By: Angie Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer Moving internationally, even moving back to your home country, takes a lot of preparation and planning; especially if you have pets. There is a lot of planning and paperwork involved with flying with pets, even if you are just flying back to your home country. Be sure to check with your arriving country for their requirements for importing pets. This blog outlines the three ways you can fly out of Korea with your pet: in-cabin, excess baggage (accompanied cargo), and unaccompanied or manifest cargo. Pets In-Cabin In-cabin means that your pet will fly with you on the plane. You will put your pet under the seat in front of you for the duration of your flight. Not every airline allows pets in-cabin on international flights and you need to make sure your pet meets the guidelines set by each airline, so double check before you book your tickets. Generally speaking, your furry companion will need to be VERY SMALL. Most weight restrictions are around 10-15 lbs. Maximum carrier sizes are pretty restricted as well, usually around 10 inches or shorter in height. This is pretty small considering your pet needs to fit comfortably inside its carrier. If the carrier appears too small for your pet, you may be turned away completely at check-in. Check with the airline regarding their specific requirements.  Before booking your ticket, call the airline that you want to book with and check that there is space for your pet on the flight that you want. Each flight only allows a certain number of pets in the cabin. Pets as Excess Baggage (Accompanied Cargo) If your pet cannot fly in-cabin, another option is for your pet to fly as excess baggage, or accompanied cargo. This means that your pet will fly on the same plane as you, in a temperature controlled cargo area of the plane. Not all planes have temperature control areas for cargo. It is important to call the airlines before booking your ticket to ensure that the flight you are interested in flying to has the proper accomodations for pets. Weight and carrier size restrictions vary by airline. It is important that your pet fits comfortably in a carrier that meets the airline’s requirements. Your pet must be able to sit up, stand up, and turn around in the crate without touching the top of the crate. In addition to crate restrictions, many airlines also have temperature restrictions. Most airlines will not accept pets during extreme hot or cold temperatures. If your crate does not meet the airline’s requirements or is not the appropriate size for your pet or it is too hot or cold on the day of your flight, the airline will not accept your pet for travel. If you are planning on flying with your pet as excess baggage during the summer or winter, it is a good idea to have a pet shipper as a backup. If you are booking a ticket for a pet as excess baggage, you need to call the airline and request a spot for them in the cargo compartment. Again, only certain planes have temperature controlled cargo areas and only certain airlines fly pets as unaccompanied baggage.  Pets as Unaccompanied Cargo You will have to fly your pet as unaccompanied or manifest cargo if you have a larger pet or if you pets cannot fly on the same day as you. This happens more often than you’d think – especially given the temperature embargos and the limited flights with temperature controlled cargo compartments. Flying your pet as unaccompanied or manifest cargo means that your pet will fly on a cargo-only plane. Airlines do not allow individual pet owners to book these accommodations. You will need to hire a pet shipping company to arrange everything with the airline. Here are a few Korea-based pet shipping and relocation companies for flying pets as unaccompanied baggage:  The First Class Pet www.thefirstclasspet.com Email: gina@firstclasspet.com Phone: 070-4101-1169 010-9794-1125 Kakao Talk is the best way to communicate with First Class Pet Pet Airlines www.petairline.co.kr Email: jeremy@petairline.co.kr Phone: 02-2667-0112 Email is the best way to communicate with Pet Airlines Shindog Air www.shindogsair.com Email: shindogsair@gmail.com Phone: 010-5119-8073 Facebook and Facebook Messenger is the best way to communicate with Shindog Air  Shindig Air also runs Flying Pets Korea – Free Advice  Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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(Update 2022/April) About Fishing Cafes Fishing is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or gender. But have you ever imagined fishing in the basement of one of the multi-story buildings in Pyeongtaek? Fishing Cafes offer a unique experience for an afternoon of family fun or something different to try with a date or group of friends.    