Wondering about the Independence Movement Day 삼일절 (also known as the March 1st Movement Day) in Korea? Here is a quick overview of this holiday reminding Koreans of the public demonstrations to liberate Korea from Japan’s rule. About Independence Movement Day 삼일절 Independence Movement Day (삼일절) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for Independence Movement Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on March 1. (When this day lands on the weekend, it is often celebrated on an alternate day.) Independence Movement Day, or Samiljeol, is to remember and pay respect to those who lost their lives fighting and protesting for Korean independence. In addition, it is for celebrating Korea’s ultimate independence from Japanese rule. March 1 is the peak of the campaign that began in 1910 to liberate Korea from Japan. Independence Movement Day (삼일절) became a national public holiday on March 1, 1949. The day is referred to as samiljeol because sam 삼 is 3 for the third month, il 일 is 1 for the first day and jeol 절 means festival. History of March 1, 1919 On March 1, 1919, activists who formed this movement read the Korean Declaration of Independence aloud and the leaders signed the document. The leaders of this movement also informed the police of their actions so they would be arrested. There were many peaceful demonstrations and protests for national independence on March 1. However, the Japanese local and military police struggled to contain the crowds and get things under control. As the protests continued to grow, the Japanese military forces were called upon to suppress the crowds. Unfortunately, this led to a great deal of violence and the massacre of many Koreans. Although the movement did not succeed in gaining national independence at the time, it was critical in bringing about worldwide attention and helping to establish the Korean Provisional Government. The following video provides more information on the Independence or March 1st Movement. Celebrating Independence Movement Day in Korea Independence Movement Day, celebrated on March 1, occurs in the spring. Therefore, the cold of winter fades and temperatures become less frigid and more temperate for being outdoors. You may notice many Korean national flags (called 태극기 taegeukgi) in homes and businesses or on the streets to commemorate the day. Visit Tapgol Park Tapgol Park (formerly known as Pagoda Park) has a reading of the Korean Declaration of Independence of 1919 annually to commemorate this day as it was done on March 1, 1919. Visit Museums Independence Hall of Korea is a great place to get more familiar with the Korean struggle for independence. The location has many indoor and outdoor exhibits that will help you to see and understand the fight for Korean independence. There are some exhibits that are graphic (most of those have signs letting you know before you enter). Seodaemun Prison History Hall is another place to visit to see the struggle of the Koreans during the Japanese colonization. There are actual torture chambers and tools as well as many graphic photographs for viewing. While this part of history may be painful to view, this location shows the unshakeable spirit of the nation in their fight for independence. The Start of the Korean School Year The Korean school year starts the day after Independence Movement Day. The Korean school year runs from March 2nd or 3rd and runs through early February. Since school starts, many families travel or attend theme parks and other family-friendly locations across the country. Kids hang out together and everyone holds on to their last moments of freedom. Potential Inconveniences on Independence Movement 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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Have you ever wondered why March is a quiet month in South Korea? Wondering why there isn’t a lot going on around the country? The quiet time exists because March is all about the start of the new academic year. Additionally, March marks a time of great change and turmoil for many in the international community. Let’s talk about it so that it feels easier to manage. About the Academic Year in South Korea South Korean schools start the academic year in March and complete the academic year in January. Elementary, middle, and high school classes begin on March 2nd after the March 1st holiday and universities start around the same date. This means much of life for Koreans and international residents center around such an event. This academic schedule may be different from many other countries, especially those in the west. Back to School Sales Across the Country and Online During the end of February and the beginning of March businesses across South Korea offer a wide assortment of ‘Back to school” marketing. This is a great time to shop on Coupang, Gmarket, and in malls. Companies are battling it out for the back-to-school dollars. This is just a fun little nugget of information to think about as you plan your shopping year… but we digress. About the March Shifts in the International Community Additionally, since many international community members come to Korea as students or educators, the beginning of the academic year may mean a certain amount of chaos and instability within the international community. Many new students and educators arrive, others leave, and some change their locations in Korea. International Students Arrive New international students move to the country in March and begin adjusting to their new academic experience and their new lives. Such a relocation process mixed with studying may be overwhelming and it may take a few months before students feel ready to explore past their immediate area. Since students arrive right as classes begin, many international