Culture Archives

Category: Culture

17 Apr

4 Unexpected Perks Of Teaching In Korea

When I moved to Korea to teach English back in 2015, I was expecting delicious food, the chance to travel, and lots of new experiences—but some of the best parts of life here totally took me by surprise. Beyond the classroom and the cultural bucket list, Korea has a way of sneaking in little moments of joy and kindness that I never could have planned for and are ultimately why I have decided to stay here for so long. Here are four of the unexpected perks I’ve discovered while living and working in Korea.

#1 Acts of Kindness From Strangers

One of the first things that struck me in Korea was how helpful people could be—especially to someone clearly a bit lost (me, most of the time). I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled out my phone to check Naver maps, only for someone to come over and offer directions in basic English. I also find myself asking if the train or bus I’m getting on is heading where I need to go and people are always there to answer questions with kindness. Once, a barista saw me struggling to order a pastry and just handed me an extra one. She said “service!” with a big smile. (“Service” is a common phrase Koreans typically use when giving a free good or service to a customer to exhibit good customer service. Another unexpected perk!) It’s those small, everyday acts of kindness that have really made me feel welcome here, especially in a big city like Seoul.

#2 Efficient and Affordable Transportation

The subway system in Seoul honestly puts most other cities to shame. It is clean, fast, and cheap, and even has free wifi! The Seoul metro makes commuting to work and weekend adventures so easy. I even love that you can use the same transit card all over the country for trains, buses, and even taxis—seriously convenient. The transportation system has given me a new freedom that I never had in Canada and I feel so grateful that I get to live in a place like Seoul that prioritizes public transport. I read a lot about the subway system and efficient transportation, but just how much it effects my daily life is another one of these unexpected perks. Check out this great post from Gabe about taking the subway in Korea!

#3 Culinary Adventures

While I knew Korean food would be delicious, I didn’t expect every single meal to become an event. From sizzling Korean BBQ nights with coworkers to comforting kimchi pancakes and rice wine during the rainy season, food here is more than fuel—it’s a way to connect. My personal favorite is all of the yummy street food like ddeokbokki and fried twiggum that are super cheap and everywhere you turn. Everyone stands in the stalls together, shoulder to shoulder enjoying the warm broth and deep fried treats. Eating is such a communal experience, and I love how even casual meals turn into bonding time. I’ve tried so many new things just because someone handed me a bite and said, “Try this!” This is an unexpected perk that needs to be balanced with exercise!

#4 Opportunities for Personal Growth

Teaching in Korea has helped me grow in the best possible ways. Between managing classes, learning about a new culture, and navigating daily life in another language, I’ve become so much more independent and confident than when I was at home in Canada. I never expected this job to help me become such a resilient person, but here I am, handling curveballs and learning new things even all these years later. This is probably my top perk of teaching in Korea because it’s something that no one can take from you! Here’s ANOTHER great blog post from another teacher in Korea about this very topic!

Living in Korea has been about so much more than just teaching English. It’s about discovering beauty in the small things—like that extra pastry, the kindness of a stranger, or the quiet pride that comes from figuring things out on your own. If you’re thinking about teaching here, know that the unexpected perks are often the most rewarding.

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.

20 Feb

CultureTravelBy aclipse

Renting A Hanbok In Korea

One of the best parts of teaching in South Korea is that you’re completely immersed in a new culture. I’ve learned so much about the food, music, and fashion from living and working here. So what’s one of my favorite aspects of Korean culture? Hanboks! Here’s why renting hanboks has become a common tourist activity I highly recommend!

Korean Traditional Clothing

What’s a hanbok?

Hanboks are traditional clothing which Koreans have worn, dating all the way back to 57 BC! While Koreans don’t wear traditional hanboks on a day-today basis anymore, they’re often worn at traditional events like New Year’s Day, weddings, or other special events. They’ve also become more popular in recent years, becoming modernized and even integrated into haute couture styles by the likes of Karl Lagerfeld.

While social media usually shows women’s hanboks, there are hanboks for men and children, too. A hanbok is usually made up of a top, pants or a skirt, and then a small coat over it, but it can vary depending on the style you find. Here’s Sandra Oh’s mom wearing a hanbok to the Emmy’s to show her Korean pride!

