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  • Home
  • New Arrivals
    • Educator Virtual Welcome Packet
    • International Student Virtual Welcome Packet
    • US Military Virtual Welcome Packet
  • Daily Life
    • Culture
    • Dining & Drinks
    • Home & Living
      • Cooking
    • Kids and Family
    • Pets
    • Seasonal Guides
      • Winter
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
  • Korea by Month
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  • Events
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  • Health
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    • Pyeongtaek Food & Fun
    • Pyeongtaek Travelers
    • Pyeongtaek Family
    • Health & Wellness
  • About
    • Blog Ads
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  • Culture & Community

    Sweet and Yum: The Flavors of Korean Tradition

    December 18, 2025 /

    When people think of Korean snacks and drinks, many imagine Buldakbokkeum Myeon (Fire Chicken Noodles) or banana milk. These modern snacks are definitely popular and delicious. However, Korea also has many traditional snacks and drinks that people have enjoyed for a long time. If you haven’t tried Korea’s traditional snacks yet, I would like to introduce you to some. These foods are enjoyable not only to taste, but also to look at. Let’s explore what kinds of traditional snacks and drinks are available today and where you can try them.…

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    Eunji Kim

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    September 1, 2023

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  • Culture & Community

    5 Korean City Mascots

    December 9, 2025 /

    There are many mascots that represent the characteristics of cities in Korea. Mascots often show what is most famous in that city — popular foods, local nature, cultural features, or unique history. These characters help cities promote identity, citizenship, and tourism. In this article, I’ll introduce five well-known city mascots in Korea and share what makes each one special. Joa Yong (조아용) — Yongin City Mascot Joa Yong is the city mascot of Yongin, and its name feels like a cute wordplay. “Joa” (조아) sounds like “좋아,” which means “to…

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    Min Gyeong Kim

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    September 11, 2018
  • Culture & Community

    What I Noticed About Everyday Life in Korea

    December 4, 2025 /

    Living in Korea for several years has given me the chance to notice many small but meaningful parts of daily life. In the beginning, everything felt unfamiliar, but over time these tiny habits became the things I looked forward to observing. They’re not major traditions or historical customs—just everyday behaviors that show how people in Korea adapt to the weather, commute, fashion trends, and student life. For foreigners living in Korea, these details can feel surprising at first, but eventually they start to make perfect sense. Mini Fans and Warm…

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    Zhen Yan Jin

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  • Culture & Community

    The Influence of Confucianism on Korean Literature

    November 21, 2025 /

    Confucianism is an ethical, political, and religious philosophy created by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn period in China. The teachings of Confucianism focus on moral practices in human relations, social order, and political governance. It has been one of the key ideological systems in East Asia, alongside Buddhism and Taoism. In Korea’s past, Confucianism significantly influenced both society and literature. Confucian values, such as filial piety, loyalty, and fidelity, can be seen in many of Korea’s classical works of literature. This influence continues to shape Korean culture today, even…

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    Min Gyeong Kim

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    January 2, 2023

    20 Must-visit Buddhist Temples in South Korea

    July 25, 2021

    Important Numbers: 119 Emergency Services

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  • Culture & Community,  Home & Living

    The Language and History of the Term “Radish” in Korea, Japan, and China

    November 5, 2025 /
    Do I call it Chinese Radish, Korean Radish, Japanese Radish, or White Radish

    Who wants to do a deep dive into the meaning of ‘radish’ with us? The Language and History of the generic words for radish in Korea Japan and China is quite interesting and it gives great insight into how language might be used in ways that may confuse English speakers from Western countries. Hidden Culture In Action I have a hard time quickly comprehending new aspects of hidden culture, especially when it comes to linguistic nuance in generic terms. For me, my brain sees language as very black or white…

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    Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

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    November 21, 2025
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    May 14, 2020
  • SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Winter,  Winter Sports

    Guide for Ski and Snowboard Season Gear Rentals in South Korea

    October 1, 2025 /
    Rent skis for the season in South Korea

    Would you like to spend all season skiing or snowboarding in Korea but you don’t have gear or a lot of money? You can make it happen. This guide to ski and snowboard season rentals in South Korea will help your dreams come true. Keep reading and we will see you on the slopes. PS this was written fast, because people needed info. Sorry for any mistakes. We will edit soon. Renting Ski and Snowboard Gear for the Season in South Korea For winter sports fans living in South Korea,…

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    South of Seoul

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    Byeongsanbando National Park Winter Hiking

    December 27, 2021

    5 Indoor Water Parks Near Pyeongtaek for Winter

    January 3, 2022

    5 NOT Spicy Korean Soups for Winter

    January 4, 2018
  • Culture & Community,  Work & Office

    Korean Gift-giving Etiquette Guide for Chuseok

    September 25, 2025 /

    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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    South of Seoul

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  • Home Life & Maintenance Tips,  July in South Korea,  June in South Korea,  May in South Korea

    Household Pests in South Korea: A Local Guide

    July 14, 2025 /
    Managing Household pests in South Korea

    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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    South of Seoul

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    July 18, 2025

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    March 16, 2017
  • 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

    July 4, 2025 /
    Summer fun ideas in South Korea

    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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    South of Seoul

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  • Culture & Community,  Fun & Entertainment

    Discover the Jeongja (정자) or Korean Resting Pavilion

    June 18, 2025 /
    Jeongja Korean rest area

    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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    South of Seoul

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