In this thrilling episode of This Korean Life, we sit down with Oliver Harris, a celebrated novelist with stories that span both the page and the pavement. Fresh off his surreal journey to North Korea, Oliver recounts the once-in-a-lifetime experience of running the Pyongyang International Marathon — from entering the stadium in front of 100,000 spectators to pounding the pavement through the heart of one of the world's most secretive cities. 🏟️🛣️
But the adventure doesn’t stop there. We also dive into his newly released novel, Shame Archive, a gripping and thought-provoking work. Whether you’re a fan of boundary-pushing travel, literary exploration, or just a good story well told, this episode will take you on a fascinating journey into both real and fictional worlds.
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🎙️ Unlocking Opportunities with KOTESOL !✨
In this episode of This Korean Life, we sit down with Gabriella and KC, the dynamic leaders of the KOTESOL Busan-Gyeongnam chapter! 🎤 As passionate educators and community builders, they take us on a deep dive into the history of KOTESOL, how you can join the organization, and the membership perks that make it a game-changer for English teachers in Korea. 📚🌏
But KOTESOL is more than just professional development—it’s about finding purpose in your work, growing as an educator, and connecting with a like-minded community. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or new to ESL, this episode is packed with insights on networking, skill-building, and exciting social events that will enrich both your career and personal life.
Join us as we explore how KOTESOL can empower you to be a better teacher, make meaningful connections, and discover new opportunities in education! Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Gabriella and KC. 🎧✨
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Get ready for an insightful and thought-provoking episode of This Korean Life! 🎙️
This week, we sit down with Kim Bong-Gi, also known as Caleb, an English teacher with a fascinating faith journey that has shaped his life in profound ways. 🙏 From his early introduction to the church to his current denomination and its origins, Caleb shares his personal experiences navigating the diverse religious landscape of Korea.
In this episode, we explore the world of small churches in Korea, the unique challenges and strengths they offer, and the key things to watch out for when selecting a place of worship. 🏛️✨
Whether you're deeply religious, spiritually curious, or just interested in how faith plays a role in Korea’s cultural fabric, this conversation is full of insight, personal stories, and wisdom.
Join us as we dive into Caleb’s personal and spiritual growth, the evolution of his beliefs, and what he’s learned along the way. Don’t miss this deep and meaningful discussion!
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Get ready for an insightful and inspiring episode of This Korean Life! 🎙️
This week, we sit down with Dean, an English teacher who has called Ulsan home for the past three years—and he’s loving it! But Dean’s journey didn’t start here. Before settling in Korea, he spent years teaching in China, navigating a vastly different culture and education system. 🌏
In this episode, Dean opens up about the challenges of teaching abroad, how he worked through pandemic struggles, and his personal battle with computer game addiction—a struggle many can relate to. 🎮💡
He shares how he overcame it and discovered optimal ways to spend leisure time, leading to a more fulfilling life. Now, Dean is more than just an educator; he’s a catalyst for social change, having launched various community clubs that bring people together and make Ulsan a better place to live. 🙌
Whether you’re an expat teacher, a gamer looking for balance, or someone seeking ways to build community, this episode has something for you. Don’t miss this deep dive into Dean’s transformative journey!
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
Get ready for an exciting episode of This Korean Life! This episode, we’re joined by Andrew Murphy, an Eastern Canadian with a big heart and an even bigger personality, who has made Busan his home for nearly two decades.
Andrew is a father of two boys, a dynamic radio personality, a respected university teacher, a passionate hockey player, and a dedicated advocate for men's health. For over a decade, Andrew has participated in the Movember fundraiser, raising awareness and funds for important causes, all while balancing his many roles. 🎙️🏒🧔
In this episode, we dive into his experiences raising kids in today’s digital age, the perks and challenges of his radio career, life in the vibrant city of Busan, some unforgettable hockey stories, and his inspiring commitment to Movember. Whether you’re a parent, a sports fan, or someone curious about life in South Korea, this episode offers something for everyone.
Tune in for an inspiring and entertaining conversation with one of Busan’s finest ambassadors. 🌟
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
Welcome to This Korean Life, where we bring you inspiring stories from people who are making a difference in South Korea. In this episode, we’re excited to introduce Joy Kim, the passionate owner of Guredo Cheak, a charming independent bookstore just a 5-minute walk from the stunning Taehwa National Garden in Ulsan. 📚🌿
Joy’s mission goes far beyond books. She’s dedicated to fostering meaningful connections within the community, encouraging a return to a simple, mindful lifestyle, and championing eco-conscious practices with her commitment to zero waste. ♻️✨
Despite a few technical hiccups that delayed our start, this conversation is filled with Joy’s insights and heartfelt stories. Her vision for a sustainable future and the role her bookstore plays in enriching lives is truly inspiring.
