Category: Lifestyle

09 Feb

Valentine’s Day in Korea

Valentine’s Day in Korea: A Softer, More Inclusive Take on Love

Valentine’s Day in Korea hits a little differently than it does back home. My first year here, I walked through convenience stores packed with pink packaging, heart-shaped chocolates, and themed gift boxes—it all felt familiar at first. But then I realized something important: Valentine’s Day in Korea isn’t really for everyone.

It’s specific. And once you understand how it works, the holiday becomes far more interesting—and way less pressure-filled.

How Valentine’s Day Works in Korea

In South Korea, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, but with a twist. Traditionally, women give gifts to men, most often chocolate. Men don’t give anything on this day—instead, they return the gesture one month later on White Day (March 14).

Once I learned this uniquely Korean tradition, everything clicked. The atmosphere is noticeably quieter than in North America. There’s less of the “everyone must be in love today” expectation and more of a subtle cultural rhythm that locals understand without making a big show of it.

What Valentine’s Day in Korea Is Like If You’re Single

Here’s the part I genuinely love: being single on Valentine’s Day in Korea is completely normal.

There’s no pressure to dress up, no awkward “So what are you doing tonight?” conversations, and no sense that the day is somehow incomplete without a partner. Most of my single friends treat it like any other day. Some grab dessert after work, others meet up for drinks, and some—myself included—buy themselves chocolate because, honestly, why not?

This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday, which also makes it a perfect excuse to go out to a bar or club and casually scope out other potential singles. Who knows? Love might be in the air.

And if clubbing isn’t your thing, no worries. Last year, I went to a café after work, ordered a slice of cake, and noticed that half the people around me were doing the exact same thing. Solo dates. Laptops open. Headphones in. My Valentine’s Day felt comforting rather than lonely.

A Valentine’s Day That Feels Softer

Compared to Canada or the U.S., Valentine’s Day in Korea feels far less performative. There are fewer grand public displays and less pressure to prove your relationship to the world. It’s quieter, more symbolic, and genuinely sweet in its understated way.

The holiday is also part of a trio of relationship-themed dates. After Valentine’s Day comes White Day (March 14), followed by Black Day (April 14), when single people traditionally eat jajangmyeon together. Whether you participate or not, it’s comforting to know there’s space for everyone.

Defining Valentine’s Day on Your Own Terms

Whether you’re coupled up, single, or somewhere in between, Valentine’s Day in Korea gives you permission to define the day for yourself. There’s no single right way to celebrate—and honestly, that might be my favorite part of all.

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.

02 Feb

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Why I Love Convenience Store Shipping in Korea

One of the most unexpectedly useful things I’ve learned while living in Korea is that convenience stores do everything. And I mean everything. Need socks at 2 a.m.? Want to print documents? Out of dish soap? Easy.

But the real game changer for me was discovering that you can ship packages directly from convenience stores like GS25 and emart24.

I’ve used convenience store shipping in Korea to send birthday gifts to friends, return online shopping orders, and even prepare packages headed all the way back to Canada. It might sound intimidating at first, but once you try it, it’s shockingly simple.

High-speed trains are the fastest option—Seoul to Busan takes about 3 hours—while buses are cheaper but slower due to traffic. Either way, you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride as South Korea’s countryside whizzes by. If you’re looking for the best places to travel outside of Seoul, start with these destinations.

Why I Love Convenience Store Shipping in Korea

The first time I used it was out of pure desperation. I had bought a last-minute birthday gift and realized the post office was already closed. A coworker casually said, “Just send it from GS25,” like this was common knowledge.

Ten minutes later, I was printing a shipping label at a kiosk next to a ramen display.

The biggest advantage? Convenience stores are everywhere and open late. I’ve shipped packages at 11 p.m. in sweatpants. That alone deserves serious respect.

What You Can Ship from Korean Convenience Stores

Convenience store delivery services are surprisingly flexible. You can use them for:

Domestic shipping within Korea
Online shopping returns (Coupang, Musinsa, etc.)
Sending gifts to friends in other cities
Small international packages (availability depends on location)

For larger or cheaper international shipping—like sending boxes to Canada—I usually go to the post office. But for everyday domestic shipping, convenience stores are hard to beat.

