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Expat Guide to Individual Retirement Plan (IRP) Accounts in Korea
Many international residents live and work in Korea over time. This means sometimes severance pay gets caught up in retirement accounts. When you move jobs, you need to have a basic understanding of IRPs (Individual Retirement Accounts/개인형 퇴직연금), where to get them, how to open them, and why you might want one. This Expat Guide to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRPs) in South Korea does not cover ALL aspects of IRPs. Instead, it’s a guide to how to research them on your own. Disclaimer Not Financial Advice: This article is for…
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Engineering Peace: Korean Military Machines Through the Eyes of a Future Engineer
When people think about military equipment, they often focus on power, size, or destruction. However, Korean military engineering showcases systems designed to move precisely, survive extreme conditions, manage energy efficiently, and protect human lives. As a student who dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer, I see something different in these innovative designs. I am a high school sophomore in Korea, and engineering shapes the way I understand the world. I pay attention to how machines withstand pressure, how forces act on structures, and how technology brings together physics, materials, and…
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Guide to Choosing Storage for Kimchi and Fermented Foods
To make kimchi, you must understand the importance of using the correct containers for fermentation. You want to make an educated choice when fermenting foods or storing fermented foods for long periods of time. With a little knowledge, you can ferment your foods safely in Korea (or around the world). Let’s get into it. Lens on the Information Keep in mind, this information is written for international residents living in South Korea. In South Korea, many residents receive Kimchi as gifts or begin making their own at home. This blog…
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Busan KCC Egis: A Guide to One of Korea’s Top Basketball Teams
Basketball is one of the my favorite sports in South Korea, and the Korea Basketball League (KBL) is known for its fast-paced games, passionate fans, and intense rivalries. In this blog post, I would like to introduce to you one of my favorite teams: the Busan KCC Egis. The Busan KCC Egis stand out as one of the most successful and popular basketball teams in Korea. A Championship Tradition The Busan KCC Egis were founded in 1997 and are owned by KCC. The team is based in Busan, a major…
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Winter in Korea: Where to Enjoy Snow, Ice, and Seasonal Traditions
When winter settles over Korea, the atmosphere shifts in a noticeable and beautiful way. Streets glow with holiday lights, the air turns crisp, and both mountains and city centers take on a new kind of winter energy. For international residents living here, the winter season in Korea offers more than cold weather. It opens the door to activities, food, and cultural moments that might create lasting memories during your stay. And so, I would like to recommend some winter activities for you and your families. Mountains of Joy: Skiing and…
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The Korean Ondol: A Genius Traditional Heating System
When winter arrives in Korea, there is one feature of many Korean homes that you may quickly become aware of: the ondol, Korea’s traditional floor-heating system. Whether you have experienced it before or you are learning about it here for the first time, the ondol often feels noticeably different from the heating systems used in many other countries. As someone interested in how things work, I wanted to understand what may make the ondol unique—both culturally and mechanically. What I learned encouraged me to explore the system beneath the floor,…
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Experience Korea: Culture, Food, and Design
If you visit Korea, there are three special places you should not miss. Insadong is a street full of traditional culture, tea houses, and art galleries where you can experience the charm of old Korea. Jeonju Hanok Village is famous for its traditional Korean houses and delicious bibimbap, making it the perfect place to enjoy both culture and food. Finally, Nami Island is a peaceful destination known for its beautiful scenery and relaxing nature paths. Together, these places show Korea’s deep history, unique food traditions, and creative spirit. Insadong: The…
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How South Korea Is Rising in AI
For years, the United States has defined global AI leadership with tools like OpenAI’s GPT series, Google’s Bard/Gemini, and Tesla’s autonomous driving systems. Supported by NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD, the U.S. holds a structural advantage that few countries can match. However, the K-AI sector is rapidly growing and positioning itself as a strong contender in this field. But today, South Korea is becoming a major force in AI in its own way—through localization, efficiency, and real-world usefulness. And surprisingly, many of these changes directly affect foreign residents living in Korea,…
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Discovering the K-League: Korea’s Exciting Professional Soccer League
Do you enjoy sports? In South Korea, people are passionate about many different games. Baseball is hugely popular, but today I’d like to introduce you to something special — the K-League, Korea’s top professional soccer league. A Brief History of the K-League The K-League was founded in 1983, making it the oldest professional football league in Asia. What began with just five teams has now grown into two competitive tiers: Over the decades, the league has become known not only for its talented players but also for its passionate fans,…
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Sports Culture Differences: Korea and the U.S.
Sports are more than games — they show who we are.In comparing Korea vs US sports culture, I’ve noticed that after watching American and Korean sports over the years, both countries share a love for athletic competition, but they express that love in completely different ways. From American tailgate parties to Korea’s perfectly synchronized baseball cheering, sports reveal each nation’s identity, values, and personality. Fan Culture & Stadium Experience United States: A Festival of Individual Spirit American sports events feel like giant social celebrations.Fans arrive hours early to grill food,…
