Life in South Korea

Last spring, my friend Abbie and I explored Daejeon’s Old Downtown, Eunhangdong and Daehungdong. Both little neighborhoods make up the older (but also much cooler) part of Daejeon!

Here is a video of me reflecting on my life in Korea—why I came, what I learned and why I’m leaving. It’s the end of an era.

My time in South Korea has come to an end. If this were a video game, I’ve cleared the map. Saying goodbye was so much harder than I expected. I tried holding it together, I really did.

Back with another Solo in Seoul. This time we’re talking about HBC: the gayer, trendier cousin of Itaewon—and it’s actually right next to it.

Part of my Solo in Seoul series. Alriiiight Itaewon probably needs no introduction. Yes, the Itaewon from Itaewon Class. It’s the infamous foreigner district in Seoul. So, what’s good in Itaewon?

The DMZ is the DeMilitarized Zone, the border between North and South Korea, the 38th parallel. There lies many observatories and even a cable car, along with the legacy of a brutal war and the mythologizing that came after.

Y’all know I love a good craft beer. Gung-dong is full of great student-friendly fast food joints and pubs. The best, in my humble Daejeonite opinion, is Ranch Pub.

The start of my new mini-series, Solo in Seoul, showing cool places to check out that I’ve collected over my three years in Korea. Hapjeong is a treasure trove of proud roasteries, vintage thrift shops and vegan restaurants in Seoul.

This town, like many Korean tourist spots, is catered to modern comforts with the dressings of the wistful past. Is it authentic? I don’t know what makes something authentic or not until it hits me square in the jaw.

I’ve been going to TSC Gym for three months now, and I am so much stronger, faster and well-trained than when I started. Punching and kicking things is SO fun, who knew?? My friend, Abbie G, made this video about it!

Today for Daejeon Highlights, we’re covering the underground shopping mall. Any Korean city with a subway will have one of these, but Daejeon’s has some unique things in it that I’m excited to talk about!

What makes little Gunsan worth the time? Well, there’s the Korean classics: cafes, museums, and good food. And it’s got some of the only remaining examples of Japanese architecture left in Korea.

Where do you go in Daejeon if you want really good New York-style pizza? Johnny’s Pub, home of giant pizzas, craft beer and the best birthday dinners. What is Daejeon without Johnny’s?

My friend Abbie G and I collabed for a vlog showcasing the Youth We Can Center in Daejeon. If you’re into rock climbing—you’re in for a treat.

As we went on, we remarked how much Busan feels like a trip to another country. It’s hard to describe. Busan just feels like a league unto its own. You’ve got it all: busy beaches, temples tucked away, and some bbq that impressed even this Texan.

I can see why Yeosu has songs written about it. When I think of Yeosu, all I can see is blue water and dense green foliage. And the FOOD—they say Jeolla food is the best and I can see why.

At Lumbini you can get your samosas, mutton curry, naan, biryani—of course, you can grab a Nepali beer or chai too. It’s a hole-in-the-wall tucked away among the minimalist cafes and big bbq chains, and our own little underdog.

By way of unique culture, Daejeon doesn’t seem to have much. Except for this! People from all over Korea come to Daejeon to eat here—Sung Sim Dang, the Michelin-starred bakery.

Okay, so you’re thinking about living in South Korea. Everyone knows Seoul, but what are the other options? Here’s a breakdown of the 7 major cities and 9 regions in South Korea.

If I told you there was an independent republic on a tiny island near Seoul—inland, not on the ocean—would you be surprised?

While there were a few more restrictions due to the pandemic, Daecheon beach was still open for those masked-up vacationers.

Part of my Daejeon Highlights series. While KAIST is a stressful place to attend, there’s a few things to love. Like cherry blossoms!

Part of my Jeju series. The Snoopy Garden is a not just a cash grab. I wish I’d say I wasn’t surprised by that (so cynical) but I was.

Part of my Jeju series. February is prime orange season in Korea. What’s better than fresh citrus and cute puppies?

Part of my Jeju series. I can’t recommend Chocolate Land…unless you’re just really into Johnny Depp.

Part of my Jeju series. We went to Jeju’s own little island—Udo. The quickest way to my lil travel heart is a bike ride through some green scenery.

Part of my Jeju series. Green tea lotions, ice cream, and tea paraphernalia. And of course, lush green tea fields.

Part of my Jeju series. Double-masked, and covered in sanitizer, we carefully plotted our course to watch the sunrise on the water.

Part of my Jeju series. The Bunker de Lumières is a digital art installation. The music swells, and it takes you into Van Gogh’s work, swirling and swimming.