If you find yourself needing to transfer pet ownership in South Korea, you will need to go through a few steps. Understanding the rules for pet ownership transfer between individuals in Korea can feel difficult since little information exists in English. Hopefully, the following will help make things easier. About Pet Registration In South Korea, the Animal Protection Act mandates that owners must register all indoor companion dogs over two months old. When ownership changes, it’s crucial to update this registration to reflect the new owner’s information. Who Is Responsible for Updating the Registration? Both the current (previous) owner and the new owner have responsibilities: Proof of Pet Ownership Transfer Even though you are doing a pet ownership transfer between individuals in Korea, you still need to use some sort of paperwork. No official paperwork exists for this, but you should draw up something similar to the following: Keep in mind, the included “Pet Adoption and Transfer of Ownership Agreement” PDF is only an example and not for official use. You can use it to inspire your own version. Steps to Transfer Pet Ownership There are two ways that you can transfer ownership of an animal between individuals in South Korea. You can do this in person or online. Before reading the following, please remember that systems change often in Korea. The following represents a moment in time. Always expect variations or changes. Consider the following process documentation a place to start your journey, rather than an exact prescription for how pet ownership transfer occurs every time in Korea will work every time: In-person Pet Registration Transfer Online Pet Registration Transfer If you struggle to do this in person, you can always opt for the online system. However, this will be in Korean, so be prepared to use Google Translate Extension, Papago, ChatGPT, or a friend who speaks Korean. Important Notes Expect the Unexpected Changes to laws occur often in South Korea, and local autonomous governance means laws could be interpreted differently in different parts of the country. Make sure to research local pet laws with your local government to ensure you remain in compliance with pet registration laws over time. Final Notes Transferring pet ownership responsibly ensures the well-being of the animal and compliance with South Korean laws. International Residents need to protect their beloved pets by making sure they comply with all local laws. Always consult with local authorities for the most accurate and updated procedures. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Looking around Korea, you might ask, “Why do people have so many unregistered outside dogs?” You should know that South Korea does not require everyone to register ALL dogs the same way. We learned about this recently when helping to foster a farm dog who needed rehoming. Let’s learn about this difference here between companion dogs v. farm dogs in Korea. Regulations For Companion Dogs v. Farm Dogs In South Korea, the Animal Protection Act governs the treatment and registration of animals, distinguishing between companion animals and farm animals. Here’s an overview of the differences in registration rules and responsibilities for companion dogs versus farm dogs: Companion Dogs Definition: Dogs kept primarily for companionship, living in homes or semi-domestic environments. Registration Requirements: Responsibilities: Farm Dogs Definition: Dogs kept primarily for purposes other than companionship, such as guarding livestock or property in rural or farming areas. Registration Requirements: Responsibilities: Summary of Key Differences Aspect Companion Dogs Farm Dogs Registration Mandatory Generally Exempt Microchipping Required Not Required Leash Laws Must be leashed in public (≤2 meters) Not specified Care Standards High (food, shelter, medical care) Basic (prevent cruelty) Applicable Laws Animal Protection Act Animal Protection Act (limited scope) Determining the Difference Between a Companion and Farm Dog in Korea Now you might be wondering how they define which dogs fit into which category. For that, we look at the legislation. According to Article 12 of the Animal Protection Act. A provision in the Act indicates that dogs aged two months or older and raised in a house or semi-house are subject to mandatory registration. The distinction is based on the dog’s living environment rather than its role as a companion or farm animal. Always Confirm With Local Authorities Of course, while farm dogs are generally exempt from registration, it’s advisable to check with local authorities for any specific regulations or programs that may apply in your area. You never know what additional rules your specific area may have as well. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Exploring Pyeongtaek-si with your dog is a great way to connect with your community, support your mental health, and have fun with your pet. Try these dog walks to make your integration into Pyeongtaek-si life feel more complete. Dog Friendly Korea Korea is becoming increasingly pet-friendly, with more dog parks and scenic trails catering to pet owners looking for outdoor adventures. To help fellow pet owners, I’ve put together a list of my favorite spots near Camp Humphreys for walking and exploring with my dog. However, keep in mind that widespread pet ownership in Korea only became common around 2014, so attitudes toward dogs—especially larger breeds—can vary. Some Koreans may be wary of dogs, while others, particularly children, might try to pet your dog without asking. To ensure a positive experience for everyone, always follow local rules and regulations, keep an eye on your surroundings, and be prepared to politely set boundaries if needed. Defining Dog Friendly In South Korea, the term “dog friendly” generally refers to places and establishments that accommodate and welcome dogs, but the definition can vary depending on the type of business and location. In cities like Seoul and Busan, “dog friendly” cafes, restaurants, and parks typically allow dogs on leashes and may provide amenities such as water bowls, treats, or even designated play areas. However, some businesses may only allow dogs on patios or in outdoor spaces, and size restrictions or breed limitations can apply. “Dog friendly” may also mean that only certain sizes of dogs are permitted, or that dogs are limited to a specific designated area within the establishment. It rarely means that dogs are allowed to roam freely or off-leash unless it’s a specialized dog park or similar facility. Understanding the specific rules of each establishment is important, as Korean businesses may have different levels of comfort and policies regarding dogs. This means that the locations recommended in this post don’t allow off-leash hiking and larger dogs may need a muzzle if requested by others on the trail. Dog-Friendly, Free Walking Locations Enjoy the following dog-friendly locations where we look forward to exercising or slow strolls with our dog. 1. Deokdongsan Neighborhood Park Located in Pyeongtaek, this dog-friendly park welcomes pets on a leash. This forested park features a short hiking loop, pavilions, exercise equipment, and a war memorial. It is also conveniently situated next to Myeongbeop Temple. 