Explore South Korea

Explore South Koreahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-koreaExplore South Koreahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-12-south-koreaIn this episode: Is South Korea safe right now? How food is integral to South Korean life (and what's the secret 'man food' for a bedroom boost?). Plus how to plan a super cheap around-the-world trip.2018-03-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/the-world-nomads-podcast-episode-12-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/2V9BgOBKU7Mu64Jii8i9DY?si=ucNEpy2dQ_GZeHkenEK_UQ"><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/spotify%20logo%20green.png" style="width: 46px; height: 46px;" alt="“Listen" on="" spotify="" /></a>   <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=154934&refid=stpr"><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/stitcher-logo-120x46.jpg" style="width: 120px; height: 46px;" alt="Listen on Stitcher" /></a></div> Being in the news for all the wrong reasons (thanks crazy neighbor) is no excuse to take South Korea off your travel wish list. Especially if you love hiking which is a favourite national pastime. Plus we go beyond Korean barbecue to discover how food is an essential part of South Korean life. <h2>What's in the Episode?</h2> 00:00 - Our new introduction 03:45 - Quiz question 04:11 - Arienne Parzel. South Korea off the beaten path. 12:23 - Tim and Sarah and their 20-month long honeymoon, including South Korea. 17:21 - Check in with our World Nomads in Vietnam. 20:37 - Ian Paterson's tips on getting the lowest priced round-the-world air ticket. 24:40 - Thomas Maresca and 63 years of seperation for Koreans. 32:49 - Travel news 35:11 - Gangnam Style 35;30 - On the next episode <h2>Who's on the show?</h2> Arienne Parzel is a travel writer, photographer who documents her experiences on her blog <a href="http://seeyousoon.ca/">seeyousoon</a>. She also a World Nomads contributor and penned a piece about <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea">getting off the beaten path in South Korea</a> after living in South Korea for 2 years. We talk to her about hiking and food. Arienne also mentioned Koreans have a food for everything, including boosting a man's performance in the bedroom. What is that food? Eel tail (yum yum!) Tim and Sarah are on a <a href="https://our21stcenturyodyssey.com">20-month long honeymoon around the world</a> and have just visited South Korea. They're philosophy is to do more than just check off a travel list, they love to dive deep into the culture and learn what they can. Ian Paterson has lived every nomad's dream, he's <a href="https://resfebertravelblog.com/2017/08/26/qantas-walkabout-round-the-world-flight">traveled around the world</a>, but he's done it courtesy of the most amazing, and cheap, around-the-world airline ticket. How did he do it, how much did he save doing it this way? And he shares his tips on how you can do it too. Thomas Maresca is a journalist who writes for publications such as USA Today. In the wake of the Seoul Winter Olympic Games <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/06/north-and-south-koreans-separated-decades-hope-olympics-spark-family-reunions/311513002/">he wrote about</a> how the Korean war and the drawing of the DMZ has split familes apart. How does this impact on the South Korean psyche, and what are the chances of reconciliation happening? <h2>Resources & Links</h2> Arienne Parzei’s blog is <a href="http://seeyousoon.ca/">www.seeyousoon.ca</a> and her story for World Nomads <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea">https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea</a> Ian Paterson’s blog is <a href="https://resfebertravelblog.com/">https://resfebertravelblog.com</a> and here's a link to blog post regarding best value round the world flights: <a href="https://resfebertravelblog.com/2017/08/26/qantas-walkabout-round-the-world-flight/">https://resfebertravelblog.com/2017/08/26/qantas-walkabout-round-the-world-flight</a> Check out Sarah's site <a href="https://organizedadventurer.com/">Organized Adventurer</a>. Thomas Maresca’s story: <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/06/north-and-south-koreans-separated-decades-hope-olympics-spark-family-reunions/311513002/">https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/02/06/north-and-south-koreans-separated-decades-hope-olympics-spark-family-reunions/311513002/</a> Gangnam is a nightlife area made famous around the world by <a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/0ZjxizLeMyFEjR27JIvD99">Psy’s Gangnam Style</a> hit. Tim and Sarah's photos of their visit to the DMZ: <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/South%20Korea/south%20korea%20facing%20north.jpg" /> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/South%20Korea/south%20korea%20inside%20room.jpg" /> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/South%20Korea/south%20korea%20Tim%20at%20the%20DMZ.jpg" /> <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/South%20Korea/south%20korea%20kaesong.jpg" /> Co-host Kim with Hang, our World Nomad of the week, in Vietnam. <img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Podcast/South%20Korea/south%20korea%20Hang.jpg" /> <h2 class="p3">Want to Share This Episode?</h2> Copy this code onto your web page: <iframe width="100%" height="200" src="https://player.whooshkaa.com/player/episode/id/180713?visual=true&sharing=true" frameborder="0" style="width: 100%; height: 200px"></iframe> <h2 class="p3">Want to Talk to us?</h2> We want to hear from you! If you have any travel insurance questions to <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">Ask Phil</a>, want to give us feedback on the episode, or have suggestions for topics you'd like us to cover, email us at <a href="mailto:podcast@worldnomads.com">podcast@worldnomads.com</a> <h2 class="p3">Sign up for Podcast News</h2> Explore your boundaries and discover your next adventure with The World Nomads Podcast. Hosted by Podcast Producer Kim Napier and World Nomads Phil Sylvester, each episode will take you around the world with insights into destinations from travellers and experts. They’ll share the latest in travel news, answer your travel questions and fill you in on what World Nomads is up to, including the latest scholarships and guides. The World Nomads Podcast is not your usual travel Podcast. It’s everything for the adventurous, independent traveller. Don’t miss out. Subscribe today. <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Full Transcript of the Episode</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> Announcer: Welcome to the World Nomads podcast, delivered by World Nomads, the travel, lifestyle and insurance brand. Woman 1: There's something about the islands here that touches people's souls. Man 1: Hopefully, we make an impact in the world, that people will stop killing and culling sharks. Man 2: It looked like snot, and it smelled bad, but don't let that put you off. It was good for you. Man 3: Where else in the world are you going to see the Condor three meters right in front of you? Man 4: No, absolutely. Podcast Host: I'm not sure if I want to see the condor three meters in front of me. Woman 2: So many things on our society that are throwaway, and we see [00:00:30] those things on our beaches, on our coastlines. Podcast Host: Has anyone ever pooped themselves? Man 5: Sometimes, the Germans can come off as cold. Man 6: I think it is important to remember what has happened, but also look forward, into the future, and be positive about it, and that's, I think, what Germans are. Podcast Host: It offers travelers the opportunity to teach English to children, and experience the Panamami ... Oh, that's [inaudible 00:00:52] Phil: Speaking of teaching English. Podcast Host: I've got to learn to speak it. Phil: We were all told that you can't take a leak into [00:01:00] the river. You can't urinate into the river, because there's a parasite that will swim up your urine stream. Yeah. Man 7: Yeah, Phil. You ... Podcast Host: An idiot? Announcer: It's not your usual travel podcast. It's everything for the adventurous, independent traveler. Podcast Host: Hoo hoo! What do you think of the new intro? Phil: I loved it. Very good. I like it. Podcast Host: I love Johnny Magas's voice. I could listen to him all day. Phil: I know. We keep forgetting. We've got to have him in. We've got to talk about his travels and where's he's from and everything. Podcast Host: We will do that. Phil: [00:01:30] We'll pull him in soon. Podcast Host: We have hinted in other podcasts that you will not believe what his nationality is based on his accent. Phil: We should start a competition. Oscar-style. Give away a jet ski. Podcast Host: In fact, in this podcast, we're going to speak about a competition, but we're back in the studio to record Episode 12, and we're ready ... We've been to Italy, rather, we've been to Canada, we've been to Iceland. The list goes on, you can hear them all on iTunes. But where are we off to this time, Phil? Phil: Well I'm excited about this one, I'm very interested in this as a destination. We're going to South, [00:02:00] Korea. Now as we know it's a bit of a troubled place at the moment. The Korean War in the 50s that everybody knows about the, I have to say it with the American accent, the DMZ, doesn't quite sound the same DM-Zed, demilitarized zone that's where they basically cause a ceasefire and as we're going to find out some families have been split up by the line and still haven't got back together. Podcast Host: Yup, exactly. It's full of high rises too, South Korea. In the Seoul area alone, 25 million residents. Phil: [00:02:30] Wow. Podcast Host: Is that a-Did you know that? Phil: No, I didn't know. Podcast Host: Have I delivered you almost a quiz question. Phil: That's it. Podcast Host: Sorry, I didn't mean to do that. So who is on the show? Well, Arian runs a travel blog, it's called seeyousoon.ca with a niche in adventure activities and cultural experiences. She's lived in South Korea and she does say feel it's so much more than neon lights and Kpop music. Do you like the sound of a 20 month honeymoon? Phil: Sure. Podcast Host: Oh come on. Correct answer? Phil: Not at my age, I'm not quite sure I can manage. Podcast Host: [00:03:00] Well these newlyweds Tim and Sarah loved the idea. We caught up with them after they visited South Korea, including the demilitarized zone and they're on this 20 month honeymoon. We'll ask the question why. Would you wait 67 years to see your wife? Phil: No. Podcast Host: Oh god, can you have a bit of a think? Phil: No, I wouldn't wait that long. I think that's terrible having to wait so long to see family members. Terrible. Podcast Host: With North and South Korea divided after the war in 1953, [00:03:30] we speak with a journalist about families divided and it's almost literally by a line in the sand, isn't it? Plus getting your moneys worth out of a round the world ticket, travel news, and yup, I'm sorry I've kind of ruined it for you, a quiz question but, it's your moment. Phil: Okay, here we go. When you're driving overseas, two thirds of the world drives on the right hand side. Almost all the countries where they drive on the left are former British colonies or they've got a massive British influence, but there are two Asian [00:04:00] nations which drive on the left despite no British influence. Can you name them? Two very big Asian countries. Podcast Host: Oh, I won't have a stab at it now but we'll find out at the end of the episode. Arian is a travel writer, videographer, and a photographer from Toronto and she is also a World Nomads contributor. In fact, she wrote an article for us on South Korea and it was about South Korea off the beaten track. Welcome to the Podcast. Ariane: Thank you. Thank [00:04:30] you so much for having me. Podcast Host: So there's much more to Korea than cities and neon lights and Kpop music? Ariane: Oh absolutely. I mean, those are probably the three main things that people will love about it but there's so much more to the country. It's quite diverse in what it offers for travelers, tourists as well as people who call it their new home especially expats. There's a huge expat community there. That's actually what I was doing there as well. I lived there for two years, taught English at a all