KimchiRednecks
About Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He's the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com
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Little Greece in Pyeongtaek: Best Greek Restaurant in Korea
Pyeongtaek is filled with incredible dining options, but every once in a while, a restaurant captures the heart of the community in a way that feels extra special. Little Greece in Paengseong is one of those rare finds. After relocating from Cheonan in 2023, it quickly became a local favorite near Camp Humphreys, earning multiple Best of Pyeongtaek awards and building a loyal following. With authentic Greek flavors, a family-friendly atmosphere, and their now-famous Wine Nights, it’s easy to see why so many consider Little Greece the Best Greek Restaurant…
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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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SOS Book Club Pick: The Surrendered
July’s Book Club Pick, “The Surrendered,” is a powerful, evocative tale of how love and war can profoundly transform people’s lives. This novel delves into the lives of three complex characters whose lives are intertwined by the turmoil of the Korean War and its aftermath. So, let’s dig into this novel. About The South Of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “The Surrendered.” Looking for book recommendations? Welcome to the South of Seoul book club. We recommend a book every month.…
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SOS Book Club Pick: Tastes Like War
June’s Book Club Pick, “Tastes Like War,” is a memoir written by Grace Cho exploring the intersections of food, family, and the Korean American experience, delving into the author’s relationship with her mother and their shared journey through mental illness and cultural identity. Let’s dig into this memoir. About The South Of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “Tastes Like War.” Looking for book recommendations? Welcome to the South of Seoul book club. We recommend a book every month. Such recommended…
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SOS Book Club Pick: “Almond: A Novel”
April’s Book Club Pick, “Almond: A Novel,” is a coming of age story about Yunjae, a young boy with Alexithymia, who struggles to feel pain, anger, and empathy. Hugely popular among BTS fans, as RM, J-Hope, and Suga read it in 2020 in their reality show “BTS In the Soop.” So, let’s dig into this story focusing on themes of acceptance, love, and human connection. About the South of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “Almond: A Novel.” Commitment to…
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Best Bagels in Pyeongtaek
Looking for the best bagels in Pyeongtaek? From classic favorites to innovations that use Korean ingredients, Pyeongtaek’s bagel shops offer mouthwatering bagel options. Come along as we investigate Pyeongtaek’s bagel scene. Where Is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. We try to make sure that everyone knows what area our blog post recommendations cover since we don’t know what part of Korea you may currently exist in when viewing our information. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the…
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SOS Book Club Pick: Greek Lessons
March’s Book Club pick is “Greek Lessons.” The story follows a young woman and her professor of Ancient Greek, both of whom are alienated from the people around them due to limitations with their physical bodies. As the two become more connected, they share the pain and solace that they experience. About the South of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “Greek Lessons.” Commitment to Accessibility South of Seoul volunteers take book accessibility into consideration when recommending titles. We consider: Commitment…
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SOS Book Club Pick: Can’t I Go Instead
Follow the lives of a mistress and servant during the Japanese occupation of Korea in “Can’t I Go Instead.” Lee Geum-yi explores the complex relationship between the women, examining the extent to which loyalty and deception can be used to survive. About the South of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “Can’t I Go Instead” Commitment to Accessibility South of Seoul volunteers take book accessibility into consideration when recommending titles. We consider: Commitment to Diverse Lived Experiences South of Seoul volunteers…
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More K-Dramas To Watch for 2024
Wondering what to watch this year? Maybe try these 12 top K-drama recommendations for 2024. This year we created a watch list of Korea’s top K-dramas. The list may help you learn more about Korean culture, social asperations, and life. Watching K-dramas to Help with Cultural Integration Settling into a new cultural becomes easier with shared cultural knowledge. Since Korean pop-culture exists separately than other countries, you have to catch up. Catching up on local pop-culture means committing to the research. One of the easiest ways to do this includes binge…
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SOS Book Club Pick: Black Flower
Discover the history of the Korean immigrants in 1905 who traveled to Mexico in hopes of a better life in “Black Flower” by Kim Young-ha. Set during the Mexican Revolution, “Black Flower” narrates their journey seeking safety in a new country, with themes of identity, courage, and human spirit amidst hardship. About the South of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “Black Flower.” Commitment to Accessibility South of Seoul volunteers take book accessibility into consideration when recommending titles. We consider: Commitment…
