Are you craving a delicious NOT spicy Korean soup? Look no further, here is our list of 5 NOT spicy Korean soups for you to enjoy this winter or year-round! Korean Soups Are Not All Spicy Although the spicy soups get a lot of attention, there are NOT spicy Korean soups to be found. In fact, not all the food in South Korea has the spice cranked up to 11. The truth is, there are many Korean dishes and restaurants where the only spicy food on the table is kimchi. The non-spicy Korean foods just aren’t as sexy to blog about. Sadly, this means many people who hate to eat spicy hot foods think there are no good Korean food choices for them. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are five Korean soups that are hot, but not spicy. Please note, these are not ALL of the non-spicy Korean soups. It’s just a list of our winter favorites (even though local folks tend to eat a few of these only in the summer, as ex-pat residents of South Korea, we take the liberty to love them year-round). Just like we did with the 5 Best Korean Stews/Soups for Winter we will include a place in Pyeongtaek for you to try the dish and a recipe vlog if one is available. Ok, let’s get started. Beef Short Rib Soup (Galbitang) 갈비탕 The Korean bone broth soups are our big favorite non-spicy winter meals. Bone broth is filled with nutrition and very easy on the stomach. Perfect for people who aren’t big on strong flavors or spice. Galbitang is often filled with glass noodles and served with rice. Some galbitang only has an essence of meat and other galbitang is filled with ribs. If you order the version with ribs, getting the meat off the bones can be tricky, but don’t be shy. Scrape them clean. No matter which version you order, the galbitang won’t look like much but then you get very full. Where we like to eat it: Maangchi shows you how to make it at home: Ox Bone Soup (Seolleongtang) 설렁탕 This is another bone broth, but fewer bones and meat. Instead, there are just thin slices of meat and lots of broth and noodles. Honestly, if you eat a lot of this, you will look quite radiant. It gives your skin quite the boost in the cold winter months. Where we like to eat it: Maangchi shows you how to make it at home: Chicken & Ginseng Soup (Samgyetang) 삼계탕 This is a very light soup that includes a whole chicken stuffed with rice. You often have to order it ahead or plan on waiting because it takes a little while to cook. This dish is totally the opposite of what you might associate with Korean food. The strongest flavor is salt. Great for if you aren’t feeling well. Where we like to eat it: KimchiRednecks show you how to make Samgyetang at home Chicken Noodle Soup (Dak kalguksu) 닭칼국수 If you have a hankering for old-fashioned chicken (dak) noodle soup (kalguksu), you will find this Korean dish will hit the spot. Hearty, thick homemade noodles in a light broth, and pulled chicken, will leave you feeling like you have found home again. There are also seafood and mushroom versions of this soup. Please note that not ALL kalguksu is non-spicy. Where we like to eat it: KimchiRednecks show you how to make kalguksu at home Mushroom Chicken Soup 버섯백숙 If you are feeling like some mushroom, you will be delighted by this warm chicken soup. The mushrooms in this dish bring it to the next level. Where we like to eat it: Read more in our Year to Learn Korean Cooking Series This series is a collaboration with Kimchi Rednecks. In 2020 they created the first blog in this series Online Resources for Learning to Cook Korean Food. These two love to have adventures in the kitchen and share the results with their community. Be sure to follow Kimchi Rednecks on YouTube for other great videos about living life in South Korea. 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. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. 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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With 2018 knocking on the door it’s time to start on your resolutions early. Since we all live in Korea, I think it’s fair to say studying Korean is on most of our lists. South of Seoul is here to help you connect with the resources you need to improve your language skills. Our volunteers have tried all of these study options and found them to be both reliable and helpful. Each solution has a different strength and all of them are affordable and accessible. 1. Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) Classes Pre-registration required. CLICK HERE TO GET SIGNED UP Let’s start with an affordable program sponsored by the local government. PIEF is an amazing organization working to make sure Pyeongtaek residents have access to affordable language classes (and much more).  