How To Rent A Hanbok

While there are certain events when hanboks are traditionally worn, it’s also extremely popular to wear hanboks at palaces around Korea and traditional hanok villages. I’ve been to Gyeongbokgung Palace three separate times, and I’d say each time about half the people were wearing hanboks! Usually surrounding palaces, you can find shops renting them for an affordable price.

When I went on a weekend trip to Jeonju, we rented hanboks for about 17,000 won. The best part? You can get into any palace in Seoul for free when you wear a hanbok, making it a great way to learn about Korean clothing traditions and royal history, too!

Here are some wonderful photos from some previous Aclipse instructors at Gyungbukgung Palace in Seoul!

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.

07 Feb

CultureNightlifeBy aclipse

How To Karoke In Korea (Noraebang)

It’s no secret that Korea has some of the best nightlife in the world. If going to crowded clubs or bars is not something that you enjoy, I would recommend checking out a place called a Noraebang!

Noraebang (노래방) can be directly translated to “song room” in English. I’m sure you’ve heard of karaoke before, but Noraebangs take karaoke to a different level. Instead of performing in front of a crowd of people at a pub or restaurant, Noraebangs allow you to sing karaoke in your own private room!

As someone who loves to sing with friends, but is too scared to sing in front of strangers, Noraebangs are amazing! I’m able to scream-sing songs that I love with my closest friends and not have to worry about what anyone else thinks. You can find Noraebangs almost everywhere in Korea, so I am here to tell you how to use an average Noraebang on the street!

STEP 1: What Type Of Noraebang Are You At?

The most common Noraebang in Korea is something called a “Coin Noraebang.” In the past, you would need to use coins to pay per song. Nowadays, coin Noraebangs just mean that you pay per song and not per hour! I highly recommend coin Noraebangs because you don’t need to keep an eye on the clock the entire time.

STEP 2: Pay For Songs At The Front Desk

Almost all Noraebangs have a front-desk receptionist, and they will have a menu that shows how much each song costs. Most Noraebangs offer packages, so the more songs you sing the cheaper each song will be! The most standard package is a 10-song package. Noraebangs charge about 500 KRW per song or 35 cents a song ($1USD= 1460 KRW). Sometimes you can get unlimited songs for 1 hour for 5,000 KRW or about $3.50. No matter how you slice it, the cost is usually about $3-$5 per hour, so it’s a super affordable activity!

STEP 3: Grab A Microphone Cover

To help keep things more sanitary, many Noraebangs offer microphone covers. Make sure you grab a cover and use it on the microphone during your private concert. The receptionist will then take you to your room, and you will have free reign to search for any song that you like!

STEP 4: Search For Your Favorite Songs!

Most Noraebangs have a huge remote control that you can use to search for your favorite songs. Each one is different, but the most important function to remember is switching the languages. There will be a button to change the language from Korean to English, Japanese, Chinese, and even Vietnamese!

If you wish to sing a Korean song, make sure you know how to type the title of the song in Hangul (the Korean alphabet)! Depending on the Noraebang, there will be both new and old songs. Make sure you have a wide variety of songs to search for, so you can thoroughly enjoy your time singing the night away.

Noraebangs are one of the best activities to do when you are out with friends at night, or wanting to kill some extra time during the day. They are a shameless place where you can scream-sing songs from all over the world! Here’s a listing to some popular Noraebangs you can check out while in Korea!

An English teacher and marketing manager at Aclipse, Gabe

Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant

Gabriel (Gabe) White is an 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.

05 Feb

CultureTeachingBy aclipse

Top Korean Superstitions Explained

One of the things I have really come to love about living in Korea is discovering all of the superstitions and different beliefs. Korean superstitions are an interesting combination of cultural wisdom, old wives’ tales, and a little touch of the mystical. As a teacher in Korea, you’ll hear about these superstitions from your students. Sometimes it will be as lighthearted jokes, and sometimes with conviction. Here are some of the most memorable superstitions I’ve encountered. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes and stories as you navigate the new world of Korean superstitions.

