All cultures have different wedding customs and it has been a great experience to attend a few Korean weddings during my time in Seoul. Korean weddings greatly differ from the weddings I’ve attended in the US. Also, to give some perspective, I come from Mexican heritage, so I have experience attending Mexican style weddings and American style weddings - both of which are very similar to each other not that I can compare the two with Korean weddings.
Read MoreTags: love, Korean culture, things to do in Korea, Korean cuisine, things to do on the weekends, Korean traditions, Weddings in Korea, Korean food, Korean fun
The summers in Korea can be rather hot and humid. While I was born and raised in sunny California, the difference is the humidity. In California are hot and dry. Thus, as the humidity is finally coming in at full strength, I quickly planned a weekend trip to the coast!
In the past, I’ve traveled to several popular coastal locations - Gangneung, Samcheok, Yeosu and Jeju. However, this time I wanted to seek out a lesser known area. Thus, I choose Taean - specifically Anmyeon! It is only two and a half away from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal in Seocho-gu, Seoul. So as I like to do, I’ll break down the highlights of the trip.
Read MoreTags: bucket list, things to do on the weekends, exploring korea, outdoor activities, Weekend activities in Korea, Korean food
Seoul overflows with amazing food, and to say that you can essentially guarantee a happy belly from the corner stall that sells gaeranbbang (egg bread) and boongobbang (red bean fish shaped waffles) to the instagram haunts and everything in between is a huge understatement. Choosing a subway stop and wandering off in search of nourishment is one of the best, and most easily fruitful things you can do in Seoul, especially while the weather is nice.
Read MoreTags: local market, eating out in Korea, hongdae, Weekend activities in Korea, Korean food, things to do in seoul, mangwon
My love and appreciation for banchan began in Canada growing up in a Korean family with a passion for Korean food and continues while teaching with Chungdahm in Korea. Teaching in Korea with Chungdahm is an amazing experience. My students are just wonderful, they love to learn the material and I have so much fun teaching them and interacting with them throughout each lesson. Also, you will really enjoy spending time and going out to eat with your fellow teachers too, and of course, banchan will be involved when you go to eat out.
Banchan, 반찬 meaning “side dish” in Korean, are served as the prelude to the main dish. However, they don’t serve the purpose of appetizers. They add a whole new dimension to a meal and act more as complements and are eaten together throughout the meal. When you eat out, which you will do a lot, expect to see anywhere from 5 to 12 different side dishes, and the best thing about them besides the variety and taste is that you can ask for more once you are finished.
Read MoreTags: food in Korea, restaurants in korea, Health in Korea, Korean food, teaching at CDL, health, banchan
Jeju Island is located just south of the Korean peninsula in the Korea Strait. It is a famous vacation destination. Known as being Korea’s Hawaii, Jeju is a favorite for Koreans and others from neighboring nations. It is particularly popular during the spring and summer. I went during the fall to avoid the crowds and peak season prices. I hope to motivate all you lovely Aclipse/Chungdahm teachers to plan a trip to Jeju of your own.
Read MoreTags: things to do on Jeju, visit Jeju, things to do on the weekend, Jeju Island, weekend travel, Korean food
The foundation and staple of Korea’s diet has always been soups and stews. Soup dishes in Korean cuisine are referred to as Guk (국), also sometimes known as tang (탕) because of the added meat. Korean stews or Jjigae (찌개) come in a bevy of varieties and flavours to suit anybody’s personal taste preferences. I will review some of my favourite soups and stews that all ChungDahm teachers must try while having a great year teaching and living in Korea.
Read MoreTags: living in Seoul, eating healthy in Korea, living in South Korea, Korean food
Korean food has become popular all over the world in recent years. The growing trend of K-pop has led to even more interest in Korean culture.
Food has an important role in Korean history as a result of social and political changes throughout the centuries. Every province has its own dishes and ingredients that are unique to their own region. If you travel around Korea, you will be become accustomed to the various meals you should indulge in. For example, Jeonju is famous for Bibimbap and Jeju is famous for Black Pork.
Read MoreTags: eating in Korea, kimchi, food in Korea, eating out in Korea, eating healthy in Korea, bibimbap, Korean dish, Korean food, ordering food, banchan, samgyeopsal
Having lived in Korea for three years, and also lacking the ability to cook, I have enjoyed various foods from numerous places located throughout Korea. That said, there are some places that I keep coming back to, whether it is because of taste, ease, or just a pleasant atmosphere. Today, I would like to introduce you to three restaurants you should check out during your time teaching in Korea. I picked these places in particular because they are chain restaurants, and you should be able to find a location no matter what city you are teaching in.
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Fall is Korea's best season! The weather is cooler and the countryside is sprinkled with a palette of Autumn hues and on every street corner there is the constant smell of roasted chestnuts and crisp air. Last week Korea celebrated the Chuseok holiday which leaves a festive atmosphere looming over the country and is one of the first signs Fall has arrived. As a person who has now spent multiple years living and teaching in Korea, I want to provide you with a list of my three favorite Fall activities you should try to ensure you enjoy the final season before the cold of Winter arrives.
Read MoreTags: fall, fall foliage, things to do, Chuseok, hiking in korea, outdoor activities, Festivals in Korea, Korean food, fall in korea, fall in seoul, Korea seasons
Having spent the last three years living and teaching in Korea, I have grown a strong love for the country. There are just some things here that I will never be able to get anywhere else. There are some things that I enjoy, I hold on to, and I use them to their fullest. This blog post is about the unsaid benefits of living in Korea and will focus on a number of differences, primarily focusing on my experiences between the living in the U.S. and South Korea.
Read MoreTags: Social Clubs, food in Korea, eating healthy in Korea, Health in Korea, Transportation in Korea, Korean food