New Arrival Information
Be kind to yourself and have grace for yourself when you first arrive in South Korea.
When you arrive in South Korea, you may find yourself scrambling to acclimate. That's ok and that is normal. You are dealing with a new language, new culture, new customs, new foods, new co-workers, and often-times a new career. Culture shock is a very real and often painful experience. Taking the time to inform yourself about the world around you will couple perfectly with having grace for yourself and others.
South of Seoul volunteers empathize deeply with your struggle.
We have also struggled through that pain as well and our mission is to help minimize the struggle as much as possible. That's why South of Seoul volunteers put together this list of blogs that each shares something we wish we had known in the first three months of our arrival in South Korea. We recommend revisiting these blogs regularly over the first three months because each time you read them something new will stand out.Is there a blog you think we should have on this list?
Information you wish you had? Please leave a comment or message us at southofseoul@gmail.com and we will add it to our list of blogs to post.
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Top 10 Things To Do Osan-si
The top 10 Things To Do Osan-si include indoor and outdoor activities. Perfect for families, outdoor lovers, and art lovers. About Osan City Osan Administrative District (Osan-si / 오산시) exists above Pyeongtaek-si and below Suwon. The city shares a name with Osan Air Force base which exists 20-30 minutes south of Osan City in the administrative district of Pyeongtaek-si. The similarities in name often cause confusion for English speakers unfamiliar with the area who may call the area around the US Air Force base Osan instead of Sinjang-dong or Godeok.…
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Introducing the MOFA SOFA Center
About the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) handles the diplomatic aspects of Korean government. According to their website: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was inaugurated according to the Government Organization Act, enacted and put into enforcement on July 17, 1948, to be in charge of foreign policy, external economic policy, protection of overseas Korean nationals, assessment of international relations and overseas public relations. In accordance with such a mission, MOFA diplomants also support US Military bases located within South Korea. Such US military and associated…
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5 Best Small Korean Tour Companies to Try
We recommend trying these 5 best small Korean tour companies as ones to try because they offer easy adventures across Korea. Their trips will take you to many wonderful places beyond Seoul. About Small Tour Operators in Korea Small tour operators have been helping Korean ex-pats see new people and make new friends for decades. Such trips and tours have often been the backbone of building community and lifelong friendships while having fun adventures. Traveling with a small tour can take some of the hassles out of traveling in South…
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Getting a Smartphone in South Korea
Are you getting a smartphone in South Korea? We have some information, tips, tricks, and things to watch out for.
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Applying for Residency with Your E2 Visa
Want to know more about applying for Residency with Your E2 Visa? This article walks you through the steps and mentions possible pain points.
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How to Get Your E2 Medical Exam
Wondering how to Get Your E2 medical exam? This post takes you into all you need to know, including what problems may arise.
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Intro to the Educator Virtual Welcome Packet
South of Seoul volunteers would like to welcome you to South Korea by introducing the Educator Virtual Welcome Packet. Deciding to move to Korea to become an educator may bring both a mix of joy, excitement, fear, and sadness. Many of our volunteers moved to South Korea as educators and relate to the many unique implications of such a life choice. What types of educators work in South Korea? As an educator in South Korea, you may work as an: EFL teacher in a public school Professor in a university EFL…
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Types of Educational Jobs for Foreigners in Korea
Want to know more about the options for educators in South Korea? Let’s break down the different types of educational jobs available for foreigners in Korea, and how to apply. Education Jobs in South Korea A variety of educational jobs exist in South Korea for ESL/EFL educators. For example, positions exist in EFL/ESL education, international schools, and universities. However, the number of jobs available continues to decrease and salaries stagnate as South Korea’s childbirth rates decrease. Additionally, as South Korea becomes an increasingly popular place for ex-pats to stay long-term,…
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Intro to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet
South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers welcome you to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet. Our information applies to life that happens beyond the bases. How are the Welcome Articles Curated? SOS Volunteers associated with the US Military curate the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet for South of Seoul. The SOS Volunteers group information with the most important and immediate information showing first and then flowing into more lifestyle and community-focused information. Additionally: ***Jump to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet*** How are the Welcome Articles Developed? SOS volunteers develop articles for…
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Korean vs American Kitchens
Have you considered Korean vs American kitchen expectations? Learn the differences and how to choose your new home.