The Soju Sessions
The Soju Sessions is a Korea-focused expat podcast that explores everything from socio-economics to the random things the hosts have searched on ChatGPT during the week. Made by expats, for expats, it blends serious topics with casual, relatable conversation. The show also connects with listeners through its Instagram page.
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Episode 111: Korea's World Cup performance, people who publicise good deeds and foreigners being eligible for public office, plus much more...
In this week’s (month’s/quarter’s) episode, we dig into Korea’s performance at the World Cup, the Iran v Egypt Pride match and a long-standing debate around who is the best Korean footballer of all time, Son Heung-Min or Park Ji-Sung.We also discuss a developing Korea, Japan and Philippines alliance, people (and corporations) who publicise good deeds and JungKook’s stalker.Loads more in this one t
Episode 110: Yoon in prison, Lee upsetting Israel, the Middle East conflict and much more
In this month’s episode, we discuss the BTS comeback gig, Yoon’s prison life and old people being banned from public transport in rush hour. There’s also talk about President Lee’s recent comments on Israel, Japan’s imperialist ideologies, Koreans saying ‘I Love You’ and the Kim Dynasty. Loads more too this month, including (but not limited to) how the Middle East conflict is affecting Korea, the
Episode 109: Yoon's life sentence (and the Epstein files), Stray Kids, Korea at the Olympics, the behaviour of Chinese tourists, Dokdo and much more
In this month’s episode, we discuss Yoon’s recent life sentence, the Epstein files (and a notorious former resident of Cheongju), and people on death row (not the rap label). We also get into the IOC messing up the Korean flag (and playing the wrong national anthems), Stray Kids and effeminate Korean men, Ssireum and Korea’s Winter Olympic performance. Loads more too, including the behaviour of Ch
Episode 108: Our recent feature in a BBC article, the return of BTS, Yoon's sentencing and loads more.
In this week’s (month’s ?) episode, we discuss our recent appearance in one of the world’s foremost media outlets, President Yoon’s sentencing, the exploitative practices of Chaebols, and BTS’s return (and the delusion of some of their fans).We also get into the Trump administration recently acknowledging kimchi as a superfood, a Korean mum jailed for stealing test papers, fruit prices and the lac
Episode 107: Falling asleep on the Seoul Subway, people who get in the lift to go down one floor and Nuns and Priests running schools, plus loads more.
In this week’s episode, we discuss recent happenings on the Korean peninsula, including ciggie-style warning on soju, falling asleep on the Seoul subway and low-skilled workers having to show complete deference to everyone in Korean society.We also talk about Josh’s weird behaviour-management techniques, recent ChatGPT searches, the division of India and Pakistan, and Nuns and Priests being the ve
Episode 106: The Suneung, Korea's crackdown on foreign content creators and plans to introduce male students into women's only univesities
In this week’s episode, we discuss Josh’s reverse culture shock now that he’s back in England, the Suneung and the absolutely horrible questions Korean kids have to deal with, as well as Chat GPT potentially diminishing the need for language acquisition.We also talk about the Korean government recently giving off North Korea vibes with the announcement that they're cracking down on foreign con
Episode 105: K-Pop fellas' extracurricular activities & K-Pop fans , ket in Jeju & fellas who split up with famous wives ($$$), plus loads more
In this week’s episode, we begin with news of a bit of recognition from none other than broadcasting royalty, the BBC (courtesy of Josh). We then discuss things like tattooing finally being legal now in Korea, and a shout out to an old friend, marriage expectations, and men claiming money from famous wives when they get divorced.We also discuss the backlash you receive if you ever say anything abo
Episode 104: Koreans arrested by ICE, K-pop Demon Hunter, obesity in Korea & "cultural appropriation"
In this week’s episode (recorded a couple of weeks ago), we discuss Josh’s reverse culture shock as he re-adapts to life in England, dealing with differentiation in class, the lack of a need for discussion about objective issues in class and the results of our white supremacy/parasol poll.We also discuss the recent issue of Koreans being arrested by ICE, people overstaying visas in various places,