They have locations in both Songtan and Paenseong, but we are only listing the Paengseong classes since that’s what has been advertised publicly. Of you live in Songtan please contact their center directly for information on classes. This semester they are offering both morning and evening classes which will be helpful to people who work morning or nights. They are also easy to access from either Camp Humphryes or Pyeongtaek Station. WHERE: Paengseong Location Near Camp Humphreys (The 20 bus from in front of McDonalds near Pyeongtaek Station) COST:  25,000 won for 10 classes (Crazy affordable) Payment Method:  Card (Easy to pay) WHEN:  January 17~March 28 (Wednesdays) TIMES:  Morning 10AM~12PM (Basic) Evening 7PM~9PM (Basic & Intermediate) TEXT BOOKS: You can buy books for these classes from Brooklyn English Used Books in Paengseong near the Camp Humphreys walking gate. The store is listed in the South of Seoul app. CLICK HERE TO GET SIGNED UP FOR PIEF CLASSES Pre-registration required. 2. Brooklyn English Used Books Speaking of Brooklyn English Used Books, you can also study Korean there for free! Well, you will most likely need to buy a book but after that Diana fills your head with tons of useful Korean knowledge for FREE. She is amazing. Takes you under her wing and makes you feel at home. The only drawback is that these classes are only in the morning, however, this is perfect for those working nights. These classes are always listed in the South of Seoul calendar so they are easy to find. WHERE: Brooklyn Used English Books COST:  Only the cost of materials. Class is Free. WHEN:  Thursdays and Fridays TIMES:  Morning 9:30am-11:30am TEXT BOOKS: Available in the store. 3. Pyeongtaek Korean Tutors No matter how many classes you take, sometimes you need extra help. That’s when you need to call in the professionals and invest some dollars. Jennifer provides custom classes that help you address the individual issues that you face. She is creative and encouraging in her approach. Some of our volunteers have studied with her for years since they need advanced studies classes simply can’t provide. We highly recommend this option for those who plan on being in Korea over time, those that are preparing for Korean language exams, need to improve their writing skills, and for those who wish to progress past basic level. WHERE: Varies, but usually near Pyeongtaek Station COST:  30,000 won an hour Payment Method: Cash or Bank Transfer 4. KIIP Program Ok, let’s say you want to get a better visa and learn Korean for realz realz. What you need to do is get signed up for the KIIP language classes. These classes are trial by fire. Your teacher will not speak any English, your classes could be 2-8 hours long, and it’s quite likely that none of your classmates speak English either. It’s one of the best experiences you can have, but it’s brutal and amazing and terrifying.  These classes are offered online as well as at Pyeongtaek University and near Osan Station. You will need to make an online ID to get signed up. You will also most likely need a Korean person to help you with this. It’s a challenge that can be overcome with the right help. We can’t recommend this enough, but it’s also seriously hardcore. This is for people on a mission. WHEN: Read the Banner for Registration Dates Dates. You need to register on the website for an entrance test. After the test you will register for classes.  Exact dates and times only available after you register. COST: Free except cost of the book. BENEFITS: Points for better visas, knowledge of the culture, friendships, excellent Korean skills, and more. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 5. Talk to Me in Korean Let’s say you have no time and no money. You can still learn. Just pull up YouTube and start following Talk to Me in Korean. Watch all their videos and follow along. Hands down, this is one of the best resources for learning Korean online. Their information is accurate and informative while also being entertaining. If you watch their videos and do their workbooks you are going to have a lot of success. We have used them to supplement our studies and truly appreciate the work and effort they put in.  The videos are also accompanied by an excellent blog resource so they truly do have you covered. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THEIR VIDEOS There you have it. A little something for everyone. Now you don’t have an excuse not to get started! Go forth, learn, explore, and love life south of Seoul.