university students scramble to find their footing. They are dealing with a new language, new academic expectations, new friends, and – often – the need to find a new part-time job. This can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience that can heavily impact the mental health of international students. Educators Leave and Arrive in Korea The beginning of the academic year brings many educators to Korea to replace those that have completed their contracts. Many such educators teach ESL/EFL English courses while others teach at international schools, corporations, and universities. Such a large population shift means that many communities/individuals remaining in Korea are grieving the loss of friends while arriving educators reach out to build friendships. This crossover may cause tension within the international community due (in part) to the fact that new arrivals search for connection while long-term residents seek to isolate themselves for a time to deal with their sense of loss. In short, emotional needs may be at an annual high while emotional energy dips to an annual low. This time of turmoil and tension can be found in communities around the world that experience sudden shifts in populations. In fact, the US Military affiliated community also experiences similar struggles during what they call “PCS Season” when a large part of their community finishes their duty station and others move to Korea to replace them. EFL/ESL Educators Move to New Cities In addition to more English language educators entering and leaving Korea during March, many also move to new cities during this time. Foreigner groups may be filled with posts that read, “Just moved here and looking to meet new friends.” During this time those that relocate may mourn the loss of their old communities and routines in Korea and also post many, “It’s better in…..” posts as they struggle to adapt to new places. While dealing with the stress of moving, many international residents may act out more online as bids for connection become more necessary. They may either be increasingly agitated or push hard to build new connections. At times, this intensity may feel unsafe and stressful. It’s a time that holding grace for those in turmoil becomes important. It’s a great time to learn more about non-violent communication. The Impact on International Residents Daily Life All of these little changes may have a substantial impact on the lives and mental health of many international residents during March. Fewer Planned Events and Festivals Across Korea Since Korean families and young adults are busy with the beginning of the school year, they may not engage in a wide number of extra activities. This means that most of Korea doesn’t organize many events, activities, and festivals during this time. Instead, organizers wait for May when people have more free time. Since many international educators are starting their academic year and there has been a big turnover in the community, international residents also aren’t planning events. Instead, they are organizing their lives, going to work, and getting set up for the year. Very few international community leaders have time to plan things or attend things in March. For many international residents who have lived in Korea for over 6 months the quietness of March can be frustrating as they strive to get outside and explore the country in the warmer weather. Korean nationals also feel this struggle. They too want to be outside in the spring air but instead must focus on the needs of students returning to school. Such a drop in activities during March may lead international residents to feel isolated. We often see this in the communities South of Seoul moderate. As winter ends international residents want to get back out and explore. It feels frustrating to find organized events few and far between. Understanding that this is part of the cycle of life in Korea can help make March feel more normal. March May be Subtly Emotionally Draining All of this change means that the international residents in South Korea may feel higher levels of stress during March. New arrivals are stressed and reaching for support. Long-time residents feel stressed by hearing the same requests for help on repeat for years. Koreans are stressed as they balance family and the start of a new school year. March Means Connecting with Empathy Taking time for self-care, empathy, and reflection will help March flow by with greater ease. It’s going to get better as everyone settles into their new routine. If you are a new arrival remember that many of those who have lived here for a long while may not feel emotionally able to make new connections right away. If you have lived in Korea for a while, hold space for new arrivals who are struggling to settle and find stability. We have all been there. Additionally, hold this same grace and empathy for yourself. As a member of the international community living in South Korea, you live in a constant state of loss. You lose connection to things from your former home. You must let go of friends as they leave. You evolve past parts of yourself and become a new person with new experiences. Make March a month of love and kindness for yourself. March Can be the BEST Time for Making Friends That said, March also may end up being the perfect time to meet new people and make new friends. Many new international students and educators are looking for things to do and people to meet. As the year moves on, friendship groups form, and meeting new people may become increasingly difficult. So moving out of your comfort zone in March is a brilliant idea. March Means the Perfect Time to Rest Don’t miss the chance to enjoy some time at home and get organized for your year along with everyone else. Take advantage of this slower time to do important self-care like medical appointments, salon appointments, vet appointments – basically everything you don’t want to do when all the fun starts in April. March Means Fewer Crowds While Traveling With much of society focused on Academia, March can be the perfect time for travel. Weekend trips to the south or the mountains may be just what you need to support your mental health. Earlier in the month hiking can be an excellent pastime and later in the month flower festivals become the thing to do. 