aclipse, Author at Aclipse

25 Jul

Visa Application Process in the U.K

From Manchester to Guri

Hello everyone! My name is Sam, and I’m moving to Korea in August 2023 to teach English at the CREVERSE Guri Dasan April Institute. There are so many things I’m looking forward to! I can’t wait to explore Gyeongbok Palace in Seoul, and taking yacht cruise underneath the Gwanganri bridge in Busan at night. All whilst enjoying the extremely rewarding job of teaching English! Here are a couple of pics that are getting me more excited. But let me get back to the topic at hand! To teach in Korea, you need an E-2 teaching visa, and here are the step by step directions on the visa application process in the UK, after you receive your visa code.

Gyeongbokgung, also known as Gyeongbokgung Palace or Gyeongbok Palace, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Built in 1395.

Luxury yacht tours have become popular in Busan over the last few years, where you can view waterfront landmarks such as Gwangan Bridge and Marine City.

A Quick Disclaimer

Everything I explain in this blog is a step-by-step guide on how I got through the visa application process in the U.K. I am only suggesting that you take a similar approach and hope to give you a clearer understanding through key websites, phone numbers, emails etc. that I used to tackle this process.

Also, everything I explain in this post is for people who are waiting for or have received their VISA code from CREVERSE.

Visa & KVAC Important Links

The first thing I did was visit Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website which is a site you can use to find updates and guides on applying for Visas in Korea. You can use the website to find key contact information for KVAC, whom I decided to call. I wanted to ask to check what documents were needed and they directed me to the Korean Visa Application Center website.

They helped me through the website to find their guide

It’s a good idea for you to call them to make sure that you don’t need any additional documents—based on your nationality, or any other personal circumstances.

I was still confused though, as this guide didn’t include the documents needed or other important details. So, you can find this information here, and if you scroll down to the E2-1 visa you can see all of the required documents. When you go through this link, make sure to also download the forms they ask you to fill out as they will be important for your application.

Finally, you can see another link on the picture above, where it says “Please check your visa fee here.”

If you click this you can see the fees for your visa according to your nationality. So please check this link and you will know exactly what you owe when you pay for your visa.

Step-by-Step Guide Part 1

KVAC London Guide

Make sure you have followed my important links section and filled out all the required documents so you’re ready for the visa process.
KVAC also ask for an extra piece of paper with your address and contact details in Korea. I personally contacted my recruiter who then provided me with the relevant details. On this extra paper I also wrote them a note saying what I have attached inside the envelope and that I look forward to their response. It gives your application a professional touch.
Calculate your visa fees. If you’re British that should be 60+180+15 (255 Euros). I recommend adding the 15 Euro Courier fee so that they will send your passport and visa back to you.
(It is in Euros because they deal with their embassy in Germany. All your documents therefore initially go to London and then to Germany.)
Follow the instructions to send your money to their international account. Most Banks allow for international transactions for a small fee (Natwest charged me only 15p.)
Then you should email them at kvacukinfo@iom.int making sure your email subject reads like this: Your full name/ E2-1 / Proof of Payment.
Then send this email with the following details:
Name of nationality
Visa type (E2-1)
Write your payment details broken down – visa service fee 60 / Visa fee 180 / Courier Fee 15.
Attach a receipt of your payment transaction.

Step-by-Step Guide Part 2

After you send this email, then you should send your documents to the KVAC London address that is provided in the guide. You don’t have to wait for their confirmation but send it two to three days after your email. Make sure you send your real passport too. I recommend getting the most secure first class tracking you can get from your local post office – mine offers good compensation if my documents were to be lost, plus I could track my delivery.

Make sure to add your return details on the outside of the parcel, Your Name, Address and visa category.
After you have done all of this, wait until KVAC contact you to say your documents are all okay. They will then promptly forward them to Germany. After that you can track the process on the link they provide in their guide: https://www.visa.go.kr/main/openMain.do.
If you paid for their return courier service, they will then send back your printed off visa + passport. The whole process from sending your documents to London should take around 2 weeks, but this is subject to change.
Note that if you don’t pay the courier service, you can organise to collect your documents in London. See the guide from earlier to see how this is possible.
Please be sure to read the ENTIRE guide and thoroughly check every link and your documents so you are sure what you are doing.

Conclusions

Thank you for reading my blog on the visa application process in the U.K. with KVAC. I hope it was helpful. I wish you all the best of luck with your visa, and most importantly, I hope your experience in Korea will be as special as mine has been for me so far! 감사드립니다!!!

Sam Pearce is from Manchester, United Kingdom and graduated from Liverpool Hope University in 2019 with an undergraduate degree in History. However, since graduating he has become interested in the education industry! This has taken him to Sri Lanka, Italy and South Korea. Now he is planning to return to South Korea as a Creverse instructor in Dasan, Gyeonggi-do. Teaching English was a great decision for Sam, who not only loves benefiting children’s lives around the world positively, he can now also experience new cultures and learn about history in places that really interest him. Sam’s other interests include Karate (which he is a black belt in); playing football (he plays for a team in South Korea) and even going to the Norebang to do karaoke; amongst many other things.