Episode 103: Using a parasol being linked to white supremacy, Son Heung-Min & cutting willies off for cheating
In this week’s episode, we discuss the idea that Koreans using a parasol is (somehow) linked to white supremacy, Korea’s greatest ever footballer, Son Heung-Min, calling it a day on his Spurs career and whether or not he makes it into the top-25 Premier League attackers of all time.We also talk about a recent Han River monster sighting, Korea’s ageing population increasingly turning to suicide and
Episode 102: Stealing the Sunenug, Anti-Immigration & the Asian "Hierarchy"
In this episode, we dig into gig culture in the UK (v Korea) after Josh's trip home to see Oasis, defend British food and a warning from Josh's Grandad re: trans women.We also discuss overzealous parents stealing the Suneung test, Korea's rainy season and the country's strong anti-immigration stance.There's also bits and pieces about Government stipends, Koreans in the Asian hi
Episode 101: Korean Goalkeepers, $1 Bills in Plastic Bottles, and How to Kill 500 of Any Species
After a considerable amount of time off, we're back with an all-new format for season 3!Heading off in a new direction, we will be reviewing the weekly (or bi-weekly) news happenings in Korea. Think of it like a tasteless Korean dispatches or gonzo "journalism" at its finest.This week, we report back on what the listeners would put in their Korean Room 101 before discussing the fable
Episode 100: All About the Podcast So Far
In this week's milestone instalment, we salute our soju family - anyone who's listened to even one episode so far. We also discuss the (often lengthy) editing process (thanks to the mental tangents we've been known to go off on, that should never see the light of day), plus the vastly eclectic mix of guests we've had on so far.We also discuss the lessons we've learned, the diff
Episode 99 with Jamie Finn
In this week’s (delayed) episode, we speak to music writer (and fellow Scouser) Jamie Finn about northerners in Korea tending to gravitate towards each other, heading to the peninsula for an adventure, basically not knowing anything about it and writing about the local Korean music scene through multiple outlets.We also discuss the evolution of music and events in Korea (and the beginnings of nonc
Episode 98: How Not to Run a Korean Hagwon
In this week’s episode we get into the weeds and discuss how NOT to run an English academy in Korea, following a very bad recent experience.We chat about closing the door on Korea for good, Korea losing its appeal due to inflation and saving potential, and the idea that everyday things like fruit are now a bit of a luxury.We also get into signing a contract before seeing the apartment (don’t EVER
Episode 97 with Blair Naujok (Korean Image)
WE BACK!First and foremost, apologies for the delay in episodes; it wasn’t planned. Been a pretty turbulent past month or so with moving back to Korea only to find out the job/apartment wasn’t quite what was expected, but more on that in our special next weekend.In THIS WEEK’s episode, we speak to the founder of Korean Image (Instagram), Blair Naujok. But before we proceed any further, we should f
Episode 96 with Joon-Young from Mad Korean Class (Part 2)
In the second part of Joon-Young’s #sojusessions we discuss alternate things for expats to do (not just go drinking in Itaewon or Hongdae), the differences between the mentality of Koreans in small-town Korea (Cheongju) and Seoul, Koreans persistently comparing themselves to one another, and Koreaboos searching for oppa.We also get into Korea’s collective society system, Asian fear of the dreaded
Episode 95 with Joon-Young from Mad Korean Class (Part 1)
In this week’s episode, we speak to Joon-Young from Mad Korean Class (craziest Korean class in Sinchon). We discuss the tactics of Hongdae F-Boys (including some pretty debatable pickup lines), Koreaboos, leaving home for the States at 16 as an exchange student and dealing with bullies.
We also get into the perceptions young Koreans have of Westerners (before meeting any), some differences between
Episode 94 with Matt Phillips (Part 2)
In the second part of Matt's #sojusessions, we discuss what Trump's policies towards the Korean peninsula might be, Obama being misportrayed as a saint and Westerners finding a purpose in Korea (and becoming better).
