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About South Korean Health Care System, Culture & Community, Culture Shock Tips, Health care self advocacy, Maternal Health, Medical & Health, Mental Health Resources, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health, Tips of Living Your Best Life
Overcoming Language Barriers in Korean Healthcare: A Practical Guide
Have you ever needed to overcome a language barrier while accessing healthcare in Korea? Many of us have, even those who speak Korean somewhat fluently. Language barriers can be challenging but not impossible to navigate. This blog post offers some tips on how to overcome such language barriers that may help.
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Maesil-Cheong 매실청 (Korean Green Plum Syrup) Guide
Interested in learning more about making your own maesil-cheong? Here is a guide from expats living in Korea that will help you make your own at home. Our Journey with Maesil-Cheong Maesil-cheong (매실청), also known as maesilaek (매실액) was an ingredient that I never expected would capture the hearts of two rednecks here in Korea. When Chuck and I dove into learning how to cook Korean food, we spent a great deal of time reviewing online resources to figure out the intricacies of creating the amazing flavors we loved. We…
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1330 Free Helpline Use Case: Dog Owners in Korea
Are you a pet owner living in South Korea struggling to find resources? Elise, the founder and Admin for the Facebook group The Dog Lover’s Guide to South Korea shares one of her favorite resources, the FREE 1330 service. Read her post to learn how to use the app and examples of questions you can ask. What is 1330? The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is a free telephone and real-time chat service designed to assist people in Korea and those abroad planning a trip to Korea. This invaluable resource provides…
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Naver Maps v. Google Maps Culture Shock in Korea
Dealing with the culture shock around map apps might exist as one of the MOST frustrating parts of moving to Korea. We compiled a breakdown of the most common culture shock points communicated in our communities. Hopefully, the following information helps you 1) know what to expect when you arrive in Korea and 2) feel less alone with the struggle. We throw a few pro tips in as well. Naver Map Cultures Shock in Korea The culture shock around Naver maps primarily stems from the stress of learning something new…
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Best Phone Apps in Korea, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, Tourist and Traveler Welcome Packet, USA Military Welcome Packet
Naver Maps V. Google Maps in Korea
Feeling pressured to use Naver Maps (네이버 지도) instead of Google Maps while living in or visiting South Korea? Many valid reasons exist for this pressure. Time to explore the differences between these two map systems that provide different levels of access to information in Korea. Culture Shock Around Map Apps in Korea During our research in satisfaction with integration into South Korean life, we found technology important. For example, we found that a low adaptation to technology may negatively impact life satisfaction. Conversely, those who reported a high level…
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What is Papago?
Have you been asking what is Papago? Do you live in South Korea and need help navigating the language barrier? Let’s explore how this app developed specifically for translating to and from Korean could make your life easier. This might read like a paid ad, but it’s not. We just need folks in our community to know about Papago and all it’s features because it can directly improve quality of life. About Papago Papago is a translation app developed by Naver Corp. The app first launched in 2017 and has…
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5 Misconceptions About Korea’s Suneung (CSAT) Exam
As a public school teacher in South Korea, I’ve learned that the echo chamber of English language information about Suneung lacks detail. In fact, the English language research and information about the Suneung was so misleading I could find no ethically viable sources for my Master’s thesis. Therefore, I would like to reveal some misconceptions about Korea’s Suneung (CSAT) exam. The Suneung (CSAT) in Western Media and Literature In Western media and conversations, the Korean Suneung (College Scholastic Ability Test, or CSAT) often gets sensationalized. Researchers, YouTube creators, and blog…
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Finding the Right School for Your Child in Pyeongtaek
Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the hardest parts of moving to Pyeongtaek. Many parents ask, “Where can my child attend school in Pyeongtaek?” It’s one of the most common concerns for families moving to the area. Often, parents explore multiple options, sometimes choosing different schools for each child or changing their choice depending on the situation. Below are some of the most common schooling options in Pyeongtaek. Information Overview This post focuses on elementary through high school education options in Pyeongtaek. If you’re looking…
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Struggling with English Naver Maps? Here’s Why It Happens
Trying to use the Naver Maps app with the English interface? Struggling to find information? Noticing a weird lack of parking or Korean restaurants? English speakers in Korea encounter several common issues when using Naver Maps. In this post, we will talk about Naver Maps and how it handles English UX/UI and the data you search. We LOVE Naver Maps in Korean but we want to be honest about the issues for English language users. About Naver Maps Naver Maps is Korea’s most popular navigation app. Created by Naver Corp.,…
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Learn About Gochujang at the Songtan Market
Do you want to learn more about gochujang? What is its history, how it’s made, and what is it used for? Recently South of Seoul volunteers had the great privilege of helping host a Traditional Market Vendor Visit at the Songtan Market in Pyeongtaek-si. The evening included a brief lecture on the history of gochujang, a visit to a market noodle restaurant for a gochujang-making demonstration, and a gochujang sampling session. Here is what we learned. About Gochujang Gochujang (고추장), the vibrant red chili paste, is not just a culinary…