2. Naeri Culture Park A great place to walk your dog with well-maintained trails along the Anseong River, providing plenty of space for exercise and exploration. 3. Pinnacle Four Hike (Goyongsan) A popular hike for dog owners due to its pet-friendly environment and manageable trail length. 4. Sopung Garden An excellent destination with a pet-friendly environment and beautiful seasonal foliage. 5. Asan Gingko Trail A beautiful walk lined with approximately 350 gingko trees, especially stunning in autumn. Tips for Walking with Your Dog Near Camp Humphreys Additional Information For further questions about local pet regulations, call 1330, the Korea Travel Hotline. They provide assistance in multiple languages and can help with inquiries regarding pet policies, local laws, and more. Conclusion Exploring with your dog near Camp Humphreys offers a variety of experiences, from peaceful lakeside strolls to more adventurous forest trails. No matter your dog’s energy level, there’s a perfect walk waiting for you. Enjoy your outings and make the most of the beautiful surroundings! For more pet-friendly activities, check out The Dog Lover’s Guide to South Korea: Join here. 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 need or want to make homemade dog food for your dog but worry about the nutritional balance? Well, we found a website you might find helpful. The Korean government realized that many people were making homemade food and launched a website to support cooking at home. The Purpose of this Post In my years as a pet owner in both the US and Korea, I have had pets deathly allergic to 95% of commercial pet foods. This includes our current pug who we rescued a few years back. She turned out to be dramatically and horrifically allergic to all but one type of pet food made from insects. Unfortunately, the food is too high in protein and still causes health issues. This means we need to make 75% of our dog’s food at home. We find it slightly terrifying to try and make homemade pet food using online resources. Plus, many of the online recipe options contain items our sweet Kiki can’t eat or that we can’t get in Korea. When I learned that Korea has a website to help with creating balanced homemade meals we got excited and I wanted to make this available to everyone immediately. Keep in mind, I still don’t fully know how to use the website so we will be learning and growing together. Additionally, please don’t come for me because it will take time to fully understand how to use the information I provide today. Basically, I recommend managing expectations and coming into the following information with a sense of curiosity and adventure. Reason for the Website Through national research, the Korean government found that many people make homemade food for their pets and many small businesses offer packaged homemade meals. However, there were no guidelines to ensure that such meals had the nutrition necessary for healthy pets. Therefore, the government worked across agricultural industries in Korea to create a site that helps you create healthy meals with locally sourced ingredients. The government office managing the homemade dog food information program is the National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration. Logistical Foundation of the Website Website: https://www.nongsaro.go.kr/portal/ps/psx/psxf/feedMxnWritngSportProgrm.ps?menuId=PS04088 The Korean government created a website to help pet owners make their own dog food. The website was created to make sure that pet owners and pet businesses are empowered to make nutritiously balanced pet foods and treats for animals who can’t eat processed foods. The Homemade Dog Food website is based on a database of companion animal-only feed ingredients sold in South Korea. The list provides a framework of ingredients that include 17 nutritional components including protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus for a total of 307 types of food. that come from: The goal of the National Institute of Animal Science is to create a reliable source of information for both pet owners and small businesses. The information allows for the safe creation of homemade meals that consider the breed, growth, and activity stage of companion animals. Such guidelines also meet international nutrient standards according to AAFCO and NRC. Using the Homemade Dog Food Website This is not a simple website with a few homemade dog food recipes. The homemade food website is an informational deep dive into creating healthy balanced meals. That means we are NOT experts in how to use this website. In fact, we are still learning ourselves. However, we will help give you some tips to get you started in the right direction. Tip1: The website is in Korean Of course, the website is in Korean. It’s normal for countries to have their government websites created in the local language. Especially a program this specific. As immigrants, we will have to do extra work navigating around the language barrier. Thankfully, if you don’t speak Korean well enough to read the website you can use the Google Translate extension. We also recommend maybe sitting down with a Korean-speaking person who can help you understand some of the nuances in meaning that Papago or Google Translate can’t clarify. Also, understand that this website might be outside of your friend’s area of expertise and they might also struggle despite knowing Korean. Tip 2: This will take a while Give yourself a few hours to focus on the website manual and play with how the website works. You aren’t going to just log in and make dinner for your dog. However, if you are like us, you need information enough that you will put in the time and figure it out. Tip 3: The Ingredients List Makes it Worth It Even if you don’t figure out how to completely use the website, just having access to the ingredients list is helpful. While going through the list we came across many different ingredients common in Korea that we would not have considered including in our food before. The Steps We Understand So Far To help get you started, we will walk you through how far we have gotten on our first day. This will help you move quickly into the next steps for using the website. Step 1: Pet Details Using the website starts off easy by asking for some basic information about your pet: Step 2: Ingredients After you enter the details of your pet, things get complicated quickly. When we first tried to select ingredients we made the mistake of checking the boxes but not