An English Teacher Under Quarantine in South Korea

The boring scoop inside the quarantine zone where some three dozen English teachers in South Korea are being held for exposure to Swine Flu. Questions? Email: aavanwey@gmail.com
Sun May 24

U.S. Embassyfail

So last night we called the U.S. Embassy just to inform them of the situation.  We weren’t asking for help or anything, but just because we felt they should know that, I dunno…30+ OF THEIR CITIZENS ARE BEING DETAINED!  It’s not like we’re worried the Korean Health Ministry of Medicine for Make Healthy of Koreans is going to take us out in the woods, shoot us in the back of the head, dump us in a pit and throw lye over our corpses, it’s just that a few of us felt better about our government knowing where we were, which I realize is an irony as I type it.

Anyways, the lady on the phone was very helpful!

Me: “Hiya!  I just thought the Embassy should be aware that 30+ U.S citizens have been quarantined right outside Seoul for suspicion of swine flu exposure.”
Operator: “Okay, well it’s a weekend, and we’re closed.  Monday’s memorial day, so could you call back on tuesday?”
Me: “You…you’re serious?”
Operator: “Is it an emergency?  Cause if it is we have someone we can call.”
Me: “Um…let’s see, there’s 30 americans in quarantine for swine flu exposure.  Basically, we’re arrested.  It’s totally cool, don’t worry—we’ll call on tuesday—”
Operator: “Okay, thanks for calling.”
Me: “No wait—”
*click