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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Do you love a fun festival on a beautiful fall day? Don’t miss the fall festivals across South Korea. If you already know about festival culture in South Korea, click here to jump to the festival list. Fall in South Korea Many consider Autumn in South Korea as September, October, and November. Therefore, we have selected festivals ranging from September to November for our Fall Festivals list. During these months the weather quickly changes, the leaves turn, and the cold weather begins to move in. South of Seoul volunteers choose to combine fall 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 Fall Festivals in South Korea During the fall months, Korea loves to host festivals. The weather tends to cooperate and people are excited about being outside. Some festivals may be promoted nationally and internationally while others may only be promoted in the neighborhood or city hosting the event. 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 cueing to park. Festival Events and Activities South Korea has its own festival culture. They do not base their festival experience off of the 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 into 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 Fall 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. Locally Promoted Fall 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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Today let’s learn about cooking kimchijeon 김치전. Let’s take a mouthwatering journey as we explore the savory delights of Kimchijeon – the irresistible Korean Kimchi Pancake. 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 kimchijeon 김치전.  Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. 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 Kimchijeon 김치전 Kimchijeon 김치전 is also referred to as kimchi buchimgae 김치부침개. This traditional Korean pancake, infused with the bold flavors of kimchi, is crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with tangy kimchi goodness. Also, many versions of kimchijeon exist that include other vegetables or meats. Often served as a banchan (side dish) or snack, Koreans like to enjoy kimchijeon and makgeolli on rainy days or as a comfort food. Cultural Significance This savory kimchi pancake is culturally significant in Korea. It represents a blend of tradition, resourcefulness, and community. Also, kimchijeon celebrates the rich flavors of kimchi while embodying the values of Korean culture. Not only is this a popular street food and bar food, but it is also a common dish enjoyed at home. Since most Korean homes have kimchi available, this delicious pancake can be made very quickly with just a few ingredients. Therefore, its accessibility and versatility make it a staple in Korean cuisine. Ingredients The primary ingredient in kimchijeon is, of course, kimchi. Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, primarily cabbage and radishes, mixed with a blend of seasonings, including garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and salt. When you are cooking with kimchi, you want to use an aged kimchi, referred to as mugeunji 묵은지. Fermented kimchi is best when cooking because it has had time to develop deep flavors. Whereas fresh kimchi is great as a banchan and should be eaten right away. To make kimchijeon, the kimchi is typically chopped or thinly sliced. Then, the kimchi gets mixed with a batter. There are commercial pancake frying mixes (buchim garu 부침가루) available or you can choose to make your own batter. Additional ingredients such as green onions, garlic, and various seasonings are often added to enhance flavor. Also, you can add seafood, beef or pork to the mixture if you want some extra flavor. Our First Experience with Kimchijeon 김치전 Neither Chuck or I can remember our first experience having kimchijeon. Although, we know that we have had it a few times while out with friends, neither of us can pinpoint the exact time. However, we both love all types of jeon and knew that we wanted to make this dish at home. Prior to our first time cooking kimchijeon (in our video), we did some research to find ways of making it. One thing I enjoy doing prior to cooking a dish is reviewing several videos and recipes for tips and tricks on how to make the best version of it. Therefore, I spent some time reviewing options and finally decided on our version. Hurdles in Cooking Kimchijeon 김치전 Making kimchijeon can present a few challenges even though it is not a complicated dish. Here are some common hurdles you might encounter when making kimchijeon: Despite these challenges, making kimchijeon can be a rewarding culinary experience. With practice, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn from any mistakes, you can overcome these hurdles and create a delicious dish that celebrates the flavors of kimchi. Tips For A Tasty Kimchi Pancake After our research, we found a few tips for making your kimchijeon more tasty. Try one or all of these tips for a flavorful kimchi pancake! We hope you find much success in your adventures making kimchijeon. Experiment with it and make it your own. One of the best things about cooking is learning more about what works together and what doesn’t. We enjoy playing with our foods and making dishes that incorporate the foods we love. Above all, have fun in the kitchen. Three Kimchijeon Videos to Watch Are you ready to tackle the challenge of making kimchijeon 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 Kimchijeon Korean American Making Kimchijeon Americans in Korea Making Kimchijeon Let Us Know How It Turned Out When you make kimchijeon 김치전 at home, be sure to leave a comment on this blog or our video. We would love to hear how your dish turned out. 