Step-by-Step: How to Ship a Package from GS25 or emart24

Step 1: Pack Your Item

I usually pack my box at home, but if you forget, no problem. GS25 and emart24 both sell:

Shipping boxes
Bubble wrap
Tape

I once wrapped a Christmas gift entirely with convenience store supplies. Was it elegant? No. Did it arrive safely? Absolutely.

Step 2: Use the In-Store Shipping Kiosk

Inside the store, look for the shipping kiosk—usually near the printer or ATM.

Here’s what to do:

Select 택배 (delivery/shipping)
Choose domestic shipping (or international, if available)
Enter:
- Sender name and phone number
- Receiver address and phone number
Select the courier (often CJ Logistics)

The interface is mostly in Korean, but it’s very intuitive. I’ve used Papago hovering over the screen more than once, and it works just fine.

Step 3: Print and Attach the Label

The kiosk will print your shipping label.

Attach it to your box
Bring the package to the cashier
Pay the shipping fee

Domestic shipping usually costs ₩3,000–₩5,000 (about $2–$4 USD).

The cashier scans the label, gives you a receipt, and you’re done.

Step 4: Track Your Package

Your receipt includes a tracking number. I usually:

Screenshot it immediately
Send it to the recipient
Forget about it until I get a text saying, “It arrived!”

One major perk of domestic shipping in Korea is speed—next-day delivery is very common.

Sending Packages Back Home (Canada Edition)

For Christmas packages or larger shipments to Canada, I usually:

Pack everything neatly at home
Weigh the box at a convenience store
Take it to the post office for international shipping

Still, convenience stores come in clutch for:

Buying boxes and tape
Last-minute packing supplies
Shipping items domestically to someone flying home

Why Convenience Store Shipping Feels So “Korea”

What I love most about convenience store shipping is how perfectly it fits into daily life here. Everything is designed to be efficient, accessible, and practical. No appointments. No long lines.

I can buy banana milk and ship a birthday gift in under five minutes.

Once you try convenience store shipping in Korea, you’ll never look at GS25 or emart24 the same way again.

An English teacher on the way to the gym

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

26 Jan

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Our Cozy Hanok Stay in Gapyeong

A couple weekends ago, a group of us decided we needed a proper winter escape — and ended up in Gapyeong, a laid-back countryside gem of a city just outside of Seoul. Gapyeong is one of those places that’s incredibly easy to get to, and our trip turned out to be one of my favorite mini-getaways yet.

How We Got There

Getting to Gapyeong from Seoul is super convenient — you can take the subway to Gapyeong Station (가평역) and then grab a taxi to wherever you’re staying or exploring next. From Seoul it’s usually about an 80-minute subway ride with a couple of transfers, and the occasional ITX train can be quicker but it really depends on timing so I would recommend the subway any day. We found a traditional hanok on Airbnb not too far from the station, which ended up being the highlight of the whole trip.

Our Hanok Stay

From the moment we arrived I knew this was going to be a different kind of weekend. The hanok had that classic wood-oven heated floor (called ondol), which means the floor literally radiated warmth — exactly what you want during the winter chill. Our host showed us the heating system where she would stoke the fire every few hours to heat the hanok the traditional way, a really special experience that I have never seen before. We slept on floor mats right on top of that heated wooden goodness, and it was honestly one of the coziest sleeps I’ve ever had.

Our host was incredible. She gave us homemade kimchi straight from her kimchi pots along with seasonal veggies, and kept insisting we play our music as loud as we wanted, since we had the whole house to ourselves with no other guests around. Check-in and check-out were seamless, and she even used Papago, a Korean-English translator, to chat with us whenever we needed anything which made the whole experience feel effortless.

Outside, there was a huge BBQ pit, perfect for grilling at night while we sipped tea and listened to music under clear winter skies, a total contrast to city living in Seoul. We stopped at a grocery store near the station to pick up a bunch of meat and veggies to prepare for dinner. The kitchen of the airbnb came stocked with oils, salt, pepper, and other cooking essentials which was extremely useful.

More Things to Do in Gapyeong

Even though we really just spent time relaxing at the hanok, Gapyeong has so much to explore nearby if you’re up for it:

Cheongpyeong Lake – A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and outdoor activities like boating and water sports in warmer seasons.

The Garden of Morning Calm – A massive, serene arboretum with themed gardens and seasonal festivals (especially gorgeous with the winter lights).