Apply. At first, we thought we had just missed it but now we think the Apply button doesn’t show unless you select a certain amount of ingredients. Step 3: Start Adjusting the Food Now the data from your ingredients list starts to populate and we have no idea what the next steps to take yet. We need a few more days to play around with things to fully understand the next steps. However, our goal at South of Seoul isn’t to know everything but provide everyone with the information they need to get started. That’s why we are including the website manual in this blog. We would love to see other pet bloggers and vloggers take this information and expand the available research into how this site works. The Homemade Dog Meals Website Manual The following PDF is the Korean directions for using the Homemade Dog Food website. You can download the PDF and use Papago to read the information so that you feel more prepared for using the site. Converted the Hancom file to a PDF to make it easier for international residents to download and use: Keep Us Posted We would love to hear if this website helps you with making healthy and delicious food for your dogs. 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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Struggling with pet odor in your home in Korea? Especially during the rainy season, it may feel hard to stay on top of the pet odors in small Korean homes. Here are some tips and tricks we use for cleaning up after pets in our Korean home. Factors in Controlling Pet Odor in Korea Before we talk about the solutions for managing pet odor, let’s talk about what factors we need to manage. We have divided the factors into to parts: Pet hygiene and Environmental. Pet Hygiene Controlling dog odor in the home starts with a regular dog hygiene schedule. If you come from a cooler or drier climate you may not realize how much more you need to care for your dog in a humid and hot climate. Three areas that you will need to step up your game may include: Coming from cool northern climates, I personally felt blindsided by how much more time I needed to invest in pet hygiene. Our dogs have all struggled with ear and skin issues related to various environmental factors that don’t exist in my hometown. Now it’s all quite easy to stay one top of since I have my systems. Environmental The air, humidity, and temps mean you need to take extra care regulating your home environment. If you have pets at home all day you need to make sure to stay on top of the following issues that impact both the smell of pet odors and your dog’s physical Health. Now that we have addressed some of the key pet and environmental factors in controlling pet odors, let’s talk about how to address them in your home. Buying Pet Safe Products The first thing you want to do is make sure you use pet-safe cleaning supplies. Many heavy-duty cleaners and deodorizers are NOT safe for pets. When smells get bad, it’s important not to double down on unhealthy cleaning supplies that can negatively impact the health of your pet. Of course, this might feel hard for pet owners in a new country. Let’s talk about why it’s hard for new folks in Korea. Finding Where to Shops As of 2023, Korea is still commercially growing within the ‘pet-safe’ cleaning supplies market. This may mean that you can’t find many cleaning supply options explicitly labeled ‘pet-safe’. Additionally, such items may not be grouped together and sold in one spot or in one type of shop. Therefore, you may need to 1) source products from different locations, 2) read ingredient lists to ensure safety [don’t panic, we offer a solution to help with this] or 3) use natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda. However, Korea changes quickly and this could change at any time. Until then, here are some tips for pet-safe pet supplies online. Search Terms for Pet Supplies Currently, you can find some pet-friendly cleaning supplies online. Online shopping is easy, affordable, and often faster than running around town trying to find things yourself. However, shopping online may be challenging for those who don’t speak Korean, or for SOFA Visa holders who live on a US military base without a Korean shipping address. If you struggle with Korean here are some terms to help you find pet-safe cleaning supplies. You can copy and paste either of the following terms into Coupang or Gmarket: If you don’t have a Korean address, you can use a company like Parcel Beside U which can receive packages for you and even help you place orders if you don’t have a Korean bank account. Changes in Search Terms The Korean term for household pets changed over time. The term aegyon (애견) is the old-fashioned term for pets and some searches and stores still use it. However, balryodongbul (반려동불) is the new term for a pet and basically means ‘companion for life’ or ‘companion animal’. The term ‘balryodongbul‘ originated in “October 1983 to commemorate the 80th birthday of K. Lorenz, an animal behaviorist, and Nobel laureate.” Koreans began adapting the term into common use after around 2015 and it quickly took over online search. Keep in mind, both terms may still be used as keywords but the old term seems to be fading quickly. Keep in mind, when searching for cleaning supplies, the above search terms may bring up a mix of pet-friendly shampoos and pet-friendly home cleaning products so be careful and read the labels carefully. Reading Korean Labels Use Papago to read the listings to see what commercial pet odor products may exist in Korea. Take a screenshot on your phone, upload it to the Papago app, and select and read what you are interested in. We know that you can search in English on Coupang, but you will usually see fewer options if you search in English. It’s much better to search using Korean terms and use Papago to read the results. You can look at the following images to see an example of how this works: Yes, it does take focus and time to shop this way, but that’s part of the charm of living in another country. We learn new skills and ways of viewing the world that helps us build empathy for the experiences of others. The Danger of Bleach and Pets Avoid using bleach-based cleaners due to the fact they can create chloramine gas. Pet urine often contains ammonia, and when ammonia mixes with bleach (sodium hypochlorite), it can create a toxic gas called chloramine. Inhaling chloramine fumes can lead to respiratory issues, eye irritation, and even damage to the lungs. This can cause harm or even kill, pets and people. (We mention this because we have known people who made this mistake. Thankfully things turned out ok.) Since many people in Korea live in small apartments and pets often have indoor bathroom areas, there is an increased risk of chloramine gas accidents. The risk of mixing bleach and pet urine is higher indoors, where urine odor can linger and accumulate. If you’ve used