Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor's of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master's of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn't in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
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Taste the World in Pyeongtaek
As our international population expands, the international food scene in Pyeongtaek has come alive. The arrival of Samsung, an increased number of factories, and the expansion of the US Military have meant more opportunity for foreign residents to open up shop. Every week something new and interesting arrives. Recently we realized we never even go to Seoul anymore. There isn’t a need. Much of what we have is far better than we would get there. When you add how much time and money it takes to go there and back, it…
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Dining & Drinks, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, New Arrival Information, Tourist and Traveler Welcome Packet
Eating Halal in the Korean Countryside
As the Muslim population in rural areas of South Korea continues to grow, information about – and access to – Halal has becoming a bigger issue. This has become very important to some of us at South of Seoul due to the fact we have watched friends struggle with this in the past and now we are watching many of our classmates at Namseoul University struggle with it as well. Since the university is located one subway stop south of Pyeongtaek in northern Cheonan, we feel it is high time…
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April in South Korea, Fun & Entertainment, Hiking in Korea, July in South Korea, June in South Korea, Kids and Family, May in South Korea, Outdoor Activities, Physical & Mental Wellness, September in South Korea, SOS Seasonal Guide: Spring, SOS Seasonal Pyeongtaek Guide: Fall
Top 3 Pyeongtaek Hikes
Did you just move to Pyeongtaek and want to find the top 3 Pyeongtaek hikes? You’ve found the right post. About Hiking in South Korea Some might call hiking Korea’s national sport. It’s a country that loves a good walk outside. Thousands of marked and unmarked hiking trails exist across the country. You can find many marked trails in Naver Maps which includes hiking routes in the maps app. Also, in South Korea, they consider walking trails and hiking trails. Sometimes you might find a Korean hike to simply be…
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April in South Korea, Fun & Entertainment, March in South Korea, Outdoor Activities, SOS Seasonal Guide: Spring
Awesome Blossoms: Cherry Blossom Info for Pyeongtaek
Updated: 2021 Cherry Blossom season is coming up and it is a beautiful and iconic time in Korea. There were festivals from the top to bottom and left to right of the country prior to the pandemic. We felt the pressure to race around the country to find the best festival with the best events. All of these festivals were awesome and PACKED! However, it’s not the festivals that make Cherry Blossoms time amazing. The blossoms themselves are the show stopper. Don’t feel too sad about the festivals being called off…
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Dog Rules Fines In Pyeongtaek
Did you know that you can get tickets for your pets? Each administrative area of Korea creates its own rules regarding pet ticketing. This blog looks at the rules in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. New Culture Means New Pet Rules Many international residents in Korea have dogs and sometimes it’s hard to be sure exactly what the rules are. In order to help clarify some things, I went to Pyeongtaek City and asked them about their pet rules and fines. Pyeongtaek City Posted Pet Policy: Be considerate of others and understand not everyone…
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Hiking Next to Pyeongtaek Lake
About Hiking at Pyeongtaek Lake The most popular trailhead for the Pyeongtaek Lake hike (Also Known as Ma an Mountain Hike) offers a nice area for marking and cleaning your shoes. Recently our lives have calmed down and we have more time to explore. Our first lazy Sunday found us wandering through the woods in one of the pretties hike in the area. It’s also a great area for walking your puppies. Not a lot of people, but plenty with little puppies of their own. (As always, remember…
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52 Pickup Family Edition, April in South Korea, August in South Korea, February in South Korea, Fun & Entertainment, July in South Korea, June in South Korea, Kids and Family, March in South Korea, May in South Korea, October in South Korea, Outdoor Activities, September in South Korea, SOS Seasonal Pyeongtaek Guide: Fall, SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Summer, SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Winter
Futball in Suwon Trip Itinerary
About Futbal In South Korea The Korean Futbal Season runs from February through October. However, the schedule may be adjusted during a pandemic. Cities across South Korea have teams that compete around the country. Most are sponsored by major corporations. Pyeongtaek even has a team that practices out of the Stadium in Bijeon-dong. Getting to the Suwon Soccer Stadium While at work my friend messaged me to see if I wanted to watch a soccer game in Suwon. Since I’ve never had the privilege of watching a live soccer game…
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Fun & Entertainment, July in South Korea, Kids and Family, Korean Travel & Adventure, Outdoor Activities, SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Summer
Mudfest is the Best
CHECK OUT THIS YEARS MUDFEST VIDEO FROM ROK LIFE < CLICK HERE > After many years, I finally made it back for a little Mudfest drama. Despite all the reasons I want to hate Mudfest, I love it. In fact, I have found that the more someone doesn’t want to go, the more they seem to fall in love with it when they arrive. Of course, in three years a lot has changed. For example, there were actually clean people at the festival. I have no idea how this…
