family Archives < South of Seoul https://blog.southofseoul.net/tag/family/ Localized Guides for Your Life in Korea Thu, 25 May 2023 08:43:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://blog.southofseoul.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/South-of-Seoul-logo-for-header.png family Archives < South of Seoul https://blog.southofseoul.net/tag/family/ 32 32 Outdoor Pools Open in Pyeongtaek July & August https://blog.southofseoul.net/outdoor-pools-open-in-pyeongtaek-july/ Thu, 21 Jun 2018 17:17:00 +0000 http://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2018/06/22/outdoor-pools-open-in-pyeongtaek-july/ South of Seoul

We have already told out about the splash pads that will be opening in August (read that here) but did you know there will be outdoor pools opening up soon as well? These are fab and fun places to connect with the local community while cooling off from the oppressive heat. Remember, these are very Korean outdoor spaces so following local customs is very important and doable. No reason to be scared, but be prepared. Culture NotesIn order to have the most fun possible, be sure to read the South of Seoul Culture Notes that are embedded in each listing. These are useful tips we have compiled based on the surprises we have experienced. If you have a tip to add to the list just let us know! The more prepared everyone is when they arrive, the more fun we can all experience when integrating into the local culture. However, with this blog, we are going to take this to the next level and tell you a few more things you need to know in order to have the most fun and relaxed time possible your first day out. Here they are! Our 5 Extra Pro Tips: 1. When you try something new you are going to feel uncomfortable and this will be no exception. However, don’t worry about it. Once you get the hang of it that feeling will go away. It’s true that people might stare. Foreigners haven’t known about these places until now. Not because we aren’t welcome, but because information hasn’t been available in English. This means all the locals are sitting there wondering, “How did they find this pool out in the countryside?” Don’t worry, nobody hates you. Just go about your business of having fun in the sun. 2. It’s going to be packed so politely squeeze in. For the best results show up early and stake your space with the cool picnic tents and mats from Daiso or Emart. There aren’t that many pools, but there are a lot of people and they like their outdoor supplies. If you are freaked out by this then maybe outdoor pools aren’t the right experience for you. That is ok. Know your limits. On the other hand, if you can deal with the experience it can be emotionally uplifting and help you feel more welcome and integrated into the community. We personally love it. We bring all our food, a tent for naps, and splash around like fools. 3. These pools aren’t like the ones at home. They are usually waist deep, there aren’t diving board or any other type of fanciness. These are old-fashioned, sometimes also just old, outdoor play areas for families to escape the heat. You aren’t going to be swimming laps or diving for pennies. They are built for splashing and being silly together. Truly excellent places for kids. Think giant puddles and embrace it. 4. Go check out opening times as a test run. Before you pack up the kids for a pool day do a test run. Go find out for sure the days and times it’s open (these can change from year to year). There is also a chance you could get lost going to these pools for the first time, so do a trial run before there are 3 kids in the car screaming they want to be in the pool. We ALWAYS recommend doing a trial run for any adventure. 5. Bring your own snacks and mat/tent to eat them on/in. In Korea food is almost always available but maybe it doesn’t match with your dietary requirements or preferences. In order to avoid being hot and hangry, bring snacks. Also bring a mat/tent to lay claim to your dining and napping area. That’s it! Those are all the helpful ideas we can think of right now. Hopefully, these extra tips combined with the tips in the app will empower you to show up prepared for a wet and fun adventure with friends or family. We know we always feel better the more information we have before we try something for the first time. Good luck and happy splashing. With no further ado, here are the outdoor pools we’ve found for you: Easiest for Osan Air For Base Access…Jinwee Countryside (Kid and Family Focused) Jinwee Countryside (Good for adults and kids) 3 Easiest for Camp Humphreys Access… Anjung Countryside (Great for adults and kids) Dunpo, Asan (Great for adults and families. Very limited space. Maybe need a reservation?) Asan North Countryside (The pools is for kids, but the park is for everyone.) As always, the exact details of each listing is in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

The post Outdoor Pools Open in Pyeongtaek July & August appeared first on South of Seoul.

]]>
Pyeongtaek Summer Splash Pads https://blog.southofseoul.net/pyeongtaek-splash-pads-open-july-augus/ Wed, 20 Jun 2018 06:41:00 +0000 http://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2018/06/20/pyeongtaek-splash-pads-open-july-augus/ South of Seoul

Public Pyeongtaek splash pads usually open in July and August. Keep reading to learn more about splash pads including locations and rules! Updated: July 2022 Splash Pads in South Korea Many cities and private malls across South Korea have invested in splash pads to help families beat the summer heat. Splash pads are often free to use and very popular with community families. Splash Pad Seasonal Operation Hours The splash park schedules may vary depending on if they are city or privately owned: City-run splash pads often run on a schedule with limited times each day during July and August. Cities often post the splash pad hours on signs near the splash parks. Privately owned malls may operate their splash pads in June, July, and August. Finding Splash Pads in South Korea However, many splash pads are not clearly noted in Naver Maps. You may find some by searching 물놀이, 물놀이장, or 물장구. This means we need to rely on our local communities to find access to splash pads in our region. That said, some city governments document the publicly managed splash pads (물놀이) on their websites. Using the Naver Search portal may help you find splash pads via such city websites or community bloggers. Korean Splash Pad Culture Notes and Rules Also, and this is a big one, we have included Cultural Notes in each splash pad listing so you can better understand the social rules associated with splash pads and don’t get caught off guard. Knowing what’s expected ahead of time will help you feel more comfortable and have a stress-free playtime: Public Pyeongtaek Splash Pads Open July & August In Pyeongtaek-si, South of Seoul volunteers tracked down a variety of splash pads and added them to the South of Seoul app. We continue to add more splash pads as they are found around the community. Now that we have you oriented to how the place pad listings work, let’s take a quick look at our five picks and what neighborhoods they are in: Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek-si Bijeon-dong, Pyeongtaek-si Parking can be hectic but this is one of the best splash pads in town. Dogok-ri, Pyeongtaek-si Gwongwon-ri, Pyeongtaek-si This splash pad is located on the walk up toward the pyramid-shaped art gallery. Ichung-dong, Pyeongtaek-si Huge splash pad near a beautiful hike. Hapjeong-dong, Pyeongtaek-si Jukbaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si Located inside the Dome shopping mall. Segyo-dong, Pyeongtaek-si Sin-ri, Pyeongtaek-si Beautiful rural garden and kids play zone. Yongi-dong, Pyeongtaek-si You can find the listings in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store. 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

