Life in Korea
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Happy New Year!
A little late, you think? Not really. Because in Korea, the lunar new year holiday called Seollal (설날) starts tomorrow and lasts through Monday, giving the hard-working Koreans four whole days off. While this sounds lovely, the truth is that this season brings as much stress to Koreans as Christmas can bring in the cultures,…
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Going home
I’m now back in Denmark but I wrote this post a few days ago while I was still in Seoul. As I’m writing this in my airbnb apartment on the 17th floor overlooking the Han River, I’m overwhelmed by so many emotions. I’m leaving Korea in less than 36 hours and for the first time…
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A night out in Seoul
When being in a city like Seoul one must take advantage of some of the cultural offers that a big city has to offer. There are always a ton of plays, concerts, and musicals and it can be hard to pick which one to go to. Last Friday I went with my friend Nicky to…
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A day trip out of Seoul – Yangsu
There are so many wonderful destinations that you can reach from Seoul without having to do an overnight stay. A few weeks ago I visited Nami Island, and most recently I rode the Gyeongui Jungang line to Yangsu station. Yangsu, or 양수 in Korean, means two waters and that’s exactly what awaits you at Yangsu…
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My Chuseok family trip
This past Chuseok was something else. Chuseok isn’t a holiday that I usually spend much time or energy on. Usually, it’s just a season for some rest and quiet time in a busy city that momentarily slows down. This year was different. To be honest, all holidays have felt odd since my best friend died.…
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48 hours in Jeju Island
After three years in Korea I finally (!) made it to Jeju Island, which is located south of the mainland peninsula. It’s not that I have not wanted to go earlier, but being a lousy driver I needed someone willing and able to drive to go with me in order to go and come back…
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The most recent Korea-Japan trade conflict
Korea and Japan may be many things but close friends is not one of them. Every year, some conflict arises and it usually originates from Japan’s lack of apologies and sincere repentance for war crimes committed during the occupation of Korea from 1910-1945. Since the anti-Japanese movement is very strong in Korea, Koreans often ask…
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Self-care Sundays
I’m back in Seoul and busy as ever. I’m teaching two classes and have to deal with more than 200 students over the summer. It’s great to feel busy and tired in a good way again. With my weekdays filled up with classes, office hours, and grading – my weekends are my off-time. Saturdays are…
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A meaningful day
오늘도 알찬 하루 돼~ oneuldo alchan haru dwae – Have a meaningful day today. This was the content of one of the final texts my best friend sent me only a couple of days before the accident happened. He was also the one who first taught me the meaning of the word 알차다 alchada (meaningful) or 알찬 alchan when…
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All the things we can’t explain
With a background in social science, I’ve spent most of my adult life focusing on the things that can be measured and scientifically proven. I’ve left very little room in my mind for the unexplainable. I was never so arrogant as to say that if you can’t prove something scientifically then it can’t be true. I…
Sofie to Korea 