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 Korean cooking experiences with us in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook group.  Try More Recipies In Our Year To Learn Korean Cooking Series We have many more Korean recipes that will make your life in Korea more delicious. 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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Today let’s learn about cooking galbi jjim (갈비찜) at home! This dish is one of Korea’s most popular. More like a stew comprised of braised beef short ribs and vegetables, the sweet and savory flavor is one that will have you adding it to your regular meal rotation. About the South of Seoul “A Year to Learn Korean Cooking’ Series Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. However, 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 Galbi jjim Galbi jjim is a delicious braised beef short rib with vegetable dish. Although this dish is most often made with beef ribs, it can also be made with pork short ribs, referred to as dweji galbi jjim 돼지갈비찜. The most common vegetables included in this dish are Korean radish, potatoes, mushrooms, and carrots. However, there are many variations of this dish and recipes that use other vegetables as well. The sauce for galbi jjim has a delicious sweet, savory, and nutty flavor. Additionally, adding gochugaru to this dish can kick up the heat for some spice! The meat just falls off the bone, and the vegetables have a fabulous texture. On the whole, this dish has such a depth of flavor that it will make you want to eat it all the time. Traditionally, galbi jjim is served during Seollal, Chuseok, family birthday celebrations, and wedding receptions. Typically made from the center part of the ribs, many Koreans considered this dish high-class. Furthermore, if you are in the Daegu area in the district of Dongin-dong, check out the street known for being the place for the tastiest galbi jjim. Biggest Hurdle in Cooking Galbi Jjim Even though beef short ribs are expensive, it is vital to choose good quality short ribs for this recipe. Definitely select ones with a lot of meat still attached to the ribs. Moreover, it is critical to soak and blanch the ribs to remove as much blood as possible. Although it may seem a hassle to wash and blanch the ribs, failing to do so might give the dish an off-putting odor. This dish takes a bit of time to cook but the end result is worth all of the labor. Three Recommended Cooking Galbi jjim Videos to Watch Our first experience was this dish came at Chuseok one year. Our excellent Korean neighbor brought some of their Chuseok goodies to share when they returned from their family visits. Chuck and I thought it tasted like a fantastic version of Korean pot roast but with higher quality meat. Since this dish is often made for special occasions, many recipes and videos exist to help you make your favorite version. Variations of the recipes have been made for Instant Pot and slow cookers. Korean American Cooking Galbi jjim Korean Cooking Galbi jjim American in Korea Cooking Galbi jjim Let Us Know How It Turns Out When you make galbi jjim 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. 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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Do you want to celebrate Chuseok in Korea but you don’t know how? Maybe you don’t have a Korean family or this is your first year in Korea? Here is how you can create a Chuseok menu at home using Traditional Markets and learning a few recipes. Let’s go, we promise it will be fun! About Chuseok Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving, is one of the most significant and festive holidays in South Korea. However, calling the holiday “Thanksgiving” may feel misleading when you first experience the holiday while living in the country. Chuseok may feel more like a mix between Mexico’s Day of the Dead and Thanksgiving, but private. This is not generally a day for huge groups of strangers to get together and celebrate, instead, families come together for family-related cultural rituals regarding deceased relatives. Such rituals occur in the home of grandparents and at ancestral grave sites. This often requires people to travel to other parts of the country to stay with family. Let’s take a deeper look at the meaning of Chuseok traditionally and how such traditions may impact international residents living in Korea. How Chuseok is Generally Explained The generic explanation of Chuseok explains that the holiday has an agricultural history. During Chuseok families come together and share a feast in celebration of the harvest season. The Chuseok meal represents abundance and prosperity, but many of its dishes are also steeped in history and symbolism. All of this is true but you need to know more to connect with the holiday while living in South Korea. Also, if you don’t know more you may feel alienated during Chuseok because you feel left out due to lack of invitations to friends’ homes. The History Behind Chuseok Meals The history of the Chuseok meal traces back to Korea’s agrarian roots, where the