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 up-to-date information on transportation, attractions, accommodations, dining, and shopping, making it easier to navigate Korea with confidence. This includes supporting dog owners in Korea with help finding information they need. Since this post is about pets, you can find info on subway/bus routes (dogs can travel in carriers), taxi fares (dogs can often travel in carriers but each taxi driver has discretion), dog-friendly areas, pet-friendly hotels, or pet-friendly restaurants. The service is available 24/7 in multiple languages, ensuring language barriers don’t stand in the way of exploring Korea. Best Time to Use 1330 1330 can provide most information between the hours of 10am -5pm Korea Standard Time (UTC+9) Monday – Friday. This is because that’s when most businesses will be open to answer additional questions. Cost Although it seems too good to be true, 1330 is completely free for dog owners in Korea (and everyone else). Available languages English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian Operating hours 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for English. Some languages are served 7:00 – 24:00. How 1330 Helps Pet Owners For pet owners, 1330 has been especially helpful in navigating life with a dog in Korea. They provide the latest information on pet restrictions, ensuring that I can confidently visit dog-friendly destinations. Thanks to 1330, I’ve discovered dog-friendly activities and confirmed pet policies for places that don’t always display a pet-friendly icon on NAVER. While my dog is small and doesn’t require weight restriction checks, 1330 is a great resource for owners of larger dogs to verify size limitations before visiting various locations. For Your Safety And Your Pet For pet emergency support, 1330 can provide emergency support by connecting international residents and travelers with relevant authorities or services when needed, offering peace of mind for those unfamiliar with the country. This includes helping you find a veterinarian near your home or the closest 24-hour animal hospital. For human support, 1330 can connect callers to the 1345 Ministry of Justice Call Center, 119 Emergency Rescue Service, KTO Complaint Center, and other related call centers. My Personal Experience with 1330 I learned about 1330 from the Pyeongtaek Living 101 program hosted by the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation. I use this service almost daily, and I highly recommend it to everyone! It’s completely free and has saved me countless hours of time and frustration. Since discovering 1330, my life in Korea—especially as a dog owner—has become so much easier and more enjoyable. Sample Questions: The following are questions that I personally asked 1330, in English: After asking these questions, 1330 sent me actionable information that I used. Keep in mind, 1330 may send you information with Naver or Kakao map links so you need to have these apps downloaded. You can learn more about Naver Maps on the South of Seoul blog as well. Tips for Asking Questions A few things to remember when talking with 1330 and asking for dog-friendly information: How to Access 1330 There are many ways to access 1330 and ask questions! You can access this resource via telephone or online messaging. Turn off Your VPN Turn off your VPN on your phone or computer when trying to access 1330. Otherwise, the 1330 website will be blocked. Call 1330 via Telephone: Write via 1330 Messenger: If you don’t want to download an app, you can use 1330 Messenger. Here is how: ** Remember, websites and systems change often. The information provided is that this post represents how the 1330 Messenger user interface worked at one moment in time. Always be prepared for changes that may occur and remain flexible and curious. Using Facebook Messenger If you like to use Facebook Messenger, you can also contact 1330 there. Here is how: Messaging 1330 on KakaoTalk Almost everyone in Korea relies on KakaoTalk for texting. Beyond messaging, KakaoTalk connects to a wider ecosystem of services like mobile payments, reservations, and shopping, though many of these features require a Korean phone number. For international residents living in Korea, using the KakaoTalk profile may feel like the most comfortable way to communicate with 1330. Here is how: Click via this link: http://pf.kakao.com/_xoRQTK  OR  Access via online chat or call via scanning the QR codes listed on this website. Support Rex and My Adventures! Did you find this blog post helpful? You can support more dog-friendy content about Korea in two ways: Join the Dog Lover’s Community! If you’re a dog owner in South Korea and want to connect with other pet lovers, join The Dog Lover’s Guide to South Korea on Facebook! This community shares tips, recommendations, and resources to help you and your furry friend make the most of your time in Korea. I look forward to meeting you there! Join here! Additional Articles and an Affiliate Link I am an Ambassador for Mountain Shiba and write for their blog. If you would like to support our doggie research and articles. You can use our Mountainshiba Discount Code Rex25 for 25% off, we will also receive a little money to fund our Korean research and adventures. Thank you for your support! Elise PetersenHi, I’m Elise! I’m a military spouse passionate about helping fellow dog parents provide the best life for their furry companions while living in Korea. I love exploring with my dog and discovering dog-friendly destinations, activities, and resources. My goal is to make life easier for dog owners by sharing recommendations, tips, and insights on navigating Korea with your pup.

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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 asking this question is probably at their wit’s end. They are parents who need support who have gone to a local expat group to find something easy and non-stressful for their family. When the recommendations don’t work out based on unspoken expectations, it can create some pretty bad feelings. Since I have seen this happen, I thought I would share what I have learned about ‘child-friendly’ while living with my toddler in South Korea. Definitions of Child-Friendly One definition of “child-friendly” refers to something that is suitable, safe, and appealing for children. This can pertain to a wide range of things including environments, activities, content, products, services, and more. Let’s take a look at each of these factors more closely: Another definition of “child-friendly” looks at the broader societal context of the term. In this case, child-friendly refers to policies or practices that respect the rights of children, promote their well-being, and consider their perspectives in decision-making processes. This might include laws, urban planning decisions, or educational policies, among other things. ‘Child-Friendly’ and Culture Shock Families that move to a new country like Korea may experience culture shock when visiting child-friendly events or businesses. Such culture shock could be both positive and negative. Maybe some things seem better while other things seem more scary. Since international residents in South Korea come from a wide range of countries and cultures, it’s impossible to predict how each family will experience cultural differences. However, it can be helpful for all of us to know what impacts each culture’s definition of child-friendly: Once a person understands that child-friendly varies, it can help them navigate their expectations as well as prepare their children for navigating new experiences. I certainly went through this and I want to share my experience with you. My Experience with Child-Friendly Korea Honestly, especially since we arrived in Korea with a toddler, one of the things that I will miss about Korea is how child friendly this country is. For me, child-friendly means that my child is made to feel welcome by the community around her. There don’t have to be specific types of child-focused activities, although those help. The thoughtfulness and generosity bestowed upon our little one while living in Korea is so far unrivaled. Child-Friendly Havens Korea has a wide variety of businesses that cater to parents with kids. Therefore, we visited almost every one we could find. Such businesses include: Not to mention all of the free candy and toys that our little one has received from shops, cafes, and restaurant owners. At times, having children may make you feel like a celebrity. With the birth rate dropping early every month, kids get quite a lot of attention from older people in Korea. Of course, all of the child-friendly spots in the Korean countryside may have provided me the false perception that children were welcomed everywhere. I mean, they are mostly, but there are some exceptions. Child Free Zones Having visited quite a few cafes around Korea, I am now very much aware that there are exceptions and important details to keep in mind when traveling around Korea with a child. Oftentimes, the closer you get to a major city, like Seoul, but even in Pyeongtaek, you’ll find cafes and restaurants with signs either designating “Child Free Zone”, which is often the upper floors of cafes, or “No Children Allowed”. Please don’t feel rejected, as we can assure you, there are many more places in Korea that welcome families. Child-free zones are often on the upper level and/or rooftop level of restaurants and cafes. Often times these designations are just to keep your child safe and mitigate liability issues in these areas. Cafes and restaurants are not play areas. In addition, the staff shouldn’t be expected to monitor or police our children. Child-free locations also help to maintain a certain ambiance for more diverse patronage. In our 3 years in Korea, we rarely felt inconvenienced by “child-free” locations. We’ve been denied entry from 3 locations in 3 years, just because we have a toddler. And yet, we have had countless family adventures here. Tips for Communicating Your Definition of Child-Friendly If you’re trying to plan a family adventure, you may be inclined to contact business owners and/or throw your question out to the social-media-verse. Before you do, we’d like to recommend being specific about what your family’s needs are. Remember that members of the online groups also come from different cultures that may not share your definition of ‘child-friendly.’ Since the term has no shared meaning and often becomes extremely vague, providing specific questions about your family needs provides better results. Examples of How ‘Child-Friendly’ Differs Between People To understand what I mean by “different meaning of child-friendly” let’s look at a recent misunderstanding I had with another person who shares the same passport as I do: I long believed that noraebangs or karaoke rooms in Korea were all “Child Free Zones.” Specifically meaning that “children are not welcome at all.” However, a friend and fellow South of Seoul blogger recently visited a noraebang in Asan Techno Valley that welcomes families. In fact, I learned to noraebang is a favorite family activity in Korea. Therefore, there are often child and family-friendly noraebangs as well as child-free noraebangs. However, when I communicated to another friend that we found a “child-friendly” noraebang location, she thought I meant a location that includes a play area and kids activities, not simply that children were allowed. For here, simply allowing kids to attend with the family didn’t make it child-friendly. As you can see, “child-friendly” meant two different things to us. For me, the noraebang was perfect for me and my child but not what she needed at all. Another example of this form of miscommunication may happen when inquiring about “child-friendly” menu options. Make sure that you clearly communicate the hidden meaning you may hold. For example, while moderating groups, we have found this often means, “Is there Western food for kids?” However, many people offer international food options and the parents then feel frustrated due to miscommunication. Therefore, it is best to be clear and specific about what you might mean by child-friendly food. Does your child have food allergies? Will your child only eat fries and chicken nuggets? Does your child hate spicy food? Your family will definitely enjoy your experience just a little more if you know how to advocate for your family’s needs in clear and specific ways understood across cultures. Homework for Parents I recommend taking an hour to sit down and talk about what you mean by ‘child-friendly’ as it relates to different topics like: hiking, cafes, restaurants, museums, parks, etc. Ask yourself the following questions to get started: Managing Expectations Now that you understand your expectations, you may find it easier to communicate about them and manage them. Managing expectations and being open to new views of the world is half the battle to enjoying life in a new culture like Korea. Join The Pyeongtaek Family Fun Group Join our Pyeongtaek Family Fun group. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly families sharing their adventures in Pyeongtaek. Join The Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly travelers sharing their adventures across the country with their families. (Most of the members live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea). Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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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 Korea, puts the “extra” in “extravagant” and “extraordinary”. Much like a fingerprint, from afar, cafes may seem similar. However, once you take a closer look, you’ll notice that no two cafes are exactly alike. Many cafes in Korea set up Instagrammable areas. However, some cafes go above and beyond for those who like the “extra.” This is definitely the case with this list of visually astounding cafes for photographers and social media selfies. How I Made My List I’m a mom who does everything with my toddler. This means I visit cafes that feel comfortable with kids. This includes the Instagrammable Cafes. Maybe things will change with time, but when I visited with my daughter these options felt comfortable and enjoyable. 10 Most Instagrammable Cafes Beyond Seoul Visit any of the following Instagrammable cafes and come away with photographs that will leave your followers impressed. Amoene Cafe in Incheon – While not recommended for those who experience vertigo or motion sickness, the unique architecture of this cafe and pension may leave you wondering which way is up. This cafe will give you very Instagrammable images that will entrance your followers. With tilted windows and doors, you will get some Alice in Wonderland vibes here. The bakery section includes some of the unique shapes of the cafe. In addition, they specialize in cakes and tarts. Susan Gongwon (or Susan Park Cafe) in Incheon – Located just 11 minutes from Amoene, this is also a filming location for “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”. This cafe will leave you feeling beach vibes without the sand in between your toes. With an epic-sized cafe and restaurant, there are lots of bakery options. In addition, it is next to an indoor marine park for kids. Every floor of this cafe includes unique, picturesque decor, including little boats on the first floor, and large stone structures on the rooftop. Cafe Daenerys in Namyangju – Not to be confused with the character from “Game of Thrones,” but similar in extravagance. Just off Bukhangang River (aka Bukhan River), this magnificent bakery cafe also serves brunch only on the weekdays. This location has many beautiful spots indoors and outdoors to get those Instagrammable photos. Dreamy Camera Cafe or Kkumkkuneun Camera in Yangpyeong – This cafe was featured in a July 2014 Buzzfeed article. It is not only filled with vintage cameras, but the architecture resembles a vintage camera. You can enjoy your coffee, as you admire the rural countryside through the lens-shaped window and consider your life goals. This cafe is small, so groups of 7 or more cannot enter together. Mudae Theater Cafe / Moodae Black Box in Songtan – This is one of two cafes created by a musical actor and a stage director. After you order your drink, you sit in the auditorium-like seating area, while your barista, dressed in hanbok, prepares your drink on a stage. Sip and enjoy, as a misty fog covers the rock formations on the floor. Or, if you’d prefer another artistically picturesque vibe, ascend the steep steps up to the second floor, with yin and yang mountain murals, or the rooftop for a poetic view. Mudae Bakery Cafe in Anseong – Much like Mudae Theater, Mudae Bakery Cafe offers picturesque seating but from an island or coastal perspective. Ascend the verdantly decorated steps to a more mountainous decor on the second floor. Also, this is a great location during the warmer weather because of the spacious lawn. There is a children’s area on the first floor and a pet area outdoors. Main Street Cafe in Pyeongtaek – While the 2D Cafe Greem in Seoul and Jeju receive a lot of social media attention, there are a number of cafes in Korea that offer a 2D atmosphere. Main Street Cafe in Pyeongtaek does just that and more. In fact, every corner of this three-story cafe is its own New York-inspired photo zone. Your followers will love all the Instagrammable photos you take in this cafe. Monamour in Asan – Monamour includes a cafe, bakery, fine-dining restaurant, and both indoor and outdoor art exhibits. Get a drink at the cafe, sit and enjoy the tranquil water art, then take a walk along the galleries for those Instagrammable shots. Photopia in Pohang – This is a cafe AND a photography zone with 4 floors of scenery, including the rooftop view of the sea with Santorini-esque architecture. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by epic Italian architecture, but make sure you walk through every area. The freshly baked bread at Photopia will not disappoint you. High Class 153 in Yeosu – This is a pension with an amazing view of the Yeosu Coast, which you can admire from the cafe, even if you are not a guest. If you purchase a drink, then you may also take it to the rooftop for an even better view. However, that’s not the only reason you are visiting this cafe. You may purchase a ticket at the cafe for individual swing opportunities. Please note that this swing is not for those who are afraid of heights, nor for children or anyone weighing over 200 pounds, for safety reasons. You may even rent a flowy dress on location. Many come to this location for this amazing Instagrammable photo opportunity. THIS WILL BE YOUR NEXT PROFILE PICTURE! Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. How To Source Additional Information About Locations For more detailed information like business hours for these Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. Join The Pyeongtaek Travelers Group If you are looking for more adventures in Korea outside of the Instagrammable cafes beyond Seoul, you are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. There you may find many additional locations to get amazing visual images for Instagram. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure across the country. Join The Cafes In Korea Group After checking out this list of Instagrammable cafes in Korea, then you should head over to Cafes in Korea to find additional locations to enjoy! Join our group to discover new cafes and share your cafe adventures. Also, you can discover more of the best cafes in South Korea for you personal list. Volunteer With South Of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Wondering what’s happening behind the doors of the PC Bangs in Korea? Wondering if you should go inside? Let’s take a look at how PC Bangs are part of life, even when you aren’t a gamer. My History with Internet Cafes Before I came to Korea, I used to use Internet Cafes all across the world to communicate with my family. During my extended trips, I’d find an internet cafe every 3-5 days to let my family know my location in the world, tell a few stories that wouldn’t scare them too much, and prove I was still alive. Generally speaking, internet cafes were uncomfortable, socially sketchy, and the computers barely worked. Therefore, when I moved to South Korea with a smartphone and my own laptop, I figured didn’t need a PC Bang since I also don’t play video games. How wrong I was… A First Encounter with PC Bangs If you’re an ex-pat living in South Korea, like myself, or even a visitor here, these gaming sanctuaries are hard to miss. Tucked between the hustling street markets and towering skyscrapers, these neon-lit havens are a world of their own. You can’t see in the windows and, for some, the PC Bang vibe might feel a little get-beat-up-in-a-back-ally when just looking from the outside. Because of this vibe, I had lived in Korea for quite a while before I went to a PC Bang. I first started going because our AC went out at home during a terrible heat wave. We needed a place to hang out during the day so that we would die at home and the PC bang near our house was only 1,000 KRW an hour. Using the PC Bang to escape the eat turned out to be a way cheaper and more fun option than hanging out at a cafe. My first foray into a PC Bang certainly didn’t feel comfortable. As I pushed through the doors of the 6th-floor PC Bang I felt stressed. Walking into a new cultural space where you don’t know the rules generally doesn’t feel good. I was greeted by the soft hum of dozens of high-performance computers, the ambient glow of RGB lighting, and a symphony of clicks and clacks from mechanical keyboards. Mostly kids huddled together in different areas playing various video games and sometimes swearing into their headsets. The result was a symphony of sensory experiences that’s quintessentially Korean. Getting Checked In With no person to help, I used Papago to decypher the payment kiosk that allowed me to pay by the hour or buy a membership. After I paid the next step was trying to figure out what computer to use and how to use the receipt given to us. It felt hectic. Thankfully, most PC Bangs have at least one person who can come rescue you and help you get set up. Once my computer turned on and I settled into the fancy gamer chairs, slipped into the gamer headsets, and leaned back to experience the fastest computers I’d ever used – I was sold. I think I spent 6 hours there my first time around. I worked on my writing, watched a movie, listened to music, and did all kinds of things I had been putting off because my computer was slow and my screen was small. It was SOOOO comfortable. I was hooked. All The Reasons I Use A PC Bang After my first trip to the PC bang to escape the heat, I started to use the PC bang for the following things: Security on PC Bang Computers As a standard practice, you should carefully log out of your accounts at PC Bangs. However, additionally, PC Bang desktops immediately reset or reset within a minute of your time expiring. That means, if you have things saved to the desktop or installed certain browsers and plan to keep using the computer, you need to renew your time before your session expires to avoid losing things. I work on Google docs and use Google drive to manage all my files at PC bangs so that I don’t accidentally lose things I needed. Now, let’s dig deeper into what a PC Bang is so that you know what you are getting into. The Anatomy of a PC Bang Let’s take a moment to dissect what makes these places tick. At its core, a PC Bang (“PC Room” in Korean) is a type of internet café, but to call it that would be a gross understatement. These establishments are equipped with top-of-the-line gaming computers and super-fast internet connections, making them a paradise for gamers. The seating arrangements are usually comfortable and private, with each gaming station partitioned from the others. The atmosphere is a delicate balance between the intense focus of a library and the relaxed ambiance of a coffee shop, with the added spice of an arcade. Imagine, if you will, a comfortable camping site for gaming enthusiasts or anyone who needs a faster computer. The PC Bang Culture and Its Impact The culture around PC Bangs is as fascinating as the places themselves. They’re not just for hardcore gamers; they serve as social hubs where friends meet up after school or work, playing together or simply enjoying the ambient camaraderie. Kids from elementary school up can be found hanging out together with surprisingly little supervision. The impact of PC Bangs extends beyond their physical presence. They have played a pivotal role in the rise of eSports in South Korea, propelling the country to the forefront of the global gaming industry. The high accessibility and affordability of PC Bangs have democratized gaming, making it a popular pastime across age groups and social classes. However, what’s wonderful about these places is that they’re not just about gaming. Sure, you’ll find plenty of hardcore players in these spaces, their eyes locked on screens as they command armies, conquer galaxies, or outmaneuver opponents in high-stakes matches. But you’ll also see casual gamers, friends catching up over a game of StarCraft, and even families sharing a unique bonding experience. From Tasty Snacks to All-Nighters: The Unique Charm of PC Bangs What’s a gaming marathon without some munchies, right? One of the unique aspects of PC Bangs is the availability of food and drinks. Most PC Bangs have a snack bar, with menus ranging from instant noodles and soft drinks to Korean snacks and even full meals. This means you can game and grub without ever leaving your chair! I can’t tell you how helpful this was during graduate school. PC Bangs Are Affordable The affordability of PC Bangs is another attractive feature. As Michael, a British ex-pat blogger living in Seoul, notes in his blog Michael’s Korean Chronicles: “With just a few thousand won, you can enjoy hours of high-quality gaming.” PC Bangs Are Open 24 Hours Now, here’s the kicker: many PC Bangs are open 24/7. That’s right, gaming never stops in South Korea! So whether you’re a night owl or an early bird, a PC Bang is always ready to welcome you. Final Thoughts: Embracing the PC Bang Experience As an ex-pat living in Korea, experiencing the PC Bang culture is like opening a window to understanding the vibrant and dynamic Korean culture. Even if you’re not a gaming enthusiast, I’d recommend visiting a PC Bang just for the sheer experience of it. Who knows, you might even discover a newfound love for enjoying this uniquely Korean “3rd place.” Additional Information About PC Bangs Don’t just listen to my PC Bang experiences though, also read the following articles which will help get you prepared for your first visit: Volunteer with South of Seoul Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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Worried about your child transitioning to daycare in Korea? Honestly, when I first thought of writing this blog, I questioned whether there was an audience for this. The more time I spend in Korea, the more I’ve come to realize that we are not alone. Oftentimes, there’s someone else out there, wondering the same things, asking the same questions. To the stay-at-home moms and dads, the toddler parents, the international parents, this blog is for you. 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. Disclaimer The issues that I talk about in this blog post may not be specific to Korea. Sending a child to daycare for the first time is complicated for parents everywhere. Some of my struggles related to the fact this was my first time sending a child to a daycare program. The documented struggles of adjusting to daycare in Korea don’t exist as commentary on Korean society. Instead, such documentation exists as a resource for other parents to help them see how another family navigated this complicated process. This is important to say because when we have new experiences in a new country it’s easy to think our pain is related to the culture when really, it could be mostly related to doing something for the first time. Staying present with the knowledge may help you navigate the hurdles you face along the way. It’s scary to send our kids out into the world and even harder when we may feel powerless or fearful working within a new cultural context. My Lens on Life First a little background about myself so you know where I am coming from. I am Native Hawaiian, among a number of other ethnicities, and I have lived in Hawai’i for most of my life. Multicultural spaces feel like safe spaces to me. I have also been an educator for over 20 years. During that time, I have worked for public schools, private schools, high schools, and a university. I even briefly volunteered as a Native English guest speaker at a Korean school. I’ve coached and worked with various debate programs – public, private, and