Written by Eun Kyng Seo, Ph.D., Licensed Professional Counselor(USA) The Role of Age in Korean Culture The first time I traveled to Hong Kong in 1996, I learned that asking age could be embarrassing in different cultures. In Korean society, age differentiates an individual’s roles and responsibilities, and this generates a rigid hierarchy system in family, work, and communities. If you have been in a Korean community, you might have experienced that elders have the authority to make decisions. Questioning their status and opinions can be considered as ill-mannered in…

Written by Minah Yoo, Canadian Certified Counselor The modern world encourages people to spend much more time on doing than being. From the moment we wake up in the morning we are often busy focusing on completing tasks until we finally go to bed. Very little time is spent on appreciating ourselves through the use of self-acceptance and self-compassion. Based on my experience as a mental health professional, I’ve learned that many people live under the pressure to be productive all the time. In fact, our society tells us that…

Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Past Results Voting has been completed. Thank you to all that voted. Why Do We Vote for the Best of Pyeontaek? Почему мы голосуем за Самый Лучший в Пентеке? Mostly we vote because it’s fun and has a positive impact on the community. You will also likely discover new places you didn’t know about while taking the poll. Additionally, despite the arbitrary nature of the term “best”, that’s the question on everyone’s mind when they arrive in South Korea. New international residents from around the world…

New Year’s Resolutions As a new year unfolds, you know the drill, you’ve bought the new, full-of-possibilities 2019 calendar and the focus becomes the new, healthier you. With all the excitement of a restart we cannot overlook the commencement of another year and feel inspired to do some reflection. How well have you taken care of yourself? What can you do differently this year? Reflective practice T.S. Eliot wrote, ”We had the experience but missed the meaning.” As mental health counselors, part of our job is to encourage and facilitate reflection…