07 Jul

CultureLifestyleRelocationBy aclipse

15 Must Have Apps for Korea!

If you’re about to embark on an exciting journey to South Korea to teach English, you’ve come to the right place. Before you dive headfirst into the land of K-pop and kimchi, let’s talk about the tools that will make your life much more convenient while you’re living your best expat life. These trusty apps will keep you connected, well-fed, and effortlessly navigating the streets of Seoul and beyond. Grab your phone as you read along so you can start downloading. Get ready to embrace convenience like a pro. Without further adieu, here are the 15 Must Have Apps for Korea!

(All links go to the Google Play Store, but all apps are also available for iOS)

COMMUNICATION

Kakao Talk

Kakao Talk is the one app that runs through the veins of every Korean. it is a must-have for anyone living in or visiting South Korea. From its seamless messaging to its cute sticker features and beyond, KakaoTalk has become an integral part of Korean social life. KakaoTalk is great for connecting with locals and will likely be the primary form of communication between you, your coworkers, and your friends. Pro tip: Make sure to choose a username that you are comfortable with, because the Kakao platform will only allow you to change it once!

MAPS & NAVIGATION

Kakao Maps

Lost in the streets of Seoul? Don’t expect your standard Google or Apple Maps to guide you well. Kakao Maps is here to save the day! This is the go-to navigation app for Koreans. Kakao Maps is an always reliable navigation tool. From accurate real-time directions to detailed public transportation information, this app is a game-changer. It has intuitive features, including voice-guided navigation and street view. It even recommends nearby attractions and restaurants.

Naver Maps

When it comes to map options, Naver Maps is my personal favorite (over Kakao Maps)! I find it to be incredibly intuitive, especially when it comes to providing directions for addresses submitted in English. Naver Maps offers a wealth of features. These include precise directions, real-time traffic updates, and comprehensive information about local attractions and services. It can show bus schedules, public transportation options, and user-generated reviews.

TRAVEL

Kakao Taxi

Kakao Taxi has become an indispensable app for Koreans. Other ride-hailing apps like Uber are NOT available, so if you need a ride quickly or aren’t yet comfortable with public transportation, Kakao Taxi has got you covered. It provides a seamless and efficient way to book a taxi right from your phone. This allows you to conveniently search the address right from your phone to avoid any communication errors with the driver about where to go. Kakao Taxi has real-time tracking, estimated fares, and the ability to choose your preferred vehicle type. (Be aware that you must have a functioning Korean phone number to connect a Korean bank card and pay, but you can always wave down a taxi the old fashioned way and pay with cash or any card!)

KTX

If you are looking to travel long distances in a short period of time, check out the KTX (Korea Train Express) and the KTX App by Korail. Get ready to speed across the country at trains reaching up to 300 kilometers per hour. All while enjoying the view, comfort, and amenities offered on board. With the KTX App by Korail, you can easily search for train schedules, reserve your preferred seats, and purchase e-tickets from your phone.

Trip.com

Navigating through various Korean apps and taking multiple screenshots can be tiring and potentially lead to travel mishaps. When I arrived in Korea, I found solace in using trip.com to book my KTX tickets to Seoul and other major cities. While the prices may be slightly higher compared to booking directly through Korean apps or ticket stands, it offers a great alternative for those seeking peace of mind. The app provides a clear understanding of the ticket purchasing process. Embrace the convenience of Trip.com for hassle-free ticket bookings during your Korean adventures!

TRANSLATION

Papago

Language barriers can be a hassle, but the Papago app revolutionizes communication in South Korea. This powerful translation app, developed by Naver, offers seamless translations between Korean and a multitude of languages. With features like text translation, voice recognition, and even image translation, Papago is a powerful tool for new arrivals and language learners alike.

Google Translate

Say 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) to Google Translate! Just like Papago, this app is equipped with text input, voice recognition, and offline capabilities to support you even when you’re offline. I think what sets Google Translate apart is its impressive real-time translation feature, which allows you to conveniently translate text on your screen using your phone’s camera.

SHOPPING & PAYMENT

Coupang

Coupang offers an extensive range of products, all just a few taps away. With lightning-fast delivery, this tool is comparable to Amazon. Newcomers often worry about packing, but with the ability to order nearly anything from Coupang, you don’t need to worry so much about packing.

GMarket

GMarket is another great Korean e-commerce platform offering both local and international brands. It always has deals and promotions, offering great value for your money. GMarket is a great option for new arrivals, as you will need a Korean bank account in order to set up any Coupang orders. On the other hand, GMarket allows you to pay with international cards.

Kakao Pay

I’m sure you’ve started to notice a recurring theme with the ubiquitous presence of “Kakao” on this list. Enter Kakao Pay, the digital payment revolutionizing how Koreans manage their finances. Whether you’re enjoying an iced americano at your go-to local café or seamlessly splitting bills with friends, this app provides a secure and convenient solution with just a few taps on your phone. With features like mobile payments, money transfers, and even the opportunity to earn rewards, Kakao Pay has it all. Plus, it’s as simple as a tap to make contactless payments straight from your phone using compatible card readers.

FOOD DELIVERY

CoupangEats, Yogiyo, & Baemin

Arguably some of the most important apps to download are Yogiyo (요기요), Baemin (배민), and Coupang Eats (쿠팡이츠) South Korea’s top food delivery apps! These apps offer an extensive range of options, from local favorites to international dishes. The apps are equipped with photos and descriptions, and the speed of Korean food delivery service is always impressive.