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 a fun festival on a beautiful spring day? Don’t miss the spring festivals across South Korea. If you already know about festival culture in South Korea, click here to jump to the spring festival list. Spring in South Korea Many consider spring in South Korea as March, April, and May. Therefore, we have selected festivals occurring from March to May for our Spring Festivals list. However, such festivals may begin earlier than March or end later than May. Korean festivals may occur over many months. During these months the weather quickly changes and begins to warm up, bringing in new growth in plants, beautiful blossoms and the cold weather begins to move out. If you love a festival, you may want to visit more than one and take friends. South of Seoul volunteers choose to combine spring festivals in one post since many cover more than one month or change months depending on the year. Therefore, it made more sense to organize festivals by season rather than month by month. Large Spring Festivals in South Korea During the spring months, Korea loves to host flower-focused festivals. The weather tends to be warming up and people are excited about being outside before it gets hot. You will want to dress in layers. Some festivals may be promoted nationally and internationally while others may only be promoted in the neighborhood or city hosting the event. It can often feel frustrating trying to stay on top of each festival. Finding National Promoted Festival Information Large, nationally promoted festivals may have English information and promotion. The best location for large nationally focused festival information is the Visit Korea website. Visit Korea is a non-profit government-affiliated organization that provides tourist information in a variety of languages. Basically, Visit Korea exists as a primary source of information. Non-Korean-speaking bloggers use this website to create many of their seasonal blogs. This means you don’t actually need to hunt through blogs to find current festivals, just go straight to the Current Festivals section of the Visit Korea website. National Festivals May Change Months, Dates, or Seasons Over time, the large festival details may change. You can’t be sure that a festival held in August one year might not be in September the next year. Date changes occur for a variety of reasons based on city budgets, national holidays, the fact that Korea runs off of two types of calendars, etc. It’s not a problem that dates change, it just means we always need to double-check each year. You should always check the Visit Korea website for current information. Festival Announcements Korean festival marketing campaigns may only start 1-2 weeks before an event. This means that you need to be ready to take action when you start seeing the advertising. Don’t expect extensive advertising for a festival 1-2 months away. It’s easy to miss a festival if you don’t know what time of year it may happen. Festivals May Be Ticketed, Free, or Mixed Methods Each festival planning committee makes its own decisions regarding pricing. Korea often has three types of festivals: free, ticketed, and mixed methods. The different types break down like this: Festival Parking Large, nationally focused festivals tend to offer extensive amounts of parking that may be paid or unpaid. Remember, extensive parking and large festivals also may mean that arriving at and leaving the festival by car may require extra time. Many festival attendees may choose to take public transportation to the festival. Taking public transportation may help a person avoid the stress of parking and queuing to park. Festival Events and Activities South Korea has its own festival culture. They do not base their festival experience off of festivals from other countries. This means that the foods, games, and experiences you may be accustomed to in your home country may not exist at Korea Festivals. Additionally, Korean festival culture revolves around the Korean experience. This means international culture may mix with Korean festival culture in unique ways. Each year festivals may evolve a little and change as Korea changes and culture moves in different directions. Korean society, like any society around the world, changes with time. Nationally Promoted Spring Festivals in South Korea The following large, nationally promoted festivals generally happen each year in South Korea. This list may change from year to year. Organizers may cancel festivals and organizers may add new festivals to the list. Always check with the Visit Korea Current Festivals list to determine when festivals may occur. Light Festivals Spring Blossoms Cherry Blossom Festivals Other Festivals Locally Promoted Spring Festivals in South Korea In addition to the nationally promoted festivals, different communities across South Korea also host localized events. These smaller festivals offer a closer connection to the local community. Smaller, locally promoted festivals can be a great way to connect with your community. For example, such festivals may provide a chance to connect with local businesses, community organizations, and culture. Finding Local Festival Information Visit Korea does not include information on localized festivals. Instead, you will need to look around the smaller cities and rely on local websites and information portals. Local city websites often offer information on local festivals. Local festival locations may only be available in Hangul. Such festivals will often be advertised on city websites, Facebook communities, and on banners around town. Everyone in the community is welcome at such festivals. Don’t get too worried about things not being in your own language. Google Translate Chrome Extention You can use the Google Translate Chrome extension to translate online information about local festivals. Papago Translation for Images If the local festival information is on an image, poster, flyer, or sign – use Papago to translate the image. 