Health Archives

Category: Health

03 Mar

What is South Korea’s Weather Like All Year Around?

If you’re planning to move to or visit South Korea, understanding the weather in South Korea throughout the year is essential. The country experiences four distinct seasons — each with its own charm, challenges, and beauty.

Here’s what to expect during spring, summer, fall, and winter in South Korea.

🌸 Spring in South Korea (March–May)

Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in South Korea — and it’s famously known as cherry blossom season.

Cherry blossoms typically bloom in early April and last about 2–3 weeks (sometimes longer in a lucky year). During this time, parks and streets transform into soft pink landscapes.

What the weather is like:

Cool mornings and evenings
Gradually warming temperatures
Mostly clear skies
Occasional rain showers

Spring is the perfect time for picnics along the Han River or in Seoul’s many parks. While rainfall isn’t heavy nationwide, southern regions may experience occasional early seasonal rains — so packing a light raincoat is a smart idea.

Why people love spring: Mild temperatures and stunning scenery make it one of the best times to visit South Korea.

☀️ Summer in South Korea (June–August)

Summer in South Korea is hot, humid, and intense.

Temperatures can reach up to 98°F (37°C), and humidity levels can make it feel even hotter. Portable electric fans become everyday essentials during this season.

What to expect:

High humidity
Strong sunshine
Sudden heavy rainstorms
Monsoon season (late June–July)

The monsoon season in South Korea brings heavy rainfall, especially in late summer. Rain can pour down in buckets, and strong winds may flip umbrellas inside out — so invest in a sturdy one.

Many locals wear waterproof shoes or even slides during heavy rains. Light, breathable clothing is key for surviving Korean summers.

Pro tip: Stay hydrated and plan indoor activities during peak heat hours.

🍁 Fall in South Korea (September–November)

Fall is widely considered the best season in South Korea.

The intense summer heat fades, humidity drops, and the country transforms into a landscape of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Fall weather highlights:

Mild, comfortable temperatures
Clear skies
Lower humidity
Excellent air quality

Moderate temperatures usually begin in late September and last through early November.

Fall is peak season for hiking in South Korea, as mountain trails offer breathtaking autumn foliage views. The crisp air and colorful scenery make this season ideal for outdoor exploration.

❄️ Winter in South Korea (December–February)

Winter in South Korea is cold and dry, especially from January onward. If you’re familiar with winters on the U.S. East Coast, you’ll find it similar — though often windier.

What winter feels like:

Freezing temperatures
Strong, dry winds
Occasional snowfall
Clear but icy days

On the coldest days, temperatures can feel bone-chilling. Thermal layers are essential — many people rely on insulated clothing and heat-retaining fabrics to stay warm.

When snow falls, South Korea becomes especially beautiful. Snow-covered palaces and neighborhoods create postcard-worthy scenes.

Winter is also the perfect time to try seasonal street foods like:

Bungeoppang (붕어빵) – fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean
Hotteok (호떡) – sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts

These hot desserts are commonly sold by street vendors throughout Seoul during colder months.

Final Thoughts: Is South Korea’s Weather Hard to Adjust To?

South Korea’s climate offers something for everyone:

🌸 Mild, scenic springs
☀️ Hot, humid summers with dramatic monsoons
🍁 Cool, colorful autumns
❄️ Crisp, snowy winters

Because the seasons are so distinct, adjusting is simply a matter of preparing for each one. Whether you love cherry blossoms, beach weather, hiking season, or cozy winter food, South Korea’s weather keeps the year interesting.

20 Jan

CulturedatingHealthLifestyleMoneyBy aclipse

Heartbreak Remedies in Seoul: Self-Care Ideas for Healing Abroad

If you’re reading this, you may unfortunately be going through something many of us experience at some point in our lives: heartbreak. Or maybe you’re just reading out of curiosity. Either way, I hope these ideas inspire a little self-care during your time in Seoul.

Living abroad comes with incredible highs—but also emotional lows. Taking care of yourself, especially during heartbreak, is essential. Having gone through a couple of heartbreaks myself since moving to Seoul, I’ve gathered a list of healing activities you can enjoy alone or with friends.

Sing It Out at Noraebang (노래방)

All around Seoul—especially in restaurant districts, pocha streets, and nightlife areas—you’ll find noraebangs, or karaoke rooms. There are two main types: coin noraebangs and hourly noraebangs.