We also talk about Korea being a second home to many ex-pats, homelessness in Korea (versus the West), young Koreans missing out on life experiences by living at home until th
Episode 93 with Matt Phillips (Part 1)
This week, we speak to one of the Cheongju old guard, Matt Phillips, about ex-pats possibly thinking a little too highly of Busan, small-town vs. big-city Korea, and Cheongju being the Wild West back in the mid-2000s.
We also discuss the difference between Korea now and two decades ago, Yoon’s failed war plans, the K-wave boom, and the rise of democracy in Korea.
Something for everyone, as per.
Ge
Episode 92: All About Dubai Vs Seoul
In this week's episode, we mix it up a touch and look at the differences between Dubai and Seoul for expats.
As you might imagine, there's a lot to get through, including (but not limited to) officials stopping workers from going to the beach (in Dubai), the eclectic mix of people who live in Dubai and expat kids who've grown up there.
There's also bits and pieces about the cost of living (mental)
Episode 91 with Camila Ugarte
In this week’s episode, we speak to Cheongju’s finest, Camila Ugarte, about first impressions of Korea, the legendary Cheongju social scene and shitting yourself in public (you heard).
We also discuss injuring yourself trying to impress Korean men, the communal culture of Korea and strangers touching you in a jimjilbang (Korean sauna).
Loads more, too, including (but not limited to) misunderstandi
Episode 90 with Lee Da-Eun (이다은)
In this week’s episode, we speak to native Korean Lee Da-Eun (이다은) about racism in Korea, the attitudes of older Koreans towards foreigners and the perception of foreigners only coming to Korea to party.
We also discuss Koreans as introverts, fashion and identity in Korea, the challenges of integrating as an expat and superficial compliments from Koreans (think being called handsome by middle-aged
Episode 89 with Danielle Martin (Part 2)
In the second part of Danielle's soju sessions, we discuss the stoicism of Russians, the difference between 'traditional' expat bars in China and Korea and those in UAE and the fabled Dubai Brunch.
We also talk about hiking in Korea, the difference between Seoul and Dubai in a community sense and being followed around Tesco by Chinese people.
There's also chat about the 'higher-status' person choo
Episode 88 with Danielle Martin (Part 1)
In this episode we are joined by Tony’s sister, Danielle, to discuss comparisons between Korea, China & UAE.
We get into teaching in China and how it compares to the other 2 countries, “Little Emperor Syndrome” and the saving face culture of East Asia.
We also talk about a terrifying incident with a samurai sword-wielding neighbour, living abroad as a female v male and the tribal focus in some
Episode 87: All About What A Trump Win Means For Korea
In this week’s episode, we step way, way out of our comfort zone (and knowledge sphere) and discuss what a Trump Presidency might look like for Korea.
We get into Trump’s ‘America First’ policy, Korean government spending on US military personnel and the possibility of re-opening dialogue with North Korea.
We also talk about South Korean propaganda leaflets, effects on the Korean economy, Korea’s
Episode 86 with Tanaya Clark
In this week’s episode, we speak with expat entrepreneur/influencer Tanaya Clark about initially heading to Korea as an exchange student, starting a business in Korea and the benefits of controlling your own visa.
We also discuss dating differences in Korea (compared to The West), being a black woman in Korea (and how Koreans view black people in general) and competition within the expat community
Episode 85 with Sharen Hau (seoulfuldiaries)
In this week’s episode, we speak to seoulfuldiaries creator, Sharen Hau. We discuss the lack of onboarding at hagwons, being discriminated against as an Asian-American of Vietnamese origin and how Koreans view other Asians in the English teaching industry.
We also get into older Koreans’ expectations of English teachers being white Americans, content creation during COVID and the challenges of col
Episode 84 with Jeon Yoon-Seo (전윤서) (Part 2)
In the second part of Yoon-Seo's #sojusessions we discuss the foreigner experience through the eyes of a Korean, Korean being “more than K-pop” and Western individualism Vs Korean collectivism.
We also discuss Koreans not questioning an older person under any circumstances, what Westerners could be doing better to integrate themselves and a spot of Western stereotype myth-busting.
There’s also som
Episode 83 with Jeon Yoon-Seo (전윤서) (Part 1)
In this week’s episode of #thesojusessions we speak to native Korean, Jeon Yoon-Seo (전윤서).