Gapyeong Rail Park – Rent pedal bikes and ride along old train tracks with scenic views — perfect for an active afternoon but probably better in the summer or spring season.

Why This Weekend Still Feels Special

For me what made this trip so memorable was the combination of cozy downtime and real Korean countryside life. I love living in Seoul but there is something so refreshing about waking up without an alarm, making breakfast in a wood-warmed house, and planning your day around simple pleasures with your besties. Gapyeong reminds you that you don’t always need skyscrapers or packed shopping malls and cafes to have fun. Sometimes all you need is a traditional hanok, a chilly breeze, and the freedom to blast Beyoncé without judgement.

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

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/

14 Jan

CareerCultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

My Journey as a TEFL Teacher in Korea

Living and working as a TEFL teacher in South Korea has been one of the most transformative and exciting chapters of my life. From the moment I arrived, I knew Seoul was a city like no other—fast-paced, vibrant, and endlessly captivating. It’s a place that never truly slows down, and before long, it had completely pulled me in.

Daily Life Teaching English in Seoul

My weekdays quickly settled into a familiar rhythm. Life as a teacher revolved around lesson planning, teaching enthusiastic students, and grabbing quick coffees from convenience stores found on nearly every corner. Teaching English abroad can be demanding, but the energy of my students made every day rewarding.

Once the final bell rang, however, the real adventure began. Living in Seoul means there’s always something new to explore, and I made it my mission to experience as much of the city as possible after work.

Food and Culture: Eating Out in South Korea

One of the first things I fell in love with was eating out—an essential part of Korean culture. From sizzling plates of samgyeopsal at Korean BBQ restaurants to the iconic chimaek combination of fried chicken and beer, food quickly became a weekly highlight.

Street food stalls were impossible to resist. The smell of spicy tteokbokki, sweet hotteok, and skewered meats filled the air, drawing people together after long days at work. Dining out in South Korea wasn’t just about food; it was about shared tables, easy conversations, and a strong sense of community.

Weekend Rituals and Korean Baseball

Weekends brought a whole new level of excitement. Attending Korean baseball games on Saturdays became one of my favourite rituals. These games were electric—cheerleaders, chanting crowds, and convenience-store snacks in the stands. It felt less like watching a sport and more like joining a city-wide celebration. Before long, I had a favourite team and a full set of chants memorised.

Career Growth: Becoming a Teacher Trainer

As my confidence grew, a new professional opportunity opened up: becoming a Teacher Trainer at Chungdahm. This role pushed me in ways I hadn’t expected. I began supporting new teachers, leading workshops, and sharing classroom techniques I’d developed over time.

Stepping into teacher training allowed me to see education from a broader perspective. It challenged me to refine my skills, think critically about teaching methods, and grow as both an educator and mentor.

Nightlife and Unique Experiences in Seoul

Of course, life in Seoul wasn’t all work. The city’s nightlife is incredibly diverse. Some nights were spent enjoying craft beer in Hongdae, others dancing in Itaewon, or unwinding in cozy speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors.

I also tried experiences I never would have imagined back home—like private-box cinema viewings, where I reclined in my own enclosed suite while snacks were delivered straight to my seat. On another weekend, friends and I went go-karting, racing around indoor tracks with the competitiveness of Formula 1 drivers.

Final Thoughts: Teaching English Abroad in South Korea

Looking back, my time as a TEFL teacher in South Korea was far more than just a job. It was a lifestyle, a cultural deep dive, and a personal turning point. Seoul challenged me, shaped me, and gave me memories I’ll carry forever.

For anyone considering teaching English abroad, South Korea—and Seoul in particular—offers an unforgettable mix of professional growth, cultural immersion, and adventure.

06 Jan

FoodLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Best Places to Travel Outside of Seoul

As easy as it is to get around Seoul, it’s just as easy to explore other cities and towns across South Korea. The country is well connected by an extensive train and bus network, making travel outside Seoul simple and affordable.

Sokcho: Beaches, Mountains, and Incredible Food

Travel time from Seoul: ~2 hours 20 minutes (bus only)

Sokcho is a charming coastal city on Korea’s east coast, known for its history, food, and access to nature. The city has deep roots in the Korean War, especially at Abai Village, a small island settled by North Korean refugees. It remains a meaningful and unique place to visit today.