boys [00:05:00] semi-private school and it was a really fascinating, interesting, and very enjoyable experience. Phil: And that was in Seoul? That was in the capital? Ariane: Actually no I was in a really small town it's called Jecheon. It's almost pretty much smack dab in the middle of the country. And at first when I moved there I was like, "Where did I go?" Coming from Toronto being a big city to a really small town was an adjustment but I actually about [00:05:30] six months into it I really enjoyed being in a small town and being able to go up to Seoul every few weeks to kinda have that big city experience but being in a small town really forced me to have to learn a bit of the language, to really get to know the culture and really just to dive head first into living in Korea. Podcast Host: Well some of the links in the article you wrote include Eating like a local in South Korea. Can you elaborate on that? Ariane: Yeah, so Korea's [00:06:00] food is really really fantastic and the biggest thing that we all know if Korean barbecue but that's just only one sort of aspect of it. Korean's love to eat depending on the season. Depending on the climate that's happening outside, so whether it's the monsoon rainy season I had foods that they'll eat then versus in the cold winter months they'll have different foods. If you're pregnant they will tell you to eat certain things. And if you're [00:06:30] a man that maybe wants to get somebody pregnant there's also foods that they encourage you to have that will help you in that department as well. Phil: Oh, go on. What do you- [crosstalk 00:06:40] Podcast Host: What do you eat? Ariane: Well they call like man strength so... Phil: Now, please tell me it's beer. Because then you know I'm okay. Ariane: Well that helps absolutely, but there are different foods and to be honest I can't [00:07:00] remember because obviously that wasn't quite my department but... if that's what you want[crosstalk 00:07:06] Phil: Tell you what, we'll look it up and add it to the show notes. We'll do that. We'll find you what you need for man strength. Podcast Host: I'm looking forward to googling that. Also, another of your links is Hiking in South Korea. Ariane: So, hiking is, I'd say, probably the most popular pass time that Korean's do. Every weekend you will see them in full hiking garb taking on some new trail or some new mountian. [00:07:30] Korea itself is very mountainous so there are endless options of trails from beginner levels to intermediate to advanced level trails. There's a lot just right in Seoul itself, which is not usual for many big capital cities to have something so adventurous right in the city center. You don't have to drive, you can take public transit to get there. But for people who really enjoy hiking it's [00:08:00] really just a fantastic destination for that. Phil: Are you talking about- what sort of grade of hike are we talking about? A good stroll? Or up to something super difficult? Ariane: Both. Both ends of the spectrum. I'd say the majority probably fall within intermediate to advanced level hiking, so using hiking sticks to help distribute the weight, to make sure you've got proper hiking shoes for that, ad to be [00:08:30] packing snacks and ample amounts of water for the trail. The cool about Koreans is that they turn their hiking into excuses to picnic and to drink while their hiking and you regularly see them stopped just on the side of the trail and almost creating a full sit down barbecue meal. And somehow they pack it all up and they carry it with them but don't be surprised if you're taking to the trails and they invite you to join in and I highly recommend that you do because that's where [00:09:00] you get the really cool experiences being in the country. Podcast Host: So, Koreans like to party. What's it like to party with a South Korean? Ariane: Hopefully you've got a lot of energy because they will go until the sun comes up. Soju is the drink of choice when you're out. It's about 20% alcohol and it's pretty much like vodka but it's distilled from rice and [00:09:30] thing will usually start at a restaurant and the way that they like to start their partying is with and then with soju. And generally what they like to do is if you're in a group, like a bit group of people, minimum one bottle of soju per person has to be consumed when you're out having a meal. And then it will progress to, maybe you'll go to noraebang for singing karaoke, which a lot more drinking is involved then. Maybe you'll go to some [00:10:00] of the bars and continue on and it's just... They like to call it keeping the atmosphere or keeping sort of the vibe and if things are going really great you're not supposed to leave. You don't want to break the atmosphere that they've created. And sometimes that means you're going until the sun comes up. They work hard and they party hard. Podcast Host: If we slow it down a little, Buddhism has been introduced to South Korea and influences the culture. What sort of temples and things [00:10:30] can you visit and what's the etiquette? Ariane: Great question. Temples are found all over the country. Predominantly, actually, one great area to go to is Gyeongju. It's the old capital city in Korea. There's a lot a lot of history there. And there you'll find one of the oldest temples in Korea it's called Bulguksa and it's a great spot to see monks actually practicing as well [00:11:00] as sometimes they offer temple stays which is also another popular activity to do where you can stay overnight in temples and learn more about Buddhism and the traditions that have been... while you're at a temple. Also a really cool temple I got to visit often because it was close to where I lived was Guinsa Temple. It's close to Danyang. And it has this incredible incredible [00:11:30] hall. It's five stories high and it's the largest in Korea, so in terms of sheer size it... I think it's something like over 10 thousand people can be in this one temple. And the architecture, if you're really into architecture it's really fantastic and makes for really fantastic photo opportunities plus, again, learning more about the culture. And I'm one who live to learn about cultures firsthand and doing a temple stay or visiting the temples throughout [00:12:00] Korea is a great way to learn more about that. Podcast Host: Well sounds like a visit to South Korea we need to be, as we say in Australia, match fit. That's up for all the eating, up for all the drinking, up for all the hiking and then maybe calm down with a visit to a temple. Ariane: Yup Podcast Host: Our link to Ariane's blog will be in our show notes. Tim and Sarah, they're on a 20 month long honeymoon. They're documenting it in their blog, "Our 21st Century [00:12:30] Odyssey." Let's check in and see if they've had a fight yet, Phil, and where did they get this idea. Sarah: Well we took a year off back in 2014 and did a year long trip around the world and when we came back we pretty much instantaneously knew that this was something that we wanted to do again. And thankfully we work as consultants and so it's fairly flexible for us with our jobs to take time off and then be able to come back [00:13:00] when we want to and dive back into the same industry. Podcast Host: And so is part of the aim to immerse yourself in the culture of the countries that you're in? You're not just simply ticking boxes? Sarah: That's right. That's definitely something that I make a personal point of sharing with others when we're talking about our trip is that travel shouldn't just be something where you have a checklist and you're just ticking off the seven wonders of the world or a certain number countries, but rather [00:13:30] you should be pursuing experiences and immersing yourself within the culture. And so, that's where we prioritize our planning os when we're looking at going to a place we think about what do we wanna learn there, what do we wanna get out of it, what do we want to give when we're there, and how can we be good examples of travelers around the world. Podcast Host: Now, you've heard of the honeymoon period? Sarah: Yes. Podcast Host: So at this point, have you had an argument? Sarah: We get along really [00:14:00] well. We do have little disagreements here or there for both... especially if we're both hungry or tired we can get like anyone sometimes a little short. But by and large we get along really well and we make a good team. And the other thing to when you're spending 20 months non-stop with someone, being in a fight is very inconvenient, so if there's ever a disagreement we both want to resolve it. Yeah, and Tim and I are good travelers together. He is very easy going and I'm the one who tends to like to plan more and has done [00:14:30] most of the itinerary planning and research into places so it's really easy for em to be like, "Hey Tim do you wanna do this today? and he's like, "Yeah, sure." And he'll pull up navigation on his phone and help get us there and we have an agreement that if I do all the planning and booking he'll do all the cooking and cleaning so we've got a good delegation of workload there. Podcast Host: Excellent, well we chatted to a couple in our Iceland podcast. She revealed that her husband, his luggage is heavier [00:15:00] than her luggage after they leave each destination. Which just goes against what everyone thinks about women carrying lots of stuff in their luggage. What's the situation with you guys? Sarah: So, we each have a 30 liter pack, backpack and then one smaller size day pack that we're carrying. And so everything that we have for the trip fits into those two bags. Podcast Host: You can follow Tim and Sarah's 20 month honeymoon with their blog, "Our 21st Century [00:15:30] Odyssey" and we'll have links to it in our show notes, including their itinerary from South Korea where they also visited the demilitarized zone. Phil: It fascinates me, the DMZ. The pictures I see of it there. And apparently you can go into one room where you have a window on the other side and you're actually looking into North Korea and it's all soldier everywhere. Podcast Host: This will excite you Phil. We've got some amazing photos from Sarah to share in our show notes. Phil: Fantastic, I can't wait to see them. I love the place. Podcast Host: Well we asked Sarah [00:16:00] what it was like to visit the DMZ. Sarah: It's absolutely weird that you can go there as a tourist and that's something that I was saying when we were in the bus on our way up there. It's so weird that they let us do this. And then when we were there and we were actually in this conference room where the North and South meet jointly to have conversations and part of that room is technically in North Korea. And we're surrounded by military guards from both sides and it's like, why are they letting us here? This feels so strange. It is very odd [00:16:30] that they let tourists there but it's very eyeopening into a place that some would consider the most hostile border on Earth. And it was certainly the most unsettling experience that I've ever had as a traveler to be there and to know that just a few feet away is a place where the world operates in a completely different manner and it's a place that as an American I will very likely never get to go unless things change pretty dramatically so [00:17:00] there is very much this feeling of this is as close as I will ever get. Podcast Host: Incredible and as Sarah says, it's probably one of the most hostile borders in the world. Well share those amazing pics we talked about just before she told us about the DMZ in our show notes. And later in the episode we'll catch up with a journo who wrote a recent article about families divided when North and South Korea split. Now though, time to check in with our World Nomads. Speaker 15: Hello! Podcast Host: How are you? Speaker 15: I'm fine thank you. And you? Podcast Host: [00:17:30] Oh your English is good. Nice. [inaudible 00:17:32] Speaker 16: Hello. Podcast Host: Hello. Bye! Speaker 16: Bye! Podcast Host: And just like that, I'm in Hueế, Vietnam. It's the former imperial capital and around 50 k's from the former DMZ or DM-Zed that once separated North and South Vietnam prior to the Vietnam War. In fact, Hueế is the site of the Tet Offensive, which was one of the longest and bloodiest [00:18:00] battles of the war. Now we've spent most of our