We get into some really interesting topics from the other side of the Korea coin, including why English is seen as “mandatory” for Koreans, the Korean education system from a Korean point of view and why young Korean women don’t want to have children.
We also discuss solutions to the birthrate problem, how f
Episode 82 with Ryan Williamson (Part 2)
In the second part of Ryan’s #sojusessions we discuss his side hustle of making his own mead plus his future business plans, procuring an F visa and pouring drinks for your elders in Korea.
We also get into Koreans who go out on midweek benders then put a 12-hour day in the next day, hangover cures and their limited effect when you drink to oblivion and the lack of traditional Western brekkies in
Episode 81 with Ryan Williamson (Part 1)
In this week's episode, we discuss escaping Ireland during COVID, choosing Korea over China and playing rugby in Seoul.
We also get into the depressing fact that night-outs finish earlier as you get older, the Korean War and South Korea's un-democratic roots.
There's a large focus on history this week, but there's also some chat about the perils of reunification, what NOT to do when visiting North
Episode 80 with Sam Begdouri (Part 2)
In the second part of Sam’s #sojusessions, we settle a long-running lookalike debate (incredibly there are people in the world who think Josh looks like f*cking James Bond), meeting Koreans through non-traditional means (i.e. not in the pub) and starting a bioplastics company.
We also discuss Sam’s current venture, Dusk Cider, and the difficulties of starting a cider company in a country with a li
Episode 79 with Sam Begdouri (Part 1)
In this week’s episode, we speak to expat business owner, Sam Begdouri. We talk about the woes of being a Tottenham fan, how watching Korean football compares to the Premier League, as well as a devastating bet loss.
We also get into moving to Korea for love, the ignorance of (some) older Koreans and the insecurities that come with being a young adult.
Loads more to listen out for too, including (
Episode 78 with Alison Lihalakha
In this week’s episode, we speak to ex-Korea resident, Alison Lihalakha. We cover the genesis of the Korean Kim and Vietnamese Nguyen surnames, differences in culture in Korea compared to the Middle East and Saudi culture being different what Westerners imagine (Alison lived in Saudi pre-Korea).
We also discuss Apartment adjoshis (old retired Korean fellas who act as caretakers at big apartment bu
Episode 77 with Nathan Putnam
In this week's episode we talk to Suwon's own, Nathan Putnam.
We discuss how Norway and Germany acted as a precursor to Korea, operating your own English academy (and the demands of unreasonable Korean mothers) and how easy it is as a Westerner to just show up and get on in Korea.
We also get into the lack of mental health awareness in Korean schools, teaching Samsung executives (and the d
Episode 76 with Krissi Driver (Part 2)
In the second part of Krissi's Soju Sessions, we discuss a clear shift in parenting styles from when we were young, kids acting out on planes/in public (and a solid Christopher Moltisanti reference) and asking v telling kids to do stuff.
We also discuss some more ridiculous Chat GPT searches (and people who talk to it graciously (this week's poll)), the idea of Gyemoim (communal saving) in
Episode 75 with Krissi Driver (Part 1)
In this week's episode, we speak to Korea-based freelance writer, Krissi Driver.
We discuss the frustrations of buying things off Korean websites, briefly living in Lithuania as a child (plus a particularly harrowing Russian acid bath tale - be warned) and the even more harrowing ordeal of navigating Korea pre-smartphone.
We also get into student loan repayment, the 'business-first' ha
Episode 74 with Aaron Calver
In this week’s episode, we speak to professional footballer and current Daejeon Hana Citizen centre-back, Aaron Calver.
We discuss Aaron’s football beginnings in Australia, his transition to the K-League (and how the two compare) as well as cultural differences between the two countries/leagues.
We also get into his time at both Gwangju (where he won the league) and current team, Daejeon, his futu
Episode 73 with Jackie Roberts
In this week's episode we speak to California native, Jackie Roberts. We discuss things like Korea's ageing problem, differences between Cali, London and Korea and navigating public transport in and around Seoul.
