What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to support the physical and mental health of expats in Korea. Our volunteers adore this rich life we live south of Seoul and feel honored to help new arrivals discover the hidden magic it holds. Pyeongtaek is a rewarding mix of city life and country life which can make it a challenge for new arrivals. However, with a little information like the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll Winners list, Pyeongtaek-si can be a delightful place for new arrivals and long-term international residents alike. How did the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll change in 2021? For 2021 we added a few new categories and withdrew a few categories in order to respond to the changes caused by the global pandemic and shifts in information. Since SOS volunteers stay closely connected with the community, each year we adjust the categories to reflect what is happening right now. This means each year the poll is a little different. Specifically in 2021, South of Seoul decided to split the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll into two different polls. The Best of Pyeongtaek winter poll focuses now on food and beverage hotspots while the summer poll will focus on lifestyle and health and coordinated by the SOS Public Health Program. Who votes in the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? The South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek poll is open to the public. We make every feasible effort to reach outside the South of Seoul community into the communities around us to gain an authentic insight into the preferences of English-speaking international residents in Pyeongtaek. SOS volunteers feel confirmation bias does not serve the greater good, so we seek opinions outside of our own sphere of influence. We want the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll to hold accurate information whether that information matches our belief or not. South of Seoul volunteers want to meet the authentic needs of the community and the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll provides us with the insight we need by reflecting on the opinions of others. That said, nothing about this poll is scientific. It is for fun and for community development. We try to level the playing field by leaving the poll open for two weeks so that community members can vote once a day and deeply support the people and businesses they love. Over 250 people participated in the poll in 2019 and over 350 individuals cast votes in 2021. What did you learn from the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in 2021? When reviewing the responses to The Best of Pyeongtaek 2021 poll we found that English-speaking residents’ comfort zone in Pyeongtaek has expanded! This trend started in 2018 and has continued to grow when we saw more international residents voting for businesses outside of Paenseong and Sinjangdong. In 2021, a variety of businesses located far from US military bases won Best of Pyeongtaek. Each year more votes are cast for businesses that 1) aren’t English dominant or 2) located outside of the Songtan/Shinjang or Paengseong areas. That’s right! English speakers are moving about the different neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek more every year! International residents now enjoy more of the magic Pyeongtaek has to offer. This growing trend makes our South of Seoul hearts very happy. In 2021, we learned that South of Seoul continues to be a leader in information in Pyeongtaek. Our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group has been a powerhouse of information with the community that allows us all to come together to support people every single day. The hard work of each member of Pyeongtaek Food & Fun has driven the group to become one of the most influential places for ex-pats to gather information.  We want to congratulate the SOS Technology Development Volunteers for continuing to build the South of Seoul app. We never imagined a volunteer-built app could compete in Pyeongtaek with giants like Naver, Kakao, Google, and Facebook. South of Seoul 2.0 is under development and will hopefully be available in the first quarter of 2021. Enough talking, time to get down to business. *drum roll please* We are proud to announce the amazing, hard-working, talented winners of The Best of Pyeongtaek 2020. Go visit them all! PYEONGTAEK’S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD SOSABEOL Offers the Best Experience for Date Night, Hanging Out, and Families One of the most common questions we in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group get is, “Where can we go on a date?” or “Where can I go that’s family-friendly?” So we decided to put it to a vote and the winning neighborhood is Sosabeol, Bijeondong! Every year since the Best of Pyeongtaek Poll started, Sosabeol has been the date night choice of English-speaking residents of Pyeongtaek. Past Awards: PYEONGTAEK’S BEST RESTAURANT WINNERS IN 2021 Best International Grilled Meat: BRAAI REPUBLIC Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Braai Republic offers heaping plates of South African comfort food including grilled lamb, ribs, chicken, and