time in a village called [Tuan, Tuan 00:18:05]. And while there are around six universities in Hueế, you come this way, just 20 minutes towards the East Vietnam Sea, education's fairly low so not a lot of English is spoken. Lots of hello's, so I was pretty interested to hear from those in the village that could speak English about why learning and practicing their English with [00:18:30] travelers is important. Han: My name's Han. Podcast Host: And where are you learning English? Han: I learned it as my school and my aunt can speak English and teach me. My aunt lives in England and I want to visit it, my aunt home. I [inaudible 00:18:50] a few year ago. A picture in [00:19:00] primary school and her teach me and she took me and I can speak English now. Podcast Host: Okay, high five? Han: Yeah. Podcast Host: Thank you. Han: Where do you live? Podcast Host: I live in Sydney, Australia? Have you heard of Australia? Han: I have relative in [inaudible 00:19:20] Podcast Host: Oh do you? Did they leave a long time ago? Han: About 30 years ago. Podcast Host: 30 years ago they left, was [00:19:30] that after the war. Han: Yeah. Podcast Host: So how long have you been learning English? Speaker 18: Two years. Podcast Host: Two years. And why did you start learning English? Speaker 18: Because I want to have a communicate... Podcast Host: With travelers? Speaker 18: Yeah. Podcast Host: Yeah? And would you like to travel yourself? Speaker 18: Mm-hmm (affirmative). Maybe, Paris? Podcast Host: Why? Why Paris? Speaker 18: Yeah because it is a country very romantic and very beautiful. Podcast Host: Find a girlfriend? Girlfriend? Marry [00:20:00] in Paris? Speaker 18: In Paris, if I can because very difficult, yeah? Podcast Host: And you like people coming up and talking to you in English? Speaker 18: Yes, I like. Podcast Host: To practice? Speaker 18: Yeah, to practice, yeah. Podcast Host: Yeah. What other country or town would you like to visit? Speaker 18: I think in California because I have a cousin stay there. Podcast Host: Well good luck with that. You have to [00:20:30] save your dong. Speaker 18: Yeah. Maybe I [inaudible 00:20:34] lots of money for my travel. Phil: Travel can be expensive but with a little investigation you can find a cheap flight. Ian Patterson runs a travel blog, has a background in the travel industry, and knows how to secure the lowest round the world air ticket. Ian: Yeah, well, this is a ticket that... it's not really possible for people to book [00:21:00] or buy themselves. So I come from a travel industry background as a travel consultant and I've helped lots of people travel around the world and consistently I find that the best airfares that you can get to do that with, the most cost efficient ones, the one's that open up as many destinations as possible are these kind of manually built fares and so that's what the article was about really. Phil: [00:21:30] So could anybody walk up to their travel agent and say I want this really super cheap round the world fare? Ian: If the travel agent has the contract to do it or has the knowledge to build the fare type then yeah they could and your first port of call would be to speak to someone at travel agency about what they can do for you. Podcast Host: So you booked a year long trip through, it was Qantas, [00:22:00] but you used travel agent? Ian: I did yeah I used an independent travel agent based in eastern North London and this was way before I got into working in the travel industry myself and... They... well we had a bit of a chat. They were a previous backpacker themselves so they kinda understood the kind of thing I would want to do, the kind of trip I wanted to do. We put together and itinerary which we thought best matched my [00:22:30] budget and the places I wanted to go and see and that's kinda how I ended up going on the trip that I did. Phil: Yeah, come on let's get into the nitty gritty of it right. So where did you go? And it's kind of complicated cause if you miss one leg you blow the whole thing out of the water, so explain where you went and how crucial it was to hit those deadlines, hit those flights? Ian: Oh yeah, absolutely. It is important to make sure you're there on time. So for me, I flew [00:23:00] to South America first of all... landing into Panama, and I traveled over land and sea through South America and exited out of Chile and that's where I had my scare. On the last night before heading over to New Zealand, which is the next destination to go to, the guy I was traveling with had a bit of a heavy night and a bit of a lion in the morning and we nearly missed that flight. And had we done so, [00:23:30] I'm afraid we would have invalidated our whole ticket, so it would've been a bit of a problem for us on the other side of the world. Podcast Host: It would've been. So then you flew to New Zealand. Ian: Yeah, absolutely. So I flew to New Zealand and we spent about a month traveling around New Zealand. Went on to Australia, your home country. I spent some time on the east coast of Australia before heading off to Asia. That's where I finished up my last destination was in Asia, traveling around Thailand before going back to the UK. Phil: [00:24:00] How much cheaper was it than doing individual flights? Ian: Back then it was about 1600 UK pounds which was about 2 and a half thousand Aussie dollars. Phil: That's pretty good for around the world. Ian: Yeah, it's pretty good and the quality of airlines were really good was well. It wasn't low cost airline where you gotta pay extra for the bag and you're squashed in with your knees around your chin. It was good quality airlines, you know? So, yeah, I think it was around 30, 40% [00:24:30] cheaper than if I'd pieced the tickets together myself. Phil: And was there a lot of planning involved by you, as well? Like deciding where you wanted to go? And in that planning, were there some places where you wanted to go but it wasn't possible to do it on this ticket? Ian: Hey Phil, all travelers are dreamers. It'd be ages to pin down that route and I think my travel guy was very patient with me in piecing that itinerary together, [00:25:00] which it took me about six months before I actually booked the thing. But you know that's what it is. It's the trip of a lifetime and it takes a lot of planning and that's part of the reason that I wrote the guide that I did that you guys have taken a look at. Just to help people in those initial stages of planning around the world ticket so that they can get an idea of what works for you, what the routings [00:25:30] are like, how much the costs are gonna be before you take it to the next stage and make a booking. Podcast Host: Well have all the info you need to get your hands on those tickets in show notes. Thomas Maresca is a journalist who wrote a story around the time of the Olympics in South Korea, did you notice how my tone changed then? Because this is kind of a serious topic. Phil: Serious stuff. Podcast Host: It is, he wrote this article for USA TODAY and the title of which was "How three days turned into 67 years of separation for these Koreans" and we asked him about [00:26:00] that article. Thomas M.: You know it's something that came up during the run up to the Olympics when North and South Korea had their first sit down for a couple of years in anticipation of the Olympics and it's something that the South had brought up as wanting to sort of start having these family reunions again, which they've only had a handful of in the past. Looking into it, I learned that [00:26:30] there's really hundreds of thousands of families that had been separated during the war... I don't know it's not something you'd normally think of as a consequence of the war. I mean there's the obvious separation of the country and you see North Korea setting off missiles and doing nuclear tests but you realize there's actually so many people whose lives have been affected in this deep way, losing contact with mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters. I spoke with the Red Cross in South Korea who they kinda administer [00:27:00] this very limited family reunion program that's been happening since 2000. Almost all of them are over 70 and even more than 60% of them I think are over 80. There's something like 60 thousand people or 59 thousand people that are on the list her in South Korea that want to have reunions with their family members in the North if it's possible. But that list has already shrunk from 130 thousand. Phil: I mean how does this separation, this division [00:27:30] of families, how does that drive the psyche of Koreans and the South Koreans that you've met? This must be... I mean this is heartbreaking stuff. Thomas M.: It is heartbreaking, I mean... yeah, there's something that talking to the people, I spoke to a few people for this article, and, I think in some ways it's... the time has been so long and also there's something in maybe about people from that generation that are a little more reticent to talk about their feelings [00:28:00] kind of and even within, I think, some Asian cultures it's not as much of a thing to kind of express how you feel or your sort of hidden personal pain or something like that. But, once you start to speak to them and dig in a little bit, it's quite obvious to see that it left just this hole in people's lives. Podcast Host: Tell us about the man you spoke to, the 87 year old? Thomas M.: Yeah, his name was Roh Hee Kwan [00:28:30] and he had been living in Kaesong, which is actually right on the border of North and South Korea. At that time during the war it was on the South side but then the line drew a redraw and at the end of the war it's been on the North ever since. But he was living there with his mother and a couple of brothers and was kind of like a student soldier, he described to me, not really fully in the army but I guess training. And, his commanding officer told him, " [00:29:00] Okay, take three days worth of supplies. We're making this strategic retreat," which turned out to be the last time he saw his family. Podcast Host: And is the Red Cross doing the majority of the leg work in trying to help those people that have been separated? Thomas M.: Yeah, they've worked on this program for... I think this agreement was struck sometime in the 90s between the Red Cross in South Korea and they do have a counterpart in North Korea. So I think to make it less of a political [00:29:30] nation-to-nation kind of thing it's administered through them. So they're the ones who maintain this database of families who want to participate. I mean, not every family wants to. It's really kind of... the South is ready to go at any second, it's really the North that's been very very hesitant to work with them except for these periods. North and South relations kind of are this rollercoaster and there's a lot of times when there's jus almost no contact. So, they've had [00:30:00] 20 family reunions since 2000. And almost all of them take place in North Korea. And it's kind of like 100 family's members on each side get to meet for three days... a number of sessions over three days. And most of it is still kind of monitored. There's North Korean minders there and I think they get like once personal meeting in a hotel room. But yeah, it's the Red Cross that [00:30:30] handles the logistics of it. Podcast Host: You've heard that Kim Jon-UN invented the hamburger and is the fastest runner in the world. Have you heard all those crazy stories? Thomas M.: Sure well his father Kim Jon-IL was supposed to have scored like 19 holes in one the first time he ever golfed... Podcast Host: That's right. Thomas M.: There's kind of... a information gap between North Korea and the rest of the world. Although, [00:31:00] interestingly, and this is some other stuff that I've covered, if you talk to North Korean refugees that have made it to the South, a lot of them say that there's more and more information is making its way into North Korea, just in the form of... Some people on the border areas like with China can pickup TV signals and other people smuggle in on just little USB sticks South Korean pop music, soap operas, stuff like that. [crosstalk 00:31:26] Phil: Oh no. No [inaudible 00:31:26] to put up with Namangan Style. Thomas M.: You know but for [00:31:30] them this is like a window to the world for them and it's actually, you talk to