homeschool leagues, and attended competitions across the United States and China. So, international education isn’t new to me. Yet, I had a lot to adapt to when my child started school in Korea. My Different Lenses on Education My own experience and perspective of education began with a “Westernized” lens. As a military brat, I started school in England, near Lakenheath, until we moved to Nevada, and finally settled back home, in Hawai’i. Additionally, as an educator in Hawai’i, I became more in touch with my indigenous culture. I wanted my daughter to also experience educational diversity. This made me interested in exploring Korean daycare options. Despite all of my experience with education, nothing quite prepared me for dealing with education from a parent’s perspective. As a parent, I wasn’t prepared for the “culture shock” of not only transitioning my toddler to school but transitioning to an international school. My Choice For Korean Daycare When presented with an English-speaking Korean daycare/preschool that focused more on learning through play and nature, I was overjoyed. At my child’s school, students learn science through an introduction to planting, gardening, and observing animals. They even go outside to study when air quality and weather permits. Student lunches also include food grown on the farm at school. Students go on field trips to nearby arboretums and science centers. When the students aren’t exploring the natural world, it’s preschool as one may typically expect. Students study within four walls, playing, crafting, singing, and learning. The teachers help students develop verbal, physical, and social skills. Cost of Daycare A very good surprise about daycare in Korea, from a US citizen’s perspective, is its affordability. In Hawai’i, where my four-year-old niece already has homework on the weekends, the average cost is 1,000 USD per month. However, the Korean government subsidizes daycare, preschool, and kindergarten for citizens and legal residents. While my little one’s regular tuition would be 325,000 KRW per month. After the discount, the fee goes down to around 70,000 KRW per month. You can learn more by reading my blog post “Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts for Foreign Residents.” Meal Times In fact, their only complaint has been that they are occasionally required to eat kimchi. Our first culture shock experience was lunch. Coming from Hawai’i, with a sizable population of Koreans, I have always known that kimchi is an important part of mealtime. l also hoped that our child wouldn’t mind eating diverse foods. However, my toddler, having had little to no exposure to any spicy food, cried at the thought of eating kimchi. For a brief period of time after my child started school, simply feeding them anything red led to disagreements at the dinner table. Many foreign parents will defend the digestive benefits of eating kimchi, even for our little ones. My toddler still doesn’t like kimchi but will at least try it if it’s on their plate. As one would expect, the food in Korean daycares will likely follow Korean food traditions. This means the lunches and snacks include mostly Korean foods with Western-themed items sprinkled in as treats. Children who haven’t eaten a lot of Korean food may need time to adjust. Packing lunch might be an option. Daycare and Illness One of our biggest culture shock experiences was sick days and attendance. Allow me to preface this with the fact that we arrived in Korea in 2020, during peak uncertainties regarding the coronavirus. As parents, we chose all the safety precautions. We wore masks. We rarely ate out. In fact, for quite a while, US Military would not allow those on SOFA status to dine out even though Korean citizens were always allowed to eat out in groups of 4 or fewer. Due to such precautions, our child had very little social interaction and exposure to germs, outside of the usual playgrounds, kid cafes, and family friends. Additionally, I think we all know that children are walking petri dishes. In fact, there is even a name for it Daycare Syndrome. Daycare Syndrome describes the fact young children get frequent upper respiratory tract infections at school. Such infections may also include colds and secondary ear infections. Kids getting sick often at daycare happens worldwide and yet I was not ready. It felt like something was wrong with Korean daycare but after talking to parents back home, other early childhood education staff, and reading online I realized this exists as a common issue. Trying to predict or control the kinds of germs children will be exposed to at school is almost impossible. When our little one came home with a fever and cough, after their first week of school, we were frustrated. However, as our child’s school reminded us, they can’t control parents sending their kids to school sick. As happens in industrialized societies, working parents often don’t have the option to keep their kids home. When it progressed to vomiting and diarrhea, and the cough lingered for over six weeks, we became upset with the world. We felt helpless and our child’s inconsistent attendance in school made the transition even more complicated. We ran into some stressful issues such as building a stable routine. The Struggle to Establish Routine How do we establish structure and routine for our toddler when we couldn’t even get through a full week of school? After accepting that we could not control whether or not other parents brought their sick child to school, a fact that the school continued to remind us of, we realized that we needed to reassess our reasons for sending our child to daycare/preschool. For us, that reason was “social interaction”. Keep in mind, this reflects on our perspective of parenting and education. You may have different priorities and expectations that may impact how you want to approach solving issues you experience when you send your child to their early education course. Our choices aren’t advice, simply a documentation of our decision-making process. Adapting My Perspective I needed to adapt my educator’s perspective of “attendance” to include the realization that toddlers do not need to be around other toddlers every day to learn social skills and make friends. Korean schools, on the other, may need to justify attendance due to legal requirements and may persistently inquire via texts and phone calls about your child’s health if they are absent. We chose to keep our child home whenever they had a fever and any symptoms that may be contagious, which meant even after 2 months, our child has not gone through a full week of school. We also encourage our child to wear a mask throughout the day and the teachers have honored this request, for the most part. Vaccinations Korean schools will also require that your child is up to date on their vaccinations. You will need to provide vaccination records when attending a Korean school. School Supplies Much like public schools in the States, not only will you receive a school supply list prior to the first week of school, but the school may also accept donations for recyclables and craft supplies. For school supplies, we needed to purchase a nap mat, a stainless steel mug, a spoon set, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand soap, baby wipes, a water bottle with a carrying bag, for field trips, and a change of clothes. If you’re not really picky, then you can usually find everything you need at your local Panda Pam. Daycare Naptime Ever since we arrived in Korea, our child has been fairly consistent in taking 2-, sometimes 3-hour naps. Our preschool sets aside exactly one hour for nap time. So if your child is anything like mine, slow to sleep, even more so with distractions, then you may have a groggy, cranky little one on your hands after the school day is done. Since our child’s attendance was too inconsistent to develop consistent sleeping habits in school, we opted for half-school days, rather than full days. With toddlers, consistency is key so if you are determined to commit to the designated school naptimes and your little one is not, consider letting your child bring their lovey or stuffed animal to school and/or noise-canceling headphones. Potty Training and Daycare Potty Training? You really need to have this conversation with your child’s teachers because daycares and preschools vary in their expectations. Some will actually assist in potty training, and others will recommend that your child take the time to poo at home to prevent them from having accidents at school. The latter made my already-potty-trained four-year-old regress just a tad but after a month, they were back to their regular self. They also eventually became more comfortable going to the potty in school. Transportation Many preschools offer bus transportation if you live nearby, but you may also opt to transport your child regardless. Most schools have their own buses, including daycare and preschool, so your child will likely have field trips to nearby science centers, museums, and parks. Communication While toddlers are often communicative and bad at keeping surprises, they are also not reliable narrators. For example, my 4-year-old was under the impression that they were not allowed to poo at school and that they were required to eat all of the kimchi in their lunch. However, they had misunderstood both situations. Our toddler didn’t lie, she just didn’t fully understand. With patience and understanding, we all managed to find both clarity and peace of mind. Such confusion may be one most difficult parts of navigating through culture shock. You need to focus heavily on taking the time to clearly understand your...

