Getting Medical Care In Korea

The Korean Medical System

When I first arrived in Korea, I was almost immediately impressed with its medical system. 11 months later, I am really grateful to live in a country with efficient, easily accessible medical care. Here’s a quick guide to your initial medical testing, doctor’s visits, and pharmacies.

 

Initial Medical Testing

After you arrive in Korea, you’ll need to do initial medical testing to get your Alien Registration Card (ARC). This medical testing is similar to a yearly physical you would get in your home country. You’ll need to go within the first couple of weeks of arriving in Korea, and your school will help set up an appointment for you.

hospital lobby in korea

When I went for my medical testing, I was honestly a little shocked at the hospital’s efficiency. I was given a scannable card with my basic information associated with it. Then, I stayed in the waiting room and waited as a screen informed me I could enter each private room to get a different portion of my physical completed. For example, the screen would announce my name, I’d go in and get my eyes tested. Then, the medical personnel would inform me of the room number I needed to visit next, and the process would repeat.

 

Everything was digitized, so I didn’t have to carry around a bunch of paperwork I didn’t understand. Although everyone I spoke to knew English, I didn’t need to communicate with them extensively because all of my information was on the card the receptionist gave me. The whole process probably took about 30 minutes despite the room being full of other people also getting their medical tests completed.

 

Of course, depending on the clinic you visit, the circumstances might be a little different, but generally speaking, all of my medical experiences in Korea since the very first one have been efficient and with few communication issues.

 

Doctor Visits

Universal health care in South Korea is easily one of the biggest perks of living in the country. Once you have your ARC card, you should be able to get any kind of doctor’s appointment you need with little to no costs. When I was sick in December, I was able to walk into a clinic and get a prescription with no problems. Meeting with the doctor and getting the prescription filled took less than an hour and only cost me about 17,000 won in total. I don’t even want to think about how much that same experience would have cost me in the U.S. with or without insurance.

 

When my boss recommended my coworkers and I all get flu shots ahead of flu season, she was able to quickly point me in the direction of a good clinic that was able to give me the vaccine with very little fuss. In both of these experiences, I was able to speak English with the doctors and nurses.

 

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Korea and the U.S. are very similar in my experience. You go in, give them your prescription, and they fill it for you. I’ve never gone in and had to wait more than a few minutes. Over-the-counter items like pain relievers are kept behind glass, so you’ll need to ask. I’ve been able to speak to the pharmacists in English the few times I’ve needed to go in, but when in doubt, Papago (the popular translating app) is your friend.

 

Overall, the Korean medical system is inexpensive and efficient. Like most things in Korea, there’s a bit of a learning curve, but I hope this quick guide leaves you more confident addressing your medical needs while in Korea!

English teacher posing on a bridge in Korea with Namsan Tower in the background

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

Initial Training Week: A Trainer’s Top 5 Survival Tips

Survive And Thrive!

Starting your initial training week can feel a bit like swimming in unknown waters. As a trainer, I understand the excitement and nerves that comes with learning a new program and onboarding at Creverse. In this blog post, I will break down the essentials to not just survive your initial training week but to thrive and have fun!

 

Prep and Print

Before the training week kicks off, make sure to download and print all the materials sent out in your welcome email. This will ensure that you can ask any questions about the material and shows your trainer that you are proactive and prepared.

TIP #1: Having materials on hand helps you engage in the lesson and will make for a smoother learning experience.

 

Ask Questions!

Don’t hesitate to ask questions! From the trainer’s perspective, I’m here to make concepts clear and do my best to help trainees digest the Creverse curriculum. There’s no such thing as a dumb question, especially during training week. Asking ensures everyone is on the same page.

TIP #2: Accelerate your learning curve by having the confidence to ask questions. After you ask a question, write down the answer to refer back to later.

 

Practice Out Loud

After prepping for your morning mocks, take it a step further by practicing out loud. Rehearsing the material aloud will help boost your confidence and internalize the curriculum.

TIP #3: During my own training week I would mock teach in front of the mirror in my hotel room. It was awkward at first but helped me get the extra practice I needed.

 

Embrace a Growth Mindset

One of the biggest struggles I see my trainees face is something I like to call “precision paralysis”. People assume an all-or-nothing attitude that can get in the way of their progress. Your initial training week at Creverse should be about improvement, not perfection!