We also get into the differences in dog (ownership) culture (and Koreans generally being scared of big dogs), Korea's fabled cafe culture and what it's like for western wo
Episode 72 with Sean Armstrong
This week we speak to Belfast's own Sean Armstrong, a big-time frequenter of the 2013 Cheongju bar scene. We discuss some of the mad characters who could be found rolling around some of the CJ bars back in the day, staff meetings in hostess bars and the challenges of teaching in Ireland.
We also raise the steaks (pun intended) by discussing Sean's side-hustle/long-term vision of bringing K
Episode 71 with Shash Natarajan
In this week’s episode, we welcome back our first-ever guest on the pod. And it’s safe to say we get through quite a lot.
We discuss the influx of Koreans (and Russians) in Vietnam, job offers in Taiwan and more socio-economic policy chat which smarter people than us have almost certainly spent years studying, which we’ve butchered in less than a minute.
We also get into being sent out of class in
Episode 70 with Niall Craven (Part 2)
In the second part of Niall’s #sojusessions we get into his slightly unorthodox reason for learning Korea, Korean wedding rituals and (some) foreigners in Korea relying heavily on their Korean spouses.
We also discuss Korean spouses abroad, the rampant negativity in Korea surrounding the birth rate crisis and the fabled solo pint.
There’s also some chat about a hagwon bringing in an actual bear to
Episode 69 with Niall Craven (Part 1)
In this episode, we speak to another Cheongju stalwart about the art scene in Korea compared to England, more uninformed art reviews (and general nonsense) and the differences in applying to uni compared to the actual course in Korea.
We also discuss our own uni experiences, including (but not limited to) referencing people who didn't exist, building a house in Korea and more ludicrous chat GP
Episode 68 with Angie Wileman (Part 2)
In this week's episode, we discuss loads of stuff from the nightmarish 'A Serbian Film', to the level of English within the adult population and older Koreans who take it upon themselves to tidy up the neighbourhood.
We also discuss shit driving Korea, buying soju by the shot in some restaurants now, watching Muay Thai in Lumpinee and a recent podcast milestone.
As always, something fo
Episode 67 with Angie Wileman (Part 1)
In this week's episode of #thesojusessions, we have a very special guest as Josh's Dear Mum joins us, fresh off the back of her trip to Korea.
We look at Korea through the perspective of the holidaymaker and discuss things like eating puffer fish and eel, as well as Korean tending to approach Western women more than they might men. Oh, and there's also more ridiculous Chat GPT searches
Episode 66 with 서준호 (Seo Joon-Ho) aka Daniel Seo
In this week's episode we speak to our first EVER Korean guest, which we're extremely excited about.
We briefly discuss Daniel's job (he's a bodyguard), why Korean men often call Western men handsome and the reason why we've wanted a Korean on for so long: How Korean people view Westerners who live in Korea.
We also get into common culture clashes from a Korean perspective, the
Episode 65 with Kevin Grabb (Part 2)
In the second part of Kevin's #sojusessions (finally), we discuss Guinness (potentially) being overrated, disruptive students, Liverpool's cultural behemoth, Brookside (specifically Barry Grant) and Kevin's YouTube channel - Korea Brewing Adventure.
We also get into the fabled midweek night-out in Korea, Korea's "bali-bali" culture, Kevin's future brewing plans, as we
Episode 64 with Kevin Grabb (Part 1)
In this week's episode of #thesojusesions, we speak to Canadian teacher/YouTuber/brewer, Kevin Grabb.
We discuss (not) shouting insults at Korean mates out the window of a moving car like you would friends at home, complaining whilst living in a first-world country and not taking the small things for granted.
We also chat about Kevin brewing his own makgeolli (traditional Korean booze) and ale
Episode 63 with Lizzie Hobbie
In this week's episode, we speak to American teacher Lizzie Hobbie.
We discuss all sorts of things including (not) waving at old people, questionable driving in Korea and not having an adult conversation at work for 5 years.
We also get into a BBC show which claimed Koreans are unhelpful, Korean people asking how old you are within 5 minutes of meeting (and also being shocked at how Westerners
Episode 62 with Paul Wynne
In this week's episode of #thesojusessions, we talk to university lecturer and part-time DJ, Paul Wynne.
