Wondering about National Liberation Day (광복절 Gwangbokjeol) in Korea? Then, here is a quick overview of this holiday celebrating the country’s independence from Japanese colonial rule. The post includes information for those visiting South Korea and those living in the country wishing to make the holidays a part of their lives. About National Liberation Day 광복절 National Liberation Day (광복절 Gwangbokjeol) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for National Liberation Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on August 15. (When this day lands on the weekend, a celebration may be on an alternate holiday such as Friday or Monday.) National Liberation Day or Gwangbokjeol (광복절) is celebrated on August 15 in Korea. Although this day is celebrated in many areas around the world as Victory Over Japan Day (or V-J Day), the day carries a great deal more significance to Korea. National Liberation Day marks the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea and its independence and is a turning point in Korea’s history. This day signifies the end of Japanese rule and the country’s journey toward independence and democracy. Therefore, Koreans observe National Liberation Day on August 15 annually. Although National Liberation Day is often referred to as Independence Day for Korea, it should not be confused with Independence Movement Day (celebrated March 1). Both National Liberation Day and Independence Movement Day are important holidays in Korea’s history and struggle for independence. Gwangbokjeol (광복절) means “restoration of daylight” (광 light, 복 restoration, 절 holiday). Therefore, the name Gwangbokjeol carries a great deal of significance for the holiday. History of National Liberation Day Korea was a colony under Japanese rule from 1910 to 1945. During this time, the Japanese government and military was marked with oppression, exploitation and cultural assimilation. Therefore, this period in Korea history is quite dark and continues to shape Korean society and politics still today. In August of 1945, the Japanese empire surrendered to the Allied Powers and brought an end to World War II and Japan’s rule of Korea. On August 15, Korean leaders declared their independence and established their government. As a result, this day opened a new chapter in the history of Korea and the journey towards freedom, democracy and national unity. Today, National Liberation Day celebrates Korea’s cultural heritage and progress. In addition, Koreans celebrate it as a day of national unity and reflect on the sacrifices made in the struggle for Independence. The following videos give more information on National Liberation Day. Celebrating National Liberation Day in Korea National Liberation Day, celebrated on August 15, occurs in the summer. Therefore, the temperatures are still very hot and the days are humid, which may make staying outdoors for long periods uncomfortable for some people. However, many others use this time for beach vacations since warm weather and beaches go perfectly together. You may notice many Korean national flags (called 태극기 taegeukgi) in homes and businesses or on the streets to commemorate the day. Across South Korea, many activities and events take place on National Liberation Day. Typically, there is an official ceremony held at Independence Hall in Cheonan or in Sejong at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Also, the official “Gwangbokjeol song” (광복절 노래) is sung at official ceremonies. There may also be traditional dance and music performances at the palaces, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Deoksu Palace. Places to Visit on National Liberation Day If you want to learn more about Korea and the history during the Japanese colonial rule, you can visit Independence Hall in Cheonan or Seodaemun Prison History Hall. Both museums have information and displays that are a bit graphic to view, but portray accurate depictions of history during this period. Learning more about what Korea endured during this rule can help you to understand and feel more connected to the culture and people of Korea. Potential Inconveniences on National Liberation Day in Korea Obviously, any of the following inconveniences may or may not occur depending on where you live in South Korea and the current social climate. However, the awareness that the following issues may occur may allow you to better plan ahead and avoid stress: How to Source Additional Information About Locations If you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, using apps like Naver can help you navigate with expected traffic times. KimchiRednecksAbout 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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Worried about the typhoons that come through South Korea? Learn more about Typhoon preparedness in Korea and how international residents might want to prepare. