Culture Archives - Page 4 of 7

Category: Culture

03 Jun

Do Koreans Like Foreigners? My Honest Take After Living in Korea

One of the most common questions I get from friends and family is: “Do Koreans like foreigners?” It’s a fair thing to wonder—especially if you’re thinking of moving to South Korea to teach English, study abroad, or live out your K-drama dream.

After living and working in Korea for several years, here’s my honest take: yes, many Koreans do like foreigners—but like most cultural experiences, it’s a little more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Friendly and Helpful: Kindness From Strangers

Let’s start with the positives. I’ve had so many heartwarming interactions with Koreans that made me feel welcome. From elderly women on the subway complimenting my skin (true story) to baristas giving me free cookies as “service,” the kindness I’ve encountered has been genuinely touching.

One story that stands out: during my first week in Korea, I got hopelessly lost trying to find a bank. A Korean woman saw me struggling, asked if I needed help (in English!), and then walked me all the way there—even though I insisted she didn’t have to. We didn’t even exchange names. It was just pure, unprompted generosity.

The Curiosity Is Real—Especially Outside Big Cities

If you’re a foreigner in Korea, expect a lot of curiosity. People might stare, ask where you’re from, or want to know what you think of Korean food. (For the record—I love it.) Kids will yell “HELLO!” and run away giggling. I always wave back and laugh.

Sometimes the attention can feel a little overwhelming, especially in smaller cities like Gangneung, where I lived during my first year. But most of the time, that curiosity comes from genuine interest, not rudeness.

That said, I won’t sugarcoat it—there are occasional moments when I’ve felt like an outsider. I’ve walked into restaurants and felt the room pause for a beat. But the longer I’ve been here, the more I’ve realized that while you might not always be fully included, you’re rarely unwelcome.

Making an Effort Goes a Long Way

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned? A little Korean goes a long way. Even knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” or how to order coffee shows you respect the culture—and earns a lot of goodwill in return.

Learning Korean has made my life here smoother and more fun. It’s also helped me connect with locals and build lasting friendships. I’ve found that being open-minded, respectful, and curious makes it easier to bond with Koreans, no matter your background.

Do Koreans Like Foreigners? Here’s My Verdict

So, do Koreans like foreigners? In my experience—mostly, yes! Especially if you come in with a good attitude, a bit of cultural curiosity, and maybe an opinion or two about K-pop or Korean food.

Sure, there will be a few awkward moments or cultural hiccups. But for every one of those, I’ve had a dozen more that remind me why I love living in Korea. If you’re thinking of moving here, don’t stress too much about fitting in. Just be kind, be yourself, and don’t be afraid to order extra tteokbokki.

Here’s a cute video of a foreigner interviewing some Koreans to get their thoughts on the matter!

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

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.

07 May

CultureLifestyleBy aclipse

Top Spots To Check Out In Korea

As someone who’s been living and teaching in Seoul for a while, I’ve had the chance to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic sites, and hidden gems. There are so many things to do in this mega city, but here are my top four recommendations for anyone looking to experience the best of Seoul!

1. Explore Gwangjang Market

One of Seoul’s oldest traditional markets is called Gwangjang Market. It just so happens to also be my favorite market because it’s pure heaven for food lovers. I love wandering through the alleys, sampling dishes like bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mayak gimbap (addictive mini seaweed rice rolls). I also recommend getting a bottle of magkeoli (rice wine) and sitting down to enjoy the lively atmosphere. The huge variety of street food make this a must-visit spot in Seoul.

2. Visit a Record Bar in Euljiro

Euljiro is a hip and vibrant area filled with unique bars and cafes. The last time I was in Euljiro, I visited a few cozy record bars. Sipping on a cocktail while listening to jazz and classic rock tunes made me feel so lucky to live in Seoul! My favorite spot is called The Edge, which is connected to Clique Records. It combines a bar and record shop that often has live DJ sets who spin vinyl. The bartenders there are super friendly and the selection of music is fresh and fun.