Sokcho is also famous for:

Beautiful beaches
Hiking trails in Seoraksan National Park
Local specialties you won’t find elsewhere

Must-Try Foods in Sokcho

술빵 (Makgeolli bread)
홍게 (Red snow crab)
오징어순대 (Stuffed squid)
닭강정 (Sweet and sour fried chicken)
물회 (Cold raw fish soup)

Where to stay: Sokcho Hutte Guest House — the host is incredibly kind and even makes egg-and-cheese sandwiches in the morning.

Jeonju: Hanok Village and Traditional Korean Food

Travel time from Seoul: ~1 hour 50 minutes

Jeonju is one of the best cultural destinations outside Seoul. It’s most famous for Jeonju Hanok Village, where you can walk traditional streets, rent a hanbok, and take photos in every season.

Top things to do:

Explore Jeonju Hanok Village
Visit Wansan Park, especially during cherry blossom season
Try iconic Korean dishes

Famous Foods from Jeonju

Bibimbap (비빔밥): A rice bowl topped with vegetables and a fried egg, served with gochujang
Bean sprout soup (콩나물국): Made with sprouts, tofu, anchovy broth, garlic, and green peppers

Jeonju is a must-visit for food lovers and anyone interested in traditional Korean culture.

Gangneung: A Relaxing East Coast Getaway

Travel time from Seoul: ~2 hours (train or bus)

Gangneung is another popular beach destination near Seoul, especially in the summer when locals escape the city’s humidity. The city offers a slower pace, beautiful coastlines, and comforting local food.

What to Eat in Gangneung

Boribap (보리밥): Barley rice mixed with seasonal vegetables
Served with soup and assorted banchan (side dishes)

Gangneung is perfect for travelers looking for a calm seaside atmosphere without flying.

Busan: Beaches, Temples, and Big City Energy

Travel time from Seoul: ~2.5–3 hours by train

Busan is South Korea’s second-largest city and one of the most popular destinations outside Seoul. Taking the train is highly recommended (and yes—watch out for zombies 😉).

Highlights of Busan

Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach
Fresh seafood and street food
Stunning coastal temples

Temples to Visit

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A dramatic temple built on seaside cliffs, with a beautiful bamboo walkway
Samgwangsa Temple: Famous for its lantern displays during Buddha’s Birthday and scenic walking trails

Jeju Island: Nature, Beaches, and Unique Local Food

How to get there: Flight from Gimpo or Incheon Airport

Jeju is a volcanic island south of the mainland and one of the most beloved travel destinations in South Korea. Flights run frequently, making it an easy trip despite being off the coast.

Why Visit Jeju?

Quiet beaches like Hyeopjae Beach
Fresh local cuisine
Incredible outdoor activities

Famous Jeju Foods

Jeju black pork, found only on the island
Hallabong oranges, sweet and juicy citrus unique to Jeju

Jeju is also home to Hallasan Mountain, the tallest mountain in South Korea, offering unforgettable hiking experiences.

Final Thoughts: Traveling Beyond Seoul

Whether you’re interested in beaches, food, history, or nature, traveling outside Seoul opens up an entirely new side of South Korea. With convenient transportation and diverse destinations, these cities are perfect for weekend trips or longer adventures.

03 Jan

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Daegu’s Mini Disneyland – My E-World Experience

A Day at E-World Daegu 🎢🎡

The Perfect Chuseok Getaway in South Korea

During Chuseok, my friends and I made a spontaneous but perfect decision to spend a weekday at E-World in Daegu, one of South Korea’s most popular amusement parks. We went on a random Tuesday, which turned out to be ideal—there were fewer crowds, manageable ride lines, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. Even though some attractions were limited due to the holiday, we still had an amazing time.

Rides and Attractions 🎠

E-World Daegu offers a wide range of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions. We purchased day passes for around 49,000₩ (about $36 USD), which gave us unlimited access for the entire day.

Some of the rides we enjoyed included:

Camel Back – A long roller coaster with two big drops
Boomerang – A high-speed coaster with forward and backward motion
Top Spin – Spins riders in multiple directions
Viking (Pirate Ship) – A classic swinging ship ride
Megaswing 360 – A massive pendulum that rotates a full 360°
Tambourine – A spinning and bouncing flat ride
Hurricane – Fast seat rotations with strong centrifugal force
Sky Drop – A tall free-fall drop near the iconic 83 Tower
(Pro tip: don’t eat right before this one!)