holiday became a way to express gratitude to ancestors for their blessings. As with many traditional holidays around the world, food played (and still plays) a central role in Chuseok celebrations. Families gather to perform ancestral ‘Jesa’ rites known as ‘Charye,‘ where they present offerings of freshly harvested food to their ancestors. This practice underscores the deep respect Koreans have for their ancestors and the role they believe they play in bringing about a successful harvest. Invitations to Chuseok Rituals It’s rare to invite non-family members to Chuseok rituals, but not unheard of. The invitation usually comes from close friends. More often than not, international residents may be invited to a day of cooking but not attend the family ceremony. Koreans don’t avoid inviting people to Chuseok to make people feel excluded. It simply seems odd and uncomfortable to invite a non-family member to share intimate time at the grave of a deceased parent or grandparent. The ritual is part of Jesa. Even if you don’t attend Jesa, it’s socially important to know about it in detail if you live in Korea. The Soul of Seoul has an exceptional series of blog posts about the Chuseok Jesa traditions. We highly recommend reading all of her posts on the topic. She has lived in Korea for over a decade and is married with a family. The following posts by Seoul of Seoul cover everything international residents need to know: Invitations to Cook Chuseok Food As previously mentioned, Koreans may invite their international friends to help with the Chuseok cooking the days before the ritual. However, this invitation may not occur as often as most international residents would like. It often requires a lot of dropping hints or asking for an invitation from a close friend. However, don’t be surprised if your request to help with the Chuseok cooking gets turned down. Such requests to help cook for Chuseok get denied for good reason. Cooking for Chuseok often takes one or two days in the best conditions. When you invite people to help who have no idea what they are doing, an already hard task feels overwhelmingly exhausting. Not only must you cook the meal but now you must teach a person who doesn’t share your language. Additionally, as with most cultural rituals around the world, the work for Chuseok falls on the shoulders of women who are exhausted. The thought of managing the language barriers and different cooking traditions of international residents for 12 hours can be too much. They just need the job done without extra work added. They don’t even let their kids help. To put it in perspective, think about your own family holiday home. Would it “help” your mom cook Thanksgiving dinner to bring home a stranger who doesn’t speak your language, and who has never seen a turkey? No, it’s overwhelming and a lot of work. Consider this if you get an invitation to help with the Chuseok dinner. Korean life is not for cultural entertainment it’s real life with real tired people. Do your research before you show up to help cook and be humble when they tell you that you are doing it all wrong because you are doing it all wrong. Our invitations to help prepare Chuseok dinner only came after we had learned to cook other things together for a few years. We basically went through a screening process. Celebrating Chuseok in Your Immigrant Home So, maybe you don’t get invited into a Korean home for Chuseok but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! You can easily create this holiday meal at home for your family without performing a Jesa. In fact, taking part in the Chuseok meal in your international home can create a stronger sense of belonging in Korea. So let’s get into how you can make a Chuseok meal happen. About Chuseok Food The food items on the Chuseok Table Food List will generally be fried or preserved with oil, salt, sugar, and soy sauce. This is because, traditionally speaking, Chuseok food needed to travel well for Jesa ceremonies during a time when people didn’t have refrigeration. Therefore, such food recipes use oil, salt, sugar, and soy sauce which 1) slows how fast food spoils and 2) improves the taste of food over time. Therefore you will need heavily marinated meats, fried foods, and kimchis. It’s important to know about the high oil, salt, sugar, and fermentation content. Since the Chuseok table tends to be filled with rich food and complex flavors, it may take a few tries to find what your family likes. Just like every holiday table in your country has different recipes for holiday foods, so does Korea. Start With One Recipe Start off easy with Chuseok dinner and try cooking only one thing from scratch your first year. You don’t need to cook for 1-2 days to celebrate Chuseok. Since you don’t have family recipes passed down through the generations, you get to start from zero and use simple solutions. For your first Chuseok meal, choose one thing to cook from scratch and source the rest from a traditional market. Below we will provide a list of foods so you can’t pick the item you want to start with and then get the rest pre-made. Shop At Traditional Markets Traditional Markets offer everything you need for a simple or complex Chuseok meal. Korea is a modern society with two busy parents who can’t take days off to cook. This means that traditional markets start putting out all their Chuseok dishes in the 2-3 days leading up to the holiday. Chuseok Table Food List Now that we understand some of the