South Korea has so many interesting and historical  holidays that add to its rich culture. Some of these holidays are serious and rooted in pain and suffering and independence. Some of these holidays are rooted in ancient history, honoring those of the past and gathering families from near and far. Some are not nationally recognized, but rather lighthearted celebrations of love or friendship. I am by no means an expert, so this is not a history or Korean holidays. This is a brief overview of Holidays in South Korea that I hope sparks you interest in learning more about this country.

2hearts1seoul: https://www.youtube.com/c/2hearts1seoul

Sources for Holiday information:
Korean New Year: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_New_Year
March 1st Movement: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_1st_Movement
Children's Day: https://publicholidays.co.kr/childrens-day/
Parents Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents%27_Day
Teacher's Day: https://www.korea.net/NewsFocus/Society/view?articleId=136259
Memorial Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day_(South_Korea)
National Liberation Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Liberation_Day_of_Korea
Chuseok: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuseok
National Foundation Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaecheonjeol
Hangul Day: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangul_Day
Couples Holidays: https://www.creatrip.com/en/blog/6481

Let's be honest... Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, no matter where you live. Join me as guest, Torin, describes some of her personal horror stories from her times here in Korea.  From broken bones, miscommunications, and silly mishaps, join us as we dish the tea about some horrible times in Korea.  We also discuss Torin's own unique experience of choosing to come to Korea and explore her "why" for choosing this interesting country.

Please keep in mind, everyone's experiences are different and valid. One person's version of "horror" may not be the same for everyone and that's okay. Nor does one person's version of "horror" diminish another's experiences and feelings. 

Mentioned in this episode: 
- Talk to me in Korean 
- Madang Flower Cafe: https://www.instagram.com/madangflowercafe/?hl=en
- Osulloc: https://www.osulloc.com/kr/en

A huge thank you to my guest, Alandra, for helping me talk about All Things K-drama. On episode 3 of Confessions of an Expat in Korea, Alandra and I give a rundown of the formula for K-dramas and several  things you can typically expect from them. Male and female leads, glow-ups, themes, plot-twists, you name it! We also give a few synopses for some impressionable K-dramas we think you should watch. SPOILER FREE. This is a fun listen for all, even if you are knowledgable about K-dramas. We also discuss Alandra's own unique experience of choosing to come to Korea and explore her "why" for choosing this interesting country.

Mentioned in ep. 3 All Things K-drama:
- Koreans React: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvltHD80Qg8
- Viki Streaming Service: https://www.viki.com/
- 2PM: https://2pm.jype.com/  or https://www.youtube.com/user/2pm
- Astro: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZqY2yIsAM9wh3vvMwKd27g
- Gusto Taco: http://gustotaco.com/difference

- A Record of Youth 
- Boys Over Flowers 
- Secret Garden 
- My First First Love 
- Coffee Prince
- What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?
- Kill Me, Heal Me
- My Golden Life 
- Just Between Lovers 
- My ID is Gangnam Beauty 
- Playful Kiss 
-W (*The drama that Alandra and I recommend newbies start with)
- Pinocchio 
- While You Were Sleeping 
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
- Goblin 
- Descendants of the Sun 
- A Korean Odyssey 
- Hotel de Luna
- Reply 1988
- Reply 1995
- Reply 1997
- Touch Your Heart 
- Itaewon Class 
- Hospital Playlist 
- Strong Woman Do Bong Soon 
- Oh My Ghost 
- Graceful Family 
- It's Okay To Not Be Okay 

Welcome to Confessions of an Expat in Korea! This podcast has been a long time coming. As your host, Elise, I explain my journey to come to South Korea, how this podcast came to fruition, and some of my favorite things about Korea!

Help our Asian American and Pacific Islander community:
https://stopaapihate.org/
https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aapi-community-fund

Things mentioned during this episode:
My instagram: https://www.instagram.com/confessionsofanexpatinkorea/
My youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVosFVRHWKZcYOpfcIOCukw
Rachel and Jun: https://www.youtube.com/user/MyHusbandisJapanese
Korvia: https://www.korvia.com/
Adventure Teaching: https://www.adventureteaching.com/
EPIK: http://www.epik.go.kr/index.do
**International TEFL Academy referral code: https://www.internationalteflacademy.com/lp-referral-program?grsf=yo0dhl 

This podcast features the song "Inspiration" by Rafael Krux, available under a Creative Commons license.

*I am not endorsing, nor am I linked with any of the companies or creators mentioned in this podcast. I am simply sharing my experiences and the resources to enable you to do your own research and decide if you would like to incorporate what I mention in your life.  
**I do receive a small monetary benefit for those who sign up using my referral code.