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Ok so I have decided to raid the piggy bank and attend the upcoming ABC Mart MSL on June 11th in South Korea, but I'm gonna need some help in terms of directions etc. to physically get there :D
I've read this excellent Guide to 'Watching Live Starcraft in Seoul' and from reading similar threads in the forums it seems like that info is all up to date still. Problem for me is that the venue won't be any of those locations and those instructions seem to mainly be for typical Proleague type matches as opposed to a big final.
(spoiler for MSL semi-final below):
+ Show Spoiler +Since  Flash made the MSL final I figure this is the ideal time to take the plunge and go to South Korea and watch a big final. I had been hoping it would be an FvJ but nevertheless this final has its own appeal that makes it worth attending imo and I'd rather go now than regret not going if pro BW somehow became less epic in the future.
My questions:
1) In the translated post-semi-final interview with one of the players (in the spoiler below) they mention that the venue will be Kwang-Un University. This fomos post lists it as "광운대학교 대강당" and google translate gives me a spelling of "Kwangwoon University Auditorium".
+ Show Spoiler +The final venue is Kwang-Un University
▲ It's the school that our old teammate Special went to, so it's somewhat of a special place to me. I've visited their ice skating rink a few times, so as soon as I saw the venue, I wanted to make it to the final.
Being as I don't know anything about the Korean language or romanization which spelling should I be using for finding stuff? Which is most likely to be on a sign at the actual venue?
2) Where is that venue located? Can someone give me the address in Korean and/or in English and possibly a basic idea of how far it is from some famous reference point? I tried using google maps and translate but the closest I've gotten was this:
광운초등학교 which it tells me is "Kwangwoon Elementary School"
Address: 128 Jangwi-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Is that accurate? I'm confused since the interview says "University" but then again they say a player went there.
3) From reading the guide and other threads it seems like I don't need to worry about buying a ticket etc. if I show up in time. For a final do I need to be there ridiculously early like 3 hours in advance? Obviously I don't wanna risk not getting in if I fly all the way there ^^
4) I've only been to South Korea once and it was for an event, e-Stars Seoul 2010, which is held at the COEX mall, where the Incruit 2008 final between Stork and fantasy was, and had all the hotel stuff etc. sorted out by the organisers so getting to Gangnam-gu was fairly easy. Is it a good plan to get a hotel in that kind of area and just make the journey out to the final on the day or is the distance/travel going to mean it's less risky if I try to get a hotel closer? Any suggestions?
5) Is there any page/forum on sites like fomos which might have info which will help me out in my quest to attend this MSL final?
6) Doesn't this round of Proleague end v. soon? Will there be any games within a day or two of the final making it worth staying longer/arriving earlier?
I've never done anything like this before, don't wanna end up going all the way there to get lost and it seems very difficult to find info for this if you don't already know what you're looking for. Ideally I wanna be able to get stuff booked and have my basic plan formed by Monday.
So help me find my way to the ABC Mart MSL final please TeamLiquid, so I can get a taste of some live BW Bo5 epicness 
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get that iphone app that translate words in real time.
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the address is wolgeh-dong, nowon-gu, seoul 447-1
it will be held at the university. i really doubt an elementary school will have the equipment required for a progaming event
ive also heard that you dont require tickets so you could probs just rock up and take a seat. 3 hours seems too cautious. id say an hour or so should be fine. last msl there were quite a number of seats available even during the match (mind you there was no appearance of any of the tbls...so not the most exciting msl)
depending on how long youre staying id suggest different accommodations...if youre there for just the match then id say DONT get a hotel around kangnam. it will take you around an hour and a half to get to the venue via public transport
if youre gonna be in korea for perhaps a couple weeks to holiday and such then kangnam/jamsil or shinchon/hongdae would be suitable places to stay. more tourist attractions and entertainment venues are around there. (assuming youre in your 20s)
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On June 03 2011 05:59 evilfatsh1t wrote:
depending on how long youre staying id suggest different accommodations...if youre there for just the match then id say DONT get a hotel around kangnam. it will take you around an hour and a half to get to the venue via public transport
if youre gonna be in korea for perhaps a couple weeks to holiday and such then kangnam/jamsil or shinchon/hongdae would be suitable places to stay. more tourist attractions and entertainment venues are around there. (assuming youre in your 20s)
Thanks, my rough plan is to arrive like 1-2 days beforehand if I am only attending the final and then leave 1-2 days afterwards. I am probably gonna find my hotel via expedia. Any suggestions on the names of areas/regions which would be more suitable for the hotel?
On June 03 2011 05:59 evilfatsh1t wrote:
the address is wolgeh-dong, nowon-gu, seoul 447-1
Yep, google recognises it as "wolgye-dong nowon-gu" to give me directions. Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^
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i'm in nowon-gu. i'll PM you my cell, call me if you need help. Are you coming alone?
