South of Seoul 2024 Year-in-Review

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Have you seen South of Seoul around but wonder what we do? Here is a quick look back a few of our public projects in 2024.

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Celebrating Growth, Connection, and Community Impact

As 2024 comes to a close, we at South of Seoul want to take a moment to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, milestones, and the incredible connections made across the community. This year has been one of collaboration, education, and celebration.

None of this would have been possible without our hardworking team, local partners, and the ever-growing network of international residents and Korean citizens working together to make life in Pyeongtaek more welcoming, informed, and integrated. Let’s take a look back at the highlights of 2024!

Highlighting Our Valued Supporters Community Partners

As we reflect on 2024 and the incredible projects we’ve accomplished, we want to take a moment to honor the extraordinary supporters and community partners who have made it all possible. Their contributions, collaboration, and shared vision have been integral to our success, and we are deeply grateful for their continued commitment to strengthening and enriching our community.

Our Esteemed Project and Information Partners in 2024:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs: For their leadership and unwavering support in fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.
Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation: A driving force in promoting cross-cultural understanding and unity in our diverse community.
Songtan Traditional Market: Celebrating the heart of local culture and commerce by bridging traditional Korean markets with modern, international audiences.
Soux Vide Chicken Pub: Tireless work and contributions enhance community experiences. They supported many of the community blogs in 2024.
White Crow Brewing: For their commitment to a bold and active community that expands across South Korea.
SOS SEC: For being a partner that connects us with others effortlessly. We would never have reached these heights without a local partner to facilitate.
United on the ROK: Advocates for connection and mutual support, building bridges across communities.
Kimchi Rednecks: Tireless in their efforts to amplify local businesses and connect community members to unique cultural experiences.
Guerrilla Gourmet: Elevating the food and dining culture in Pyeongtaek through passion and creativity.
AuthenticallyRe: For her commitment to supporting families and the free exchange of information and ideas that bring people together.
annaojoanna: For their dedication to fostering vibrant community connections through thoughtful contributions and insights and building an Instagram everyone should follow.

Together, these remarkable organizations and individuals have played a pivotal role in shaping a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic Pyeongtaek and South of Seoul’s work. We are honored to collaborate with each of them and look forward to more shared success in the future.

2024 Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course and Workshops

We proudly consulted on the 2024 Pyeongtaek Living 101 course, which brought essential, practical information to newcomers in Pyeongtaek. This educational program equipped participants with the tools needed to navigate local systems, understand cultural norms, and integrate into the community. The classes and workshops covered topics like healthcare, transportation, and understanding government resources. This included access a complete online course launched in Google Classroom which will be moved to a more substantial online platform in 2025.

Integration Tours

South of Seoul played a pivotal role in volunteering and consulting on seven integration tours in collaboration with local organizations. These tours introduced international residents to significant cultural and practical aspects of life in Pyeongtaek, bridging the gap between local and international communities. From traditional markets to historical landmarks, participants gained valuable insights into the richness of Korean life.

Integration Handbook and 4 Workbooks

In partnership with the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), we consulted on the creation of three integration handbooks and four workbooks. These resources provide actionable information and step-by-step guidance for international residents adjusting to life in South Korea, ensuring smoother transitions and fostering deeper cultural understanding.

Cultural Classes at the Songtan Market

Gochujang Vendor Visit at Songtan Market

This year, we expanded our efforts to connect international residents to traditional Korean culture through four in-depth culture classes held at Songtan Market. Each class explored unique and essential aspects of Korean food traditions:

Traditional Herbs: Learning about Korean herbs and their health benefits.
Seed Oils: Understanding the nuances of Korean sesame and perilla oils.
Korean Meat Cuts: A hands-on class explaining meat cuts and their uses in Korean cuisine.
Gochujang: Discovering the rich history and culinary applications of Korea’s iconic fermented chili paste.

These sessions allowed participants to learn, taste, and connect with local experts in a welcoming, educational environment.

3rd Annual Kimjang Event: A Global Success

The highlight of our cultural programming this year was the 3rd Annual Kimjang, where participants came together to make traditional Korean kimchi. This year’s Kimjang drew attendees from as far away as Poland, highlighting the global appeal of this cherished Korean tradition. The event celebrated community, culture, and connection, bringing locals and international residents together to learn and share in a hands-on experience.

Community Engagement at Fall Fest

We were honored to participate in Fall Fest in collaboration with United on the ROK and Authentically Re. This vibrant community event brought together families, businesses, and organizations to celebrate autumn, share resources, and strengthen connections within the international and local communities.

Fab 4 Awards Program in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Group

We want to thank Melissa from the Kimchi Rednecks for support the Fab4 Awards. Her tireless work has kept this program going for nearly 2 years! The Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Fab4 Awards is a monthly recognition program initiated in November 2022 by South of Seoul, in collaboration with local businesses, to honor outstanding contributors within the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook community.

Each month, four members are selected based on their valuable posts that enhance community engagement and support local businesses. Criteria for selection include:

Informative Photos: Sharing images that provide additional information and insight.
Detailed Information: Offering comprehensive details about personal experiences.
Accessibility: Including Naver links or other information that facilitates easy access for all members.

Winners receive rewards sponsored by participating local businesses, fostering a supportive relationship between the international community and local enterprises. As of December 2024, 24 local businesses are involved in offering rewards to the winners.

This initiative not only acknowledges individual contributions but also promotes the discovery and patronage of local establishments, enriching the cultural and social fabric of Pyeongtaek.

Best of Pyeongtaek Awards

In 2024, we once again hosted the annual Best of Pyeongtaek Awards, an event recognizing and celebrating businesses, organizations, and individuals who contribute positively to the local community. Through community nominations and voting, we showcased the diversity and excellence of Pyeongtaek’s businesses, giving international residents a voice in recognizing the services that make their lives easier and better.

Launch of the BETA SOS AI Intern

In 2024, we introduced the SOS AI Intern, an innovative digital assistant trained by South of Seoul to provide localized information in South Korea, with a particular focus on Pyeongtaek-si. Designed to support international residents, the SOS AI Intern answers questions, offers guidance, and simplifies navigating life in Korea.

You can access the SOS AI Intern directly on the South of Seoul blog by clicking the dialogue box on the bottom right of the page. This tool is part of our commitment to ensuring that international residents have immediate access to accurate, reliable, and culturally informed information.

Over 65 Blog Posts Published by South of Seoul

This year, we produced a robust list of blog posts focused on helping international residents thrive in South Korea, with topics ranging from healthcare navigation to cultural traditions. Below is the full list of blog posts published in 2024, categorized for easy navigation:

Navigating Healthcare

Women’s Health

Living and Practical Guides

Navigation and Transportation

Travel and Hobbies

Food, Culture, and Culinary Guides

Beauty & Fashion

Arts & Entertainment

Class and Workshops

Our blogs are researched with care to answer the questions that matter most to the international resident community in Korea. Visit the full archive of these posts at www.southofseoul.net.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we close the chapter on 2024, we look forward to an even more impactful 2025. Our commitment remains to support the international community in South Korea, create meaningful educational opportunities, and foster greater integration through cultural understanding. Thank you to everyone who joined us, partnered with us, and supported our mission this year.

Let’s keep building bridges together.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year from the South of Seoul team!

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South of Seoul

Founded 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.