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 for spring flower festival information? You’ve come to the right place. About Spring Flower Season From March through May, spring flowers bloom across South Korea. Arboretums across the country will host festivals and show off their stunning gardens. The country is covered with stunning locations to view copious amounts of blooms that will make your Instagram sing. Famous Spring Flowers in Korea Famous spring blooms in South Korea include cherry blossoms, pear blossoms, apricot blossoms, tulips, canola, digitalis, lupine, daisies, grape hyacinths, azaleas, magnolia, and forsythia. Of all of these flowers, cherry blossoms and tulip photos are the most coveted by Instagram lovers. Confirming Festival Dates Since spring blossoms are a thing of nature, festival dates may change a little each year. You can easily confirm the dates of any festival or the hours of any location by contacting the free tourist help center 1330. Use Instagram to Follow Blooms Korean influencers use an amazing system for tagging their images to make it easy to track bloom progress. We have created a whole blog to help you track the best picture-taking moments across South Korea. Five Places for Spring Tulips and Flowers [Photo Credits] Header Photo: Julie O’Leary, Pyeongtaek Travelers 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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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 since beauty still exists around you in abundance. Who cares about a bunch of flowers on trees? We have actually heard this question a lot which seems kind of weird to us, however, the answer is simple: People who aren’t dead inside love cherry blossoms (the reason we “blog” and don’t “report” is so that we can be sassy pants at times like these). It’s true that your life might not be changed by cherry blossoms, but your day most certainly will be because everything feels a bit more magical. The areas across Korea with tons of cherry trees feel almost other-worldly. The sight makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a painting and it’s fun to walk the tree lined streets soaking up the beauty. Even if you have a slightly frozen soul, walking beneath the warm spring sun surrounded by the soft pink peddles will cause it to thaw at least a little. Do I really need to travel far and wide to enjoy a cherry blossom festival?  Absolutely not. When there is no pandemic, Pyeongtaek has a Cherry Blossom Festival that happens at Pyeongtaek University. During the pandemic, you can still go to this area to see the flowers even though there are no events. Although there aren’t a lot of sexy videos made about the festival and area, Pyeongtaek University is a lovely place to spend the day and it will be far less hectic than other places. Even with fewer people, remember that parking won’t be great and taking a bus from the AK Plaza area will be the easiest way to enjoy your time at the festival. The festival is usually held at the beginning of April. Pyeongtaek Cherry Blossom Festival Location The Pyeongtaek Cherry Blossom Festival did not occur during COVID and it’s usually announced about 7 days before the event. Pay attention to the Pyeongtaek Event announcements to learn more. ADDRESS: 경기도 평택시 서동대로 3825AK Plaza to Pyeongtaek University Buses: 20, 21,15, 7-7, 94-1(Camp Humphreys readers, you can catch the 20 in Anjeongri/Paengseong and ride it all the way to Pyeongtaek University. With no festivals, does that mean I’m going to miss the cherry blossoms? You don’t have to go to a festival to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Here are a few drives, walks, and locations where you can check out the beauty without being bothered by the crowds.  Here are some awesome local spots to view the Cherry Blossoms in Pyeongtaek so you can avoid all the crowds. River Drive or Bike Ride Take a drive on (or a bike ride next to) the road that follows the river from Camp Humphreys to Anjung-eup. It’s lined with stunning cherry trees and feels quite magical. Be careful with biking as cars can be quite careless in this area. A bike path is available so choose that instead of riding on the road itself. START ADDRESS: 경기도 평택시 오성면 창내이 Take a quick tour of this driving location with KimchiRednecks in the following YouTube video: Make sure to follow the KimchriRednecks on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for regular videos about life in the Korean countryside. Lake Drive There is also a recommended driving route in west Paenseong, Pyeongtaek that takes you over by the lake. Click here to see photos from the route. We grabbed the addresses of where to get started so you don’t have to figure out the map in the linked blog itself. One address is actually from a housing development…don’t turn in there! Stay on the main road and go west! START ADDRESS: 경기 평택시 계양로 516-12FINISH ADDRESS: 경기 평택시 계양로 624 University Campus in Ichung-dong, Pyeongtaek This lovely campus is situated