traditions that inform the Cuseok menu, let’s explore what recipes and foods may go on a Chuseok table: Jeon (전) Jeon is a MUST and easy to get at traditional markets. These are savory Korean pancakes made from various ingredients, including vegetables, meat, and seafood, which are coated in a light batter and pan-fried. Historically, Jeon was a luxury item prepared for ancestral rites, as the process of making them was considered time-consuming and costly. Pro-Tip: Fry Chuseok jeon again when you eat. This style of jeon is meant to be cooked twice. Don’t simply unwrap it and put it on the table. Put a little oil in your pan and finish frying. If you would like to prepare the jeon yourself your day will look much like this: Japchae (잡채) Japchae is deceptively complex to make but many like to start with this popular Chuseok dish. A sumptuous dish of stir-fried glass noodles with vegetables and sometimes beef or mushrooms. Japchae translates to “a mixture of vegetables,” and it’s often served during special occasions because of its rich ingredients and colorful presentation, symbolizing a harmonious life. The Kimchi Rednecks have a great post on South of Seoul for anyone who wants to start with this Chuseok menu item: Marinated Meats Koreans often choose the featured meat for the Chuseok menu based on the family’s personal choice or the favorite choice of the deceased. Some popular options that I have experienced include: Galbi-jjim (갈비찜) Traditional A hearty braised short rib dish, Galbi-jjim is made with beef or pork ribs simmered in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, sugar, and various aromatic ingredients. This dish represents wealth and opulence, and during Chuseok, it serves as a meaty centerpiece on the dining table. The Kimchi Rednecks have a great post on South of Seoul for anyone who wants to start with this dish: LA Galbi We eat LA Galbi regularly for Chuseok menu at our house. LA Galbi, a variation of traditional Korean galbi (grilled ribs), refers to beef short ribs cut thinly across the bone, allowing for quicker cooking. This cut was popularized in Los Angeles by Korean immigrants, hence the name “LA Galbi.” Marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and Asian pear, these ribs are grilled to perfection, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet taste with a tender texture. Popular both in Korea and abroad, LA Galbi is a delightful fusion of traditional Korean flavors adapted to contemporary cooking methods. Bulgogi Bulgogi is one of South Korea’s most well-known dishes. The name “bulgogi” translates to “fire meat,” which aptly describes the cooking process of grilling marinated meat slices. Traditionally made from thinly sliced beef, the meat is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and sometimes pureed pear, which not only adds sweetness but also tenderizes the meat. This is easy to find at local markets and might be a great place to start your first Chuseok. Fried Fish (Gulbi) Fried fish, especially the yellow croaker, is a prominent feature on the Chuseok menu. Historically, regions close to the sea would catch and dry these fish in preparation for Chuseok, and they would be consumed after frying. The dried fish, known as ‘Gulbi’, is particularly treasured for its crispy exterior and tender inside when fried. The preparation and consumption of fried fish during Chuseok symbolizes abundance and the blessings of the sea. Additionally, it serves as a connection between Korea’s coastal and agricultural communities, showcasing the harmony between land and sea. At least that’s what the internet tells me. Namul (나물) Namul refers to a variety of seasoned and sautéed vegetable dishes. Common Chuseok menu ingredients include spinach, bean sprouts, and fernbrake. Historically, Namul dishes have been staples in Korean cuisine, especially during times when meat was scarce. These dishes symbolize sustainability and the vitality of the Korean spirit. Hangwa (한과) A traditional Korean sweet treat, Hangwa includes various sweets made from rice flour, honey, fruits, and roots. These treats are not only delicious but are also visually stunning, often crafted into artistic shapes and designs. Hangwa symbolizes happiness and the wish for a sweet life. These are nice to have on the Chuseok menu but maybe just a few. Songpyeon (송편) Arguably the most iconic Chuseok dish, Songpyeon is a type of rice cake made from glutinous rice. These small, crescent-shaped cakes are typically filled with ingredients like sweetened sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnuts. Once filled, they...

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Visit Pyeongtaek during Chuseok and eat all the delicious international food without the crowds or giant price tags. Where to Visit in Pyeongtaek During Chuseok International residents living in Pyeongtaek have far more options over the Chuseok holiday than other areas of South Korea. Due to the presence of two US Military Bases, Camp Humphreys Army base and Osan Air Force Base, a few neighborhoods in Pyeongtaek-si remain open throughout the holiday week. Does this mean every business in Pyeongtaek remains open during Chuseok? It does not, but more places than in other cities. In fact, there are four primary places you can go over the holiday weekend. Businesses that serve Pyeongtaek’s international residents are the most likely businesses to remain open. Don’t even worry! There will be plenty to do if you