I usually choose coin noraebangs because there’s no pressure to pick songs quickly, and they’re incredibly affordable—about ₩3,000 (roughly $1.50) for six songs. Heartbreak often comes with lingering anger, sadness, or a need for closure. Singing your heart out is one of the best ways to release those bottled-up emotions.

24-Hour Ice Cream Stores and Convenience Stores

If your heartbreak is craving something sweet or savory, Seoul has you covered—literally 24/7. Unmanned ice cream stores, open around the clock, offer ice cream, snacks, meal kits, and sometimes even small slices of cake (which, in my opinion, is perfect heartbreak food).

The biggest perk? No staff and no judgment. You can walk in with a puffy face, grab whatever comforts you, and leave peacefully.

Convenience stores are also open 24 hours, though there are always people around. The upside is variety. One of my favorite comfort snacks is Yonsei cream bread from CU—a large, fluffy bread filled with cream (I always go for the chocolate version).

Pizza and Shopping in Myeongdong

This is the newest remedy on my list. Recently, I went to Myeongdong with a friend and vented about my most recent heartbreak over the best pizza I’ve had in a long time.

We ate at Myeongdong Pizza and ordered the Chipotle Legend Pizza—accurately named. Afterward, we wandered through nearby shops, including vintage stores, Playground, and Noonsquare Mall.

While the food and shopping helped, the most healing part of the day was spending time with a good friend who listened, supported me, and reminded me of my worth.

Running Along the Han River

If you’re someone who needs to run it out after heartbreak, the Han River is one of the best places in Seoul to do so. The river is lined with miles of paths used by walkers, cyclists, and runners.

No matter which park you start from, you’ll be greeted with beautiful river views and open skies. Moving your body while surrounded by scenery can be incredibly grounding during emotional times.

Hiking Around Seoul

I saved the best for last. For me, the most powerful way to heal heartbreak is through a perspective shift—reconnecting with myself and nature.

Seoul is surrounded by mountains, many of them accessible directly from the city. There are also stunning hiking spots just outside Seoul, all offering a range of trails from beginner-friendly to challenging. Hiking helps clear the mind, strengthen the body, and remind you how big and beautiful the world still is.

You can learn more about popular trails here:
https://aclipse.net/3-must-hike-trails-in-south-korea/

22 Jul

HealthLanguageBy aclipse

How to Find Foreigner-Friendly Doctors and Clinics In Korea

When I first arrived in Korea, one of the things I was nervous about was needing to see a doctor. I wasn’t sure how easy it would be to find a clinic where I could communicate clearly, understand the costs, and feel comfortable with the type of care provided. After some trial-and-error, here’s what I’ve learned that can help you navigate the Korean healthcare system more comfortably and find foreigner-friendly doctors that best-suit your needs!

Language Barriers in Medical Settings

What I found challenging:

Walking into a clinic where the receptionist was asking me to fill out different forms, and the doctor only spoke Korean was intimidating at first. Even when the doctor spoke some English, I felt like the language barrier was too big, and that the explanations were rushed or confusing.

My solution:

I discovered there are dedicated International Health Care Centers at major hospitals like Severance, Asan, and SNUH in Seoul, all offering English-speaking staff and translation services. I usually go to Severance hospital in Seodaemun for annual checkups or surgeries. They even offer dental work at this hospital, and I had my wisdom teeth removed there. I also found that in Seoul and other big cities, a lot of the doctors are foreign-educated so they typically have more than a basic grasp of English. This means that you can have a basic conversation with most doctors in hospitals.

For smaller clinics, I always use my go-to translator app Papago, and I’ve requested a bilingual friend to come along from time to time. I learned that it’s important to ask for help when you need it, and have even had coworkers accompany me to some of my appointments.

Finding a Doctor Who Gets It

What I struggled with:

Not all doctors are equal. I found that the bedside manner of the doctors was very different from what I had experienced in Canada. I also found it tricky to find female or gender-sensitive specialists, especially in fields like gynecology .

My solution:

Specific clinics and doctors became my go-tos, and after a few visits they are now my regular physicians in Seoul. Dr. Kim’s International Clinic in Yongsan and Seoul Foreign Clinic in Itaewon are both great for general medicine and psychiatry. The doctors at both of these clinics have practiced abroad, and in Korea, so the service will be more like what you are used to.

Trinity Women’s Clinic is highly recommended among female teachers, and is where I’ve been going for years now. I’ve also had excellent service and experiences at KMI, which is where all Creverse instructors go for their annual medical check ups. KMI makes it very accommodating for those that don’t know Korean, and I’ve always felt heard and understood there.