on the edge of the city near some lovely hills. It’s covered in cherry blossoms in the spring. This isn’t far from Songtan so Osan Air Force Base folks might find it a nice place to visit. There are city buses that go here and plenty of parking for cars. LOCATION NAME: 국제대학교ADDRESS: 경기도 평택시 장안웃길 56 People even visit from Seoul to see this beautiful street filled with cherry blossoms in Pyeongtaek. There are cafes, restaurants, and hiking trails nearby. You can see more about the are in the YouTube video below. Pyeongtaek River Walk: If you are in Pyeongtaek just head past Tong Bok market toward the river. The area is loaded with cherry blossoms and the river walk itself is beautifully developed. We are giving you an address that gets you to the area, and then you can just find the beauty around you. ADDRESS: 경기도 평택시 62-5 Cherry Blossoms Near Pyeongtaek In addition to many locations across Pyeongtaek-si (Most of the city is covered in cherry blossoms), you can also find many spectacular spots at nearby locations like Gakwonsa Temple. Keep in mind, traffic in Cheonan and other popular spots may be exceptionally bad during peak viewing times. What happens at a Cherry Blossom Festival? Well, obviously you take lots of pictures of yourself and the blossoms looking fabulous. You eat, maybe do some crafts, buy some pretty things, and generally do the classic festival things like live music and dance. However, honestly, it’s just about being outside in the spring weather and enjoying the majesty of nature. The other stuff doesn’t really matter. Any other things I shouldn’t miss during cherry blossom season? Oddly enough, don’t miss the Starbucks cherry blossom drinks offered during this time. They only come around once a year for a VERY short time and they are straight up awesome. The cherry blossom latte is my favorite for sure. I never miss it. They also have some spring time blends worth looking into. Whether you decide to go with a big festival or a lazy drive, just be sure to get out and enjoy yourselves this spring. If you are only here for a year, this is your chance to build a lovely memory. If you are staying for years, it’s the perfect annual tradition. More springtime activities in the Pyeongtaek area 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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The South of Seoul featured K-drama for March is popular series that aired in 2016, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.” With compelling storytelling, visually stunning cinematography, and stellar performances, this drama will have viewers engaged in twists and turns. Let’s dig into this K-drama and expand your social knowledge. Breaking Down the Cultural Knowledge When you watch a K-drama when living in Korea or plan to live in Korea, you may want to go deeper than just the show. In order to fully understand the context of entertainment and the world around you, plan on looking at not only experiencing the movie plot, but also at the actors, music, and cultural conversation. In order to make it easier to maximize watching K-Dramas for cultural knowledge, I will provide you with some quick links each month related to the South of Seoul recommended K-Drama watch list. If you catch up on all these details you will become a K-pop culture master in no time. Let’s explore March’s K-drama “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.” About “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” is a South Korean historical drama that premiered on August 29, 2016. The series ran on SBS network for a total of 20 episodes. Based on the Chinese novel “Bu Bu Jing Xin” by Tong Hua, the story was adapted for Korean audiences. The drama focuses on a 21st-century woman named Go Ha-jin, who gets transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty. However, she finds herself in the body of Hae Soo. As she becomes involved in the lives of the royal family, she must navigate intricate political and social dynamics. Finally, she discovers love and power can come at great personal cost and must choose wisely where to align her loyalties. About the Drama’s Success “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” was a popular and successful drama series in South Korea and internationally. The series received high ratings in South Korea as one of the most talked-about dramas of 2016. It also gained a strong following in China and Southeast Asia, where it became one of the most-watched Korean dramas of all time. In 2016, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” was awarded the Grand Prize, K Culture Pride Award, in the “Global Korea Category” at the 4th Korean Brand Awards Ceremony. In addition, Lee Joong-gi was nominated for the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards. IU was nominated for Best Actress and Best Couple (with Lee Joon-gi). Kang Ha-neul, Hong Jong-hyun, and Ji Soo were also nominated for awards for their supporting roles in the series. While the series did not receive any major awards, it has since become a beloved and highly regarded drama. About the Drama’s Themes “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” explores several complex and interrelated themes throughout its storyline. However, the overall theme is the struggle for love and power in a complex and unforgiving world. As the characters navigate the intricate political and social dynamics of the royal court, they grapple with their own desires and ambitions. Then, the characters must confront the consequences of their actions and choices as they strive for love, power, and acceptance. In addition, the series explores the themes of loyalty, identity, and fate. With loyalties constantly tested, the characters struggle to find their place in the world. Also, their