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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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  • About
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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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    May 2, 2023
  • 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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  • 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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    November 9, 2023
  • 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 19, 2023
  • 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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    July 21, 2021
  • 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

    May 23, 2025 /

    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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    Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

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  • A Year to Learn Korean Cooking,  June in South Korea

    Maesil-Cheong 매실청 (Korean Green Plum Syrup) Guide

    May 22, 2025 /
    how to make maesil-cheong

    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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  • Kids and Family,  Living in Pyeongtaek-si,  Tips of Living Your Best Life,  Uncategorized

    1330 Free Helpline Use Case: Dog Owners in Korea

    March 10, 2025 /

    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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    Elise Petersen

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  • Best Phone Apps in Korea

    Naver Maps v. Google Maps Culture Shock in Korea

    October 17, 2024 /
    Naver Maps v. Google Maps

    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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