You know about the BIG holidays in Korea, such as Chuseok, and Seollal. But there are a lot of other holidays that are a big part of life here. Usually, Koreans work very hard. They study hard, they work long hours at work. So, that means that when they get free time, they use it to the best of their ability. This leads to some really culturally enriched holidays that are relatively new. They are important for the younger generations, and people are getting into them more and more with each passing year. For example, Christmas used to be seen as only a religious holiday for Christians, and then a couple's holiday. But these days it has become more accepted as a much larger holiday. The same goes for Halloween. Before, only foreigners used to celebrate Halloween. However, now it is becoming a much more significant part of Korean culture. Like these two, there are a variety of interesting and unique holidays, and also some variations that you should know before coming to Korea.
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Tags: Korean culture, Valentine's Day, Holidays in South Korea, holiday gifts, korean community, holiday season, White Day
While it’s nice to go out and have a good time with your friends, every now and again, it’s just as good to stay and enjoy some girl talk with your gal pals while teaching in Korea. Well, that’s exactly what I did. A few teachers had to change buildings and so my apartment building has one new tenant although she’s not new to Korea. Well this is exactly what she did! She hosted a "Ladies Night In" on Saturday and the only outfit I had to put together was deciding which hoodie I’d wear. Two flights of stairs up, and I was there. Of course each person bought a treat for the building’s newest tenant; included amongst the treats, spiked hot chocolate, Sangria, strawberries, chocolate candies and potato chips. Yum!
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Valentine’s Day. Valentine’s Day passed this week and I can tell you that for couples and singles alike, it can be a difficult day while teaching in Korea. While some of my gal pals are in relationships, both of their significant others were overseas and so, no chocolates, no teddy bears, no flowers, and no surprise gifts! This can be devastating for the weak at heart. For us single ladies, Valentine’s Day can be even more troubling. Ugh. Luckily for us ladies, we have awesome students who of course remembered to share the love. While teaching English, I received a package of Ferrero Rocher from one of my elementary school students. She’s knows it’s my favorite!
Winter. Bring a group of women together and they’re sure to busy themselves with chit chat about any and everything. With winter in full swing in Korea, it’s important to have a good moisturizer. Hot showers are great, but also damaging to the skin. So, moisturize and drink plenty of water.
Home Decorating. Decorating is a must for any woman moving into a new apartment in Korea. Tammy did well. She was fortunate that the last tenant left window shades and that makes a difference, let me tell you! But for new bedding, Emart is apparently the place to go. Daiso, Korea’s 99 cent store also has cute little things to make your home cozy.
Fitness. Fitness has been an issue for me this winter while teaching English in Korea. It’s just so cold, I find myself hibernating and only going out for work or to meet up with friends. But fitness is important. Suzanne is trying yoga for the first time and Kim is back in the gym. Me, I’m having a hard time pulling myself out of bed in the morning. I’m hoping to make some changes come March and more than likely, lose the five pounds I put on since living in Korea. Wish me luck!
Makeup. Our hostess Tammy loves to do makeup and so, after Casey volunteered her face, a makeover began. I wish I had thought to do a before and after picture! In any case Casey looked like a doll!!
YouTube Crazes. Have you seen Harlem Shake videos popping up all over YouTube? I heard about it while hanging out at Tilt on Thursday night and decided to look it up. Let me say, it’s very, very funny and I’m very willing to make a video at Chungdahm if they will let us. After watching several versions and cracking up, it definitely made all of us want to make a video at work. Have you seen it?
Tags: living in Korea, arriving in korea, makeup, Relaxing in Korea, Valentine's Day