know where to look! Sinjang-dong near Osan Air Force Base The neighborhood in front of Osan Air Force Base, also known as the SED by those associated with the Air Force, remains busy during the Chuseok holiday. Many businesses are owned and staffed by international community members who don’t celebrate local holidays. Many Korean families will also visit the area during Chuseok since the businesses around their homes may be closed for the holiday. This can often give the streets in front of Osan Air Force base a slightly festive and fun feel during Chuseok. Anjeong-ri Near Camp Humphreys Much of the neighborhood in front of Camp Humphreys also stays open during Chuseok. The crowd in this area tends to be mostly US Army during the Chuseok holiday as families may stay home to avoid the extensive traffic during the Chuseok Holiday. It is often a quiet and easygoing place to visit during the holiday time. Sosabeol Sosbeol is one of Pyeongtaek’s favorite neighborhoods for hanging out. That means many businesses remain open over the Chuseok holiday, even on Chuseok itself. Folks from across the Pyeongtaek will often head to Sosabeol to spend some time outside the house. Korean society is ever-changing and the younger generation enjoys meeting up with friends after the day with family. Not every business will be open, but many will. Additionally, Sosabeol businesses may have modified hours and open late in the day (after 5pm) or close early. Visit Sosabeol with an open mind and use Chuseok as a chance to try something new! Read Two More Important Blogs About Chuseok! There is more to know about Chuseok! Be sure to read these two blogs as well Supporting & Celebrating Chuseok Things to Do in or Near Pyeongtaek Over Chuseok 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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Who doesn’t love the holidays? One of the coolest parts about being an expat is that you get to celebrate even more of them than you did at home! One of the biggest of the year in South Korea is Chuseok. It’s like Thanksgiving and Christmas all rolled into one. Everyone is gives each other gifts and there is a huge harvest festival meal that families share together. How long does it last? Chuseok (Like Christmas and Thanksgiving) is only one day, but the holiday is between 4 -7 days in length depending on the year. Businesses might be closed 1-7 days depending on their family commitments. When is Chuseok? The date of Chuseok changes since it is based on the Lunar Calendar. It happens in either September or October. How does Chuseok affect my life? Almost the entire country closes on Chuseok. Everyone is home with their families just like we are on Christmas and Thanksgiving. That means you need to do your banking, grocery shopping, and what not ahead of time. Traveling traffic will be CRAZY! We never recommend traveling over Chuseok unless you are with a planned travel group. They will make sure you are fed, have a place to stay, and get to where you need to be. Everyone else will be stuck in traffic jams that stretch across the county. I you do plan on doing a road trip, the best times to drive to get somewhere are 11pm-6am. Bus and train tickets will be limited. If you haven’t bought your tickets already, don’t expect to get anywhere on a train. You might have better luck with buses. However, getting anywhere on Chuseok requires a lot of luck. Airports. Get there as early as you can. The lines and traffic can be crazy. What is unique about Chuseok in Pyeongtaek Due to the fact we have two US Military bases in Pyeongtaek – plus many Koreans live here far away from their families – we have three neighborhoods that have some businesses open during the holiday: 1) Anjeong-ri (Paengseong near Camp Humphreys, 2) Sinjang-dong (Songtan near Osan Air Force Base), and 3) Sosabeol. How can we participate in Chuseok? Gift giving is a big part of the season. If you want to join in the fun, buy a Chuseok gift box and give it to your Korean friends, real estate agent, etc. They will feel the love big time! It feels just like Christmas. Spam is a hugely popular Chuseok gift. Visit a business that is open for you. A HUGE thing you can do is visit businesses that are open for your convenience. Remember that these business owners are missing important time-off with family to help make your life more comfortable in Korea. Take them a present (like a coffee or juice from a mart) and tell them, “Thank you and Happy Chuseok!” Send Chuseok messages. If you have Kakao there are all kinds of cute Chuseok characters that we all send them to your real estate agent, shop owners, and friends (just like Christmas or Thanksgiving in the states). It makes you feel wonderfully warm and fuzzy to get these messages. Support business owners being with family and tell them how glad you are they took care of themselves. I think we can agree that it’s better when people take off the holidays and spend time with loved ones. Support the tradition of Chuseok by planning ahead, not complaining when things are uncomfortable for 48 hours, and celebrating what matters most – family. How is Chuseok Changing? Just like this US, holidays are becoming more commercial. More and more places across the country are staying open on the holiday weekend. Mostly in major cities. Change is inevitable. We know you will learn to love Chuseok once you understand the spirit of things. Read more articles on it. Watch some YouTube videos and embrace