Life living and teaching English in Korea.

Busan, Korea. A modern, upbeat city with a Western and Asian feel.

Welcome to Busan, my home for the last 3 years, teaching English and working on my
Dom's ESL Cafe site. The city has just about anything you want or need, from an abundance of Western food, Asian food, global food, art and museums, beaches, night life, live music including excellent local and foreigner English teacher bands, shopping exquisite and pretentious department stores, or cheaper and even half descent quality outdoor markets. Busan has it!

A Small part of Busan city view from a mountain, after hiking.

Busan city is seen here throughout a series of numerous mountains. Korea is at least 70% mountainous, adding to a beautiful landscape, wonderful hiking and winter ski slopes.

Korean Bull Fighting

Two large Bulls butting heads until one gives in, similar to some other countries.

The event happens yearly, and is quite an event and exciting. However, I had felt a bit bad for the bulls, getting a bit hurt and tied up in their pens all day for 3 days in the summer heat, only to venture into the arena to but heads a few times.

Traditional Korean Fandance.

This was a marvel to watch. Elegance, tradition and her soft flowing movements, combined with the free flowing dress and magical background music makes for a wonderful performance art. More information in
Korean culture here.

Beaches in Korea.

This is haeundai beach in June, right on the city of Busan. In July it will be packed literally wall to wall with large sun umbrellas and people.

Korean Barbecue (Pork).

My second favourite Korean food. Many English teachers love it. You get vast amounts of various side dishes and as many refills as you like, as you cook your own pork, chat, drink and be merry for many.

Korean Barbecue (Beef).

My favourite Korean food, quite similar to the Korean pork barbecue, but with beef and more expensive.

Chatting!

Some of the older generation having a chat outside of a star bucks. Many times have elders asked me where I'm from and to sit for a bit and talk. The younger generation has an even nicer demure but more shy. This seems to be the case for most places as new generations have it easier than the last.

Buddhist Temple

Buddhist temple can be excellent weekend hiking trips, or even temple stays in which you can stay a night or two with local Monks. You can feel the peace and tranquility and a pure side of life which I find very important and grateful for, compared to the busy cities and fast paced and material endeavoured modern world of today.

Inside a Buddhist Temple

Temple Guardian

Marrying Korean

I have witnessed more and more Westerners marrying Koreans. It is becoming quite acceptable depending on the individuals. Again, similar in any country in the world, depending on people involved. More on
Marrying Korean here.