more. Braai Republic also has a location in Seoul. In addition to their BBQ, we also recommend their hearty and filling meat pies. Braai Republic’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Pub / Sports Bar: TAILGATE TAVERN Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Tailgate Tavern has been a popular spot for beer and burger enthusiasts. It’s not surprising with their many TVs, large menu, and solid beer selection. With seating for 100, Tailgate is an excellent space for large groups. Plus, drum roll please, parking! Tailgate also does catering for large events in-house and off-site. This is their second year winning Best Pub or Sports Bar. Tailgate‘s Other Awards: Support This Business: Best Sandwich Shop: EPHPHATHA Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) For the third year in a row, the sandwich shop with the impossible name-Ephphatha- has won over Pyeongtaek hearts with their hearty and delicious Philly cheese-steaks. A well-deserved win by this hardworking couple. Sandwich shops keep opening in the area, but Ephphatha has held on and kept up the great work. In 2020 they also began offering the first burger in Pyeongtaek served on a homemade pretzel bun. Ephphatha’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best American BBQ Restaurant: JP’S BBQ Neighborhoods: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong and Sinjang (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base and Osan Air Force Base) JP’s BBQ has been working hard to bring authentic USA-style smoked meat to Pyeongtaek for years and that work has paid off! He started out working the pink carts in Songtan that grew into a popular catering company. In 2018, the husband and wife team opened their own storefront in Paengseong, and in 2019 they opened a second location in Songtan/Sinjang-dong. Last year they won for Best BBQ Sandwich and best brisket. In 2020, they swept all non-Korean BBQ categories. In 2020 JP’s BBQ also went out of its way to support US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine. JP’s Other Awards: Support This Business Best Korean Galbi Restaurant: HWA HWA and MYEONGNYU AYCE (Tie) Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Hwa Hwa has been a Paengseong institution for as long as we can remember. It was recently remodeled and offers Korean BBQ and sides that lean toward the western taste. It’s the perfect spot to get used to this delicious new way of eating. Once you have tried them, keep trying as many other BBQ joints as you can. The choices are limitless. In 2020 Hwa Hwa supported US troops by providing meals to soldiers and their families in quarantine and packaging their tasty BBQ for take-out so that the local community could continue to enjoy their food at home. HWA HWA’S Other Awards: Support This Business Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Myeongnyu AYCE is another popular galbi restaurant in South Korea that recently opened a new location in Paengseong. The location became a big hit with the English-speaking community in 2021 earning them their first Best of Pyeongtaek award. Support This Business Best Korean BBQ Restaurant: ARIRANG Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) Arirang has been around for many years. The location offers delicious Korean BBQ and side dishes near gorgeous cafes. It makes it the perfect spot for families, couples, and companies. The location also offers plenty of parking huge tables and private rooms. This is Arirang’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. They greatly deserve it since they are popular with both Korean and English speaking residents. Support This Business Best Fried Chicken: BRUXIE CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) Bruxie has two locations. One location is in Paengseong and the original location is in Sinjang. The brand originated in California and opened locations in Pyeongtaek recently. Their savory fusion fried chicken mixes American comfort food with a Korean twist. You can find both sandwiches and plates that will remind you of home with a Korean twist. The perfect meal for hungry days. This Bruxie Chicken and Waffles’ first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best Family Restaurant: THE RED ONION Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) This is The Red Onion’s first win in the Best of Pyeongtaek Family Restaurant category. Red Onion’s recent remodel and expansive menu which offers something for everyone pushed them to the top of the list in 2021. The Big Bite’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best NOT Fried Chicken: SOUS VIDE CHICKEN PUB Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sosabeol Sous Vide Chicken Pub has a unique and interesting menu. They even have a giant chicken dish that gets set on fire. It’s hard to compete with a restaurant that offers delicious and exciting food along with a nice assortment of beers, including some they brew themselves. Additionally, Sous Vide Chicken Pub is located in Sosabeol which has been winning awards as the Best Pyeongtaek Neighborhood for date nights, family fun and hanging out since 2017. This is Sous Vide Chicken Pub’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Sous Vide Chicken Pub Other Awards: Support This Business Best Italian: DEL VINO Winner 2 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Pyeongtaek-dong (Near AK Plaza) Del Vino is one of Pyeongtaek’s longest-running Italian Restaurants. Located about a 5-minute walk from Pyeongtaek Station, Del Vino offers an open concept kitchen and a romantic atmosphere. The menu features steak, pasta, stone over pizza, and a substantial wine list.  