TIP #4: I encourage taking on a  growth mindset which means understanding that steady progress from one day to the next is the goal.

 

Recharge and Refuel

It’s important that you prioritize your self-care during training week. Getting enough sleep and eating right will help you fight jet lag and ensure that you can come to your training sessions focused and ready to take on the day.


TIP #5: It can be tough to eat healthy when you’re busy but Korean convenience stores have got you covered. Unlike the gas station food you might be used to at home, the refrigerated and hot meal items include options that are well-balanced and quick.

 

You’ve come a long way, and this is the final step of being a teacher for Creverse! While initial training week can be stressful, remember that your school, the trainers, and your recruiter want nothing less than for you to succeed. Just follow my 5 tips and exhibit a positive attitude, and you will thrive!

Still curious about the initial training week? Check out this post for more details on what you can expect.

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

Michelle Duquette, Trainer

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

Writing The Perfect Resume To Teach In Korea

Writing A Resume For Teaching, Specifically

Congratulations on taking the first step toward teaching abroad! Writing a standout resume is a big move that brings you closer to landing your dream job in South Korea. Exciting, right?! Your resume is your first impression, and it’s important to make it a good one. You don’t need to create anything overly complex, but your resume does need to highlight the best parts of your experience and education for teaching in Korea, specifically! Don’t worry, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you get started writing the perfect resume to teach in Korea!

 

1. Avoid Generic or Too Detailed Templates

Let’s be real, those cookie-cutter templates from sites like Indeed? They’re not going to help you stand out. Teaching abroad is a unique adventure, your resume should reflect you. Go for a clean, modern design that’s easy to read but still personal. Recruiters and schools want to be able to scan your resume quickly, so keep it simple but impactful!

 

2. Highlight Your Education First

Your education is crucial when applying for teaching positions, so make sure it’s listed at the very top of your resume! It’s one of the first thing you’ll want the recruitment team to see when reviewing your resume. Make sure to include all degrees, the name of the school you attended and don’t forget to add your date of graduation.

Bonus: If you have a teaching certificate (TEFL, TESOL, etc.) add this into this education section as well. While a TEFL is not required, it helps you stand out!

 

3. One Paged Resume and Cover Letter

A resume that’s too long can be overwhelming and difficult to read. It’s best to create a single page that focuses on the most relevant experiences. Make sure to use concise bullet points that outline your skills and responsibilities without dragging on!

If there’s more you want to share, save it for your cover letter! Employers value cover letters that describe your motivations for teaching abroad and why you’re excited about teaching in South Korea. Pairing a solid one-page resume with a thoughtful cover letter is a winning combination!

 

4. Include All Teaching-Related Experience

If you’ve taught before (great!) But don’t stress if you haven’t! Any experience working with kids or young adults is important to add to your resume. Whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, coaching or even volunteer work. Recruiters want to see that you’ve spent time guiding or educating others, even if it’s not in a traditional classroom setting. However, it’s not a requirement so don’t stress if this is all new to you!

5. Make It Easy to Read

A clean and easy to read resume will make it easier for recruiters to see how great of a candidate you are! We can’t say this enough: use concise bullet points for each experience to outline key achievements and responsibilities. Make sure to avoid creating dense blocks of text that are chunky and hard to read. Keep margins and spacing neat and use bold headings to guide the reader’s eye through the document.

Bonus Tips

  • Double Check Your Contact Info: Applicants forget to include their phone number or email, and without that, we can’t get in touch with you. Seriously, it happens more often than you think! Double check everything before you hit send!
  • Show Off Your Hard Skills: Make sure to highlight skills that are useful for teaching. Think technology, public speaking, classroom management or even writing and communication skills. These show you’re ready to handle a classroom and connect with students effectively.
  • Highlight Your Soft Skills: Teaching is as much about connecting with students as it is about lessons. Be sure to highlight soft skills like communication, patience, adaptability and problem-solving. These are crucial both for teaching and for adjusting to a new culture!
  • Avoid Grammatical Errors: You are applying to be an English teacher! Grammatical errors on your resume can be a cause for concern. Microsoft Word is great at spell check, but it can also make mistakes. Read through your resume a few times before finalizing it. Bonus if you can have a friend or family member review your resume as well!

