During my time in Korea, I've been lucky enough to have a fair number of visitors. My best friend is currently visiting from back home in the U.S., and as I've been pulling her around Seoul to the spots I deem the most interesting and picturesque, I realized that I've got this tour guide thing down to a science. So whether you're new to Korea yourself or you're expecting visitors during your time here, let this be a guide for the spots you should definitely see.
Tags: Teach English in Korea, Teach Abroad, Teach in Asia, what to see, hongdae, ihwa mural village, Han river, Gangnam, what to do, palaces, insadong, myeongdong, dongdaemun design plaza, bukchon hanok village, jogyesa, palaces of korea, bongeunsa, Weekend activities in Korea
Tags: what to do on the weekend, life in Korea, what to see, dating in Korea, couples in Korea, outdoor activities, Seoul secrets, Herb Island
With the start of the spring term, my Chungdahm branch moved locations, opening up in a brand new building in the fancy area of Songdo, Incheon. Only a fifteen minute bus ride away from the area I live in, Songdo claims to be the up-and-coming area for international business in Korea, hoping to take over as the new "it" area.
Tags: a year in Korea, Korea, life in Korea, incheon, what to see, songdo, neighborhood
Despite being smaller than the state of Michigan, South Korea manages to pack a whole heck of a lot into an area that generates the world’s 15th highest gross domestic product (About $1 trillion.) How? Nobody can be sure, but whether it’s the Miracle on the Han River or the people’s sheer determination to be better, South Korea is a place of superlatives. One of those superlatives is Lotte World, the world’s largest indoor theme park.
Tags: things to do, what to do on the weekend, what to do in korea, what to see, expats, visit, parks in Korea, what to do, Theme Parks, Day trips, Weekend activities in Korea
During my recent trip to Jeju for Lunar New Year, my tour group also spent some time on Udo, a small island just off Jeju's eastern coast. I hadn't heard much about this island before going there, so I was pleasantly surprised to realize it was a highlight of the weekend and that I definitely want to go back when I'm next on Jeju!
Tags: islands, jeju, Jeju Island, what to see, tourist attractions, island, islands of korea, what to do, udo, cow island, Beaches in Korea
Sure. If you leave the United States, or Canada, or the UK, or South Africa, or wherever else you may be from, you're going to lose a year of your family, and friends, and favorite foods, and favorite what have you. But if you don't leave, you'll lose so much more. The worst thing about not leaving your home for even a brief blip is that you won't even know what you're missing. That's a fact of life. A fact I was reminded of when I made a last minute decision to join some friends at the Seoul Arts Center this past weekend. Originally, I had decided I would vegetate at home and save some money, but I changed my mind for various reasons. I am glad I did. Seoul Arts Center is a massive, impressive, and completely enjoyable complex of fine architecture and art. I almost missed it. I'm glad I left home this weekend.
Tags: a year in Korea, seoul, what to do on the weekend, living in Korea, what to do in korea, what to see, art, art gallery in korea, Activities to do in Korea, Seoul Arts Center, Hayao Miyazaki
Welcome to the second half of my trip to Tokyo, Japan. The first half was a great mix of cultural and historical sights. From ancient temples to traditional weddings, part 1 has a lot to offer. However, this second half of my trip is where things get good. From peaceful gardens to downright bizarre surprises, here is proof that Tokyo is an incredible city. And it's also easy to travel there from South Korea.
Tags: teaching in Korea, vacation, japan, living in Korea, free time, what to see, Tokyo, visit japan