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On June 03 2011 06:46 d_so wrote:
i'm in nowon-gu. i'll PM you my cell, call me if you need help. Are you coming alone?
Thanks, yeah I am.
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>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
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On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
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Great stuff so far guys, thanks. Making notes :D
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How do you get to the MSL final?
Practice, practice!
OK, sorry.
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On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
Less developed countries? We are talking about SK right now, right? lmao
I've never had a problem with Taxis at all in Korea. Not to mention 99% of them take credit cards, and have navigation systems in the cab, which is much more than the taxis in US can say. Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call. Most of the drivers even speak a little English.
Usually, I just have the address and name (very nicely written out by a lady at the hotel reception desk) of my destination written on a piece of paper and show it to the taxi driver, they'll punch it into their navigation system, and off you go.
Or, I would say take the subway, then when you get in the area you need, take a taxi. Taking the buses can be complicated (it was for me if I didn't have someone helping). Sounds like you already got some help from a local though, so everything should be a cake walk!
Have fun in Korea bro! Eat some kalbi BBQ for me plzzzz ^^
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On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
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On June 03 2011 08:09 Thorin wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
Sorry, I never did this so I can't comment much on it. I have the international plan on my iPhone so it works over there (at a very expensive rate). I usually just connect to the internet and use Skype to mobile calls (very inexpensive!).
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On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
Not really actually. The most I've ever had to pay was 20 dollars USD and it was a pretty long trip within the city. If you're absolutely clueless, you could always try to get a taxi that has clearance to get into a US Military Base (as it's a requirement for them to know English to be able to drive on and off their base).
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1019 Posts
On June 03 2011 08:09 Thorin wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you.
yes theres a booth at incheon airport where you can rent a cell phone. seoul is a pretty international city and its possible to get around without speaking an ounce of korean. Are you an american citizen? keep note that if theres suddenly an unexpected emergency, the american embassy is literally in the middle of seoul and they can help you out nicely.
heres the wikipedia link for korean currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korean_won
You should definitely educate yourself on this if your planning on shopping.
if you want to buy a souvenir or whatever, try not to buy stuff from street markets or random hole in the wall shops unless you have a korean friend who knows how to speak fluent korean. theres a good chance that the shop owners will try to rip you off the moment they figure out your a tourist. i'd suggest malls or department stores, even if they are more expensive. let us know if you have any more questions.
On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp.
since when was south korea a less developed country?
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On June 03 2011 05:48 mmdmmd wrote:
get that iphone app that translate words in real time.
I doubt that translates Korean just yet.
e. yeap, only Spanish.
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On June 03 2011 09:20 white_horse wrote:
Are you an american citizen?
British
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i also suggest you dont take buses
ive been here a while and i NEVER take buses. just too many stops and numbers...you can pretty much get anywhere via train and foot anyway
and i dont see the point of getting a phone if you dont have anyone to call lol
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Hey, I'm studying at Sogang so I'll be hoping to go as well. Are you guys meeting up somewhere? It'd be nice to have someone to follow xD
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On June 04 2011 02:24 DarthThienAn wrote:
Are you guys meeting up somewhere? It'd be nice to have someone to follow xD
Anyone going can PM me and we'll arrange something.
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Great idea! I wish you luck!
Get into that spotlight
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On June 03 2011 09:28 Grettin wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 05:48 mmdmmd wrote:
get that iphone app that translate words in real time. I doubt that translates Korean just yet. e. yeap, only Spanish.
Not sure how many version are out there. But the one I've used does Chinese. I tried it my self on a restaurant menu. Not 100% but extremely helpful
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The best way would to meet nice TeamLiquid community members that live in Korea, planning to go there at the same time. Feels safer and more secure as well having someone go along with you. I agree with the guy that said Taxis may try to rip you off when they see you are a foreigner, but hey, almost every greedy taxi driver does that, something you will just have to endure.
EDIT: read through the comments, have you really not tried Google Maps? o.0
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Everyone who says that korean taxis will rip you off have never been there. All the taxis have a device that measures the distance / time or whatever you've gone and total up the sum payment that you have to pay at the end. As long as you give them the correct address, and they don't spin in circles so you pay more (which is ridiculous, not to mention very easily spotted by the passenger) there should be no chance of them ripping you off.
Not to mention taxis in korea are way cheaper than most of the other developed countries that I've been to.
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On June 04 2011 09:04 Navi wrote:
Everyone who says that korean taxis will rip you off have never been there. All the taxis have a device that measures the distance / time or whatever you've gone and total up the sum payment that you have to pay at the end. As long as you give them the correct address, and they don't spin in circles so you pay more (which is ridiculous, not to mention very easily spotted by the passenger) there should be no chance of them ripping you off.
