The tradition of nepotism in Korea runs deep and long in this society.  It's everywhere you look.  Whether it's the best and the biggest of the Korean companies or your local English Hagwon, it wouldn't be surprising to see the founder's son running things with his father's blessing.  But the department of foreign affairs of the Korean government is not a place where you'd expect nepotism.  Well, there might have been a case of it and it's making quite a news story now.

To put it mildly, Wonpyeong Beach (원평해수욕장) is off the beaten path. Bigeum-do is 54.5 kilometers (about 34 miles) from the mainland of Dae Han Min Guk. Of the 827 islands that dot the shores of Shinan county in Jeollanam-do, Bigeum-do is the seventh-largest. It hearkens back to a time before foreigners taught English in Korea and the locals viewed foreign tourists as curiosities. If you've ever needed that 'far off island getaway' during your stay in Korea - but had to be back to work on Monday - this may be the place.

Did you hear the wind last night?  It was crazy wasn't it?  All the time I've spent in Korea, this was by far the worst I remember.  Inevitably, there were lots of damages done across the country.  Below, I've scrapped some of the damages caught on camera.  Hopefully none of you out there reading this blog suffered any damage.

 

Author's note: this post is rated NSFW (Not Safe For Work) due to some nudity - this IS a body painting festival, people. Please go elsewhere if you're looking for pornography - this is tasteful and beautiful art.

  This is the second part in a series directed to recruiters, employers & schools looking to hire foreigners in Korea and helping them eliminate the mistakes they make when posting jobs online.  Would appreciate your commentary and thoughts below.

Last week I participated in the G-20 WWOOF program at Handemay Village near the town of Danyang (단양).  To say the least, my experience was amazing and I can't wait to try my hand at WWOOFing again.  (For more information about wwoof in general, click here)  

Getting into the spirit of the upcoming G-20 summit, Korean government is making changes to improve the lives of foreign residents in Korea.     Last month, the office of Prime Minister (a position appointed by the president in Korea) announced regulation changes for foreigners in Korea.  These new rule changes affect many foreigners residing in Korea and I've summarized some of the major changes that are likely to affect you below.

Sorry all about the lack of posting lately -- I have returned from Korea to the United States in an effort to set up shop stateside in San Francisco; do a little writing, take a little funemployed vacation. You could say I am "freelancing" for now. There will be a few new posts on what life is like back in the States after a year long trip in Korea -- after I come back from a week-long desert art festival called Burning Man, so stay tuned for some crazy new stories. For now, what are the top five most difficult things about the transition?

I love living in Korea, but, when vacation comes around, I prefer to get as far away (culturally and geographically) as the wind and my wallet will carry me.  For a break from Seoul life, Nepal is a slam dunk.  Everything is drastically different- culture, people, food, scenery, religion, souvenirs, you name it- in a wonderful way but one that also makes you grateful when you get back to comforting old K-land.  It’s the perfect balance of serenity and madness, space and crowds, spice and smells.  Nepal is intoxicating, exotic, unique and dirt cheap… and only a $600 flight away.  So, what are you waiting for?