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. About Typhoons in South Korea Typhoons in South Korea occur most often between the months of May and November. The majority of typhoons impact South Korea between July and September. Keep in mind that weather changes often and typhoons may occur during any month. Please note that typhoon season and Jangma (monsoon season) in South Korea exist as two separate concepts. Typhoon season refers to the months when typhoons may commonly occur (May-November) and Jangma (monsoon season) refers to an intensely rainy time of the summer (Mid July – August) that may or may not include a typhoon. Additionally, typhoons and monsoons have different meanings. A typhoon (hurricane) describes a large, rotating tropical storm while a monsoon describes a seasonal rain pattern.  Korea experiences, on average, 7 typhoons a year. The hardest hit regions are Jeju-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeollanam-do.  About Typhoon Preparedness in South Korea Considering the number of typhoons each year, it’s important to have a typhoon Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Therefore, this post digs into what international residents need to know as they make their typhoon EPP. This EPP-related post begins with FEMA standards for preparing for a typhoon and then addresses some Personal Preparedness concerns. Keep in mind that no online post can cover all areas of preparedness for each person. Everyone needs to create their own individual plan based on their unique needs and lens on the world. This EPP-related post exists as a resource to consider in addition to other resources. Emergency Preparedness Plans for International Residents As an international resident in South Korea, you may need to take extra steps in creating a succesful and safe EPP. As an international resident, you may have additional concerns such as language barrier, paperwork, limited support system, and a lack of awareness regarding the hidden culture surrounding health care and emergency systems. During our 12 years living and working in South Korea, South of Seoul volunteers witnessed firsthand extremely tragic and life-threatening situations. Such situations may have been avoided or had less tragic outcomes with a fully developed EPP. Please, deeply consider carefully researching and planning for emergencies during your stay in South Korea. FEMA Typhoon Preparedness Most countries may offer similar emergency preparedness advice. Federal Emergency Management Agencies (FEMAs) around the world generally follow similar plans. However, each country may offer additional information based on unique geography, social, or cultural conditions. The Typhoon Emergency Plan Timeline infographic below shows a FEMA-recommended Typhoon Emergency Plan before, during, and after a typhoon. You can feel free to download and share this graphic as needed. Before the Typhoon During the Typhoon After the Typhoon Personal Preparedness to Consider In addition to the standardized preparations, take time to consider the following individualized planning. Personal Preparedness means additional elements to add to your EPP that related directly to your personal lived experience and lens on the world. South of Seoul has not listed all of the possible additional Personal Preparedness options. The following examples come from community interviews and feedback after previous national disasters such as floods, fires typhoons, landslides, and more. Such examples may create a useful framework for observing your own needs. Each person needs to consider their own unique situation and add to the plan. FEMAs offer excellent advice, however, each person also needs to consider their own unique situation such as: Let’s look at a few examples of some individual considerations. After reading the following examples South of Seoul provides a Personal Preparedness Worksheet to help you plan for your own personal needs. Example: Pregnant or Medically Fragile Example: Personal Vehicles Example: Living in Remote Locations Example: Securing Paperwork Example: Consider Your Employment Situation Example: Mental Health Support Emergency Preparedness Plan Worksheet for International Residents South of Seoul created an Emergency Preparedness Plan Worksheet (EPPW) specifically for international residents living in South Korea. We embedded the EPPW below. Anyone can download the following EPPW pdf for personal use or modify and share it with their own communities. The EPPW includes: Additional Resources The following resources may also come in handy: South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Today let’s learn about cooking bibimbap 비빔밥 at home! Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most popular foods. It is a dish comprised of mixed vegetables, beef and rice. Depending upon your tastes, there are many ways to diversify this dish. About the South of Seoul “A Year to Learn Korean Cooking’ Series Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. However, the time flies past faster than we can imagine. At South of Seoul, we decided to create a simple series that will offer 2-4 dishes to learn each month so that when you leave South Korea you have a slew of new dishes you feel comfortable making anywhere. This series is a collaboration with Kimchi Rednecks. In 2020 they created the first blog in this series Online Resources for Learning to Cook Korean Food. These two love to have adventures in the kitchen and share the results with their community. Be sure to follow Kimchi Rednecks on YouTube for other great videos about living life in South Korea. About Bibimbap Bibimbap is a delicious rice dish with mixed vegetables and beef mixed with a spicy gochujang sauce. “Bibim” (비빔) literally means ‘to mix’ and “bap” (밥) means ‘rice.’ Generally, the dish is served as a bowl of rice with vegetables and meat on top and then mixed with the spicy gochujang sauce. Additionally, as wide varieties are available, you change the ingredients to your liking. Then, you can also choose whether to have this in a heated stoneware bowl referred to as dolsot bibimbap 돌솥비빔밥. In my opinion, dulsot bibimbap is the best because the bowl is served sizzling with the rice getting a deliciously crispy texture. Three regions in Korea are famous for their versions: Jeonju, Jinju and Tongyeong. In Jeonju, there is a Bibimbap Festival that occurs in the Fall usually in October. A few of the most common styles of bibimbap are: Biggest Hurdle in Cooking Bibimbap If you are making all of your banchan  반찬 at the same time as your bibimbap, this can feel like a time-consuming and quite overwhelming dish. There are a couple of options that might make this a bit easier for you. First, you can make banchan earlier in the week reducing the amount of time in the kitchen. Plus, you can enjoy your banchan during the week too. Secondly, you can purchase some premade banchan at the grocery store, market. There are also specialty stores that sell banchan as well. If you choose to make dolsot bibimbap, you will want to have a stone pot or ttukbaegi 뚝배기 and cook it on a gas stove. If you do not have a gas stove, we got the delicious crispy rice texture by putting sesame oil in the bottom of our stone pot, adding the rice, and pressing it down to allow it to cook. We then put the stone pot in the oven to heat and create the scorched rice (also referred to as nurungji 누룽지). Three Recommended Cooking Bibimbap Videos to Watch Since this is a popular food, it is easy to find this dish in local restaurants. Cooking bibimbap at home takes time but is so worth it. This dish is the first Korean food that Chuck chose for me to try, so it always will be my favorite dish here. Korean American Cooking Bibimbap Korean Cooking Bibimbap American in Korea Cooking Bibimbap Let Us Know How It Turns Out When you make bibimbap for the first time at home, be sure to leave a comment and let us know how it turned out! Also, if you live in Pyeongtaek, you can even share your success (or failure) with us in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook group. If you are looking for other dishes (Korean or otherwise) or reviews of restaurants, be sure to check out the KimchiRednecks channel or check out our social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram, where we often share what we are cooking or eating. Jeonju: The Home of Bibimbap No bibimbap journey is complete without a visit to Jeonju, the birthplace of this beloved Korean dish. Nestled in the heart of the city, Jeonju Hanok Village offers not only a cultural escape with over 700 traditional houses, hanbok rentals, and historic sites, but also the most authentic way to savor bibimbap where it all began. To plan your trip and discover the best spots, check out these United on the RoK guides: Jeonju Hanok Village Guide: Parking, Attractions & Travel Tips and Discover Jeonju Hanok Village: Korea’s Cultural Escape into Tradition, Food, and History. Read more in our Year to Learn Korean Cooking Series KimchiRednecksAbout 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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Summer vacations are coming. Expect to feel frustrated when you first show up at your favorite spots and they are closed for summer vacation. It’s hard at first, but when you understand the cultural standards, the frustration gets easier. Let’s talk more about business summer vacations in South Korea so that you can go from upset to aware faster. About Business Summer Vacations in Korea Many family-owned businesses or small corporations take a summer vacation sometime between mid-July and the end of August. The timing coordinates with when kids are out of school and families have time together. This is an important business practice for supporting social and family health. A few pro tips when to consider regarding summer vacations: The Culture Shock of Summer Vacation For some international residents, the concept of business summer vacations does not exist and they may feel angry experiencing it. Some people may feel entitled to a business being open at all times for any reason due to the cultural business standards of their home countries. In this situation, arriving in a country where many small businesses close to focus on family and self-care may feel unfair and alienating. Such feelings may be especially strong if the international resident has no knowledge of the new cultural standard. Such culture shock may turn into rage, posting online and negative feelings toward South Korea because it did not meet the hidden expectations of the new resident. South of Seoul volunteers have lived in both countries that take summer vacations and countries that do not. At first, we didn’t know what was happening during summer vacations either, and felt angry. However, once we understood the cultural system, we learned not to plan anything like trips to the mechanic or rural restaurants during