CISK note: As always, ‘Random Pictures’ posts show off some interesting / quirky pictures that didn’t fit in any other post. The majority of these were taken around Seoul or nearby Korea’s capital city.

A reader writes in: Hi! Just found out your blog and really liking it. I thought I would ask you some questions regarding your thoughts of Busan, Daegu and Seoul. I’ll probably go on a trip to Korea this year to take language courses and I can’t  make up my mind on which city to take.

Where life moves at the speed of turtles made of stone.

A reader writes in: Hey,I’m presently looking for my first EFL job in Korea and have a question a about a CV. Everything in my CV is solid, I’m well qualified and have some relevant experience relating to teaching English. However I have heard that a photo is of serious importance to Korean employers in their hiring process. Taking the view that intelligent people could not ...

It’s a hike – but it’s worth it.

Author’s note: rest assured, this is NOT turning into a food blog. Having recently moved into the nearby Haebangchon area, it’s much easier to explore the international flavors that exist in the Itaewon area. I was not paid or reimbursed for any meals, and all opinions are my own.

The date in the title is intentional – these things age quickly. Do a search for ‘Korean packing list’ and you’ll find thousands of results. There’s plenty of good intentions, of course, but reading a list from 2007 might lead you to pack a year’s worth of deodorant. Plenty of varieties are easily found these days, though the exact selection will vary based on ...

Poll results for December 2011: Complete the sentence: I live in…? (Readers in Korea – select the most appropriate one) a work-provided apartment by myself (48%, 55 Votes) a place I rent myself (and I paid the key money) (17%, 19 Votes) a work-provided apartment with my significant other (10%, 11 Votes) a house I/we bought (9%, 10 Votes) an apartment with roommate(s) (6%, 7 ...