Help Me Emmo!

This option was my saving grace upon arriving to Korea! Ordering from the Korean apps can be tiresome when English descriptions aren’t available. HelpMeEmo (‘Emo’ means ‘Aunt’ in Korean) allows you to chat with a bilingual representative who can assist with placing delivery orders. You can customize your order, ask questions about the menu, and make special requests for just a small fee of around three dollars. And the first order is free! You can also message them on KakaoTalk at ‘HelpMeEmo.’

I hope you’ve found a few helpful apps and services that will make your life in South Korea more convenient and enjoyable! From translation and shopping to navigation and food delivery, these tools are here to simplify your life. Enjoy your adventures in South Korea with these essential apps by your side. Safe travels!

Alexandra Skouras is from Pennsylvania, USA, and has been living in South Korea since April 2021. She studied Biology and Spanish during college but decided to embrace her love of travel and cultural diversity through teaching English in other countries. After spending one year teaching in Madrid, Spain, she decided to move to South Korea, and since then has been teaching Chungdahm April in Sejong. Her favorite part about teaching is connecting with students and seeing how much growth they can achieve in just a short period of time. Alexandra describes her Korean life as the perfect mix of comfortable and exciting, and is passionate about encouraging other people to take the leap of faith and try something new.

20 Jun

CareerRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

From Tanzania to Korea: My Experience as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer

My Experience as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer

Before getting caught up in the daily grind of the working world, I decided it was the perfect time to become a Peace Corps volunteer. After graduating university with a degree in engineering, I was placed in Tanzania as a Math and Physics teacher. I loved teaching more than I ever thought I would. I felt such a strong connection with the students, and extended an extra year and a half to see my first students graduate from high school.

At the end of my service, I decided it was time to learn a new language and experience another new country. I packed up and moved to Korea. Fast forward a few years, and I found out about CREVERSE.

It was much easier being in the country and knowing the language. In addition, the recruiter and staff at the branch I worked with were very supportive with the housing and visa process. I feel like there was much less hand-holding than when I applied to the Peace Corps. That being said, it was also a much simpler process to apply for CREVERSE.

The Curriculum

I’ve been very impressed with the materials we use in the classroom, and they are continuously making improvements and updates. This is the first time I’ve used a smart textbook. The students and teacher all use electronic tablets to more personally experience classes and interact with each other and the material. It feels like a great way to escape the rote learning that seems to pervade so many facets of education. There is a set curriculum for each module, so the teacher’s task is made easy. Steps and guidelines are all set out.

The Students

Obviously, the best part of teaching is the students. CREVERSE is no exception. Of course, just like any job or position anywhere, there will be not-so-good days where things don’t go the way you hoped or expected. But coming to work every day and seeing the smiles and hearing the greetings of students who are genuinely happy to see you is one of the best feelings in the world.

The Life

If you’ve discovered a love for teaching as a Peace Corps volunteer and are looking for a change of pace in a new country, Korea is an amazing place. There are countless opportunities to get out and explore this beautiful and historic country. CREVERSE’s teaching hours make it easy to get out before or after work. Try taking Korean lessons, join a dance class, or adventure on your own. Weekends are great for bus trips around the country or hiking trips up the many mountains. Many of the mountains are right in the middle of cities. Or, spend some down time picnicking by the Han River. The possibilities are endless!

Nick Allen Taylor is an RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) who spent 3.5 years in Tanzania. He has a BS in
Mechanical Engineering and a BA in International Relations from Oregon State University. He has lived in Korea for over 7 years, 3 of which he’s spent as an English Instructor at CREVERSE.

02 May

LifestyleRelocationBy aclipse

Transportation in Korea

Transportation in Korea: Top 8 Ways to Get Around

One of the best features about living in South Korea is the affordable and accessible transportation. Whether you need to move across town, or travel to the other side of the country, there are so many options.

Short distances:

1. Public Bicycles

It’s not uncommon to find public bicycles available across the country in major cities. Usually, you can download an app onto your smartphone and then link a bank card to pay for the ride.

You’ll have to scan a QR code on the bike, and it will unlock automatically. Many of these public bikes are equipped with baskets attached in case you have something to carry. It’s a great way to move around the city while also getting some exercise. Conveniently, you can also check the app to see where the bikes are located. Depending on your location, you can expect to find some bike lanes, making your ride safer and more comfortable. Here’s a “How To” on renting bikes in Seoul City.

2. Electric Scooters

Similarly to bike rentals, you can also opt to travel by electric scooter. Some of the more popular choices are GCooter, Beam, and Swing. The scooters can travel up to 25 kilometers per hour. Typically, if you don’t link a valid Korean driver’s license to your account, the recommended speed limit is 17 kph. I think this is a great option for days when the weather is nice, because you can ride alongside friends and it’s so much fun! You can find some general regulations for e-scooters here. Safety is a big concern, so riders must wear helmets and can ride only one at a time. Safety first!

3. The Bus

The bus network in South Korea operates in all cities and even in smaller villages and towns. The bus system is fairly easy to navigate, but can become difficult if your Korean is limited. Still, downloading navigation apps such as KakaoMaps or NaverMaps will help you get from point A to point B with ease. Just scan your T-money travel card (which can be purchased and reloaded at any convenience store) and you’ll be on your way!

