Teaching English in South Korea: Discovering a Grassroots Gem of Culture and Innovation

Advertisement

By Christie Belfiore

Hidden within Asia is a most unexpected jewel of the continent: South Korea. It’s a country not inundated with tourists and it is for this reason that it holds so many unknown gems. South Korea is uniquely paradoxical: amazingly advanced in technology and human resources while many of its ancient traditions are preserved and kept alive through daily life. Often one of the last destinations on many people’s travel bucket lists, South Korea is still a wonderful paradise escape without the luxury of a five star resort. Like any destination, there are endless amounts of things to do while visiting for a few weeks or years. South Korea is rich with culture, and widely known for its delicious food, amazing markets, and numerous festivals and attractions. Below are the top events I would highly recommend for a great time and an unforgettable experience.

If you’re into feel-good, fun, communal festivals, then there are two that immediately come to mind. First, is the Boryeong Mud Festival, located on the beautiful Daecheon Beach. Not only is it loads of fun, but also, the mud is believed to be beneficial for the skin, leaving a soft and clean-feeling, despite the fact that, well, it is mud. Many hair and skin products are made from this mud and they are used nationwide. Another great event is Korea Burn, the Korean version of the Burning Man Festival, annually held in Nevada. This is a weekend of camping, fire shows, music, and artistic expression. Both of these festivals are celebrated annually–the Boryeong Mud Festival is held in June and Korea Burn in September.

For the thrill-seeker, there are a few locations to bungee jump. The highest one in South Korea is found at Cheongpung Land, standing 62m high. At this location, there is also the option to go on a giant swing or on a catapult-like ride that flings you into the air. If these options are a bit too extreme for your taste, then why not try an amusement park. The best-known park in South Korea is called Everland, situated in Seoul, which has a couple of exhilarating roller coasters. And if this kind of thrill isn’t for you either, then how about visiting the DMZ, the Demilitarization Zone between North and South Korea.

As for traditional festivals and attractions, there is the Andong Mask Festival or the Traditional Medicine Fair. The Andong Mask Festival is held at the beginning of October, and celebrates the traditional and beautiful Andong masks. The festival is a rich cultural experience, with live performances that are hauntingly beautiful and take you back in time. The subtleties of the mask dances show the appreciation that Koreans have for their culture, and it is interesting how these performances can be so intriguing even with the language barrier. The performances unite the Korean and foreign population with a relatability that can only be experienced through dance, movement, and expression. On the other hand, the Traditional Medicine Fair sheds light on the history of Korean medicine and the benefits it has for the body and mind. It focuses on rejuvenating the body naturally and healthily, promoting feel-good sensibilities. It is a UNESCO event, promoting the collaboration of nations. This is a wonderful and traditional event to enjoy.

Need to relax? Try a bathhouse alternatively known in South Korea as a Jjimjilbang. It is a gender-segregated bathhouse that has showers, saunas, hot tubs, and sometimes massage tables. The beauty of these jjimhilbangs is that anyone can go at any time of the day or night (most are open 24-hours), and focus on relaxation and regeneration. You can spend hours there, and they are also an excellent alternative to a hostel or hotel if you are just looking to stay somewhere overnight before moving on the next day. If you’re looking to take even more time for yourself, a temple stay may be a great fit. You can stay at a Buddhist temple for a weekend or longer, and explore the life of a Buddhist Monk. Buddhism is a leading religion in South Korea, as well as Christianity and Confucianism. This peaceful retreat allows you to experience the spiritual culture of Buddhism, including meditation, chanting, and tea ceremonies.

Another recommended activity is hiking. South Korea is a country of mountains. In any city you visit and in any direction you look, you are guaranteed to see mountains. The hiking trails are endless, and the vistas, spectacular. Koreans enjoy the outdoors and exercise. Hiking blends the two and with the numerous trails, nature is always at arm’s reach.

Last, another favourite activity is visiting the markets. South Korea is filled with these hidden treasures everywhere, bringing you amazing food, and endless independent shops selling everything from clothing to jewellery, to accessories, beauty products, toys, and much, much more. You can find a market in any city you’re in, great for gift-buying, grabbing a bite to eat, or just walking around. The hustle and bustle of a market is something you don’t want to miss when wandering through South Korea. Of course, there are many more events and Korean experiences to be had, but these are some personal favourites. No matter your lifestyle or interests, there’s an adventure awaiting you in South Korea.

Education News

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Advertisement

Read More

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.
nirvana slot | bảng đặc biệt 500 ngày | kết quả loto | joker millions slot | soi cau mn hôm nay | star casino sydney | keonhacai mem | casino corona phú quốc | stepper motor arduino | new slots 2017 | kqxsmb p1 | j88 | slot bahis siteleri | chăm sóc xe | người mẹ tồi của tôi tập 11 | ruby slots casino | doc truyen ngon tinh | gà đá chợ tốt cần thơ | 88 casino | ainsworth slot machines | sunpazuru | slot 88 | casino in russellville arkansas | wad bong da | slot attendant job description for resume | mơ thấy mèo mướp | slots animal | buffalo grand slot machine | monte carlo casino | slots that pay cash | burning hot slot | slotted strut | m88 vin link | bong hinh trong tim | coral slots | link vào 12bet khi bị chặn | app casino | funky monkey slot | xổ số thịnh nam bạc liêu |