Summer heat means milkshake season! Here is now to find this delicious treat in South Korea. We also share a bunch of spots to try in Pyeongtaek-si. About Milkshakes in South Korea Milkshakes in South Korea may look like the ones back home, but don’t expect the same flavors or textures. Instead of ultra-thick American-style shakes, many Korean cafes offer milk-based drinks that are thinner and lighter. You might find them closer to flavored milk than ice cream blends. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of indulgent options for…

Looking for something fun to do inside with the kids this summer? Or maybe you just love to build with Legos and don’t have space at home? Try visiting a LEGO and block building cafe in Korea. Block Cafes in Korea: Build, Play, and Relax If you or your kids love to build and play, block cafés in Korea are an excellent way to spend a relaxing afternoon. These cafés are part playroom, part creative zone, and part chill-out space where kids (and even sometimes adults) can immerse themselves in…

Online, you may come across different information regarding Severance Pay in Korea that may or may not be true. Here are several common misconceptions foreign ESL teachers in South Korea may hold about severance pay (퇴직금). We will also provide some clarifications based on common understanding of Korean labor law. Disclaimer Nothing in this blog post exists as legal advince. Information and laws may change over time. Consult an attorney if you have questions about your Severance Pay while living in South Korea. We’ve used ChatGPT to summarize our research…

Managing your taxes in South Korea can sometimes feel like a mystery, so welcome to my new series for those struggling to understand the Korean income tax system and how it applies to them. Let’s begin by talking about how to get your Korean tax refunds by filing your taxes in May. You can refile Your taxes Did you know you can get more money back from your taxes, even after you have already filed them? In South Korea, workers can refile or adjust their income tax in May to…

You might get confused on May 1st when some people are going to work while others are not. Let’s take a closer look at Korean Labor day, what it means, and how it’s celebrated. About Korean Labor Day Korean Labor Day, or 근로자의 날 (Geunroja-ui Nal), is also known as Workers Day. We will call it Labor Day for the sake of this article, since it’s a more commonly understood term internationally. Labor Day is observed every year on May 1st. This day is a key moment to reflect on…

The successful PIEF Pyeongtaek Living 101 Courses are back and better than ever in 2025! This year brings new speakers, children’s safety-focused workshops for kids 3-10, a new Pyeongtaek-si Integration Handbook, and finalized workbooks filled with information and activities. Learn more below and register sooner rather than later! Our programs will make life easier and more fun. About Living in Korea We know that living in Korea is a wild ride for international residents. How does one learn the hidden knowledge that makes life easier when you don’t know what…

When you are homesick it can be easy to turn to social media platforms for support regarding your Expat Experience in Korea. However, this may not always be a healthy choice for those struggling with culture shock. The following post delves into how social media algorithms, confirmation bias, and the expat experience intersect. Not a sexy topic but very important for happiness. My Experience with Algorithms and Culture Shock As an international resident in South Korea with nearly 25 years of experience in algorithms, SEO, social media, and their impact…

Are you struggling to find business hours in Korea? Maybe you struggle with the language barrier, or you can’t find the business listing on Google. There are some things you need to know to help with the frustration. The Struggle to Find Business Information Finding business hours in South Korea can be surprisingly tricky. Websites like Google Maps and VisitKorea might seem the obvious choice since they are what we find when we search in English. However, such sites often have inaccurate, outdated, missing, or confusing information. This may lead…