This is Del Vino’s first Best of Pyeongtaek win. Support This Business Best South American Restaurant: CEVICHE 210 Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Sinjang-dong (Near Osan Air Force Base) When you think Pyeongtaek you probably don’t think “What an amazing place for Peruvian food!”… but you should. The best of the bunch is hands down, Ceviche 210. It’s a show-stopper. It’s hard to pick a favorite dish on their menu because it’s all friggen delicious. Their green sauce is a legend all its own. Ceviche 210 also offers stunning off-site catering for your events. They often cater events for the Peruvian embassy in Seoul. Ceviche 210’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Filipino Restaurant: ALICE’S FILIPINO CUISINE Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army Base) In Pyeongtaek-so, we have been blessed with a plethora of Filipino options and Alice’s Filipino has been voted the best. It has a great location near Camp Humphreys and offers very affordable meal sets. This is the perfect cuisine for those who don’t like spicy food. Next time you need some lumpia or chicken adobo, you know where to go. Next year this category will be packed! Even more Filipino restaurants are opening each month and SOS volunteers love it! Alice’s Filipino’s Past Awards: Support This Business Best Thai Restaurant: TASTE of THAILAND Neighborhood: Pyeongtaek-si, Paengseong (Near Camp Humphreys Army...

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The ultimate traveler’s blog list for indie folks! If you are planning your trips around Korea, these blogs will provide you with awesome things to do from north to south and east to west. About Things to Do in South Korea Korea is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture that extends far beyond Seoul and Busan. You can explore the ruins of historic temples, tombs, and palaces, and get a glimpse into what life was like in ancient Korea. For example, a visit to the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, is a must for anyone interested in Korean Buddhism and architecture. Additionally, South Korea offers many modern and fun things to do. For a unique experience, try renting a bike and riding along the scenic paths of the Bomun Lake Resort. Additionally, you can get out your skateboard and tour the country’s many skate parks. Or, you can visit all of the zip lines and rail bike attractions. Get out and explore beyond the cafes and shopping. Discover the depth and beauty of Korean culture across the country. About the South of Seoul Things to Do Blog List This is an ever-changing and evolving blog. Each time we create a new list of things to do, we add it to this list. Additionally, these lists often include locations rarely mentioned in other English language blogs. We have researched through Naver and Daum to find all the places rather than just the foreign tourist locations. Additionally, almost none of the locations are in Seoul. Adventure Lists Historical and Cultural Lists Pop Culture Lists Easy and Fun Activities Lists Skate Parks Across Korea Lists Beaches Across Korea Lists Additional Lists of Things to Do in Korea Don’t take our word for it, make sure to check out these other lists of things to do in South Korea as well. We try to always recommend lists by those who have actually lived in South Korea for some amount of time: 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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Are you looking for some zip line excitement? These zip lines will get your blood pumping while you take in beautiful sea views. About Ziplines In Korea Korea has extremely long and very short zipline adventures. Some ziplines allow moms and little kids to go together and others are only for adults. Where to Get Help With Additional Information To learn about the exact restrictions for each location you can contact 1330. This is a great solution for parents who want to know if their kids can go. For those who need additional information about weight and height requirements. Etc. You can simply send the zipline information to 1330 via their app along with your question and they will help you. 10 Korean Coastal Ziplines Adventures List You can use the following list to add some adventure to your next seaside itinerary. 