This Korean Life

Episode Notes In this fascinating episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Ting Hu, a doctoral researcher in Applied Linguistics whose work is helping reshape the conversation around multilingualism, identity, and inclusive education. Having lived, studied, and conducted research across different countries, Ting brings a unique global perspective on what it means to belong in an increasingly...

Episode Notes In this episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Martin Rehder, a longtime Ulsan resident whose impact on the city reaches far beyond his own story. Martin is the creator of Ulsan Online, one of the city’s earliest digital community hubs, and the mastermind behind the wildly creative Ulsan Inferno Motorcycle/Bicycle Scavenger Hunt—an event that has brought adventure seekers tog...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Lee Yujin and Dr. Danny Kessler 🌊✨ In this powerful and forward-looking episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Lee Yujin, a 21-year-old ocean enthusiast, instructor, and emerging entrepreneur who is turning her passion into something much bigger. 🌏 With over 5 years of experience in scuba diving, along with surfing and freediving, Yujin’s...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Bak Yeonji (MalLang Lingo Club) 🌏💬 In this episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Bak Yeonji, the visionary behind MalLang Lingo Club in Ulsan — a fast-growing community that’s bringing Koreans and foreigners together in a fun, relaxed environment where language and culture naturally collide. 🌍 What exactly is MalLang Lingo Club, and why...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Aaron Corn In this inspiring and globally connected episode of This Korean Life, we reconnect with a familiar face to many in Ulsan — Aaron Corn. A former Ulsan resident, teacher, and father, Aaron’s journey has now taken him back to New Zealand, where he serves as a teacher and International Director for John Paul College, one of the country’s most...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Alfred “Freddy” Jaeggi ⚓📸 In this unforgettable episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Alfred “Freddy” Jaeggi, a Swiss-born technical adviser and marine engineer whose story stretches back to Korea in the 1980s — a time when the country looked dramatically different from today. ⏳ Freddy offers a rare firsthand perspective on what it was l...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Officer Choi Kwang Ho 🚔 In this powerful and eye opening episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Choi Kwang Ho, a seasoned Korean police officer with over 20 years of experience on the force. From the moment we first met, it was clear that Officer Choi carries not only authority, but wisdom, perspective, and stories that most people never ge...

Episode Notes Hey everyone, welcome back^^ Today’s episode takes us into the science of health and the future of food innovation. First, we’re joined by Dr. Danny Kessler, a professor at Donseo University who’s spent years studying the wellness industry in Korea. He’s pulling back the curtain on how culture, lifestyle, and even marketing shape what we think it means to be “healthy.” Then, we meet...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Olivia & Bogun from Culcom 🌍💬 In this engaging episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Olivia and Bogun, two passionate managers from the Ulsan branch of Culcom, an organization dedicated to building bridges between Koreans and foreign residents.🌏 Culcom’s mission is simple but powerful: to create a stress-free environment where Englis...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Daniel Green 🚴‍♂️📚 In this insightful episode of This Korean Life , we sit down with Daniel Green , a respected leader in international education and a true veteran of life in Korea. As the principal of Hyundai Foreign School , Dan brings a wealth of experience in both international and Korean education systems, offering rare perspective on how th...

Episode Notes 🎙️ This Korean Life – Episode with Jess Melvin 🎙️ In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, we sit down with the incredibly insightful and multi-talented Jess Melvin, whose journey through Korea is filled with culture, challenge, and creativity. Jess shares her life-changing experience as a Fulbright scholar, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look into what it means to represent...

Episode Notes 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 t...

Episode Notes 🎙️ 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...

Episode Notes 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 div...

Episode Notes 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 open...

Episode Notes 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....

Episode Notes 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 fosteri...

Episode Notes 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 show...

Episode Notes 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...

Episode Notes 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 Ea...

Episode Notes 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 s...

Episode Notes Welcome to This Korean Life, where we bring you the vibrant and diverse stories from the heart of South Korea. Today, we are excited to once again feature the dynamic and inspiring Olia Molia Korea, a true advocate for domestic tourism and community building in Busan. In this episode, we’ll explore Olia’s passion for discovering the beauty and culture within her adopted home. Olia's...

Welcome to This Korean Life. Today, we're thrilled to feature Mark Jeong Seok Seo, a visionary in sustainable fishing and marine conservation. In this episode, Mark takes us on an enlightening journey through the world of sustainable fishing practices and the critical role of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in preserving our oceans. As a key figure in the MSC, Mark sheds light on the challeng...

Episode Notes Welcome to This Korean Life, where we delve into the captivating stories of individuals whose lives intertwine with the heartbeat of South Korea. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Minh Công, whose journey embodies the essence of resilience, exploration, and personal growth. Join us as we step into the elegant halls of the Park Hyatt, where Minh Công is honing his craf...

Episode Notes Welcome to This Korean Life, your passport to the vibrant tapestry of experiences that define life in South Korea. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with our new friend, Olia Molia. Olia gives her thoughts and experiences on Korea's coastal gem of Busan. From the beaches of Haeundae to the locally preferred Gwangan, with mentions of the the bustling market of Jagalchi and s...