Have you ever needed to overcome a language barrier while accessing healthcare in Korea? Many of us have, even those who speak Korean somewhat fluently. Language barriers can be challenging but not impossible to navigate. This blog post offers some tips on how to overcome such language barriers that may help.

The post Overcoming Language Barriers in Korean Healthcare: A Practical Guide appeared first on South of Seoul.

We are happy to announce our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun’s Fab 4 December 2024 winners for their valued participation. Winners for December 2024 can collect their awards during January 2025. About Pyeongtaek Food & Fun South of Seoul volunteers support the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook community which provides information and support for the international population of Pyeongtaek and surrounding areas. Therefore, group members share posts related to restaurants, hobbies, events, gatherings, and more. South of Seoul volunteers admin and moderate the group based on the values of equity, inclusion, anti-bullying, and non-violent communication. About Food & Fun Fab Four Awards Starting in November 2022, South of Seoul began partnering with local businesses to create the Fab Four Awards. Each month four Pyeongtaek Food & Fun contributors are selected for their contributions to the community. In total, we currently have 20 local businesses that will be offering rewards to the winners. Pyeongtaek Food & Fun December 2024 Winners Congratulations to our Fab4 Winners for December 2024! Thank you for sharing posts that helped inform thousands of people and support local businesses! Some of the things we loved about their posts included: Though not every winning post included all of the above, you cannot deny the impact of the posts on our community! However, we are thankful you chose to share with our international community. Posts like these are informative and empower us to make informed decisions regarding where we eat and what we do for fun! We appreciate the time you took to share your experiences with the community and help it grow! December 2024 Winners You can learn more about the Fab4 winners and their posts by joining the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun community on Facebook. Food & Fun Fab 4 Rewards Thank you to the following businesses for supporting the Food & Fun Fab 4 Rewards! These businesses support the international community in many various ways. Therefore, we encourage everyone to visit these businesses as their food and drinks will improve your life in general. Join Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Do you live in Pyeongtaek or the surrounding areas of Cheonan, Asan, Anseong, Dangjin, Hwaseong, or Yongin? Then, we welcome you to join the group and share your Food & Fun ideas! Interested in Contributing to the Fab 4 Rewards? Are you a business interested in contributing to the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Fab 4 Rewards program? Then, read more here or get signed up right away Click to Contribute to the Food & Fun Fab 4 Rewards You can signup and let us know what you would like to offer as rewards to the four Fab 4 winners each month. In addition, your rewards can change monthly. South of Seoul will review each business reward offer to ensure it meets organizational guidelines. 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 Food & Fun December Fab4 Winners appeared first on South of Seoul.

Looking for the best meat pies in Pyeongtaek? Not only are there many options available but also there are many varieties too. So depending on what you are craving, we have you covered. What Exactly Is A Meat Pie? A meat pie is a savory dish consisting of a pastry crust filled with various types of meats, often combined with vegetables, spices, and sometimes a rich sauce. The specific ingredients and preparation methods can vary widely, depending on cultural traditions and individual preferences. The crust of a meat pie is typically made from flour, water, and fat, which is rolled out and used to encase the meat filling. The filling itself can comprise a range of meats such as beef, pork, chicken, or lamb, often cooked with an assortment of vegetables like onions, carrots, and peas. Additionally, various herbs, spices, and seasonings are used to enhance the flavors. Meat pies can come in different forms, including individual hand-sized pies or larger ones meant to be sliced and shared. They can be baked until the crust is golden and flaky, creating a delectable contrast with the moist and flavorful filling. The combination of a well-baked crust and a delicious meaty filling makes meat pies a popular comfort food in many parts of the world. International Styles of Meat Pies There are different types of meat pies as well which differ from place to place but yet are considered a delicacy across many cultures worldwide. Here are some international examples: These are only a few of the many meat pie traditions found across the world. The individual ingredients and flavors will however vary greatly depending on the specific culinary cultures and preferences. Meat Pies in Pyeongtaek There are many different options for meat pies in the Pyeongtaek area from a variety of international sources. We recommend trying them all and finding your favorites. Biltong Box and Deli Braai Republic DewDrop Le Pain Seasonal Availability (usually mid-October until March): Meat Pies in Asan Kkoala Pie KimchiRednecks Grabbing Meat Pies In Pyeongtaek We have not made it to visit all of the best meat pies in Pyeongtaek. However, we have made it to two of the local favorites, Braai Republic and Biltong Box and Deli. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel for our adventures in and around Korea. We hope to make it to some of the local kkwabaegi shops for a video soon! Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. 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. While this list of best pies in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Best Meat Pies in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Looking for the best donuts in Pyeongtaek? Here are the best spots to help you get your fill of donuts whether you are a fan of the American style or classic Korean style (kkwabaegi 꽈배기). Where Is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area.  First of all, these locations for the best donuts exist in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.  Check out the following map to see the border of Pyeongtaek-si. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large administrative district includes many different communities and cities including two US military installations: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers for the best donuts in Pyeongtaek recommendations. We recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. We never encourage the use of either Google or WAZE within South Korea. The Difference Between Korean and American-Style Donuts Before we give you the details on the best donuts in Pyeongtaeks, let’s discuss the differences between Korean and American-style donuts. Not all donuts are created the same. In fact, donuts often look very different across cultures. Typically when Americans think of donuts, they often think of lightly fried/baked dough (usually made from wheat flour) with a variety of flavors and even toppings or glazes. However, Korean donuts or kkwabaegi (꽈배기) are twisted donuts that may be made from wheat or rice flour with a slightly sweet taste. Even the texture of many Korean donuts and American donuts vary. While Korean donuts are often more chewy while American donuts are often more fluffy or cakey in texture. Ingredients and Flavors Kkwabaegi often may incorporate additional flavors like cinnamon, vanilla, or black sesame. Also, they tend to have a light, slightly sweet taste. American donuts come in a wide variety of flavors, such as glazed, chocolate, jelly-filled, cream-filled, and many more. Depending upon the ingredients, they can range from sweet to savory. Shape and Appearance Kkwabaegi is often twisted or braided into a long shape and often resembles a twisted rope or braid. They are usually small in size and have a crunchy exterior texture due to frying. American donuts are typically round with a hole in the center However, there are also filled donuts without holes. In addition, they can vary in size, from small bite-sized “donut holes” to larger, traditional donuts. Cooking Method Kkwabaegi is deep-fried until golden brown and develops a crispy exterior. American donuts are also deep-fried or sometimes baked. Toppings and Glazes Kkwabaegi is often coated with a light syrup glaze or rolled in sugar immediately after frying. American donuts often have a wide range of glazes and toppings. Some of these include sugar glaze, chocolate glaze, sprinkles, powdered sugar, and various flavored fillings. American Style Donuts in Pyeongtaek If you are looking for American-style donuts in Pyeongtaek, you have options. Whether you want handmade donuts or you are just looking for flavors like what you get back in the States, these locations will have you coming back for more. Cosmic Cat Cosmic Cat Donuts won the Best Western Donuts (as voted in the Best of Pyeongtaek poll) for the past three years. Fresh baked daily, the owners keep adding new flavors. In addition, they make custom donut birthday cakes which are perfect for the donut lovers out there. The Cottage Cafe The following locations receive rave reviews in our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun for having fabulous donuts. Bibbia Cafe Cafe Sweet Roro Bebeco Gloer Godeok Korean Style Donuts (Kkwabaegi 꽈배기) in Pyeongtaek Looking for some of the amazing twisted Korean-style donuts in Pyeongtaek? These locations make the best kkwabaegi 꽈배기 in the area. Notable Spots On the Outskirts of Pyeongtaek While these donuts are not in the Pyeongtaek area, fans rave about them in our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group. Therefore, they deserve mention in this blog. KimchiRednecks Grabbing Donuts in Pyeongtaek We have not made it to visit all of the best donuts in Pyeongtaek. However, we have made it to two of the local favorites, Cosmic Cat Donuts and The Cottage. Feel free to check out our YouTube channel for our adventures in and around Korea. We hope to make it to some of the local kkwabaegi shops for a video soon! Always Confirm Details Before Visiting Businesses change often in South Korea so you need to do your due diligence before visiting. This blog represents a moment in time and times change. We recommend calling or messaging a business before visiting to confirm they are in business. We also recommend double-checking the business’s 1) days off, 2) vacation days, 3) break times, and 4) open times. If you are visiting to try a specific item confirm that such items remain on the menu. You can use apps like Papago or AI apps like ChatGPT to help with the language barrier. 