some, especially younger North Koreans who have escaped and are living in South Korea now, a lot of them say that- Phil: A lot of them have heard Namangan Style and gone back? Podcast Host: They love their Kpop. They love it. They love it. Phil: I know. Thomas M.: Yeah it's just, or imagine the TV shows, they see the lives that South Koreans live on these soap opera type shows and they see the cars they drive, [00:32:00] just their houses and stuff, what they wear. And the North Koreans watching this realize, "Hey, our leaders are telling us South Korea is this hell hole and we're the best country in the world, but I can see with my eyes that that's not the case." So it actually kind of helps to bridge that disconnect between reality and the sort of fantasy that North Korea's trying to weave. And a lot of people think, this may be the most powerful weapon to force change in North Korea, not so much missile strikes, but [00:32:30] just information. Podcast Host: Well, a very insightful chat, Thomas, and we're going to have to finish the podcast up with a little bit of Gangnam Style. Really appreciate chatting to you and we will have a link to that article you wrote in show notes. Thomas M.: Oh, fantastic. Okay great, well I really appreciate it and good luck with everything. Podcast Host: What travel news have you got for us in this episode? Phil: Well I'm not sure if this is travel news or another quiz question, who are Josef Wag and Gijon Choi? That's the names used on two [00:33:00] Brazilian passports issued in the 1990s and allegedly used by North Koreans leader Kim Jon-UN and his father Kim Jon-IL to attempt to obtain visas so they can visit Western countries. No word on whether they actually used them to get to Western countries, but you have to love a dictatorship where they ban everybody from traveling but they can get themselves some Brazilian passports to go and party in Rio. Podcast Host: Yeah, exactly. Where do I feel like going this month? Phil: Alright, Meghan Markle has revealed how she avoids jet lag [00:33:30] and despite being a fiance to a British royal, it kind of makes sense. The first thing she says she does when she gets on a plane is wipe down the surrounding area with hand sanitizer. Makes perfect sense. You know those remote controls and the buttons on the screens, yeah you've gotta wipe them all down. Podcast Host: You know what, Meghan, no you gotta toughen up a little bit. Phil: What, lick them? Podcast Host: No, not lick them. But seriously have you ever got on a plane an wiped everything down? Phil: Yup. Podcast Host: Okay, I stand corrected. Phil: Okay. [00:34:00] It's like how I hose my kids down when they come back from play group or something, you know? The other thing she does, she coats the inside of her nostrils with a moisturizing gel because she says dry and cracked skin will let the germs get in. Podcast Host: Okay, can we just stop for a minute. So she's gone on the plane. It's first class.[crosstalk 00:34:18] Phil: She's wiped it down. Podcast Host: You'd assume that they would be in first class that they'd wipe it down. She wipes it down. Then she sticks her fingers up her nose. Phil: She puts some Vaseline up her nose, yeah. Podcast Host: Then what does she do, Phil? Phil: Then she says she [00:34:30] take a high strain probiotic for gut health. And then... her words in this article, hydrate like you're dying of thirst because even if you're not your body sure is. Hydrating I get, it is a very dry atmosphere when you're in a plane [crosstalk 00:34:47] Podcast Host: Oh you've got to drink. There's a lot of free champagne. No you've got to drink water. Phil: And then she added that she never travels without a scarf or a cashmere blanket that feels like a hug. Podcast Host: Alright, stay with us while we wrap this episode up, [00:35:00] which we do with Phil's quiz question. Phil: The answer of all the countries which drive on the left hand side, two in Asia, without British influence, Japan and Thailand. They drive on the left. Podcast Host: Excellent, well that wraps up episode 12. We're not going anywhere though until we hear a little bit of Namangan Style. I loved it. Next we're off to Indonesia [00:35:30] which includes a chat with a woman who's traveled to... around the world actually this is your chat. The world solo, totally on her own. A reminder to subscribe, rate, share on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher. Find us on Spotify and Radiohead and contact us by emailing podcast@worldnomads.com Bye! Phil: Bye! Talk to you next time Announcer: The World Nomads podcast, explore your boundaries. </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/ AaronChoi 1 1131142846 Getty Images A small pathway surrounded by bamboo trees in Simnidaebat bamboo forest. Ulsan, South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-koreaThough South Korea is a relatively small country, roughly 70% of the land is mountainous, making it the perfect hiking destination. Here are six trails to check out.2022-01-20T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.comThough South Korea is a relatively small country, roughly 70% of the land is mountainous, making it the perfect hiking destination. Depending on what you’re after – fall colors, great views, proximity to Seoul – these are our picks for the best hikes in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-korea">South Korea</a>. <ul> <li><a href="#bukhansan">Bukhansan</a></li> <li><a href="#jirisan">Jirisan</a></li> <li><a href="#seoraksan">Seoraksan</a></li> <li><a href="#hallasan">Hallasan</a></li> <li><a href="#naejangsan">Naejangsan</a></li> <li><a href="#juwangsan">Juwangsan</a></li> <li><a href="#tips">Tips for hiking in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="bukhansan">1. Bukhansan: most convenient hike for a short trip</h2> If you want to get out of the craziness of <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-seoul">Seoul</a>, but don’t have much time to venture outside the city, this is a great choice. Located in the north of Seoul, hiking Bukhansan is a good way to experience nature, even if you have a short time in South Korea. There are a handful of trails to choose from, but the most popular leads to Baegundae Peak and takes most hikers around two hours. At 2,744ft (837m), this is the highest point of the mountain, from where you can admire the large granite rocks and a panoramic view of Seoul sprawling out below. One interesting feature of this hike is that you’ll walk past a replica of the ancient Bukhansanseong Fortress wall. Word of warning: This hike is easily accessible from Seoul, so expect crowds the entire way.  <h2 id="jirisan">2. Jirisan: tallest mountain in mainland South Korea</h2> Jirisan is the tallest mountain in mainland South Korea and attracts 280,000 hikers each year. There’s a variety of trails, from a quick three-hour return hike offering beginners a taste of the mountain to a multi-day hike that includes a sunrise view from the top of 6,283ft (1,915m) Cheonwangbong peak. Jirisan National Park is the first national park and largest mountainous national park in South Korea,and spans over three provinces. With seven Buddhist temples, ancient stone carvings and an emphasis on biodiversity conservation, this park is known for more than just hiking. <h2 id="seoraksan">3. Seoraksan: best sunrise view</h2> Sprawling down the east coast of North and South Korea, the Taebaek mountain range is home to some stunning scenery and epic hikes. At 5,603ft (1,708m), Seoraksan is the tallest peak in this range. Reaching the highest point, Daecheongbong Peak,is breathtaking at sunrise when it’s shrouded in a thick cloak of morning mist. Daecheongbong Peak can be reached in as little as three hours, depending on your starting point. If you don’t feel like working up a sweat, you can ride the cable car and glimpse the park from above. Located just 2.5 hours away from Seoul, a trip to Seoraksan is a great addition to your South Korea itinerary. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/daecheongbong-peak-south-korea-istock.jpg" alt="Descending from the top of Daechongbong Peak, Seoraksan, South Korea." /> <figcaption>Descending from the top of Daechongbong Peak, Seoraksan. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hallasan">4. Hallasan: Epic volcano on Jeju Island (plus, the tallest mountain in South Korea!)</h2> This volcanic island is often referred to as the “Hawaii of Korea”, so it’s no surprise that relaxing on beaches and hiking a volcano are some of the most popular attractions on Jeju. Towering at 6,397ft (1,950m) above sea level, Hallasan is the tallest mountain in South Korea, and many people visit Jeju specifically to climb to the top. Hallasan is a sacred place to some Koreans, who believe that spirits live in the mountain, and worship it. There are five trails that lead to the summit, each with varying degrees of incline. Although Seongpanak trail adds an additional 900m, it’s the most popular trail due to its gradual incline. Depending on the trail you choose and your fitness level, you can reach the top of Hallasan and hike down in a matter of hours or a full day. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/seongsan-ilchulbong-volcano-jeju-island-istock.jpg" alt="Stairs leading up to the volcanic peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong, South Korea." /> <figcaption>Stairs leading up to the volcanic peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="naejangsan">5. Naejangsan: best autumn colors</h2> Known for its stunning foliage, this mountain range in southwestern South Korea is particularly spectacular in the fall, when you can look out over a sea of crimson leaves. This beloved mountain is located in Jeolla province, and the surrounding national park is home to famous waterfalls, temples, and endangered wildlife. Even if you’re not visiting Korea during fall, hiking Naejangsan is still sure to impress. In spring, azaleas and cherry blossoms are in bloom, the park is surprisingly green in the summer, and winter can be spectacular when the rocks are covered in a blanket of snow. <h2 id="juwangsan">6. Juwangsan: off-the-beaten-path nature</h2> If you want to get off the well-trodden path and do some hiking in a place few foreigners ever see, make your way to Juwangsan National Park in Gyeongsangbuk-do province. With caves, waterfalls and plenty of hikes suitable for all levels, this area is packed with adventures to be had – even though it’s the smallest national park in South Korea. We planned a fall <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/camping-travel-insurance">camping</a> trip to this National Park with a group of friends and weren’t disappointed. We didn’t see any other foreigners during our weekend in Juwangsan, and we were able to try the apples which make this region famous. If you venture to this National Park, make sure you come prepared with your own food – there aren’t many dining options out there. Interesting fact: The word for mountain is “san” in Korean. That’s why each mountain’s name ends in “san”. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/juwangsan-mountains-south-korea-istock.jpg" alt="Rock formations in Juwangsan National Park, South Korea." /> <figcaption>Rock formations in Juwangsan National Park. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="tips">Tips for hiking in South Korea</h2> <h3>1. Dress in appropriate hiking gear</h3> Koreans are serious about their <a href="/create/learn/travelstorytelling/how-to-choose-the-right-hiking-gear">hiking attire</a> and dress the part – trekking poles and all – even on trails suitable for beginners. This isn’t to say you need to get a whole new wardrobe of athletic gear, but it’s a good idea to be prepared with layers, as temperatures can vary along the trails. It’s also worth noting that it’s not always appropriate for women to show their shoulders in public. If you feel most comfortable wearing a tank top while hiking, be prepared for a few sideways looks. <h3>2. Pack snacks</h3> Often, when you reach a viewpoint, you’ll see groups of Koreans taking a break with snacks. Take this as an opportunity to join in and interact with locals while enjoying the view and a tasty treat – like fresh fruit, nuts or kimbap (the Korean take on sushi, which is a surprisingly popular hiking snack). Koreans are very friendly – don’t be surprised if someone offers to share their food with you! <h3>3. Carry out your trash</h3> You won’t find trash bins along most trails, so if you plan to bring snacks, be prepared to carry out any rubbish. Picking up a few pieces of litter you see along the way is also a nice habit to practice. <h3>4. Time it right</h3> South Korea experiences four distinctly different seasons, and it’s best to avoid hiking in the heat and humidity of summer if possible. The best times for hiking in South Korea are when temperatures are more moderate. Spring will reward you with cherry blossoms and in the fall, hikers can take in colorful foliage.Two Wandering Soles 0 Two Wandering Soles Hiking down a hillside in South Korea.