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SOS Book Club Pick: The Picture Bride
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…
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Discover the Heartbeat of Korea: The Jeongseon Arirang Festival
Do you love connecting with Korea and exploring areas that many tourists don’t get to? Then head to this amazing Jeongseon Arirang Festival in Gangwon-do where you can learn about Korea’s most famous folk song in its birthplace. It’s the perfect adventure. Reasons to Attend Traditional Festivals Living and traveling in South Korea is more than taking in new scenery; it’s about immersing oneself in the culture, history, and traditions that you never thought to explore. For example, experiencing the cultural depth of Korea’s most famous song, Arirang, in its…
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What is the meaning of Arirang?
When you live or travel in Korea, you may hear people talk about ‘Arirang’ but what is the meaning? People may use this word in many different ways that leave you wondering, “Exactly what is this? What specific thing does ‘Arirang’ represent?” Well, it turns out, that Arirang could be many things and it started with a song. Keep reading to the end, it’s worth it. Arirang the Song The first meaning of “Arirang” is simple, it’s a song. In fact, it’s the most popular traditional folk song in Korea.…
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A Year to Learn Korean Cooking: Oi Naengguk
Discover the rich and comforting flavors of oi naengguk 오이냉국. As we continue to endure the summer heat, this cold cucumber soup offers a refreshing escape. Balancing tangy and savory, oi naengguk is a soup you will want to eat all summer long. 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 oi naengguk 오이냉국. Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. Time flies past faster than we can imagine.…
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Join the Market Fusion Events in Pyeongtaek
Looking for local events where you can get to know more people and connect with local resources? Give the Songtan Traditional Market Fusion Events a try! Join Us at Market Fusion: A Cultural Convergence Event! We invite you to attend the Songtan Traditional Market event series designed to bring our community together. The Market Fusion: Cultural Convergence Events are set against the vibrant backdrop of a Korean Traditional Market, this series promises to be an unforgettable blend of culture, learning, and fun! Songtan Market Fusion Event Details Why Attend Market…
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SOS Book Club Pick: Liar, Dreamer, Thief
Get ready for a gripping page turner. In Liar, Dreamer, Thief, the captivating debut novel by Maria Dong, readers are invited to embark on a journey where a mentally unstable woman uncovers a conspiracy. About The South Of Seoul Virtual Book Club Looking for book recommendations? Welcome to the South of Seoul book club. We recommend a book every month. Such recommended books explore topics like 1) South Korean history or culture, 2) the complexity of cross-cultural life, 4) the exploration of life within the diaspora experience, and 5) lenses on Korean culture…
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August K-Drama: Hotel del Luna
The South of Seoul K-drama for August is a popular series that aired in 2019, “Hotel del Luna.” This captivating South Korean fantasy-romance drama revolves around a mysterious hotel for spirits with unresolved grudges and emotions. 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…
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A Year to Learn Korean Cooking: Gamjajeon
Today let’s learn about cooking gamjajeon 감자전. Let’s explore the delectable flavors and traditions behind this savory and crispy potato pancake. This dish will leave your taste buds longing for more. About Gamjajeon 감자전 Gamjajeon, a traditional Korean dish, is a savory pancake ( jeon 전) made primarily from grated or finely chopped potatoes. The name “gamjajeon” is derived from “gamja” (감자), which means potato, and “jeon” (전), which refers to a type of Korean pancake. This is a very popular snack in Korea, whether as a side dish (banchan…
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Is Korea Child-Friendly?
Do you have kids? Want to know more about child-friendly life in Korea? Here is the inside scoop. Child-Friendly Every culture has different views of what the term ‘child-friendly’ means. Sometimes the definition even changes between families or people within a culture. This makes it complicated for unsuspecting international families who ask a group of international strangers the simple but complicated question, “Any child-friendly activities?” Over the years, South of Seoul volunteers like me have seen this simple request spark great debates and feelings of betrayal. Let’s be honest, anyone…
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Cafes and Bakeries, Dining & Drinks, Fun & Entertainment, Kids and Family, Korean Travel & Adventure, Tips of Living Your Best Life
10 Most Instagrammable Cafes Beyond Seoul
Looking for Instagrammable cafes with some serious WOW factor? I have visited hundreds of cafes across Korea and found the 10 most Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul. Visiting Cafes Beyond Seoul Here’s a list of my favorite photographable or Instagrammable cafes outside of Seoul. Yes, Seoul has many beautiful cafes, but so does the rest of Korea. While Seoul receives a great deal of well-deserved attention, Korea has so much more to experience if you venture further. Cafe Culture In Korea The cafe scene in Korea, much like the rest of…