4. Subway

The Korean subway system is praised for its efficiency worldwide. Subways are available in the five major cities consisting of the Seoul Metropolitan Area. This includes Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon; Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon. It’s possible to buy a single journey ticket with cash, but you can actually save money by loading up a T-money card, and use it for taxis and buses as well. Subways operate from 5:30am to 1am the next day. Try to remember basic subway etiquette like waiting for passengers to exit before loading the car, not sitting in seats designated for the elderly or pregnant women, and not eating inside of the train cars.

5. Kakao T

Similarly to Uber and other ride services, South Korea uses Kakao Taxi for its private transportation services. If you are in a rush and don’t have time for public transportation, this could be a great option. You can download the Kakao Taxi app which has English services and an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate directions. Using the app can also provide peace of mind to foreigners as then you can track the taxi route and make sure you have an estimate of the fare before taking the trip.

Long distances:

6. Airport “Limousine”

The airport limousine bus is a lifesaver for people traveling to Korea with loads of luggage. These buses are spacious and comfortable, and will take you closer to your final destination if traveling outside of Seoul. If you are leaving from the airport, you can purchase a ticket at the stands outside of the terminals. If you are headed to the airport, you can download an app to reserve a ticket in advance. The bus application to reserve tickets doesn’t operate in English yet, but it’s quite simple to screenshot the app and translate using Google Translate or Papago in order to purchase your ticket.

7. Express Bus and “Intercity” Buses

These buses are cheap, reliable, and operate in all cities and towns. These buses can take passengers from one city to another, which is the best option for weekend trips to take part in amazing activities like paragliding, bungee jumping, ATV, or botanical gardens!

8. KTX Bullet Train

KTX, Korea Train Express, is one of the best ways to travel between cities. You can expect a quiet and smooth ride while taking in the beautiful landscape of the country. The high speed train travels at an astounding 305 kilometers per hour and interconnects popular travel destinations. You can download the Korail app to purchase tickets. If you don’t feel comfortable booking on the Korean app, you can always use a service like Korean Train to book your ticket. You should expect to pay a bit extra in this case, but it does make it easier to book or later change your ticket if need be.

With so many affordable options to travel these days, seeing different regions of South Korea has never been easier!

27 Apr

LifestyleTeachingBy aclipse

A Day In the Life of a Hagwon Teacher

3 Years and Counting!

Before moving to Korea, I really had no idea what my daily schedule would look like. Of course your schedule will depend on your unique school, but most elementary school hagwons operate similarly. So, if you are curious about what a day in the life of a hagwon teacher teacher looks like, this blog post is for you!

When I first arrived in Korea in at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I only expected to stay for one year. I met so many hagwon teachers, most of whom had been living in Korea for several years. I would tell them I only planned to stay for one year, and their response was always the same: “That’s what you say now, but just wait…”

I didn’t believe them.

Here I am two years later, just about to renew my contract for a third year. They were right.

After School Hours

I work from 12pm – 8pm, Monday through Friday, since hagwons are after school programs. This schedule is great because I have enough time to be productive in the morning and finish work early enough meet friends afterward. I think it’s really important to carve out a part of the day dedicated to yourself. If not, you’re just living to work and can’t fully enjoy the experience of living in Korea!

Sacred Mornings

The first part of my morning ritual is a combination of journaling, reading, and meditation. This quiet time sets the tone for my whole day. I’ve filled several journals with my experiences, and know I’ll reflect on how much my experience here shaped me as a person. I’m fortunate enough that my gym is right next door, so morning workouts are easy. It’s also convenient to complete all the errands I need to do during the day.

Arriving at Work

Every morning my coworkers and I arrive at noon. (Although usually we bump into each other at the neighboring cafes while picking up our morning Americanos). The first hour is dedicated to class preparation. We grade students’ online speaking homework, review lesson material for the day, and make any necessary printouts. Working at April English means I don’t have to do much lesson planning myself. I simply review the classes online and always feel prepared.

Lunch

Our lunch break is from 1pm-2pm. I usually go home for since I live within walking distance, but sometimes we visit a nearby restaurant. We return at 2pm, and the teaching day officially begins at 2:40pm! Students sometimes arrive early, so those 40 minutes can be used for extra prep. Or you can just relax and engage with students. (Though quite honestly, they often prefer watching English television on Netflix before class!) Before classes start, I always try to spend a quick minute alone in the break room. I remind myself of the influence I have on my students’ lives. Each day is an opportunity to make a huge impact, so I always make an effort to be the very best version of myself as a hagwon teacher..

Block Schedule

The class schedule is broken up into 6 blocks of time. There are six, 40-minute classes with a 5 minute break in between. We have a few breaks throughout the week to to finish all of our grading, and just to reset. Working with kids all day is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be challenging at times since they are so high energy! Here’s a great read of what classes are like in Korea vs. America.

Time to Unwind!

The teaching day ends at 7:05pm. We use the last hour to submit grades and tie up any loose ends. Getting accustomed to the April English curriculum can be a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get used to it weeks go by quickly! Now when the last bell rings at 7:05pm, I almost always find myself wondering where the day went. After classes end, I go home for dinner. I do some meal prep at the beginning of the week. But, admittedly, I often resort to using delivery services since it’s so affordable, accessible, and fast here! Sometimes I’ll have dinner with friends or coworkers after work, and it’s really common to have some beers to unwind and relax after a long day. The life of a hagwon instructor ain’t so bad!

