Here’s a blog recap for the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops for 2024! We hosted 3 sessions of the Pyeongtaek Living Workshops, each session included 4 different workshop topics over the span of two weeks. Here is how they went.
Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops Recap
The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops were a fantastic opportunity for our community to dive deeper into practical topics essential for navigating life in Pyeongtaek. As a follow-up to the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course, the workshops focused on hands-on, interactive sessions where participants gained valuable insights into everyday life and culture in Korea.
What We Covered
Throughout the series, each workshop was designed to focus on a specific area of life in Pyeongtaek, offering both newcomers and long-time residents valuable knowledge. From understanding local transportation systems to navigating the healthcare landscape, the workshops were structured to give participants the tools they need to thrive in their daily lives.
- Learn Korean for Search: One of the highlights was our workshop on searching in Korean. Many newcomers struggle with finding information in a language they’re not yet fluent in, but our workshop leaders showed how anyone can locate almost anything in Korea, even without speaking or reading Korean. Participants learned key strategies for using search engines and Naver, allowing them to find what they need quickly and effectively. This session was life-changing for many, empowering them to confidently navigate daily tasks on their own.
- Fun Korean Style: We also explored unique experiences that many people don’t know about or might hesitate to try. From hidden gems in Pyeongtaek to quirky Korean activities, participants were introduced to new ways of enjoying life in Korea based on personal preferences. Whether it was local festivals, unique food experiences, or hidden spots in the city, we made sure there was something fun for everyone.
- Life Simplified: Another key takeaway from the workshop series was learning how to simplify life by concentrating on errands in a few neighborhood hubs. This session helped participants find local spots where they could get everything they needed in one go, saving time and energy. From shopping to services, we taught you how to streamline your day-to-day life by making the most out of Korea’s well-connected community hubs.
- No More FOMO: Finally, we tackled the issue of FOMO (fear of missing out). In our last workshop, participants worked together to prioritize their personal goals for the year, narrowing down what matters most in their Korean lives. The workshop was all about helping people break down their goals into manageable steps and making sure they didn’t miss out on anything important. Whether it’s mastering the subway or experiencing Korean traditions, everyone walked away with a clearer roadmap for the year ahead.
Workshops in Action
The workshops allowed for more one-on-one interaction and hands-on learning. Participants engaged in practical activities, such as finding the information they needed in Naver, locating some bus timetables together, and setting their navigation preferences for cars. These activities ensured they left the workshops with a solid understanding of applying what they had learned in real-life scenarios.
Additionally, in each workshop, we tested a variety of easy Korean meals for families! This turned out to be a highlight of each day as attendees discovered new affordable and easy-to-prepare Korean foods for their families.
What Participants Said
After attending the workshops, many participants shared how much they appreciated the practical skills they gained. “I can’t believe how much easier it is to find what I need now,” said one attendee. “The tips on simplifying errands and using Naver were a game-changer!”
Looking Forward
The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops were a huge success, and we hope to continue offering these immersive, practical learning opportunities in the future. Check back in March or April of the New Year to learn about potential new Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshop dates. Whether you’re just starting out in Korea or have been here for a while, these workshops provide a great chance to deepen your understanding of the local culture and systems.
Stay tuned for more updates about our next events, and don’t forget to check out the full recap of the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course here!
Pyeongtak Living 101 is a PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) Program that supports international residents living in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. The program provides classes, workshops, and information to make integration into Korean life smoother.
The Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), established in 2014, is a key organization in promoting global exchange and fostering international relations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. PIEF’s mission centers around enhancing cultural understanding and cooperation, especially with the United States Forces Korea (USFK), local foreign residents, and citizens of Pyeongtaek, with the goal of becoming a globally recognized city.
PIEF operates three main centers: the Paengseong International Community Center, Songtan International Community Center, and the Pyeongtaek English Education Center. These centers provide various services, such as language education, cultural programs, and support services for foreign residents. The foundation focuses on strengthening the ROK-US alliance through community-building events, cultural festivals, and educational programs that aim to integrate both locals and international residents. Additionally, PIEF facilitates programs to support foreign residents in Pyeongtaek by providing interpretation, legal and immigration counseling, and other resources to help them settle in Korea.
By organizing diverse programs, such as the Global Supporters and Global Citizenship Fostering initiatives, PIEF actively promotes cultural exchange and global citizenship among Pyeongtaek’s residents. The foundation also seeks to enhance the city’s global reach through collaborations with other cities worldwide and through public diplomacy initiatives, aiming to position Pyeongtaek as a leading international city in Korea.