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For those in the know, there is a big difference between Japanese and Korean ramen/ramyeon. They are like night and day. In the South of Seoul app we refer to Japanese style as ramen and Korean style as ramyeon. This refers to the slightly different pronunciation between the languages. You can read more about it here. For a very long time Pyeongtaek was nearly void of viable Japanese style ramen. However, like with everything else in the area, that’s no longer true. New places are popping up every few months. We now have at least 5 solid places to slurp on a big bowl of warm broth and noodles. We couldn’t be happier about this. Oddly, we haven’t found a clear favorite yet. Each ramen joint has a slightly different strength. During winter, Japanese ramen can be an excellent way to warm up and most restaurants offer both non-spicy and spicy versions. A little something for everyone. Most of the restaurants also have English menus. If they don’t, just use the photo translate feature in your translation apps. 1. Hotto Hotto Ramen Songtan near Osan AF Base This is the newest addition to the ramen list and it’s good. Very good. They put a great deal of work into their soups and other dishes. This particular version is based on the Okinawa style. In addition to being delicious, it’s beautiful to look at. 2. Higashi Ramen Pyeongtaek Tong Bok Market Hidden between a Japanese snack bar and the board game pub, this little gem has some excellent noodles and a few tasty versions. We HIGHLY recommend searching this place out even though it can be hard to find. They have a variety of broth styles that differ from other shops and we have been happy with all we’ve tried. 3. Raku Raku Pyeongtae City, AK Plaza Area This has been a favorite in Pyeongtaek for awhile. A true neighborhood joint. The place is also super cute with tons of memorabilia and notes. Like all ramen joints in the city, there aren’t many seats. The owner is also really great. Our friend lost money on the floor and didn’t realize it. Another guest turned it in to the owner and he checked CCTV, saw it was my friend sitting in the seat, and when she came back many weeks later he gave it back to her. Basically, delicious food and great people. 4. Omoya Songtan near Osan AF Base This is sort of Japanese and sort of Korean style. It’s a little half and half but still enjoyable. They also have quite a few other things on the menu and more places to sit than many ramen shops. It’s a great place to go late at night with friends. 5. Japanese Ramen Pyeongtaek City, AK Plaza Area This is the most inconsistent of the ramen shops but it’s location makes it useful. When you are near Pyeongtaek Station, this is an affordable place to grab a simple lunch. They tend to be pretty quick with the orders as well, so you can be in and out. There are days it’s truly lovely and other days it’s just sort of O.K. On all days it’s better than fast food. Now it’s time to go try them all and leave your reviews in the South of Seoul app. Just go the app, open the listing, and click the star in the banner. You can tell us all what you thought. Remember to include useful tips like where you parked, if they had chairs for kids, or other details you found important. Reviews help us build a beautiful life together. One Star reviews with no explanation may be rejected. For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store.  Why we do this: We made the app to accompany the blog because it’s easier to keep update with current information. In the past we’ve tried keeping the information on the blog but it’s too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

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When winter rolls around it can be easy to just stay home and veg but that’s often not the best for your mental health. So what should you do when you are allergic to the cold? Don’t worry, you don’t need to put on a snowsuit and go play outside. Instead grab a friend and checkout some of the fun indoor activities available in your area. These fun little adventures will brighten your winter weary mood and give you something to look forward to during your down time. Here are 5 of our favorite indoor options. 1. Indoor Archery Locations: Seojeongri, Sosabol, and Pyeongtaek City. The new thing in town is indoor archery and it’s fun! The prices are affordable and they give you little lessons to get you started. This is a great way to begin your bow addiction. We have friends who tried archery for their birthday and a year later were entering competitions. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole with this one. S.O.S. PICK: We go to Freddie’s archery in Seojeongri for a variety of reasons: 1) It’s near our house; 2) Freddie is an awesome part of the community and very involved with the foreigner community; and 3) Freddie speaks English and will make you feel comfortable. If you become instantly addicted to the sport, he also has ALL the hookups for gear and classes. 2. Fishing Cafes You don’t have to sit out in the cold to go fishing this winter. Instead, grab some friends and go to a nice warm fishing cafe where you can compete in catch-and-release fishing competitions and even win prizes. Great fun for families. To learn more check out these additional resources on the topic: Humphreys Happenings Bost Life  3. Escape Room Location: Pyeongtaek City If you are interested in testing your detective skills, the Escape Room near AK Plaza has a variety of options for English speakers. Everyone who goes says it’s great fun. They are quite welcoming to English speaking guests so no need to feel uncomfortable. They even have the rooms summarized in English on their website. It’s also very easy to find since it’s directly out front of AK Plaza next to the bus stop.  4. Roller Skating Rinks Locations: Cheonan & Pyeongtaek This year Pyeongtaek has it’s very own roller rink right near AK Plaza. Winter activities don’t get any warmer or more fun than this. The rink is small and you skate around pillars, but that just makes it more fun. This is the perfect thing for a Friday night with friends or for a family outing. Get some exercise and remember what it’s like to be a kid again. 5. Bowling Locations: Songtan, Pyeongtaek City, Sosabol Who doesn’t love a night out eating snacks and rolling some balls across the floor? Pyeongtaek has bowling alleys in almost every area of the city. We haven’t entered all of them, just the ones that we think foreigners will feel the most comfortable at. You could even start a bowling league with your friends. S.O.S. PICK: Pyeongtaek has a variety of bowling options, but one of the nicest isn’t far from AK Plaza. Super clean with plenty of activities other than bowling for those that want to tag along with your friends, but aren’t feeling like gracing the lanes. Seriously, don’t sit at home and be sad about winter.  Get out there and have all the fun. For address and WAZE directions to anything on this blog download the South of Seoul App from either Google Play or Apple App Store.  Why we do this: We made the app to accompany the blog because it’s easier to keep update with current information. In the past we’ve tried keeping the information on the blog but it’s too hard for us to maintain the information in two places at once over time. Since we compile and write blogs around a full time jobs without compensation, we need to do it the most efficient way possible with as few steps as possible. 