19 Apr

FoodLifestyleBy aclipse

Top 5 Korean Dishes

“We” Culture

Korean food has become popular all over the world in recent years. The growing trend of K-pop has led to even more interest in Korean culture.

Food has an important role in Korean history as a result of social and political changes throughout the centuries. Every province has its own dishes and ingredients that are unique to their own region. If you travel around Korea, you will be become accustomed to the various meals you should indulge in. For example, Jeonju is famous for Bibimbap and Jeju is famous for Black Pork.

Korean meals predominantly include rice, vegetables and meat. Each meal includes side dishes known as banchan and toppings such as gotchujang, sesame oil, kimchi, doenjang and gotchukaru.

Korean food is an important part of Korean culture and is usually consumed in large groups to promote ‘we’ culture. It’s common to share food from various dishes and order meals for the table to share. Koreans enjoy eating together, and it is popular to see restaurants buzzing every night with plenty of customers.

Samgyupsal

Samgyeopsal barbecue is probably one of the first dishes you will try when attending your first school Hweshik (company dinner). It is a very popular dish in Korea, and there is an abundance of restaurants selling it across the country.

You usually grill unmarinated, raw slices of pork belly (essentially uncured bacon) is grilled tableside, until all the fat drips off the pan. It is typically wrapped with lettuce or perilla leaf, spicy soybean sauce, grilled garlic, and fried kimchi.

Be prepared to drink soju while eating Samgyeopsal! Soju is a clear alcohol is made from rice, wheat and barley. It is customary to drink shots of soju while eating out samgyeopsal as it’s considered a way to cut the fatty taste and have a good time!

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a really popular dish among foreigners, and is usually a meal a Korean would recommend you to try when first getting accustomed to Korean food. Most Korean food is spicy, so when eating bibimbap you can add as much, or as little, gotchujang (red pepper sauce) as you like.

You can order it in a dolsot (a hot stone bowl) or a regular bowl. The traditional dolsot bowl is fired up hot, and sizzles food as you mix the ingredients together. It creates crusty rice at the bottom of the bowl while you indulge, creating a nice crispy treat at the end!

Ingredients in bibimbap include rice, beef, assorted marinated vegetables, gotchujang and a fried egg on top. There are numerous local variations of bibimbap throughout Korea, be found in Jeonju, Tongyeong and Jinju to name a few.

Savory Pancakes

Jeon is a flat-like pancake made from kimchi, potatoes, onions, seaweed, meat and seafood. There are plenty of kinds of Jeon, such as Pacheon (scallion), Kimchi Jeon, and Gamja-jeon (potato).

It’s customary to eat it after hiking a mountain trail, and is offered at many mountainside restaurants. Jeon is usually paired with Magkeolli (Korean rice liquor), and is highly recommend to enjoy on a hot summers day. Magkeolli is served in a chilled kettle and is sipped out of a small drinking bowl.

Bulgogi

Bulgogi is simply delicious, and my personal favorite Korean dish. It is a a dish of thinly sliced sirloin marinated in a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and black pepper. Bulgogi is usually cooked tableside on the grill or sauteed and served.

Bulgogi is usually prepared with thinly sliced onions, carrots, mushrooms and scallions. It is popular to wrap it up lettuce and top it off with some ssamjang (a thick red spicy paste), and served with rice and grilled garlic.

Over the years, bulgogi has been the star in some more variations such as bulgogi burgers and even bulgogi cheesesteaks.

Sundubu Jiggae

Sundubu Jiggae is one of the most flavorful Korean soups you could eat. It has the perfect balance between spicy and sweet, and the silken tofu melts in your mouth. It is customary to choose the type of Sundubu Jiggae you want, ranging from seafood, beef, pork, dumpling, soy bean, or even mixed variations!

The stew is also commonly topped off with a raw egg, that you crack tableside. Once mixed into the soup, the hot pot cooks and scrambles it, almost like an egg drop soup. This adds flavor to the dish, however you can do it however you like!

HUNGRY YET?! There are so many other amazing dishes to sample in Korea- this is just the top 5 dishes! Check out some of the seafood Giselle ate on her weekend trip to Taean!

Tijana Huysamen, a South African born Capetownian, avid traveler and travel journalist, fell in love with South Korea and its people. After Tijana arrived in South Korea in 2010, she had the opportunity to live in the heart of the Korean countryside. During her time spent in Chungnam province she learned to speak Korean, prepare Korean food and experience the humble nature of the countryside people. After a year break in New York, Tijana jumped at the opportunity to return to Korea again, and is currently working at the CDI Jamsil Branch, in Jamsil, Seoul. Read Tijana’s Aclipse blog to gain a unique perspective on Korea and her shared experiences and adventures both in a major city and in the countryside. Follow Tijana on Twitter @TeeAnni or email tijanahuysamen120@hotmail.com to request more information on teaching in Korea!

19 Nov

LifestyleBy aclipse

Top 5 Experiences I’ve Had in Korea!

