Teachers Share their Experiences While Living Abroad!

These days it is so cold in Seoul! It’s mid-winter and the outdoor activities are limited. If you are an active and adventurous person like myself, then you’ll be happy to know that there is an indoor game and sports experience spot right outside of Seoul. The place is called Sports Monster. It is located at one of Korea’s largest shopping malls Hannam’s Starfield, which is about an hour and a half away from Gangnam by bus. It is significantly faster if you go by car or taxi. There isn’t a direct subway line that goes out to Hannam. So, I suggest planning a trip out there in advance to account for the transportation time it takes to get there. 

Lotte Tower had its grand opening in 2017 as the tallest building in South Korea. Since then, the tower has been a prime location to gather around and have New Years countdown and fireworks. Still, one can do more than merely enjoy this tower from outside. The top floors of the tower offer a unique experience. Seoul Sky Observatory occupies the top seven floors of the 123 floored tower. 

This summer has been hot and humid. It is during this season that a trip to a water park is ideal! I’ve been living in Seoul for a while now, but I still hadn’t visited a water park until recently. Now I’m excited to share the details of the experience. 

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.

While Seoul so much to do and explore, someone who enjoys exploring the countryside and taking the vast, lush and enchanting nature of South Korea, needs the occasional trip away from the hustle and bustle. My most recent adventure lead me to Yangsu in Gyeongi. My objective was to explore Semiwon Garden and Dumulmeori. It was such a rewarding trip. I hope you’ll add it to your list of places to see while you teach in South Korea.

My best friend took me to an amateur musical production. I enjoyed it so much that I thought it would be worthwhile to share. I am not much of a lover of the arts, nor am I musically inclined. However, for those who do love the arts, there is plenty to do and see in Seoul. Amateur productions are a great way to meet like-minded individuals at an economic price.

Recently, I was finally able to convince a few of my friends to go on a DMZ tour with me. I say ‘finally’, because going to the DMZ isn’t particularly popular among Koreans. My male friends in particular said they dislike their time serving their military service, thus they whined saying “why do I have to go back” when I would suggest it. Still, I got my way!

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. 

One of the highlights of my last couple months here in Seoul is definitely my home. There are so many things I adore about it, from many runs to my favorite place in the world, Daiso, to rummaging in flea markets for salvaged wood, to being able to expand my pantry and become a more inspired cook. Two big highlights to mention are that I was the first tenant to move into my place, and when I arrived it smelled like fresh paint; and it’s a forty-five second walk to work. It would literally take me longer to cycle and then chain my bike. But the best part so far has been the experience I’ve had with my landlord, Mr. Jeong. I’ve never lived somewhere and felt so heard and cared for.

The last field trip I chaperoned was to the Lotte World Aquarium. It was my first time visiting an aquarium in South Korea. I was just as or more excited than the students. Unlike other field trips that only have attractions for kids, a museum is enjoyable for people of all ages.

As the name suggests, this museum is located at the same location as the Lotte World Adventures amusement park. Thus, it is in Jamsil Songpa, Seoul. The exact address is as follows: 300, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea.  Their operation hours are great, because it is open everyday of the week from 10AM to 10PM. The entrance fees are 31,000 won for adults and 27,000 won for children.