Beware Of Fan Death

Let’s start with a classic: fan death. According to this superstition, sleeping in a closed room with a fan running can be deadly, as it supposedly causes suffocation or hypothermia. I remember my first summer here, cranking up the fan and air conditioner in my apartment to beat the heat. The next day I told some coworkers that I wanted to buy a stronger fan and a Korean teacher gasped and said “Don’t you know about fan death?” Although I haven’t encountered any hardcore believers in this superstition, I think it’s up there as one of my favorite Korean superstitions.

Writing Names in Red Ink

One day I was writing group names on the board when I heard the kids mumbling behind me. I thought they were just upset about their groups when a student said, “Teacher, no red!” I realized I was using a red board marker but still couldn’t understand what all of their solemn faces were about. In Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink is associated with death, as it was traditionally used for names in obituaries. Now, I always make sure to use a black or blue board marker as this is a Korean superstition taken seriously today.

Numbers Matter

Every culture has a love-hate relationship with certain numbers and Korea is no different. The number 4 is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death” (sa). This is why you will see elevators labeled with “F” instead of “4” in many buildings. On the flip side, the number 8 is lucky, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. I’ve taken to choosing 8 whenever I can—plane seats, locker numbers, you name it! We could all use a little more wealth and good fortune and if following this superstition will deliver then I’m all for it.

Gifting Shoes to Your Significant Other

Here’s a romantic superstition: never give your partner shoes. This superstition stems from the old belief that gifting a pair of shoes might encourage your lover to “run away” from the relationship. When I first heard this, I thought it was pretty funny. However, I am not one to tempt fate so I have no problem sticking to more neutral gifts and avoiding footwear.

Why These Superstitions Matter

As a teacher in Korea, understanding these superstitions is more than just fun trivia—it’s a way to connect with your students and Korean friends on a deeper level. I feel that sharing a laugh about fan death can break the ice when you meet new people, while being mindful of cultural taboos and beliefs also shows respect for your new home. It may seem like a small thing but cultural awareness can go a long way!

Living in Korea has taught me to embrace the quirky side of life, and these superstitions are a big part of what makes the culture so rich and unique. Whether you’re navigating red pens or a pair of new shoes on your birthday, there’s always something new to learn, and laugh, about here in Korea.

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

28 Jan

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

What It’s Like Living In Korea

Whether You Drink or Not, There’s A Place For You

It’s no secret that Koreans love to drink. If that’s your thing, you’ll love Korea’s nightlife. If partying hard isn’t for you, but you enjoy the occasional glass of wine or beer, there’s definitely plenty of opportunities for that while living in Korea.

However, if you’re not into drinking, don’t worry. My sister, who doesn’t drink, loved Korea when she visited me because of Korean cafes, which always have a great selection of non-alcoholic drinks and pastries, even late at night! I’ve found myself in all three camps: Wanting to experience Korean nightlife to the max, wanting a chill night of drinking, and wanting to lay off alcohol. Whether you’re into drinking or not, I promise there’s something for you in Korea, and it might just be better than your options in your home country!

Fitness Is Built Into Your Lifestyle

Living in Korea pretty much guarantees an active lifestyle. Odds are if you’re living in Korea, you’ll be living in one of their cities, and that means plenty of opportunities to walk and explore! On the weekends, there’s plenty of time to go hiking because Korea is very mountainous. If you’re still looking for more physical activity, there’s no shortage of gyms and fitness groups you can join.

Convenience

I could write sonnets and entire soliloquies about this topic, but here are three main reasons why Korea is so convenient: First, online platforms like Coupang make it possible to order just about anything to your doorstep, including groceries! The country’s infrastructure means that you’re always a short distance from a bus stop or subway station, and the taxi apps are user-friendly. Have friends in another city in Korea? Easy. You can visit them every weekend if you want for cheap by using the country’s railway system. But it’s not just travel within the country that is convenient while living in Korea. International travel to and from Korea is easy and often super affordable, even on a teacher’s salary!