In addition to thrill rides, E-World also has many kid-friendly and family attractions, such as a merry-go-round, flume ride, bumper cars, and other gentler rides—making it a great amusement park for all ages.

Food Options at E-World 🍔🍦

One thing I loved about E-World was the variety of food options. The park has cafes, snack trucks, and a full cafeteria.

We started with popular theme park snacks like Tornado Potatoes (potato swirls on a stick) and Korean corn dogs with Coke. Later, we grabbed lunch at the cafeteria for 11,000–12,000₩ (about $8.40 USD). The meal included tonkatsu, white rice, pickled radish, corn, and pickles, plus access to a self-serve bar, which was both filling and convenient.

The park also provides free water stations, so you don’t need to spend money on bottled water. Later in the day, I treated myself to ice cream and coffee, each costing around 7,000₩ ($5.20 USD)—pretty standard café prices in Korea.

Animal Feedings 🐇🐐

One of the highlights of our visit was the animal feeding area. For just 1,000₩ (about $0.75 USD), we were able to feed bunnies, goats, alpacas, deer, and llamas using carrots and celery.

The feeding area is separate from the main rides, which made it feel more interactive and special. Just be careful—some of the animals will happily try to eat the paper cups if you’re not paying attention!

Activities and Park Amenities 🎮

Since it was October, the weather was slightly chilly but still perfect for walking around all day. The park has plenty of benches and seating areas, making it easy to rest between rides.

E-World also provides cubbies near rides to store backpacks and purses, which was extremely convenient. We also played several arcade and outdoor games, including shooting games, basketball, baseball, and axe throwing. These typically cost 3,000–5,000₩, depending on the number of tries, and felt reasonably priced for the experience.

Final Thoughts 💭

Overall, E-World Daegu felt like a welcoming, affordable, and family-friendly amusement park. The combination of fun rides, cute decorations, animal experiences, and surrounding nature made the entire day feel relaxed and a little magical.

It was the kind of day where you don’t rush—you walk, eat, ride, talk, and simply enjoy being together. If you’re looking for a Chuseok activity in Daegu or a laid-back amusement park in South Korea, E-World is absolutely worth visiting.

English teachers posing for a photo in wetsuits before getting lessons at Surf Holic

Kaitlynne Maldonado, Marketing Assistant

I have always been passionate about traveling and experiencing different foods and cultures. So after I graduated with my bachelor's in psychology from Central Christian College of Kansas, I decided it was time for a change of scenery. From working as a Registered Behavioral Technician, I packed my bags (and paperwork!) and leaped to teach as an English teacher in South Korea! When I'm not in the classroom, you can find me exploring hidden cafes to try different types of matcha drinks, trying street food, or attempting to hike the mountains near me. I am thrilled to continue this journey and have an experience of a lifetime!

19 Dec

LifestyleMoneyTechnologyBy aclipse

Getting a Mobile Phone in Korea

Mobile Phones in Korea: Apple or Samsung?

When you move abroad, getting a cell phone plan is usually at the top of your to-do list. So what’s it like choosing a phone in South Korea?

Back home, most of my friends were iPhone users. Group chats, photo sharing, AirDrop—everything was Apple. Naturally, I brought my iPhone with me when I moved to Seoul. But in Korea, Samsung is practically a national treasure.

After living here for several years, I’ve come to understand both sides. If you’re wondering whether Apple or Samsung is better in Korea, here’s my honest, lived-in breakdown.

Why I Stick With Apple in Korea

I’m an Apple person through and through—partly out of loyalty, partly because every device I own lives in the Apple ecosystem. When the Apple Store in Hongdae opened last year, I was genuinely excited. Half my friends thought I was joking when I said it was life-changing, but it really was.

Before that, Apple users in Korea had to rely on authorized resellers or random repair shops for fixes and battery replacements. Now, I can book a Genius Bar appointment and be done in one visit.