Understanding Costs and Insurance

What I found challenging:

I was surprised when a simple consult at a university hospital without insurance was around ₩25,000 ($20 USD), and also required prepping documents I didn’t even know existed.

I was also confused by foreigner-only vs. local pricing because some places may hike up the rates if they anticipate language support or translation will be needed. Coming from Canada where healthcare is universal, insurance costs were all new to me.

What helped:

Once you get your ARC (Alien Registration Card) you can register with National Health Insurance (NHI), which dramatically dropped all of my medical and consultation fees. For private clinics and specialists, I always call ahead to ask for pricing, and verify if they offer cashless billing for insured patients.

You can also purchase your own private healthcare which will cover much more than the national insurance in the case that you need more serious medical intervention. I pay for my own private insurer, because I’d rather be safe than sorry!

Knowing the System

Finding foreigner-friendly doctors in Korea isn’t always easy, but once you know the resources it gets a whole lot smoother.

If you’re a teacher, expat, or just visiting Korea, consider this your low-key roadmap. With some time and a few doctors visits, you will adjust to the Korean healthcare system just like I did!

An English teacher posing with a native Korean friend in Korea

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.

15 Oct

HealthLifestyleBy aclipse

Biking The Han River In Korea

Beauty, Adventure, Convenience

Biking along the Han River in Seoul is one of my favorite ways to explore the city while getting in some exercise and enjoying the fall weather. The Han River bike path stretches across the city and can take you to some of the best parks like Mangwon, Yeouido, Jamsil, and Ttukseom parks. Since the Han River divides Seoul in half, you can also commute via bike and spend the majority of your commute along the river until hopping off at whatever city exit you need! On the weekends I take my bike everywhere as I head to movie theaters, markets, and my friend’s houses. In this blog post, I’ll give you the insider info on biking in Korea!

How To Get A Bike

When I first moved to Korea, I bought my own bike from Carrot market (당근마켓), a reselling app, because biking is something I love to do. But for those who don’t want to purchase a bike, there are rentals available at parks or throughout the city by using the Ddareungi (따릉이) app. The Ddareungi service is only 1,000 KRW ($1 USD = 1,362 KRW) per hour, to boot!

Another pro tip is that if you have a Climate Card, you can pay 65,000 won a month (48 USD) for unlimited buses, trains, and Ddareungi bike rental. The Ddareungi bikes have a basket which is convenient for stowing your bag, but they are single gear, so if you are more serious about biking I think it’s worth it to invest in your own bike. I purchased my 8 speed road bike for only 120,000 won (89 USD). The bike needed a little tune up, but the investment was totally worth it since biking was one of my main hobbies back home and I wanted to maintain my lifestyle in Korea! There are also some other places along the Han River where they actually let you use a bike for a few hours for FREE if you show proof you live in that district!

4 Rivers Bike Path

For those looking for a bigger adventure, I also recommend checking out the 4 Rivers Bike Path (Saejae), which forms part of a national cycling network that connects the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeongsan rivers. The entire path is around 633 kilometers long and will take you around the ENTIRE COUNTRY. The government offers a cool program called the 4 Rivers Passbook where you can collect stamps as you ride the cycling routes. Once you have completed the booklet with all stamps, you can send it in and get a certificate and medal. My friends did this whole route during their spring vacation, but for a more leisurely cyclist like myself, I usually just stick to the section of bike path along the Han River. I like to ride from my house in Mapo in the direction of Namsan Tower to catch a great sunset view on the weekends, but you can also head towards Dongjak or Seongsu bridge. Seongsu has a ton of great coffee shops and restaurants so it’s a great stop off point.

Commuting Convenience

As I mentioned before, the Han river bike path is a great option for commuting. If I take the bus from my house in Mapo to Mangwon parks to meet my friends, the commute is around 45 minutes and includes waiting time at the bus transfer. However, when I ride by bike to Mangwon park, I can get there in just 15 minutes! Saving myself that half hour and being eco-friendly are both things that I value. If you’re anything like me, biking through Seoul will quickly become your go to commuting option!

Whether you’re a novice or hard-core cyclist, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all the benefits of biking on the Han River!