August. Additionally, Korea is known as a country that works too hard, so many assume Koreans don’t take vacations. Although true in many ways, Korean culture does take breaks differently than other cultures might. For example, these summer small business owners overwork all year with 12-14 hour days 7 days a week, and only have summer vacation to give them hope. Checking Business Vacation Dates Businesses may announce their vacation dates in the following ways: Keep in mind, that businesses may post in one but not all of the previously mentioned locations. Additionally, they may just not post at all because they go on vacation every year at the same time, and the community already knows to expect it. They don’t realize that new international residents in Korea don’t know about this social standard. Tools for Learning About Business Summer Vacations in Korea In order to search for information about summer vacations, you can use two common tools: Managing the Emotions If you can, take a moment to remember that everyone needs a vacation. Small and medium-sized companies in Korea work an excessive number of hours throughout the year. They need and deserve to have time with their families to build memories. We realize you will want to yell about it first because it sucks, but then take a moment. Remember, supporting healthy practices like closing for summer vacation helps support a healthy community, healthy families, improved mental health, and a better world for everyone. Feel your feelings of missing that business and see what they mean to you. Value them and what they bring to your life for the rest of the year. If you worked a ton, you would feel you needed a vacation more than money at least once a year as well. Supporting Healthy Vacation Practices Taking the time to help support the communication between businesses and the international community improves everyone’s lives greatly. After you have grieved your loss of not getting what you wanted, head to your nearest Facebook group (like Pyeongtaek Food & Fun or Pyeongtaek Living) related to your community and let other international residents know about the business vacation dates. This makes you a hero to the business you love and the community you live in. Misunderstandings Because of Language Barrier Many international residents think that their favorite business has closed permanently and announce it the business is closed online without double-checking. This occurs because the “Closed for a Holiday” sign and posts online are in Korean. It’s important to give a business until the end of August before you sound the alarms that they have closed forever. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking to beat the heat this summer? Try the 7 Best Gangwondo water parks that will bring delight to your summer. Great with families and friends. About Gangwon-do Water Parks Many Gangwon-do ski resorts offer large water parks that help make their resorts a year-round destination. Some ski resort-affiliated water parks may only be open in the summer and others may be open year-round. Additionally, Gangwon-do has a few lovely smaller water parks near the east sea which are attached to resorts. What Does ‘Best’ Mean for this List? South of Seoul does not auto-generate its ‘Best of’ lists. South of Seoul volunteers base the ‘Best of’ lists on the recommendations from Pyeongtaek Travelers and the personal experiences of South of Seoul Cultural Liaisons who live in South Korea and provide current information support. Buying Tickets Gangwon-do water parks do not often sell out. Therefore, you can often purchase tickets upon arrival. However, if the water parks were to reach their maximum capacity, it would be on a weekend during school summer vacation (July/August) or during national holidays. It’s always a good idea to arrive earlier rather than later. Especially if you plan to travel in the summer (July and August) when families are on holiday, you may want to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and get your tickets. Clothing You may see more western-style swimsuits at water parks than you do at the beach. We recommend wearing a one-piece suit since many slides require this. We also recommend rash guards as it’s better protection. Baseball cap/ water cap and goggles required. If you do not own these, you can often buy them at the water park store. Water shoes/booties may also be a great option to avoid slipping and falling. Water Park Culture Notes Each country has its own culture regarding water parks. This means that you may experience discomfort, frustration, or confusion when water park processes do not meet your hidden expectations. Accidently doing something incorrectly may be an experience that you have and that’s ok. Breathe deep and give yourself grace. One common area of confusion may be the locker system. You often need to leave your shoes in a small locker at the entrance of the dressing room and then put your belongings in a larger locker inside the dressing room. Another common area of confusion is the need to wear a cap or goggles. This procedure helps with pool maintenance and everyone will be required to do this together even if you are bald. Just roll with it. We recommend taking the time to read all posted signs using the Papago