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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So you love Korean dramas? You need to visit these cool and historically interesting open drama sets in different areas across South Korea. About Open Drama Sets Many film and TV organizations create elaborate film sets with buildings from many different times in Korean history. When dramas are not filming, these elaborate sets are used as folk villages by the general public. You visit the sets and experience both history and feel like you are inside a Korean drama. If you haven’t started watching Korean Dramas yet, check out this list of the 54 Best Korean Dramas. Checking to See if Sets are Open Since you will be traveling across the country to visit some of these sets, you may want to check to make sure they are not filming or building and are currently open to the public. You can use 1330 to double-check these types of details. Before You Go We always recommend watching at least one drama filmed at the drama set you wish to visit. Seeing the drama and then visiting the location creates a deeper understanding of the history and time period you will be walking through. It creates an engaging experience and makes history feel alive. Make sure that your camera is charged because you will want to take tons of pictures. The backdrops are spectacular. Also, make sure Papago is downloaded so that you can translate the signs and learn more about the sets and productions. A List of Open Drama Sets Beyond Seoul 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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Taean is a picturesque location lined with beautiful beaches, rolling hills. Time to pack up your camera for a day of photography. About Taean-gun, South Korea Taean County is in Chungcheongnam Province, or Chungcheongnam-do, and has a population of roughly 64,000. While Taean is mostly coastal, the landscape includes mountains, forests, wetlands, sand dunes, and, of course, beaches. If you’re interested in Taean’s gorgeous beaches, please refer to the “5 Taean Beaches for Summer” blog. About Anmyeyondo, Taean-gun, South Korea Anmyeondo (island), in the South of Taean, was originally a peninsula. During the Joseon Dynasty, Chief State Councilor Kim Yuk ordered the flooding of the area between Anmyeon and Nammyeon to protect tax sent to Hanyang (now Seoul) from plunder by Japanese pirates. In 1970, the Anmyeongyo bridge was constructed to connect the island to the mainland. Whether it’s the flower parks that will boost your social media fame, dinosaur-themed park with a dino-pension, O My Gallery (an interactive museum), Aqua World’s relaxing sulfur seawater spa, village tours, historical sights, majestic views, and one of the best spots to watch the sunset, at Kkotji Beach with Grandfather Rock, it’s too easy to fall in love with Taean. For those working out of Camp Humphreys, Taean locations are about 1.5 to 2 hours away. 10 Taean Destinations for Photography Lovers Grab your cameras and head to the Korean countryside. Escape the busy days of Seoul and photography the beauty of slow life in Taean-gun. Taean could easily be a simple day trip or a weekend getaway. For example, if you’re heading to Mallipo Beach, you can also explore Sogeunjinseong along the coast, and visit the Chollipo Arboretum (Mallipo Botanical Gardens). And if you’re looking for a place to stay, read these Taean Pension blogs. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Do you want to have a great day traveling with your dog? Then, check out this dog-friendly itinerary in Chuncheon where many businesses make pet families a priority. Leave the house around 7am When you are headed for a trip of over 2+ hours of travel time on a weekend or holiday, you need to be in the car and on the road by 7am. This is especially true if you are headed south or east from Pyeongtaek. You also want to avoid any stops over 15 – 30 minutes once you are on the road. You are riding the good traffic wave and you need to stay ahead of the coming traffic jam. Also, you will likely arrive around 11:00 if you stick to only one 15-30 minute puppy walk break. Stop for Morning Snack and a Walk We often stop for morning snacks at a rest stop about 1 hour after we hit the road. We don’t sit down to eat. Therefore, we grab treats from the snack stands outside so that we don’t lose too much time. Parking Garages in Downtown Chuncheon Since it’s not summer and the day wasn’t too hot, we let Kiki sleep in the car while we went to lunch. The poor thing is used to long daily naps and she is already exhausted by our morning adventures. Therefore, we choose to go with the basement parking listed as Public Parking Chuncheon which is for the outdoor mall in the area. This gave Kiki a cool spot to rest, in the summer leaving your dog in the car is not an option in Korea. Please stay diligent to temperatures. Dalkgalbi street Just outside of the parking garage was Chuncheons famous Dalkgalbi Street. There were many famous restaurants serving the areas most famous dishes ready to fill up your bellies. Sutbul Dalkgalbi for Lunch Since we arrived in Chuncheon hungry and randomly found parking near Chuncheon Dalkgalbi Street. We decided to start with grilled dalkgalbi and what a brilliant choice it was. The restaurant has been open for 53 years and they are still going strong. In addition, the cheese fondue was fantastic. We had three kinds of fabulous grilled dalkgalbi. Cafe Visit at Adobera Rocher After we finished dalkgalbi, we needed to grab coffee and dessert. So, we headed to the obvious choice Adobera Cafe And Baking Cafe. They have some of the best tarts and mousse in Korea. We feel confident in the statement