Not to mention taxis in korea are way cheaper than most of the other developed countries that I've been to.
My mom has been there before, and the taxi driver scammed her. Her friend said it should only take about 15 minutes (she lives in that particular community), and it took my mom about 35 WITHOUT traffic or necessary detours. The timer is useless, they do not have to go in circles, but just in unnecessary detours.
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Ask them to put in address into GPS.
Watch to see if they stray from GPS path.
Problem solved.
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Korean taxies are awesome and cheap. I loved them.
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On June 04 2011 09:04 Navi wrote:
Everyone who says that korean taxis will rip you off have never been there. All the taxis have a device that measures the distance / time or whatever you've gone and total up the sum payment that you have to pay at the end. As long as you give them the correct address, and they don't spin in circles so you pay more (which is ridiculous, not to mention very easily spotted by the passenger) there should be no chance of them ripping you off.
roflmao! my south korean pal who was born there but spent most of the time in europe and is 100 % fluent in korean got scammed hard in seoul once by a taxi driver! even if u see the type of drivers who talk to you at the airport are telling the whole story!
@op
just go there and you will be fine, trust me! I went there without any real knowledge or plan at all and everything came out pretty good! I think like western ppl try to figure out every detail but then again, it's pretty easy in korea to get along....
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I am going there too , I will be happy to go there with other TL users
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On June 03 2011 09:20 white_horse wrote:Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 08:09 Thorin wrote:On June 03 2011 07:40 slappy wrote:
Also, many Korean mobile minutes are free (prepaid, whatever) so they don't get upset if you show them a phone number and ask them to call.
Speaking of which I think last time I was there my mobile didn't work but someone told me you can get a number to use just in Korea for cheap. Is that worth it for 3-4 days time? I think they even had a desk in Incheon airport where they could do it for you. yes theres a booth at incheon airport where you can rent a cell phone. seoul is a pretty international city and its possible to get around without speaking an ounce of korean. Are you an american citizen? keep note that if theres suddenly an unexpected emergency, the american embassy is literally in the middle of seoul and they can help you out nicely. heres the wikipedia link for korean currency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korean_wonYou should definitely educate yourself on this if your planning on shopping. if you want to buy a souvenir or whatever, try not to buy stuff from street markets or random hole in the wall shops unless you have a korean friend who knows how to speak fluent korean. theres a good chance that the shop owners will try to rip you off the moment they figure out your a tourist. i'd suggest malls or department stores, even if they are more expensive. let us know if you have any more questions. Show nested quote +On June 03 2011 07:10 xarthaz wrote:On June 03 2011 07:08 Gescom wrote:
>> Time to read up on how to use the buses ^^ <<
Take a taxi. Have the address translated and ready on your phone to show the cab driver. Don't bother with the bus imo.
You know how it is man. Tourists often get jipped with taxi fees in slightly less developed countries so.. keep your eyes open, stay sharp. since when was south korea a less developed country?
It's ok. Someday, places we live in like Boston and New York, will develop far enough to stop scamming people in taxi fees too. Someday.
To OP: 광운대학교 is the college. Your nearest building is 광운초등학교, which is the Elementary school in that district. Definitely at the college.
And if I'm not mistaken, PL Round 6 is starting. Khan vs KT and MBC vs Fox both at OGN on June 8th, 2011. CJ vs MBC at OGN and KT vs SKT at MBC on June 12th, 2011. Ace vs Oz at OGN and STX vs Woongjin at MBC on June 13th, 2011. Khan vs SKT at OGN and CJ vs Fox at MBC on June 14th, 2011. MBC vs STX at OGN and Oz vs KT at MBC on June 15th, 2011. MSL FINALS on June 11th, 2011. Take your picks. MBC is in Mullaedong/Munlaedong/Whateverelseromanization. OGN is in... Seohyundong, haven't been there so not too sure about OGN. PM me if you want more information about how to get there or such.
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I am also going. I would love to meet up with everyone else.
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Im going also. I have a beard though. Is it ok if i still meet up with u guys?
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iNfeRnaL
Germany1908 Posts
One of the reasons why TL is awesome.
"Hey I'm going to Korea but I don't exactly know where lulz pls help me in time!111"
... and this is actually working out.
hah.
Have fun over there 'n enjoy your finals!
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It seems that there are a lot of people who want to go...I also PMed the OP.
Maybe we should move this thread to TL Community? Or create a new thread there for people who are interested?