translation app. Go slowly and message 1330 with any questions you may have. Parking The Gangwon-do water parks have large parking lots. Parking is often free. 7 Water Parks to Visit in Gangwon-do Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Do you love the beach? Then grab your best summer or winter beach wear and visit the 20 Top Swimming Beaches in South Korea! About Beaches in South Korea Since Korea exists on a peninsula, we are surrounded by stunning beaches on three sides. On the west coast, Korea is known for long, shallow beaches which may have low or no waves. On the east coast, Korean beaches may have bigger waves, quick drop-off, and stunning turquoise waters. Whereas, in the south, Korean beaches may be rockier and offer pleasant swimming late into the year. Perfect for fall travel. Korean beaches don’t pretend to be tropical and anyone who compares Korean beaches to Hawaii or California set Korea up to fail expectations. However, Korean beaches have their own look and vibe. The vibe involves beach combing, camping, Korean seafood dishes, fishing, surfing, and more. What to Wear on South Korean Beaches Over the years, Korean beach wear has become more diverse. However, as a rule of thumb, the local population (international residents and Koreans) often prefer to stay covered and protected from the sun. Skin damage and skin cancer aren’t as sexy as they once were. Of course, if you choose to wear a swimsuit that’s completely your choice and certainly does not offend most people. In short, don’t stress too much about what you wear at the beach. Therefore, go forth and enjoy the sand and beaches! Korean Swimming Season Although many Koreans swim throughout the year at different beaches (except those in Busan and other highly controlled urban areas), Korea has an official swimming season. The official ‘Swimming Season’ in South Korea is from about mid-July to sometime in August. Swimming Season is when beaches are at their height of popularity. Therefore, popular and rural Korean beaches are filled with visitors, lifeguards, public showers, activities, and all the businesses are open and supporting visitors. It’s beach party time. During ‘Swimming Season’ your activities will be restricted to certain marked swimming areas that are strictly patrolled by lifeguards on jet skies. You may find this strange if you come from parts of the world where swimming in the sea and ocean is an unrestricted activity. However, you can quickly adjust and find tons of joy within the limited area. During the off-season, you can still visit the beaches and be allowed to swim at most of them, except in areas like Busan and other extremely popular beaches that have begun enforcing beach closures during different times of the year. Basically, during the off-season, you can pretty much do what you want in the sea but most support services like lifeguards and public showers will be closed. However, public restrooms are often -but not always – still open. Common Korean Swimming Beach Amenities Korean swimming beaches, especially during “swimming season” offer many amenities which may include such things as: Swimming Beaches Adventure Map Want to make it easier to stay on top of your beach trip planning? Celebrate your beach adventures with a South of Seoul Adventure Map. South of Seoul prints each Swimming Beach Adventure Map on A3 canvas for durability. Also, they can be shipped to your location in South Korea or within the United States. This makes the perfect celebration of your beach travels! 20 Beaches Across South Korea You can find each of these beaches at the following addresses! Also, we have organized them in the same order as found on the Swimming Beaches Adventure Map! Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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If you love long beaches with aqua water playing with the sand, you’ve found the city for you. Then, this list of 6 best Gangneung beaches offers a little something for everyone. About Gangneung Honestly, you can straight skip this part if you have read my other blogs on Gangneung. We always include a quick blurb about the location in our South of Seoul blogs. However, if you haven’t read the other posts, just keep reading. Gangneung sits on the edge of Gangwondo on the east coast of South Korea. It’s about 1.5 hours south of Sokcho and connected to Seoul by both the KTX and a freeway that cuts across the country. For those of us obsessed with Gangneung, we love it because it mixes both city life and nature. It’s also filled with artists and artisans being nerdy and fabulous in a very hometown way. If you love the process of making things, Gangneung has what you want. It might take a few trips to connect with all the hidden corners. However, you won’t regret taking the time to fall in love with the place. Gangneung also has spectacular food. Some of our favorite international and Korean restaurants exist in this seaside town. From homemade tofu to fabulous crab, the perfect brunch, and excellent craft beer – Gangneung has it all. About Gangneung Beaches Gangneung offers different types of beaches. You can find beaches filled with people and beaches with space to escape the crowds. You can also find beaches with lots of amenities and those with