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Wondering what a Field Day in Korea looks like? What games do attendees play and what it would be like to attend? We’ve had these questions throughout the years thought it would be nice to share the PIEF Field Day event from April 2023 to show what you might expect from a Korean Field Day event in the future. 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. What is Field Day In Korea, we LOVE playing games together. Every year, the schools have something called Sports Day or Field Day where different classes compete against each other while playing fun team games. The name of the event may be called either Sports Day or Field Day depending on who translated the Korean name. For this blog post, we will use the term Field Day. In addition to having Field Days at schools, Korean communities may throw Field Days for families and kids to get together and play games. In 2023, the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) decided to create such an event that brings US Military Families and Pyeongtaek Citizens into the community together. Add Field Day to Your Bucket List If you live in South Korea, you should try to attend at least one Field Day while living here. Joining a Field Day brings you into the heart of the culture around you. It’s where you fall in love with the Korean passion for games, friendly competition, and cheering each other on. Field Days hold warming and it’s where you can often make new friends. Honestly, go out of your way to get involved in one of these events if you see it. The following 20 second video shows a glimps of the fun had at PIEF Field Day in 2023 despite the weather: If you live in South Korea, you should try to attend at least one Field Day event while living here. Joining a Field Day brings you into the heart of the culture around you. It’s where you fall in love with the Korean passion for games, friendly competition, and cheering each other on. Field Days hold a warm feeling and it’s where you can often make new friends. Go out of your way to get involved in one of these events if you see it because they help you connect with the deeper social vibe. Field Days and Weather Field Days often occur outside in large fields or play areas. Since such events include large numbers of people and rowdy events that need space, it’s uncommon for such events to be canceled or moved inside due to weather. This means attendees should come prepared for anything. However, if there is a lot of rain attendance may be limited. The 2023 PIEF Field Day experienced some surprisingly cold wind and rain in 2023. There were a few touch-and-go moments when we all thought, “Maybe this won’t happen today” but it all worked out in the end. PIEF had emergency raincoats for everyone and there were tents for attendees to stand under. Having this type of cold weather in late April in South Korea almost never happens so everyone was caught off guard. It’s unlikely an event planned at the end of April will ever have weather quite like this again. Many of the activities need to be changed or modified for the event due to the weather conditions, however, the organizers kept everything moving and managed the changes with surprising grace. The Hardcore Fun Lovers Showed Up Even with bad weather, die hard fun lovers show up to Sports Day ready to play. Even for PIEF Field Day 2023, a few hundred awesome and excited attendees showed up to PIEF Field Day and put their hearts into it. Kids and parents let themselves embrace the fun to play games and laugh together in the rain. The smaller crowd made the event feel more communal and folks had more time together. Honestly, we think this was the ideal size for a Field Day event. The mood was perfect. Everyone Joins a Team For Field Days, attendees join teams. Each team needs to work together to complete different tasks and games. In mixed age events like the one organized by PIEF, the Field Day games include activities for adults and kids so that everyone could get involved. Not every game included everyone from each team. This allowed team members time to rest and it also meant that those who just wanted to watch could feel free to do so. Some international parents didn’t realize they would be included in the PIEF Field Day games but they quickly adapted. It was fun to see people working together and having a great time despite the language barriers. There is something especially heartwarming about watching an adult’s guard come down as they start to relax into the fun. The Field Day Games In Korea, events like PIEF Field Day hire special companies who bring out very fun games for everyone to play. This means the games may change each year and they may bring games you’ve never tried before. However, they often have many familiar elements regarding teamwork, racing around cones, and general mayhem. Additionally, the event planners try to make sure the events and activities aren’t too complicated. They keep activities simple and easy for the average person to do. No one needs to be a professional athlete or especially good at activities. You just need a heart for fun and the desire the cheer on others having fun. The MC Makes the Day Usually, the MC makes or breaks a Korean Field Day event. Their job is to be funny, get people involved, make people feel comfortable, and keep the good vibes rolling. You can’t imagine how hard that can be to accomplish when you are MCing an event in two languages. Thankfully, PIEF hired a wonderful MC for the event who made both English speakers and Korean speakers feel comfortable. South of Seoul volunteers have always been impressed by the effort PIEF organizers put into finding the right MC and organization to partner with for their events. The PIEF organizers always strive to find teams that can smoothly go between cultures and make everyone feel they belong. Obviously, there will be confusing language issues here and there, and they handle such hurdles with grace. Field Day Safety Since Field Day can be hectic, event organizers like PIEF take planning for safety very seriously. Attendees do sign waiver forms and emergency services keeps an ambulance on hand “just in case.” They even communicate the nearby hospitals and information related to how injuries may be handled. Follow PIEF for More Events Interested in participating in events like Field Day or other fun acitivities? Follow PIEF on Facebook to see what they having planned. South of Seoul partners with PIEF to support their community development work and we love what they do! PIEF has two locations in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. One PIEF location is in Sinjang-dong near Osan Air Force Base: The second PIEF location is in Paengsong-eup near Camp Humphreys US military base: SOS.SEC Sponsored ContentENG: South of Seoul Strategy and Education Consulting (SOS SEC) in a Korean company that specializes in bridging the gap between Korean culture and other diverse cultures. With a profound understanding of the complexities and nuances of cultural dissonance, SOS SEC is dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections and fostering mutual understanding between individuals and businesses. SOS SEC partners with the South of Seoul Blog to provide Korean businesses the opportunity to present their organizations to the international community in Korea through Sponsored Posts. All SOS SEC-created content featured on the South of Seoul blog is paid content. KOR: South of Seoul Strategy and Education Consulting (SOS SEC)는 한국 문화와 세계 각국의 다양한 문화를 이어주는 다리 역할을 하는 한국 기업입니다.SOS SEC는 문화 차이 속에서 발생하는 복잡한 문제와 뉘앙스를 깊이 이해하고 있으며, 이를 바탕으로 개인과 기업이 서로를 더 잘 이해하고 연결될 수 있도록 돕고 있습니다. 또한 South of Seoul 블로그와 협력하여, 한국 기업들이 스폰서드 포스트(Sponsored Posts)를 통해 한국에 거주하는 국제 사회에 효과적으로 자신들의 브랜드와 조직을 알릴 수 있는 기회를 제공합니다. South of Seoul 블로그에 게재되는 SOS SEC 제작 콘텐츠는 모두 공식 유료 콘텐츠로, 한국 기업이 국제 사회와 더 가까워질 수 있도록 돕는 맞춤형 홍보 솔루션입니다. sos.sec@southofseoul.net

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Interested in enrolling your child in a Korean daycare? We love Korean daycare and we think it’s a great idea but you also need to go into the experience with eyes wide open. Keep reading to learn more. 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. About Daycare in South Korea South of Seoul volunteers have witnessed both success stories and uncomfortable experiences regarding international residents enrolling their children in Korean daycare. The success of a daycare placement tends to involve adaptability and strong communication skills from both the families and the daycare workers. Additionally, success begins with managing expectations and having some advanced awareness of the system. We hope this blog post can support parents in these two areas. Seeing successful international integration into Korean daycares is important to South of Seoul. Many South of Seoul volunteers deeply appreciate Korean daycares and the care they provide. We like how attentive the staff is to students. Kids are taken care of well by staff that cares about their healthy development. In fact, many of us have worked in early childcare in South Korea so we have witnessed such care firsthand. Additionally, South of Seoul volunteers have witnessed the cultural differences between Korean staff and parents from other countries. We have seen the struggles with communication between the school and the parents which feels frustrating for everyone. It takes a great deal of empathy, communication, and flexibility on behalf of both parents and staff to make the experience work for everyone. As an international resident in Korea, expect to run into many frustrations during your child’s first 3 to 6 months as you learn about hidden culture (seriously, read about this concept). It will take time and end up being a wonderful growth experience for each member of your family. Differences Between Korean and U.S.A. Daycare There are several differences between Korean daycare and American daycare you should know about before enrolling in Korean daycare. It’s impossible to write a detailed list of the differences