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Start Gardening in Korea for Mental Health
Do you love houseplants, growing your own tomatoes, and learning about the world around you? Taking up gardening in South Korea may improve your mood and help you feel at home. 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. My…
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SOS Book Club Pick: When We Fell Apart
When We Fell Apart is an unusual book recommendation since the reader actually did not like the book itself. However, the reader did find value in reading the book because it draws attention to different perspectives on Korea – especially when read alongside books translated by Korean authors born and raised in Korea. 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,…
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Celebrate Holidays in Korea
So you moved to South Korea, what will your holidays look like now? Do you start celebrating local holidays or do you import your own traditions? These are questions we all need to explore when we become residents of a new country with a new culture. The following blog post digs into what it means to adapt to Korea’s holidays while also considering your own. Holiday Adaptation v. Cultural Appropriation It’s not intrinsically cultural appropriation to follow the holiday practices of the country you live in. So, let’s talk about…
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Constitution Day in Korea 제헌절
Wondering about Constitution Day 제헌절 in Korea? Then, here is a quick overview of this holiday celebrating the proclamation of the constitution for Korea. The following post doesn’t just explain the holiday meaning, it also provides insight into how the holiday may be celebrated and how you can incorporate the holiday into your life as an ex-pats living in South Korea. About Constitution Day 제헌절 Constitution Day 제헌절 is a national holiday but it is NOT a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried…
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Memorial Day in Korea 현충일
Wondering about Korean Memorial Day (현충일 Hyunchungil) in Korea? Have a quick look at this national holiday observed on June 6th. The following post doesn’t just explain the holiday meaning, it also provides insight into how the holiday may be celebrated and how you can incorporate the holiday into your life as an ex-pats living in South Korea. About Memorial Day 현충일 In South Korea, Memorial Day referred to as Hyunchungil 현충일 is considered a “red day” or public holiday. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid…
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National Liberation Day in Korea 광복절
Wondering about National Liberation Day (광복절 Gwangbokjeol) in Korea? Then, here is a quick overview of this holiday celebrating the country’s independence from Japanese colonial rule. The post includes information for those visiting South Korea and those living in the country wishing to make the holidays a part of their lives. About National Liberation Day 광복절 National Liberation Day (광복절 Gwangbokjeol) is a ‘red day’ or public holiday on the Korean calendar. A ‘red day’ means that salaried employees have a paid day off for National Liberation Day, a Korean public holiday celebrated on…
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March K-Drama: Moon Lovers, Scarlet Heart Ryeo
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…
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A Year to Learn Korean Cooking: Sundubu Jjigae
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…
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My Perfect Korean February
For me, February feels like it’s over before it’s even begun. Usually, I’m trying to fit in travel time, a few last days of skiing, and all my meetings for South of Seoul before I start work again in March. Therefore, February seems to be the month that barely happens. So let’s look at what my ideal February lifestyle framework looks like each year. Making the Most of February Every year, February arrives before I have finished half the things I wanted to get done in January. Because of this,…
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A Year to Learn Korean Cooking: Mandu Jeongol
Today let’s learn about cooking mandu jeongol (만두 전골) at home! Mandu jeongol is a delicious Korean hot pot consisting of steamed dumplings (mandu 만두), various vegetables, meat, and broth all cooked together in a pot. This delightful hot pot is super easy to assemble and is a popular comfort food in Korea. 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 jeongols. Many of us live in South Korea for only a year.…
