Settlers of Seoul

Robert Koehler is a long-time Korea resident, who rose to fame - at least among expats in Korea and those interested in the country - by way of blogging. The Marmots Hole, as his site was called, was for a time arguably the most well-known and well-written blog of its kind. It was certainly a tremendous conduit for those interested in Korean politics, society, history, and just general everyday life here.

Now Robert spends his time wearing many hats - he writes books, he edits columns, he tours, and he takes photos - beautiful photos. We talk about all of that, his decision to terminate the Marmot, and what it's like living in Seoul for some two decades.

You can follow him on instagram at rjkoehler74, and while you're there check out TooSix Media Group at tsmg_sound. This episode was recorded and co-produced at their studio in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea. You can also check them out at their website at toosixglobal.com.

Full show notes can be found at www.settlersofseoul.com

Lastly, don't forget to rate Settlers of Seoul on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

Darcie Draudt is a PhD candidate in the Department of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University. She is currently in Seoul as a Korea Foundation dissertation fieldwork fellow and a visiting scholar at the Yonsei University Department of Political Science. Darcie's research comprises US-Northeast Asian relations and Korean identity and multiculturalism, and we spend a lot of time on what it means to be Korean today and how the country is grappling with internationalism and growing migration, and how that forces a reconciliation of sorts with traditional - or lets say, conventional - Korean values and perceptions of self. You can connect with Darcie on Twitter, @darciedraudt and view all of her work and current research at darciedraudt.com

As always if you like the show please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, it's the fastest way to help grow our audience. And lastly, a huge thank you to TooSix Media group, which is making this show possible by recording and co-producing Settlers of Seoul at their studio in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea.

You can check them out on Instagram at tsmg_sound and at their website toosixglobal.com

Full bios and show notes can be found at settlersofseoul.com

Colin Marshall is a Seoul-based essayist, broadcaster, and public speaker on cities, language, and culture. He writes the Los Angeles Review of Books Korea Blog, and his work has appeared in Guardian Cities, Open Culture, the Times Literary Supplement, and many more. Colin is also a regular contributor to a Seoul urbanism radio feature on TBS eFM's Koreascape. You can follow him on Twitter and at colinmarshall.org

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by TooSix Media Group and recorded and co-produced at their studio in Hongdae, Seoul, South Korea. You can check them out on Instagram at tsmg_sound and also at their website, toosixglobal.com

Full bios and show notes can be found at www.settlersofseoul.com

Joey Croner is the founder and owner of The Dice Latte board game cafe in Seoul's Dongdaemun district. In this interview we talk about the market for board games in Korea, what the locals like to play, discuss what it's like starting one's own business in Korea, and how The Dice Latte distinguishes itself from competitors.

This last part is hugely important as board games become tremendously popular not just in Korea but seemingly everywhere. Keen listeners to Settlers of Seoul have noticed the name was inspired by a certain board game – a favorite of my friends and family. Anyway, The Dice Latte is a really cool spot and I encourage everyone to check it out - after, of course, listening to this podcast.

For bios and show notes please visit www.settlersofseoul.com, and connect with the show on Facebook and Twitter, at Settlers of Seoul.

Laura Bicker has worked for the BBC for 18 years. She is currently the BBC Seoul Correspondent, covering everything from North Korea to women's rights. She is one of the more well-known foreign correspondents on the peninsula, not only for her excellent news coverage but for her willingness to ask the kinds of questions and dig deeper in a way the local press does not. Connect with Laura on Twitter @BBCLBicker

For bios and show notes please visit www.settlersofseoul.com, and connect with the show on Facebook and Twitter, at Settlers of Seoul.

For bios and show notes please visit www.settlersofseoul.com, and connect with the show on Facebook and Twitter, at Settlers of Seoul.

Paul Carver heads the Seoul Global Center, a multi-lingual, comprehensive support center that provides counseling on a wide range of issues like business, legal concerns, labor disputes and real estate, and much more. The center also provides resources to start your own business, education classes including the all-important language training, and even organize networking and volunteer events for the local and international community. You can connect with the Seoul Global Center here.

Full show notes available at www.settlersofseoul.com

Walter Foreman is the Director of UC Riverside's International Education Center in Gangnam (GNUCR), content monitor for the Korean government's Culture and Information Service, and the host of tbs eFM's Weekly Review. Previously communications manager for Korea University's Office of International Affairs, Walter as well has extensive radio and print media experience, hosting the shows Inside Out and Weekly Edition. He's also an avid car lover and Pez collector. You can connect with Walter on Twitter @walter_foreman and GNUCR at http://www.gnucr.net

Show notes, bios, and links can be found at www.settlersofseoul.com

Alastair Gale is the former Korea bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal and now Japan Editor, writing about Japan's economic, business and security challenges. Alastair has lived in Asia for over two decades covering the two Koreas, including the emergence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Prior to Seoul, Alastair spent several years in Singapore and Tokyo. He's originally from the U.K. and graduated from the University of Bristol with a degree in Philosophy and Mathematics. You can connect with Alastair at [email protected] and on Twitter @AlastairGale

Show notes and links can be found at www.settlersofseoul.com

Matt Rutledge is a voice actor, radio announcer, and co-founder of TooSix Media, which he founded in 2009 with his wife of 10 years, Kay Rutledge (정경옥). The TooSix brand (Media and Global) connects native-speaking voice and translation talent with Korean companies across all industries. A publishing company, TooSixHouse, will launch in 2018. Matt also entered the exciting food services industry in 2017 as a partner with CraveFood. You can connect with Matt and TooSix at www.toosixglobal.com

Show notes and links available at www.settlersofseoul.com