By following these tips, you’ll write the perfect resume that highlights your best qualifications, makes a strong impression and brings you closer to teaching in South Korea. Good luck! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out, we’re here to help!

 

Bethany Coquelle, Overseas Recruiter

Bethany, growing up and living in both the east and west coasts of Canada, serves as an Overseas Recruiter specializing in South Korea placements since 2017! With a multicultural family and a passion for cultural exchange, she understands the transformative power of connecting people from diverse backgrounds. Inspired by the impact teachers can have on students’ lives, Bethany is dedicated to linking educators with their ideal positions abroad. Whether guiding through the intricacies of teaching in South Korea or providing a compassionate ear, she is committed to supporting your educational journey.

Flying From America To Korea

The Big Move!

After months of anticipation, the day finally came for my big move to Seoul. My flight departed Richmond airport at 7am on Thursday, August 8th. The night before, I spent 3 hours with my family figuring out which of my clothes to bring to Korea. That moment was so bittersweet, but here I go: I’m flying to Korea!

 

Saying “See you later!” to the people you care about most can be really hard, but I try to remind myself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I won’t regret. After saying a slightly tearful goodbye the morning of my flight, I completed my luggage drop off at the Delta kiosk and handed off my checked bags.

 

TIP: Make sure to check-in for your flight on the airline app BEFORE you are there. You can choose how many bags you’re checking, skip the check-in line by using a kiosk, and select what seat you want. It will make your life so much easier!

 

The Layover

I arrived at the Atlanta airport around 9am and my layover was only an hour. Not only was my flight to Incheon across the airport (Atlanta is HUGE), my flight from Richmond landed 20 minutes late! Needless to say, I sprinted through the airport and hopped on the plane train as soon as I could.

 

I made my flight with 15 minutes to spare. This was my first long haul flight and I made sure to pack my personal item bag with all of my essentials (toothbrush, blanket, pillow, eye mask, headphones, etc.)

 

TIP: Make sure to have easy access to a map of the airport where your layover is to reduce stress! Flights are delayed all the time, and the second leg of your flight is not going to wait for you.

 

 

The Main Flight

Our flight finally took off at 10am and within the first hour we received our first meal. I chose the spicy pork rice bowl and it tasted delicious! Unfortunately that was our only full meal on the 14-hour flight. Our other meals consisted of different types of pastries and yogurt. Check out all of the food I ate on my flight here!

The rest of my flight consisted of watching my current hyper-fixation show (“From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke“) and sleeping A LOT.

TIP: Make sure to DOWNLOAD whatever entertainment you wish to watch on your device. Most international flights you need to pay for wifi, and the wifi will not last the whole flight. I downloaded 2 whole seasons of my show and had a couple episodes to spare.

 

Arrival

I landed at Incheon airport around 3pm the following day. The first thing that you will do once deboarding the plane is go through Korean customs. We were all given an arrival card to fill out. There are English instructions on the back of the card. Make sure to fill this card out BEFORE you enter the customs line.

Once I filled out my card I entered the customs line with my visa and passport in hand. From there it’s pretty simple: the worker calls you, you give your fingerprints, they sticker your passport, and then you are done!

 

Korean information card.
Korean Customs information card
Korean immigration and customs line
Korean immigration and customs line

Baggage claim is also very straightforward. There will be screens telling you which flight’s luggage is at each baggage claim. When in doubt, look for the other people from your flight and where they are standing.

 

Baggage claim at Incheon Airport
Baggage claim at Incheon Airport

Once I grabbed my luggage, I went straight to the currency exchange counter to exchange my American cash for Korean won.

TIP: BRING CASH! It is so much easier to exchange physical currency at the airport instead of trying to find an ATM.

 

After getting my cash, I used my “Klook” app to activate the eSIM that I purchased before my flight. Once I received my Korean number, I was able to create a Kakao Taxi account and call a taxi to my hotel. The airport will also have taxi services, but make sure to not get in a black taxi. They are super expensive!

 

The ride to my hotel was a little over an hour. Once I arrived, I immediately showered, unpacked my bags, and breathed a sigh of relief. I’m finally in Korea!