Starting a New Role

It’s been two full years since I began living and teaching in Seoul, and I owe it all to Aclipse. While I’m so grateful for my teaching role, I’m especially grateful for the additional opportunities I’ve had here in Korea. A month after I moved here, I interviewed to become a Marketing Assistant and got the job! My job has been to blog, post photos and answer emails from potential candidates. Being able to show others the beauty and adventure of living in Korea has been extremely rewarding. Surprisingly enough, one of the candidates I helped would become my co-worker at the same branch! This post is dedicated to the top 5 experiences in Korea I’ve had with links to previous blogs to follow.

Top 5 Experiences in Korea

Thanks to my new role, I made sure I was not a home-body! I’ve had all the incentive I needed to get out, meet locals, and try to assimilate as quickly as I could. It’s been my goal to try at least two new things every month, and if I got a chance to get outside of Seoul, even better!

1. Here is my blog post on paragliding in Danyang!

2. Click here to learn about my Yeosu Weekend Trip.

3. Do you have any interest in bungee Jumping in Gapyeong?

4. My ATV Adventure in Taean is not just all vroom vroom.

5. My favorite trip of all is my peaceful Day Trip to Semiwon Garden!

Become a Marketing Assistant!

The greatest part of all is that there is way more things I’d love to add to this list, but its been so hard to choose! And I’m not done- I just extended my contract for the second time! If sharing your story and your experiences is something you’d like to do, let your recruiter know! The team is always on the lookout for people who want to share their experiences.

Oh, and if you’re interested in zip lining, check out this blog here!

Giselle Moreno is from California, USA where she attended the University of California, Riverside. While a student, she always worked with international students and she decided to teach English abroad upon graduating during her third year of university. It was through the experiences of being an English tutor for international students that she felt really fulfilled. She found it particularly easy to get along with Korean students which is why she decided to pursue a teaching opportunity in Korea. She even attended Yonsei University in Seoul for a semester as a study abroad student and fell in love with the city. She is currently working at ChungDahm Learning’s April Daechi branch located in Gangnam, Seoul.

13 Jan

CareerLifestyleBy aclipse

Life After Korea

Goodbye Korea

When I was living abroad I wasn’t sure what life would be like when I finished my contract and moved home. The plan was to live in South Korea for a year, but I ended up extending my contract and living in Busan for almost two years. I knew there would be some reverse culture shock when I moved home but was really surprised by what life after Korea was like.

My boyfriend, Colin, and I packed up our apartment in Busan, had a goodbye party with all our friends, said some tearful goodbyes, and boarded the plane to leave Korea. It didn’t really dawn on me until the plane was in the air that I wouldn’t see those friends or live in Korea again for a long time, if ever. Although I was very sad to say goodbye to friends and to a city I absolutely loved living in. I was very excited to go home and see friends and family I hadn’t seen in almost 2 years!

Aloha

Before returning home, Colin and I stopped in Hawaii for a week to relax and enjoy having some time off work. Honestly, taking a vacation in Hawaii was one of the best decisions we made! Although it was expensive, it was worth it and definitely helped with the reverse culture shock. It was nice to be in an English speaking country again, but still be on vacation. We got to go to restaurants, grocery stores, bars, gas stations, etc. and enjoy the simple pleasure of talking to people in English 24-7! We did feel a little overwhelmed hearing everyone else’s conversation (it was sort of nice not knowing what other people were saying in Korea sometimes). Not to mention we got to enjoy all the gorgeous sights and beautiful beaches that Hawaii has to offer.

REVERSE Culture Shock

Once we returned home reverse culture shock hit with full swing. Shortly after we got off the plane in St. Louis, I started having wheezing and a tight feeling in my chest – something that has never happened to me before. I had to go to urgent care and was abruptly reintroduced to American healthcare and how expensive it is – Korean healthcare was fast and extremely cheap (with or without insurance). Luckily it wasn’t serious. It turns out my body just was shocked from all the allergens that I was suddenly being exposed to!

It was great to see family and friends that I hadn’t seen in a long time, but also overwhelming trying to find time to see everyone. I felt a little guilty trying to juggle time with family and friends, and was very glad we’d been on vacation- because it really helped with the jet lag. Honestly if I could do it over again I’d say ask a friend or family member to host a “welcome-back” party for you when you return. That way you can see everyone at once, and won’t feel guilty if you need a few days to rest/recharge later on.

(See below – a friend from Cinncinati drove down to see me after we got home!)

Home Sweet Home

Some of the great things about life after Korea are that I realized how easy and convenient it was to do so many things in America. Signing up for a phone plan was pain free, and going car shopping wasn’t bad either. I’m big into rewards programs and coupons, and never really got to take advantage of that in Korea since I didn’t learn much Korean! I also really enjoy going to the gym, and gyms are much cheaper in the US.

(See below – a Friendsgiving party with some friends we hadn’t seen in a long time!)

Missing the Kids

One challenging part about life after Korea was the education culture in America, in Korea it’s very rigorous from an early age. Going from teaching Kindergarten in Korea to teaching Pre-School in America was a hard transition for me. Education culture for kids below 5 years old is much more laid back in America and focused on play and social skills. This was so different than what I experienced in Korea. I had a hard time adjusting at first but now I believe there is a happy medium between the two educational cultures. Kids should be able to play and have fun, but structure and high expectations aren’t a bad thing!

