Health Archives

Category: Health

15 Oct

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

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.

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.

02 Apr

HealthLifestyleTeachingBy aclipse

Achieving Work-Life Balance While Teaching In Korea

Tips For Work-Life Balance In Korea

Many people struggle to keep a work-life balance. This is especially true for people who are newer to the teaching field than more experienced teachers. Add on top of that experiencing a new country for the first time, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some tips I’ve learned for how to create a peaceful work-life balance, so you can enjoy your time in Korea to the fullest!

Ask For Help

Initially, my move to Korea was challenging because I didn’t have the same support system I had back home in the States. I knew it would be really important that I made friends and bonded with my coworkers early into my time here. I’m so glad I did because now I have an amazing community to lean on. When I feel overwhelmed with work or in my personal life, asking for help from one of my friends here in Seoul always helps lift the burden. It’s just as rewarding as when I get to return the favor. As someone who is new to teaching, this has been especially true when it comes to asking for help at work.

Set Boundaries

I have really strict boundaries for myself when it comes to work. For example, even if there are still papers to be graded, I never stay late. I also consciously try not to worry about my students or how well I’m teaching them when I’m off the clock. It’s really easy in such a people-oriented job to dwell on these things, but I’ve found having a work-life balance has made me a better teacher. When I’m away from work, I focus on enjoying Korea. When I’m at work, I am focused on my students.

Build A Routine

Without a doubt, the best thing I’ve done for my work-life balance is build a routine. When you live abroad, you experience something new and different nearly every day. Even eight months into living abroad, this holds true. Building healthy, easy habits into my daily life has eliminated a lot of stress and has made it possible for me to enjoy Korea and teaching even more. During the day before work, I always take a walk around my neighborhood and stop into my local coffee shop. The lady working knows my order and starts making it before I’ve even reached the counter.

Whether it’s hitting the gym or becoming a regular at a late night food stall, familiar faces, places, and healthy habits will make it so much easier for you to feel connected to Korea and ready for work.

Set Priorities

As someone who wants to be doing everything all at once, this tip hurts a little bit, which probably means it’s the most important one. Everyone decides to teach in Korea for slightly different reasons. For me, I really wanted to experience a new culture and travel the world, so in my spare time, I’ve prioritized taking language classes and taking day trips from Seoul. Others might move to Korea because they’re passionate about teaching and K-pop. For those people, they might prioritize concerts and take extra work opportunities when they arise to build up their teaching skills. Once you figure out what’s important to you, balancing life in Korea becomes so much easier.

Remember This Is A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity

Another way of saying this is simple: Don’t stress it! It’s hard to explain just how surreal it feels to live and teach in Korea after years of dreading going to work at my desk jobs and secretly dreaming of living abroad. I know one day I’ll likely move on from Korea, but in the meantime, I try to make every second count. That doesn’t always mean going out on an adventure. More often than not, it involves sitting back and feeling grateful for the life I’ve built for myself here in Korea with close friends. If you can manage to do that every once in a while, I promise everything else with work-life balance will fall into place with time!

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.

17 Dec

FoodHealthLifestyleMoneyRelocationBy aclipse

5 Reasons Why I Prefer Living In Korea

Here are the top 5 reasons Why I Prefer Living in Korea!

1. Transportation (High Tech Bus Stops)

Korea is often ranked one of the best public transportation systems on the planet. Let’s start with the buses, which can take you anywhere you want in major cities as well as across the country. In the winter, Korea has heated bus stop seats as well as heated waiting room areas at some locations. Not only that but some bus stops provide free phone charging stations, and all buses have public Wi-Fi. The bus system is convenient and affordable for anyone looking to get around quickly and comfortable. This is one of the main reasons I prefer living in Korea over the States.

The subway is fast, safe, and easy to use. All signs and announcements are made in both Korean as well as English. If you want to leave your city and explore another part of Korea, there are regular trains for the stop-and-smell-the roses type of passenger as well as the KTX bullet trains for those looking to get places fast. All of the options are affordable and give you the opportunity to view the beautiful Korean countryside.

