Category: Lifestyle

5 Budget-friendly Activities In Korea

1. Cafe Hopping

Cafe in Korea

For our first budget-friendly activity: if you don’t already know, cafes are kind of a big deal in Korea. There’s truly one for everyone. Whether your thing is the K-pop group BTS, natural waterfalls, traditional Korean villages, or specific types of delicious pastries and espresso. In Korea, you can expect giant three story cafes and tiny ones with minimal seating. Whatever kind you like, cafes are a great place to hang out if you want to see your friends but don’t want to completely blow your budget. Order a coffee and a slice of cake to share and enjoy the afternoon!

 

Cafe Pokpo Waterfall Cafe
BTS-themed cafe in Korea
Small House Cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village
Aquagarden Aquarium-themed Cafe
Traditional Hanok-style cafe
Small House Cafe in Bukchon Hanok Village

2. Hiking

Korea is a mountainous and beautiful country. Regardless of what city or town you live in, you’ll probably be a short train or bus ride away from hiking trails. Of course, hiking is completely free, but it’s also a great way to exercise, spend time in nature, and hang out with friends. Check out our blog post on three of my favorite hikes here in Korea

 

3. Catching A Baseball Game

Looking for a less physically-demanding budget-friendly activity? Weekday tickets to professional baseball games in Korea are about 13,000 won (roughly $10). I went to a game in June, and it was epic! I took my dad (a life-long Chicago Cubs fan) to the game, and he couldn’t get over how excited the Korean fans were for their teams. In Korea, the spectators cheer for the entire game. It makes you feel a little bit like you’re watching a game in the World Series!

 

4. Traditional Korean Pub

While western-style bars and clubs are extremely fun, the best place to go if you want to drink affordably is a traditional Korean-style pub. Some of my favorite nights out since moving to Korea have involved staying at a pub until the subways opened again at 5:30 in the morning. Order rounds of makgeolli and soju and load up on kimchi jjigae and pajeon, and I promise you won’t be missing your local bar back home!

 

5. Picnic By The Han River

Going on a sunset picnic by the Han River is easily my favorite budget-friendly activity to do in Seoul. All you need is your friends, a cheap blanket from Daiso, and a quick run to the convenience store for ramen and drinks, and you’re ready to go. I’ve gone countless times since moving to Seoul, and not only is it cheap, but it’s also created so many beautiful memories!

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.

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!

 

bike rental spots on han rover in korea
Free Bike Rental Highlighted In Green

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.

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!

 

An English teacher posting in a dance studio
My Old Dance Studio In The States

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!

 

English Teacher in Korea, Gabriel Hall

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.

Foreigner-friendly Hair Salons In Korea

I’ll be honest: After I moved to Korea, I waited way too long to get a haircut. Despite Korea being relatively easy to navigate without knowing Korean, I was worried about needing to use translating apps or being misunderstood in English at a hair salon. I think this fear was understandable. No one wants a bad haircut. When I finally got around to getting my hair cut this past week, I realized all my fears about Korean hair salons were completely silly. I got the exact cut I needed, and now I regret not going sooner!

 

There are tons of places in Korea you can go to get your hair cut and styled. Just don’t be like me and put it off. You have nothing to be afraid of. Here’s some important info to set your mind at ease before you make an appointment!

 

Prices

In general, Korean prices for hair care are relatively affordable. A basic cut for a woman (including a basic scalp treatment or massage) is about 40,000 won.  At a decent salon, men’s cuts are usually between 15,000 and 25,000 won. Not bad! Also, it’s important to note that you NEVER HAVE TO TIP for a hair appointment in Korea, even if you’re getting an expensive treatment. This is huge!

 

Language Barrier

While most salons will understand basic English, the best way to ensure that you get exactly what you want is to bring a picture! That way there’s no confusion! Here are a couple of popular salons that are English-friendly, including the one I went to!

 

Some Recommendations

Suin’s Hair Salon

This is the place I chose, and I would definitely recommend it! I was able to book an appointment online in English. When I got there, I was able to communicate easily and got the exact cut I wanted. Everyone who helped me was friendly and professional!

Juno Hair

Juno Hair is very popular for foreigners because it is an English-friendly salon with locations across Korea. There’s actually one right across from my academy, which is another reason I can’t believe I waited so long to get a haircut. A friend of mine goes to Juno Hair and loves it! 

Evanstyle

Let’s not forget about the men! While Juno Hair and Suin’s Hair Salon both cut men’s hair, Evanstyle specializes in men’s hair cuts, and they have English-speaking barbers. They have two locations in popular areas in Seoul.

 

Wherever you choose to go, you’ll be in good hands. Here’s an article written by 10 Magazine that list some more options for hair salons in Korea that can meet your needs! 

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

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.

GOTO Mall – The Largest Underground Shopping Mall In Seoul

In Search Of Cheap Finds

I’m currently on a mission to decorate my new apartment. While there are plenty of home decor stores like Muji and Homeplus, I’m trying to find items on the cheaper end.  Living in Gangnam-gu can be expensive, so I am trying to pinch pennies wherever I can. When I asked my friend where other good, cheap shopping areas were, the first place she mentioned was GOTO Mall. I knew that Korea had underground shopping malls, but I had never heard of GOTO Mall before. If you’re heading to Korea to teach English, you will want to check this out if you can!