Apple Pros in Korea

Apple Stores in Hongdae and Myeongdong make repairs and support easy
iMessage and FaceTime are essential for staying in touch with family abroad
AirDrop is perfect for sharing photos and work materials instantly
Seamless ecosystem with my MacBook, AirPods, and iPhone
Many foreigners in Korea use iPhones, making communication simpler

Apple Cons in Korea

KakaoTalk, Korea’s essential messaging app, works slightly better on Samsung
Fewer Korean apps are fully optimized for iOS
Some Korean apps are unavailable if your phone is tied to a foreign App Store
Repairs and accessories tend to be more expensive
Apple Pay only rolled out recently, so it’s still less widely accepted than Samsung Pay

Why Koreans Love Samsung

Samsung is one of Korea’s biggest global brands, and that national pride shows. If you live here long enough, you’ll notice how deeply Samsung is woven into everyday life—and honestly, the hype is justified.

The latest Galaxy phones are powerful, beautifully designed, and extremely practical for life in Korea.

Image placeholder

Samsung Pros in Korea

Samsung Pay works almost everywhere—taxis, convenience stores, street food carts
Better integration with Korean apps like:
- Naver
- Coupang
- KakaoTalk
- Subway and navigation apps
Samsung service centers are everywhere, making repairs fast and easy
Frequent phone discounts through Korean carriers
Outstanding camera quality, especially for night photos

Samsung Cons in Korea

Messaging can be awkward if your family and friends use iPhones
Switching is harder if you already own multiple Apple devices
Some international apps and workflows are more Apple-friendly

Apple vs Samsung in Korea: My Honest Recommendation

After years of living in Korea, here’s my simple rule of thumb:

Staying 1–3 years? Stick with Apple. Communication with people back home is easier, and Apple Stores now make maintenance simple.
Staying long-term? Go with Samsung. If you rely heavily on Korean apps and want maximum day-to-day convenience, Samsung just fits better.

Samsung Pay alone can make life smoother—whether you’re hopping on a bus, grabbing street toast, or impulse-buying something on Coupang.

So which camp are you in? If you’re starting your life as a teacher in Korea, you’ll quickly figure out which phone works best for your lifestyle.

Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant

09 Dec

LanguageLifestyleBy aclipse

How I Started Learning Korean in Daegu: My Experience at TheBox

Learning a new language is always a challenge. When I first moved to Daegu, South Korea, I was worried about how I was going to learn Korean. Even though speaking or understanding the Korean language is not required, I still wanted to learn the language. A new country, a new job, a completely new environment- I hoped to find a way to learn some Korean basics to enhance my experience while teaching English in Korea.

A co-worker told me about a community space called TheBox. She said it was free for foreigners and incredibly welcoming. I was nervous and unsure whether I was ready for something like that, but eventually, I decided to give it a try.

What is TheBox?

TheBox is a language- and culture-exchange center in Daegu that helps people learn Korean (or English, depending) in a relaxed, social setting — not a typical “stuffy classroom.”
It offers level-based Korean classes (from complete beginner to more advanced), focusing on conversation, listening, reading, writing — a full spectrum of language skills.
Beyond formal language lessons, TheBox also runs language exchanges and social groups: an opportunity for foreigners and Koreans to meet, talk, and practice language together in a friendly, informal environment.

Taking the First Step Into TheBox

Seven months ago, I finally stepped inside TheBox. I was scared and shy at first, but I was welcomed by a staff member named Matthew, who kindly explained how everything worked.

One of the best things about TheBox is its flexibility. They’re open every day, and you can choose what sessions fit your schedule.

Weekly Schedule

Weekdays

Morning tutoring: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
English conversation: 11:00 AM – 12:40 PM
Evening tutoring: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
English conversation: 8:00 PM – 9:40 PM

Weekends

Tutoring: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
English conversation: 1:00 PM – 2:40 PM

What the Learning Environment Is Like

After each one-hour tutoring session, there’s a short break before the English conversation groups begin. As a native English speaker, I was placed in groups with Korean learners who were eager to practice.

If you’re shy or hoping to build confidence in conversation, this setup is perfect. You can talk about the prompt provided or choose your own topic- family, culture, movies, sports, anything. After 50 minutes of chatting, there’s another break before switching to a new group.

These conversations don’t have to be strictly in English. I often asked my Korean friends how to say certain phrases or how to pronounce something. It became a natural language exchange and a great way to meet new people in Daegu.