We discuss leaving England and heading to Korea at 40, living in rural Korea and the cultural phenomenon that is Koreans using roundabouts.
We also get into Paul’s passion for Northern Soul music and playing local festivals in Seoul and the wider East Asia area, our shared disdain for K-Pop
Episode 61 with Stephen Alexander-Larkin
In this week’s episode we speak to the organiser of the Jinju English FIlm Festival, Steve Alexander-Larkin.We discuss a couple of University scandals, one including a K-Pop band who were receiving free grades and not attending, the other a spot of blackmail, as well as the reasons the Jinju Film Festival came about.We also get into the use of Chat GPT in the classroom, Josh’s last 5 Chat GPT sear
Episode 60 with David Tizzard (Part 2)
In the second part of David's #sojusessions, we delve DEEP into North Korea and discuss things like why they don't want the population to become rich, their campaign of terror over the years and why the "freedom-loving" West hasn't intervened.
We also talk about the complicated relationship between the Big 3 in East Asia, Korean politics flitting between a hatred of Pyongyang
Episode 59 with David Tizzard (Part 1)
In this episode of #thesojusessions, we talk to Professor David A. Tizzard, a 20-year veteran of Korea with a PhD in Korean studies.
We discuss moving to Korea in the mid-2000’s to escape a slightly hedonistic lifestyle, the idea of Korean adult students turning up for class no matter what state they’re in and never truly being “friends” with a Korea in the traditional Western sense.
We also get
Episode 58: All About (Toxic) K-Pop Fandoms (With Brandy Sweesy)
In this episode, we delve deep into the mystique of K-Pop and its "fandoms", with the help of marketing expert, Brandy Sweesy.
We discuss all sorts of things such as K-Pop fans feeling as though they have a sort of ownership over idols, "fans" ruining the careers of those who fall out of favour (often for innocuous things like posting a photograph with a girlfriend) and K-pop t
Episode 57 with Loz Blackman (Part 2)
In the second part of Loz's #sojusessions, we compare teaching abroad to uni (with doe), the ESL community and how it brings you together with people from all walks of life and the idea of some non-native speakers being better English speakers/teachers than natives.
We also discuss living in a landfill for a month, apartment ajeossis and art being a little bit la-di-da (Listen out for a new po
Episode 56 with Loz Blackman (Part 1)
In this episode we discuss making a book about expat life in Korea, what constitutes art, drawing dicks on people’s leaving Korea flags and Liverpool anti-hero, Purple Aki.
We also get into the differences between the art scene in London and Seoul, the idea of Koreans acting and living for the collective (as opposed to the more individualistic Westerner) and pouring pints in people’s pockets.
Some
Episode 55: All about Holiday Tips for Korea
In this episode, we discuss possible itineraries for people who might be planning a short holiday in Korea.
We finally figure out a long-standing technical glitch, before discussing the must-see places in and around Seoul, our take on how the BTS boys are getting on with their military service, and some lesser-known areas around the capital.
We also head out of Seoul and chat about racist nightclu
Episode 54 with Rob Nichols (Part 2)
In the second part of Rob’s #sojusessions, we discuss recording music in Korea, not paying for beers in the pub since 2009 and Westerners who moan about Korea.
We also discuss that rare (but embarrassing) breed who simply refuse to even try and speak Korean, Koreans never understanding when we do try and people whose accents inexplicably change after being away from home for half an hour.
Listen o
Episode 53 with Rob Nichols (Part 1)
In this episode of #thesojusessions, we discuss working in public schools before making the move to a uni, living in arguably the best neighbourhood in Seoul (HBC) and the old professor vs teacher debate (again).
We also get into the absurdly difficult Korean high school test, another tale of a shocking apartment from an old job, and Rob’s music career (be sure to tune in to the end to hear one of
Episode 52 with Dan from 'Where is Dan?' (Part 2)
In the second part of Dan's #sojusessions, we discuss the negatives of India and cultural differences between Korea (and India), how Dan chooses what his videos are going to be about and randomly drinking with old special forces.