Location

GOTO Mall is located at the “Express Bus Terminal” stop. Make your way to metro Line No. 9. After that, take Exit 8-1 and you will be greeted with more vendors than you can dream of. They sell handbags, women’s clothing, men’s clothing, tech accessories, bedding, underwear, skincare, and more. There are even tarot card readers! You name it, GOTO Mall probably has it. For this trip, I’m searching for some nice bedding, warm-toned home decor, and other small housewares.

 

Cash Is King

Before you go to GOTO Mall, be prepared with cash (Korean Won obviously) and proper walking shoes. Most of the vendors will only accept cash. This underground mall is HUGE and you will be walking around for a couple hours. On top of that, this mall can become really crowded.

TIP: I would recommend going on a week-day and during working hours. There won’t be as many people and you can move around much more freely. 

 

Thrifting Vibes

While I was shopping, it felt like I was thrifting back in the States. Having to dig around and search for what you are looking for is both annoying and rewarding at the same time. In comparison to the prices of other stores in Seoul, GOTO Mall is a steal! I found so many different polos, jeans, t-shirts, and shorts for under 10,000 won ($7.50)!

 

No Brand

If you haven’t yet had enough, there are even stores right outside of GOTO Mall (inside the metro stations, underground). After searching for a couple hours, I couldn’t find a comforter that I wanted. I did however find a vacuum and wooden bowl from a grocery store right next to GOTO Mall called No Brand.

No Brand store in gosuk bus terminal

Overall, I would say to definitely check GOTO Mall before you head to any major stores. You might be surprised at how many affordable and unique items you can find there! Also, check out our blog post on how to find affordable furniture!

English Teacher in Korea, Gabriel Hall

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.

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

Traditional Korean gimbap eaten by English teachers in Korea
Traditional Gimbap dish.

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!

 

Traditional gluten-free Korean dish called Japchae or glass buckwheat noodles.
Japchae or savory, sweet potato glass noodles which are completely GF.

Restaurant Recommendations

  1. 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!
  2. 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.
  3. 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 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.

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!

 

An English teacher renting a bike in Seoul.

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

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.

The Cost Of Living In Korea

Let me share a little about my own experience budgeting in South Korea as well as some quick facts about the cost of living.

My Experience

I try to live by the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of my income going towards essential living costs, 30% going towards wants, and the last 20% going into savings. Do I manage this each month? Before I answer that question, let me give you a glimpse at my lifestyle here in Korea.

 

I live in Gangnam, the richest neighborhood in Seoul, which means my rent is on the higher side for an individual living in Korea. It also means I have a really nice living space in one of the best locations in the city. I go out every weekend, eating and drinking at local and trendy restaurants, with my friends. I take public transit, but I never worry when I take taxis to work or elsewhere that I’m blowing my budget. At least once a month, I take a weekend trip to another part of Korea, which means my monthly budget includes train costs, additional accommodation costs, and miscellaneous travel expenses. I’ve gone on two international trips since moving here in August, which adds additional major costs to my budget.


To put simply, I’m living exactly how I hoped I would when I dreamed of living abroad: Spending money on travel when I’m not working, but still with enough money to enjoy my daily life with comfort and convenience.

But do I manage to put 20% of my income into savings each month? Emphatically, yes. I usually put about 20-30% of my income into savings each month, and to be frank, I haven’t been trying that hard. While that’s my personal choice, I think others who are more focused on their financial savings will find that they can save more than 30% if that’s a priority.

 

Quick Facts

Keep in mind, things are going to be different for everyone based on where you live, your salary, and what you like to spend money on. So far, I’ve just shared my personal experience, but here are some quick facts about the cost of living in South Korea to give you a better idea.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ₩10,000

Domestic beer: ₩3,000

Phone plan: ₩60,000

Gym membership: ₩65,000

Rent: ₩700,000

 

These numbers are from a website that gives an overview of cost of living in different countries. Of course, it’s different for everybody (for example, my phone plan is significantly cheaper than the number they list out), but it’s a good place to start to get an idea of the cost breakdown for South Korea. Check it out here!

English teacher standing in front of a mountain and Han River in South Korea

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.

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Teaching And Living In Ilsan

Where I'm From

I’m a beach girl who spent the last few years in big cities—from NYC to Madrid back to NYC. The moment I decided to pick up my life and move across the world to Korea, I knew I did not want to be in the big city anymore. I missed waking up to the sounds of nature, but I was also wise enough to know I had become accustomed to access. Access to variation and choices, which I wasn’t necessarily willing to give up. I held my breath. With little research and a lot of trust in my amazing recruiter, I ended up in a place that more than met my desires and even exceeded them! Here’s what it’s like living in Ilsan!

 

Where I'm At!