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. While this list of best donuts in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Best Donuts in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Many people become mushroom-loving foodies after moving to South Korea. So, these Korean mushroom restaurants might be right up your alley! Since the country has a delicious and wide variety of mushrooms, here are some spots to try in Pyeongtaek-si Where is Pyeongtaek? First of all, these locations for Korean mushroom restaurants exist in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large administrative district includes many different communities and cities including two US military installations: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers for each restaurant recommendation. we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. We never encourage the use of either Google or WAZE within South Korea. About Korean Mushroom Restaurants South Korea has an amazing selection of mushrooms that create rich and delicious mushroom dishes. Therefore, you will find restaurants around the country that feature these intensely flavorful and wonderful fungi in all their culinary glory. Mushrooms might be grilled, sauteed, or cooked into soups and stews. In Pyeongtaek, many of the mushroom dishes are soups filled with many veggies and a delicate, flavor full broth. Mushroom Restaurants are Not Meatless A mushroom restaurant does not equal a vegan or vegetarian restaurant. Mushrooms don’t generally replace meat. In fact, most mushroom dishes may also include chicken, duck, pork, beef, or seafood. Even if you don’t see the meat, it’s likely used to make the broth that the mushrooms get cooked in. Types of Mushrooms that Might be in Your Food There are four commonly used mushrooms. You will find all or some of these included in your mushroom-rich meal: Additionally, you might also find these more unique mushrooms such as However, there are hundreds of other mushrooms that are native to Korea. You can even find a complete list of them with their Latin and Korean names. Of course, not all of these will end up in your meal but some might and there won’t be a name they can find for them in English. Also, many are used only for medicinal purposes. Mushrooms Change with the Season Some mushrooms in the dishes may change seasonally based on access to fresh ingredients. Also, the mushroom selection in each dish might change each time you visit the mushroom restaurant. This occurs because Korea prefers their ingredients in season and full of flavor. Delicious Mushroom Dishes in Pyeongtaek 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. While this list of mushroom restaurants in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Korean Restaurants for Mushroom Lovers appeared first on South of Seoul.

Are you looking for the best Spicy Dakgalbi 닭갈비 (or dalkgalbi) restaurants in the Pyeongtaek area? Then, here are seven spots where you can find this delicious, chicken goodness! Skip to the restaurant recommendation list immediately. Where is Pyeongtaek? First of all, these locations for spicy dalkgalbi exist in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large administrative district includes many different communities and cities including two US military installations: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers for each restaurant recommendation. we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. We never encourage the use of either Google or WAZE within South Korea. What is Spicy Dakgalbi 닭갈비? Dakgalbi refers to chicken (닭) ribs (갈비). This might mean just the meat or still on the bone. For many people, within the English-speaking community, the term generally refers to a type of spicy chicken dish. Spicy Dakgalbi consists of chopped chicken marinated in a spicy Korean sauce and stir-fried with ingredients such as cabbage, sweet potatoes, perilla leaves, rice cakes, and other ingredients. Since this dish is very popular, there are many restaurants that serve this flavorful dish. Also, the most popular version of this dish now includes melted cheese to dip your chicken and vegetables. Many restaurants will cook your dakgalbi on the table after you order it. However, there are some that will bring it to your table after it is cooked. Either way, you may also get to customize dakgalbi with additional ingredients. Additional ingredients may include such items as: rice cakes, dangmyeon noodles, cheese, etc. We always love to get ours with extra rice cakes and plenty of cheese! Additionally, the rice cake added to dakgalbi may include plain rice cakes, sweet potato-filled