We also get into the job description of the Korean "gangster", Koreans getting arrested for dabbling abroad and some tips for the best patio (drinking) Pyeo
Episode 51 with Dan from 'Where is Dan?' (Part 1)
This week we speak to adventurer and YouTuber Dan Goldman, who has visited all 25 districts (or gu's) in Seoul and documented doing so on his channel (Where is Dan).
We discuss the moustache game of Indian policemen, starting a travel YouTube channel and the Korean government attempting to force out the residents of the biggest shanty town in Seoul.
We also get into the social lives of Korea's eld
Episode 50 with Bart Van Genugten (Part 2)
In the second episode of Bart’s Soju Sessions, we discuss cycling around the whole of South Korea, Koreans taking Kimchi everywhere with them and Josh’s Nan taking her own cutlery on holiday.
We also discuss Bart’s trip to the islands up near North Korea (and a literal minefield), the Korean government overusing the emergency alert system and Korea’s fabled drinking culture, as well as the origins
Episode 49 with Bart Van Genugten (Part 1)
In this episode, we speak to Dutch explorer Bart Van Genugten, who is in the middle of visiting every dong (neighbourhood) in Seoul (which you can check out on his YouTube channel (iGoBart).
We discuss difficulties for non-native English speakers getting a visa, the reasons for visiting every dong in Seoul and also going to North Korea for 6 days.
We also get into the infamous 'Hitler Tree'
Episode 48: All About Perceptions of Korea
In this bonus episode of the pod, we discuss how Korea is perceived around the world by people who have never been here.
We get into the mammoth economic rise of the country, how Hallyu (The Korean Wave) introduced Korean culture to the world, and Henry Ford's political leanings (of course).
We also discuss the influence of Chaebols (Korean mega-companies) on the country, perceived political i
Episode 47 with Sean Smith (Part 2)
In the second part of Sean’s Soju Sessions, we discuss adopting small cultural customs, the calmness of Korean society and never even considering teaching in the UK.
We also get into how criminally underpaid teachers are in the UK (and Korea), Korean grammar rules and blaming things on a non-existent wife, plus Sean’s recommendations for Korean entertainment.
Episode 46 with Sean Smith (Part 1)
In this episode, we discuss every young UK lad’s dream - trying to become a professional footballer, moving to Korea out of boredom and side-hustling as a DJ.
We also chat about living in every Korean person’s favourite place - Jeju Island, (not) fucking with Class As in strict countries and one of our favourite topics - North Korea.
Episode 45 with Ruairi Morgan (Part 2)
In the second part of Ruairi’s #sojusessions, we discuss our 5-a-side drinking team from the Cheongju glory years, the Korean patriarchy and the state of the NHS in the UK.
We also discuss meeting people from all walks of life, the distinct types of expats Korea attracts and not getting along with everybody.
Again, something for everyone.
Get on it.
P.S. A load of shoutouts for the old CJ crew
Episode 44 with Ruairi Morgan (Part 1)
In this Christmas special episode of #thesojusessions, we take a trip down memory lane and welcome the main man, Mr. Ruairi Morgan.
We discuss Ruairi’s reasons for heading to Korea, not doing any sort of research before moving out and the Cheongju glory years.
We also get into teaching kindy, mental health in Korea and the differences between Cheongju and bigger cities like Seoul plus loads, loads
Episode 43 with Rachel Hong
In this episode, we chat with a young Korean-American expat about what it’s been like re-integrating into Korean life after moving away as a child.
We discuss working life in the Korean movie and K-Pop industry, pushback from Korean parents for moving back to the motherland and being stereotyped by Koreans.
We also get into the pathetic level of Korean amongst *most Westerners (not you Jimmy), wor
Episode 42 with Jeremy Olivier
In this episode, we talk about life as an American soldier in Korea, the DMZ and working as a voiceover artist.
We also get into Dungeons & Dragons, shouting at old ajeossis for smoking in apartment buildings and the best state in America: Minnesota.