since daycare culture in North America also differs greatly depending on where you live. However, we can list some general categories or topics where parents experience culture shock when using Korean daycares. Here are some of the key differences: Age group In Korea, daycare centers mainly serve children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years, while American daycare centers typically serve children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years old. Curriculum Korean daycare centers tend to have a more structured curriculum with a focus on academic preparation, such as learning to read and write Korean characters. American daycare centers tend to focus more on play-based learning and socialization. Cost Korean daycare tends to be more affordable than American daycare, with some government-subsidized options available. Hours of operation Korean daycare centers often operate for longer hours than American daycare centers, typically from early morning until late evening. This is because many Korean parents work long hours and may not be able to pick up their children until later in the day. Staffing In Korea, daycare centers tend to have a higher staff-to-child ratio than American daycare centers, with multiple teachers assigned to each classroom. Additionally, Korean daycare centers may require their staff to have a higher level of education or certification. Meals Korean daycare centers typically provide meals for the children, with a focus on healthy and nutritious Korean food. American daycare centers may provide meals or snacks, but it is often up to the parents to pack their child’s food. Uniforms Some daycares may require parents to purchase certain clothing such as uniforms or tracksuits. In America, daycares do not often require special uniforms or clothing. It’s important to note that these are generalizations and there may be variations within both Korean and American daycare centers. Your experiences with Korean daycare may include their own types of issues, surprises, joys, and frustrations. We all come to Korea with our own social lens and embedded cultural expectations that color our perceptions. Be prepared to analyze your feelings a lot as you interact with education in a new country. Comparing Prices Between Korea and U.S.A. Daycare The cost of daycare may vary widely in both Korea and the United States, and it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, in general, Korean daycare tends to be more affordable than American daycare. It’s important to know what costs to expect before enrolling your child in Korean Daycare According to a 2021 report by the Center for American Progress, the average cost of full-time care for an infant in a center-based daycare in the United States was $16,000 per year. The cost for a preschool-aged child was slightly lower per year. However, these costs can vary widely depending on the location, quality of care, and other factors. In Korea, the government provides subsidies for daycare to help make it more affordable for families. According to a report by the Korea Herald, the average monthly cost for full-time daycare in Korea is around 430,000 won, or about $375 USD per month. After subsidies, the Korean Herald wrote that Korean parents pay around 200,00 KRW a month. This is significantly less than the average cost of daycare in the United States. However, it’s important to note that while Korean daycare may be more affordable on average, the quality of care and services provided may vary widely depending on the specific daycare center. Additionally, some foreign families may be eligible for Korean local government subsidies or assistance to help with the cost of daycare, depending on their income and other factors. You can learn more about Korean childcare discounts by reading the South of Seoul blog post, Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts for Foreign Residents. Factors Impacting Korean Daycare Prices Korean daycare costs vary depending on a variety of factors. Korea is not all the same with only one price and one type of daycare. Therefore, it’s impossible to tell you the exact price of daycare. However, we can let you know what may impact the costs. Several factors can impact the price of Korean daycare, including: Location: The cost of daycare can vary depending on where you live in Korea. For example, daycare centers in larger cities may be more expensive than those in rural areas. Age of child The cost of daycare can also depend on the age of the child. Younger children may require more attention and care, which can make the cost of daycare higher. Quality of care Higher-quality daycare centers may charge more for their services. This can include centers with more experienced staff, more comprehensive educational programs, and better facilities. Hours of operation Daycare centers that are open for longer hours may charge more for their services, as they are providing more hours of care. Government subsidies As mentioned earlier, the Korean government provides subsidies for daycare to help make it more affordable for families. The amount of subsidy a family receives can depend on their income and other factors. Learn more in our blog post Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts for Foreign Residents. Additional services Some daycare centers may offer additional services, such as transportation or meals, which can add to the overall cost. Competition In areas with a high demand for daycare, the cost may be higher due to competition for limited spots at high-quality centers. Multi-lingual Staff Daycares that provide multi-lingual staff have higher costs due to staffing needs. Cross-cultural Programming Daycares that provide unique programming for multi-national clients have high costs for maintaining such systems and therefore have high costs. Overall, the price of Korean daycare can vary widely depending on these factors and others. It’s important to research different daycare centers in your area and compare costs and services to find the best option for your family’s needs and budget. You can’t simply ask a person in Gangwon-do (a mostly rural region) the price of daycare and expect the same prices in Gangnam (a neighborhood in Seoul). Finding Korean Daycares and Kindergartens Korea has two important websites for researching where to send your child for their early childhood education. One website reviews daycare/childcare and the other reviews kindergartens. Such online portals allow parents to review the daycares and kindergartens. Parents can read through to find the ones that they are interested in and then go visit the daycares or kindergartens to ask for placement. You can not apply via the websites, only search and learn which ones you might be interested in. The previously mentioned websites reviewing daycare/childcare and kindergartens are only in Korean. This means that 1) you may need to install Google Translate to your browser to help read them and 2) you may struggle to navigate the sites because they have a different type of user experience. In larger cities, the top daycares or kindergartens have a hearty waiting list. Parents often enroll their children as soon as the parents learn they are pregnant. You may need to search around to find a location for your child. In more rural areas, daycares and kindergartens may have more spaces available but it just depends on the situation. Support Groups for Daycare Make sure to join the Daycare centers in Korea (ORINIJIP) Facebook group. The group provides support for parents by parents. You will find other parents who can help answer questions as well as information already shared in the group. Remember to always use the group’s “search” feature first, and then ask carefully thought questions so that others feel empowered to help you. Korean Daycare Parental Communication Systems Korean daycare centers use a variety of methods to communicate with parents, Additionally, managing communication with the daycare may feel like one of the most frustrating parts of having a child attend Korean daycare. Such communication systems may include a combination of the following: Overall, Korean daycare centers place a strong emphasis on communication with parents, as it is seen as an important part of providing quality care for children. Parents can expect to receive regular updates and have opportunities to communicate with teachers and staff about their child’s development and progress. Make sure you are ready for this level of communication before enrolling in Korean daycare Communication Expectations In addition, Korean daycare staff expects IMMEDIATE responses to any text information. It’s a Korean cultural standard to respond within 10 minutes to messages involving children. At least take the time to explain your situation. South of Seoul created a list of common responses parents can use when communicating with schools: English Korean (name) will be late to school(00:00). (name) will be late to school(00:00). (name) will be late to school(00:00). (name)은 학교에 늦을 거예요(00:00). (name) will not go to school today. (name)은 오늘 학교에 가지 않을 거예요. I will come at (time) to pick-up (name). 저는 (name)를 일찍(00:00) 데리고 갈 것입니다. What time does school begin today? 오늘 학교는 몇 시에 시작합니까? What time does school get out today? 오늘 학교는 몇 시에 끝나나요? (name) is sick. (name)은 아파요. (name) will go to the hospital today. (name)은 오늘 병원에 갈 거예요. (name) is allergic to (Food name). (name)은 (food name)에 알레르기가 있습니다. What school supplies does (need) tomorrow? (name)이 내일 학교에서 필요한 준비물은 무엇입니까? Does (name) have homework today (name)은 오늘 숙제가 있나요? Yes, I understand. 네, 이해했습니다. Yes, that’s ok. / Yes, that’s fine. 예, 괜찮아요. Emotional of Impact of Second Language on Children Enrolling children in a daycare that speaks another language can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on the child’s age, the language being spoken, and the child’s language background. Positive impacts may include: Bilingualism Enrolling children in a daycare that speaks another language can expose them to a new language and help them develop...

