Travel Archives

Category: Travel

04 Dec

Bringing Pets To Korea

In South Korea, pet strollers are outselling baby strollers. Needless to say, South Koreans love their pets, particularly their little dogs! I’ve seen so many cute dogs and equally cute pet stores (selling everything from little hanboks to sweet treats), I’ve considered getting a dog a couple of times. If you want to move to South Korea and already have a pet, here is some information on how to do it.

Travel Requirements

First of all, it’s a little difficult to say exactly what documents you’ll need to prepare in order to get your pet to Korea because it depends on your home country, the type of pet, and how old your pet is. However, here are a few of the basics that most pets are required to have:

A rabies vaccine
A microchip that is ISO-compliant
Health certificate from a USDA accredited veterinarian

For more information on what exactly your pet will need in order to fly to South Korea, you can start here on the US Department of Agriculture’s website.

Flight Logistics

Like with domestic travel, traveling internationally with a pet is going to vary slightly from airline to airline. A major airline between the U.S. and South Korea is Korean Air (I used this one when I moved to South Korea). On their official website, they outline the steps they require for people traveling with pets. You can check it out here, but here are a few of the most important details regardless of airline.

Make sure your pet is permitted on board. On most airlines, there’s a limit to how many pets and what kind can travel with you on board the flight and in the cargo hold.
Get a quarantine certificate. This will change depending on what country you’re flying out of, but airlines might want to see a quarantine certificate showing your pet is in good health.
Buy a pet carrier if you don’t already have one.
Arrive extra early to the airport and make sure you have extra copies of important documents for your pet.

Apartments

If you’re moving to South Korea with a pet, make sure to let your recruiter and Creverse branch manager know as soon as possible, so they can help streamline the transition, especially when it comes to apartment hunting. Be forewarned, not all apartments in Korea allow pets, and if your contract provides housing for you, there may be no way around it. You’ll need to find other arrangements for your pet back home.

If your contract doesn’t include housing, the most important thing to do is make sure your realtor knows you’ll have a pet with you! As long as your realtor knows you have a pet, they should be able to find suitable housing for you, but be prepared to pay extra fees for living arrangements.

If you’re still unsure about where to start, check out this helpful Youtube video with more information on getting your pet to 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.

18 Sep

RelocationTravelBy aclipse

Flying From America To Korea

The Big Move!

After months of anticipation, the day finally came for my big move to Seoul. My flight departed Richmond airport at 7am on Thursday, August 8th. The night before, I spent 3 hours with my family figuring out which of my clothes to bring to Korea. That moment was so bittersweet, but here I go: I’m flying to Korea!

Saying “See you later!” to the people you care about most can be really hard, but I try to remind myself that this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I won’t regret. After saying a slightly tearful goodbye the morning of my flight, I completed my luggage drop off at the Delta kiosk and handed off my checked bags.

TIP: Make sure to check-in for your flight on the airline app BEFORE you are there. You can choose how many bags you’re checking, skip the check-in line by using a kiosk, and select what seat you want. It will make your life so much easier!

The Layover

I arrived at the Atlanta airport around 9am and my layover was only an hour. Not only was my flight to Incheon across the airport (Atlanta is HUGE), my flight from Richmond landed 20 minutes late! Needless to say, I sprinted through the airport and hopped on the plane train as soon as I could.

I made my flight with 15 minutes to spare. This was my first long haul flight and I made sure to pack my personal item bag with all of my essentials (toothbrush, blanket, pillow, eye mask, headphones, etc.)

TIP: Make sure to have easy access to a map of the airport where your layover is to reduce stress! Flights are delayed all the time, and the second leg of your flight is not going to wait for you.

The Main Flight

Our flight finally took off at 10am and within the first hour we received our first meal. I chose the spicy pork rice bowl and it tasted delicious! Unfortunately that was our only full meal on the 14-hour flight. Our other meals consisted of different types of pastries and yogurt. Check out all of the food I ate on my flight here!

The rest of my flight consisted of watching my current hyper-fixation show (“From Me to You: Kimi ni Todoke“) and sleeping A LOT.

TIP: Make sure to DOWNLOAD whatever entertainment you wish to watch on your device. Most international flights you need to pay for wifi, and the wifi will not last the whole flight. I downloaded 2 whole seasons of my show and had a couple episodes to spare.