Speaking of education, some of my old students from Korea wrote me really wonderful letters which I’m incredibly thankful for. It’s nice to hear from them and know that they are doing well, and I’m definitely excited to write back!

(See below – an adorable letter from one of my past students.)

Life After Korea

Moving abroad has changed my perspective on a lot of things. I now have a tremendous amount of respect for immigrants and refugees because it isn’t easy to move to another country, especially when you can’t speak the language or have no family to help you. I’m passionate about helping those that are less fortunate, and can understand a small part of the struggle that immigrants face.

Moving abroad opened up many opportunities for me. I was able to save money, pay off all of my debt, and travel to four different countries! I am so thankful for all the amazing memories I have. Transitioning to life after Korea wasn’t easy, but now that I’m settled I’m very happy and love that I have so many stories to share with friends and family. I also can’t wait until I can see my friends from South Korea again!

Monica Russo graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelors in Psychology and is from St. Louis, Missouri. After spending a couple years in social work she decided to move abroad to learn more about other cultures and to challenge herself to live outside her comfort zone. Monica lived in Busan, South Korea for a year and a half and loved her time there. She loves new experiences, hiking, exploring other cities and helping others any way that she can. Her philosophy is work hard, play hard!

05 Dec

TeachingBy aclipse

Teaching in South Korea vs Teaching Back Home: What’s the Difference?

Pros and Cons

In comparing one job to another, there is a lot to consider. Obviously, there are pros and cons and it can be difficult to sift through them objectively. There’s also a lot of personal subjectivity. I’ve loved every teaching job I’ve had, but I hope to shed some light on some the cons you can eliminate by teaching in Korea, specifically with Chungdahm Learning and the Aclipse program. I’ve boiled this down to a set of key points: the students, the environment, salary/livability, and Requirements/Expectations of the Job.

The Students

In my experience, Korean students feel a deep desire to learn and are always putting forth their very best efforts. Of course, there is the occasional student that wants to try your patience more than others! But the difference is that is is not the norm, but the exception. I have never seen such a large number of children so well behaved and dedicated in all my life. Rarely, if ever, do I need to repeat myself more than once. Students work hard and go above and beyond in every task given to them, and at every age. This blows me away.

On the other hand, American students are often not as motivated or passionate about learning. Motivating them is often more than half the battle. Again, this is not every situation. That would be a gross overgeneralization and would not be fair or accurate. However, a majority of students I’ve personally worked with in the States are not driven in the same way, which I attribute to the difference in parenting styles and culture. We tend to ensure more gradual development in America, whereas Korean students are trying to be the best from day 1.

The Environment

An obvious appeal of teaching in Korea is that you are in Korea. It is such a beautiful country with so much to offer in regards to food, sights, and culture. There seems to be no end to all of the old temples, cafes, and amazing art to be found around the corner of every street! On top of all of these incentives, my commute to work is no more than a 5 minute walk. The people in the school are kind with great dispositions and students are very respectful as well.

ALL teaching materials ARE PROVIDED FOR YOU, by the way. I just felt the need to say that, and to say it loudly. The United States is a beautiful place to live, of course, with a a lot of creature comforts. However, it is very large and everything is miles apart. Everything is extremely expensive to even get to. I’ve always wanted to see new places and try new things, but that just wasn’t on the table for me.

The Pay

While I won’t go into too much detail of my salary, of course, I can say it is enough to cover my expenses and more. This is especially true since rent, utilities and other bills are very cheap and housing is often provided by the school. I’ve been paying off school loans and saving up money while being able to take trips around South Korea on the weekends. Teacher salaries are pretty low in the States, which is makes it difficult with the high cost of living. Between rent, utilities, phone bills, car insurance, health insurance, and groceries, gas, there just isn’t enough left over to really do much of anything. Eating out, traveling, or saving just isn’t a reality on a teacher salary in America.

The Requirements

Lastly, the teaching requirements are both very similar and so very different at the same time. Lesson planning for Chungdahm Learning consists of looking over the provided materials and making sure you are familiar with the topics to be discussed for the day. I often plan games, classroom procedures, behavioral incentives, and extra activities as well. This doesn’t take more than an hour or two a day the way that the curriculum is set up.

Grading is mostly done automatically for you, except for the occasional writing or speaking assignment. A portion of the grading may even be shared with the Korean staff depending on your branch. You don’t get a ton of time off, but the time that you do have is actually off! Its not being used to grade or lesson plan or play catch up or take courses for extra certifications.

In America, lesson planning used to take up most of my days, weekends, and nights. Of course after a while you get the hang of it, but I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist. On top of this, the grading seemed endless. Considering how large each class is, and the amount of feedback, grading, and filing required seemed endless.

Love for Teaching

At the end of the day, I love to teach in any capacity that I can. Every job will have its ups and its downs. That being said teaching in Korea at Chungdahm Learning has been the best teaching experience I’ve had so far. It is much more freeing, while providing you opportunities for growth at the same time. I am able to earn a living AND enjoy my life. I am surrounded by students that love learning and by people that are helpful, kind and always strive for excellence. As much as I loved my previous positions, it’s going to be tempting to never leave Korea at all.

