A Foreigner in a Korean Kitchen

This has been a really relaxing weekend for us. We decided to stay in Jinyeong and stay at home and relax. We are typically go, go, go on the weekends and end up feeling really tired and spending a lot of won.

Hi Seoul! Soul of Asia in a Fantastic Visit

This saying can be seen on signs everywhere around Seoul. We went to Seoul for the weekend. We wanted to revisit some places from our last trip, especially Samcheongdong. We arrived late Friday night and went back to Rainbow and Woodstock.

An American in Korea for Memorial Day

We had a three day holiday weekend for Memorial Day. Ours was one week later than in the states. We decided to go to Busan for two nights, since we usually only stay for one and always leave early and feel like we are missing out on so many fun things.

Exploring in Dadaepo Beach, South Korea

 Our latest explorations took us to Dadaepo Beach, in Busan.  We set out and met our friends at a subway stop and then took a bus out to the beach.  Dadaepo is known for being a bit out of the way and not as built up as Busan's other beaches. 

Common Expat in South Korea Questions Finally Answered

As a follow up to a previous Q & A post we have been asked more questions and here we will answer them, in case you were wondering the same. Yesterday, Nikki happily chatted with two good friends Amanda and Kelsey on the phone. They had similar questions to ask and so we decided to publish another Q & A based on our conversations. 

How to Find Peace in the Noise of South Korea

Steve and I set out today for our "quiet sitting place". There is a park near our school that has become quite beautiful with the spring bloom. Shortly after we arrived in Jinyeong we found a path off the side of the park that leads to a secluded overlook amidst burial mounds.

How Amazing to Get Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Overseas

Steve and I just ate an entire box of it! And it has stirred up a lot of thoughts and emotions in me. We received a care package today from Steve's parents and it included this small box of amazing food, among other things! Of course we didn't wait or save it for a rainy day, we ate it immediately after our evening run.

What it's Like to Teach English in South Korea

I thought I'd drop a little knowledge about our school and teaching requirements.  I mean, we do a ton of fun stuff on the weekends, but we spend most of our time at work just like anyone else.  I think I wrote a bit about our daily grind in a previous post, so I'll go into our actual teaching this time.

How to Explore the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

Over one million visitors come to the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Jinhae, South Korea.  It happens every year for 17 days near the end of March-beginning of April.   At this time the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and are quite a spectacle.  

Working with Co-Workers in Korea: ESL School Staff Dinner

Earlier tonight we had a staff dinner for all of the teachers and staff at our school.  Work dinners are nothing new, of course.  We've all been taken out to dinner by our bosses at one time or another.  The point is to improve morale among the troops and to show appreciation for their hard work.

Baring all in Busan: Spa Days and a 10k Run

This weekend was another trip to Busan full of great memories and new experiences. We arrived Saturday in the afternoon. I left Steve at Sasang and headed back down in the subway to meet up with the girls for a shopping day in Nampo. For me, this was much needed girl time! I have not had any girl time since moving to Korea. It was really nice and refreshing.

Another Great Weekend in South Korea

Just like anyone living anywhere, we look forward to the weekend.  This past weekend we had a great time (again) in Busan.  It is quickly becoming one of our favorite cities.  We arrived Saturday morning after our usual bus ride.

The Daily Grind: Working as an English Teacher in South Korea

I thought I'd write a little about our job so that you can have some insight into what we do on a daily basis.  Obviously, we love to travel to new places and meet up with friends, but we have to work sometime, right?

It's Not ALL Sunshine and Smiles: Troubles While Living in South Korea

I realized that all of my posts, to date, have been really positive and may make it seem as though Steve and I are just on a wonderful vacation in South Korea. It may seem as though we live in a world where nothing ever goes wrong and that we are always skipping merrily around, holding hands, and smiling.

What's it Like to Move to South Korea to Teach English?

Before we left the states, we were asked many questions about our decision to pick up and move to South Korea. I could not answer most of the questions, because I did not know the answers. I mostly answered these questions by saying, "I don't know, I think everything will be just fine, I am very excited." Now that I am here,  I think that I am able to answer most of the questions.

Seoul is Good for the Soul: How to Experience Seoul, South Korea

At the Seoul KTX station I tried to remember every moment of our 3 day vacation and write it all down, every last detail. By the end of the trip Steve and I were exhausted, travel weary, brains overloaded, stomachs full, but overall happy to have explored a tiny bit of one of the coolest cities in the world. I will give you a quick recap with some photots.

Moving to South Korea to Teach English: Big Changes

A week of many changes is underway. First of all, the two other foreign teachers at our school left. We had a goodbye dinner for them at a delicious Italian restaurant called Bruschetta in Changwon Monday evening. There was much sadness as we all said goodbye to them.

Snowy Valentine's Day: A Day Off While Teaching English Overseas

Today there is no school! It has been snowing all day! I walked to Top Mart to get some ramen, tuna, and orange juice. I was excited to walk around in the snow and to get some alone time. I realized in Busan, this weekend, that I hadn't done anything/gone anywhere by myself since I have been in Korea.

What it's Like to Watch the Superbowl in South Korea

Monday night Steve and I watched the Superbowl in our hotel room. It was the first big event/holiday in the states that we missed. It was the first time I really felt the sting of how far away we are from family, friends, and everything that we know.

Survival Techniques: Teaching English in South Korea

Today is Monday of our third week at work.  The first week we didn't do too much, mostly just observed the teachers who work here and learned our way around.  These past two weeks we've been spending working one-on-one with several students, giving English lessons more or less.  Work is going well, but it has taken some getting used to a new schedule and new responsibilities, just as with any new job.