based on the number of cafes we have visited across the country. Mall and Market Walk with Kiki After eating too much, we need to walk it off. We also wanted to get to know Chuncheon city a bit better so we decided to take a slow wander around the area. It turned out to be a wonderful mix of old and new with lots of international restaurants, movie theater, shopping, and traditional areas. Since Kiki had taken a nice little nap, it was time to take her out to explore some more as well. We wandered around the mall, market, and neighborhoods in the area. Also, Kiki was a happy little camper and everyone was lovely about her being out with us. Neighborhood and Riverwalk When we are out and about, we take the time to sit with the art we find along the way. Outsider art, naive art, folk art, and arts & crafts work have always been a passion in our lives. These types of art reflect lived lives and help us build connections and insight into our community. In addition, art helps connect to a sense of place. The fact that our favorite kind of art is everywhere around us certainly contributes to why we love our daily lives and we prioritize art-themed walks on every trip. A Stop for Organic Ice Cream After wandering around downtown Chuncheon for a bit, we changed neighborhoods and started a tour with a cool treat for the sunny fall day. These organic ice cream cones were the perfect choice to cool us down. We went in first to see if it was ok for Kiki to join us inside, they said it was fine if we sat with her on the roof but there was no seating. After they met Kiki, they said it would be fine if we held her in our laps at a table inside. Check-in at the Dog Pension Since there are three of us and Kiki is along for the ride, we choose a room with two levels so that we all have some privacy. Two of us slept upstairs in the bed and one person slept downstairs on the floor bed. If you are not comfortable sleeping on the floor, simply bring an inflatable mattress or camping mattress. For the extra folks. There was an additional 10,000 for the dog and 10,000 won for the additional person. This is quite common across Korea. You will pay the extra fees upon arrival, often in cash or bank transfer if they are family-run pensions. We choose to stay at pensions that specifically focus on dog families because we want Kiki to be comfortable and with people who like her rather than just put up with having her there. Chuncheon Dinner Options with Your Dog Once dinner rolled around we had a variety of options in order to include Kiki in our lives and still enjoy a delicious dinner. We chose to drive across town for takeout because one of our group had been wanting to try deep-fried jokbal (pigs feet). We called in the order, picked it up, then drove back to our area and outside a CU where we grabbed drinks and jelly snacks to go with it. After Dinner Riverwalk by the river Our days in Chuncheon days always end with an evening walk. Usually along a river, lake, or beach. Therefore, tonight we took our little chicken-pig for a walk by the river. We love walking on the river stones and the sound of water trickling past. Hangout at the pension After our walk by the river, we headed back to the Riverwalk Dog Pension to watch a movie and get much-needed sleep. Help Planning Dog-Friendly Trips to Gangwondo If you love this dog-friendly itinerary in Chuncheon, you can plan your own. We have found PlusPlanner to be an amazing resource for planning our trip with Kiki. They have close relationships with cities and services across Gangwondo so they can make sure that you have service providers like hotels, taxis, and canoes that let you and your dog spend all day together. You will need to make sure that your dog is very well behaved and let them know the size of your dog. If you need help planning your dog-friendly itinerary in Chuncheon or elsewhere, PlusPlanner will be a great resource. How to Source Additional Information About These Locations If you are looking to enjoy this dog-friendly itinerary in Chuncheon, you can always contact 1330 to help answer questions. 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 Travelers Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Travelers. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly travelers (most who live in Pyeongtaek, South Korea) sharing their adventure 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. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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This muhly grass in Pyeongtaek blog post started as a list of 5 and quickly grew to a list of 7! You will find plenty of muhly grass photo spots close to Osan Air Force Base or Camp Humphreys. We look forward to seeing your photos on Instagram of these muhly grass photo ops near Pyeongtaek. About muhly grass in South Korea Native to North America, muhly grass originates in Florida. Since Instagram became a craze in South Korea, many locations have planted this popular pink to attract folks looking for the perfect fall photos. You can find muhly grass planted at tourist attractions and cafes across the country. When does pink muhly grass become pink? Muhly grass usually becomes pink in September in South Korea. Changes