very few amenities. It just depends on how far you feel like going to the north or south. Keep in mind, that Korea doesn’t pretend to be Hawaii or the Caribbean. Instead, we have our own beach life culture here that we love. With a country surrounded by beaches on three sides, it’s almost impossible to avoid falling in love with beach life here. If you only like one kind of beach in the world that’s ok and I am not trying to change your mind. Some folks have a limited framework for what beach fun means to them. That means experiencing different types of beaches doesn’t feel fun. Know yourself and don’t try to force things that don’t fit. Instead, let others love what they love while embracing things you love as well. Book those tickets to Thailand and Vietnam! However, I love beaches of all types and experiences. These recommendations should not be taken as some sort of global comparison. They are the beaches I love in my life as a person who lives in South Korea and loves what this country offers. I share my love with those who also embrace beach diversity. I personally feel the beaches of Gangneung and the east coast of Korea offer me a type of relaxation that I haven’t often experienced in more tropic places. It’s hard for me to even put it into words. Specifically, I love the relaxed waves, crystal clear waters, and the fact I can bring a tent to nap in or I can hang out in the trees. I don’t have to always be exposed to the sun. They are home. About Korean Beach Season The official ‘Swimming Season’ in South Korea is from about mid-July to sometime in August. Swimming Season is when beaches are at their height of popularity. Popular and rural Korean beaches are filled with visitors, lifeguards, public showers, and activities. All the businesses are open and supporting visitors. It’s beach party time. During ‘Swimming Season’ your activities will be restricted to certain marked swimming areas that are strictly patrolled by lifeguards on jet skies. You may find this strange if you come from parts of the world where swimming in the sea and ocean is an unrestricted activity. However, you can quickly adjust and find tons of joy within the limited area. During the off-season, you can still visit the beaches and be allowed to swim at most of them, except in areas like Busan and other extremely popular beaches that have begun enforcing beach closures during different times of the year. Basically, during the off-season, you can pretty much do what you want in the sea but most support services like lifeguards and public showers will be closed. However, public restrooms are often -but not always – still open. Water Temperatures In Gangneung the water feels warmest in the summer and freezing in the winter. In the spring and fall, I also find the water nice but I’m from Alaska so I can’t be trusted. Honestly, if you understand the basics of water and nature the water temp changes will not come as a surprise. However, due to the number of people who have been shocked and angry that the sea feels cold in non-summer months, it feels important to mention it briefly. Wave Height and Type Families will want to stay on top of wave conditions when visiting the east coast beaches. The east coast of Korea has beaches that drop off much more quickly into the ocean than the west coast of Korea. This means the waves can either be quite large or smaller depending on a variety of factors. Sometimes you may find the waves extremely small and other times getting in the water may be dangerous. Keep an eye on the tides and wave conditions when visiting the beaches. You can use different websites online to learn which areas might have the largest waves for the weekend. Swimming Attire We don’t wear a lot of western-style bathing suits in South Korea. Instead, most of us choose to wear swimming clothes that mostly cover us from the sun. This might include rash guards and long swimming leggings. These clothes allow us to play all day in the water without worrying as much about sunscreen or our suites getting dislodged in the surf. That said, no one really cares if anyone wears a western-style swimsuit. It’s your personal choice. Nobody will kick you off the beach unless you are butt naked. Many young men and women will wear western swimming gear in order to be cute and sexy just like in the west. Nobody cares. It’s your choice. People will certainly notice, I know seeing western-style swimming gear always catches me off guard. I feel worried for their future lives. However, it’s not a big deal socially. 6 Best Gangneung Beaches Honestly, no bad Gangneung beaches exist as far as I am concerned. Each beach has its own vibe and reason for existing. I tend to lean toward beaches with fewer people but the busy beaches have their own charm. I’m sure you will find the perfect beach for you. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae 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. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking for the best romantic getaway pensions in Taean? Maybe you need a spot near Pyeongtaek for your anniversary? Here are some options that I love. If you need help booking pensions you can always use one of Korea’s bi-lingual concierge services. If you have an FRC (foreign registration card) you may also book these locations using NAVER, Yanolja, or 여기어때. My Inspiration for Exploring the Romantic West Coast Pensions In “Mer” my favorite Korean pop song by “Hyukoh”, the opening verse says: “Floating, her wordsMelted, she saidI long for thatWe metFollowed the mapLooked for the goldI long for you” Regardless of whether you’ve recently started dating or you’ve been together for decades, enjoying a romantic ocean-side getaway will allow you to balance secluded, quality time with the tranquility of the sea. Why should you head to Taean for your romantic getaway? Just answer this question, when was the last time that you sat with your love and watched the sunset on the horizon? Even on our adventures South, at best, we watched the sunset over the mountains from Yeosu. Few places in South Korea can claim to have a better view of the sunset than the  Taean coast. To help you plan your next romantic getaway, here are a few Taean pension recommendations.  Why I Love Taean Seaside Pensions Unlike the South and East shore, you also won’t have to worry about the sun shining directly into your room as it rises so enjoy the slow, lazy morning. Enjoy the scenery, listen to Hyukoh’s “Mer”, and soon, perhaps you too will feel as if your words are floating. What Does ‘Best Romantic Pensions’ Mean to Me The best of anything is subjective. Most of the “Best of…” lists you see across the internet are simply ‘the most blogged about’. The Google algorithm lives for the word “best” and as soon as any blog includes this term it shoots to the top. This means bloggers and companies try to have this in all their blogs. South of Seoul isn’t any different. In order to make sure you can find our information, we need to play the game. For me, this list of romantic weekend date locations in Taean is the ‘best’ because they are small intimate places that help you melt into Korean life. You get to explore your love and have an adventure. These locations may challenge your worldview and bring you together in ways you hadn’t predicted. Best Season For Visiting Taean Although we include this blog in the South of Seoul summer information since Taean is most popular in Summer, the area is wonderful in every season. I recommend booking a romantic vacation in the area during the winter as well. Just know that winter might mean the pool is closed and there are fewer businesses open near the sea. My List of the Best Romantic Taean Pensions Rooftop swimming pool, Korean sauna, dinner, and breakfast service.  Pension with a range of options, from camping to hotel rooms, and even a private pool villa. Private pool villa near Sinduri Beach  Near Eoeundol Beach, large inflatable pool with slide and whirlpool spa with ocean views in rooms  Private beach access and a beach parasol are included in your stay. Rooms 105 -107 & 205 – 207 have Western beds. Modern rooms with ocean views. Balloon service for celebrations or proposals. Outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, right on the beach. Outdoor swimming pool, whirlpool spas, wedding proposal, and photography prop rentals. On Cheongpodae Beach with ocean view rooms with ocean view spas and an outdoor ocean-view pool. In-room whirlpool spas, wedding proposal, and photography prop rentals  Rooms have names of popular composers. Whirlpool spas in rooms. Outdoor pool. Barbecue buffet for 30,000 won for 2 people. Cafe and rooftop lounge.  Mediterranean-style Pension with year-round indoor swimming pool, barbecue service, breakfast service, picnic garden, treehouse, magnificent scenery, and views.Wedding proposal, event, and photography prop rentals. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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The best Mallipo beach day itinerary. Perfect for folks living in Pyeongtaek. Don't forget to enjoy the beach this summer.

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What to know more about Mallipo Beach? The blog article takes a deep dive into visiting one of South Korea’s best west coast beaches. About Swimming Season in Korea The official ‘Swimming Season’ in South Korea is from about mid-July to sometime in August. Swimming Season is when beaches are at their height of popularity. Popular and rural Korean beaches are filled with visitors, lifeguards, public showers, activities, and all the businesses are open and supporting visitors. It’s beach party time. During ‘Swimming Season’ your activities will be restricted to certain marked swimming areas that are strictly patrolled by lifeguards on jet skies. You may find this strange if you come from parts of the world where swimming in the sea and ocean is an unrestricted activity. However, you can quickly adjust and find tons of joy within the limited area. During the off-season, you can still visit the beaches and be allowed to swim at most of them, except in areas like Busan and other extremely popular beaches that have begun enforcing beach closures during different times of the year. Basically, during the off-season, you can pretty much do what you want in the sea but most support services like lifeguards and public showers will be closed. However, public restrooms are often -but not always – still open. About Mallipo Beach in Taean-gun, South Korea Mallipo Beach exists on the west