 

English Teacher in Korea, Gabriel Hall

Gabe White, Marketing Assistant

Gabriel (Gabe) White is a soon to be English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.

Foreigner-friendly Hair Salons In Korea

I’ll be honest: After I moved to Korea, I waited way too long to get a haircut. Despite Korea being relatively easy to navigate without knowing Korean, I was worried about needing to use translating apps or being misunderstood in English at a hair salon. I think this fear was understandable. No one wants a bad haircut. When I finally got around to getting my hair cut this past week, I realized all my fears about Korean hair salons were completely silly. I got the exact cut I needed, and now I regret not going sooner!

 

There are tons of places in Korea you can go to get your hair cut and styled. Just don’t be like me and put it off. You have nothing to be afraid of. Here’s some important info to set your mind at ease before you make an appointment!

 

Prices

In general, Korean prices for hair care are relatively affordable. A basic cut for a woman (including a basic scalp treatment or massage) is about 40,000 won.  At a decent salon, men’s cuts are usually between 15,000 and 25,000 won. Not bad! Also, it’s important to note that you NEVER HAVE TO TIP for a hair appointment in Korea, even if you’re getting an expensive treatment. This is huge!

 

Language Barrier

While most salons will understand basic English, the best way to ensure that you get exactly what you want is to bring a picture! That way there’s no confusion! Here are a couple of popular salons that are English-friendly, including the one I went to!

 

Some Recommendations

Suin’s Hair Salon

This is the place I chose, and I would definitely recommend it! I was able to book an appointment online in English. When I got there, I was able to communicate easily and got the exact cut I wanted. Everyone who helped me was friendly and professional!

Juno Hair

Juno Hair is very popular for foreigners because it is an English-friendly salon with locations across Korea. There’s actually one right across from my academy, which is another reason I can’t believe I waited so long to get a haircut. A friend of mine goes to Juno Hair and loves it! 

Evanstyle

Let’s not forget about the men! While Juno Hair and Suin’s Hair Salon both cut men’s hair, Evanstyle specializes in men’s hair cuts, and they have English-speaking barbers. They have two locations in popular areas in Seoul.

 

Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be in good hands. Here’s an article written by 10 Magazine that list some more options for hair salons in Korea that can meet your needs! 

English teacher posing on a bridge in Korea with Namsan Tower in the background

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

Top 5 Reasons I Love Working At Chungdahm Institute

#5: The Compensation

While interviewing for teaching jobs in Korea, I found that Chungdahm Institute offered the most competitive compensation. They also provide airfare reimbursement and a housing stipend. This financial support helped make the transition smoother and allowed me to start paying off my student loans. I was even able to enjoy traveling across South East Asia during my time off! This is something I had never been able to afford while living in Canada.

 

#4: The Support

From the hiring process to teaching in the classroom, Chungdahm Institute has provided great support. The training week was key to help me get started. The standardized curriculum also made the adjustment smooth, and pretty easy to adjust to. I even received lots of support from the Korean administrators for things like immigration appointments, banking, and finding my apartment. Over the past few years, the Company has remained a safe and supportive workplace for me. I’ve been able to focus solely on teaching without a lot of the administrative burdens.

 

#3: The Coworkers

I’ve gotten to meet amazing people from around the world, and form lifelong friendships. Working alongside such diverse and talented people has definitely been one of the most rewarding aspects of working at Chungdahm Institute. Whether it’s collaborating on lesson plans, enjoying holidays together, or simply sharing a beer after class, the camaraderie among coworkers has been amazing. Now I have friends from all different countries which has made my travel opportunities that much sweeter!

#2: Career Opportunities

One thing I did not expect when I started my journey was the upward mobility and career opportunities. I’ve been promoted to leadership roles like a team manager and was able to become a certified teacher trainer as well. In my personal experience, the sky is truly the limit while working for Chungdahm Institute. Their focus on professional development makes it an especially  great place for those looking to build a long-term career in education.

 

#1: The Kids!

At the end of the day, it’s the students who make every day worth it. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and growth reminds me daily why I chose to be a teacher at Chungdahm Institute. Watching my kids develop, not just academically, but as individuals has brought me so much joy. Their energy keeps me motivated to continually improve as a teacher and is hands down the best part of being a Chungdahm teacher!