Arrival

I landed at Incheon airport around 3pm the following day. The first thing that you will do once deboarding the plane is go through Korean customs. We were all given an arrival card to fill out. There are English instructions on the back of the card. Make sure to fill this card out BEFORE you enter the customs line.

Once I filled out my card I entered the customs line with my visa and passport in hand. From there it’s pretty simple: the worker calls you, you give your fingerprints, they sticker your passport, and then you are done!

Baggage claim is also very straightforward. There will be screens telling you which flight’s luggage is at each baggage claim. When in doubt, look for the other people from your flight and where they are standing.

Once I grabbed my luggage, I went straight to the currency exchange counter to exchange my American cash for Korean won.

TIP: BRING CASH! It is so much easier to exchange physical currency at the airport instead of trying to find an ATM.

After getting my cash, I used my “Klook” app to activate the eSIM that I purchased before my flight. Once I received my Korean number, I was able to create a Kakao Taxi account and call a taxi to my hotel. The airport will also have taxi services, but make sure to not get in a black taxi. They are super expensive!

The ride to my hotel was a little over an hour. Once I arrived, I immediately showered, unpacked my bags, and breathed a sigh of relief. I’m finally in Korea!

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.

26 Jun

RelocationTravelBy aclipse

10 Must-Pack Items When Moving To Korea

Back when I first arrived in Boseong—for my new role as a teacher—I immediately realized that packing wisely was key to making a smooth transition into the Korean teaching landscape. Below are 10 must-pack items for your Korean adventure!

1. Universal Power Adapter

It’s super helpful when you need to plug your devices onto their 220 volt system. I recommend getting a universal adapter so you can use it when you travel to other parts of Asia that don’t use 220 as well! Here’s a great post on the details of how the voltage system differs, and what kind of adapter you may want to get.

2. Multi-Functional Backpack

A versatile backpack to help stay organized even when you’re transitioning from the classroom to a night out in Korea.

3. Medication & Doctor’s Note

Include a doctor’s note for prescription medications and double-check Korea’s custom laws to guarantee a smooth transition into their healthcare system.

4. Shoes

Ensure you pack enough pairs of shoes—in your specific size—for various occasions. As larger shoe sizes in Korea can, at times, be difficult to find.

5. Layers for All Seasons

Prepare for the varying temperatures with versatile clothing suitable for different weather conditions.

6. One Formal Outfit

In case you get invited to a Korean wedding… or two.

7. Korean Phrasebook and Language Apps

A small phrasebook, or even a language app, can help you navigate communication in and out of the classroom. Here’s our blog on what apps you will need for Korea.

8. Practical Kitchen Essentials

A reusable water bottle… compact cookware… and familiar spices can make your new living space feel like home!

9. Extra Deodorant

Roll-on deodorants are readily available, but if you’re not used to them, then make sure to pack a few till you can find yours in foreign shops or online.

10. Copies of Important Documents

Having duplicate copies of passport, visa paperwork, and other crucial documents (physical and digital)—streamlines administrative processes and provides a safety net.

As you embark on this incredible teaching journey in Korea, these 10 must-pack items will ensure that you’re ready for many aspects of your adventure. Pack with purpose, stay open to new experiences, and may your time in the Land of Morning Calm be filled with transformative lessons, cultural discoveries, and lasting connections. Safe travels!

*For more detailed Packing Tips!

An English language teacher hiking in the mountains of South Korea on the weekend

Joe Achacoso, Aclipse Recruiter

Joe Achacoso first embarked on his ESL journey in 2010, to satiate his longing desire for travel! An opportunity intended for a year turned into a 10-year tenure—as an English teacher, faculty manager, instructor trainer and curriculum developer. His adventures in global education continued with a master’s, and it came full circle when he joined Aclipse’s recruiting team—hoping to help the like-minded achieve the same transformative experience.

05 Jun

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

14 May

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

How To Take A Weekend Trip To Busan

One of my absolute favorite parts of living in South Korea is how safe, affordable, and fun weekend trips can be within the country. Here are some of my best tips and recommendations for visiting Busan!

