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Korean Gift-giving Etiquette Guide for Chuseok
Would you like to embrace the joy and community of Korean Thanksgiving? Start with this Korean gift giving guide for Chuseok. Also after you read the following guide about gift-giving, you need to also read our post about your Chuseok meal menu. Let’s go! About Chuseok Chuseok (추석), often called “Korean Thanksgiving,” is one of the most important family holidays in South Korea. It’s a time to honor ancestors, visit family, and share food. The holiday also includes a gift-giving element that might make it feel a little like Christmas.…
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Household Pests in South Korea: A Local Guide
When you move to a new part of the world, you need to learn about local pest control. Don’t get caught off guard, learn about the household pests in South Korea and get ahead of the problem. About Household Pests in Korea The following post exists as a practical handbook for new residents who want to keep their homes bug-free. Let’s start by addressing the factors to consider for managing pests in your new home in Korea: Temperature Insects are ectotherms. Below about 20 °C, many pantry and drain pests…
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August in South Korea, July in South Korea, June in South Korea, Korean Travel & Adventure, New Arrival Information
15 Summer Fun Ideas in Korea for Locals 2025
Summer in Korea means hot sun, high humidity, and the potential heavy rains. Some people prefer to embrace the elements while others stay inside. We have 15 different Summer Fun Activities for those that don’t mind tackling the elements and those that want to stay inside. No matter your preference, you will find summer fun in Korea! 15 Ideas and Over 100 Places This blog post introduces 15 fun things to do and then links to blogs for each of these ideas. This allows us to share the maximum amount…
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Discover the Jeongja (정자) or Korean Resting Pavilion
Have you ever wondered about the Korean resting pavilions (정자) you see around Korea or in photos? These beautiful, open-air structures offer rest and escape from harsh weather. Keep reading to learn more about them and how to use them. What Is a Jeongja? If you’ve walked through a Korean park or a cultural street, you may have noticed differently sized wooden buildings with raised floors, open sides, and often curved roofs. These calm, cozy structures are called jeongja (정자). Such Korean resting pavilions offer the community a place to…
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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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1330 Free Helpline Use Case: Dog Owners in Korea
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 ask. What is 1330? The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is a free telephone and real-time chat service designed to assist people in Korea and those abroad planning a trip to Korea. This invaluable resource provides…
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Naver Maps v. Google Maps Culture Shock in Korea
Dealing with the culture shock around map apps might exist as one of the MOST frustrating parts of moving to Korea. We compiled a breakdown of the most common culture shock points communicated in our communities. Hopefully, the following information helps you 1) know what to expect when you arrive in Korea and 2) feel less alone with the struggle. We throw a few pro tips in as well. Naver Map Cultures Shock in Korea The culture shock around Naver maps primarily stems from the stress of learning something new…
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Best Phone Apps in Korea, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, Tourist and Traveler Welcome Packet, USA Military Welcome Packet
Naver Maps V. Google Maps in Korea
Feeling pressured to use Naver Maps (네이버 지도) instead of Google Maps while living in or visiting South Korea? Many valid reasons exist for this pressure. Time to explore the differences between these two map systems that provide different levels of access to information in Korea. Culture Shock Around Map Apps in Korea During our research in satisfaction with integration into South Korean life, we found technology important. For example, we found that a low adaptation to technology may negatively impact life satisfaction. Conversely, those who reported a high level…
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What is Papago?
Have you been asking what is Papago? Do you live in South Korea and need help navigating the language barrier? Let’s explore how this app developed specifically for translating to and from Korean could make your life easier. This might read like a paid ad, but it’s not. We just need folks in our community to know about Papago and all it’s features because it can directly improve quality of life. About Papago Papago is a translation app developed by Naver Corp. The app first launched in 2017 and has…