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/etiquette-tips-and-things-to-avoid-on-your-trip-to-south-koreaKatie and Ben from Two Wandering Soles share 14 things you shouldn’t do on your trip to South Korea. Don’t find out the hard way, know before you go.2025-10-01T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/etiquette-tips-and-things-to-avoid-on-your-trip-to-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.comSome habits that are okay back home are completely taboo in South Korea, and won’t help you make new friends. If you’re <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-korea">visiting South Korea for the first time</a>, here are our top Korean etiquette tips so you don’t accidentally offend the locals. <ul> <li><a href="#clothing">What to wear in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#accepting">Accepting and presenting yhings</a></li> <li><a href="#shaking">Shaking hands</a></li> <li><a href="#hands">Keep your hands to yourself</a></li> <li><a href="#age">Age is important</a></li> <li><a href="#shoes">Remove your shoes indoors</a></li> <li><a href="#furniture">Don’t put your feet up on furniture</a></li> <li><a href="#eating">Table manners in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#nose">Blowing your nose</a></li> <li><a href="#four">Unlucky number four</a></li> <li><a href="#red">Writing in red ink</a></li> <li><a href="#gestures">Hand gestures</a></li> <li><a href="#toilet">Toilet rules</a></li> <li><a href="#noraebang">Noraebang etiquette</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="clothing">1. What to wear in South Korea</h2> While short-shorts and skirts are commonplace for women in Korea’s major cities, exposed shoulders and low-cut tops are still considered taboo most places. Summers get hot in South Korea, so loose-fitting t-shirts are a good alternative to tank tops. And if you really can’t cover up that cleavage, be prepared for some not so pleasant looks – especially from older Korean women. <h2 id="accepting">2. Accept and present things with both hands</h2> Use both hands when accepting change or passing something at a dinner table. If you feel ridiculous handing a cashier a bill with both hands, try this: Place your left hand on the inside of your right wrist as you extend your arm with the payment. Also, try to always accept and present things with your right hand. Sorry, lefties! <h2 id="shaking">3. Learn how to properly shake hands</h2> When shaking hands, use both hands – or at least place your left hand on your right wrist for support. A slight bow of the head is also a polite gesture. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/street-food-south-korea-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Street food in Seoul. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="hands">4. Keep your hands to yourself (at least at first)</h2> While it’s not uncommon to bump a few elbows on a crowded street, South Koreans aren’t big on touching someone they don’t know. This means hugs and shoulder pats aren’t welcomed between strangers. Once you’re in the friend zone, though, something as intimate as walking down the street while holding hands is totally acceptable. <h2 id="age">5. Age is important</h2> Be prepared for complete strangers to ask your age upon meeting. I was completely surprised (and a little bit offended) by this question when I first moved to Korea. While this may be considered a rude question in your home country, it’s totally normal in Korean culture as it establishes seniority in a relationship. Oh, and in Korea, you’re one year older than you think you are because everyone is born “one year old”. <h2 id="shoes">6. Remove your shoes indoors</h2> Don’t you dare walk inside with shoes on (unless you want to be viewed as a disrespectful savage). Make sure to remove your shoes before entering Korean households, <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/respectful-travel">temples</a>, and schools. Often times, slippers are provided so you don’t need to be barefoot. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/bongeunsa-temple-south-korea-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul, South Korea. Photo credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="furniture">7. Don’t put your feet up on furniture</h2> While we’re on the topic of feet, refrain from resting your tired tootsies on the chair across from you, no matter how tempting that may be. We’ve learned the hard way! The bottoms of one’s feet are seen as “dirty”, so propping them up on furniture is a big no-no.   <h2 id="eating">8. Table manners in South Korea</h2> Typically, in dining situations, the eldest person will take the first bite. This signifies that everyone else can start eating. It’s generally considered impolite to pour your own drink. If you’re eating with others, let them fill your glass, and return the favor. After you’ve finished eating, be careful not to place your chopsticks upright in your bowl. This is said to look like incense at a funeral. Instead, balance them across the rim of the bowl. <h2 id="nose">9. Wait to blow your nose</h2> Yes, I know that gochujang (red chili paste) is spicy; but go against your instincts and refrain from grabbing a tissue. Blowing your nose in public is considered rude, especially while eating. If that drip just won’t quit, politely excuse yourself and take care of business in the restroom. <h2 id="four">10. Watch out for the number four</h2> The number four is unlucky in Korea because it sounds similar to the word for “death”. You may notice many buildings don’t have a fourth floor, or it will be labeled “F”. It’s also considered unlucky to give gifts in fours. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/busan-south-korea-gamcheon-village-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Gamcheon village, Busan, South Korea. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="red">11. Don’t write in red ink</h2> Never ever write someone’s name in red ink. Again, I learned the hard way! I was yelled at by a room full of students when I started writing one of their names on the whiteboard using a red marker. This is a bad omen, as dead people’s names are written in red. <h2 id="gestures">12. Be careful with your hand gestures</h2> When gesturing for someone to come over to you or when hailing a cab, be sure your palm is facing down and you move all your fingers in one sweeping motion. Making this gesture palm-up, as is common in many countries, is insulting in Korea because it’s how they call their dogs. Don’t make that mistake! <h2 id="toilet">13. Don’t throw toilet paper in the toilet</h2> Bathroom talk time: in Korean bathrooms, you’ll see a bin for toilet paper. Toss your toilet paper in this instead of the toilet. This goes for feminine products too, ladies. The plumbing systems can’t handle the waste, so save yourself the embarrassment and do as the Koreans do. <h2 id="noraebang">14. Respect noraebang etiquette</h2> Noraebangs (karaoke rooms) are super popular in Korea. They make for a great night out with friends or co-workers, as long as you follow a few basic (and common sense) rules. You may be excited when you see the song <g class="gr_ gr_144 gr-alert gr_gramm gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim Punctuation only-del replaceWithoutSep" id="144" data-gr-id="144">list,</g> but resist the urge to plug in the numbers for every Spice Girl song in the book. Select one, and let others have a turn before you choose another. And on that note, don't hog the microphone – everyone is there to have a good time (and not just listen to you belt out the lyrics to your favorite tunes), so share the time in the spotlight. Lastly, avoid songs that aren't upbeat. While ballads might be fun to sing in the shower, they’re not as entertaining in a <g class="gr_ gr_133 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling" id="133" data-gr-id="133">noraebang</g>. Trust us.Two Wandering Soles 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-seoulMoney, transport, top attractions, where to stay and the top dishes you should try in Seoul. Our insiders Katie & Ben share their top tips.2018-02-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-seoulhttps://www.worldnomads.comOnce you understand the many layers and complexities of Seoul, the strong culture, distinct neighborhoods and tantalizing cuisine will draw you in. <ul> <li><a href="#money">Money in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#transport">Transport in Seoul</a></li> <li><a href="#stay">Where to Stay</a></li> <li><a href="#do">Top Things to See & Do</a></li> <li><a href="#food">What to Eat</a></li> <li><a href="#nightlife">Nightlife in Seoul</a></li> <li><a href="#know">Things to Know Before Going to Seoul</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="money">Money in South Korea</h2> Won (Korean Republic Won) is the currency used in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-south-korea" target="_blank">South Korea</a>, and cash is typically the payment of choice in small shops and restaurants. Luckily, ATMs are everywhere in Seoul, and most accept foreign cards. In many hotels, department stores and fancier restaurants, foreign cards will be accepted no problem.  <h2 id="transport">Transport in Seoul</h2> With 21 lines, the Seoul metro system can look overwhelming at a glance, but don’t be deterred. It’s the most convenient and affordable way to get around the city. Plus, all stops are written in English as well as Korean. The one downfall of this public transportation system is that it closes early. If you plan to stay out late partying, you’ll need to call a taxi, because the metro only runs until midnight on weekends, and 1am on weeknights. <h2 id="stay">Where to Stay in Seoul</h2> Seoul is a massive city, and is spread out into distinct neighborhoods. There’s plenty of accommodation – from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and everything in between. <h3>Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Seoul</h3> Hongdae: This young and lively university neighborhood is filled with inexpensive shops, restaurants and bars. Myeongdong: One of Seoul’s major shopping districts, Myeongdong is the most popular neighborhood for tourists to stay. Insadong: This neighborhood is centrally located and within walking distance of many of Seoul’s major attractions. Plus, you’ll find plenty of traditional shops, teahouses and restaurants.  Gangnam: This popular area caters to those looking for upscale restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Itaewon: This district is a mecca for foreigners and expats, and boasts trendy restaurants and a popular nightlife scene. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/myeongdong-street-seoul-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Myeongdong street, Seoul. Photo Credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="do">Top Things to See & Do</h2> There are plenty of things to do in Seoul – from the quirky and off-the-beaten-path to things you can’t miss. Here are some of the top attractions in Seoul: <h3>Gyeongbokgung Palace</h3> Built in 1385, this palace is without a doubt the most iconic spot in Seoul. A visit to this important monument is well worthwhile. There are free guided tours in English three times daily (11am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm). Important info: The Gyeongbokgung Palace is closed on Tuesdays. <h3>Bukchon Hanok Village</h3> Wandering through this village will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. Traditional hanok houses dating back to the Joseon Dynasty look like they did in centuries past, and many are open to the public as cultural centers, teahouses, homestays and restaurants. <h3>Cheonggye Stream</h3> This urban “stream” of sorts is a nice place to people watch and rest your weary legs after a day of exploring. <h3>Insadong</h3> This neighborhood is known for handicrafts, and is a great spot to pick up souvenirs like pottery, chopsticks and tea sets. You can also pop into one of the many traditional restaurants for lunch or relax at a teahouse. <h3>Demilitarized Zone (aka DMZ)</h3> A visit to the border between North and South Korea is an experience that makes it onto many itineraries. While it’s a fascinating thing to see and learn about from the source, be prepared for a tour to take half a day. <h3>Noryangjin Fish Market</h3> If you don’t mind the smell of fish, this seafood market is an interesting place to venture. There are even small restaurants inside where you can pick your fish while it’s still swimming, and have it prepared right in front of you (if you’re into that sort of thing). <h3>Seoul Tower (also known as Namsam tower)</h3> For a 360-degree view of Seoul, visit Namsam Tower. You can arrive by cable car and view Seoul during daylight or after dark when the city is lit up. <h2 id="food">Food in Seoul</h2> <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korean-food-myths" target="_blank">Food</a> is an integral part of Korean culture, and trying as many dishes as you’re physically able should be a must on your trip to Seoul. There’s a seemingly endless amount of dishes in Korean cuisine, but these are some of the most popular (and most delicious!): <h3>Top Dishes to Try</h3> Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly served over open flame in the middle of guests’ tables. Typically eaten wrapped in a lettuce leaf with garlic and spicy sauces. Bulgogi: Thinly sliced beef in a marinade of soy sauce, sesame, garlic, sugar and onion. Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew): You’ll likely have kimchi at many meals in Korea, but be sure to try this spicy soup made with tofu, pork, onions and kimchi, of course! Served with rice, this is a hearty winter meal. Bibimbap: Literally translating to “mixed rice”, this dish is a bowl of rice topped with sautéed seasonal vegetables and beef, then topped with gochujang (chili paste) and an egg. Kimbap: The Korean version of sushi, these seaweed-wrapped rolls can be made with a variety of ingredients. They are typically very cheap and filling, so they’re a great meal if you’re traveling on a budget.  Dalk Galbi: Chicken, stir-fried with vegetables and rice cakes in a spicy chili-pepper sauce. This is one of our all-time favorite Korean dishes! Bingsu: Korean shaved ice dessert topped with condensed milk. If you want to get a traditional flavor, you can try one with sweet red beans or you can play it safe with mango (our favorite!) or chocolate. Tip: This dessert is meant to be shared! Soju: Clear vodka-like liquor that’s around 20% alcohol and is very cheap. This wildly popular beverage is available in original and fruit flavors. Tip for vegetarians: Though traditionally made with meat, bibimbap, kimbap and kimchi chigee can typically be made vegetarian. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/gwangjang-market-seoul-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Gwangjang Market, Seoul. Photo Credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="nightlife">Nightlife in Seoul</h2> Made famous by Psy’s popular “Gangnam Style”, Seoul’s nightlife is worth checking out. There are many districts around the capital city known for staying alive after the sun goes down, and each has its own unique personality. <h3>Hongdae</h3> This college neighborhood is lively on the weekends and has hundreds of bars and dozens of clubs to choose from. Hongdae is known for affordable cover prices (around 10,000 won) and cheap drinks, and you’ll find a good mix of Korean college students and travelers in this nightlife area. If you’re in Seoul the last Friday of the month, don’t miss Hongdae’s “club day” where you’ll pay just one cover charge and have access to just about all the clubs in the neighborhood. <h3>Gangnam</h3> This is the nightlife area made famous around the world by Psy. It’s a bit more upscale than Hongdae, and you’ll find fewer foreigners here. <h3>Apgujeong</h3> If you’re looking for a classy night out on the town and have money to spare, Apgujeong may be the place for you to party. Home to some of Seoul’s nicest clubs and lounges, the parties here last until the sun comes up! <h3>Itaewon</h3> Geared toward foreigners, this popular nightlife district might feel more like home than Korea. Unless you’re craving a bit of familiarity, we’d recommend choosing a different area to get your drink on. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/eastern-asia/hongdae-street-market-seoul-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Hongdae street, Seoul. Photo Credit: iStock</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="know">Things to Know Before Going to Seoul</h2> There are a few things we wish we’d known before visiting Seoul for the first time. We’ve rounded up a few tips so you know what to expect and aren’t surprised by some of <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea" target="_blank">Korea’s</a> quirks like we were! <h3>1. Personal Space is No Longer Personal</h3> While walking on crowded streets, expect a few elbows to your ribcage. At first I took this personally, but soon realized that it had nothing to do with me. It’s just how people navigate crowded areas in Korea. <h3>2. That Button at Your Table is to Call Your Waiter/Waitress</h3> You may notice a doorbell-like button at the tables of many restaurants. It’s meant to alert the server when you need something – a soju refill, more food, the bill. So, “ding-dong” away! <h3>3. Don’t Leave a Tip</h3> Korea has a no-tipping culture. Taxi drivers, waitresses and hotel staff do not expect any extra won. <h3>4. Beware of Soju</h3> This clear, vodka-like liquor is incredibly cheap and wildly popular in Korea. If you drink alcohol, you should definitely give it a try, but beware: It’s around 20% alcohol, and can be deceivingly strong. If you’re not careful, you’ll wake up with a soju hangover. Been there, and it ain’t pretty! Tip: Original soju has been around for centuries, but in recent years, flavored soju has been introduced. There are tons of fruity flavors to choose from, but grapefruit and pomegranate are two of our favorites!Two Wandering Soles 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korean-food-mythsWhen it comes to myths about South Korean cuisine, there's one big question on people's minds. Do South Koreans really eat dogs?2023-12-15T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korean-food-mythshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Is dog on the menu in South Korea?</h2> Eating dog has been part of traditional South Korean culture for centuries. However, its popularity has fallen dramatically in recent years. According to a <a href="https://www.hsi.org/news-resources/86-of-south-koreans-have-no-plans-to-eat-dog-meat-and-the-majority-support-a-ban-new-nielsen-hsi-poll-finds/">2023 Nielsen poll</a>, 86% of South Koreans have no intention of consuming dog meat, 54% say they have never eaten dog meat, and nearly 60% of respondents were in favor of banning dog meat altogether. Restaurants that serve dog meat are dwindling in South Korea. Currently, dog meat is neither legal nor explicitly banned in South Korea. But in November 2023, the South Korean government <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-ban-eating-dogs-2023-11-17/">announced plans for a special ban</a> that would phase out dog meat consumption by 2027. <h2>Salty & spicy foods</h2> South Korean food typically has lots of salt and lots of hot spices, which might be difficult for those of you trying to cut back on sodium intake, or anyone who can't handle spicy food. Generally, when you take a seat at a restaurant, you'll be able to convince the waiter to ask the chef to put less spices and salt on your selected dish. iStock/hanhanpeggy 0471506403 iStock An outdoor market in South Korea.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-koreaThere's more to South Korea than bustling cities, neon lights, and K-Pop music. Here's how to experience South Korea like a local.2011-08-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.comSince the Korean War, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea" target="_blank">South Korea</a> has remarkably built itself up to become a leading world-class country.  It's a large exporter of cars and electronics, produces talented filmmakers and athletes, and serves as a major hub for travelers coming and going through Asia via Incheon International Airport, an airport that has topped the lists of best airports in the world numerous times.  Here’s are a few ways to get off the beaten path in South Korea. <ul> <li><a href="#hiking"> Hiking in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#party-time"> Party With the Locals </a></li> <li><a href="#eat-like-a-local"> Eat Like a Local in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#taekwondo"> Learn Taekwondo </a></li> <li><a href="#guinsa-temple"> Guinsa Temple </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="hiking">Get Active and Go Hiking</h2> One of <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-korea" target="_blank">Korea’s favourite past times is to go hiking</a>. During the popular months in the spring and fall, Koreans hit the hiking trails on a weekly basis. Since the country is so mountainous your options are endless. There are over a dozen trails to choose from in Seoul alone! But to get the most out of your hiking experience, and to avoid a busy trail during the peak seasons, opt for a route outside of the city. You don’t have to be a professional hiker to tackle these mountains. There are routes for all levels from beginners to advanced hikers. Just about all the routes can be completed in a day, some even within a few hours, so there’s no need to worry about a tent and cooking equipment. Wear some breathable clothing, strap on a pair of good, supportive shoes and don’t forget a bottle of water! And when you reach the summit and take in the surrounding scenery, you might even get lucky and be invited to join a nearby picnic with the locals. Bukhansan National Park and Seoraksan National Park are just two of the many great spots to hit the hiking trails. <h2 id="party-time">Party With the Locals</h2> Itaewon and Hongdae are popular hot spots for <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-seoul" target="_blank">tourists looking to experience nightlife in Seoul</a>. But if you’re wanting to see where many of the Seoulites get their drinks and dance on, head over to Gangnam or the more upscale, Apgujeong. Gangnam is chock full of restaurants, bars, noraebangs (karaoke rooms), cafes, and a large underground “boutique-esq” shopping centre. Makeshift street vendors set up shop at night along the main street selling everything from shoes to jewellery, DVDs to handbags. If you want something a little more mellow and upscale, head to Apgujeong. Wine and sake bars, kitchy cafes, and western-inspired restaurants line the side streets. If nothing more, this area is great for people and fashion watching. <h2 id="eat-like-a-local">Eat More Than Just Korean BBQ and Kimchi</h2> Korea’s most popular food is undoubtedly its BBQ. However, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korean-food-myths" target="_blank">there’s more to Korean cuisine than grilled meat and kimchi</a>. Korea boasts a wide variety of dishes drawing from their mountainous regions, rice fields, and coastal surroundings. If you like spicy food be sure to try some of the following; gamjatang, a potato and pork spine soup with noodles, dalk galbi, a chicken, cabbage, and rice cake dish cooked in a large iron skillet, suntubu-jjigae, a tofu and vegetable stew served in a stone bowl topped with a raw egg, or for the bravest of all, galbijim, short ribs slow-cooked in a spicy broth that will have you feeling like you could breath fire! But, if spicy food doesn’t sit well with you, there are still plenty of other options to whet your appetite. If you’re down by the southern coast you