Location: Nara, Japan
Visited: 2012, 2014
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1998
Background and Opinion:
Nara was the capital of Japan in the 8th century CE, about a century before Read more
Baekje Historic Sites
Location: Kongju, Buyeo and Iksan, South Korea
Visited: 2013, 2014, 2017
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 2015
Background and Opinion:
Around 660 CE, the Korean peninsula was Read more
10 Amazing Animal Encounters Around the World
Sure, you can go to a zoo or aquarium to have virtually any animal encounters you desire, but what’s the fun in that? There is something truly special seeing an animal in its natural habitat that makes you feel like a real explorer. In addition to UNESCO sites, seeing some amazing wildlife is one of my biggest draws to travel. Here are ten unique species and where I was lucky enough to have encountered them.
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Korea’s Five Best Festivals, Period
If I am quite honest, most Korean festivals are two steps short of being great or even good for that matter. They are either too crowded (Seoul’s International Fireworks Festival), completely lost objectivity (Boseong Green Tea Festival), or a foreign drunk-fest (Boryeong Mud Festival). If you’re looking for something worthy of traveling half way across the world, the following festivals will not disappoint.
Teaching in Korea – Understanding Your Contract
For first timers and experienced teachers alike, understanding a contract offered by a Korean educational institute can be… well… intimidating or outright confusing. There are ‘red flags’ you should run from and ‘yellow flags’ where you proceed with caution but could be nothing. Keep in mind that many of these things are subjective and my advice is based on what I personally believe is and isn’t a big deal, and keeping both the employee and employer point of view in mind. In making this guide, I cross referenced about a dozen contracts posted on Reddit’s Korea Teaching sub, a couple posted on Dave’s and Waygook, EPIK’s sample contract, and a bunch of contracts I have been offered over the years and just saved. Here is also the official Korean Labor Standards for reference.
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