Getting There

You can get to Busan by plane, train, or bus. I opted for the train. After work, I took a taxi to Seoul Station for about 16,000 won, which is only about $11 USD! Taking public transportation is totally feasible, but I decided to splurge to get there a little faster. The train stations are extremely easy to navigate in Korea. Once I was there, I grabbed some snacks for the journey and boarded the high-speed KTX bullet train. Two and a half hours later, I was in Busan! (One-way tickets can be as cheap as $25 USD for a regular train and $37 USD for a high speed train.)

Where To Stay

Korea has all the accommodation options you would expect to see in the U.S. from AirBnB to hotels and hostels! There’s something for everyone regardless of budget. I actually met up with some family from back home, and we splurged on a nice AirBnB overlooking Gwangalli Beach. However, budget travelers don’t need to worry. We saw many inexpensive accommodations along the coast. While Haeundae Beach is another popular area in Busan, I loved staying near Gwangalli Beach!

What To Do

Now that you’ve gotten yourself to Busan and have somewhere to stay, the fun part begins: Exploring the city! Here are a few recommendations I have from my recent trip!

Mereumereu: With a balcony view and a cute puppy to greet customers, this little cafe is a great brunch spot for anyone taking a weekend trip to Busan! If you’re staying near Gwangalli Beach, this cafe is on the way to Haedong Yonggung Temple! I recommend the souffle pancakes!

Haedong Yonggung Temple: A temple by the sea! Haedong Yonggung Temple is a must see for anyone wanting to see what a Buddhist temple is like and enjoy the beautiful South Korean coast!

Yungkangjjie: We stumbled upon this Taiwanese restaurant completely by accident, but it turned out to be a Michelin star restaurant! Casual, delicious, and quick, this restaurant is a must visit while in Busan. I especially recommend the mapo tofu and fried eggplant!

Be Spontaneous

Korea has taught me to be spontaneous and look off the beaten path when it comes to travel. Whether you’re hoping to move to Korea or already live here, I encourage you to book the train, plane, or bus ticket and start exploring this beautiful country on the weekends!

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.

12 Apr

LifestyleRelocationTravelBy aclipse

Why I Loved Teaching English In Korea

Applying To Teach On a Whim

My best friend in college is from Seoul, so I decided to visit her the summer before my senior year of College. I was only there for four days, and had no expectations, except to go to a Hello Kitty cafe and to eat a lot of beef. I had close to zero context for Korea, so what I experienced was a sort of reverse Paris Syndrome. Everything took me by surprise, and just felt nice. The crisp cold, the subway jingles, the pace, and the view of a mountain anywhere you looked.

When it was time to look for jobs, I saw a posting on the university job board and applied to teach in Korea on a whim. The idea of finding a cushy corporate job in a big city in the states didn’t sound appealing. Moving abroad and starting over felt ideal. So without giving it much thought, I just did it. I moved in August and so many little things made sense. Having my own apartment with a view of the skyline, walking alone at midnight without worrying about safety, trying foods that not even LA Korean food could live up to. It’s so culturally, historically, aesthetically rich, and there’s such an eye to craft and care that you don’t see in the states.

Moving To Korea

My homesickness dissipated very quickly. Just within training week, I met other teachers who became my best friends. It was surprisingly a lot easier to make friends than I anticipated. I was part of a lot of Facebook groups, but more often I was able to meet people just by being out and about at cafes or at clubs. I also met more and more teachers from other branches, which helped, as we were able to share anecdotes of the hilarious, sweet, and ridiculous things our students would say and do. I’ve maintained these friendships to this day. One just had a baby, another I just had dinner with in Seoul, and one who I video call every month, often to just reminisce about our years together teaching English in Korea.

My First Year

Within that first year, I traveled to Mongolia and the Philippines, got lasik eye surgery, tried live octopus, and was tour guide to my family and multiple friends from home. I quickly realized that it was very easy to save money, even with shopping, traveling, and eating out a bunch. Because of severance pay and receiving my pension contributions, I was able to save about 18,000 USD within the year, which let me travel abroad for two years after that. I went through so many places in Asia, Europe, and even lived in South Africa for a while. When I ran out of money, it was a no brainer, so I applied to teach in Korea again.

Round 2!

This time, I got even more from the experience. I taught with CDI, with the older students, which I loved because we were able to really engage with each other. I got asked to be a marketing assistant, which was so fun and easy, sharing details about my experience with prospective candidates. Shortly after, I also got recruited to be a trainer at the Training Center, showing the incoming teachers the ropes. Training was honestly just as fun as teaching, giving me extra income and a chance to meet even more new people. These opportunities came so seamlessly, and the jobs were so easy and enjoyable that I didn’t have to think too much about them.