3. Take a Walk Through Bukchon Hanok Village

Located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into Korea’s beautiful past. I recommend taking a walk through the narrow lanes lined with traditional hanok houses. This village will make you feel transported back in time. It gets quite busy on weekends so I suggest checking it out on a weekday if you can because it’s a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle.

4. Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

In the heart of downtown Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream provides an escape from the city. One of my favorite things to do is take a leisurely walk along the stream, especially in the evenings when the city lights reflect on the water. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after work in the spring and summer. The city has a small outdoor library set up by the stream with bean bag chairs and hammocks, which is perfect for a bookworm like me.

Seoul is one of my favorite cities because of the way it blends tradition and modern life. There are so many other things to do in Seoul for every walk of life but these are my top 4 favorite things that I like to do on a weekend or whenever I have free time. I hope my personal favorites inspire you to explore and discover your own cherished spots in this amazing city!

An English teacher enjoying a freshley made pizza at spill out, a korean craft brewery

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

28 Apr

CultureBy aclipse

Buddha’s Birthday: Korean National Holidays

Buddha’s Birthday is a public holiday in Korea that’s also celebrated in other Asian countries. In Korea, about 30% of Koreans are Christian and about 17% are Buddhist. Even if you’re not interested in celebrating Buddha’s Birthday or practicing Buddhism yourself, you might be curious about what to expect from this public holiday. Whether you’re just interested in learning about Buddha’s Birthday or you want to participate in the festivities, here’s everything you need to know about the special holiday.

What Is It?

Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha) was a religious teacher in South Asia who founded Buddhism in the 5th or 6th century. While Buddha’s Birthday is technically a religious holiday for millions of people who practice Buddhism, it’s also a public holiday in Korea! Another name for it is the Festival of the Lanterns, which makes sense because it’s super common to see festivals and carnivals during this holiday! Here is a link about Korean Buddhism in particular.

When Is It?

Buddha’s Birthday in Korea always falls on the eighth day of the fourth month of the lunar new year, which means this year it will fall on May 5, 2025.

What Do They Do?

Parades – If you’re in a major city in Korea, especially Seoul, expect a lantern parade in honor of Buddha’s Birthday. If you don’t have a chance to check out a parade, think about picking out a lantern to have in your home as a part of your own Buddha’s Birthday celebration!

Temples – Even if you’re not Buddhist, checking out a temple for Buddha’s Birthday is a good idea. A lot of them give free meals on Buddha’s Birthday, so expect bibimbap or another traditional Korean meal! If you’re in Seoul, I recommend visiting Bongeunsa Temple near the Coex Mall.

Cultural Learning Moments

Aside from getting the day off as a National Holiday, learning about different cultures and religions is another great perk of living and teaching in Korea! I knew very little about Buddhism prior to coming to Korea, but I’ve visited a few temples both here and in Japan. It’s been an amazing experience!

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

Diana Richtman, Marketing Manager

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.

22 Apr

CultureNightlifeTeachingBy aclipse

Living In Korea As a Person Of Color (POC)

There are many amazing, wonderful experiences to have while you are in Korea, regardless of the color of your skin. From friendly interactions with locals to finding moments of serenity as you watch the new blooms of Cherry Blossoms signaling the start of spring. However, before moving to a new country, it’s always a good idea to start with research! The biggest question that a POC may ask before moving to Korea is, “How does Korea treat a person of color?” I’ve been living in Korea for a few years now, and while I’ve had a mix of good and bad experiences, I’d say it’s been positive overall. Otherwise, I wouldn’t still be here!

Homogeny Still Reigns

First, it is essential to remember that Korea remains a very homogeneous country. In numerous aspects, Korea continues to evolve as a developing nation. In this context, if you enjoy clubbing and hear a club playing American Hip Hop/Rap and think, “Oh, let’s go there,” you might assume that because you hear Hip Hop/Rap, the venue will be POC-friendly. However, you could be denied entry at the door for being a foreigner. That’s right, some clubs in Korea may not allow entry to foreigners, which includes POC, and there is nothing to prevent that from happening. Therefore, be prepared to understand that some places, however friendly, may simply not be welcoming to POC or foreigners in general. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of a language barrier and club employees not wanting to muddle through English. Other times, it’s a hold out from US military guys causing trouble when there used to be a base in Itaewon. That being said, the vast majority of clubs now (especially in Hongdae and Itaewon) are filled with foreigners and POC.