bleach or bleach-containing products to clean the area, it’s essential to ensure there is proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of toxic fumes. Prevention is obviously the best policy. To avoid the potential danger of creating chloramine gas, it’s important to clean up pet urine promptly and thoroughly. Use pet-safe cleaners specifically formulated for urine stains and odors, as these products are designed to break down and neutralize the components in urine without producing harmful reactions. Don’t use bleach, especially on enclosed cat litter boxes. Safe cleaning alternatives: If you want to use a disinfectant to clean the area where your pet has urinated, it’s recommended to choose pet-safe products or natural alternatives like vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Always make sure to follow the usage instructions and take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves and ensuring adequate ventilation. WARNING: If you do use vinegar to help with cleaning pet odor, it’s critically important you do not use it where you have used bleach recently. Mixing vinegar and bleach will also create deadly gas faster than you can realize you are about to send everyone to the hospital. (We mention this because we have known people who made this mistake. Thankfully things turned out ok.) Seek veterinary advice: If your pet has ingested bleach or has been exposed to toxic fumes from mixing bleach and pet urine, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately. They can provide guidance based on your pet’s specific situation and advise you on the appropriate steps to take. The Power of Baking Soda Either get a Costco card or a friend with a Costco card and purchase the giant bag of baking soda. Since both my pet and myself are violently allergic to many things, we have to do most of our house cleaning with simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, lemon, and vinegar. Thankfully, these ingredients also do the best job of controlling odors. Here are some of the ways I use baking soda instead of bleach-based products: Sprinkle it On Floors: Sprinkle baking soda liberally on your floors before you go out for the day. Focusing on areas where your pet spends a lot of time or where odors are concentrated. Leave it on for at least 15-30 minutes, or overnight for stronger odors, and then vacuum and wet mop, swiffer, or steam clean thoroughly to remove the baking soda along with the trapped odors. Use it on pet bedding: Sprinkle pet bedding with baking soda and let sit for 15-30 minutes or overnight and then wash it as usual. Baking soda can help neutralize the odors and freshen up the bedding. We often take our bedding to the laundromat so we can use the hot water setting as well. Deodorize pet crates or carriers: Plastic can really get smelly so you can also use baking soda there. If your pet’s crate or carrier has a lingering smell, you can sprinkle baking soda inside and leave it for a few hours or overnight. Then, use a vacuum or wipe it clean to remove the baking soda and the odor. Freshen litter boxes: Baking soda can help control the smell of litter boxes. Before adding fresh litter, sprinkle a layer of baking soda at the bottom of the box. The baking soda will absorb odors and keep the area smelling fresher. Create a deodorizing spray: To keep things smelling fresh between big cleans make a spray. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water in a spray bottle. Shake well to dissolve the baking soda. You can lightly mist this solution over pet beds, furniture, or other areas where odors are present. Remember, while baking soda can be effective in reducing pet odors, it’s essential to address the source of the odor as well. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your pet’s environment, including their bedding, toys, and litter boxes, can help prevent odors from becoming overwhelming. Let the Light Shine In Throw open the curtains and windows and let the sunshine into the house. Sunshine is one of the best tools we have found for keeping our Korean home smelling delightful. This is also what all of our Korean elders yell at us to do constantly. Obviously, you need to take into consideration air quality, temperature, and precipitation when choosing to keep your blinds and windows open. However, try to let the light into your house often for the following reasons: Natural Deodorizer: Sunlight acts as a natural deodorizer by breaking down and neutralizing odorous compounds. This isn’t hippy-dippy nonsense. When sunlight interacts with organic matter, such as pet dander, urine, or saliva, it can initiate a chemical process called photolysis. This process involves the breaking down of complex odor molecules into simpler, less smelly compounds, thereby reducing or eliminating the odor. Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Sunlight contains UV light, which has germicidal properties. UV light can kill or deactivate bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that contribute to unpleasant pet odors. By exposing areas where pets frequently reside to sunlight, you can help reduce the microbial populations responsible for producing odors. Drying Effect: Much of what we battle in Korea is moisture and sunlight aids in drying out moisture, which can help eliminate the source of certain pet odors. Damp or wet surfaces, such as pet bedding, carpets, or upholstery, can harbor bacteria and fungi that produce unpleasant smells. By exposing these areas to sunlight, the moisture content is reduced, inhibiting the growth of odor-causing microorganisms. Fresh Air and Ventilation: When you open windows or doors to let sunlight in, you also promote ventilation, allowing fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Proper air circulation helps remove stagnant odors and replace them with fresh, outdoor air. Using a Dehumidifier: Dehumidifiers can help with pet odor by reducing the moisture in the air, which can contribute to the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold. Here’s how dehumidifiers work and how they can help: It’s important to note that while dehumidifiers can help control pet odors, they are not...