Independence

One of the best parts of living in South Korea is the total independence you have. Given how convenient the country is for daily life and the cost of living for a teacher, this sense of independence is empowering far more often than it is overwhelming. Living in Korea has given me a sense of ease with myself and what I’m capable of as a person, which includes living by myself, saving for the future, and traveling the world. I really believe everyone should get the chance to develop this kind of faith in themselves, and Korea is the perfect place to do it!

Rich Culture Meets the Modern World

Korea has a very specific and rich culture, and it honestly feels like a dream to get to experience it firsthand. I’ve loved getting to try new foods and drinks like kimchi jjigae and makgeolli. I’ve learned so much about Korean fashion, music, customs, and the language from my time in Korea, but the second half of this awesome culture is how modernized it is. Not only does Korea have thousands of years worth of culture and history, but it’s also extremely technologically advanced. This merging of history and the modern world is an experience like no other.

A native English language teacher and a native Korean teacher posing together in traditional hanboks.

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

16 Jan

CultureRelocationTeachingBy aclipse

3 Challenges I Overcame Teaching In Korea

When I first received the job offer to teach English in Seoul through Aclipse, I felt a mix of emotions. Although I was extremely excited that a long-term goal of mine was finally coming to life, I was also extremely scared about moving across the world and knew there would be some challenges.

Yes, I was nervous about not being fluent in the language and navigating cultural differences, but I was most nervous about my first term as a teacher. While I had some experience teaching, I had never taught English as a foreign language, and never had a classroom to call my own.

Now that I have fully settled into my life in Seoul, I want to share how I overcame the biggest challenges I faced during my first term. I hope my experience navigating this huge transition can help you on your journey as well! Even when things may be tough at first, things will get better with time and patience!

Missing Friends And Family

Some challenges are a given when you move half way across the globe, but you truly don’t know how much it will affect you until it happens. I mentally prepared for months before I moved to be away from the people closest to me, but it was still incredibly difficult.

When I first landed, I was so excited, happy, and overstimulated to really even think about my support system. The training and housing process took up a majority of my time, and the excitement consumed me. It wasn’t until my first week in my empty apartment that I realized exactly how far away I was from everyone I loved.

For some, this might not be a challenge at all, but it was a huge challenge I had to overcome. Needless to say, there were a lot of facetimes, emails, and phone calls, but it’s still not the same! Eventually, you build a new support system in Korea that doesn’t replace what you had at home, but is key to your new life overseas.

Cultural Differences

Although I grew up with the Korean side of my family, I am super-duper American. Small gestures like holding the door open for strangers was not common, and it was a little jarring.

Having spent my entire life being accustomed to one way of doing things, I took every single cultural difference to heart. And to my surprise, it did have an effect on me. Sometimes I wondered, “Do they not like me?” Korean people can be rude! Am I doing something wrong?” Many thoughts raced in my head from time to time while transitioning to life in Korea, representing challenges I didn’t expect.

But after a couple months, these thoughts eventually disappeared as I grew more accustomed to Korean culture. I realized that while there were some things that seemed rude or strange, it was just the way things are done here. I realized it is not a reflection of the warmth of Korean people, but that it is just expressed in a different way! I quickly learned to not take everything to heart, and realize that there were parts of Korean culture I simply had to adjust to. I don’t even think about those little things anymore, and they have become a part of my normal daily life!

Classroom Management

My first two struggles were a bit more personal, but my third struggle relates mostly to the classroom. While I had some teaching experience before moving to Korea, managing a classroom of students that don’t fully understand English was much different.

When you think about classroom management, you think of keeping students under control. While this might be true in the States, I actually struggled the most with getting students to participate!

Since I teach at an after school program, some of our classes run until 10pm at night. Many students in Korea are fatigued and have trouble concentrating at this time of the day.

Something that really helped me with this was working with other teachers at my branch. Since they have known and worked with the students much longer than I have, they were able to give me great advice on how to get them to participate!

TIP: I also recommend watching social media creators who talk about being a teacher in an EFL environment! They often give great ideas for classroom engagement and helpful tips to make life easier as a teacher! Here’s a good one from Tobias Sample.