Fishing at a fishing cafe is a fun and different experience – even for seasoned outdoor fishers. You cast into a pool filled with fish, using what looks like moist cat food as bait. Compete with other fishers to win prizes. Each caught fish is weighed and points are awarded on an electronic board. After weighing, the caught fish are released back into the pool. Fishing Cafes v Fishing in the Rivers You might be wondering why fishing cafes when you can fish at the stream. While you can definitely fish in the streams here legally without a license. The advantage of going to these cafes is, first, they have all of the equipment that you need there so you don’t need to buy poles, hooks, bobbers, tackle, nets and bait and any other fishing gear. All of the fishing equipment is provided for you at a fishing cafe. The second advantage is that, at least at catch and release places, the pools are so stocked with fish that you are almost guaranteed to catch many fish. I’ve gone several times and we have caught at least five fish in an hour. That really adds a lot of fun and excitement to the experience, especially for little kids. I remember fishing on with my grandparents when I was a little kid and we would go hours and hours and hours without catching anything. That definitely won’t happen at these fishing cafes. The other advantage is that it is indoors so it’s a great activity to do when the weather or air is less than ideal. Fishing Cafes in Pyeongtaek Located on the New Core side of Vision-dong, Pyeongtaek. The interior has an urban vibe with graffiti and street art on the walls. There is a small area to have a snack or drinks.  Located near Pyeongtaek Station this fishing cafe hosts different events every hour to compete for prizes. The owner offers free classes for beginners and all equipment is free of charge.  Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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About Buddhist History in Korea Korea has a long and rich Buddhist history and is home to nearly a thousand temples. There are so many temples in Korea that I am constantly discovering more and more temples. Each temple compound is beautifully unique and offers a quiet refuge to meditate or seek peace of mind. Korean Temple Etiquette Before you go, read up on Korean temple etiquette.  Jeongtosa Temple (Pyeongtaek, Anjung-eup) Beautifully landscaped grounds, giant golden Buddha, large stone Korean Buddha of Medicine, 5 story stone pagoda, and a panorama of spirit statues. This is a true hidden gem in Pyeongtaek.  Address: 경기 평택시 안중읍 서동대로 1785 Myeongbeopsa Temple (Pyeongtaek City) Nestled on a hill this temple feels completely in harmony with the surrounding naturescape at Deokdongsan Neighborhood Park. Admire the small temple, golden pagoda, and surrounding statues then practice walking meditation through the hills in the park.  Address: 경기도 평택시 평택5로 203-6 Sudosa Temple (Pyeongtaek Countryside)  Tucked away in the Pyeongtaek countryside near Pyeongtaek Port, Sudosa Temple has a large exhibit that shares the Great Monk Wonhyo history and teachings. The exhibits are in hangul so bring your favorite translation app or just enjoy the beautiful artwork.  Address: 경기도 평택시 포승읍 호암길 58 Seoknamsa Temple (Anseong) Located on Mt. Seoknasa sits in this traditional stonework temple with double pagodas and over 500 (statues). It is also a filming location for the K-Drama Goblin.  Address: 경기 안성시 금광면 상촌새말길 3-120 There is just something magical and rejuvenating about temples, especially temples in smaller communities. Visit these and more temples in and nearby Pyeongtaek and you might be the ones people there! Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer Temples are sacred places of worship, places where Buddhist monks and nuns live and practice. They are also historic sites that welcome visitors so don’t be shy about visiting temples, even if you do not practice Buddhism. Korean temples are unique because they are usually larger compounds consisting of many buildings and structures, although the entire grounds are considered “the temple”. At Korean temples you will likely see gates, pagodas, a large Buddha hall, and several other places to worship or do walking meditation. Often there are other buildings as well like a gift shop, cafeteria, private residences, offices, and places for visitors to stay overnight. Once you walk through the gate, you are on sacred ground and should act accordingly.  It is important to be respectful when on the temple grounds. Here are a few things to know before you go.  Wear modest clothing. A good rule of thumb is to wear loose fitting clothing that doesn’t expose too much. While it is considered most respectful to have your shoulders and knees covered, you will see many locals and foreigners wearing shorts without much more than a sideways glance. Respect the calm atmosphere of the temple. Do not run, play music, or talk loudly (or on your phone).  Smoking and drinking is NOT permitted. Pagodas, stupas, stone lanterns or any other sculptures are all religious objects. Therefore, sitting or writing graffiti on them is considered extremely disrespectful and is not allowed. Photography is generally permitted, with a few rules. DO NOT take photos while inside the halls (usually taking photos of the inside while standing outside the hall is ok) and avoid taking photos during services or of people meditating or praying.  Use the entrances to the left or right of the main Buddha Hall. The center entrance is reserved for monks and nuns.  