 

English teacher, Michelle Duquette at Chungdahm Learning

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant​

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

GOTO Mall – The Largest Underground Shopping Mall In Seoul

In Search Of Cheap Finds

I’m currently on a mission to decorate my new apartment. While there are plenty of home decor stores like Muji and Homeplus, I’m trying to find items on the cheaper end.  Living in Gangnam-gu can be expensive, so I am trying to pinch pennies wherever I can. When I asked my friend where other good, cheap shopping areas were, the first place she mentioned was GOTO Mall. I knew that Korea had underground shopping malls, but I had never heard of GOTO Mall before. If you’re heading to Korea to teach English, you will want to check this out if you can!

Location

GOTO Mall is located at the “Express Bus Terminal” stop. Make your way to metro Line No. 9. After that, take Exit 8-1 and you will be greeted with more vendors than you can dream of. They sell handbags, women’s clothing, men’s clothing, tech accessories, bedding, underwear, skincare, and more. There are even tarot card readers! You name it, GOTO Mall probably has it. For this trip, I’m searching for some nice bedding, warm-toned home decor, and other small housewares.

 

Cash Is King

Before you go to GOTO Mall, be prepared with cash (Korean Won obviously) and proper walking shoes. Most of the vendors will only accept cash. This underground mall is HUGE and you will be walking around for a couple hours. On top of that, this mall can become really crowded.

TIP: I would recommend going on a week-day and during working hours. There won’t be as many people and you can move around much more freely. 

 

Thrifting Vibes

While I was shopping, it felt like I was thrifting back in the States. Having to dig around and search for what you are looking for is both annoying and rewarding at the same time. In comparison to the prices of other stores in Seoul, GOTO Mall is a steal! I found so many different polos, jeans, t-shirts, and shorts for under 10,000 won ($7.50)!

 

No Brand

If you haven’t yet had enough, there are even stores right outside of GOTO Mall (inside the metro stations, underground). After searching for a couple hours, I couldn’t find a comforter that I wanted. I did however find a vacuum and wooden bowl from a grocery store right next to GOTO Mall called No Brand.

No Brand store in gosuk bus terminal

Overall, I would say to definitely check GOTO Mall before you head to any major stores. You might be surprised at how many affordable and unique items you can find there! Also, check out our blog post on how to find affordable furniture!

English Teacher in Korea, Gabriel Hall

Gabe White, Marketing Assistant

Gabriel (Gabe) White is a soon to be English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.

Eating Gluten Free In Korea

Dietary Accommodations

As a vegetarian in Korea, I can definitely relate to how stressful it can be to find dietary accommodations, regardless of the country you’re in. The good news is Korean food uses a lot of meat, rice, and vegetables, so being gluten-free is totally doable in South Korea. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate being gluten-free here in South Korea!

 

Naturally Gluten Free Dishes

Traditional Korean gimbap eaten by English teachers in Korea
Traditional Gimbap dish.

Here are a few great Korean dishes that just happen to be gluten-free!

○ Gimbap 김밥 – Gimbap looks similar to Japanese sushi, but it usually includes vegetables, rice, and a cooked meat (like
tuna for example).

○ Bibimbap 비빔밥 – A mixed rice dish that usually includes vegetables and an egg, just be sure to ask that it’s not cooked with soy sauce!

○ Bulgogi 불고기- This is a popular meat used for Korean barbeque! The great news is a lot of meats traditionally eaten at a Korean barbeque should be okay. Again, just be careful about what sauces are included!

For a more detailed list of gluten-free Korean foods, I recommend checking out this website from the Gluten Intolerance Group

Learn Basic Phrases

 This one is pretty self-explanatory. The more Korean you know, the better off you’ll be. However, I came to Korea knowing just about zero Korean and a dietary restriction, so don’t stress too much if you’re a novice!

○ 저는 셀리악 병 가지고 있어요. (Jeoneun selliak byeong gajigo isseoyo.)