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These days, scamming taxi drivers are rare. If you are drunk or fall asleep or are foreign and get the wrong guy, you might get dragged around. But if you get taken via a scenic route, you can just tell him to go fuck himself when he quotes your inflated fare and give him what it really costs. If you are an alert person, you'd do better to tell him earlier, like when he took a nonsense route. If he insists on his fare, ask for a receipt and then give him what it really costs.
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i should be going. pm me and it should be gravy.
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Good luck man, this is probably the most expensive ticket (airplane ofc) to watch a finals match! You don't plan on doing anything else while you're there?
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I'll be there too. Anyone interested in meeting up at 성북역 (Seongbuk station) on line 1 beforehand and walking over? Maybe get some food/beers before/after?
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You lucky bastards! I want to go as well 
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Please bring back tons of sick photos and make sure you get me that signed Flash shirt when (oh I meant...cough *if* cough) he wins! Wow I wish I could afford to go your gonna have a blast man.
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Yeah, you guys must get an Oz jacket for me!!! and/or SKT!
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I'd go, but my finals start on the 14th.
I went to the previous MSL at Yonsei, and they had tickets for the fanclubs for each player that let you enter earlier. You need to join their daum fan cafes for that though, and they only accept the requests on a certain day(probably already passed). You don't really want to sit among teenage fangirls anyway, even if you get to sit closer to the front.
The normal people stand in line the day of, an hour or two (don't remember) earlier, in front of the auditorium. There were two lines, one for each player. I didn't really want to pick a player last time, but there wasn't a 'neutral' area so I just stood in the shorter Hydra line.
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On June 05 2011 23:26 yoonyoon wrote:
You don't really want to sit among teenage fangirls anyway, even if you get to sit closer to the front.
what
EDit: Oh, great idea. It seems that you will be meeting up with a bunch of TL people anyway. Four of you should paint "Z-E-R-O" on your chests. Do it 
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If I don't see a white guy being hilarious on stream, I will be truly disappointed. Have fun and show us the pictures of your adventure!
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Oooohhhh I will be heading to Seoul for one last trip. See you fellas there!
I had a blast at Winner's League finals except for the place being cold and the Game One delays. Bring a jacket just in case. There will always be signs and sometimes fan clubs will let you sign up at the event.
Also bring a bag .... most SC big finals events, they give out some awesome SWAG
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On June 06 2011 22:15 LimitlessSky wrote:Oooohhhh I will be heading to Seoul for one last trip. See you fellas there! I had a blast at Winner's League finals except for the place being cold and the Game One delays. + Show Spoiler +Bring a jacket just in case. There will always be signs and sometimes fan clubs will let you sign up at the event. Also bring a bag .... most SC big finals events, they give out some awesome SWAG
its fucking hot in seoul right now.
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Sounds like a blast. I hope you guys have a great time. I was kind of thinking about going for OSL finals, but I have Friday off, so I might just have to make it happen...
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On June 07 2011 14:38 OopsOopsBaby wrote:Show nested quote +On June 06 2011 22:15 LimitlessSky wrote:Oooohhhh I will be heading to Seoul for one last trip. See you fellas there! I had a blast at Winner's League finals except for the place being cold and the Game One delays. + Show Spoiler +Bring a jacket just in case. There will always be signs and sometimes fan clubs will let you sign up at the event. Also bring a bag .... most SC big finals events, they give out some awesome SWAG its fucking hot in seoul right now.
'fucking hot' is an overstatement. It can get warm but it's not ridiculously hot. More than likely you won't need a jacket.
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On June 03 2011 05:59 evilfatsh1t wrote:
t
ive also heard that you dont require tickets so you could probs just rock up and take a seat. 3 hours seems too cautious. id say an hour or so should be fine. last msl there were quite a number of seats available even during the match (mind you there was no appearance of any of the tbls...so not the most exciting msl)
When I went to the Flash-Effort OSL final all the seats were gone by one hour before the event so, since Flash is playing this time I wouldn't take the risk- just get there at least two hours early and bring something to entertain yourself, especially since you're flying all the way to Korea! Note once the seats inside are full they usually won't let any more people in so you'd be stuck watching it on a screen outside. That happened to me for the first game of the Nada-Savior final. Luckily by the second game some people inside left, so we were able to be inside for the rest of the games.
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tomatriedes I envy you so bad, if only I didn't live in Switzerland on the other side of the world.
Speaking of bringing something to entertain yourself with (shamless self-promotion upcoming) I would totally bring one of my Rubik's cubes (Dayan Guhong plox). Certainly more entertaining and interesting than a book or Stork-Phone-Games, and could even get some pickup action with pre-pubescent Korean fangirls (uuuh, no). It'd be cool, if you don't know how start right now (use the internet + cubefreak.net) and you could totally get a good solid 45-35 second average by the time of the event.
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so are you here? game's tomorrow mang.
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EPT