If a door is closed, do not open it. While visitors are always welcome at Korean temples, Buddhist monks or nuns live and work at these temples. Some buildings are private residences, places of study, or prayer and meditation.  Remove your shoes and hat before entering halls or pagodas. If you choose to pray, meditate, or partake in the prostration ritual, sit to the side or in the back. The space directly in front of the Buddha is reserved for monks and nuns.  It is customary to leave a small donation, especially if you light a candle or incense stick. There may be suggested donations for incense, candles, lanterns, or other blessings. There are usually several donation boxes around the temple.  If you walk past a monk or a nun it is customary to stop and bow as they pass. In Korea it is called ‘hap-jang.’ To do hapjang, place your palms together in front of the chest and bow down. Putting palms together means ‘center one’s mind’ and ‘you and I are not two separate beings but one.’ NEVER TOUCH A MONK OR NUN. If you touch a monk or nun they will have to go through an elaborate cleansing ritual.  To show the highest level of respect consider doing ‘cha-su’ with your hands as you walk around the temple. To do chasu, put your right hand across the top of your left with your thumb locked under the left and place them near your lower abdomen.  If you want to know more about Korean Buddhism and experience life at a temple first hand, consider participating in a templestay program. There are several temples that offer English-language programming.  Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer We have two cats in our family and we also have passion for travel. So, what do you do with your pets while you are on vacation?  One of the easiest and most obvious things to do is to ask a friend or family member to take them into their own home or stop by your place to feed and care for them. This can be a real challenge when you first move to Pyeongtaek. You can’t rely on extended family because they aren’t nearby and you may not have any trusted friends yet or maybe haven’t even met your neighbors.    Don’t despair, there are many options available in Pyeongtaek from pet hotels and boarding facilities and ways to connect with pet sitters. After some serious vetting, I am sure you will have no problem finding an option that works best for you and your furry companion.  Pet Hotels and Boarding Facilities The advantage of a professional service like this is that they are knowledgeable about the animals they board and how to care for them. These facilities are usually well equipped to take care of your pet and they may have opportunities for your pets to socialize with other pets also on their care. Every facility is different so ask questions, check references, and visit before you bring your pets stay. You may want to do a trial run for a night before leaving your pets for longer periods of time.  Here is a list of Pet Hotels and Boarding facilities in the Pyeongtaek area:  Soulmate Pet Care Offers boarding and daycare for cats and dogs of all sizes. Bathing and grooming services are also available.  Location: Anjeong-ri, across from the Humphreys pedestrian gate Phone: 010-4446-9123 (owner’s cell phone) The Pooch Pet hotel and boarding with a large play yard. They also offer grooming and doggy day care. The also have two seperate areas for cats, with climbing structures and private spaces so your cat can be social, get some exercise, or lay around my themselves. Location: Paengseong-eup Address: 경기 평택시 팽성읍 근내길 81 Phone: 031-611-5707 Kang’s Pet Care Boarding and dog day care as well as grooming and training.  Location: Sinjang-dong, in the Xinjiang Shopping Mall near Osan Air Base Address: 경기도 평택시 쇼핑로 19-4 아리스타팰리스 1차 104호, 105호 Phone number: 031-611-6548 Many vets also offer over boarding services. This can be ideal if you’re concerned for their healthcare or your pets have specialized diets.  Pet Sitting Services Some pet sitters come to your home while others will take care of your pet in their home. Depending on your comfort and your pet’s needs, you can also find someone to stay at your house, essentially living in your home while you are away and caring for your pet. When looking for a pet sitter (or house sitter), treat it like a job interview. It is important to ask the potential pet or house sitter lots of questions, ask for references, and consider hiring them for dog walking or scheduling a meet-and-greet beforehand if possible.  Here are some local networking sites that help pet families connect to pet sitters:  PetBacker – South Korea Pet Sitting Network Korea- Osan, Pyeongtaek, Asan PetSitting Connections–South Korea Little Friends – Pet Sitting Services S.Korea This is a curated list designed to give community members a starting place of boarding facilities and pet sitters in Pyeongtaek. It is up to you to determine if their services and qualifications meet your needs. Ask questions, visit the site or person beforehand, ask for references, and consider doing a shorter trail run before leaving your pets in someone else’s care.  Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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Are you having trouble with mold? Here are some quick solutions to keep your house free of mold.