identities are in flux, and their fates are uncertain. Ultimately, the series suggests that love and power are intertwined, and that the pursuit of one often comes at the cost of the other. The Music of “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” Whenever a new, popular K-drama hits the screen you hear the music everywhere. Take the time to become familiar with the tracklist and maybe even memorize one for the norae-bang. Also, this will make you an absolute superstar at social gatherings. Additionally, being able to sing the chorus when you hear the songs in the streets or be able to casually say to a new friend, “Oh, isn’t this the theme song for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo?” creates a wonderful feeling of connectedness to the world around you. Learn About the Cast of “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” After watching the K-drama and becoming familiar with the songs, it’s time to also become familiar with the cast. You will see these actors and actresses in advertisements across the country or in new dramas. Therefore, knowing about the cast helps you create a language for understanding the visual world around you. The Food of “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” When watching K-dramas, it is often fun to see the different foods represented in the shows. Set back in the Goryeo Dynasty, we see many traditional dishes in this series. This includes Korean dishes such as bulgogi, kimchi, and galbi jjim. If you want to try cooking these dishes at home, check out our series, “A Year to Learn Korean Cooking.“ Catch Up On Show Related Gossip Now that you have watched the show, listened to the music, and learned about the actors, it’s time to learn the tea. Check out this interview with the cast and learn more about how the actors and actresses prepared for their roles and what challenges they had during film. 2023 K-Drama 101-Recommendations You can find more popular K-Drama recommendations on the K-Drama 101 recommendations list for 2023. In the blog article, we recommend a K-drama for every month of the year. By the end of 2023 you will basically be an expert on the top 10 most-watched K-dramas. Additional 2023 K-Drama Reviews Each month in 2023, we will dig into each of our K-Drama recommendations to give you in-depth information about the series. Last month, our K-Drama was “Itaewon Class.” Check out the February K-Drama blog post for more details on this series. Make sure to watch them all and get caught up! In January, our K-Drama was “Crash Landing on You.” Check out the January K-Drama blog post for more details on this series. 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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Today let’s learn about cooking sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개) at home! This spicy Korean stew features soft tofu (두부), vegetables and protein (beef, pork, or seafood). Topping off this delicious stew is a cracked raw egg. Known for its spicy and savory flavor, sundubu jjigae has become a popular comfort food. About the South of Seoul ‘A Year to Learn Korean Cooking’ Series If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about sundubu jjigae. Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. 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 KimchiRednecks on YouTube for other great videos about living life in South Korea. About Sundubu Jjigae 순두부찌개 Sundubu jjigae (순두부찌개) is a Korean spicy stew consisting of soft tofu, vegetables, and traditionally includes a protein such as beef, pork, or seafood. The dish typically includes ingredients such as onions, garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, and green onions. Flavored with gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this dish is cooked and served in a hot stone pot (ttukbaegi 뚝배기). Soft tofu, also called silken tofu, is freshly curdled and has not been strained and pressed. Since it has a high moisture content, this tofu breaks very easily and makes it delicate when handling it or cooking it. Although you can purchase this tofu in either the cylindrical form or the standard tofu container, the cylindrical tofu is generally easier to control when cooking this dish. The combination of ingredients, seasonings, and broth in sundubu jjigae creates a complex and satisfying flavor that is both spicy and savory. Also, the soft tofu in this dish adds a level of smooth and creamy consistency to the stew. Variations of Sundubu Jjigae 순두부찌개 There are many variations of sundubu jjigae. The differences are based on the ingredients and seasonings used. These are the most common variations: Using different combinations of ingredients and seasonings, you can make your own variation of sundubu jjigae to suit your tastes. Our First Experience With Sundubu Jjigae Sundubu jjigae is one of the stews that Chuck has loved for a long time. When we first came to Korea, my spice levels were still very low. The thought of cooking this for a meal for us or even trying it at a restaurant had me terrified. After many years of being in Korea and increasing the amount of spice that I can tolerate, I decided to attempt making it at home. Our first attempt was a failure for us! It tasted perfect. However, when I added the tofu to the stew, I misunderstood the directions in the recipe and squeezed the tofu in through a small area where I had snipped at the tip. I was so mortified about how bad it looked that I refused to use the video. However, I was also motivated to try again. This time I understood that cutting the cylindrical tofu in half and then squeezing it into the stew would give the desired effect of soft pillowy clouds (instead of a chunky mess!) Even seasoned cooks can misunderstand directions in a