07 Feb
The Best Experiences for English Teachers In Spring
Springtime in Korea is a magical season with no shortage of cultural events, outdoor excursions and seasonal foods to enjoy. The season showcases a lot of what Korea has to offer and is one of the best times of year to be living and teaching abroad. So, let’s explore some of the best experiences for English teachers in Spring!
Picnic at Seoul Forest
Seoul Forest is one of my favorite places in the city to enjoy a picnic and spend time with friends. If you are looking to make the most of the weather, consider bringing some food and enjoying the lakeside area. It’s definitely one of the best spots in Seoul with a lot of shady tree coverage. I recommend ordering delivery chicken right to your picnic blanket!
Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Marathon
As a runner, this event is one of my top suggestions for the spring season! This scenic race weaves through the historic and charming streets of Gyeongju which are lined with cherry blossom trees. It is one of the coolest ways to enjoy the dreamy spring flowers, see the city, and get in a good workout! You can participate in 5K and 10K distances, as well as half and full marathon courses. If you are a runner, this is definitely a bucket list experience you don’t want to miss!
Taean Tulip Festival
Taean Tulip Festival occurs from March to April, and is perhaps the most colorful Spring festival you can find in Korea. It’s famous for its stunning tulips which come in nearly every rainbow color imaginable. Recognized as one of the five World Tulip Summit festivals, it is a world-class event that includes performances from Korean singers and a fireworks display at night!
Feast on Seasonal Jjukkumi
Jjukkumi, which literally translates to spicy baby octopuses, are not actually octopi babies but are called this due to their tiny size! Spring is the best season to eat them as they emerge from the deep waters on Korea’s west coast. Additionally, during the Spring their head is filled with eggs which makes this dish taste even more delicious and fresh! There are several ways to eat Jjukkumi, but my favorite way is Jjukkumi Samgyeopsal. It consists of eating baby octopuses with pork belly drizzled with a spicy red sauce. You can even add chewy rice cake to mellow out the heat!
Buddha's Birthday
One of my favorite parts of spring in Korea is experiencing the spiritual and cultural significance of Buddha’s Birthday. Celebrated nationally on May 6th, this holiday is an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful lanterns and relaxing incense at a traditional temple. I also recommend trying out a temple stay to enjoy a traditional Buddhist ceremony and some fresh and healthy vegan temple food. My first temple stay was one of my most memorable experiences in Korea so far.
Strawberry Picking
Spring is a peak season for strawberry farming and Korean strawberries are especially big and juicy this time of year! There are many different strawberry fields around the country that can be visited and enjoyed once spring begins but I suggest you check out Seongyeon Strawberry Farm Experience (성연딸기체험농장). It’s accessible via Daehwa Station of Subway Line 3 which takes around an hour from Seoul.
Springtime in Korea is full of vibrant experiences for you to enjoy while teaching and living in Korea. I encourage you to embrace the beauty of the season and create unforgettable memories that will last you a lifetime!
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.