Life After Korea

After that year, I felt a little bit antsy to travel elsewhere, so I ended up moving back to South Africa for a while. I had saved a lot that I didn’t have to worry about working, and delved into learning how to tattoo, and pursuing other creative interests. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without all the savings I had from teaching. I’ve since moved to New York, but I’m always fantasizing about what would’ve happened if I stayed. As silly as it sounds, I feel like making that decision to move to Korea really remedied any chances of me having a mid-life crisis. I spent my 20s doing exactly what I wanted, with a low-stress, fulfilling job, safe home environment, and ample time for hobbies. I experienced so many things that I wouldn’t have imagined I’d do throughout a lifetime. I bonded with my students, and still email with them to this day. I visited so many countries, met some of my best friends, and basically let my curiosity lead me wherever. Teaching in Korea allowed me to explore all my desires, and I have no regrets about how I’ve spent my time up to this point.

When Aclipse reached out to me last fall about becoming a recruiter, it was an even easier decision. It feels like such a full circle moment, being on the opposite end of the process that I started all those years ago. Whenever candidates ask me for my honest opinion, I say just go. You really never know what is out there for you, and it will probably exceed what you can even imagine.

Nico Salvador is from Los Angeles, California and graduated from Brown University with a degree in English. She planned to stay in Korea for one year after graduation, but ended up teaching on and off for five years. After travelling the world, Nico now lives in New York and works as a Recruiter for Aclipse while pursuing other new ventures. She has held several key roles at Creverse throughout her time teaching in Korea, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next!

10 Apr

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Staying At a Buddhist Temple In Korea

Stepping Into Another World

When I first walked up the steep incline from the bus station to the entrance of Guinsa Temple, I felt a little like I was stepping into another world. A quieter, more tranquil one. Nestled between the mountains, Guinsa Temple’s beauty is both unexpected and awe-inspiring. I knew immediately my weekend at the temple would be unforgettable.

This is one of the many reasons why I love living in South Korea. While I live and work in Seoul, the nation’s capital, it’s easy for me to hop on a bus or train on the weekends and explore different parts of the country. Buddhist temples in South Korea offer temple stays, a unique experience where you can spend the night at a temple and live like a monk. If you choose to move to South Korea, this is an absolute bucket list item. I’m already planning my next temple stay!

Food For Thought

The first thing I did upon arrival was change into the clothes the temple provided for me, a simple set of pants and a vest that I wore over my own shirt. Next, I went over to the cafeteria for lunch before the experience officially began. Guinsa has a public cafeteria, where they loaded me up with delicious vegetarian food. Rice, soup, green beans, tofu, cantaloupe, and, of course, kimchi were just a few of the things I ate while there.

Next, I went over to the meeting hall to make mala beads with the rest of the temple stay participants (about 15 people from all over the world). Afterwards, we went to have afternoon tea with a monk. This by far was one of the most rewarding aspects of the entire experience for me. Guinsa Temple actually has more female monks than male monks, and we got the chance to speak with a female one. Although she spoke Korean and I only know English, our guide for the temple stay was a wonderful interpreter, so I never felt like I was missing out!

Witnessing The Ceremony

After a tour of the entire temple grounds, we attended an early evening ceremony. It was fascinating to participate in a religious tradition so different from the one I was raised in. I thought I might feel uncomfortable or out of place, but I never did. While I have no plans to convert to Buddhism any time soon, having this experience at all has challenged and expanded my worldview for the better.

Finally, after dinner in the monks’ private dining hall, I went back to my room for bedtime. I shared the room with strangers, three women from around the world. I’d like to say we all went to bed early, but that’s not what happened. We spent hours, in typical sleepover fashion, oversharing everything on our minds: Travel, dreams, politics, inside jokes created just a few hours earlier.

This Is Why I Did This!

One of my favorite parts of living abroad is all the opportunities I’ve had to meet people with different experiences and nationalities from my own. These are the types of memories I know I’ll cherish for the rest of my life, whether it’s connecting with a 72-year-old Buddhist monk or laughing until midnight with a fellow American who grew up on the other side of the country from me.

