All Blog Posts — ariography

MFC: Jeonju, South Korea

My coteacher asked me, “Besides Seoul, where would you recommend people to visit in Korea?” My answers were Busan—and little Jeonju, the best place to see traditional Korean culture.

My Favorite CitiesArielJune 7, 2021jeonju, my favorite places, mfp, South Korea, korea, korean cultureComment

May 2021: No Thoughts, Head Empty

I love my monthly updates. Sometimes, I run out of stuff to say though. This is one of those times. So let’s spice it the format a little.

Monthly UpdatesArielJune 3, 2021monthly update, tattoo, seoul, life in korea, living in korea, phone photos, photosComment

Daejeon Highlights: Rock Climbing at the Youth We Can Center

My friend Abbie G and I collabed for a vlog showcasing the Youth We Can Center in Daejeon. If you’re into rock climbing—you’re in for a treat.

Cafe Review: Sonmokseoga 손목서가 Café in Busan

Seated right over the water on Yeong-do, the island off of Busan, Sonmokseoga is one of the most peaceful and charming cafes I’ve found in Korea.

Cafe ReviewsArielMay 25, 2021cafe, cafe reviews, busan, yeongdo, ocean, sunset, coffee, teaComment

Back to Busan

As we went on, we remarked how much Busan feels like a trip to another country. It’s hard to describe. Busan just feels like a league unto its own. You’ve got it all: busy beaches, temples tucked away, and some bbq that impressed even this Texan.

Life in Korea, TravelArielMay 21, 2021busan, travel, traveling in korea, korea travel, koreaComment

Bright, Beautiful Yeosu, the City to Write Songs About

I can see why Yeosu has songs written about it. When I think of Yeosu, all I can see is blue water and dense green foliage. And the FOOD—they say Jeolla food is the best and I can see why.

Travel, Life in KoreaArielMay 12, 2021yeosu, travel, korea travelComment

April 2021: Welp, I’m a Quarter of a Century

This month was sooo busy yet my 25th was probably the chillest day-of birthday I’ve had yet. Which is fine, cause I’m exhausted with my prep for leaving.

Monthly UpdatesArielMay 5, 2021monthly update, microblading, art, Seoul Comment

Daejeon Highlights: Lumbini

At Lumbini you can get your samosas, mutton curry, naan, biryani—of course, you can grab a Nepali beer or chai too. It’s a hole-in-the-wall tucked away among the minimalist cafes and big bbq chains, and our own little underdog.

Food, Life in KoreaArielApril 28, 2021daejeon highlights, daejeon, food, nepali food, lumbiniComment

Cafe Review: Told A Story Roastery (톨드어스토리) and Bom 'In (봄'in) in Gung-Dong, Daejeon

Two for one! I’m reviewing two cafes today because actually these are literally right across the street from another. Both are located in the Gung-dong area, right next to KAIST.

Cafe ReviewsArielApril 27, 2021cafe, cafe reviews, kaist, gungdong, food, daejeon highlightsComment

Daejeon Highlights: Sung Sim Dang Bakery

By way of unique culture, Daejeon doesn’t seem to have much. Except for this! People from all over Korea come to Daejeon to eat here—Sung Sim Dang, the Michelin-starred bakery.

Food, Life in KoreaArielApril 26, 2021daejeon highlights, food, bakery, treats, cafeComment

Where to Live? A Guide to South Korean Cities and Provinces

Okay, so you’re thinking about living in South Korea. Everyone knows Seoul, but what are the other options? Here’s a breakdown of the 7 major cities and 9 regions in South Korea.

EPIK & Teaching, Life in KoreaArielApril 23, 2021epik, teaching in korea, life in korea, korean culture, guide, popularComment

Cafe Review: Camon (까몽) Vietnamese Cafe in Daejeon

Behind Daejeon Station and riiiight next to the Daejeon Traditional Narae Hall, you can find a tiny Vietnamese café. It’s built out of a small house and it’s called Camon.

Cafe ReviewsArielApril 18, 2021cafe, cafe reviews, vietnamese food, coffee, popular Comments

Checking Out the Whimsical Nami Island Near Seoul

If I told you there was an independent republic on a tiny island near Seoul—inland, not on the ocean—would you be surprised?

Life in Korea, TravelArielApril 16, 2021travel, traveling in korea, korea travel, nami islandComment

A Sandy Summer Night at Daecheon Beach

While there were a few more restrictions due to the pandemic, Daecheon beach was still open for those masked-up vacationers.

Life in Korea, TravelArielApril 9, 2021beach, daecheon, traveling in korea, life in korea, travel, summerComment

March 2021: You Can't Do Everything...

Gone are the days of freezing temps, come are the days of bad air. This month felt as transitory as spring itself.

Monthly UpdatesArielApril 2, 2021monthly update, DaejeonComment

Daejeon Highlights: KAIST’s Cherry Blossoms

Part of my Daejeon Highlights series. While KAIST is a stressful place to attend, there’s a few things to love. Like cherry blossoms!

Life in KoreaArielApril 1, 2021daejeon highlights, Daejeon, kaist, cherry blossoms, popularComment

Cafe Review: Gabae Roasters (가배로스터스) in Daejeon

Students will flock to the cafes in Gung-dong to sip coffee late into the night. My favorite of them is Gabae Roasters.

Cafe ReviewsArielMarch 31, 2021cafe, cafe reviews, kaist, gungdong, daejeon, daejeon highlightsComment

Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? Part 3: The System We Got

Part 3 of my Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? series, which examines the TEFL industry in Korea, linguistic imperialism, and neo-colonialism.

Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? Part 2: What English, and Whose?

Part 2 of my Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? series, which examines the TEFL industry in Korea, linguistic imperialism, and neo-colonialism.

Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? Part 1: The Empire of English

Part 1 of my Is It Problematic to Teach English in South Korea? series. Is it ethical to teach English abroad?

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