#korea #USmilitary #korealife #d&d #koreatravel #koreastyle #expat #expatinkorea #expatlife #expatliving #expatfamily #expatkorea #busan #seo
Episode 41: All about Korean Traditions
WE ARE BACK!
In the first episode of season 2, we delve into traditions in the land of the morning calm.
We get into the origins of the Kim surname (which we’ve almost certainly butchered), mourning for 48 days and conveyor-belt-style weddings.
We also discuss being able to have nice things in Korea, not having bins in public, changing attitudes towards Japan and Korean incels (as well as loads of
Between-season Bonus Episode/Tips For Moving to Korea
In this bonus episode of the #sojusessions, we discuss some recent big changes, culture shock and purposely ruining influencers’ photos.
We also get into a few tips if you’re new to Korea, including over-the-top YouTube advice videos about how to behave in Korea, not just settling for the first job a recruiter gets you and wanting/needing attention from taxi drivers.
As always, something for ever
Episode 39 with Tony Martin (Part 2)
In this episode, which doubles as the season 1 finale, we finish off Tony's #sojusessions.
You all know the drill by now: We basically just chat shit for a bit. Listen out for a particularly mental/harrowing story from Brazil, though,
What we would like to do, however, is thank everyone who has listened, followed, shared, etc. We would also like to thank every one of our guests for taking the
Episode 38 with Tony Martin (Part 1)
In what is the penultimate episode of the season, Josh assumes the role of host and Tony the guest, to dig into the latter's time living (and travelling) abroad.
We discuss reasons for leaving the UK/staying in Korea for so long, living in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, and adjusting to life as an expat.
We also get into similarities and differences between the three countries, backpacking around So
Episode 37 with Paul Delph (Sneaker Ajeossi)
In this episode we discuss owning your own hagwon complete with it's own gulag room, Sunday league football rivalries in Korea and Koreans all appearing to have the same long-term goals.
We also get into people being bothered by innocuous shit, trying to be less selfish with age, Paul's YouTube trainer (sneaker) channel/not giving a shit about fitting in and northern English snooker halls.
Episode 36 with Mark Soutar (Part 2)
In the second part of Mark's #sojusessions, we discuss a recent surgery, the global phenomenon of unrealistic parents, Newcastle United cult hero Titus Bramble and transferable ESL skills Mark now uses in his day-to-day coaching life.
We also get into scaffolding lessons to suit different ability kids, being mindful of cultural differences with the Emirati kids, the incredibly bizarre 'don
Episode 35 with Mark Soutar (Part 1)
SOJU SOUTAR IN THE HOUUUUUSE!
In this episode we compare Korea to Belgium and UAE as an expat, whilst also getting into gay rights in Abu Dhabi/UAE compared to Korea and Mark’s dream job working for his childhood football team, Glasgow Rangers.
We also get into communication problems in Belgium compared with locals at least trying to help you in Korea and UAE, Israelis travelling in packs and wome
Episode 34 with Jimmy Dunne aka Nogymx (Part 2)
In the second part of Jimmy’s #sojusessions we discuss the uber-fast delivery service in Korea, getting couple rings on the first date and the sometimes excessive anniversary culture amongst Koreans and why they celebrate seemingly insignificant milestones.
We also discuss a few legendary West African footballers, local Korean musicians and how they differ to Western musicians, as well as a couple
Episode 33 with Jimmy Dunne aka Nogymx (Part 1)
In this episode we discuss a seriously shady hagwon gig (complete with terrible living situation), Jimmy’s first introduction to the legendary Pearl Jam, the phenomenon of Korean fellas being touchy/feely with each other and becoming a successful music producer (Jimmy’s most successful track has more than 6 million listens under his performer name ‘Nogymx’).
We also get into his progression as an
Episode 32: All about travel in Korea (Part 2)
In this episode, we pick it up again at the DMZ and discuss how some South Koreans can come across as slightly nonchalant towards North Koreans, incidents of aggression from North Korea and #thesojusessions starting a beef with the communist regime.
On a travel note, we get into Gangwon-do, Jeonju, Seonyu-do, a mad cultural norm from the Faroe Islands and of course glorious, glorious Cheongju.
We
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