in weather can impact the perfect time for muhly grass photos. Later in this article, we will cover how to make sure the pink muhly grass location you want to visit is ready for a photo op. Where to find muhly grass photo ops near Pyeongtaek Lots of folks living at Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea love to get their Instagram shots with Muhly Grass each year. Yes, we know that everyone loves these shots but Search Engine Optimization (SEO) requires that we call out Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base residents in order to ever have this blog found on Google. Here we are sharing the 7 best spots for muhly grass photo ops near Pyeongtaek. How do I know if the muhly grass is in bloom? To find out if the muhly grass photo ops near Pyeongtaek are in season, use Instagram. You can check at your local Instagram muhly grass ‘hotplace’ (the Korean term for a popular location) via the tags on Instagram and sorting by recent images. This way of searching Instagram gives you instant weather and bloom reports based on folks’ posts from that area. Check out our post on how to maximize your Instagram use while here to get up-to-date information. You can use the South of Seoul app to make your Hangul Instagram search easier since you can copy the Korean name of each location and post it on Instagram with a #. Here is a little tutorial on how the South of Seoul app can help you check out the current conditions of locations around South Korea. Step 1: Search South of Seoul by keywords “Muhly grass” or “Pink Grass” You can search “Closest” or “Newest” locations added depending on what you are looking for. Step 2: Copy the Hangul name of the location To do a solid search on Instagram you need the name written in Korean. Very limited information is available using English or romanized names. Step 3: Paste the Hangul name with a hashtag Step 4: Sort by ‘Recent’ posts on Instagram Step 5: Look a the recent posts How to find muhly grass photo locations across South Korea You can search ‘핑크뮬리’ to discover muhly grass photo locations across all of South Korea. The Weather in Pyeongtaek You will enjoy viewing muhly grass the most if you go either on a day with good air quality or in your preferred weather. However, you can also enjoy the parks if you go prepared for incidental weather and the current air conditions. Here is what is happening currently in Pyeongtaek so that you can determine what is right for you right now. Current Air Quality in Pyeongtaek Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts. Godeok, Pyeongtaek Air Quality Bijeondong, Pyeongtaek Air Quality Current Pyeongtaek Weather Groups to Find Muhly Grass Photo Ops Near Pyeongtaek Want to know more great muhly grass locations across South Korea? Join one of the following groups. 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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Looking for restaurants in the Dunpo-ri Asan area? The working-class, immigrant town of Dunpo has some delicious restaurants. Put on your adventure shoes and go try some spots in this pocket-sized town. About Dunpo-ri, Asan-si, South Korea Dunpo-myeon is located in northern Asan-si, South Korea, and includes both the tiny town of Dunpo-ri and the larger town of Asan Techno Valley. It is also located near Paengseong Pyeongtaek which is home to the Camp Humphreys US Army Base. Today we are going to look at places to eat in Dunpo-ri. Dunpo-ri, Dunpo-myeon has a number of countryside restaurants that we recommend trying. Dunpo-ri hosts a large number of immigrants which makes it a delicious place to grab a meal. It also makes it a place filled with humble establishments so leave your judgment at home and get ready to feel uncomfortable at first. That’s because folks will absolutely stare at you and wonder if you are lost. Don’t worry, you will get over it and they will get over it and then it will all be normal again. That said, if you only want “fancy” things, dining in Dunpo may not be for you. However, if you enjoy experiencing many cultures, then you will enjoy these restaurants. Many of us who volunteer for South of Seoul dine-in Dunpo often. Although it may not look modern and fancy, the food can be very delicious. 8 Cozy Dunpo-ri, Dunpo-myeun, Asan-si Restaurants 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. While this list of restaurants in Dunpo-ri Asan 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. 