○ Translation: I suffer from celiac disease (I have celiac disease)

 

Carry A Dietary Card

If you’re unfamiliar with Korean and you have any kind of dietary restriction (especially an allergy), I highly recommend carrying a dietary card with you. Communicating your needs verbally shouldn’t be too hard. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry! A quick search on the internet will link you to any card you might need that communicates in Korean what you cannot eat. Here’s one for celiac disease.

Be Open, Try New Things!

You might be an old pro when it comes to eating gluten-free in your home country, but regardless of your diet, moving to a new country means
trying new foods and gaining new experiences. Of course, I’m not suggesting you jeopardize your health in any way. However, maybe there’s a gluten-free food you haven’t considered trying back home. There’s no better time or place to expand your palette than while living abroad!

 

Traditional gluten-free Korean dish called Japchae or glass buckwheat noodles.
Japchae or savory, sweet potato glass noodles which are completely GF.

Restaurant Recommendations

  1. Sunnybread
    It just so happens that one of my favorite restaurants/cafes in Seoul is gluten-free! Sunnybread is a cute, English-friendly cafe located in Itaewon. It even has an awesome view of Lotte Tower! I’ve never stayed for a full meal, but it has a wide menu of gluten-free options to choose from. What’s my usual order at
    Sunnybread? A cold brew and a vegan choco-pie cupcake!
  2. Snackroom
    A cute, gluten-free cafe located near Yeouido Hangang Park? Sign me up! I haven’t personally been to Snackroom, but the menu looks like it’s full of delicious pastries and meals to try from! Plus, anywhere with a wine menu has my vote for a great hangout spot.
  3. Jihwaja Seoul
    Located just northwest of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this restaurant has a full gluten-free menu option, going from appetizers all the way to dessert! The vegetable meat skewers and hot pot sound especially great!

For more information on how to be gluten-free is South Korea, I recommend checking out these resources!

A Guide To Eating Gluten Free In Korea

Gluten Free In Seoul

 

Whether you are Gluten Free or have other dietary restrictions like nut, seed, egg, or shellfish, you can rest assured that there are options for you in Korea. Hopefully, some of the above tips provide a good starting point for your journey teaching English in Korea

A native English language teacher pointing to a large screen monitor at an April Institute, Diana

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

Staying Fit While Teaching In Korea

Korean Fitness Culture

When I first moved to Korea, I had so many questions about what my new life was going to look like. One thing that I was eager to find out more about was the fitness culture of South Korea. Back in Canada, I was a regular member at my yoga studio and gym so I wanted to ensure that during my transition abroad I would be able to maintain my physical health. Whether you’re a new resident or a long-term expat, you will be happy to learn that Korea is wild about staying fit, so there won’t anything you can’t do. You might even find a new fitness hobby!

 

Joining A Traditional Gym

There are tons of options for gyms in Korea, from big fitness centers to local gyms. I prefer a bigger facility because they have various classes I enjoy such as yoga and spinning. I have also hired an English speaking personal trainer at my gym to help give me structure to my workouts. If you are looking to save some money, you can join a smaller gym for as little as 20,000 won a month (14$ USD). The only catch is that they might not have all the equipment you’re used to back home. I recommend joining a gym in the first few months that you arrive so that you can get the best possible payment plan.

 

CrossFit And Other Fitness Programs

Koreans have been crazy about CrossFit and other fitness membership clubs in the past 15 years. There are over 100 CrossFit gyms across the country, so you will be able to find one if this is your thing. However, with an average monthly cost of 200,000 KRW (approx. $250 USD), it’s obviously a HUGE investment! That being said, my CrossFit friends wouldn’t let anything get between them and their WOD (workout of the day).   

 

Bike Riding

If you are moving to Seoul, I highly recommend getting in your fitness goals by biking. Biking is a huge part of fitness culture in Korea. There are bike paths that will take you across the entire city and it’s one of my favorite ways to get around during the spring and summer months. The Han river has pathways that will take you across the city and are well-lit at night. I love the convenience of biking along the Han so I do it often!

 

I bought my bike on a second-hand app called Carrot Market (당근 마켓) but there is also the option to rent a bike for 2,000 won an hour through the city bike app called Ddareungi (따릉이). Bike stations are located across the city and you can easily drop them off once you get to your destination. Here’s a how-to Youtube Short on how to do it!

 

An English teacher renting a bike in Seoul.

