Confucianism is an ethical, political, and religious philosophy created by Confucius during the Spring and Autumn period in China. The teachings of Confucianism focus on moral practices in human relations, social order, and political governance. It has been one of the key ideological systems in East Asia, alongside Buddhism and Taoism. In Korea’s past, Confucianism significantly influenced both society and literature. Confucian values, such as filial piety, loyalty, and fidelity, can be seen in many of Korea’s classical works of literature. This influence continues to shape Korean culture today, even…

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,…

Baseball might be America’s pastime, but in Korea, it’s a national passion. The Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) League offers an unforgettable experience for fans — from electric atmospheres to unique cultural twists on the game. At the center of it all stands one of the league’s most legendary teams: the Doosan Bears. A Legacy of Excellence: History of the Doosan Bears The Doosan Bears are one of the founding members of the KBO League, established in 1982 under the original name, the OB Bears. Based in Seoul, they quickly became…

If you want an easy and meaningful day trip from Pyeongtaek, Suwon is one of the best choices. The moment your train rolls into Suwon Station, the giant 18th-century Hwaseong Fortress wall rises above the city, circling the heart of town. Today’s plan is simple and flexible: walk part of the fortress wall, explore Hwaseong Haenggung by day and again at night, and end with sizzling fried chicken on Suwon’s famous “Chicken Street.” Walk the Fortress Wall (Hwaseong Fortress) You can start your walk anywhere. Look for a nearby stairway…

How much do you know about Korean food? Korean cuisine has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of people around the world. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a culture, a story, and a reflection of the Korean spirit. In this blog post, I would like to introduce 3 classic Korean dishes and their recipes with you. The following three dishes represent the how diverse Korean flavors are—beloved classics that you’re bound to fall in love with. Ready to taste the soul of Korea? Let’s dig in! Special Note About…

Sometimes you don’t want to lug your gear to and from the mountains or maybe you don’t want to fight over the expensive hourly rentals. If you have a Korean Foreigner Registration Card, you can rent lockers at Korean ski resorts for a few days or the season. This guide to long-term ski locker rentals will help you figure out if the lockers are right for you and how to rent them. Renting a Lockers at Ski Parks In South Korea, resorts offer both short-term and long-term gear locker rentals.…

Driving in a new country means relearning all kinds of systems, one of those systems is parking. We’ve put together this short guide to the types of public parking in Korea to help you find your way. About Korean Parking Facilities Like most countries around the world, Korea offers a variety of public and private parking types. Some are managed by local governments, and others are managed by private companies or organizations. Let’s look at the different types of public parking: City-Managed Parking Garages (공영주차장) City-Managed Managed On-Street Parking (노상주차장)…

Tourists and SOFA members! Did you know that many public parking garages in Korea may not accept payment via cash or international cards (debit/credit)? This means you can get unexpectedly trapped in a parking garage without an easy way out. Let’s talk about who this impacts and how to get around it. Read this to learn how to avoid getting trapped in a Korean parking garage. Basics of Paying for Public Parking in Korea Over the last five years, many (maybe even most) public parking garages across Korea went cashless.…

Looking for affordable options for dining in Korea? Then look no further than this guide to Hansik Buffets. Learn to live and budget like a local with these delicious cafeteria style restaurants for hard working and hungry people. Let’s go! Exploring everyday Korean buffets and the culture behind them If you’ve lived in Korea for a while, chances are you’ve seen a restaurant sign that says 한식뷔페 (Hansik Buffet). At first glance, they might look like small, no-frills restaurants. However, inside you’ll often find a bustling space full of home-cooked…

Adjusting to life in Pyeongtaek-si doesn’t have always feel overwhelming and confusing. Thanks to PIEF‘s and the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Program, you can access a full set of FREE resources in the Learning Portal that give you the tools, confidence, and guidance you need to thrive in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea. What is the PIEF Learning Portal The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Learning Portal by PIEF isn’t just a collection of random guides. It was carefully built using years of community research into “what people don’t know they don’t know” that empowers…