rice cakes, and cheese-filled rice cakes. Each restaurant may choose to include different rice cake combinations in their dakgalbi. Some traditional spicy dakgalbi restaurants may not offer cheese as an option since cheese is not traditionally included in the dish. However, restaurants that don’t offer a cheese option become fewer and fewer over time as the topping increases in popularity. Regional Versions of Spicy Dakgalbi Additionally, different versions of spicy dakgalbi exist across South Korea. The most popular version of spicy dakgalbi comes from Chuncheon in Gangwondo. However, other options exist and it’s fun to try a variety of dakgabli options. Other Types of Dakgalbi English articles written about dakgalbi often misrepresent dalkgalbi as only referring to the spicy, chopped, marinated chicken cooked in a round, flat griddle-like pan. In fact, other flavors and preparation styles exist for dakgalbi including non-spicy options. For example, you can also find grilled dalkgalbi marinated in different flavors such as ‘salted’ marinated. which has no spice added. Such versions of dakgalbi may even be available at the recommended restaurants in this post. Visiting a Dalkgalbi Restaurant Visiting different types of Korean restaurants may feel overwhelming when you first move to Korea. It helps to know what the dining experience may be like. The following YouTube shows one of our dalkgalbi meals. We hope it helps inspire you to try this delicious dish: You can follow the KimchiRednecks YouTube and Instagram to learn more about living in South Korea. Dakgalbi Restaurants in Pyeongtaek The following recommendations focus on spicy dakgalbi restaurants in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. KimchiRednecks Dakgalbi Videos Dakgalbi might be my favorite Korean dish to make at home when we have guests. I love how quick and easy the dish comes together. The cheesy goodness with the spicy sauce mixes perfectly. And you can make everything up prior to guests arriving and then cook it directly on the table! However, we also enjoy going out to enjoy dakgalbi at restaurants. I love seeing the additional items you can add to customize your dish. It’s also great to not have to worry about the cleanup at home! Below, I have linked videos for you from our channel. We currently have one from where we cooked the dish at home. Also, we have two videos from local restaurants where we have enjoyed this fabulous dish. Also, if you are looking for other content, our YouTube channel has restaurant reviews, cooking videos, and much more to di How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. A Year to Learn Korean Cooking Series Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. Time flies past faster than we can imagine. At South of Seoul, we decided to create a simple series that will offer 2-4 dishes to learn each month so that when you leave South Korea you have a slew of new dishes you feel comfortable making anywhere. Be sure to follow the series so you can add some delicious Korean dishes to your weekly meal plans! 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. While this list of dakgalbi restaurants in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Spicy Dakgalbi Restaurants in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Moving to Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea? The following article digs deep into key aspects of living in Pyeongtaek-si with a focus on international resident life. This post takes a look at information relevant to the lived realities of the foreign-born population. Where is Pyeongtaek? You can see the Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si (평택시) marked in blue on the map below. Pyeongtaek sits along the southern border of Gyeonggi-do. The Yellow Sea, Anseong, Osan, Hwaseong, Yongin, Cheonan, Asan, and Dangjin all border Pyeongtaek-si. Over the last decade, Pyeongtaek-si quickly developed from a rural farming area to a key player in modern Korea’s economic development. The development of massive Samsung factories and the relocation of many US military personnel to the area brought many changes. As of 2021, Pyeongtaek-si feels like a mix of city and countryside life mixed into one. Such high-paced development creates a wide range of economic and cultural diversity which may lead to certain social and cultural difficulties. For example, some areas of Pyeongtaek have housing and land prices similar to Gangnam, while more rural areas remain affordable (as of 2022). Pyeongtaek to Seoul Travel Times Travel time from Pyeongtaek may vary from 40 min to 2 hours depending on different factors such as where you plan to arrive in the city of Seoul and the type of transport you take to Seoul. Both Pyeongtaek and Seoul cover large areas so all estimated travel times vary widely. Such travel time differences may become an important point when choosing where to live in Pyeongtaek if you need to travel to Seoul often. Some employers or recruiters who wish to entice new international employees may pitch Pyeongtaek as “near Seoul’ or a “suburb of Seoul”. Such a statement may feel true or like a lie depending on where the new employee’s home or company exists in Pyeongtaek. South of Seoul