Korean is a unique language that plays a big part in Korean culture. While knowing Korean isn't required to teach for ChungDahm, as all the classes are taught in English, any current teacher would tell you to learn the Korean alphabet and some of the key Korean phrases prior to your arrival. Knowing how to read the language and say key phrases will help you immensely with things like directions or reading a menu. In this blog I will introduce you to 10 Korean phrases that you should try to learn prior to arriving to Korea to help you during your first days abroad.
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korean phrases,
ex-pat life in Korea,
Korean language,
life in Korea,
What to do Korea,
learn korean,
study korean,
phrases,
what to do before Korea
One of the most highly anticipated events just occurred this past month and that was the grand opening of the Lotte World Mall in Jamsil, Seoul. But before going on about the mall, it is important to note that this is under the Lotte World Tower. Lotte World Tower will be the tallest skyscraper on the Korean peninsula once fully completed. It will tower over Southern Seoul because of its whopping 123 floors (for a total of 556 meters). It should be entirely built by the end of 2016 and it will be ranked the eleventh tallest building in the world. The building itself will be used as a mall, offices, residences, a luxury hotel, and finally topped off with a 3-story observation deck. Hopefully, I will be here long enough to see its completion.
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fashion in Korea,
Teach English in Korea,
Teach Abroad,
Teach in Asia,
movie theaters in Korea,
shopping in Korea,
food in Korea,
what to see in korea,
Activities to do in Korea,
Lotte World,
What to do Korea,
Lotte Tower,
Lotte World Mall,
Seokchon Lake,
Rubber Duck Project
When Aclipse helped me get placed at a Chungdahm branch in Incheon in November 2011, I immediately started doing my research. I was pleased to see that it's the third largest city in Korea and it's next door to Seoul -- meaning popping into the city for weekend adventures would be a cinch. However, I quickly noticed that there's a serious lack of Incheon-coverage in the blog world. So, I present, in no particular order, my top 5 spots to check out in Incheon!
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islands,
sorae,
icn,
jayu park,
incheon airport,
korean fashion,
teaching in Korea,
a year in Korea,
tourist spots in Korea,
things to do in Korea,
things to do on weekend,
things to do on the weekend,
festival,
festivals,
Trips in Korea,
what to do in korea,
life in Korea,
shopping in Korea,
food in Korea,
cultural experience,
incheon,
cities in Korea,
soraepogu,
fish market,
cheap goods,
camping,
applying to teach English,
what to see in korea,
having fun in korea,
Activities to do in Korea,
Chinatown,
teaching at Chungdahm,
tourist attractions in Korea,
muuido,
bupyeong,
What to do Korea,
cultural activities,
Beaches in Korea,
Weekend activities in Korea
Going to the beach on a hot summer day is extremely important to me, especially because I am used to the constant tanning back at home. Once I came to teach English in Korea I discovered there are many beaches in Korea, even though it is a bit far for me in Seoul, it is worth the travel. Sokcho is a must visit for those who are looking for a clean and clear blue water beach in Korea. Located in the northeast region from Seoul, there are buses running from two of the main stations in Seoul, the travel is roughly three hours. It is a good rest to have after a long day of tanning and body surfing.
Although Sokcho is far from Seoul, there are a number of tourists and foreigners that visit the area. In addition to the physical appearance, you can distinguish the locals from the rest by beach habits. Koreans are usually hiding from the sun, in every way possible, so there are a number of tents scattered around. In addition, although bikinis are recommended for the beach, Koreans will jump into the water fully clothed. An alien feeling to us, but you will see some locals in bathing suits and swim wear, with minor influences from foreigners.
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teaching in Korea,
Korea,
Activities to do in Korea,
What to do Korea,
Sokcho,
Beaches in Korea
Most neighborhoods have similar stuff going on unless you get to live in one of the more exciting areas of Seoul like say Hongdae (university party scene.) But a lot of times teachers get into a groove and don't even explore their immediate location. Just to educate and maybe motivate, here is a short list of what I dig around Pyeongchon and Beomgye station.
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Tags:
Pyeongchon,
Beomgye,
Dragon Spa,
Jjimjilbang,
What to do Korea