Of course, there are other smaller challenges I faced, but these were the biggest three I personally needed to overcome. Moving across the world is a HUGE step that comes with so many twists and turns, but you are not alone in this journey. Your original support system at home, and new support system in at your home school will assist you through every step of the way. I’m now at the point where I have colleagues and friends from my school, outside of my school, and am helping new teachers transition to life in Korea! So, I guess it’s safe to say that they are just stepping-stones to something much greater.

Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant

02 Jan

CultureBy aclipse

How To Celebrate New Year’s In Korea

There’s no shortage of festivities to explore during the holiday season in Korea. New Year’s in Korea is arguably even better in my opinion! One great part of spending New Year’s in Korea? Odds are, you’ll be ahead of your friends and family (if you are from North America), which means you get to be the first to wish them a happy new year! Aside from that nice little perk, here are some great ways to celebrate New Year’s in Korea.

Fireworks And Countdown

If you are in Seoul on New Year’s Eve, you’ll definitely be seeing fireworks in the Sky. One show is organized by Lotte Tower – the largest building in Korea! Here’s a video of last year’s show.

Another great place to celebrate the countdown is at COEX Mall in Gangnam. The show includes performances by K-pop groups, appearances by celebrities, and of course, fireworks! Here’s a 1st-person view of the festivities from Modo Aventurero.

Specials At Bars And Clubs

A lot of bars, especially in popular nightlife areas like Hongdae and Itaewon, offer drink specials for the holiday and have live music to help you celebrate. My recommendation for a fun NYE? Fill up on Korean BBQ, check out the clubs in Itaewon, and end the night (or morning) with karaoke.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

I’m obsessed with the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. Located in Seoul, the design plaza has frequent light shows. I was lucky enough to catch one last Christmas, and it was magical. This year for NYE, the festivities will last until 1:30 a.m. and you can count on another incredible light show with the theme of hope and encouragement! Plus, it’s close to Myeong-dong, a popular area for drinking and tourism!

Lunar New Year

Koreans also celebrate Lunar New Year, which usually happens towards the end of January or early February. Lunar New Year is a time for exchanging gifts, eating lots of great food (especially mandu), and dressing in hanboks! With some time off from work, this is a great time to keep celebrating with friends or go on a trip in Korea or abroad. You can read about my Lunar New Year trip to Japan from last year here!

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

13 Dec

CultureLifestyleBy aclipse

The Holiday Season In Korea: A Guide To Festive Winter Activities

The holiday season in Korea is one of my favorite times of year. Christmas and New Years is always a reason to celebrate, and Korea offers no shortage of sights to see and festivities to enjoy with your Creverse coworkers and friends. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite activities to do during December and January to give those holiday warm and fuzzies. Bundle up and let’s dive into the holiday magic!

Hit the Slopes Near Seoul

Even as a beginner skier, there’s nothing like being outside to enjoy the winter weather and get active. I went to Vivaldi Ski Park last year with my coworkers who range from beginners like me to experienced snowboarders, and there was something for everyone. The most convenient way to reach Vivaldi Park is via shuttle bus services that depart from popular areas like Myeongdong or Hongdae. These buses run daily during the ski season and gave us a direct route to and from the resort. Our skiing pass for the day was about 73,000 won (@ $50 USD), and you can bring your own gear or rent everything you need on site. Vivaldi is a perfect day trip for anyone looking to enjoy Korea’s mountain ranges and the natural beauty of the country.

The Christmas Tree at Lotte Mall

The Lotte Christmas Market at Lotte Mall in Jamsil is another one of my favorite things to do in the holiday season. The mall and the area around it transforms into a winter wonderland. It features an incredible Christmas tree surrounded by festive attractions like a merry-go-round, and even an ice rink sponsored by Chanel. As I strolled through the market, I enjoyed the food booths and decided to get some mulled wine to add a little spice to the atmosphere. The Christmas lights and the carols playing over the speakers truly made me feel like I was going to have my “Love Actually” moment! The market runs from November 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

Visit Gwanghwamun Market’s Holiday Village

I plan to attend this market on Christmas eve this year with my boyfriend. We plan to take pictures with Santa Claus and shop at the artisanal craft booths for stocking stuffers. The market is one of the bigger European-style Christmas markets in Seoul and features a large selection of vendors who bring their handicrafts and homemade products. Supporting local businesses for the holiday season is always a great choice, so I can’t wait to check it out! I heard they serve hotteok, a hot and sweet Korean pancake, so I will definitely be on the lookout for this treat.