recommends verifying any distances quoted via Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Pyeongtaek-si is an Administrative District It’s important to know that the name ‘Pyeongtaek-si’ technically refers to the larger Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si (평택시) and the area near AK Plaza which many refer to as “Pyeongtaek” is Pyeongtaek-dong (평택동). Understanding that ‘Pyeongtaek’ may be used differently in different situations is VERY important. In conversation or in online information, authors and speakers often call both the Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si and the area of Pyeongtaek-dong just “Pyeongtaek” which may cause confusion and misunderstandings. For the purpose of this post, ‘Pyeongtaek’ refers to the Administrative District. If you have trouble understanding how this works, Consider New York, New York in the United States, or when people use “Washington” to refer to either Washington DC or Washington State in the USA. Such information about how ‘Pyeongtaek’ is defined may feel irrelevant now, but if you move to Pyeongtaek-si, accuracy becomes critical. When you ask for help and support, the lack of local clarity in the English-speaking population regarding the term “Pyeongtaek” may create negative communication experiences. Pyeongtaek-si Areas The administrative district of Pyeongtaek-si divides up into -eup(읍), -myeon (면), and -dongs (동). An area designated as an -eup, has a smaller population than an area designated as a -myeon. A -dong is larger than both an -eup and a -myeon. Additionally, each of the -eup, -myeong, and -dongs may divide up into even smaller neighborhoods. The Pyeongtaek-si government created the following 2021 map showing the different Pyeongtaek-si areas. You can see that the local government of Pyeongtaek also divides Pyeongtaek-si into three different areas: blue is West Pyeongtaek, dark purple is North Pyeongtaek, and light purple is South Pyeongtaek. Neighborhood ‘Slang’ Names Getting used to the Korean names of Pyeongtaek-si areas may feel overwhelming and complicated. In order to manage the confusion, many international communities often develop their own names for different areas. Such regional ‘slang’ names also often change over time. South of Seoul always recommends taking the time to learn the actual Korean name of your new neighborhood. Geography Primarily flat, the geography of Pyeongtaek-si varies in relaxing, beautiful ways. Let’s take a look at the different topographic aspects of the area: Flat with Farming in the Middle Pyeongtaek is mostly flat, flat, flat. It’s known as part of the bread basket of South of Korea because of all the farms in the area. The wide open spaces can be especially gorgeous during different times of the year. Be sure to get out and experience the countryside when you can. It’s easy to bike and explore. Mountains and Hills to the East It is important to note that even though it’s flat, you will often hear about the mountains in Pyeongtaek, which will feel misleading when you arrive and find rolling hills. It’s important to understand that in the Korean language there aren’t two different words for mountain and hill that match how English speakers use them. Sure, there is a word for “hill,” but it’s not used in regular conversation to talk about what we would call a hill. Everything is just “san” or mountain. Size doesn’t matter in Korean as it does in English. So, don’t be shocked when you are told to hike a mountain only to discover it’s barely a hill. Just smile and understand it’s a language barrier thing. That said, there are lovely hills to hike through in the Jinwee and Ichungdong areas in the northeast of Pyeongtaek. These hiking areas are listed in the South of Seoul app. The Lake to the South West Pyeongtaek has a ”lake” in the Southwest. This is actually where the sea has been contained to protect the farms from flooding, but folks call it Pyeongtaek Lake. This area has a park, paddle boats, water skiing, kite flying, and such. The Sea to the West If you go straight west, you are going to reach the sea. This is not a place with beaches. Instead, the west coast of Pyeongtaek-si consists of mostly grasslands and Pyeongtaek Port which does a ton of trade with China. The Rivers and Streams Throughout Pyeongtaek has rivers and streams that meander all across it. Many of them have beautiful walking and biking paths. In fact, there is a gorgeous bike path that runs from Pyeongtaek Lake all the way to Sosabeol. Get out there and make use of these paths ASAP or you will regret it. International Population Pyeongtaek-si is becoming an increasingly diverse place. The international population of Pyeongtaek includes around 40,000 international residents and 36,000 US military-affiliated residents (these populations are counted separately since they exist in Pyeongtaek under SOFA status). Combining the international resident population and the US military-related population means between 70,000-80,000 international people live in the area. This includes an estimated 17,000 multicultural households. Below you will see a quick look at a few different foreign communities that exist in the area. Factory Workers Pyeongtaek has a growing