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About South Korean Health Care System, Culture & Community, Culture Shock Tips, Health care self advocacy, Maternal Health, Medical & Health, Mental Health Resources, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health, Tips of Living Your Best Life
Overcoming Language Barriers in Korean Healthcare: A Practical Guide
Have you ever needed to overcome a language barrier while accessing healthcare in Korea? Many of us have, even those who speak Korean somewhat fluently. Language barriers can be challenging but not impossible to navigate. This blog post offers some tips on how to overcome such language barriers that may help.
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Maesil-Cheong 매실청 (Korean Green Plum Syrup) Guide
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. When Chuck and I dove into learning how to cook Korean food, we spent a great deal of time reviewing online resources to figure out the intricacies of creating the amazing flavors we loved. We…
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Understanding Pet Ownership Transfer between Individuals in Korea
If you find yourself needing to transfer pet ownership in South Korea, you will need to go through a few steps. Understanding the rules for pet ownership transfer between individuals in Korea can feel difficult since little information exists in English. Hopefully, the following will help make things easier. About Pet Registration In South Korea, the Animal Protection Act mandates that owners must register all indoor companion dogs over two months old. When ownership changes, it’s crucial to update this registration to reflect the new owner’s information. Who Is Responsible…
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Registration Rules for Companion dogs v. Farm Dogs in Korea
Looking around Korea, you might ask, “Why do people have so many unregistered outside dogs?” You should know that South Korea does not require everyone to register ALL dogs the same way. We learned about this recently when helping to foster a farm dog who needed rehoming. Let’s learn about this difference here between companion dogs v. farm dogs in Korea. Regulations For Companion Dogs v. Farm Dogs In South Korea, the Animal Protection Act governs the treatment and registration of animals, distinguishing between companion animals and farm animals. Here’s…
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Refile Korean Taxes in May, Get the Tax Refunds You Deserve
Managing your taxes in South Korea can sometimes feel like a mystery, so welcome to my new series for those struggling to understand the Korean income tax system and how it applies to them. Let’s begin by talking about how to get your Korean tax refunds by filing your taxes in May. You can refile Your taxes Did you know you can get more money back from your taxes, even after you have already filed them? In South Korea, workers can refile or adjust their income tax in May to…
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Korean Labor Day (근로자의 날) – May 1st
You might get confused on May 1st when some people are going to work while others are not. Let’s take a closer look at Korean Labor day, what it means, and how it’s celebrated. About Korean Labor Day Korean Labor Day, or 근로자의 날 (Geunroja-ui Nal), is also known as Workers Day. We will call it Labor Day for the sake of this article, since it’s a more commonly understood term internationally. Labor Day is observed every year on May 1st. This day is a key moment to reflect on…
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Pyeongtaek Food & Fun April 2025 Fab4 Winners
We are happy to announce our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun’s Fab 4 April 2025 winners for their valued participation. Winners for April 2025 can collect their awards during May 2025. About Pyeongtaek Food & Fun South of Seoul volunteers support the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook community which provides information and support for the international population of Pyeongtaek and surrounding areas. Therefore, group members share posts related to restaurants, hobbies, events, gatherings, and more. South of Seoul volunteers admin and moderate the group based on the values of equity, inclusion, anti-bullying, and…
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Food Shopping Tip: Korean Buckwheat Crackers
As a person with histamine issues, I can’t go hard on the Korean convenience store snacks. Thankfully, the traditional markets have some wonderful snacking alternatives. The maemil snacks (메밀과자), or Korean Buckwheat Crackers, remain one of my favorites for a wide variety of reasons. Let’s dive in. Explore Korean Culture Through Food Incorporating 메밀과자 into your meals is a wonderful way to explore Korean culinary traditions. Buckwheat has been a part of Korean cuisine for centuries, and by adding these crackers to your pantry, you’re not just enjoying a snack…