Stay tuned for a follow-up episode where we’ll delve even deeper into Joy’s journey and her impact on Ulsan’s community. Don’t miss this special glimpse into her world! 🌟📖
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
Welcome to This Korean Life, where we uncover the stories that shape the vibrant lives of expats and creatives in South Korea. In this episode, we’re excited to feature Niall Ruddy, a Northern Irish expat who has called Korea home for the past 15 years.
Niall has embarked on an inspiring new venture in Busan—a creative studio with a powerful mission. This inclusive space aims to showcase the talents of both local and international artists, especially those who are often overlooked by the mainstream. 🖼️🌏
His vision is to foster connections between artists and art lovers, creating a hub for exhibitions, community events, and collaborative creativity. Beyond his studio, Niall shares his journey into photography, a passion that has shaped his artistic perspective and allowed him to capture the soul of Korea. 📸✨
We’ll also explore his reflections on 15 years of expat life, from cultural discoveries to building a meaningful life in Korea. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a budding photographer, or someone curious about creative community-building, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight. Tune in now to hear Niall Ruddy’s incredible story and his vision for Busan’s art scene! 🌟🎨
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
Check out Ali's work------->
Mountains (the band he toured Japan and Taiwan with.https://youtu.be/K99E5hQYYPA?si=IwxN96M2TIAEPxIW
Emperors (his band with Toby - guest vocals from Niall Ruddy) https://emperorssk.bandcamp.com/track/marilyn-m (You can download the whole EP for free via Bandcamp in which ever format is best)
Bandits (his band with Andy) https://banditssk.bandcamp.com/track/65-days-aquatic
Welcome to This Korean Life, where we dive deep into the extraordinary lives of people who call South Korea home. In this episode, we’re thrilled to feature Ali, a British-Iranian expat with an incredible 14-year journey living in Korea. 🎤
Ali’s story is a musical odyssey, spanning live performances, creating and leading bands, producing records, and even promoting major festivals across the country. 🎶🎸 From underground gigs to Japanese tours, Ali has been at the heart of the indie music scene, making waves and connecting cultures through sound.
But that’s not all—Ali’s creative eye extends beyond the stage to photography, capturing the vibrancy of Korea in every frame. 📸✨
We’ll also explore his life as an expat, discussing how he’s navigated the ever-changing landscapes of both music and daily life in this dynamic country.
Whether you’re a music lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply curious about life as a long-term expat in Korea, this episode promises to be a fascinating ride. Tune in now to hear Ali’s incredible journey, filled with passion, creativity, and unforgettable experiences! 🎤📸🌏
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
Welcome to This Korean Life, where we share the fascinating stories of those whose lives intersect with the vibrant culture of South Korea. Today, we are excited to introduce a special sibling duo, Nikolas and Violet Mauceri, American high schoolers who have spent most of their lives in South Korea.
We discuss their unique experiences attending a Korean International School, where East meets West in the classroom and beyond. Hear firsthand what it's like to grow up as part of Gen Z in a dynamic, fast-paced society, and how they balance travel and technology and sports in their daily lives.
Nikolas and Violet also share their insights on family life and the bittersweet journey of preparing to move back to the U.S.A. after years of calling Korea home. Their reflections on cultural adaptation, maintaining connections, and looking towards the future are sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Whether you’re curious about international schooling, the digital habits of Gen Z, or the emotional journey of relocating, this episode promises to captivate and inspire. Tune in now to hear the incredible stories of Nikolas and Violet Mauceri! 🎓✈️📱👨👩👧👦
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.
This week we sit down with long time Ulsan resident and local brewmaster Brian Aparicio-Rascon, and feature special guest producer Andy Bonnington.
In this episode we cover Brian’s journey from a small town in Tennessee all the way to the bright lights of Ulsan, South Korea. We take a trip down memory lane and discuss how Ulsan has changed over the years, the future, and delve into some of the extra curricular activities Brian has taken up during his 15 years in Korea - including music, brewing and Dungeons and dragons.
Timestamps: 10:25 - Life in Tennessee 18:35 - Moving to Ulsan 44:08 - The Ulsan Music Scene 1:13:06 - Brewing Beer 1:33:42 - Dungeons and Dragons 1:59:05 - Plans for the Future this weeks
links:
Ulsan TTRPG Group: https://open.kakao.com/o/gSY5l7Rf -
JJ’s Bar: https://www.facebook.com/jjs.bar.ulsan
Royal Anchor Bar: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057529184719
Seaside studios: https://www.instagram.com/sseasidestudio/
Check out our podcast host, Pinecast. Start your own podcast for free with no credit card required. If you decide to upgrade, use coupon code r-1777cf for 40% off for 4 months, and support This Korean Life.