population of foreign factory workers from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and more. It’s not uncommon to visit areas around Pyeongtaek Station and hear more foreign languages than Korean. I went to a Nepali ex-pat party last year and had the time of my life. ESL/EFL Teachers The area has a solid population of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers that work in Korean public schools, after-school academies or English kindergartens. There are also some university professors. On YouTube, many past EFL educators share their experiences in Pyeongtaek and other areas across South Korea. USA Military The US Military consolidated many of its forces into the Pyeongtaek area at two US military bases: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base. The US military personnel live in Korea under the SOFA which means they do not hold resident status. Active US military members live on base and off base. The following, wildly misleading video offers a look at Camp Humphreys. We say it’s misleading due to 1) the images of Korea shown in the video are mostly not of Pyeongtaek and 2) some of the base images do not realistically reflect the actual look of the base. Either way, the YouTube video provides a solid look at the base itself. Military Contractors In addition to the military themselves, there are contractors that work for the military but who aren’t actually military. DOD Educators & ICS Teachers There are a small number of foreign teachers that work for the International Christian School or the military schools (Although, I think the DOD teachers fall under the Military Contractor heading, I think (I thought I would note them separately, just because). Business Owners Pyeongtaek has many restaurants and businesses in the area owned by foreign business owners from places like Peru, Canada, India, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Russia, the US, etc. International Spouses of Korean Nationals In addition to many people living here on visas for work, there are also plenty of foreigners living here because they are married to Korean citizens. Missionaries There are even a handful of foreign missionaries working at various churches in the area. In fact, the Church of Latter Day Saints has an outreach facility near the Camp Humphreys walk-in gate. Areas of Industry Pyeongtaek has a diverse number of thriving industries. Farming Originally farming was Pyeongtaek’s biggest claim to fame and it’s still a big part of the area. However, farmland is quickly shrinking as more and more corporations open factories in the area. These days, Pyeongtaek also leads in smart farming. International Shipping Port Pyeongtaek has one of the biggest ports in the country which does massive amounts of trade with China. In fact, they are building a “Chinatown” in the area to meet the cultural demands of the population there. Car Factories Kia and other major car factories have plants in the area. The proximity to Pyeongtaek Port makes it a smart place for them to do business. The auto industry is what has fueled the growth of Anjung-eup. For a very long time, this is where big money in town came from, but times are changing. Technology Related Factories A few years ago, Samsung started a massive expansion in Pyeongtaek that also created the foundation of a new city: Godeok-myeon. This new city, located just south of Osan Air Force Base, was slated to be finished in 2020 but development continues. It hosts not only a billion-dollar Samsung semi-conductor plant but also a similarly giant panel factory that’s being built right next to it. Not to be left behind, LG has been building its own factory in the area. Although it’s not even close to as massive as what Samsung has going on. As these two giant tech companies move to the area, many companies that supply them are also opening up shop next door. This has caused a massive rise in property costs in the area. There are also lesser-known semiconductor plants in the area. In fact, South Korea leads the world in semiconductors. Other Industry and Factories A large number of miscellaneous factories that produce everything from Purina dog food to vitamin drinks also exist in the area. USA Military Two of the smaller areas in Pyeongtaek (Shinjang and Paengseong) have economies that rely on the US Military Bases they are next to. However, generally speaking, the economic impact of the bases doesn’t extend too far past the English-speaking business districts by their front gates. If you are an English-speaking international resident looking for work, these two areas are where you are most likely going to find a job. Transportation Pyeongtaek-si has 5 stops on Line 1 of the Seoul subway system despite being outside of Seoul. Additionally, Pyeongtaek-si has an SRT station but not a KTX station. Pyeongtaek has a variety of inter-city bus terminals located in different areas of Pyeongtaek. Transportation between different areas of Pyeongtaek-si can be complicated without a private vehicle such as a car or scooter. Many residents who decided to stay in Pyeongtaek-si over time often choose to purchase a private mode of transportation as it greatly improves the quality of life near home. Immigration...