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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Looking for rail bike courses in many different areas across South Korea? You have come to the right place. We have options for those who want to explore beyond Seoul. What are rail bikes in South Korea? Rail bikes are a popular activity in South Korea. Such rail adventures occur on decommissioned scenic railway routes throughout the country. Essentially, rail bikes are human pedal-powered vehicles designed to travel along railway tracks. The bikes offer a unique and relaxing way to enjoy the countryside and take in the scenery. Usually, rail bike tours in South Korea last between one or two hours and are suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a very popular activity for families with kids of all ages. Korea’s Most Commonly Promoted Rail Bikes One of the most popular rail bike routes in South Korea is the Gangchon Rail Park, which is located in the northeastern part of the country. The route runs for 8.5 kilometers along the old Gangchon railway line, which was originally used to transport coal and lumber. Along the way, visitors can enjoy views of the Bukhangang River and the surrounding mountains, as well as pass through several tunnels and over a number of bridges. Another popular rail bike route in South Korea is the Jeongseon Rail Bike. This rail bike course runs for 7.2 kilometers along the Jeongseon Arirang Railway. Also, this route is particularly popular in the autumn months when the leaves on the trees turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Visitors can also stop off at a number of scenic spots along the way, including a suspension bridge and a traditional Korean village. Overall, rail biking is a unique and enjoyable way to experience the South Korean countryside and take in its natural beauty. However, this list isn’t really about these heavily promoted rail bike locations. That’s because, during the 10 + years we’ve lived in Korea, we’ve found many other delightful rail bike course locations. Where Can I Ride Rail Bikes Across Korea? Despite what most travel blogs may make it seem, numerous rail bikes pepper the Korean countryside. Many of them are clearly marked on Naver or Daum and others are hidden away within parks. These parks offer up different types of experiences and scenery. The rail bike experiences often blogged about aren’t necessarily better, they just happen to be closer to Seoul or there is more English information available for them. Since we are weird old hipsters, we actually prefer visiting the rail bikes that are lesser-known in the English language social channels. Why? Just because we find they take us to fun, new places we never would have thought to visit. We discover all kinds of fun things just because we visited these rail bike spots. If you are a “hidden-gem” sort of person, then this list of rail bikes is going to be a lot of fun. What if I need more information about the rail bikes? We have provided you with the information you need to get help from 1330 about your personal situation. When traveling across the country to do anything, we recommend contacting 1330 to confirm the important details. Is the rail park open? What are the current prices? Do I need a reservation? 10 Rail Bikes to Try South of Seoul Planning a Trip Across South Korea? Explore over 52 itineraries by South of Seoul volunteers who live and travel in Korea. 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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Wondering how to stay current on life in South Korea? You aren’t alone. Facebook provides a treasure trove of current information that ex-pats find critical to daily life. The benefit of Facebook pages over websites is that you receive relevant information in a more timely manner. In short, the managers of the Facebook page do a lot of thinking for you so that you know what is most important to you now. South of Seoul volunteers have found the following five facebooks to be invaluable resources over time, especially for those who don’t live in Seoul. These Facebook pages are active as of November 2020 and regularly share information about life in South Korea that is valuable and accurate. 1. Expat Guide South Korea Expat Guide South Korea provides excellent articles for people who live in South Korea. They do not simply focus on travel, they dig into the issues you need to know about in order to adapt and live you best life. Additionally, their content covers the entire peninsula and isn’t just focused on Seoul. 2. 장행닷컴행정사 VISA In KOREA Visa in Korea provides excellent updates on visa rule changes in South Korea. We highly recommend following them to read English language updates on what’s happening with the immigration office. 3.국립공원 (Korea National Park) The South Korean National Park Facebook page is in Korean, but the photos and information will still help you and inspire you. Since Facebook offers in-app translation, you will barely notice that the page is published in Korean. Honestly, follow this page and go explore all the national parks. 4. Korea Clickers Associated with the government website, Korea.net, Korea Clickers Facebook page provides an English language feed of news and information happening in South Korea everyday. It’s a great way to be current on what’s happening from a Korean perspective. 5. Imagine Your Korea A tourism focused Facebook page managed by the South Korean government which shares wonderful, consistent, and accurate information about what to see in South Korea. Follow the South of Seoul’s Facebook Page as well! Additionally, be sure to follow our Facebook page (South of Seoul) for live videos, restaurant recommendations, smartphone app updates, and much more. Is there a Facebook page that you follow and love? Share it in the comments and we will add it to the South of Seoul resources list. 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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