Teachers Share their Experiences While Living Abroad!

In my first year in Seoul, I left the city approximately five or six times. The city can get a bad rep for being too crowded, too commercial, or too concrete. Call me biased, but I tend to disagree. It’s easy to do so when the Han snakes through the city’s half and Bukhansan plops right in the middle. But don’t get me wrong--leaving Seoul once in a while is good for the spirit and for the lungs. One of my favorite places to venture to is perfect for a day trip. It’s peaceful, expansive, and right off Line 4 on the subway. After a long winter, my friend and I decided to make our way down and it ended up being one of my favorite days of the year. 

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Tags: things to do on the weekends, places to see, Weekend activities in Korea, weekend travel, teaching at CDL, culture

Another bucket list item for every Chungdahm teacher living, working, and playing in gorgeous Korea is to experience a traditional jjimjilbang 찜질방 or Korean bathhouse. I had the pleasure of visiting Siloam Sauna (실로암사우나찜질방) located in Jung-gu 중구, the historical heart of Seoul. Jung-gu is one of the 25 districts that form the city of Seoul 서울 and is just north of the Han River.

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Tags: sauna, Jjimjilbang, teaching at CDL, culture, health

Cafes, cafes everywhere. Huge chains. Themed paradises. Underground gems. One never needs to look too far to find a place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a cute, delicious array of desserts. It is truly one of the charms of Korean culture. Cafes are places to study, work, catch up with friends, or get to know a new love interest. In the mornings, cafes offer a peaceful environment to work, study or wake up with a strong brew. The atmosphere completely changes once it hits around 5PM, and everyone is meeting friends and lovers after work or school. All cafes become packed. One must first find a seat, reserve it, then order. Employees tone down their establishment’s lights and change their playlist for proper socializing.

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Tags: Gangnam Style, coffee in Korea, Gangnam, coffee shop, coffee, Cafes, Gangnam Station, culture

If staying fit and active is one your goals and priorities while enjoying your life in Korea then there are many options to meet your personal needs. From lifting weights and yoga classes at a local gym to cycling along the Han River, Korea has great ways to have fun and socialize while breaking a sweat. I will go into some more detail about some of your options to remain active, healthy, and looking your best while still enjoying the exciting nightlife, delicious food, and relaxing drinks.

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Tags: life in Korea, fun, having fun in korea, fitness, Cycling, gym, taekwondo, Cycling in Seoul, working out, culture, exercise, health, leisure, bike paths