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Moving to Korea and need help choosing a veterinarian to care for your pets? Here are tips to help you find a veterinarian to help care for your pets while living here. Where to Get Started in Choosing a Veterinarian Moving overseas can be stressful not only for humans but also for your pets. Not only do they have to adjust to an entirely new environment, but also they have to learn a new veterinarian and maybe even a new language. Therefore, it is important to make sure to choose a veterinarian that you and your fur babies like. Factors to Consider When Choosing A Veterinarian Before you begin your search for a veterinarian, it is helpful to make a list of what you should look for in a local veterinarian. Take into consideration your pet’s type, age, breed, and health concerns. Here are a few things to think about when you begin searching: Keep in mind, even if you ask all the questions things will still be a surprise. Taking your beloved pet to the vet when you don’t fully understand the language and culture will always be VERY stressful. Expect to experience a great deal of culture shock. However, taking time to prepare before finding a veterinarian will help both you and your pet to feel more comfortable than if you just take the first vet you can find in an emergency. Pro Tips for Choosing a Veterinarian Now that you have your list of factors carefully considered, it is time to do your research and find local veterinarian options. Here are a few tips to get you started on your search Start Looking for Recommendations It’s always best to begin your search by finding recommendations. Here are three different ways to learn about veterinarians in your area: Check With Local Pet Owners Individually If you know someone who is already in the country and has a pet, they can be a valuable resource for you in choosing a veterinarian. Hearing personal experiences from others can assist you in making choices. In addition, check with your coworkers for recommendations. Often they can help you find some options to consider. If you work with the US military, you should also consider checking with your Real Estate Agent. Such agents who work with those living in Korea on a SOFA visa often offer additional support to their clients. For example, when we were searching for care locally, our realtor recommended her veterinarian and even assisted us with finding a local groomer for our pets. In addition to checking with individuals you meet in person, also look at your online resources. Find an Online Expat or Local Group for Your Area When moving to a new area, check out the local expat groups or pet lovers groups for the area you are moving to. Often the members of these groups have information that can assist you in locating options for veterinarian care. Jamie Boyd from Everything Paws Korea recommends “Ask for recommendations from people who live in that specific area. You will always get a mixed range of reviews but I feel like it’s better than just randomly searching and going to one.” In Pyeongtaek, here are a few options to consider Pyeongtaek Living, South of Seoul blogs, and Everything Paws Korea. If you are connected with the military here in Pyeongtaek, the base veterinarians often provide a list of local veterinarians for you to consider. Additionally, you can do Google searches, check Naver blogs, and research online sites to see local veterinarians and their reviews. Read Naver Reviews with Papago If you live in an area where you don’t have access to individuals or online groups who speak your language, you can use Naver. Just search in Naver maps using 동물병원 (animal hospital) plus your city. For example, in Pyeongtaek you would search 동물병원 평택. Once you locate options near you, you can screenshot reviews and blogs about the animal hospital and use Papago to translate the information. Contact Local Veterinarians Once you have narrowed down your options, contact the veterinarians directly. Some clinics may have English-speaking doctors but the front desk staff may not be fluent in English. When contacting the clinics, ask if they have someone who speaks English. Then, you can inquire about their availability, pricing, and any specific concerns about your pet’s health or needs. Making an Appointment Many vets in small cities and rural areas may accept walk-in appointments. If you do a walk-in appointment, the office stall will fit you in around the other animals who have appointments. This means you may have a longer wait. If possible, visit the veterinarian’s office to schedule an initial checkup when you first arrive in Korea or when you first adopt them. This will let you know the cleanliness of the office, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall environment. It’s a chance to build a relationship when you are not in crisis. Most veterinarians offer online scheduling through apps such as Naver or Kakao. We always recommend learning how to schedule appointments online to make life easier. Costs and Pricing Budgeting for your pet’s care and potential emergencies is important. It is critical to know where to get your pet and what to do in an emergency. However, it is also vital to make sure you have money set aside for when these emergencies occur. Jamie Boyd says, “Make sure you have at least $3000 or 3 million won set aside for an emergency. A lot of vets in Korea will not treat unless paid for at the time of service.” Many veterinary offices do not have payment plans. Therefore, having money set aside or a credit card with an available balance to handle emergencies is a good plan. Make sure to check out our blog on 24 hour veterinary clinics for more details. In addition to budgeting for your pet’s care, make sure to locate a veterinarian that you are comfortable with and form a relationship. Jamie Boyd recommends, “Don’t vet hop for prices. It’s stressful for your pet and you need to have all of your pet’s information in one centralized system. You need to build rapport with the vet and if you don’t feel good about the vet, find a new one. But when you find one, stay there.” Cultural Differences in Care May Exist When choosing a veterinarian in Korea or any other country, keep in mind that there may be differences in care from your home country. When you are making decisions about veterinary clinics, please temper your expectations as the culture may be somewhat different than you are accustomed to. Sometimes the differences may feel frustrating and unfair. For example, we had friends who couldn’t get anti-depressants for their traumatized rescue in South Korea which made caring for him difficult. For us, our veterinarian in the States was our partner in care and who had time to have a personal relationship with our dogs. Therefore, our former veterinarian often got on the floor to examine and play with our dogs. However, we knew when we got to Korea that we could not compare our experiences stateside with clinics here and the vets here act more formally. Also, remember that Korean culture and Korean vets are not all the same. Each vet will have their own style and expectations for you as a pet owner. Simply because you had one experience at one vet doesn’t mean another vet will be exactly the same way. Our Experiences Choosing a Veterinarian We are parents to three senior shih tzus with several health concerns. Our fur babies have had the privilege of having had top-notch veterinary care in the States since my best friend was their primary veterinarian. This makes us very picky when it comes to choosing a veterinarian. Our fur babies have