1-dong Pyeongtaek-si Kyeonggi-do
Migrant Vision Center
031) 796-1881
427-156 Sinjang-dong Hanam-si Kyeonggi-do
031) 369-3731
2Fl 379-10 Byeongjeom-1-gong Hwaseong-si Kyeonggi-do
Hwaseong-si Healthy Family Support Center
[ Gangwon · Gangneung ] Women’s Culture Center
033) 651-2281
130 Dongmeong-ro Gangneung-si Gangwon-do
Samcheok School of Continue Education
033) 570-5512
30 Samcheokgo-1-gil Samcheok-si Gangwon-do
Sokcho-si Women’s Education Culture Center
033) 636-2394
110 Subok-ro Gyo-dong Sokcho-si Gangwon-do
Taebaek Dae An School
033) 581-6444
75-8 Jangseong-dong Taebaek-si Gangwon-do
041) 673-0369
409-6 Yongsin-ri Heunheung-myeon Taean-gun Chungnam
Nammyeon elementary school
041) 672-2062
1174 Dalsan-ri Nammyeon Taean-gun Chungnam
Daedeok Social Welfare Center
042) 936-7343
48-2 Deogam-dong Daedeok-gu Daejeon-si
Beop-dong Social Welfare Center
042) 633-1141
188 Beob-2-dong Daedeok-gu Daejeon-si
Namwon Women’s Culture Center
063) 631-4701
455 Geum-dong Namwon-si Jeonbuk
Namwon Multicultural Family Support Center
063) 325-5610
446-3 Dongchung-dong Namwon-si Jeonbuk
Buan Social Welfare Center
063) 581-9257
364 Bongdeok-ri Buan-eup Buan-gu Jeonbuk
St. Joseph Migrant Workers’ Shelter
063) 852-6949
Beonyeong-3-gil Iksan-si Jeonbuk
Wori Baeumteo
063) 855-8214
446 Inbuk-1-ro Iksan-si Jeonbuk
Baekhak night school
063) 231-0671
843-1 Dongseohak-dong Wansan-gu Jeonju-si Jeonbuk
Gokseong County Office
061) 360-8347
713-2 Eumnae-ri Gokseong-eup Gokseong-gun Jeonnam
061) 272-1560
172-9 Daeseong-dong Mokpo-si Jeonnam
Muan County Office
061) 450-5400
712 Seongdong-ri Muan-eup Muan-gun Jeonnam
Geumil Somang Hangul school
061) 555-1994
Hwamok-ri Geumil-eup Wando-gun Jeonnam
[ Jeonbuk · Jeonnam · Gwangju ]
Mokpo Migrant Counseling Center
Appendix 10
Appendix 11
Organizations for Married Immigrants
Organizations for Consumers
Regional Divisions in Charge of Marriage Immigrants
• National Council of the Green Consumers Network in Korea :1577-9895 [ www.gcn.or.kr ]
These administrative divisions handle administrative issues for married immigrants and provide assistance on any related problems.
• Korea Consumer Agency : 02-3460-3000 [ www.kca.go.kr]
REGION
AFFAIRS
TELEPHONE
Seoul
Low Birth-rate
02) 6321-4355
Kyeonggi
Family & Women Policy
031) 249-4405
Incheon
Family & Youth
032) 440-3942
Gangwon
Women & Family
033) 249-2513
Chungbuk
Women Policy
043) 220-4473
Chungnam
Women & Family Policy
042) 251-2526
Daejeon
Women, Family & Youth
042) 600-2525
Jeonbuk
Women & Family
063) 280-4867
Jeonnam
Women & Family
061) 286-5944
Gwangju
Women & Youth Policy
062) 613-2282
Gyeongbuk
Women & Family
053) 950-2532
Gyeongnam
Women Policy
055) 211-5225
Daegu
Women, Youth & Family
Ulsan
• Fair Trade Commission : 02-2023-4010 [ www.ftc.go.kr ] • Government Call Center : 110 [ www.110.go.kr ]
Livelihood Service Fire/Ambulance/Emergency
119
Electricity
123
053) 803-4032
KT corporation
100
Women & Family Policy
051) 229-3472
Water Supply
121
Busan
Women Policy
051) 888-2991
Environmental Pollution
128
Jeju
Women Policy
064) 710-2887
Hospital Directory
1339
Illegal or Insanitary Foodstuff
1399
Legal Aid Counseling
132
Interpretation Service CENTER Employment Support Center or General Counseling Center
TELEPHONE
LANGUAGES
Tax Affairs Counseling
1588-0060
1544-1350
English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Sri Lanka, Thai, Mongolian, and Tagalog
Health & Welfare
129
Center for Consumer Financial Service
1332
English, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan, and Mongolian
Violation of Personal Information
1336
Center against Cyber Terrorism
02-3939-112
1588-2144
English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pakistani, Tagalog, Thai, Uzbek, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi
Korea Communications Commission
1335
1577-0177
English, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Chinese, and Thai
Immigration Support Team [Human Resources Development Service of
02) 3271-9451
Korea]
Korean Migrants’ Center
Interpretation Service Center for Migrant Workers [Korean International Labor Foundation]