Confessions of an Expat in Korea

Something I heard is most difficult thing is preparing for South Korea. What do I need to know? What should I pack? How should I go about my life before I come?  In the episode "What I Wish I Knew & Preparing for South Korea " I put together some recommendations for you based on my experience of pre-Korea panic and what I know about Korea now. I hope this can help you feel more prepared for Korea and less stressed all around!

Mentioned in the podcast:
International TEFL Academy
2hearts1seoul
Kara and Nate
Cari Cakes 

Curious about an experience in Korea since Day 1 of COVID? Everyone's experience is different, but listen here if you are interested in listening to my experience of first hearing about COVID, to experiencing it myself. 

I realize this time period has been a tough one. And while some moments in this episode may seem like complaining (Okay, I'll admit, they are at times),  my intention is not to complain, but rather lay bare the details of my experience. Not every decision made by myself or the government have been the best, but at the end of the day we are all human and just trying our best. 

Please stay safe and healthy~ 

Confessions of an Expat in Korea hit 1000 downloads! Thank you so much for your kindness and support. I can't wait to see how much we grow in the future. 

That being said,  due to a heavy workload, responsibilities, and my need and desire to focus on my mental and physical health, Confessions of an Expat in Korea will continue to share stories of Expats from all over the world who have lived in South Korea, but on a bi-weekly basis. As a one-person team, I will try my best to bring you more content you will enjoy. 

Thank you so much for your understanding and support! 

All the best, 
Elise 

Content Warning: Explicit language is used. Listener discretion is advised. Although every person's thoughts may differ, it is interesting to see what makes an impression on someone and why. Guest, Rachel, and I discuss our first impressions of Korea and a few moments of culture shock.

Let's talk tattoos. A huge thanks to guest, Carlina, for discussing all things tattoos in Korea! Although Korea still has a long way to go, it definitely has come a long way in the past few years in regards to tattoos. Living near Seoul, you can see men and women strutting the street with an assortment of tattoos, from delicate micro tattoos to full sleeves and neck tattoos. From black ink to all the colors in between the rainbow, there are a variety of tattoos created and administered by incredibly talented artists. But all of this comes with a dangerous legal twist for tattoo artists in Korea. Check out the episode to find out!


Tattoo accounts mentioned:
@Studiobysol
@tattooist_yeon
@pittakkm
@eunyutattoo
@seora_tattoo
@jjun_tattoo
@tattooist_dal
@minari_tattoo
@0.what_tattoo
@bee n_tattoo
@wunil_tattoo
@tattooer_phantom
@donghwa_tattoo
@tattooist_color.b

Recommendations:
- Coupangeats App
-Dr. Jart replenish BB cream

Learning Korean is both a joy and a struggle. Join returning guest, Torin, and I as we discuss our thoughts and experiences about learning Korean and some comical moments we have had in between. From watermelon men, glasses grandpas, and scolding ahjussis it has been fun learning Korean and we tell you why! We also give pros and cons to each style of learning, too. If you want to learn Korean, HERE'S YOUR SIGN! Do it!

Some things mentioned in this episode:
- Seoul Global Center (business center and Korean class facilitator)
-Papapgo (app)
- LingoDeer (app)
- Duolingo (app)
- Eggbun (app)
- Teuida (add)
- Quizlet (app)
- HelloTalk (app)
- Drops (app)
- Yonsei Coursera
- Korean 101
- Talk to Me in Korean 

Traveling within South Korea has brought me immense joy and opportunities. Because public transportation is so affordable and ready, it makes it so easy to access the entire country. Although travel has been less due to COVID, I have found safe ways to travel and explore, if not in a more cautious way.

Check out part 1 of this episode here:

Places / things mentioned:

WINK Travel group
Pocheon Art Valley

Naejangsan National Park
Juknokwon bamboo forest and art center
Boseong Daehyeon Green Tea Fields
Naganeyoseong Folk Village

Suncheon
Suncheon bay national Garden
Suncheon Bay Eco Park and Suncheon Bay Sky Cube

Taebaek Mountain

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort
Banga Tours

Gangneung
Gangmun Haebyeong
Gyeongpoho Lake
Coffee Cupper Museum

Jeju
sinyeongsokchi bathing resort
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Udo Island
woljeongri bathing resort
Mango holic
Camelia Hill
Osulloc Tea Museum
Innisfree Jeju House

Sokcho 
Seokcho Jungang Market
Soraksan National Park
Bada Jeongwon Cafe

Jeonju 

Bitten by the travel bug? Look (or listen) no further! Come to South Korea and check out all these places I’ve been to. You won’t be disappointed.

Korea has had strict guidelines when it comes to COVID, especially for entering their country. COVID quarantine in Korea can be a unique experience. Guest, Sonja, has offered up her Korean quarantine experience, which was interesting to say the least, with a positive attitude. She also offers sound advice to those who may be coming to Korea who also have to quarantine, which is sound advice for anywhere you go, really. 

Mentioned in the pod: 
- TRAZY: https://www.trazy.com/
- Stardew Valley: https://store.steampowered.com/app/413150/Stardew_Valley/
- Jjajjangmyeong
- Libby: https://libbyapp.com/welcome
- Libby for apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/libby-by-overdrive-labs/id1076402606
- Libby for google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.libby&referrer=utm_source%3Dmeet_libby
- overdrive: https://www.overdrive.com/

Moving to a new country is overwhelming, and difficult to say the least. Trust me when I say, I learned things the hard way. From making my home feel like home, to transportation and traveling, please learn from our mistakes.

Guest, Carlina, has loads of experience, as this is her second time living and teaching in Korea. She gives us loads of advice on the best and quickest ways for expats to adjust to life in Korea and how to make Korea feel like home. 

Mentioned in this podcast:
Previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1748768/8485239 

Global Seoul Mates: https://globalseoulmates.com

09 women: http://09women.com/ 

International TEFL Academy: https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/lp-referral-program?grsf=yo0dhl