Year 1 After Korea: Things That Make Me Feel Normal Again

I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since I bid farewell to Seoul-si, spent 2 weeks in Bali, and flew back to Toronto. As anticipated, the year has certainly had its ups and downs. Finding employment wasn’t easy, but I was open to anything and everything. I even spent a day working in a…

The New Zealand Wine Festival is Back – and Sold out in Seoul!

New Zealand Wine Festival Last year I was invited by the Kiwi Chamber of Commerce to attend their prestigious New Zealand Wine Festival.  Held annually in Seoul and in Busan, it’s a great opportunity to get out and meet other local wine enthusiasts.  The crowd was a little bit older (and considerably more mature) than…

Seoul Food: Homeboy – Pop-Up by Manimal & KiKi Chanting

Homeboy Seoul Pop-Up In case you missed it, Tuesday January 9th was the latest and greatest (well…only for me thus far) pop-up from the Manimal Team.  From the people who have recently brought us KiKi Chanting, Homeboy Seoul (by Junki, Sanyoon, Mili, and Matt) was a feast of “Asian street food bites with unique cocktails”.  Great…

Repatriation Fears: 10 Reasons I’m Afraid to Leave Korea

As my plans beyond my final contract in Korea begin to solidify, so do my repatriation fears.  Surviving “reverse culture shock” is daunting, and a very real challenge.  I’ve been reading articles with titles like “Moving Home with Dignity” and “Top Tips for Repatriation”.  I just want to live on an imaginary beach far away…

Cya Later, Seoul: Things I’ll Miss About Korea

So Long, Korea! My life here has been incredible, but even in Neverland you’ll find you have your ups and downs.  Last week, to the dismay of many on Facebook, I wrote about the things I hate about living as a foreigner (expat) in Korea.  This week, on a more positive note, I’m sharing just…

Peace Out Seoulmates: 15 Things I Hate About Korea

Deuces, Korea! In March of 2018, I’ll be leaving Korea. After 1 year in Busan and nearly 2 years in Seoul it’s time to bid adieu to the Land of Morning Calm.  I’ve had plenty of amazing travel experiences and local opportunities, dating blunders, and hagwon hells in Korea.  There’s plenty to love, but everyone loves…

Seoul Food: New Burgers @ The Workshop & Hidden Cellar (HBC)

The Workshop & Hidden Cellar (Itaewon/ HBC) If you’ve been paying attention to the HBC/ Itaewon group or the Restaurant Buzz Seoul page on Facebook you’ll already know that the Workshop and Hidden Cellar in the Haebangchon area of Itaewon has been busy.  With the renovations finished, a new brunch menu, drink specials, and live…

Seoul Food: Gino’s Pizza – Gangnam (Apgujeong)

New York Pizza in Gangnam? Café Kudeta (카페쿠데타) in Apgujeong Rodeo area closed recently, much to my friends’ chagrin.  I work between the Apgujeong and Rodeo subway stations.  Even though we have an hour for lunch, it’s not always enough time to have a Korean meal.  We have grown tired of many of the Western-style restaurants,…

Seoul Food: Bali in Mangwon

Bali in Mangwon It’s no secret that Bali is high on my list of places to sink my teeth into once my final contract in Korea is complete.  I had no idea I’d get my wish so quickly (and literally) this Chuseok vacation!  Bali in Mangwon is a “Surfer-made Balinese food & drink” stop a…

Seoul Food: Surf’s Up Restaurant and Surf Shop – Apgujeong

Surf’s Up Restaurant & Surf Shop Aloha, Seoul!  Get ready for ‘Ono Grinds in Apgujeong.  Surf’s Up Restaurant and Surf Shop in Apgujeong has been around since I started working in the area back in March 2017.  Back then I had a vested interest in Hawaii and the laid-back life.  I popped in to check…