Life-long Memories

Eventually, we went to sleep but not for long. My alarm went off at 3 a.m. I rolled out of my bed—a sleeping pad on the floor—and made the trek back up to the main temple. Huddled in the cold, we waited outside for the 3:30 a.m. ceremony to start. This time, it involved meandering the grounds with the monks before making our way back to the temple, where the ceremony continued. The mountains in the middle of the night are quiet, reverent things. I won’t forget the chill in the air, the sound of the monks singing, or the feeling that I was a part of something special any time soon.

Check out templestay.com to check out all the different temples and locations you can visit!

12 Mar

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Visiting Japan While Teaching English In Korea

Teach English And Travel!

Perhaps my favorite thing about teaching English in Korea is how easily accessible travel is. In just six months of living in South Korea, I’ve traveled to 4 bucket list cities in the country and spent countless weekends exploring Seoul itself. From Jeju Island and its clear blue water to Jeonju and its beautiful architecture, South Korea truly has so many epic places to explore. Join me on my latest excursion visiting Japan!

Popular East Asian Destinations

When I decided to take my first international trip (yes, it’s financially and logistically possible to travel internationally while teaching English in Korea), I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, I was so delighted to realize that traveling internationally from Korea is just as easy as traveling domestically. Some popular international destinations from Korea include Japan, Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

Tokyo Travel Costs

For my first trip, I flew to Tokyo, Japan for a week. Gimpo Airport and the flight (2 hours and 20 minutes) were a breeze. When I lived in the United States and would travel internationally, I always suffered from horrible jet lag. This time, I got to have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation while never switching time zones from Korea or dealing with the fatigue and brain fog that accompanies jet lag. I ended up staying in a hostel for my week in Tokyo, which only cost me about $160 USD in total. Plus, I got to meet people from all over the world! Airfare from Seoul to Tokyo is extremely affordable in my opinion. Depending on when you decide to go, it can cost as little as $170 USD!

The first time I set foot in Asia was when I moved to Korea to teach English. The most rewarding part of vacationing in Japan was getting to see a different side of Asia than what I’ve been exposed to in Korea. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Korean culture, particularly the food and the language. A few of the highlights were learning to make gyoza and visiting Sensoji Temple. It brought back memories of visiting Guinsa Temple in Korea last fall, and it inspired me to sign up for a kimchi making class here in Seoul!

Residency Pays Off!

When I returned to the airport in Korea, I got the best surprise. Because I am an ARC holder (the residency card you receive while teaching English in Korea), I got to go through the line with Korean passport holders and skip customs with the other citizens. Not only did this feel a little like having a super power because the line was faster, but it also made me feel like I belong in Korea in a way I’ve never experienced before! It was the perfect homecoming after a week of international travel visiting Japan!

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.

12 Mar

CultureLifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Korea’s Cherry Blossom Season

Full Bloom

If you’re teaching in Korea this spring you won’t want to miss out on the Cherry Blossom season. Cherry Blossoms typically bloom in late March to early April, and cover the country in beautiful pink and white flowers. Keep in mind that the exact timing can vary each year due to factors like rainfall and cold weather. This year, you can expect the season to be in full bloom by the beginning of April. I will share with you some of my favorite parts of the Cherry Blossom season!

Cherry Blossom Hotspots

Cherry Blossom trees can be found across Korea but there are some really magical spots that you should definitely check out.

Seokcheon Lake: This is my all time favorite place to enjoy the Cherry Blossoms. Smack dab in the middle of the lake is Lotte World- a famous indoor/outdoor amusement park. And just a block away is Korea’s largest building – Lotte Tower! I recommend taking a walk around the lake to enjoy hundreds of trees that have transformed into cotton candy clouds! Here’s a sneak peak:

Gyeonghwa Station: The atmosphere here is super romantic and is the perfect place to take Instagram pictures. You can find this train station in Jinhae City which features a Cherry Blossom tunnel that looks like it’s from a fairy tale. Jinhae is a 29-minute taxi ride from Busan.

The Garden of Morning Calm: This park is located in Gapyeong which is an easy day trip from Seoul and honestly feels like the set of a Disney movie. I recommend going there during the evening because the garden and pond are lit up with colorful lights at night.

Themed Desserts & Drinks

Another thing I love about Cherry Blossom season is all the themed desserts and drinks. Cupcakes, macarons, and ice cream are some of my favorite seasonal treats that feature the bright, delicious sakura flavors and color palette.