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Do you have a kid(s) who are in need of daycare or kindergarten services? Did you know that Korea offers daycare and kindergarten discounts (Also known as subsidies) for Korean and foreign residents? We may have some information you may need in order to apply for subsidies for your kids. 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. The Limits of the Information in This Post This post provides general information about daycare and kindergarten subsidies as well as more specific information for Pyeongtaek-si, Asan-si, and the US Military living in the area surrounding either Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Force Base. Keep in mind, every foreigner in South Korea lives here under a different social lens. Depending on what country you come from or what visa you have, you may experience additional hurdles or have additional support. Manage your expectations and understand that the process will likely have surprises. Daycare and kindergarten subsidies change based on the administrative district. Different districts may offer different amounts and management of the subsidies may occur in different ways. Language barriers and cultural differences may make it hard to figure out how to apply for the subsidies until you have started the process. Let Us Know Your Experiences Please let South of Seoul know about additional information needed in this blog Post. We always strive to update our information in order to become increasingly accurate over time. About Korean Daycare and Kindergarten Subsidies The Korean government(s) (federal or local) may provide a subsidy for daycare and kindergarten education to support families with young children. The subsidy exists as part of the national education system, and the Korean government designed it to make kindergarten education more affordable and accessible to all families. Such subsidies may include daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents. Additionally, such subsidies and rules may change over time. The subsidy covers a significant portion of the tuition fees for kindergarten education, varying depending on the family’s income level. Families with lower incomes receive a higher subsidy, while those with higher incomes receive a lower subsidy. To qualify for the subsidy, guardians must meet specific eligibility criteria. This may include enrolling their child in a kindergarten program approved by the Korean government. Families must also provide proof of income and other relevant documentation. To receive the subsidy, guardians must have a Korean bank account. This is not an issue for residents of South Korea. However, US military-affiliated people living in Korea under the SOFA Agreement often do not have Korean bank accounts. Therefore, they will need to open one to receive their subsidy. Overall, the Korean government’s kindergarten subsidy program aims to provide young children with a strong education foundation and support families in raising healthy and happy children. About Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts As of March 1, 2023, foreign toddlers (3-5 years old) with a Foreign Registration Card living in Seoul (see an article about Seoul subsidies here), Gyeonggi-do, Cheonan-si, and Asan-si, will be subsidized for daycare (up to W100,000) and Kindergarten (up to W350,000). The subsidy can be applied 90 days after your child receives their FRC. While foreigners typically apply for an FRC upon entering Korea, U.S. Military tend to rely on their SOFA status and put off getting an FRC until they realize they don’t have access to many comforts in Korea. One comfort is this subsidy and one of the many reasons U.S. Military dependents may want to consider applying for an FRC as soon as possible. Only Residents of Korea Receive Daycare and Kindergarten Discounts Korea provides support for residents and citizens of Korea. This means that families who want to apply for daycare services must be legally registered as Residents of Korea. Most families living and working in South Korea register when they arrive in South Korea, so applying for government programs is pretty straightforward. US Military and the FRC On the other hand, the US military need to become residents of Korea and then apply for subsidies. That is because the SOFA visa allows US military-affiliated soldiers, families, employees, and contractors to live in South Korea without registering as Residents of Korea. This means they must apply for Korean residency before applying for childcare benefits. We will give a quick review of this procedure here. It can take between 1-3 months to complete the FRC process, so getting started as soon as possible makes a big difference. Learn how to get started here. 90-Day Waiting Period A guardian can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents 90 days after receiving an FRC. However, US military-affiliated people who arrived on a SOFA visa can only count their days in South Korea after receiving their FRC. This is because living in Korea on the SOFA agreement does NOT count as living as a Korean resident. ***Important for US Military affiliated Persons: If you choose to live in South Korea on only the SOFA agreement, this specifically excludes you from many aspects of society, such as banking, legal protections, social subsidies, and more. Applying for Korean Daycare and Kindergarten Subsidies A guardian (parent or other legal guardians) can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents through various means. These may include: Although most articles online will make this seem like a cut-and-dried process, expect to experience many frustrations with the process if you are a foreigner who has not used Korean government services in the past. Expect to experience hidden culture (things they assume you know), struggle with language barriers, and surprise paperwork or procedures. This article works as a guide to let you know where to get started in the process, but we can only predict some of the surprises along the way. So always plan twice as long as you need to do any task and expect that you will need to go on many side quests before you achieve your goal. It’s not that the process is bad or does not work; it’s that the process is new and unfamiliar in a language that’s also new and unfamiliar. Happiness Account You will need a “Happiness Card” to receive and transfer the subsidy to the school. If you do not currently have a Korean bank account, the South of Seoul has you covered. Just read the Opening a Bank Account in South Korea blog post. I used this, and it made getting my bank account set up relatively easy. You just need W1,000 to set up a Happiness Account. You can see an example of the Happiness Account below. US Military Process for Applying for Residence Card To apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreign residents, US Military may be able to get their FRC one of two ways. 1) Apply at your local immigration center, and 2) if you live in Pyeongtaek-si, you can hand in your paperwork at Osan Air Force Base 1. Military Apply at You Regions Immigration Center I followed this blog for my FRC: US Military: Getting Your Foreign Registration Card (FRC) in South Korea. You will need to apply for the FRC in your region. For example, if you live near Camp Humphreys, the following immigration centers may apply to you: Asan Immigration Center Pyeongtaek Immigration Center 2. Applying for an FRC on Osan Air Force Base If you have a home address in Pyeongtaek, you can avoid the immigration office and submit your paperwork to the Korean immigration office on Osan Air Force Base. However, each applicant needs to be physically present with their own copy of the following documents: 1. Passport Photo, which should be glued to #22. ARC application, which may be found at https://www.hikorea.go.kr/board/BoardApplicationListR.pt?page=1#this3. Copy of Lease, if the person requesting the FRC is NOT the person listed on the lease, then you also need to include a copy of the passport for the person who IS listed on the lease.4. Copy of Passport5. Copy of Birth Certificate for kids entering a Korean school6. Copy of ID or military ID, if applicable7. Copy of orders, if applicable Your FRC should be available within three weeks. The school should also provide you with the necessary documentation for the subsidy, but you will not need that information when applying for the FRC. Ensure you get all this done so you can apply for daycare and kindergarten discounts for foreigner residents. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Grab your kids or some friends and go explore science museums in Korea. Reasons to Visit Science Museums in Korea There are many science museums in Korea that both kids and adults may enjoy. Each of the museums offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. Here are a few of the many reasons to go to a science museum while living and traveling in South Korea: Overall, science museums offer a fun and educational experience that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Issues Expats May Face When Visiting Science Museums While visiting science museums in Korea can be a great experience, there may be some hurdles that expats face. Some of these hurdles may include: To overcome these hurdles, ex-pats visiting science museums in Korea can consider booking a guided tour in their native language, downloading translation apps, researching cultural differences before visiting, and checking for discounts or free admission days. Seven Science Museums in Korea Now that you know a little bit about what to expect, here are seven great science museums to visit with your friends and families. Located in Osan City, Eunsan Eoullim Ecology Museum recommends that you make a reservation for your visit. If you go without reservations, you may be disappointed because you will not be included in the class (or ongoing tour) and will be left on your own. However, reservations can be made by booking on Naver. This museum specializes in amphibians and reptiles. Environmental Science Center (or Asan Ecological Environment Insect Museum) is in Asan. This large park is dedicated to learning more about environmental science. There are various tropical plants, and the area includes over 40 types of creatures, including tarantulas and scorpions. Also, the site has the Green Tower Observation Deck, and the Asan Insect Museum included. Located in Busan, Hong Dae-yong Science Museum was named after the inventor who developed the first Korean-made sewing machine. The museum focuses on the life and work of Hong Dae-yong. Also, it is dedicated to the history and development of science and technology in Korea. Exhibits include displays of Hong Dae-yong’s inventions and interactive exhibits for exploring scientific concepts. Located in Daejeon, the National Museum of Science and Technology covers various sciences, from physics and chemistry to astronomy and biology. Exhibits include interactive displays, live demonstrations, and educational programs for children and adults. The Daegu National Science Museum is located in Daegu and features a variety of interactive exhibits covering a wide range of science topics. The presentations engage visitors by including hands-on activities, games, and demonstrations. More popular exhibits include a giant piano that visitors can play with their feet, a virtual reality space exploration exhibit, and a simulated earthquake experience. Also, this museum hosts temporary exhibitions and educational programs. The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) established Naro Space Science Center in Goheung, Jeollanam-do. The museum features exhibits and activities educating visitors about the universe. The Planetarium features a 23-meter dome with state-of-the-art projection technology creating an immersive night sky and beyond. In addition to the museum, they operate a research center and a rocket launch site. Yangpyeong Insect Museum is located in Yangpyeong. Dedicated to insects, it features over 20,000 specimens from around the world. The exhibits educate visitors about the different types of insects and their importance in the natural world. The displays and activities include both live and preserved specimens. Popular exhibits include a silkworm room and a butterfly house. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. This South of Seoul moderated community includes active and friendly travelers sharing their adventures across the country. (Most of the members live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea). Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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If you come from a family of skiers and snowboarders, then you may not be my target audience for learning about winter activities in Korea for toddlers. You likely already have a winter plan. Unlike me, you’re confident enough with winter sports to know where to begin with teaching your little one how to enjoy the cold weather. However, if you come from warm weather this article might help you make some fun winter choices. Don’t worry if you live in a part of Korea that isn’t snowing because these locations specialize in maintaining and creating snow-like conditions. For example, we drove to Alps Village in the middle of January, after not seeing any snow for 2 weeks in Asan. We were a little concerned when we still didn’t see any snow on the drive, but were pleasantly surprised and excited once we arrived. Contacting the location ahead, or using 1330, may save you some anxiety. If the location is open, there will be snow! My Relationship with Winter I’m from Hawai’i. This means I’m more comfortable planning warm-weather fun, but not completely without cold-weather experiences. Hawai’i has an Ice Palace, open year-round on the island of O’ahu, so yes, I have years of experience ice skating; it was a middle school right of passage. In Korea, I can only hope that my knowledge of skateboarding and water sports can translate into enough muscle memory to enjoy sledding and snowboarding. This brings us to the following toddler recommendations for winter. Skiing Resorts Yes, I HAVE seen videos of toddlers skiing and snowboarding. Very impressive, but they are often raised by parents with lots of winter experience. If you don’t have winter experience, you can also get ski/snowboard lessons or go sledding at these ski resorts. Here are a few toddler-friendly ski resorts, in case you want to start slow: Vivaldi Park Toddler Notes: Music-themed winter fun for the family. Includes skiing, tube sledding, and snow play zones. Very popular location. Welli Hilli Park Toddler Notes: Resort destination that includes skiing, snowboarding, and an indoor water park among other things. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort Toddler Notes: Great for beginners ages 3 years and up. Beginner-level slopes for skiing and sledding. Yangji Pine Resort Toddler Notes: Resort destination, much like Welli Helli Park, includes skiiing and sledding, as well as indoor sports and restaurants. Sledding Additionally, if you want to take your toddler sledding without the ski resort experience, you’ll find a few places near Pyeongtaek and Camp Humphreys. This can easily be a one-day activity without the need to stay overnight. I mention these since they are what I am familiar with. The sledding slopes may be busy with winter school vacations occurring in January and February. Waiting in lines for sledding can take a while so if your toddler is impatient in queues, then you may need a backup plan. Cheonan Sangnok Resort Toddler Notes: While this location includes an amusement park, it is closed for the Winter so if it looks exciting, then return for the rides in March. This location has 3 main slopes for different levels – Advanced (tube sled with long, steep climb to the top), Intermediate (tube sled with shorter course), and Toddlers (low slope with plastic sleds). Convenience store and restaurants on-site and in Sangnok Hotel. W14,000 on weekdays; W18,000 on the weekend. Sledding hours are from 10:00 to 16:30, closed Mondays and during rain. My favorite toddler family winter spot is Alps Village & Chilgapsan Ice Fountain Festival, also popular on Instagram and Tiktok for the majestic ice sculptures and magical Frozenesque background. Open daily, from 0900 to 2100 (with night show starting at 1800). For around W20,000 each, you can enjoy various slopes levels of tube sledding (eg. toddler only, beginner and toddler & parent, intermediate, and advanced), toboganning, snow play, ziplining, ice castles and ice sculptures, and a petting zoo. For a few extra won, you can purchase other things on site, like animal feed, food, coffee, roast chestnuts and sweet potato, train rides, to name a few. They also have gloves for purchase at the entrance, in case you forgot yours. If you decide that you want to stay longer, there are rental cottages, which can accommodate from 8 to 20 people, on location but they book quickly. For more information on sledding options Sledding in South Korea > The South of Seoul Blog Ice skating You don’t need to travel to Seoul to enjoy ice skating. Indoor and outdoor ice rinks exist in other areas of South Korea. You will need to check the free skate schedules before going and you can often use 1330 to do just that. You can also use the Konglish term “아이스깅크” or the Korean term “빙상장” to search for locations on Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Gear Availability Locations require skaters to wear a helmet and gloves. Helmets are available in 3 different sizes but if your little one has a helmet that fits them perfectly, bring it. Locations also have snack and supply stores so if you want to purchase skate gear and accessories you may. Storing Your Things You’ll also need coins for the lockers. Skates are available for rent, but for your little ones, it may help to use 1330 to check available skate sizes before the drive. Yi Sun-Shin Ice Rink in Asan: If you enjoy watching the Asan Mugunghwa Football team, the Asan Owls, then you’re probably already familiar with the Yi Sun-Shin Stadium next door. Open from 0900 to 1800 weekdays; 0900 to 2000 weekends; closed Mondays. The skate rink is closed during lunch from 11:30 to 12:30 but you are welcome to eat in the snack shop while you wait. This location does NOT include skate aids so if your toddler isn’t ready, then I would not advise it unless you are a strong ice skater. Namseon Park Skating Rink may be your next adventure in Daejeon. This location includes ice skating, sledding, rides, and cute little penguin-shaped skate aids. Open from 10:00 to 20:00; closed Mondays. Daejeon could be an easy day trip from Pyeontaek but If you’d rather stay for the weekend. Winter-friendly Indoor Options If you and/or your toddler are “allergic” to the cold weather and just need a warm indoor location to play, you may want to consider: Choosing The Right Winter Toddler Activities In the end, your choices may depend on your toddlers courage and desire for adventure. Winter sports look easy when you’re watching animated princesses, gliding across a screen, but it’s good to have a back up plan in case your toddler doesn’t feel ready. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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