Planning your first Templestay in Korea? Learn what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, temple etiquette, food, accommodations, early mornings and more before you book.
“Just Be Present”: Seon Meditation, Buddhist Tradition, and What I Learned During an Overnight Templestay in Yesan Among the many cultural experiences available in Yesan, Sudeoksa’s Templestay program offers visitors…
We are happy to announce our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun’s Fab 4 August 2026 winners for their valued participation. Winners for August 2026 can collect their awards during September 2026.…
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty blends palace intrigue, romance, and Korean cuisine into one unforgettable Joseon-era K-drama. Discover why this series stands out, explore the history behind the story, and learn how you can experience the real Korea beyond the screen.
From beginner-friendly forest trails to iconic national parks, discover everything you need to know about hiking in South Korea, including gear, seasonal tips, and unforgettable destinations.
Welcome to South of Seoul Blog – your trusted guide to living, working, and thriving in South Korea. We share research-based insights, local tips, and community-driven stories to help international residents navigate healthcare, daily life, culture, and beyond. Whether you’re new to Korea or looking to deepen your connection, our blog is here to make life abroad easier and more enriching.
Planning your first Templestay in Korea? Learn what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, temple etiquette, food, accommodations, early mornings and more before you book.
Looking for detailed information about life and travel south of Seoul? You’ve come to the right place. Our Lifestyle and Korean Travel Blog covers life across Korea with a focus on Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do.
South of Seoul Cultural Liaisons and Content Creatives come from both local and international backgrounds. We have over 20+ years of experience navigating Korean life and it’s a joy to share the information with those that need it.
South of Seoul App provides over 3,500 lifestyle recommendations across South Korea. The listings sync with the South of Seoul blog posts to provide increasingly accurate information.
Support for Your Physical and Mental Health
Our SOS Public Health Volunteers research the South Korean public health system and the needs of English-speaking international residents. Read their posts and gain new insight and tools for self care.
Are you a pet owner living in South Korea struggling to find resources? Elise, the founder and Admin for the Facebook group The Dog Lover’s Guide to South Korea shares one of her favorite resources, the FREE 1330 service. Read her post to learn how to use the app and examples of questions you can…
Do you have kids? Want to know more about child-friendly life in Korea? Here is the inside scoop. Child-Friendly Every culture has different views of what the term ‘child-friendly’ means. Sometimes the definition even changes between families or people within a culture. This makes it complicated for unsuspecting international families who ask a group of…
Looking for Instagrammable cafes with some serious WOW factor? I have visited hundreds of cafes across Korea and found the 10 most Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul. Visiting Cafes Beyond Seoul Here’s a list of my favorite photographable or Instagrammable cafes outside of Seoul. Yes, Seoul has many beautiful cafes, but so does the rest of…
Indulge in yourself and explore your hobbies in South Korea. Discover unique locations, connect with local groups, and fill your free time with your passions. Life in Korea isn’t just about being a tourist, it’s about diving into the things you always loved in a new place with new people.
Join a Community in South Korea
Don’t go through this adventure alone. Join Facebook groups in South Korea to find ways to connect and build community. Below are a few South of Seoul Facebook group recommendations to get you started. Some groups are managed by South of Seoul volunteers, and other groups are simply great groups across Korea.
Remember, not all communities are SOS communities and all are worth joining:
Interested in learning more about making your own maesil-cheong? Here is a guide from expats living in Korea that will help you make your own at home. Our Journey with Maesil-Cheong Maesil-cheong (매실청), also known as maesilaek (매실액) was an ingredient that I never expected would capture the hearts of two rednecks here in Korea.…
Want to learn more about making jang for kimjang? The following post is one of a series that seeks to capture aspects of this verbal tradition in English. The following post focuses on the sauce or ‘jang’. The information is for international families who wish to start their own community kimjang or English-speaking Koreans living…
Would you like to participate in a traditional family-style Kimjang? (FYI, if you love cooking and Korean food the answer is, “YES!”) Then, sign up immediately for this 2-day traditional cooking event at the Songtan Traditional Market. Come learn how families work together to prepare their kimchi for the year. This is an all-inclusive event that includes snacks,…
Join us as we delve into the irresistible allure of Kimchi Mandu 김치 만두. These kimchi dumplings are the much loved Korean delicacy. Combining the sourness of the fermented kimchi with the hug of either steamed or fried dough, it is perfection. Let’s dig into this delicious dish! About the South of Seoul ‘A Year…
Do you want to celebrate Chuseok in Korea but you don’t know how? Maybe you don’t have a Korean family or this is your first year in Korea? Here is how you can create a Chuseok menu at home using Traditional Markets and learning a few recipes. Let’s go, we promise it will be fun!…
Today let’s learn about cooking kimchijeon 김치전. Let’s take a mouthwatering journey as we explore the savory delights of Kimchijeon – the irresistible Korean Kimchi Pancake. About the South of Seoul ‘A Year to Learn Korean Cooking’ Series If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about kimchijeon 김치전. Many of us…