this wonderful new holiday you get to add to your life. Two More Blogs You Should Read About Chuseok in Pyeongtaek Planning Things to Do for Chuseok in Pyeongtaek Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhoods for Chuseok 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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Types of Activities to Consider During the Holiday Chuseok is a great time to get outside! The weather is often gorgeous since the summer heat has faded and a cool breeze often blows across the rice paddies. Since restaurants in the area you are interested in might be closed, it is a great time to plan a picnic! Also join the Pyeongtaek Food and Fun Facebook group to find out more information about what is happening in the area. 7 Things to Do in or Near Pyeongtaek Over Chuseok Visit one of Pyeongtaek’s many wonderful parks. Over Chuseok the Sosabeol parks are a great choice since a variety of businesses remain open in the area. Grab the kids and go for a long bike ride together on one of the many river bike paths. The Pyeongtaek Lake Recreation Area businesses will mostly be closed, which makes it the perfect spot for a Chuseok picnic with friends. You can’t BBQ in the park but you can certainly pack some sandwiches and head that way. Hiking is always a great choice over the Chuseok holiday. Maybe it’s time to try a new trail. We recommend the Jangan Hiking and Biking trails because they are only about a 20-minute drive from Sinjang-dong (near Osan Air Force Base) which has many businesses that remain open during the Chuseok holiday. You can find more local Pyeongtaek hikes in the South of Seoul app by searching “hike” or “hiking” There are actually two bowling alleys in Sosabeol that will be open throughout the Chuseok week, this one is the most visually fun! You can download the South of Seoul app to discover more stuff to do in Sosabeol. Many Sosabeol places are open throughout Chuseok. Maybe it is time you gave the skate park in Godeok a try. The skating area isn’t huge, but the park is gorgeous and skateboarding or inline skating makes any week better! You can easily bring a picnic here! Be warned, the area has not officially opened, which means access to the park can be tricky. Prepare to drive around a little before you figure it out. When in doubt, you can always go to the mall! Grab the family and head to Anseong to enjoy the malls many restaurants and activities. Read Two More Important Blogs About Chuseok! There is more to know about Chuseok! Be sure to read these two blogs as well Supporting & Celebrating Chuseok Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhoods for Chuseok 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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Discover the untold stories of courage, love, and cultural clash in Lee Geum-yi’s “The Picture Bride,” as we journey through the hearts of Korean immigrants in early 20th-century America. This powerful and emotionally charged novel invites readers into the intimate world of Korean picture brides during the early 20th century. About the South of Seoul Book Club If you are familiar with the series, skip ahead to learn more about “The Picture Bride.” Commitment to Accessibility South of Seoul volunteers take book accessibility into consideration when recommending titles. We consider: Commitment to Diverse Lived Experiences South of Seoul volunteers seek to put lived experiences at the forefront of their recommendation choices. When considering authors we look for such things as: Reading about Korean culture from a variety of perspectives may provide readers with a greater understanding of the country and culture. Commitment to Supporting Mental Health South of Seoul also includes book recommendations that support the lives and mental health of our community. This means that books may tackle the issues related to living between cultures. This may include topics such as culture shock, language, relationships, and more. Book Recommendation By Melissa Edwards-Whittington September’s South of Seoul Book Club recommendation, “The Picture Bride” is brought to you by Melissa Edwards-Whittington of the KimchiRednecks. Edwards-Whittington has lived in Korea since 2017. She and her husband, Chuck, formed the KimchiRednecks YouTube channel to give people living outside of Korea or those coming to Korea, a glimpse of life here in Korea. Together with their three shih tzus, they post weekly videos about places to eat, things to cook, places to visit, or life in general living in Korea. The History Behind Picture Brides The book centers around Korean Immigrants to Hawai’i. The first wave of Korean immigration to the United States began in the late 19th century, with most immigrants coming from the southern provinces of Jeolla and Gyeongsang. These early immigrants were mostly males who came to the United States for work. However, they faced many challenges, including discrimination, language barriers, and employer exploitation. As they settled in the U.S., they sought to establish families and maintain their Korean cultural ties. Additionally, during that time, Asian women could not easily immigrate to the US. They couldn’t immigrate because the United States enacted restrictive immigration laws, such as the Page Act of 1875 and the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Due to this, Asian females were effectively banned from entering the country. These laws created a gender