recipe. Biggest Hurdles Making Sundubu Jjigae Sundubu jjigae is not a simple dish to make. Therefore, there are a few hurdles that you should be aware of before you attempt to make it at home. Balancing Flavors in the Stock First off, you want to achieve the right balance of flavors in the broth. Since this stew relies heavily on the flavor of the broth, there is a delicate balance to achieving the right level of spiciness, saltiness, and umami. While it can be challenging because you do not want the flavor of the broth to become too overpowering or too bland, following the recipe exactly should keep you on the right track. The dish will be the deeper red color if you use ground gochugaru instead of gochugaru flakes. Cooking with Soft Tofu Another challenge is cooking the soft tofu without breaking it apart. Soft tofu is very delicate and can easily fall apart during cooking, which can affect the texture of the stew. To prevent this, it’s important to handle the tofu gently and avoid stirring the stew too vigorously. Timing for Adding Ingredients Finally, timing is essential when making sundubu jjigae. Therefore, it is best to add the tofu towards the end of cooking. This will prevent overcooking and help to keep it from breaking apart. If you are adding the egg, it should be added last. If you allow it to bubble and sizzle for about a minute, it should not overcook. Remember, the egg yolk gets broken and mixed in to the stew to make it creamier. The egg does continue to cook a bit since the stew is served hot. Three Recommended Sundubu Jjigae Videos to Watch Are you ready to tackle the challenge of making sundubu jjigae at home? Here are three videos to inspire you to make your own! We like to include three perspectives on any dish that we present 1) a Korean chef making the dish in Korea, 2) a Korean chef making the dish in a foreign country (provides options for substitutions), and 3) foreign residents making the dish while living in South Korea. These three perspectives provide a broader look at cooking the dish so that you can understand how to adopt it into your lifestyle. Korean Making Sundubu Jjigae Korean American Making Sundubu Jjigae Americans in Korea Making Sundubu Jjigae Let Us Know How It Turned Out When you make sundubu jjigae at home, be sure to leave a comment on this blog or our video. We would love to hear how your dish turned out. Also, we love to hear about your adventures and experiences cooking these dishes at home. Follow KimchiRednecks If you are looking for other dishes (Korean or otherwise) or reviews of local restaurants, be sure to check out the KimchiRednecks channel. We also share a little behind the scenes in or our social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram. Join Pyeongtaek Food & Fun If you live in the Pyeongtaek area, share your cooking experience with us in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook group.  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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Learn to cook bulgogi along with American expats living in South Korea. Learning to cook the food of your second homeland is and delicious part of expat life.

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Want to learn more about the local farming culture? Visiting local farms is the perfect way to connect with your new home. About picking your own fruit in near Pyeongtaek, South Korea South Koreans love to visit farms with friends and families to pick their own fruit. Some farms charge an entry fee per person and then by the weight of fruit that you pick, while other farms may only charge for the weight of fruit you pick. Many even offer “all-you-can-eat” fruit while you pick fruit to go home. You can call 1330 to clarify the rules before visiting a farm. Both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base are located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. That means that all of the fruit-picking farms recommended in this blog are near Camp Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base. We recommend using Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to Navigate around Korea. Making Reservations for Fruit Picking You can make a reservation to pick-your-own fruit by using a bi-lingual concierge service. Since fruit picking is a popular activity in South Korea, you will need to make reservations at most farms – especially if you have a group or plan to go on the weekend. Making a reservation usually requires the ability to speak Korean or use Korean booking sites like Naver. Common fruit that you can pick in South Korea The common pick-your-own farms you can find across South Korea include: Pyeongtaek and surrounding areas have excellent pick-your-own farms because it’s a farming area with many old orchards and vines. Fruit picking seasons near Pyeongtaek Every fruit needs picked during a different time of year. You will want to confirm the season before visiting a farm because seasons can change based on the weather. These are the estimated seasons of each fruit: What to wear on your farm adventure It’s a farm. Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes that can get dirty, and take bug spray. Obviously, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are ideal yet many folks will still be dressed for Instagram. Just don’t get pressed if you get tons of bug bites and scratches picking fruit in a sundress. 7 most popular places to pick your own fruit near Pyeongtaek Watch these experience videos to learn more 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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You will love a date in Cheonan enjoying the arts and Greek food and gelato. The perfect date south of Seoul.

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