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Lately the biggest, hottest new restaurants have been going in near Camp Humphreys and it’s been amazeballs, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t lovely places near Osan Air Force Base.  Here are my top five favorites. These are in no particular order, just my fav 5. Loco Tacos – CLOSED Loco Tacos  Click Here for Address & Molla Listing These Baja style tacos are light and refreshing. We go here on an embarrassingly regular basis. My favorite are the shrimp and fish tacos, but my partner in crime loves the pork. Try a few different ones and find your favorite. Teresa’s Filipino Restaurant Teresa’s Filipino Restaurant  Click here for Address & Molla Listing When we are tired and really hungry, this hits the spot like nothing else. It’s also very good the second day, so grab one for to dinner now and one for dinner tomorrow. Oishi Sushi Oishi Sushi  Click here for Address & Molla Listing Who doesn’t love some good old-fashioned American style sushi rolls? When the urge hits us nothing cures the need like Oishi. Thai Corner Thai Corner  Click Here for Address & Molla Listing There are we simply NEED Thai food and don’t feel like driving to the ends of the earth. Thai corner isn’t the most authentic in the world, but it’s reliable and consistent. Philadelphia Hoagies Philadelphia Hoagies Click Here for Address & Molla Listing A good sandwich is had to find here, thankfully this guy is close and makes tasty sammi with the saltiest fries ever (in a good way). I’m not comparing them to Philadelphia because I’ve never had a sandwich in Philly. What I’m saying is that they make a damn fine sandwich that I always enjoy.

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With summer coming quickly, it seems like a good time to post another 5 Things To do in Pyeongtaek blog since the last one was quite popular and there are plenty more things to do in the area. Just so you know, my taste in activities tends to lean toward the active and the outdoorsy and this list won’t be any different. So grab your sunblock and let’s go hit some water based outdoor activities in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Seonggumi Hang Light, Dangjin, September 2008 Pyeongtaek Regional Maritime Affairs Office photo 1. Take a lighthouse tour. Did you know we have some pretty cool light houses in the area? Grab a car, a picnic lunch and spend a day touring the Pyeongtaek Light houses. Some of them look pretty darn cool.  Learn about the lighthouses of Dangin and Pyeongtaek by <CLICKING HERE> 2. Hiking around near Pyeongtaek Lake I can’t believe it took me so long to find this delightful and easy hike. Take a picnic lunch to eat near the water or on top of the hill overlooking the water. It’s just lovely. You can find the map and listing by <CLICKING HERE> 3. Go to the local swimming hole. Although I’m pretty sure this place is haunted in the off season, it’s old and just like a 1970’s horror movie, I adore going here in the summer months. It’s old, overly packed, run down and silly fun. Go with a group of people who are chilled out and ready to go with the flow. This isn’t for fancy people with high expectations or folks who aren’t comfortable being the only foreigners in the pool. It is for people looking to get wet and have a magic summer experience. This is an adventure, if you aren’t up for that – stay home. To find your local Pyeongtaek swimming pool check out our blog post on 5 outdoor pools in Pyeongtaek and Asan. 4. Spend the day at a theme park Although it’s not EXACTLY in Pyeongtaek, but it is right next door and an easy way to spend the day. Sapgyoho Land is old fashioned fun for those with a family or on a date. It’s games, food on a stick, and it’s right next to the water where you can take a lovely romantic walk. For a map and additional information <CLICK HERE> Totally “borrowed” this photo. Will get my own someday. 5. Seojeong-ri “Fountain Park” 이충분수공원 Who doesn’t love to get all wet and run through fountains in the summer? It’s absolutely the BEST feeling on a crazy hot day. This is an absolute must for kids at hear or folks with kids. Put on some clothes that are good for getting wet, grab a bus, taxi or your walking legs and head off to 이충분수공원 located not far from Pyeongtaek City Hall. Address: Gyeonggi-do, Pyeongtaek-si, Ichung-dong, 279-2