Unfamiliarity With POCs

Secondly, Koreans generally lack interactions with foreigners, especially POC foreigners. I’ve encountered many older Korean people who approach me to compliment my beauty and hair. While this is nice, they often reach to touch my hair, which is highly frowned upon and disrespectful to Black women. However, I had to let that go because ultimately, they don’t realize that what they’re doing is disrespectful. They lack the knowledge of cultural interactions with foreigners. When you see people being racist in the USA, you know they are actively going out of their way to do so. However, in Korea, I’ve experienced smaller acts of ignorance rather than outright racist sentiment or gestures.

Educating The Next Generation

However, these experiences serve as opportunities for growth and help others learn how to interact with those they are unfamiliar with. One of the things I take pride in is answering my students’ curious questions about how I style my hair or wash it when I have box braids. I’ll show them short clips of the braiding process and relate it to the regular hair extensions with which Koreans are familiar. Furthermore, I inform them that this is normal behavior for me. If they want to touch my hair, I let them know that they should ask first, as that is the appropriate behavior with anyone, rather than just approaching someone and touching them without permission.

Cherishing Learning Moments

I believe that in the future, having more people of color teaching in Korea and sharing their extensive knowledge will cultivate a more informed and open-minded generation of children for Korea’s future. One of my favorite pictures of myself teaching is when my students were so happy to learn about my hair that I let them play, and they created a bunch of cute buns. They then asked to take a picture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cities are increasingly welcoming foreigners. POC numbers are also on the rise. Itaewon and Hongdae are increasingly diverse communities. The further you go from major cities, please approach with an open mind but also be mindful of your expectations. Korea can be a peaceful place to live, but there are still ways to enhance one’s quality of life. Setting realistic expectations and blending into the hustle and bustle can make things easier!

Xandria Outing, CDI Teacher

Xandria is a long time history lover turned English teacher. After completing her Master's at the University of Houston, she decided that it was time to see the world. With a love for language, architecture, and understanding cultural diversity, Korea felt like the perfect place to explore. Since her arrival to South Korea in 2022, Xandria has continued to form great bonds with her students, instill confidence in them, and hope they continue to expand their love of language and create their own perspectives from learning.

17 Apr

CultureLifestyleTeachingBy aclipse

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

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!

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

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.

Culture

Category: Culture

Friendly and Helpful: Kindness From Strangers

The Curiosity Is Real—Especially Outside Big Cities

Making an Effort Goes a Long Way

Do Koreans Like Foreigners? Here’s My Verdict

1. Explore Gwangjang Market

2. Visit a Record Bar in Euljiro

3. Take a Walk Through Bukchon Hanok Village

4. Relax at Cheonggyecheon Stream

What Is It?

When Is It?

What Do They Do?

Cultural Learning Moments

Homogeny Still Reigns

Unfamiliarity With POCs

Educating The Next Generation

Cherishing Learning Moments

Conclusion

#1 Acts of Kindness From Strangers

#2 Efficient and Affordable Transportation

#3 Culinary Adventures

#4 Opportunities for Personal Growth

Korean Traditional Clothing

How To Rent A Hanbok

STEP 1: What Type Of Noraebang Are You At?

STEP 2: Pay For Songs At The Front Desk

STEP 3: Grab A Microphone Cover

STEP 4: Search For Your Favorite Songs!

Beware Of Fan Death

Writing Names in Red Ink

Numbers Matter

Gifting Shoes to Your Significant Other

Why These Superstitions Matter

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

Fitness Is Built Into Your Lifestyle

Convenience

Independence

Rich Culture Meets the Modern World

Missing Friends And Family

Cultural Differences

Classroom Management

Contacts

Our Pages

Latest BLOG POSTS

Three Months Teaching in South Korea: My Experience So Far

Departing from Incheon Airport: What to Know Before You Leave Korea

Great Films About Korean History: 5 Essential Movies to Watch, Part 1