The post Pyeongtaek Summer Splash Pads appeared first on South of Seoul.

]]>
May Camp Reflection & June SIGNUP! https://blog.southofseoul.net/may-summer-camp-reflection/ Thu, 24 May 2018 00:56:00 +0000 http://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2018/05/24/may-summer-camp-reflection/ South of Seoul

Our first 5th and 6th-grade summer just took place last week at the Moobongsan Camp in northeastern Pyeongtaek. It was a smashing success. We started working with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center last year to make these camps a reality and they have done smashingly. In 2017 we did two camps: one grade school and one middle school. This year we are doing four camps: two 5th and 6th grade and two middle school camps. All of them are overnight camps a Moobangsan camp facility and then a day near or on Ca The first camp kept the kids running from morning to night. We don’t know if we have ever seen kids run so much. The campers are provided with both structured and unstructured play time with activities ranged from tag games to Nurf archery wars to pony rides. Eight counselors supported 34 young Korean and American campers in their quest for adventure and new friends. It was delightful. We even had lunch at Sam’s Attractive Coffee in Paengseong and had BBQ catered by JP BBQ. It was quite the event. Check out the video below to for a quick peek into what the camp was like: We have another 5th & 6th Grade camp coming in June! You can get signed up here: https://tockify.com/pyeongtaek.events/detail/337/1529709600000

The post May Camp Reflection & June SIGNUP! appeared first on South of Seoul.

]]>
We Go Together Summer /Fall Camp https://blog.southofseoul.net/we-go-together-summer-camp/ Mon, 10 Jul 2017 16:14:00 +0000 http://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2017/07/11/we-go-together-summer-camp/ South of Seoul

South of Seoul is excited to announce the first FREE Pyeongtaek City Youth Center camp for Korean and American students! We have been working  for months with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center to create this (and another upcoming) FREE summer camp for students this year. We also added Sig Flips the Table as our personal adviser in order to make sure military parent’s needs and opinions were well represented in the organization process. Everyone’s efforts paid off. The first camp will be held is for grade school students (birth years 2006, 2007, 2008) and will take place over two days (8/2 and 9/9) . Even though this this camp is spread over two days in two months, it’s considered the same camp so students who register for this camp must be available to attend both days. SIGN UP HERE The camp is first come first serve.  The first 15 applicants will be accepted to BOTH days of camp. Due to space, only two kids from each family can attend. Remember, these are not two different camps, but the same camp over two days. Additional applicants will be placed on the waiting list. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 7/20 LOCATION: Pyeongtaek Youth Center (Near Lotte Mart. They have a HUGE amazing facility with so many resources. We are so lucky they are interested in working with US families.) COST: FREE  LUNCH: Included. (Provided by Pyeongtaek Youth Center) DATES: Wednesday August 2nd and Saturday September 9th  CAMP TIME: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm ATTENDEES: 15 American students / 15 Korean Students EVENT MANAGERS: Pyeongtaek City Youth Center and South of Seoul TRANSPORTATION: Provided for Free. (Transportation to and from the Camp Humphreys area with pickup locations in from on Camp Humphreys walking gate and PIEF Center.) Each camp will have a South of Seoul families representative in attendance.  SIGN UP HERE CAMP DAY 1: 8/2 Camp (Wednesday)  Children will organize into groups and get to know each other through group games and play. After lunch, children will go to the woodworking studio at the Youth Center and work on a project with the new Korean friends they made. CAMP DAY 2: 9/9 Camp (Saturday) Let’s take everyone to the market! Children will explore a traditional Korean market, buy ingredients then make themselves lunch. Afterwards, they will try their hands at Korean and American styles of cheer-leading. A quick heart-to-heart about being a no show at free events: It’s VERY important that if you register for ANY free events that you attend or at LEAST give 48 hours advance notice so that others on the waiting list can be included. Many highly organized free events for foreigners hosted by other organizations have up to a 70% same-day no show rate. It puts great stress on the organizers who lose hope and a desire to serve the US military community. Honestly, between us, we all have a social responsibility to honor both the work and generosity of area organizations and the tax dollars used to fund them. It’s a huge undertaking to host these free events for foreigners while dealing with the culture and language barriers. We can fulfill this responsibility by simply showing up as promised. For this particular situation, if everyone who signs up followings through, there will be more and more free camp opportunities. So please help a wonderful opportunity grow by simply showing up for the free camp you signup for 🙂  SIGN UP HERE

The post We Go Together Summer /Fall Camp appeared first on South of Seoul.

]]>
5 Water Parks to Cut the Heat this Summer https://blog.southofseoul.net/5-waterparks-to-cut-heat-this-summer/ Sun, 10 Apr 2016 15:41:00 +0000 http://blog.southofseoul.net/index.php/2016/04/11/5-waterparks-to-cut-heat-this-summer/ South of Seoul

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

The post 5 Water Parks to Cut the Heat this Summer appeared first on South of Seoul.

]]>