The post Pyeongtaek-si Life appeared first on South of Seoul.

Are you looking for the best budae jjigae 부대찌개 restaurants in the Pyeongtaek area? Then, here are eleven spots where you can find this hearty, spicy army base stew. Where is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes both US military installations, Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. The budae jjigae restaurant recommendations provided exist within the city of Pyeongtaek. Therefore, In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. However, we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. As a result, such apps help you figure out how far each restaurant might be from you. What is Budae Jjigae 부대찌개? The name of this stew comes from the two Korean words: budae (부대), a term meaning base or army, and jjigae (찌개), a term meaning soup or stew. Therefore it is no surprise, that budae jjigae is often referred to as army base stew, soldier stew, or army stew. Simply put, budae jjigae is a Korean fusion stew that uses many American processed products, like Spam, hot dogs, sliced American cheese, and canned pork and beans. After the Korean war (1950 to 1953), food was in short supply in Korea. So, the processed foods that were around the area were imported here by the military. Since the Koreans had access to these foods, they used them to create this delicious stew. We believe two versions came about around the same time, Songtan style and Uijeongbu style. Uijeonbu is most famous for this stew and even has a street dedicated to this goodness! Even though there are two versions, they are unique dishes themselves. Most often you will find the Songtan style around Pyeongtaek, however there are locations that serve Uijeongbu style. Traditionally, this dish is cooked on the table at the restaurants on a gas stove. This enables you to be able to enjoy the dish family style. Also, you can choose to add ramen or cook stir-fried rice at the end. Budae Jjigae Restaurants in Pyeongtaek * Please note that Abujji Budae Jjigae is a Take-Out only restaurant. KimchiRednecks Budae Jjigae Videos We both love budae jjigae. Since it is a meat-heavy stew, we do not eat it as often except for a few times a year. Currently, we have only videoed one location locally, which is our favorite. Still, since this list is extensive, we will definitely be checking out more of the options above for variety. Also, we recently made both versions of budae jjigae at home. However, we determined that both had profiles we enjoyed. As someone who had a very low spice level prior to living in Korea, the idea of this spicy stew was a bit overwhelming. However, I found eating it with rice and having a cup of water available to add to my broth reduced the spice to a tolerable level for me. Now, my spice level is much higher so I no longer have to dilute the broth when we eat out! However, if you check out our YouTube channel, you can find other restaurant reviews, cooking videos, and much more. Also, we update content regularly and enjoy sharing our love of Korea and the culture. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. A Year to Learn Korean Cooking Series Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. The time flies past faster than we can imagine. At South of Seoul, we decided to create a simple series that will offer 2-4 dishes to learn each month so that when you leave South Korea you have a slew of new dishes you feel comfortable making anywhere. Be sure to follow the series so you can add some delicious Korean dishes to your weekly meal plans! 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. While this list of budae jjigae restaurants in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Budae Jjigae Restaurants in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Are you looking for the best kimchi jjigae 김치찌개 restaurants in the Pyeongtaek area? Then, here are ten spots where you can find this delicious kimchi stew. If you already know where Pyeongtaek is, and about kimchi jjigae, jump straight to the Kimichijjigae restaurant list. Where is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip the next section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes both US military installations, Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. The kimchi jjigae restaurant recommendations provided exist within the city of Pyeongtaek. Therefore, In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. However, we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. As a result, such apps help you figure out how far each restaurant might be from you. What is Kimchi Jjigae 김치찌개? Kimchi jjigae 김치찌개 is a fabulous spicy, tangy, flavorful stew whose main ingredient is kimchi. Hence, it is no surprise that this dish is one of the popular stews in Korean cuisine. The flavors developed in this stew depend on the kimchi and gochujang used. When using old or aged kimchi, the flavor profile of this dish becomes more tangy and enriched. If you are looking for aged kimchi, you can always check your local market and ask for mukeunji 묵은지, meaning old kimchi. If you are unable to find aged kimchi or want to make it sooner, you may also add a little bit of vinegar to it to make it slightly