Now that it's officially summer in Korea, i've been enjoying going out late pretty much every weekend. It's no secret that I love to party, and have embraced a big part of Korean culture- drinking. South Korea consistently tops the charts for the highest consumption of alcohol per person in the world. This undoubtedly has a lot to do with my old friend, Mr. Soju. I kid you not, the nightlife here is extremely wild, and a lot of fun. I've been amazed at how hard Korean's party, after they work crazy long days. It's not uncommon to be leaving the bar to take the first subway home around 6AM! I love how diverse the different areas of Seoul are, and how the different districts offer completely different nightlife experiences. What's even better is they are also fairly easy to access from one another. After 7 months of teaching in Korea, I'm hoping to give you some insight into the nightlife in Seoul by telling you about my favorite spots to go out and party. 

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Tags: nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea

If you decide to teach English in Korea, then you will be spoiled with choices when it comes to social activities. Whether you want to play board games, read books, play video games, or have a drink (or two), Korea will cater to all your needs. What makes nightlife in Korea even more appealing is that most places are open real late. Pubs and clubs don’t tend to close until it’s bright out, and even then you will always find somewhere to go (like a 24/7 Korean BBQ for example).  This is a bonus for ChungDahm teachers as we usually work until about 10 pm. 

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Tags: Daegu, Activities to do in Korea, nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea

Many people ask me why I chose to teach English in South Korea or what is my favorite thing, about living and teaching English in this country.  It is a question I always find hard to answer, because there are many, many things I love about being here in South Korea; this blog will take a look at the top three.

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Tags: chemeck, ctivities in Korea, teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, chicken, nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea

 Many people wonder what it is like to teach English in South Korea, they want to know how many hours you work each week and what the children are like. Even in South Korea, my friends ask me what it is like working for ChungDahm Institute, which is one of Korea's best known Private English Academies. This blog will explain a typical 13 week term at ChungDahm. Each year there are four terms; Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Each term lasts 13 weeks and there are no mid-term breaks between each term.

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Tags: chemeck, Teach English in Korea, Teach Abroad, Teach in Asia, teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, japan, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, chicken, nights out in Korea, bibimbap, Nightlife in Korea

When I was in my final year of university in Ireland I had decided that I would like to travel. I wanted to see Asia in particular, as I had not been there before. I wanted to see as many countries as possible.  So I thought, what better way to travel than by teaching English abroad. I saw a posting on my university job board advertising an English Teaching job in South Korea.  I had never even thought about visiting South Korea when I was looking into traveling. I had looked at Thailand, China, Japan and even Malaysia but not South Korea. 18 months later I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions I have made in my life. South Korea is an amazing country.

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Tags: teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, Japan from Korea, japan, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, chicken, nights out in Korea, bibimbap, Nightlife in Korea

When I decided to travel to South Korea to teach English, I had no idea what it would be like. I knew it would be an experience. Well, 17 months later, I can certainly say it is that. It turns out that moving to South Korea to travel and teach English has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. South Korea is filled with many interesting sights; from temples or shrines, to traditional Hanok villages (traditional Korean buildings). South Korea has so much to offer, which makes a weekend traveling around Korea anything but boring. A few weeks ago, before the weather started to cool down, I and some other English Teachers from my school decided to visit Jeonju, home of the famous Bibimbap, the famous choco pie, and one of Korea’s largest Hanok villages.

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Tags: chemeck, hanok, . jeonju, Teach English in Korea, Teach Abroad, Teach in Asia, teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, chicken, nights out in Korea, bibimbap, Nightlife in Korea, Weekend activities in Korea

Number 1: After work Fun

After work on Tuesdays and sometimes Thursdays, there is nothing I love more than playing basketball with the other English teachers. In South Korea, it is very convenient, as they have many courts and parks and they are lit up at night. (They even have nets if you want to play badminton). Now that the weather is warm enough, we play basketball all the time, a tradition which started when I first arrived in Korea.

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Tags: teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea

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Tags: teaching in Korea, a year in Korea, abroad, Activities to do in Korea, nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea

If you had asked me when I first came to Korea, about my ideal night on the town, chances are I would not have mentioned dressing up as a pirate. A couple halloweens ago, I decided to dress up like a pirate, eye patch included. I had a rip roaring good time and longed to don my pirate garb once more. But I couldn't repeat costumes every halloween! So, when I heard about a pirate ship party in Busan, I was pleasantly surprised and more than ready to jump aboard.

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Tags: what to do in korea, fun days in korea, busan, fun, Activities to do in Korea, nights out in Korea, pirate, ship, sea

Before I came to Korea, I was unsure of what to expect as for the night life.  Having lived in Miami six months prior to moving to Korea, I wasn’t expecting much.  Although I prefer quiet nights at home, sometimes, I just want to let loose and party, party, party.  And as you know, partying can get a little expensive especially if you like to get fancy with a new outfit and pricey cocktails.  Also, considering that the cost of living is much lower in Korea, it’s easy to get carried away with the lump sum of disposable income most English teachers have readily available.

I can tell you now that’s it’s important to have a budget to manage to financial goals, whatever they may be.  Most of my teacher friends in Korea are busy with student loans and as you may know, it’s possible to pay off student loans while teaching in Korea.  I’m well on my way.  Having and sticking to a budget in key.

However, with all that being said, we still know that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.  So, yes having a social life in also important and in the right balance, there’s lots of room for some fun!!  I was pleased to learn that there are American bars in Korea.  In Pohang, where I live, there are three that are quite popular among foreign teachers, Tilt Bar and Grill, Whistler’s and White Boards and Mindy’s.  

Tilt Bar and Grill aka Tilt is quite popular among my coworkers and I.  Not only is it close to the Bukbu Beach, it’s also been the venue for their annual Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Dinner, Christmas Dinner, NYE party and of course many other events.  Also, Wednesday is “Wing Night”, Thursday is “Taco or Burrito Night” and Friday and Saturday nights are just for lounging with your friends or dropping it low on the dance floor.  Thursday’s Burrito/Taco nights have become a regular thing for me as they have vegetarian options and oh my, it’s really good!

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Tags: drink in Korea, nights out in Korea, Nightlife in Korea