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By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer Korea is known for gorgeous mountain hikes. Asan is not home to Korea’s tallest or prettiest mountains, but they are beloved nonetheless. Best of all they are conveniently located and easily accessible for those living south of Seoul. Bongsusan Mountain Park at the foothills of the mountain in a small gravel parking lot and walk through the juniper pine tree lined trails. There are many hiking trails that converge at Bonggoksa Temple which makes it a perfect place to begin and end a hike. Be on the lookout for wounded trees said to have been damanged in a battle during the Japanese occupation. ?Bongsusan Mountain Trail Entrance Goyongsan Mountain (Pinnacle Four) I honestly have no idea why this trail system is referred to as Pinnacle Four. There are multiple trail heads that converge at the top of the Goyongsan Mountain – more than four. There are two popular trail heads. One starts at Yonggungsa Temple, with easy parking and the other is near Highway 34 and requires street parking. The trails themselves are steep and rocky and require a moderate fitness level. ? HWY 34 Trailhead ? Yonggungsa Temple Yeonginsan Mountain (Yeonginsan National Forest) Take a leisurely drive to this National Forest and pick up a map at the first set of bathrooms or at the entrance of the main trail head. There are lots of trails for a variety of hiking abilities so you can hike a little or a lot. There are also interactive exhibits to learn more about the forest, arboretum, and insects. Be prepared with cash (won) to pay for parking. Leave your furry companion at home, this area is not dog friendly. ? Yeonginsan Forest Entrance Want More? Check Out the Ultimate Hiking in South Korea Guide If today’s blog has you ready to lace up your boots, don’t stop here! We’ve partnered with United on the RoK Magazine to bring you a full resource on hiking across Korea — from beginner trails and Dulle-gil walks to epic mountain climbs and seasonal tips. Check out the Hiking in South Korea Guide Whether you’re an expat, military family, or traveler, this guide will help you plan your next adventure and discover the trails that make Korea a hiker’s paradise. Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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Searching for grocery delivery in Korea? Here are some links and tips to help you get started. About Online Grocer Delivery Shopping online for groceries can be an incredibly convenient way to get the food you need while avoiding crowds. If you are willing to let go of the search for the perfect tomato and are prepared to pay a little bit more for the convenience of delivery, then shopping online for groceries is a great way to go. Below is a list of helpful online grocery outlets to use when you don’t feel like hauling around heavy bags, navigating chaotic supermarket aisles, or simply prefer the convenience of having your groceries delivered to your doorstep. Grocery Delivery in Korea Let’s take a look at a few of the grocery delivery options available across the country. GMarket GMarket global is the most popular online marketplace for foreigners because they accept foreign-issued credit cards and PayPal. The website and app are completely in English (make sure you are on the GMarket global). This is a great option for meat, produce, and non-perishables. iHerb IHerb is known for health foods, baking supplies, western foods, supplements, and natural beauty products at prices that are typically lower than you will find in Korean stores. iHerb app is in English and the website easily translates with Chrome Google Translate Extension. Foreign card payment accepted, must enter passport number or ARC. Delivery tends to take a while and you may have to pay import fees depending on your purchase. Coupang Coupang is a lot like GMarket, but without any third-party retailers and is generally cheaper. It also doesn’t have an English app so basic Korean knowledge is helpful. Coupang only accepts Korean cards or bank transfers. Big Box Retailers Korea’s biggest grocery vendors are Homeplus, Emart, and Lotte Mart. These online sites also do not offer English interface (although the Google translate extension for Chrome works well). Foreign-issued cards can be used for payment although it can be tricky. Their wide selection and lower cost can be worth the initial hassles. Need Help? Even at the best of times, ordering online in a foreign country can be challenging and frustrating. If you get stuck trying to set up an account or enter your delivery address, Wonderful can be a lifesaver. Wonderful is a bilingual personal assistant service in Korea where you can get help with literally anything in Korea. Looking for Meal Delivery? Don’t want to cook? Order your pre-made meals right to your