Cafes also offer lattes and teas that you can enjoy. I recommend the Cherry Blossom White Chocolate Latte at Starbucks that can be found at locations across Korea starting in March. I also like to order Cherry Blossom tea in local cafes which is super fragrant and delicious!

When you’re teaching English in Korea, each season brings something new to enjoy and the Cherry Blossom season is definitely a highlight of the year! I hope you check out some of these beautiful blossoms and enjoy them while they last.

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.

05 Mar

LifestyleTravelBy aclipse

Exploring Jeju Island In Winter

Exploring Jeju: The Hawaii Of Korea

Jeju Island is also known as “the Hawaii of Korea.” When I visited Jeju in February, I was worried the island would be a little boring because it was wintertime. However, my Korean friends pushed me to visit, telling me Jeju is beautiful during the winter, and I’m so glad I listened! From Seoul, Jeju Island is an hour long plane ride. So it is a perfect getaway when you are on your days off from teaching English! With its palm trees, clear blue water, and laid-back atmosphere, it really did feel like I was in Hawaii! Here’s some amazing ways of exploring Jeju Island in the winter.

Walk the Beaches

We only spent a few short days on Jeju, but we ended up exploring three different beaches on Jeju. While it’s a little too cool to go swimming, we admired the clear blue water, people-watched fishermen sorting through their catch for the day, and collected seashells. Honestly, a part of me wished I could move to Jeju, so I could take a walk along the beach everyday after work. I recommend Hyeopjae Beach!

Visit Art Museums

Maybe you’re not much of an outdoorsy person. That’s okay! Jeju Island has plenty to offer for folks who would rather spend their time inside. We spontaneously decided to check out Arte Museum Jeju, and I’m so glad we did! Each room featured a different light installation. It was like stepping into a museum from the future! If that doesn’t sound like your thing, Jeju has plenty of other museums for you to explore!

Cafe Hopping

If Korea does one thing well, it’s cafes. Jeju Island is no exception to this rule. We stopped into multiple cafes while visiting the island, but my favorite was Fluffy Cafe. We completely stumbled upon this place and ended up eating the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes. The staff was friendly, and my friend was able to grab some souvenirs for her family back home too! Anywhere you move in Korea, you’ll be able to find cute cafes to spend your weekends hanging out in, but I was really impressed with what Jeju had to offer.

Hike Hallasan National Park

Smack dab in the middle of the island, Hallasan National Park is perfect for anyone who loves hiking! Because of Jeju’s mild climate, I love that I can visit any time of year to hike in Hallasan National Park, even winter! While our trip was just a little too short to check out Hallasan National Park, it’s my motivation to visit the island again ASAP!

There are so many things to do on your days off from teaching English in Korea. Exploring Jeju Island is one you definitely don’t want to leave of your bucket list! When I got back to Seoul, the city had a good covering of a snow, so it was nice to see some sun!

Category: Travel

Travel Requirements

Flight Logistics

Apartments

The Big Move!

The Layover

The Main Flight

Arrival

1. Universal Power Adapter

2. Multi-Functional Backpack

3. Medication & Doctor’s Note

4. Shoes

5. Layers for All Seasons

6. One Formal Outfit

7. Korean Phrasebook and Language Apps

8. Practical Kitchen Essentials

9. Extra Deodorant

10. Copies of Important Documents

Escape To Nature

Events and Festivals

Beating the Heat

Summer Memories

Getting There

Where To Stay

What To Do

Be Spontaneous

Applying To Teach On a Whim

Moving To Korea

My First Year

Round 2!

Life After Korea

Stepping Into Another World

Food For Thought

Witnessing The Ceremony

This Is Why I Did This!

Life-long Memories

Teach English And Travel!

Popular East Asian Destinations

Tokyo Travel Costs

Residency Pays Off!

Full Bloom

Cherry Blossom Hotspots

Themed Desserts & Drinks

Exploring Jeju: The Hawaii Of Korea

Walk the Beaches

Visit Art Museums

Cafe Hopping

Hike Hallasan National Park

Contacts

Our Pages

Latest BLOG POSTS

Why I’m Teaching In Korea A Second Time

Bringing Pets To Korea

How To Use Coupang, The Amazon Of Korea