9 Things You Didn’t Know about Korea and Koreans I’ve traveled to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) more than 10 times over the past 18 years. Over that period I’ve noticed many aspects of […]
9 Things You Didn’t Know About Korea and Koreans Read More »
On a cold night in January 1968, 31 North Korean spy commandos cut through the most heavily fortified border in the world. Undetected by South Korean military personnel, they moved by foot through the night,
What we saw at the Korean DMZ Read More »
Andong Hahoe Folk Village Andong Hahoe Folk Village is one of the best places in Korea to experience a traditional village. Although it has become popular with tourists, it has maintained its traditional architecture and
A Walk around Andong Hahoe Folk Village Read More »
There is only one proper way to get to an island. I always feel like I’m cheating myself if I fly. To get to Japan, I knew I had to take the ferry. “But flights
On Sailing to Japan Read More »
1) The existence of kimchi-specific refrigerators You’ve heard of kimchi, but did you know Koreans have special refrigerators in their kitchens with individualized temperature control for making different types of kimchi? I can’t even begin
7 Observations from Korea Read More »
I have a habit of finding saunas and thermal waters in different places around the world. Most of all I like being warm, but also I’ve found it’s a great way into a culture. Normally
Jjimjilbang: The Real Korean Sauna and Bathhouse Experience Read More »
It’s cold in Seoul in the winter. And I’m not a fan of the low temperatures. But from time to time I do appreciate seeing different places in the different seasons. I had been
Gyeongbokgung Palace in Winter: A different Perspective [Photos] Read More »
Two months ago, I thought I might be in South Africa during February. As it turned out, I was invited to Korea to spend the Lunar New Year holiday. It is one of the two
Korean Lunar New Year in Seoul Read More »
If you’re a member of couchsurfing.org, you may already know how awesome it is. For those of you who are not, I just want to stress all the amazing experiences I have had because I’m
It’s not about the free couch Read More »
For the Love of Kimchi Sure the pay was decent, and the working conditions acceptable, but I have to admit, food was a major factor in my deciding to get take a short-term teaching contract
Crazy about Kimchi Read More »
Jeonju is a traditional city with a strong culture. It is also one of the best cities in South Korea to see preserved architecture in the form of historical monuments and houses. I took a
Photo from the Road: Jeonju Architecture Read More »
By Stephen Bugno Far outside the suburbs of Gwangju, in southwestern Korea, is the May 18th National Cemetery. Visiting is a moving experience—sad, beautiful, inspirational. In May of 1980 demonstrators of the democratic uprising were
The Independent Spirit of Gwangju Read More »
South Korea’s Jeju Island is known for having some of the best examples of lava tubes anywhere in the world. On nearly my last day in Jeju, after teaching English at a winter camp for
Photo from the Road: Jeju’s Lava Tubes Read More »
By Stephen Bugno “Don’t worry about Halla-san.” Says Jonghyun, referring to the massive volcano that dominates the center of the Jeju Island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. “Instead focus on the 368
By Stephen Bugno As my South Korea Moon Handbook points out, Halla-San, or Halla Mountain, is the island of Jeju-do. It is South Korea’s highest peak and rises tall out of the center of the
Climbing Halla-san Read More »
On the morning of the Korean Lunar New Year, Eun Taek picks me up in his white Hyundai SUV. His parents are sitting in the back seat and we are on the way to his
My Korean Lunar New Year Read More »
By Stephen Bugno Korea’s Jeju Island is known for what it has and for what it lacks. It is called Samdado, meaning “Island of Three Abundances” due to its strong wind, sufficient supply of rocks,
No Beggars, No Thieves Read More »
Buckchon-ri, Jeju Island, South Korea I wanted to give everyone an idea of what a small village is like on Jeju Island. This is where the English Camp I’m working at is located. Everyday at
Photos from a Korean Village Read More »
What I actually found when I arrived The representatives from camp never came to the Jeju airport to pick me up. In the waiting room of the small airport, I sat for an hour
English Camp in Korea: What it’s like Read More »
The Citrus Farms of Jeju Island The tangerine was introduced to Jeju Island of Korea during the Japanese occupation and grows well, together with native Jeju citrus fruit varieties and hybrids, in the rich volcanic
Photo from the Road: Citrus Farms of Jeju Island Read More »
January is almost here and that means winter holidays for Korean school kids. That means English teaching jobs for native English speakers! And what are supposed to be holidays from school are actually intensive English
Why I’m going to South Korea Read More »