house: Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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Is navigating Korea stressful? Try using Naver Maps. Let me give you quick tutorial to help you get started. Additional South of Seoul Blogs Related to Map Apps South of Seoul volunteers recommend that you do as much research and reading on using maps in South Korea as possible. Learning to use South Korean map apps may be the most stressful and frustrating aspect of relocating to South Korea. However, if you stay diligent and treat it as a skill to learn – you will overcome the adaptation hurdles and become a mapping superhero. When you finish reading this blog, we recommend checking out these as well. What is Naver maps? Naver Maps is an online Korean mapping system that is both web and app-based. Naver Maps was one of the first Korean-made mapping services to offer an English version. The other options are Kakao Maps (also a Korean mapping service) and Waze (owned by Google), which is a consumer-generated mapping service. Because of its versatility, ease of use, functionality, and longevity, Naver Maps is the most widely used by ex-pats. Through Naver Maps you can get walking, public transportation, and driving directions. You can also search for restaurants and other points of interest like temples, movie theaters, banks, and other attractions. Let’s take a look at some of the basics in more detail. How can I get started with using Naver Maps on my mobile phone? Here are some simple tips that will get you started quick. Download the App Although the desktop version and the app version of Naver Maps have many of the same functionality, only the app version is available in English. We will focus on the app version for this tutorial. Changing the Language The Naver Maps app should default to the language setting of your device. This does not always happen. If your map is mostly in Korean, don’t panic. There is an easy way to change the language settings. Navigating using Naver Maps Some quick notes about transportation options and features: Once you select your route, you can scroll up to see the detailed directions at the bottom. You can also tap on any part of the detailed directions to get a closer view. Tap it again to get more information. Pro Tip: Click on the scoped arrow icon on the bottom left of the map to show your current location. You will see your current location via a blue circle. This can be super helpful to double-check that you are moving in the right direction. Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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by: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer Not long ago beer options in Korea were rather limited. Even today, if you go out to dinner at a local restaurant, you will likely only have a choice of 2 or 3 beers – Cass, Hite, or Kloud. Korea is just beginning to emerge in the craft beer scene (thanks to revisions to the liquor laws in 2014). Craftworks and Magpie are the largest and oldest craft breweries in Korea, but these aren’t the only breweries contributing to the evolution of beer in Korea.  With the rise of craft and micro brewing occuring domestically in Korea and an increase in expat populations, Pyeongtaek has also seen an increase in craft beer pubs that serve both domestic and imported craft beer.  Sosabeol/Bijeon Craft Beer MarketRotating taps and bottles and cans – both imported and craft domestic brews. SugarmanExtensive imported and craft bottle beer selection and a few craft brews on tap. Anjeong-ri/Paengseong Loft 33Enjoy a craft or imported beer on the rooftop. Perfect for a warm spring or summer evening. Tailgate Tavern (Paengseong) This sports bar serves several hard to find imports and craft beers both on tap and bottles. Pool, darts, shuffleboard and great beers are also included. Pyeongtaek-dong (near Pyeongtaek Station) 64th Alley’s Tap HouseJust a few Korean craft beers on tap, along with great appetizers and live music (usually the owner playing acoustic guitar). WaBar (Songtan and Pyeongtaek-dong) A local franchise chain serving a very diverse selection of international and local beers along with mixed drinks and cocktails. Teddy’s Moments (Pyeongtaek-dong)Great food. Great beer. And their outdoor area is the closest thing to a beer garden you will find in Korea. This is an awesome place for brunch in the morning as well as late night drinks and grub. Songtan BrueBeer pub with over 50 beers on tap, need I say more? WaBar (Songtan and Pyeongtaek-dong)A local franchise chain serving very diverse selection of international and local beers and also serves mixed drinks and cocktails. Angie Alvis, M. EdAngela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design. Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings. Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C. After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.

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