suffered from allergy issues, stomach issues, and anxiety over the years in both the USA and South Korea. So, we have spent quite a bit of time and money keeping our kids healthy. When we arrived in Korea six years ago, we did our research when choosing a veterinarian. We got recommendations from our coworkers with pets and our realtor. Then, we tried a few different veterinarians in the area until we found one that worked for us. In addition, we also keep the list of emergency veterinarians on hand since our fur babies often have trouble after normal office hours. Overnight Care One thing to keep in mind when choosing a veterinarian is whether or not their overnight care has a dedicated professional to stay with your pet. When Sookie got sick last year, she required IV treatment overnight. The veterinarian offered to keep her overnight, however, she would be alone. Sookie has dementia and severe anxiety. We knew leaving her in this clinic overnight alone would be a bad idea. Fortunately, our doctor is aware of our experience and allowed us to take Sookie home on IV. We were able to keep her calm and comfortable and complete her IV treatment. Cultural Differences in Medical Treatments One of the local veterinarians we have worked with for our shih tzus’ care questioned why our pets were taking a daily treatment for their arthritis. Two of our babies have arthritis and have been taking anti-inflammatories for their arthritis issues. When Sookie was sick last year, the veterinarian we went to was not our regular clinic. Therefore, he wanted to know why Sookie was taking the anti-inflammatory daily. He was also unfamiliar with the medication that Sookie takes for her anxiety. Upon speaking with our regular veterinarian here, she mentioned that these treatments were not as common for Korean pets as they are in the States. Final Thoughts on Choosing a Veterinarian Keeping our pets healthy while here in Korea is important. Therefore, finding a local veterinarian to help care for your babies while you are here will help you to be better prepared in case of illness or emergency. In addition, choosing a veterinarian to partner with you for pets’ wellness will give you peace of mind as you enjoy your life here in Korea. Looking for A Vet in Pyeongtaek Our volunteers compiled a list of English-speaking animal clinics and hospitals in Pyeongtaek. This list can help you in your research for choosing a veterinarian. In addition, we have also compiled a list of 24-hour hospitals in case you have an emergency after your clinic’s hours. Join the Everything Paws Korea Facebook Group Looking for a place where pet owners living in Korea can ask questions and share ideas? Everything Paws Korea has information on training, recipes, health tips and DIY. In addition, there are post links to articles and such relating to our pets. However, please keep in mind, information in this group should never replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor...

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Need a list of 24 Hour Emergency Animal Hospitals? It always feels like our fur babies are sick when their veterinarian is closed. Therefore this list will come in handy if you are needing to find a veterinarian to see your pet in an emergency. During an emergency with your fur baby, it can be critical to locate the closest 24-hour animal hospital quickly. Therefore, we have compiled a list of locations for you to find the help you need. Additionally, we provide critical information you need in these times to get you the best care possible for your pet. Are you in an emergency right now? Do not wait. Go straight to critical information: Types of ’24-Hour’ Animal Hospitals In South Korea, the term ’24-hour’ as it relates to an animal hospital may have a few possible meanings as of 2022: Since 24-hour may mean different things in different locations, we recommend visiting your local 24-hour emergency animal hospital to fully understand how they operate. Don’t wait until there is an emergency. Let’s talk about emergency preparedness. What To Do Before An Emergency Happens Since it is crucial to be able to provide information to the doctor for your pet, planning ahead is important. Once the emergency hits you may feel overwhelmed by 1) finding a hospital, 2) finding transportation, 3) navigating to a new place, 4) managing the language barrier, and 5) making decisions for your pet. Therefore, we recommend: A Typed Medical History and Medication List Have a list of medications and dosages saved to your phone. Hence, we asked our regular veterinarian to write down the names of our fur babies’ medications in Korean (or what they are used to treat). This can be very helpful as some of the drug names are different. Communication Plan Have a Communication Plan and practice your plan for asking for help. Use 1330 or BBB Korea regularly so that you feel comfortable using these services to ask for help. You can’t rely on friends to wake up to help at 3am. Practice the Drive Visit the 24-hour emergency vet nearest your home before an emergency happens. You need to learn the roads and parking situation in advance. Consider visiting the 24-emergency vet for a regular checkup just so that your information is already in their system. Information Available to Copy Paste on Your Phone Have the 24-hour emergency hospital Korean address saved on your phone. It’s very hard to search any app or the internet in a crisis. Have the closest hospital to your house saved on your phone or in your phone contacts. What to Do in an Emergency Getting the right help for your pet as quickly as possible is essential in an emergency situation. This means that you need to prepare yourself before you experience an emergency. Call Ahead Call Ahead to let the 24-hour vet clinic know you are coming. This is an absolutely critical step. You need to contact the 24-hour animal hospital prior to arrival to let them know the medical issue so they can prepare ahead. Leo Mendoza of Shindogs Air says this phone call can mean life or death for your pet: “All 24-hour emergency animal hospitals usually only have ONE general attending vet on duty, and that vet may not be the specialist your pet requires. If the hospital gets advance notice, they will ensure the specialist comes in for your pet!” Grab Medications Take any medications with you to the hospital. Knowing crucial information about your pet’s medical conditions and history can help when making decisions about care. So, make sure to keep a list of any medications and dosages that your pet takes regularly on hand. Remember the Translated Medical History on Your Phone Since you prepared ahead of time, make sure you remember your pet’s medical history that you have saved to the files on your phone. Assistance Calling the Emergency Vet In this stressful situation, you may also want to have assistance calling ahead. Having a