Creverse White Elephant

This year our branch manager decided it would be a fun idea to host a white elephant gift exchange to get everyone into the holiday spirit. We made a reasonable spending limit and decided that the gifts should all be household or useful items that anyone could enjoy. While our branch manager is super sweet for coming up with the idea, I think that any teacher in Korea could organize this at their own school or among a group of friends . I also recommend going to a Noraebang to sing Christmas carols, which is something my friends and I do every holiday season! It’s a great way to bring some of the holiday spirit from home to Korea!

Outside of these events around Korea, I recommend writing cards to loved ones at home, and make time to watch your favorite holiday movies. These small, but simple, actions can make a big difference when it comes to any feelings of homesickness during the holidays. Any way that helps me feel more in tune with not only my Korean community, but also my Canadian community, is a win-win. I hope that this guide gives you some inspiration on how to celebrate the holiday season in Korea with maximum cheer!

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

12 Nov

CultureMoneyBy aclipse

Is There Tipping In Korea?

In the U.S. and other western countries, tipping culture is a big deal. There’s a lot of intricacy involving who you tip, when you tip, how much you tip, and more. Luckily, in South Korea, it’s completely different. In a full year of living in South Korea, I have not tipped a single person and have never been asked to do so! That’s because it’s not a part of Korean culture. In fact, not only is tipping not customary, it can even be considered rude. Some say that tipping in Korea suggests the consumer thinks the worker needs charity. The general rule is that service should be exceptional at all times, with no expectation of extra pay.

Obviously, the biggest benefit of the “no tipping” culture is the amount of money you save in every day life. No one tips in cabs, restaurants, bars, hair salons, moving companies, or any other service you receive. After living in a country where tipping is never expected or required, you begin to wonder why we do it in the first place! Say goodbye to those annoying iPads asking you to tip 20% everywhere you go!

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

That being said, Koreans do show gratitude in many other ways in every day life. There are still ways to be polite and make sure that you are being respectful without giving extra money. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation to service workers while living in South Korea.

Small Gifts

Small gifts. While service workers will never expect a tip, a small gift (Ex: canned coffee, tangerines, etc.) when someone goes above and beyond is a nice gesture. For example, if you feel like your realtor put in extra effort to show you a lot of apartments and find you a good deal, buying them a coffee is totally welcomed and appreciated!

Using Two Hands To Receive Things

Give and accept things with two hands. In Korea, this is a polite way to go about a transaction. For example, when you pay for your meal at a restaurant, it’s a good idea to give them your card or cash using two hands. The waiter will likely return your card and hand you the receipt the same way. You can use two hands, or you can touch or grab your extended arm to show deference.

Say Thank You!

Say thank you in Korean. Generally, Koreans are very understanding that foreigners don’t speak Korean, but that doesn’t mean you should never speak it. Here’s how to say the most formal version of thank you in Korean: Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (감사합니다). And check out the video to hear a few other ways to say it, too!

Bowing

In Korea, it’s polite to bow to people older than you. As a foreigner, I always try to bow to service workers as well, especially because I’m not fluent in Korean and can’t properly express my thanks otherwise. If you’re worried that by not tipping you may appear rude, bowing is one way to show politeness that’s culturally acceptable, especially when coupled with saying thank you! Check out this video from the :52 second mark!

And that’s it! Now you know there is no tipping in Korea, and can show gratitude through respect and kindness instead!

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

08 Nov

CultureLifestyleNightlifeBy aclipse

Korea Nightlife Survival Guide

Many people call New York “the city that never sleeps.” While that is true, I think Seoul might take the cake. I always heard that nightlife in Korea was extremely fun, and I must admit it most definitely does not disappoint! Although Korea can be really fun, you need to know how to plan your night and where to go to truly enjoy the experience. Here is my full proof plan to maximizing nightlife in Seoul.