coast of South Korea in Taean-gun. Taean-gun exists along the far west side of Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. The area began gaining popularity in 2015 and continues to become more popular due to the proximity to Seoul and the variety of activities. Mallipo Beach consists of an expansive sandy beach with low shallow waters and the surf varies from nearly flat to moderate waves. The shallow waters and low waves offer the perfect spot for beginning surfers. In fact, committed surfers catch waves at Mallipo year-round. Poor weather days often make the best surfing days. Mallipo beach offers surfing, paddle boarding, ATV rentals, cafes, restaurants, pensions, beach umbrellas, hiking, a botanical garden, skate park, basketball courts, soccer field, and much more. All of the activities and facilities make Mallipo the perfect spot for families and large groups. Mallipo Beach Parking Lots As of 2021, two of the best parking lots that allow you to be close to the beach are the following lots. All lots have very easy access to bathrooms and public showers. All the lots are free as of 2021. Parking fills up heavily after 12:00pm, we recommend arriving before that for the ideal spots. Finding a Tent Spot on Mallipo Beach During swimming season (July-August), beaches will be lined with umbrellas that can be rented. These will be between 30,000-40,000 for the whole day and sit back safely from high tide. Generally speaking, you can not set up your own tents between the paid locations and the ocean. If you have not brought a tent or umbrella of your own, we highly recommend renting for the day so that you can safely take a rest. If you are from North America, you may find the sun burns you much faster in Korea than at home. If you don’t want to pay for an umbrella, Mallipo Beach also has a few areas where you can put up your tents. These spots vary each year and may change throughout the season. When it’s not swimming season the entire beach is generally free to use. Plenty of Outdoor Showers to Keep Away the Sand Before entering any cafe or restaurant, make sure your feet are clean of sand. Most cafes and restaurants will have showers and feet washing areas. The beach also has free outdoor showers dotted along the sidewalk to help you get clean. Remember that it’s not a good form to use the private showers and foot washing stations unless you plan to use the business. Instead, use the free, outdoor public showers along the sidewalks. Dogs at Mallipo Beach Mallipo Beach allows all sizes of dogs as of 2021. Dog owners are welcome to bring their pets as long as they follow a few basic rules. ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash. Carry a muzzle. Others may ask to have them muzzled and they have the right to ask this and you will need to comply. Clean up after your dogs on the beach. Additional advice gleaned from years of visiting Korean beaches with dogs: ALWAYS keep your dog on a leash. It doesn’t matter what others do. Off leash dogs are not allowed on public beaches. Additinally, you likely don’t have the Korean language skills or cultural knowledge to negotiate your way out of a difficult situations that may happen. Keep your day fun by keeping your perfect pet on a leash. Take a tent to protect them from sun. You don’t want your pet to be out and exposed all day in the crazy hot sun. Make sure they have a safe place to escape. Remember that your dog also has a language barrier and can’t speak Korean. That means your dog can’t communicate with strangers and strangers can’t communicate with them. Protect your dog and others from the fear and confusing caused by this language barrier, and keep them on a leash. Mallipo Beach Restaurants If you are wondering what types of restaurants are at Mallipo Beach, read the following blog. Remember that restaurants often close during the off-season or winter months. Non-seafood restaurants will often change regularly due to the nature of seasonal businesses. Mallipo Beach Pensions It’s easiest to reserve your pension stays via Korean apps or bilingual concierge services. Things to Do at Mallipo Beach Mallipo Beach has many fun activities throughout the area. You can find a little something for everyone in your family or friend group. A Sample Mallipo Beach Day Interary Discover what a day might look like at Mallipo Beach. Should I go to Mallipo Beach this week? Great questions. If you need to know more about the current air quality or the weather check the following information. Current Air Quality and Weather in Taean-gun near Mallipo Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts. If you hover over the following Air Quality graphic you will be able to see a 3-day air quality estimate. Remember that air quality changes around Korea. It may be poor quality in one area and excellent elsewhere. Checking air quality can be a great way to choose where to go, what activities to do when you get there, and when to be inside or outside. It also can help you decide if you should purchase and carry air filter masks for outdoor activities. Current Weather in Mallipo For those that prefer the weather in Fahrenheit, the following report may help. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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