language barrier will definitely make this situation more hectic and frustrating. Therefore, if you need assistance calling the 24-hour emergency veterinarian, you can contact: 24-Hour Emergency Animal Hospitals This list has not been vetted by South of Seoul, nor is it an all-exclusive list. However, our goal is to provide you with locations that can assist you to get the help you need as quickly as possible when your pet is unwell. Many of the locations listed below have English-speaking staff, but we cannot guarantee that they will have them available 24 hours a day. Also, this list includes locations in the following areas: Pyeongtaek, Dongtan/Hwaseong, Suwon, Seoul, and Daegu. We know you may be in an emergency right now. Read carefully to determine if you are calling the correct area. Pyeongtaek Correct number for Raum Animal Medical Center is: 031-692-5022 Dongtan/Hwaseong Suwon Seoul Daegu Finding Additional 24-Hour Vets If you are traveling and need to find 24-hour emergency animal hospitals, you can enter the phrase “동물병원 24시간” or “24시간 동물병원” into Naver and it should help you find the closest location to you. However, you can also contact 1330 to assist you in the closest 24-hour animal hospital as well. Here is the list of the locations with Naver pins and phone numbers for you to download and keep handy. Useful Phrases for Pet Owners During an emergency situation, it is always useful to have a few useful phrases on hand. Therefore, we have compiled this list to empower pet owners to do their best for their fur babies in stressful situations. Veterinary Services Vary Between Countries Different cultures and countries care for animals in different ways. For example, Korean veterinarians may not prescribe medications the same way that American veterinarians do. We have found this to be the case as we have dogs on medications for arthritis and anxiety. At a recent emergency vet appointment, we learned that the Korean veterinarian we saw was unfamiliar with treating regularly for either of those conditions. Join the Everything Paws Korea Facebook Group Looking for a place where pet owners living in Korea can ask questions and share ideas? Everything Paws Korea has information on training, recipes, health tips, and DIY. In addition, there are post links to articles and such relating to our pets. However, please keep in mind, information in this group should never replace the advice of a qualified veterinarian. Updated October 26, 2024 KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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Looking for dog cafes or dog parks near Camp Humphreys? You’ve found them! We will keep updating this blog over time. Jump straight to the dog park list if you are already familiar with Pyeongtaek and animal park rules. About Camp Humphreys Army Base For those unfamiliar with Pyeongteak, Camp Humphreys Army Base is a US military base located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The base is in the middle of Paengseong-dup which borders Asan-si. About Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Humphreys Dog-friendly cafes are popping up across Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Some cafes focus mostly on providing places for dogs to run free, while other cafes focus on the people and allow dogs to come along for the ride if they are on a leash. We have gathered a list of 8 dog-friendly places that we love to visit with our fur babies. We have chosen locations with outdoor areas. The cafes on this list should be within 30 minutes or less from the base. Since Camp Humphreys sits on the southern border of Pyeongtaek, some of these cafes may exist outside the Pyeongtaek border but remain close enough to easily drive to. We will continue to add information on dog-friendly spots to the South of Seoul app! About Dog Parks Near Humphreys Most dog parks are privately owned and may be referred to as ‘dog cafes’, however, free public dog parks have begun to pop up. Public dog parks are often free and require users to follow strict rules. Private parks may charge only for drinks and others may charge an entrance fee separately from drinks. Food and drinks at dog parks may be more expensive than at other cafes. They need to do this to afford the large spaces and maintenance costs associated with allowing dogs. Dog Park and Dog Cafe Rules Each dog-friendly location near Camp Humphreys may have its own rules. Rules vary depending on the location resources and past experiences. The rules may include: Make sure you know the rules before entering any dog park or dog cafe. If you do not know the rules, reach out to 1330 for help with the rules associated with the dog park you plan on visiting. Cultural Notes Please note that pet ownership only became common in Korea around 2014. The country is still learning how to manage pet ownership and laws. This means things that you think should be a standard may not exist at this moment, but Korea has been working quickly to catch up. We encourage you to be prepared for things that are confusing and feel uncomfortable. If you have large dogs, you may experience more discomfort than others. Remember that difference does not make another culture bad, it simply makes it different and new skills and systems may be needed to navigate the experience. Your dog also experiences language barriers and culture shock. Please be careful due to the fact dogs may become agitated when people speak to them in an unfamiliar language. Additionally, remember that Koreans do not know commands for your dog in English and may feel stressed by the fact they can not communicate with you or your pet. Expect other people to touch your pet without permission. This is a very dangerous situation and you need to be aware it will happen. Unexpected interactions along with unknown languages can cause conflict between cultures. List of Dog Cafes & Parks Near Humphreys Dog Park Vlogs Dog Cafes and Parks Near Osan Air Force Base South of Seoul volunteers also gathered a list of dog cafes near Osan Air Force Base in Sinjangdong, Pyeongtaek. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Everyone loves an adventure, including your fur babies. Grab your doggy go-bag and head to a park or cafe. About Osan Air Force Base Osan Air Force Base is a US military base located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. The base is on the edge of Sinjangdong, also called Songtan by those associated with the Osan Air Force Base. Osan Air Force Base is about 20-30 minutes from Osan City. About Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Osan Air Force Base Dog-friendly cafes are popping up across Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Some cafes focus mostly on providing places for dogs to run free, while other cafes focus on the people and allow dogs to come along for the ride if they are on a leash. We have gathered a list of 8 dog-friendly places that we love to visit with our fur babies. We have chosen locations with outdoor areas. The cafes on this list should be within 30 minutes or less from the base. Since Osan Air Force Base sits on the northeastern part of Pyeongtaek, some of these cafes exist outside the Pyeongtaek border but remain close enough to easily drive to. We will continue to add information on dog-friendly spots to the South of Seoul app! About Dog Parks Near Osan Air Force Base Most dog parks are privately owned and referred to as ‘dog cafes’, however, free public dog parks have begun to pop up. The public dog parks are free and require users to follow strict rules. Dog Park and Dog Cafe Rules Every dog-friendly location near Osan Air Force Base has its own rules. Rules vary depending on the locations resources and past experiences. The rules may include: Food or drink purchasing requirements Size limitations Age limitations Limits to group size Leasing rules Restricted areas and more Make sure you know the rules before entering any dog park or dog cafe. If you do not know the rules, reach out to 1330 for help with the rules associated with the dog park you plan on visiting. Cultural Notes Please note that pet ownership only became common in Korea around 2014. The country is still learning how to manage pet ownership and laws. This means things that you think should be a standard may not exist at this moment, but Korea has been working quickly to catch up. We encourage you to be prepared for things that are confusing and feel uncomfortable. If you have large dogs, you may experience more discomfort than others. Remember that difference does not make another culture bad, it simply makes it different and new skills and systems may be needed to navigate the experience. Your dog also experiences language barriers and culture shock. Please be careful due to the fact dogs may become agitated when people speak to them in an unfamiliar language. Additionally, remember that Koreans do not know commands for your dog in English and may feel stressed by the fact they can not communicate with you or your pet. Expect other people to touch your pet without permission. This is a very dangerous situation and you need to be aware it will happen. Unexpected interactions along with unknown languages can cause conflict between cultures. 8 Spots to Visit with Your Dog(s) South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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By: Angie Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer Moving internationally, even moving back to your home country, takes a lot of preparation and planning; especially if you have pets. There is a lot of planning and paperwork involved with flying with pets, even if you are just flying back to your home country. Be sure to check with your arriving country for their requirements for importing pets. This blog outlines the three ways you can fly out of Korea with your pet: in-cabin, excess baggage (accompanied cargo), and unaccompanied or manifest cargo. Pets In-Cabin In-cabin means that your pet will fly with you on the plane. You will put your pet under the seat in front of you for the duration of your flight. Not every airline allows pets in-cabin on international flights and you need to make sure your pet meets the guidelines set by each airline, so double check before you book your tickets. Generally speaking, your furry companion will need to be VERY SMALL. Most weight restrictions are around 10-15 lbs. Maximum carrier sizes are pretty restricted as well, usually around 10 inches or shorter in height. This is pretty small considering your pet needs to fit comfortably inside its carrier. If the carrier appears too small for your pet, you may be turned away completely at check-in. Check with the airline regarding their specific requirements.  Before booking your ticket, call the airline that you want to book with and check that there is space for your pet on the flight that you want. Each flight only allows a certain number of pets in the cabin. Pets as Excess Baggage (Accompanied Cargo) If your pet cannot fly in-cabin, another option is for your pet to fly as excess baggage, or accompanied cargo. This means that your pet will fly on the same plane as you, in a temperature controlled cargo area of the plane. Not all planes have temperature control areas for cargo. It is important to call the airlines before booking your ticket to ensure that the flight you are interested in flying to has the proper accomodations for pets. Weight and carrier size restrictions vary by airline. It is important that your pet fits comfortably in a carrier that meets the airline’s requirements. Your pet must be able to sit up, stand up, and turn around in the crate without touching the top of the crate. In addition to crate restrictions, many airlines also have temperature restrictions. Most airlines will not accept pets during extreme hot or cold temperatures. If your crate does not meet the airline’s requirements or is not the appropriate size for your pet or it is too hot or cold on the day of your flight, the airline will not accept your pet for travel. If you are planning on flying with your pet as excess baggage during the summer or winter, it is a good idea to have a pet shipper as a backup. If you are booking a ticket for a pet as excess baggage, you need to call the airline and request a spot for them in the cargo compartment. Again, only certain planes have temperature controlled cargo areas and only certain airlines fly pets as unaccompanied baggage.  Pets as Unaccompanied Cargo You will have to fly your pet as unaccompanied or manifest cargo if you have a larger pet or if you pets cannot fly on the same day as you. This happens more often than you’d think – especially given the temperature embargos and the limited flights with temperature controlled cargo compartments. Flying your pet as unaccompanied or manifest cargo means that your pet will fly on a cargo-only plane. Airlines do not allow individual pet owners to book these accommodations. You will need to hire a pet shipping company to arrange everything with the airline. Here are a few Korea-based pet shipping and relocation companies for flying pets as unaccompanied baggage:  The First Class Pet www.thefirstclasspet.com Email: gina@firstclasspet.com Phone: 070-4101-1169 010-9794-1125 Kakao Talk is the best way to communicate with First Class Pet Pet Airlines www.petairline.co.kr Email: jeremy@petairline.co.kr Phone: 02-2667-0112 Email is the best way to communicate with Pet Airlines Shindog Air www.shindogsair.com Email: shindogsair@gmail.com Phone: 010-5119-8073 Facebook and Facebook Messenger is the best way to communicate with Shindog Air  Shindig Air also runs Flying Pets Korea – Free Advice  Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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