English teacher at Chungdahm Learning posing with students

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

08 Oct

HealthLifestyleBy aclipse

Taking Dance Classes In Korea

Dance, Dance, Dance

In America, dance took up a majority of my free-time. Whether it was taking dance classes or teaching them, my home away from home was in the studio. I already knew Seoul had an extensive dance scene from being a K-pop fan and watching shows like “Street Woman Fighter”, so I was super excited to take dance classes in the big city. Whether you are into dance like me, have thought about giving it a shot, or are just looking for a fun way to get more exercise, here’s some info to take dance classes in Korea!

Seoul has an insane amount of dance studios to choose from at affordable prices! One class is about 30,000 Won, but you can purchase packages for a cheaper amount per class. Arguably the most popular dance studio in Korea is 1MILLION Dance Studio. You have most likely seen their videos on social media before. Here is one of my favorites.

Although I wanted to take a 1MILLION class at first, going to a large studio like that is a little scary. On top of this, the studio is a little far from my house. After doing some more research on studios in Gangnam, I found OMG Dance Studio (@omg_dance_studio on Instagram). This studio still had some great choreography and was super close to my house. On top of this, it was much smaller and far less intimidating for me. I wanted to dip my toes into the dance scene before fully diving in. The only downside was signing up for classes seemed very confusing.

Signing Up

1MILLION has a super easy way to sign up for classes. They use their own app to purchase classes and the app comes in many different languages. Unfortunately, most other dance studios in Seoul use a Google Form to sign up for classes.

The Google Form is only in Korean and will have a bank transfer number for you to reserve your spot in the class. Since I did not have a bank account at the time, I decided to take a shot in the dark and send a DM to OMG Dance Studio’s Instagram account.

TIP: If you are nervous they won’t understand English, don’t be afraid to use Papago or ChatGPT to craft your message.

Getting Down

After taking a couple classes at OMG I felt ready to try out 1MILLION. My friend Erin invited me to join her, so it was not as scary as going alone. I knew 1MILLION was a popular studio, but I had no idea how big the actual building would be. There are multiple floors and the urban/modern architecture is to die for. The class was PACKED! The studio is huge and there was almost no free space. The teacher ended up needing to teach on an elevated surface for everyone to be able to see him.

TIP: Get to popular studios EARLY! 15 minutes early at a minimum. This will ensure you snag a good spot to learn the choreography.

Dancing in Korea is a great way to express my creativity, get a nice workout in, and meet tons of new people. Don’t be afraid to jump out of your comfort zone and take some dance classes during your free time in Seoul!

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.

02 Oct

HealthRelocationBy aclipse

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.

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.

22 Aug

FoodHealthLifestyleBy aclipse

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

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!

Restaurant Recommendations

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!
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.
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.

15 Aug

HealthLifestyleBy aclipse

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!

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

01 Aug

HealthBy aclipse

All About Air Quality In Korea

Yellow Dust?

Air quality in Korea has become a hot topic of discussion in recent years. While living in Seoul, I began to notice people wearing masks outdoors during the spring months and digital signs across the city giving live updates on the amount of fine dust in the air. Naturally, I wanted to learn more about how the fine dust would affect my day life and understand the true state of Korea’s air quality. In this blog post, I will outline some of the factors influencing air quality in Korea and practical measures that you can take to protect yourself and stay informed!

Main Factors

Certain seasons, especially spring and winter, have a rise in air pollution levels due to the air stream currents and the way they flow into Korea. March and April are usually the worst months where yellow dust from deserts in China and Mongolia moves into Korea, while the winter months of December and January can experience increased emissions from stagnant air. Given the fact that Seoul is a dense, urban city, there are also occasions where things like vehicle emissions and construction can contribute to air pollution as well.

Monitoring Air Quality

During the spring and winter seasons, I keep a monitoring app on my phone that gives me live updates about the air quality and lets me know what precautions I might need to take. The app is called MiseMise and I like it because I can easily check fine dust information aligned with strict WHO standards. The colors and emoticons they use also make it more convenient to understand the data.

Staying Safe

Once I check the updates on my app, I know what kind of countermeasures I need to take for the day to stay healthy. If the fine dust levels are over 100 parts per million, I will make sure to wear a mask if I am outside for extended periods of time. I usually use a N95 mask because they are resilient against the super fine particles. I will also keep all my apartment windows closed and turn on my air purifier to keep me and my cats comfortable and dust free. After the dust levels improve, I open all the windows and ventilate.