How My Korean Improved in Seven Months

Now, after seven months at TheBox, my Korean has improved dramatically. I can order food and drinks on my own, ask simple questions, and navigate daily life much more confidently. I’m far from perfect, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

The best part is the relationships I’ve built along the way. I now have cafés and restaurants I visit regularly where the staff help me with pronunciation and sentence structure. These small interactions make learning exciting instead of scary.

Finding Community as a Foreigner in Korea

Living in Korea as a foreigner can feel lonely at times– your family is far away, the language is unfamiliar, and everything feels new. But finding a community makes all the difference.

For me, TheBox became my second family. They support me, teach me about Korean culture, and make Daegu feel like home. This place isn’t just a language or cultural exchange center- it’s a space where people grow, connect, and build a foundation in a new country.

If you’re living in Daegu and looking for a place to learn Korean, meet new people, or simply feel less alone, I highly recommend checking out TheBox. Taking that first step changed everything for me, and it might for you too. And TheBox is just 1 of many culture and language exchange organizations throughout Korea. Here’s some in Seoul to consider as well!

Kaitlynne Maldonado, Marketing Assistant

29 Nov

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Our Glamping Experience in Gyeongsang, South Korea

Recently, my friend Miranda and I enjoyed an unforgettable glamping experience in Gyeongsang, South Korea. From peaceful mountain views to a cozy RV stay, here’s a full recap of our relaxing getaway.

Getting There

Our trip began in Daegu, where we took the subway to the bus terminal, then a bus toward the mountains, followed by an Uber. A car would have been easier, but since this was our first spontaneous trip outside Daegu without the KTX, we made it work- and it added to the adventure!

Warm Welcome & RV Accommodation

When we arrived, the owners greeted us warmly and helped us settle into our beautiful RV. The interior felt modern, clean, and aesthetic- perfect for anyone who loves white-and-grey suburban vibes. The RV came fully equipped and incredibly comfortable, making it easy to relax.

Inside the RV:

Sink, shower, small table, and bathroom
Cookware, utensils, and stove
Cozy queen bed
Essentials: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, dish soap, towels, and more

All we needed to bring was food and snacks (though the snack shack was convenient and affordable).

Activities & Amenities

Pool & Outdoor Fun

Swimming pool (we couldn’t swim due to rain)
Friendly roosters, chickens, and bunnies
Hiking trails with tons of photo spots

Entertainment & Recreation

Karaoke room for your Beyoncé moment
Game room with ping pong and pool
Trampoline room, fun for both kids and adults

Relaxation & Social Areas

Barbecue pit and bench
Several outdoor seating areas
Snack area next to the pool

Culinary & Cultural Experience

Although we brought our own food, the owners shared delicious Korean dishes with us. Their hospitality made our stay incredibly special. Using Papago helped us chat with them and their daughter, who spoke a bit more English.

Nature & Exploration

We hiked up the mountain and captured gorgeous photos and videos. The scenery felt straight out of a fairy tale. The owners were always available to help and answer questions, making the entire experience smooth and enjoyable.

Pricing & Costs

Accommodation (2 nights / 3 days):

RV rental total: 56,000₩ ($37 USD)
Per person (split between two people): 230,000₩ ($156 USD)

Transportation:

Round-trip bus tickets per person: 28,000₩ ($18 USD)
Taxi ride: 15,000₩ ($10 USD)
- We needed a taxi since the bus only went partway up the mountain.
The owners kindly drove us back to the bus station at the end of our stay.

Extras:

Snacks and drinks purchased on site

Lifestyle

Category: Lifestyle

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Famous Jeju Foods

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Animal Feedings 🐇🐐

Activities and Park Amenities 🎮

Final Thoughts 💭

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Apple Cons in Korea

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What is TheBox?

Taking the First Step Into TheBox

Weekly Schedule

What the Learning Environment Is Like

How My Korean Improved in Seven Months

Finding Community as a Foreigner in Korea

Getting There

Warm Welcome & RV Accommodation

Inside the RV:

Activities & Amenities

Pool & Outdoor Fun

Entertainment & Recreation

Relaxation & Social Areas

Culinary & Cultural Experience

Nature & Exploration

Pricing & Costs

Accommodation (2 nights / 3 days):

Transportation:

Extras:

Contacts

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