sourer. Also, if your kimchi is too sour, try adding a little bit of sugar to remove some acidity. Gochujang 고추장 is a fermented chili pepper paste that gives dishes that spicy kick. Since kimchi jjigae is a spicy dish, it often has a good deal of gochujang added to it when eating out at a restaurant. When cooking at home, you can adjust gochujang levels to keep the spice at a tolerable level for you and your family. In addition, there are a few different types of meat that can be used in kimchi jjigae that may alter the flavor a bit. The most common meats used in kimchi jjigae are pork, beef, or tuna. Kimchi Jjigae Restaurants in Pyeongtaek KimchiRednecks Kimchi Jjigae Videos Kimchi jjigae is the first Korean dish I made at home. The flavors of sour kimchi and spicy gochujang make this a Korean comfort food. So, if you are craving a dish to help warm you up and fill your belly, this is the dish! Because we make this most often at home, we currently do not have any restaurant reviews of the above restaurants. Hence, we need to get out and check out some of the amazing locations. However, if you check out our YouTube channel, you can find other restaurant reviews, cooking videos, and much more. Also, we update content regularly and enjoy sharing our love of Korea and its culture. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. A Year to Learn Korean Cooking Series Many of us live in South Korea for only a year. Time flies past faster than we can imagine. At South of Seoul, we decided to create a simple series that will offer 2-4 dishes to learn each month so that when you leave South Korea you have a slew of new dishes you feel comfortable making anywhere. Be sure to follow the series so you can add some delicious Korean dishes to your weekly meal plans! 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. While this list of kimchi jjigae restaurants in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Kimchi Jjigae Restaurants in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.

Are you looking for the best gamjatang restaurants in the Pyeongtaek area? Then, here are fifteen spots where you can find this hearty, spicy pork bone stew. Where is Pyeongtaek? Feel free to skip this section if you live in Pyeongtaek or know about the area. Pyeongtaek-si is located in the southern portion of the Gyeonggi-do province. This large city includes both US military installations, Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base. The gamjatang restaurant recommendations provided exist within the city of Pyeongtaek. Therefore, In this blog post, South of Seoul provides addresses and phone numbers. However, we recommend using this information in either Naver Maps or Kakao Maps for the best results. As a result, such apps help you figure out how far each restaurant might be from you. What is Gamjatang 감자탕? Gamjatang 감자탕 is a hearty stew made from pork neck bones (or the spine) and vegetables. The meat in this dish is tender and generally falls off the bone. In addition, it usually includes potatoes, radish greens, cellophane noodles, and perilla leaves. Though the Korean word gamja 감자 generally refers to potatoes, the “gamja” in gamjatang refers to the meat around the pork spine. In short, this dish is all about that delicious pork. However, simmering the pork bones for a long time creates a delightful broth, and then the milky bone broth is strained and seasoned with gochugaru and gochujang. Since the bones are not expensive to purchase, cooking at home is budget-friendly. In addition, it is perfect for serving with just kimchi and rice. You use your chopsticks to pull the meat off the bones when eating this dish. Also, this dish is also considered a popular hangover cure (similar to haejangguk 해장국). Gamjatang Restaurants in Pyeongtaek KimchiRednecks Gamjatang Videos One of Chuck’s favorite Korean stews is gamjatang. Though we have not made this dish at home, we have had it out at restaurants a few times. Currently, we have two gamjatang videos available (one from the Sejeong area), but since this list is pretty big, we will definitely be checking out more of the above options for variety. However, if you check out our YouTube channel, you can find other restaurant reviews, cooking videos, and much more. Also, we update content regularly and enjoy sharing our love of Korea and the culture. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations Whenever you have questions about things like business hours, you can use the free foreigner support app/phone number 1330. In addition, this is really helpful especially around holidays to make sure if a business will be open when you want to visit. With this app, you can prevent a wasted trip to a location when they are enjoying their regular day off or a holiday. 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. And while this list of gamjatang restaurants in Pyeongtaek is not comprehensive of the entire area, we may have missed your favorite spot. Therefore, make sure to share with the community and share your favorite spots with us! 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. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

The post Gamjatang Restaurants in Pyeongtaek appeared first on South of Seoul.