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Traveling across South Korea this summer? Here are 5 water parks to cut the heat this summer. Updated: July 2022 About Summer in Korea Summer is just around the corner and things are going to be seriously heating up. If you are like me you are going to be looking for some fun ways to cool off. This year my plan is to mix it up a bit.  July and August usually have the highest temperatures of the year in South Korea. Temps may rise to 43 degrees during the hardest of times. This means you need to take sun care seriously. About Water Parks in Korea Water parks are a popular summer activity in South Korea. The water parks tend to be filled to capacity in July and August and the wait for rides may be long. Additionally, during the weekdays some rides may be closed if the park attendance is low. Clothing You may see more western-style swimsuits at water parks than you do at the beach. We recommend wearing a one-piece suit since many slides require this. We also recommend rash guards as it’s better protection. Baseball cap/ water cap and goggles required. If you do not own these, you can often buy them at the water park store. Water shoes/booties may also be a great option to avoid slipping and falling. Water Park Culture Notes Each country has its own culture regarding water parks. This means that you may experience discomfort, frustration, or confusion when water park processes do not meet your hidden expectations. Accidently doing something incorrectly may be an experience that you have and that’s ok. Breathe deep and give yourself grace. One common area of confusion may be the locker system. You often need to leave your shoes in a small locker at the entrance of the dressing room and then put your belongings in a larger locker inside the dressing room. Another common area of confusion is the need to wear a cap or goggles. This procedure helps with pool maintenance and everyone will be required to do this together even if you are bald. Just roll with it. We recommend taking the time to read all posted signs using the Papago translation app. Go slowly and message 1330 with any questions you may have. Parking Water parks near major cities may charge for parking. Most water parks have large enough parking lots for their facilities. However, at locations near Seoul it might be a bit of a walk if you show up later in the day. Water Park in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea The most famous water park in all of Korea and packed to bursting in the summer since it’s near Seoul. Water Park in Gangwon-do, South Korea Water Park in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea Water Park in Daegu, South Korea Water Park in Gyeong-nam, South Korea A small water park in a big city. Expect it to fill up to capacity in the summer months. Join the Pyeongtaek Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most of who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventures across the country. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. 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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River Walk Ode to Pyeongtaek LifeLet’s be honest, at first glance, Pyeongtaek might seem kind of lame. However, if you live here for a while, and you don’t always go away on the weekends, you will learn it’s actually magical.Here are four of fun summer favorites Afternoon laziness at Soho Cafe & Gallery: http://chasingatale.blogspot.com/2013/02/soho-hobo.html Hiking in the mountains: http://chasingatale.blogspot.com/2013/05/hidden-mountains.html BBQ’s at Pyeongtaek Lake http://chasingatale.blogspot.com/2012/05/summer-luvn.html There are actually lots of lakes for you to visit, but Pyeongtaek Lake is the most known and has the widest variety of services. Farm-to-Table Dining http://chasingatale.blogspot.com/2012/07/hidden-valley.html One of the great parts about living here is that it’s the center of Korea’s Organic farming (and agriculture in general).  There are many restaurants located in the countryside that focus on farm-to-table traditional cooking.  The food is outstanding and worth the trip into the unknown.

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1. Hiking at Mt. Songnisnan Bus: Weekend trip Car: Day trip   When you just want blue sky  and fresh mountain air,  without a lot of people and craziness, go here.   Actually, just go here. It’s only a few hours drive and it’s STUNNING. Read More Here 2. Swimming at Mallipo Beach (Taean-gun) Train: Weekend trip Car: Day trip This are is one of our favorite places to go.  There are actually may beaches in this area, but this is the easiest and fastest to find. We go here twice a month and it never gets old. Visiting with Dogs Visiting for Surf Lessons 3. Hiking Gyejokson. (Daejeon) Train: Day trip Car: Day trip Sometimes we are just lazy, and we went an easy hike  with lots of places to rest. That’s when we head to Gyejokson. This path actually has varying levels of difficulty. Sometimes we go over the mountain, sometimes we go around the mountain. Sometimes we just sit and do nothing, eat ramen and go home. You really can’t get to wrong. Pro tip: Visit During the Barefoot Festival 4. Paragliding (Various locations) Train: Day trip Car: Day trip What else do I need to say, you get to go run off of mountains and float about, then drink so beers. What are you waiting for? It must be done. More about it here. 5. Swimming at Daecheon beach (Daecheon Coast) Train: Day trip  Car: Day trip If you are going by train you can just go to Daecheon beach. It’s very well developed because of Muddiest and most folks love it. However, if you like something more quiet, go a few beaches further south. Quiet, family oriented.  Great price on sashimi.  Delightful. See Mud Fest Silliness Here

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