imbalance within the Korean immigrant community. Therefore, to address the shortage of Korean females in the U.S., some Korean immigrants turned to matchmaking agencies in Korea and the United States. Through these agencies, Koreans could exchange photographs and correspondence, allowing them to choose prospective spouses before meeting in person. The Term “Picture Bride” The term “picture bride” comes from Korean females sending such photographs of themselves to potential husbands in the United States. These photographs served as a form of introduction, allowing couples to become familiar with each other before marriage. For many picture brides, the journey to the United States brought many challenges, including language barriers and cultural differences. Also, they often faced difficult living conditions and had to adapt to a new way of life in a foreign land. The legacy of Korean picture brides is significant. Their stories of perseverance, resilience, and cultural adaptation highlight the strength of immigrant communities in the face of adversity. In recent years, scholars and authors like Lee Geum-yi have explored the experiences of Korean picture brides in literature and research. Therefore, they have shed light on this lesser-known aspect of Korean and Asian American history. Finally, their stories serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the complexities of identity and love. For a more detailed look at picture brides, check the YouTube links below and this article from The Korea Times. About The Author of “The Picture Bride” The author of “The Picture Bride,” Lee Geum-yi, is a South Korean author. She is well-known for her literary works, often exploring themes related to Korean culture, history, identity, and women’s experiences. Lee Geum-yi’s ability to capture the nuances of human experiences has earned her recognition among readers and scholars interested in Korean literature and the immigrant experience. Therefore, her work resonates with audiences, shedding light on important aspects of Korean history. My Experience Reading “The Picture Bride” Prior to reading “The Picture Bride,” I was unaware of the history attached to this story. The story is beautifully written and informative. Therefore, I was able to immerse myself in the lives of the picture brides in the story. Life in Korea in the 1900s offered few opportunities for Korean females to better themselves. At this time, Korean males had immigrated to the US, specifically Hawaii, for work opportunities. However, the males find themselves alone and want to have companionship and families. Therefore, they consulted matchmakers to find brides for them from their homes. The story centers around Willow, a young Korean woman whose father died fighting the Japanese. Due to the family’s circumstances, she also has to drop out of school and help her mother with the family and business. One day the Pusan Ajumma tells Willow and her mother about life in Hawaii. Willow is told her future husband owns the land and she will be able to go back to school. Since the job of the matchmaker was to ensure the match, the stories Willow hears are to entice her to agree to the marriage. The novel shows us the lives of several picture brides, from the time that they are preparing to meet their future spouses to the reality of the lives that they will live in Hawaii. However, the Pusan ajumma sold the women lies. Through deception and broken dreams, the picture brides develop a sisterhood. It is a beautiful story of these women who persevere in spite of the lies that they were told to build their lives. Main Theme of “The Picture Bride” The main theme of “The Picture Bride” by Lee Geum-yi is the exploration of the challenges and complexities faced by Korean picture brides as they navigate the journey of immigration to the United States in the early 20th century. While the novel touches on several important themes, including love, identity, and cultural clash, the overarching theme revolves around the experiences of these women as they leave their homeland and embark on a new life in a foreign country. In essence, the main theme of “The Picture Bride” revolves around the challenges, sacrifices, and transformations experienced by Korean picture brides as they navigate the journey of immigration and adaptation to a new country. This theme highlights their resilience, inner strength, and the enduring impact of their experiences on the Korean-American community and their descendants. More Commentary And Reviews On “The Picture Bride” The above review contains my thoughts and opinions. However, make sure to read other reviews to have a more rounded perspective toward the book. We all come to each story with our own social/cultural lens. Therefore, others may have perceived this book in a different manner and may help you decide if this is the book for you. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23141766.review-picture-bride-lee-geum-yi-scribe/ https://www.betterreading.com.au/review/qa-lee-geum-yi-author-of-the-picture-bride/ Online Purchasing Link You can purchase The Picture Bride by Lee Geum-yi in English on Amazon. Find More Book Club Recommendations Did you like this recommendation? Be sure to explore our other volunteer-recommended books. South of Seoul Book Club List for 2023 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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The South of Seoul K-drama for September is a popular series that began airing in 2020, “The Uncanny Counter.” This gripping Korean drama follows a group of demon hunters with extraordinary abilities. While navigating their own personal struggles, they protect the human world from malevolent spirits. Let’s learn more about this K-drama and find out why it was so popular. 