can’t go wrong with any of the seafood dishes, but a must on your culinary list should be jajangmyeon, a noodle dish topped with a black bean sauce served with vegetables and either meat or seafood. This dish is actually adopted from Korea’s Chinese neighbours. During the rainy season, Koreans pack into restaurants serving pajeon, a thick pancake-like dish loaded with green onions, and seafood or meat if you desire. Be sure to opt for makgeolli or dong-dongju (a rice wine alcohol) to wash it all down. To help cool you down in the summer months, have a bowl of mul-naengmyeon, a cold, buckwheat noodle soup with a tangy broth, and vinegar or mustard added to your liking. It’s guaranteed to make the hot-humid temperatures more bearable. <h2 id="taekwondo">Learn Taekwondo</h2> Taekwondo is a form of martial arts that focuses on punching and kicking combat techniques. It’s Korea’s national sport, and somewhat of a right of passage for Korean kids. If you’re going to be in Korea for a period of time you should pop in to a local taekwondo school and take some classes. Most schools will be very open and welcoming to visitors, allowing them a chance to share a part of their Korean culture with you. Some of them may not even charge you for a class but instead ask you to purchase your own uniform (a do-bok) which will run you at most $30-40. It’s an excellent form of exercise, helping you improve flexibility, stamina, and balance. And you’ll be able to come home with quite the souvenir and stories to share. <h2 id="guinsa-temple">Guinsa Temple</h2> Buddhism was first introduced to Korea around the fourth century A.D, and slowly influenced the culture and way of life of the people. Since then, numerous temples have been built throughout the country with about 30% of the population practicing this religion today. The most famous, and one of the oldest temples in Korea, is Bulguksa, located in the old capital city of Gyeongju. But there is another, less frequented but equally if not more impressive temple, that is definitely worth a visit. Guinsa Temple is located in the small city of Danyang in Chungcheongbukdo province. Built within a valley surrounded by mountains, it is an incredible collection of 34 buildings, including a 5-story Dharma Law Hall, the largest in scale in Korea. The temple can accommodate up to 10,000 people and even offers temple stays for visitors who want to experience life in a temple. It’s a bit of a hike working your way up through the various buildings, past the fermenting clay pots, and up to the Great Teacher Hall at the top of the valley. But with each turn and set of stairs completed, you’ll be left in awe of the beauty and serenity of the grounds. iStock/studiojh 0600146754 iStock Chungcheongbuk-Do, South Korea - August 29, 2016: Guinsa temple in Sobaek Mountains, South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/the-realities-of-teaching-english-in-south-koreaCheck out these informative tips on not getting ripped off while teaching English in South Korea by World Nomads.2015-06-04T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/the-realities-of-teaching-english-in-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.comThis is one of the most popular forms of work for expatriates and other foreigners with the travel bug, as it pays quite well and there are plenty of jobs available for anyone with a four-year English degree. You don't even need to speak the language (though it will, of course, help you get a job). <h2>A Bit of Bias</h2> Koreans are extremely proud to the point of being touchy about their ethnic heritage. There is an institutionalized practice that different ethnic groups are ranked according to quality, intelligence, etc., with lighter-skinned individuals at the top of the heap and darker-skinned individuals at the bottom. This makes it difficult for dark skinned travellers to find English teaching jobs. <h2>The Teaching Scene</h2> There are generally two places you can teach English in South Korea, and each has its benefits and drawbacks. You can teach English in public schools, or you can teach English in private academies, known as hagwon. Public schools pay less, but they're generally always going to provide solid employment. Additionally, they are more accommodating toward "difference". Meanwhile, hagwon tend to pay very comfortable salaries, but because they're privately run you have to make sure you do your due diligence. Some directors are unscrupulous or just plain incompetent, while others may treat you poorly because you're a foreigner. Additionally, you may give tutoring lessons privately, but you should make sure to have a work visa in order to do so or else you risk fines and deportation. Generally, tutoring doesn't get enough money to get by on its own, so the prospective English teacher should search for a job. With one of the best English teaching systems in East Asia, South Korea is a beacon for many Western students and college graduates looking to see more of the world through travel while supporting themselves along the way. 99.9% of the time, there will be no incidents of bias. That number rises to 99.99999% as long as you remain positive and open-minded. It is a beautiful country with an array of lucrative possibilities, and it would be a shame if you didn't take them out of fear. There are enough jobs available that if one job doesn't work out for you, you will be able to find another one within a few days.iStock/aminkorea 0611317236 iStock Classroom with empty student desks

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korea-a-glimpse-into-the-world-of-edutainingConsidering doing a stint overseas in teaching, or a working holiday? Here's why you should consider edutaining in South Korea.2019-07-02T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korea-a-glimpse-into-the-world-of-edutaininghttps://www.worldnomads.comHurricanes. Tornadoes. Debt. Many things loom in life. Yet none are worse than the terrible phenomenon that occurs every spring across millions of towns: Graduation. I did not receive the memo about the available antidote for Post-Graduation Crisis. Many of my friends didn’t either. I loved college, loved what I studied, but the idea of not being in school anymore and becoming an adult? That scared me ten times more than when I went skydiving or bungee jumping.  However - lucky for me - after a few months of worry and searching, one of the most perfect jobs in the world came my way. <ul> <li><a href="#working-day"> Typical Working Day as an Edutainer in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#gev"> Working at Gyeonggi English Village in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#culture"> Why You Should Immerse Yourself in South Korea's Culture </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="working-day">Typical Working Day as an Edutainer in South Korea</h2> Here’s what a typical day might entail at this perfect job starting at 9:00am. Pretty normal so far, but at 9:00am I might be in rehearsal learning a dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or getting ready to do an island adventure themed game show. In the afternoon? Well, you might find me working on a new script or new music, then performing in a concert hall dressed as a Greek God or Monster King. Now, you’re probably asking yourself... what the heck is this job?! Stop making me guess! Three words: Gyeonggi English Village. <h2 id="gev">Working at Gyeonggi English Village in South Korea</h2> I am an Edutainer at Gyeonggi English Village (GEV), in Paju, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korea-tips-for-teaching-english" target="_blank">South Korea</a>. Picture something like a theme park, with an educational twist. Think Disney or Bush Gardens.  Add: 7 cups of education, a heaped spoonful of English language, 4 sticks of immersion and 5 cups of entertainment.  Mix vigorously for 5 minutes and you’ll have yourself a giant bowl of Edutainer.  I’m one of three departments operating at Gyeonggi English Village: One Day Programs, One Week Programs and Edutainers. It has been one of the most rewarding jobs in my life so far. Since coming here I’ve co-written a new musical, worked on 4 musicals and I’m about to start directing our upcoming winter musical. I also worked as a drama instructor for a program GEV hosted for elementary school teachers, taught entirely in English. The antithesis of desk job, I feel lucky to have this position. I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in performance from The University of Michigan in the U.S. and I’ve been involved with music theatre since I was little. Nowadays, I get to have a ball performing in various musicals, hosting game shows, and working on different interactive entertainment activities where entertainment is the focus, but learning and being exposed to English is at the heart and soul. I’m constantly using so many different skill sets and I’ve grown so much as a person since signing my contract. So imagine doing all of this in a foreign country too?  <h2 id="culture">Why You Should Immerse Yourself in South Korea's Culture</h2> Korea has been home for me since December 2008 and I love her very much. I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in a culture so rich and fulfilling. I see the world from a whole new perspective and get a chance to see things from the Korean viewpoint. My extended engagement with a new society offers me so much more beyond the quick tourist trip. It’s something everyone should take part in. It’s priceless. Recently, I sat down with some friends at a restaurant in one of my favorite neighborhoods of Seoul. An Israeli backpacker passed by as we ate. The backpacker happened to have met one of my friends the previous weekend.  He chatted for a bit then trekked off to his hostel. After a quick back-story from our mutual friend I found out the backpacker had been in China and was heading to Japan. He had been doing on his way for a few weeks now. One day he looked at a map and noticed, “Hey! There’s a country between China and Japan!” He had never even been exposed to Korea. He planned a quick three-day stop over to fix that and to add a notch to this global belt. He has been in Korea for almost two weeks now. He too fell in love with the country. Don’t let this oversight happen to you. Make the trip or put South Korea on your dream list. Then come visit me at Gyeonggi English Village.  <h3>About the Author</h3> Matt Semler works as an edutainer at Gyeonggi English Village in Paju, South Korea.Matt Semler 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-koreaHow safe is South Korea? Is it expensive? Nomad Ronan shares his tips on things to do, climate, transportation, safety, and local traditions.2021-03-04T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.comThere are 37 US states larger in land area than South Korea – yet this tiny Asian nation has captivated me so much I have visited eight times and regularly daydream about its ancient palaces, modern cities, volcanic islands, mountain scenery, bullet trains, healthy food, and unique art forms. Whether you’re heading here for a quick trip or a deep dive, these South Korea travel tips will help you get the most from your visit. <ul> <li><a href="#expensive">Is South Korea expensive?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">How safe is South Korea?</a></li> <li><a href="#culture">Culture and tradition in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#weather">When to go to South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#getting-around">Transportation in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="expensive">Is South Korea expensive?</h2> <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-seoul">Seoul</a> is a relatively pricy destination, particularly for accommodation. But just like most other countries, most of South Korea is affordable compared to its capital. In cities such as Busan, Daegu, and Gyeongju, you can get a spacious room for two in a four-star hotel, including breakfast, for as little as US $70 a night. Whereas, in Seoul, you’ll be lucky to secure a cramped room in a three-star property, with no breakfast for that price. The good news is that, all over South Korea, the food is cheap and healthy. Small, family-run restaurants line the back streets of Korean cities, offering freshly made Korean cuisine for as little as US $5 a dish. One easy way to save money is by changing cash at the small currency kiosks in busy tourist areas, which offer much better rates than banks or airport exchange desks. <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/south-korea/5-things-south-korea-busan-city.jpg" alt="The coast of Busan city, South Korea." /> <figcaption>The coast of Busan city, South Korea. Photo credit: Ronan O'Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="safe">How safe is South Korea?