Exploring the Outdoors

Korea has so many fun opportunities for outdoor activities. The main tip I can give is getting out there and exploring the full range of mountains in Seoul , especially in the Fall! My favorite hiking trail is Ansan because it only takes about an hour and half up and down, but Bukhansan National Park in Seoul is one the most stunning hikes I’ve done so far! It really feels like you are on top of the whole city. I have found that the trails across Seoul are well-maintained and suited for all fitness levels. In the spirit of balance, I like to enjoy Korean rice wine called makgeolli and some fried kimchi and seafood pancakes after a hike.

 

Taking Advantage of the Korean Health System

Understanding the Korean healthcare system can help you maintain your health and enjoy many of the treatments that are offered here. All Creverese employees recieve national health insurance that covers the large majority of your needs. Since moving to Korea, I often visit the Oriental Medicine Clinics (한의원) where you can receive acupuncture, cupping, sports massages and other treatments for as little as 10,000 won (7$ USD) per visit. Many hospitals and clinics in Seoul also have English-speaking staff, which can make it easier to address any health concerns.

 

Embracing Korean Cuisine

I was really unfamiliar with Korean food when I first arrived because I rarely ate it in Canada but now it’s the mainstay of my diet. Korean food is not only delicious but also offers a variety of healthy options. Traditional dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi are often packed with vegetables and lean proteins that keep me full while teaching. Kimchi is also great for your gut health because it’s fermented and rich in probiotics. One of the tips I give to new teachers is to try to eat as much Korean food as possible. Not only are they healthy, but they are the most affordable way to eat too!

 

These are just some of the ways I’ve taken advantage of the fitness culture in Korea so far.  Whether you are a novice to fitness or you want to make sure you won’t have to give up your latest fitness hobby, there’s nothing you can’t find in Korea!

English teacher, Michelle Duquette at Chungdahm Learning

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

Career Paths After Teaching In Korea

Life After Teaching

One of the most exciting parts of working abroad as an ESL teacher is that the career possibilities feel endless. While some have a life-long passion for teaching, others might be curious about how to take their teaching experience and turn it into something new. Here are some of the top career paths that are perfect to branch off from ESL teaching.

 

Educational Consultant

An educational consultant works with schools and students to streamline their educational goals. This career is an easy way to stay within the educational space without necessarily focusing on ESL or the day-to-day realities of teaching. This is a perfect career for anyone passionate about curriculum, student advocacy, and big picture thinking.

 

Study Abroad Coordinator

Study abroad coordinators help students interested in continuing their education abroad. This involves everything from student outreach to supporting students at home and in their host country. My study abroad coordinator in college got to split his time between my college town and England. Sounds pretty chic to me! If you love life abroad but are ready to spend more time back in your home country, this is a great next career move.

 

Interpreter

Living in a foreign country is a great opportunity to learn a second language! If you’re able to fine-tune this skill, an interpreter might be your next career move. Interpreters work in various industries from business to tourism and entertainment! Regardless of if you choose to pursue a career as an interpreter or not, any level of language skills is impressive on a resume!

 

An English teacher who is now a live interpreter

Immigration Advocacy

Immigrant advocates support immigrants as they get settled in their new country. This advocacy can function in a myriad of ways: legal services, social services, translating services, etc. Anecdotally, I can tell you it’s really difficult to live abroad and not experience a higher level of empathy for immigrants globally. Advocating for immigrants back in your home country might be the perfect way to marry your past work experience with all that you’ve learned while living abroad!

 

Small Business Owner

When I obtained my TEFL certification, one of my instructors was a small business owner. She took her passion for ESL education and her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own business teaching ESL. If you love teaching and want to be your own boss, this might be the right fit for you! If it’s not ESL, it might be education consulting, writing & editing services, or tourism marketing.

 

Curriculum Developer

Maybe you’ve realized you have a passion for education but have no interest in spending all day with kids. A great next step is to become a curriculum developer. In this job, curriculum developers take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to create instructional materials for teachers. This job is perfect for people who are creative, strategic, and no longer want to be teaching day-in and day-out!

 

One thing life in Korea has taught me is that anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard for it!

English teacher standing in front of a mountain and Han River in South Korea

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.