Alecia Alford is a secondary English education major with a taste for traveling, languages and ‘eating all the foods.’ She graduated from Northwestern State University and spent some time abroad in South America where she learned Spanish and discovered her true love: seeing and tasting all that the world has to offer. Alecia has dreamt of teaching all her life, but was surprised at how inexplicably inhospitable the living conditions were for a teacher in the states. Things weren’t necessarily impossible, but they certainly were not exactly easy, nor were they travel friendly back home. Looking into ways to teach abroad, she was pleasantly surprised at the number of options and opportunities out there that combined her two great passions. She now teaches with Chungdahm Learning in Pohang, South Korea and intends to continue the pursuit of traveling and teaching for as long as she can.

15 Sep

CultureFoodLifestyleBy aclipse

ATV Adventure in Taean

The summers in Korea can be rather hot and humid. While I was born and raised in sunny California, the difference is the humidity. Korea is hot and humid while California is hot and dry. As the humidity is finally coming in at full strength, I quickly planned a weekend trip to the coast. Follow me on my ATV adventure in Taean!

Transportation

Once you arrive to the Express Bus Terminal, there are two bus options for going to Anmyeon Bus Terminal. Both bus options, but one is more expensive than the other. The more expensive bus is 20,000won, while the more economical option is 11,000won. The difference between the two buses is the spaciousness of the seats. Obviously, the pricier option has more spacious seats, reclinable chairs and additional leg space. I took a 20,000 won bus for my trip to Taean and an 11,000won bus for the trip back. In my humble opinion, it is well worth the extra charge for the comfort!

Mudflats

Korea has great mudflats! Once the tide is low, the waters recede very far back. This is the perfect time to grab a bucket, shovel, and SALT! Many people dig in the mudflats to collect clams and other shellfish. Why the salt? Many sea creatures leave little holes on the surface of the mud. If you pour salt into the holes, they pop out on their own! You can simply pluck them out and throw them into your bucket. There are so many crabs, too! My friend had to fight two of them that were trying to fight him off. It was hilarious! You can steam, grill, or sautee your harvest for dinner. It’s all a part of the mudflat experience.

ATV Adventures

The region of Taean has many gorgeous forests and beaches. One of the major activities in the area is to take an A.T.V tour. I bought a 50-minute tour that cost 25,000 won. There were different experiences to pick from that ranged in time. I picked the shortest option, but I was not disappointed! I got to go through some rough forest terrain and across the beach. There was a portion where I got to go over several small sand dunes. For me, the forest terrain was muddy and there were many puddles, since it had rained during the night. I loved it! At first, I was worried about my shoes, but by the end of it, I was purposely riding through puddles to maximize splash!

Seafood

One can never go to the coast and not enjoy the fresh seafood! After arriving to Anmyeon, the first thing to cross off my ‘to do’ list was eat some marinated crabs! They are called ganjang-gejang and they are raw crabs marinated in soy sauce. There is also a style where it is marinated in a semi-sweet red sauce – both are equally delicious in my opinion. In Seoul, this dish is expensive. However, whenever one visits the coast, there are huge set menus that get one so much seafood, side dishes and always a fish stew. The set I purchased was 70,000won for two people at a restaurant called 딴뚝통나무집. I’ll add the address below.

Restaurant Details

There are two more dishes that I really enjoy eating when visiting the coast. The first is like a seafood bibimbap called hwe-deopbap (회덮밥). The other dish is like a seafood cold noodle dish called mul-hwe (물회). These are individual dishes. They both only cost 10,000won each. I found it to be an even better deal where I had it, because I had a great beachfront view. The restaurant is called 밧개횟집. I’ll add the address below.

딴뚝통나무집 (crab restaurant)

60-42 Seungeon-ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

밧개횟집 (beachfront restaurant)

765-81 Jungjang-ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

안면도수산시장 (fish market)

1249-1 Seungeon-ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Apply now to start your teach abroad journey in South Korea today!

Author: aclipse

From Manchester to Guri

A Quick Disclaimer

Visa & KVAC Important Links

Step-by-Step Guide Part 1

Step-by-Step Guide Part 2

Conclusions

COMMUNICATION

Kakao Talk

MAPS & NAVIGATION

Kakao Maps

Naver Maps

TRAVEL

Kakao Taxi

KTX

Trip.com

TRANSLATION

Papago

Google Translate

SHOPPING & PAYMENT

Coupang

GMarket

Kakao Pay

FOOD DELIVERY

CoupangEats, Yogiyo, & Baemin

Help Me Emmo!

My Experience as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer

The Curriculum

The Students

The Life

Transportation in Korea: Top 8 Ways to Get Around

1. Public Bicycles

2. Electric Scooters

3. The Bus

4. Subway

5. Kakao T

6. Airport “Limousine”

7. Express Bus and “Intercity” Buses

8. KTX Bullet Train

3 Years and Counting!

After School Hours

Sacred Mornings

Arriving at Work

Lunch

Block Schedule

Time to Unwind!

“We” Culture

Samgyupsal

Bibimbap

Savory Pancakes

Bulgogi

Sundubu Jiggae

Starting a New Role

Top 5 Experiences in Korea

Become a Marketing Assistant!

Goodbye Korea

Aloha

REVERSE Culture Shock

Home Sweet Home

Missing the Kids

Life After Korea

Pros and Cons

The Students

The Environment

The Pay

The Requirements

Love for Teaching

Transportation

Mudflats

ATV Adventures

Seafood

Restaurant Details

Contacts

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