At Risk Groups

One of my best friends, Kacey, has asthma and was really concerned about moving to Korea because of everything she had read about the air quality. It is important to note that people who are immunocompromised or have respiratory issues may be more sensitive to the air quality in the peak months. Kaceys’ tips are to avoid any strenuous outdoor activities on days where there is poor air quality and to use a N95 mask. Her quality of life these past two years has been good overall and for her, moving to Korea was the right choice! Another tip I can offer is to invest in some anti-pollution skin care items in the spring months to control skin irritation and acne. I personally like MAMAEARTH daily face cream which I order from Amazon, but skin care stores like Innisfree and LOHB in Korea are full of options.

While air quality in Korea can present some challenges, I have found that taking proactive measures to keep healthy is totally manageable and is more like a minor inconvenience than a major health concern. If you stay informed on the dust levels and wear a mask, it should be smooth sailing!

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

30 Apr

FoodHealthLifestyleBy aclipse

Being A Vegetarian In Korea

Being a Vegetarian in Korea

If there is one thing I’ve realized about Korean food culture, it’s that they love their meat. When I moved to Korea, I was nervous about finding vegetarian friendly restaurants. But never fear! There are actually a lot of vegetarian and vegan options if you know where to look. Here are some tips for ordering as a vegetarian and some of my go-to restaurants!

Ordering as a Vegetarian

Most Korean restaurants specialize in one dish and it is typically something like raw fish, pork, beef, or meat barbeque. Almost all Korean dishes include some kind of meat or fish, so I had a hard time finding where to eat at first. My coworkers were all meat-eaters and I didn’t want to miss out on group meals just because of my dietary restrictions. I quickly learned that all restaurants will serve rice with the meal as well as some kind of side dishes, which are 90% vegetables. If there’s nothing you can order straight off the menu, just ask the server for a bowl of rice and then use the side dishes and gochujang sauce to create some bibimbap! Another option you should look out for at meat based restaurants is soft tofu soup. Just keep in mind that other soups like kimchi jjigae and doenjang jjigae will tend to have a meat or fish based broth. I keep a list of veggie options in my phone that I can show to a server in a pinch which includes:

Bibimbap 비빔밥 – A rice dish with an assortment of veggies, seaweed, and egg.

Gimbap 김밥 – Korean “sushi” rolls, traditionally made with veggies.

Kimchi 김치 – fermented, spicy cabbage.

Banchan 반찬 – side dishes often served alongside entrees, especially at BBQ restaurants.

Vegetable Dumplings 야채만두 – Korean dumplings filled with veggies and tofu.

While getting resourceful at a meat-based restaurant is a great strategy, I also love to eat at restaurants that cater to a vegan and vegetarian diet. Here are some of my all time favorite spots where you don’t need to compromise taste or choice just because of your lifestyle.

Plant Cafe

Plant Cafe is a vegan restaurant that has two locations in Seoul: their namesake restaurant and full size bakery in Itaewon and their newest location in Yeonnamdong. Plant’s menu features delicious items like a mushroom burger, macaroni and cheese, cauliflower wings, and even chili cheese fries. They also have lighter options like veggies and hummus, peanut soba noodles, and smoothies. I recently ordered a birthday cake for my friend’s party and the flavors were unreal. Nobody could believe that the banana salted caramel cake was vegan! Plant Cafe is also a great place to enjoy a soy milk latte, a glass of wine, or my favorite, kombucha!

Osegyehyang

This might be the best veggie friendly restaurant I’ve been to! Osegyhyang is located in Jongno amidst the winding alleyways. The restaurant is inside a Hanok style building and has a lovely atmosphere where you can sit on the heated floors and enjoy your meal. I love that they offer traditional Korean dishes that are entirely vegan so you don’t have to miss out on enjoying the culture. It is also very easy to order in English which makes the dining experience that much more convenient.

Buddha's Belly

Buddha’s Belly is a Thai restaurant that is vegan and vegetarian friendly. Located in Itaewon, this spot is tucked away on top of a hill which means their patio has an incredible view over the city at night. The servers are very friendly and attentive and provide a comfortable dining experience. Last time I ate here, I ordered the green curry and the Thai fried rice with pineapple, which were both incredible. I went with a non-veggie friend and she was pleased that they served meat options too. Buddha’s Belly is a great place when you’re dining with a big group as they offer all types of options.

While navigating vegetarianism in Korea may seem daunting at first, there are plenty of delicious options to enjoy. I recommend you download the app Happy Cow which will recommend other great vegetarian places to enjoy. As you start living and teaching in Korea, rest assured that you can savor the local cuisine while staying true to your dietary preferences. Bon appétit!

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.

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