Step 1: The Pregame

In many other countries, especially America, a “pregame” refers to when friends meet before going out to a bar or club. Normally, this is a way to ease into the night and save money on drinks. We will usually meet at someone’s house/apartment, bring our own drinks, and leave for our destination around 10:30pm. In Seoul, most apartments are going to be pretty tight, and neighbors will most likely be able to hear conversations and music. My recommendation: go to a pocha!

A pocha is a type of restaurant in Korea where you can get food, affordable drinks, talk freely, and get the ball rolling for the night. You can find them anywhere, but I recommend going to a pocha that is not super close to the clubbing districts (Hongdae and Itaewon). Most of these pocha’s are more expensive since they are near very popular areas.

TIP: Try Somaek! It is a mixture of soju and beer. This drink is affordable, tastes good(as someone who hates beer), and truly immerses you into the Korean nightlife.

Step 2: Getting To The Club

Now that you’ve gotten some food and alcohol in your system at an affordable price, it’s time to head to the club! This should happen around 10:30pm to make sure you are there before the lines get horrendous. Remember how I said Korea is famous for their nightlife? Well, the taxi system is another reason for that. Taxis are extremely affordable in the city! Download Kakao Taxi or Uber and if you split the taxi with some friends, it will normally average a couple thousand won per person! In comparison to American Uber prices, this is insane!

The two most popular clubbing areas in Seoul are definitely Hongdae and Itaewon. Both are located pretty far from one another, so make sure to check on Naver Maps which area is closest to you.

Once you have chosen either Hongdae or Itaewon, make sure to take a walk down the streets. The reason for this: FREE DRINK TICKETS! Oftentimes when you come early enough to the clubbing districts, they will offer you free drink tickets as you walk down the street. In my experience: I have had better luck with this in Itaewon, but it can happen in Hongdae as well!

Step 3: Hop Around and Dance the Night Away!

Now that you’ve (hopefully) gotten a free drink ticket, you will get a stamp or wristband upon entering the club. This wristband or stamp is so you can exit and re-enter whenever you please. This includes skipping the line once it gets later in the night. With this in mind, I recommend hopping to as many clubs or bars as you can before it gets too late. You will have stamps all up and down your arm, but you will be able to skip lines and easily enter/exit different clubs.

Each club/bar has a different feel, but Korea has everything you can imagine. Techno, hip hop, K-pop, American pop, R&B, Latin, arcade game bars, Irish pubs, literally everything you could imagine! If you need some recommendations, I think using apps like TikTok will help you find the exact vibe you enjoy most!

Throughout the night make sure you are pacing yourself and keep your drinks close to you. You’re still in a foreign country, so safety is always the number one priority!

TIP: There is NO TIPPING in Korea, even at bars, clubs, and restaurants! So don’t just leave your change on the bar. You won’t believe how much this saves!

Step 4: The Postgame… A.K.A. Eating

While bars and clubs are open through sun rise, so are restaurants! Trying to get a taxi around 5 am can be extremely hard, so you might as well get some good Korean food while you wait for the traffic to die down. Make sure everyone you are with is wanting to eat if you go to a 24-hour restaurant. Most of them require that everyone at the table eat and pay. Speaking from personal experience, make sure to avoid that conversation unless you are fluent in Korean.

TIP: These places are going to be pretty busy, so I would recommend knowing what you want before entering the restaurant. If you take too much time, you will definitely get side-eyed by the workers who are sick of dealing with sloppy customers!

Once you’re full from your food and paid at the front, use Kakao Taxi or Uber to call a taxi. DO NOT HAIL A TAXI! While taxi drivers in Korea are typically very honest and helpful, some late night taxis take advantage of late night party goers and could overcharge you. Avoid the risk, and go through an app!

Have A Blast!

That’s it! I hope you try following this step-by-step guide to exploring the nightlife in Korea like a Pro. Have a fun, be safe, and enjoy! I you’re looking for a deeper dive, check out this video!

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.

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Step 1: The Pregame

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Step 3: Hop Around and Dance the Night Away!

Step 4: The Postgame… A.K.A. Eating

Have A Blast!

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