</h2> I have traveled to more than 60 countries and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/is-south-korea-safe">never felt safer than in South Korea</a> – so much so that I had no worries about my wife exploring Seoul and Busan by herself at night. There is a strong police presence in the downtown areas of all South Korean cities, which helps deter petty crime. There’s even a special force to protect foreigners – the Tourist Police. This unit – tasked with taking complaints from tourists, providing them with general information and deterring crime against travelers – has nearly 20 offices across the country, all in popular tourist areas. Of course, crime exists in South Korea. Tourists are more likely to fall victim in quiet areas, where there’s a lesser police presence, or late at night in entertainment precincts, particularly if intoxicated. <h2 id="culture">Culture and tradition in South Korea</h2> The South Korean Government is dedicated to preserving ancient culture and has placed 134 traditional art forms on a protection list. Part of safeguarding these artforms includes promoting them to travelers, who can try out ancient skills at cultural centers in South Korean cities. These classes include crafting Tal masks, making Hanji wood bark paper, learning Jultagi tightrope walking, and trying out Janggu drumming. At Korea House cultural center in Seoul, an artist taught me to decorate the fierce, demonic-looking Tal masks, which were used for hunting in prehistoric times and now are worn by performers during Talchum mask dances. At the huge Seoul Global Cultural Center, which offers many such workshops, an expert showed me how to scrawl Seoye Korean calligraphy. To find out about these classes, visit the official tourism information centers in the downtown area of cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.  <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/explore/south-korea/5-things-south-korea-tightrope.jpg" alt="Jultagi tightrope walking." /> <figcaption>Jultagi tightrope walking. Photo credit: Ronan O’Connell</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="weather">When to go to South Korea</h2> Few cities have weather that ranges as wildly as Seoul – I’ve frozen in winter and melted in summer. In July and August, temperatures can reach 104°F (40°C) with very high humidity which, if you’re from a cold country like me (Irish), ensures you sweat profusely. Then, in December and January, it can feel like you’re in the Arctic, with temperatures dropping to as low as -4°F (-20°C) due to cruel winter winds blowing down from Siberia. Seoul feels like Houston, Texas in summer and Chicago, Illinois in winter. The south of the country is milder than Seoul, but still very chilly in winter and has equally harsh summers. If you’re visiting South Korea in the winter, don’t worry too much about rain, as that’s the dry season, but wear warm clothes that repel the wind. In summer, avoid strenuous activities in the middle of the day, when it’s blazing hot, and pack a light raincoat in case of a downpour. <h2 id="getting-around">Transportation in South Korea</h2> At its narrowest points, South Korea is just 140mi (225km) wide, and 200mi (322km) from top to bottom. But it feels even smaller than it looks due to its superb public transport system. South Korea is similar in size to my home country of Ireland, yet is far easier to traverse due to something Ireland badly lacks – bullet trains. Traveling at up to 190mph (306kph) these <a href="https://www.koreantrain.com/" target="_blank">KTX trains </a>reach more than 20 cities in South Korea. This impressive system allows travel from Seoul in the country’s far north to Busan in the deep south in just 2hrs 30mins. The KTX trains aren’t just fast, either. They’re also extremely comfortable and surprisingly cheap. For US $185, visitors can buy a five-day <a href="https://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfKrPassAbout.do">Korail pass</a> that offers unlimited KTX trips. Bought individually, that Seoul to Busan journey costs just US $72-80, or you can get Business Class for US $100-111. There’s really no need for an upgrade, however, as the economy seats are wide and plush, with lots of legroom, even for a 6’5” man like myself. Taking the KTX is simple, comfortable, convenient, and affordable.Ronan O'Connell 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korea-tips-for-teaching-englishWe asked Melissa Barry – i-to-i’s work and holiday expert – to share her top tips for travelers who want to teach English in South Korea.2009-09-16T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/south-korea-tips-for-teaching-englishhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#culture"> Immerse Yourself in the South Korean Culture </a></li> <li><a href="#tefl"> Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#demand"> Demand for English Teachers </a></li> <li><a href="#teaching-positions"> Where Are the Teaching Positions? </a></li> <li><a href="#type-of-work"> What Kind of Teaching Work Is There? </a></li> <li><a href="#accommodation"> Accommodation for TEFL Teachers in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#flights"> Flight Reimbursement </a></li> <li><a href="#earning"> How Much Can You Earn? </a></li> <li><a href="#tax"> How Much Will I Be Taxed? </a></li> <li><a href="#cost-of-living"> Cost of Living </a></li> <li><a href="#saving-money"> Is There Potential to Save Money? </a></li> <li><a href="#training"> How Much TEFL Training is Recommended? </a></li> <li><a href="#conditions"> What Kind of Teaching Conditions Can I Expect? </a></li> <li><a href="#be-aware"> What You Need to Be Aware Of </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="culture">Immerse Yourself in the South Korean Culture</h2> If you’re looking for an amazing experience, you should consider teaching English in South Korea! Not only do you get to live alongside the locals, eating what they eat, doing what they do, and having a whole lot of fun… but you get paid to do it! If been thrown neck deep into another culture intrigues you, then teaching English could be the ultimate travel adventure for you…  <h2 id="tefl">Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) in South Korea</h2> Once a pawn between bigger and stronger Asian and Western superpowers, South Korea has laid its volatile past to rest and is on the rise, having developed from being one of Asia's poorest countries to one of its richest. The country’s economic success is matched by its cultural richness, and nowhere is this more evident than in Seoul. Amongst the skyscrapers and hotels, centuries-old palaces and shrines remain intact and there’s a sense of history that goes back to the Joseon Dynasty of the 14th century. Added to all this is its lively social scene and breadth of shopping opportunities. With a myriad of beaches, mountains, lakes and tropical islands within South Korea’s borders, life and excitement exist far beyond the capital. The cherry on top is that doable distances and good transport links make it easy to experience this fascinating country’s delights. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on offer to all you TEFlers out there: <h2 id="demand">Demand for English Teachers</h2> There is a huge demand for native English speakers in Korea, and while some schools prefer certain accents (e.g. North American & British), if you look English and speak it well you’re chances of finding work are very high.  <h2 id="teaching-positions">Where Are the Teaching Positions?</h2> The majority of work for TEFL teachers is currently available in the regions of Seoul & Busan. However, there are opportunities to teach English in many other areas, but you will need to work a bit harder to find them. <h2 id="type-of-work">What Kind of Teaching Work Is There?</h2> There is a wide range of teaching work available in South Korea, ranging from one on one tutoring to teaching large classes. Here’s a list of what you can expect to find:  <ul> <li>Private English language institutes (hagwans): General English,</li> <li>Business English University academic departments: General English, English for Specific Purposes (ESP)</li> <li>Government & private research institutes: General English, ESP</li> <li>Corporate in-house language programs: General English, Business English</li> <li>State & private kindergartens: English for Younger Learners</li> </ul> <h2 id="accommodation">Accommodation</h2> Most employers offer accommodation at no cost for TEFL teachers, however as property prices are high in the big cities you can’t expect to be in the lap of luxury! <h2 id="flights">Flight Reimbursement</h2> Many employers offer a generous payment towards your flights upon completion of your contract to encourage you to stay for the full term. This can be up to US$1250 so it pays to take this into account with any contract negotiations. <h2 id="earning">How Much Can You Earn?</h2> As an English teacher in South Korea, your salary will be among the best for your profession anywhere in the world. While pay is proportionate to your qualifications and experience, as a general rule of thumb, someone with a degree and at least 100 hours of TEFL training should be able to earn in excess of $1700 per month. <h2 id="tax">How Much Will I Be Taxed?</h2> Taxes are very low in South Korea with only 4-5% taken out monthly, which your employer will take care of. So you get to keep most of the money you make! <h2 id="cost-of-living">Cost of Living</h2> Generally low, but it’s slowly on the rise as the economy strengthens. You can expect about 20% – 30% of your salary to go towards the cost of living. <h2 id="saving-money">Is There Potential to Save Money?</h2> A lot of people come to Korea to save money, and while this is achievable it totally depends on your spending habits! Most teachers are well paid and the cost of living is low in comparison, so how much you save is up to you! While working, you can easily transfer some of your salary into your bank account at home if that helps! <h2 id="training">How Much TEFL Training is Recommended?</h2> As the demand for English teachers is very high, there are teaching opportunities available for degree holders that don’t have any TEFL qualifications at all. However you can dramatically increase your chances of getting the more sort after jobs and earning significantly more by completing TEFL training. You can do this with <a href="http://www.i-to-i.com/">i-to-i</a> before you head off or even while you’re on the road with one of their internationally recognised and accredited <a href="http://www.i-to-i.com/tefl-courses/" target="_blank">online TEFL courses</a>. <h2 id="conditions">What Kind of Teaching Conditions Can I Expect?</h2> About 30 hours of teaching during the week, over 5 days. Lessons start later in the day compared to most western schools. Saturday lessons are rare but well paid. Classes in hagwans can be overcrowded, but the students tend to be serious about their studies and expect good quality teaching. <h2 id="be-aware">What You Need to Be Aware Of</h2> You can avoid scams and faulty contracts by checking how long a recruitment agency or hagwan has been in business. If you choose to go through an agency, it’s best to use a well-known one that ensures good wages, accommodation, and in-country support. The wages for private tutors are very high, which can tempt those without visas. But Koreans are rewarded for reporting any illegal activity, so don’t risk being deported for the sake of some extra money. <h3>Want to Know More?</h3> You can get your TEFL credentials or find a work placement through <a href="http://www.i-to-i.com/" target="_blank">i-to-i’s</a> work and holiday website. <h3>Do you have any tips for teaching English in South Korea?</h3>Getty Images/Wansick Park / EyeEm 11140727567 Getty Images Books on a shelf in Seoul, South Korea