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. About “The Uncanny Counter” “The Uncanny Counter” (경이로운 소문) is a South Korean television show that aired its first season in 2020 on OCN Network. Season 2 of the drama was released on tvN in July of 2023. The drama is based on a webtoon by Jang Yi, Amazing Rumor. The story centers around the main character, So Mun, a high school student with a disability. He is enlisted to become part of the Counters, a secret group tasked with hunting down evil spirits that have escaped the afterlife and now inhabit human bodies. The Counters work at a noodle shop, Eonni’s Noodles, which serves as their hideout. The series explores themes of supernatural action, personal growth, and the moral complexities of their mission, all while delving into the backstories and character development of the main protagonists. It combines elements of action, fantasy, and drama to create a thrilling and emotionally engaging storyline. About the Drama’s Success With the final episode of “The Uncanny Counter” scoring the highest network viewership rating in 2020, the network immediately made plans for a second season of the drama. As season two premiered to higher ratings than season one, it seems to have been the right choice. In addition to local success, the drama has a substantial international following due to the availability of subtitles in multiple languages. “The Uncanny Counter” was praised for its unique premise, blending supernatural elements with action and drama. Its well-crafted storyline, intriguing mysteries, and character development kept viewers hooked. Also, the drama generated significant buzz on social media platforms, with fans sharing their excitement, discussing plot developments, and creating fan content. As for awards, “The Uncanny Counter” has one award from season 1. Yeom Hye-ran, who plays Chu Mae-ok, won Best Supporting Actress at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards in 2021. About the Drama’s Themes The central theme of “The Uncanny Counter” is the battle between good and evil, particularly in the context of supernatural forces. Throughout the series, they confront the external evil spirits and their inner struggles and question their mission. The theme of good vs. evil is central to the show’s narrative, character development, and the conflict that drives the plot. In addition to the battle of good and evil, the themes of seeking justice, revenge, forgiveness, and redemption are present in the drama. Many characters in the series have experienced personal tragedies and injustices. The theme of seeking justice and, in some cases, revenge is prevalent as characters confront their pasts and the wrongs committed against them. Also, the show explores the idea of redemption, both for the spirits the Counters encounter and certain characters who have made mistakes in their pasts. Forgiveness and the possibility of redemption play significant roles in character development. The Music of “The Uncanny Counter” Whenever a new, popular K-drama hits the screen you hear the music everywhere. Take the time to become familiar with the track list and maybe even memorize one for the norae-bang. This will make you an absolute superstar at social gatherings. Below is a YouTube video with the Original Soundtrack from “The Uncanny Counter.” 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 The Uncanny Counter?” creates a wonderful feeling of connectedness to the world around you. Behind the Scenes Footage of “The Uncanny Counter” After watching the K-drama and becoming familiar with the songs, it’s time to learn more about the cast. Watching the cast in behind-the-scenes footage or interviews can help you recognize the actors and actresses in new dramas or advertisements nationwide. Therefore, knowing about the cast enables you to create a language for understanding the visual world around you. Also, it is fun to watch behind-the-scenes footage and interviews where you can see glimpses of the creation of the drama and the interactions of the actors/actresses on set. The Food of “The Uncanny Counter” The main hideout for the Counters in “The Uncanny Counter” is Eonni’s Noodles. This noodle shop is a kalguksu shop. The main dish served there is janchi guksu 잔치국수, a warm noodle dish with thin wheat noodles served in a clear, savory broth and garnished with fresh vegetables. If you want to visit the location of Eonni’s Noodles, it is located in Suwon, Haenggung Mansion, a local cafe. 2023 K-Drama 101 Recommendations You can find more popular K-Drama recommendations on the K-Drama 101 recommendations list for 2023. Each month in 2023, we will dig into each of our K-Drama recommendations to give you in-depth information about the series. 2023 K-Drama Reviews Did you like this drama review? Catch up on the other South of Seoul Dramas reviewed and recommend in 2023. Additional Drama Related Blogs If you find yourself falling in love with dramas like so many before you, you may also enjoy these other South of Seoul Blogs: 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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