A few months before my departure from New York City, I was informed I would be placed in a city called Ilsan, or ‘a mountain’. Ilsan is about an hour northwest of Seoul in Goyang. I figured, in the worst-case scenario, I could always commute to Seoul on the weekends. However, it turned out that Ilsan is its own vibrant haven. Home to the biggest man-made lake in Asia, there is so much to do outside and many unique places to eat. You can rent bikes and coast for miles or have a picnic in the massive space that is Ilsan Lake Park during cherry blossom season. There are even multiple water parks in Ilsan

 

Endless Access

Ilsan is easy to walk, but it is also connected by endless bus lines and subways. I never feel isolated. The variety of things to do is something I least expected. Some days I get off late, and some days I’m off completely, so it’s nice to have activities that meet those time differences. There are dance studios, two huge open-street shopping malls (Western Dom and Lafesta), endless pochas, 24-hour spas in basements, movie theaters, and endless opportunities to do karaoke. 

While I am still exploring my new home and becoming accustomed to my surroundings, I am thankful to be in a place that feels extremely local and quaint yet well connected and accessible. I highly recommend considering teaching and working in Ilsan if you want to be in the center of nature, with full accessibility to the benefits of city life!

Jasmine Phillips is a wanderlust explorer currently living and teaching English in Ilsan, South Korea. Jasmine is originally from Virginia Beach, VA but has lived in many places, such as Berlin, Madrid and New York City. Her undergrad is in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in international social justice. Her hopes are to eventually continue her studies in Ethnomusicology in South Africa. When Jasmine isn’t working she is curled up with a heart-wrenching memoir, spending time with strangers or painting giant canvases.

Making The Most Of Summer In Korea

Summer has always been one of my favorite seasons for obvious reasons–sunshine, warm nights, beach trips, endless ice cream, and more. Once I moved to Korea to teach English, I realized that navigating the summer season was going to be a little different from what I was used to back home. With the right planning, you can make the most of the summer and enjoy all the unique experiences Korea has to offer.

 

Public fountain show at Banpo bridge in the summer in Korea

Escape To Nature

Summer is a great time to enjoy all of the beautiful nature that Korea has to offer. My favorite summertime destination is Yangyang beach. Yangyang is perfect for water sports enthusiasts like me because they offer surfboard and kayak rentals. I took a surfing lesson there last summer and it was a blast! Yangyang also has a skatepark and some really fun beach clubs and bars, so it’s an ideal place to spend the weekend.

 

If you’re into hiking, then you should check out Seoraksan National Park. This is one of the most beautiful views in all of Korea and features stunning waterfalls and rock formations along the way. We caught the most amazing sunset there which made the hike a core memory of my time in Korea. Seoraksan is a couple hours drive from Seoul, so if you’re looking for something local I recommend you try one of these other hikes.

 

An English teacher hiking Seoraksan Mountain in the Summer in Korea

Events and Festivals

One of the biggest events of the summer is the Boryeong Mud Festival. This festival happens every July and is a great chance to see the Korean coast while enjoying DJ sets, mudslides, and a chance to make new friends. Another great summer event is Waterbomb. Waterbomb is aptly named because it’s a music festival where festival goers have water fights while dancing under the sun. The 2024 lineup is featuring amazing artists like Jay Park, Jessi, Taemin, and more.

English teachers attending the water bomb festival in the summer in Korea

Beating the Heat

If you want to enjoy all the summer events, you’ve got to find ways to stay cool. I grew up with the dry heat of the Canadian summer, so the humidity in Korea took me by surprise. Fortunately, I have found reliable ways to beat the heat. My top tip is to invest in a hand-held rechargeable fan. This will be your best friend during the summer months! My fan also doubles as a phone charging bank which is super convenient. Fans like this are usually sold in subway stations or stores like Daiso.

 

You should also be sure to carry a light-weight umbrella. Not only will this be useful during the rainy season, but Koreans also use umbrellas to block the sun’s rays. We all know it’s much cooler in the shade, so this trick has saved my life while walking to work. My last tip is to invest in a summer wardrobe with moisture-wicking fabrics. I bought myself some shirts and dresses at Lotte department store that were either linen or polyester and it has made a huge difference keeping cool in the summer.

 

People using umbrellas to block the sun in the summer in Korea

Once you’re set with the right clothes and accessories, you can beat the heat by indulging in traditional summer treats like bingsu. Bingsu is a shaved ice dessert that features a ton of delicious flavors. My favorite are mango and green tea. I also suggest you get a pass to the public pool closest to your neighborhood. My friends and I spend nearly every weekend at the pool so we can enjoy the outdoors and stay refreshed by hopping in and out of the water. If you’re not outdoorsy, I recommend you spend your summer enjoying all of the air-conditioned cafes in Korea. Cafe culture here is next level and they never skimp on AC!

 

Shaved ice dessert called Bingsu at a cafe in summer in Korea

Summer Memories

Whether you’re a seasoned expat or a new teacher, summer in Korea is truly special and I hope that you can make the most of every moment. There is no shortage of things to do, so slap on that sunscreen and get out there and enjoy!

 

An English teacher holding sparklers on the beach in the summer in Korea

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.