2. Online Banking (Sending Money)

Forget Venmo and PayPal. In Korea, you can make easy and safe bank transfers online with your bank. This means you can pay people and businesses as well as receive funds in seconds. No more waiting 2-3 days to see funds show up in your bank account. In Korea, you can have your money instantly. (By the way, they’ve been doing it this way for almost 20 years! For better context, they never used a paper checking system.)

3. Public Safety (No Theft Or Guns)

With strict gun laws, it’s difficult to gain access to weapons in Korea. Between this and Korea’s CCTV coverage, South Korea is an extremely safe country to live in. When compared with other industrialized countries, South Korea has a very low crime rate, and in 2021, they saw their lowest crime rate in ten years. You may not realize it until you are here, but living in Korea made me realize how much unnecessary stress I frequently dealt with worrying about keeping myself and my belongings safe.

4. Cheap Meals (Delicious & Healthy, too!)

The cost of a delicious, nutritious meal in Korea can be as cheap as ₩7,000, which is roughly $5.50 USD. Not only is eating out affordable, but there are plenty of delicious foods to try from. Korea has everything from bibimbap and tteokbokki to pizza and burgers. Oh, and a huge bonus you probably didn’t think was even a possibility. There is NO TIPPING in Korea! Whether you dine out or take a cab, tipping is not a part of the culture. It is a huge savings and makes life so much easier.

5. Skin Care (The Mecca for All Your Needs)

Koreans love skin care. With a huge market for it, you can find the exact right combination of products for your skin type. Due to its popularity, there’s a wide variety of options, and they are relatively affordable in comparison to American brands. In addition, Korea has many great spa options if pampering is your favorite method of self-care. And it’s not just for us girls! Men all across the world are starting to take better care of their skin, and Korea has all the products you can think of.

07 Dec

CultureHealthLifestyleBy aclipse

3 Must Hike Trails In South Korea

Three Peaks

With three popular mountain peaks, hiking is a big deal in South Korea. There is no shortage of good hiking trails, but it can be challenging to know how and where to start. Don’t worry though. Whether you’re a complete hiking novice or a life-long hiker, Korea has the perfect trail for you. Here are the 3 must hike trails in South Korea!

Remember, Safety First!

If you’re new to hiking, remember to take it slow. Choose an easy hike to get acclimated. Always pack water and a snack, consult trail maps, and bring a buddy. If the hike feels too strenuous or it’s starting to get dark, turn around and try another day.

1. Namsan Seoul Tower

If you are new to hiking, this is a perfect place to start. Located in the center of Seoul, the hike up to Namsan Seoul Tower takes about 30-40 minutes. Once you’re at the top, you can take in the panoramic views of Seoul, add a love lock to the fence overlooking the city, and even go up to the top of Namsan Seoul Tower. I recommend starting near Hyatt Hotel, so your hike takes you through the Botanical Garden.

2. Umyeonsan Mountain

Located in the Seocho neighborhood of Seoul, Umyeonsan Mountain is a moderate hike. It’s perfect if you’re looking to level up your hiking experience and still stay in Seoul. This hike is roughly 4.3 kilometers long point-to-point, and it starts near the Seocho Arts Center. Here’s a video clip to see it live.

3. Bukhansan National Park

The views from Bukhansan National Park are epic. With jutting mountains and steep inclines, this hike isn’t for the faint of heart but is well worth the climb. The hike to the top of Bukhansan is roughly 7 kilometers or about 4-6 hours round trip. I highly recommend bringing trekking poles to help with this rocky trail, and a friend to share the views with is always a good idea.

Hopefully these 3 must hike trails in South Korea are a good start to your mountain hiking journey in Korea!

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.

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1. Transportation (High Tech Bus Stops)

2. Online Banking (Sending Money)

3. Public Safety (No Theft Or Guns)

4. Cheap Meals (Delicious & Healthy, too!)

5. Skin Care (The Mecca for All Your Needs)

Three Peaks

Remember, Safety First!

1. Namsan Seoul Tower

2. Umyeonsan Mountain

3. Bukhansan National Park

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