Table of Contents
School Contact Details
2
Medical
3
Collecting Your Child from School
3
Reporting an Absence
3
Facilities Available on SFS Cam pus
4
Uniform s
4
PTA Board 2013-2014
6
Acronym s Com m only Used at SFS
7
Facilities in Yonhi Dong
9
Popular Coffee Shops and Restaurants in Yonhi Dong
11
Em ergency Num bers/Useful Num bers for Seoul
12
Medical Facilities in Seoul
12
Useful Online Resources
13
Newspapers, Magazines, and Radio Stations
14
Diplom atic M issions in Korea
16
Food Shopping in Seoul
16
Shopping in Seoul
16
Culture, Art, and Performance
18
Activities for Students
19
Social Groups in Seoul
20
Clubs and Sports
22
Korean National and Religious Holidays
23
1
School Contact Details
Seoul Foreign School General (08:00-16:00)
02 330 3100
Transport Department
02 330 3121~2
Namsan International Kindergarten
02 2232 2451~2
Seoul Foreign British School (08:00-16:30)
02 330 3271
Mrs Koh
02 330 3100 (Ext 12000)
Seoul Foreign Elementary School (08:00-16:30)
02 330 3201
Mrs Cho
02 330 3100 (Ext 11000)
Seoul Foreign Middle School (08:00-16:30)
02 330 3241
Mrs Woo
02 330 3100 (Ext 13000)
Seoul Foreign High School (08:00-16:30)
02 330 3301
Mrs Hong
02 330 3100 (Ext 14000)
Please remember to program these numbers into your phone.
2
Medical
School Nurse
Nurse Lah
[email protected]
02 330 3203
Severance Hospital and Clinic
Severance is the nearest hospital to the school and is used by SFS in case of an emergency. Dr John Linton is the Director of the International Health Care Center which provides routine care. The clinic has some specialists including Obstetrics & Gynecology
and Pediatrics.
Severance Hospital and Clinic Telephone Number
02 2228 5800 / 1009
Emergency Number
010 9948 0982 (admin)
010 9948 0983 (doctor)
Collecting Your Child from School
In the case of younger children, please ensure that the teacher is informed about any
changes in transportation like not taking the bus/taking a different bus or if your child is
to be picked up by someone else. A written note is preferable, as the teachers do not
always have time to check their emails during the school day.
If you are late collecting your child from school please call the respective Division office
to inform them.
Handy Tip: Record the numbers of at least 2 SFS parents who can help you collect
your child from school or the bus stop in case you are delayed.
Reporting an Absence
If your child will not be attending school please inform the respective School secretary
(phone numbers page 1) or email the class teacher. If your child uses the school bus,
also advise the Transport Department.
3
Facilities Available on SFS Campus
Library
Please note that parents may obtain a library card from the
division library their youngest child belongs to. Parents can
check out books and DVDs from any of the 4 libraries in
SFS. PTA Parent Collection of resources that cover many
areas including child development and transitions is
available at the Media Commons. Parents may also review
the library collection online at http://library.sfs.or.kr/.
Global ATM Machine
Located one floor below the cafeteria, on the ground level
of the Multipurpose Centre next behind the chapel at Hana
Bank.
Spirit Shop
Located below the cafeteria on the ground level of the
Multipurpose Centre. SFS branded clothes and school
supplies. Open 08:30-15:30 Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday. Cash payments only.
Cafeteria
Open to all parents. Parents can use the lunch room and
purchase lunch at a reasonable cost
Wi-Fi Access
Username: SFS.guest / Password: SFS.guest
Community Swim
The swimming pool is open every Thursday during school
days from 5 pm -6.30 pm for the SFS community.
Uniforms
British School Uniforms
Uniform information can be found here:
https://www.seoulforeign.org/uploaded/British_School/BS_Uniform_Code.pdf
Ivy Club is the uniform supplier for Seoul Foreign British School. It is easily located in
the Yongsan area off the main road between Seoul Station and the US Military USO
office. At the controlled road junction, look for the sign to ‘Yongsan High School’. It is
advisable to call before visiting the shop.
Ivy Club
Greenville Park # 103, 53-19 Gal Wol Dong, Yongsan Gu, Seoul
010 8990 9382 (Mrs So-Yeon Choi)
*Please note that the BSPTA periodically organizes a Used Uniform sale where second
hand items are available at a reasonable cost.
4
Elementary School Uniforms
White or red polo style shirts (short or long sleeved), khaki or black trousers, shorts,
skirts, or skorts are acceptable. Uniform shirts are available for purchase in the SFS
Spirit Shop. Companies such as Land’s End, Old Navy, The Gap and Bean Pole are
also quality companies to purchase standardized dress items. Several of these stores,
such as The Gap and Bean Pole are located in Seoul. Comparable clothes may be
found in other stores in Seoul such as Shinsegae, Lotte, or Hyundai Department stores.
Shoes need to be closed toed and a pair of athletic shoes must be kept at school for
Physical Education classes. Sandals do not provide the safety children need for playing
at recess or in physical education classes.
Middle School Uniforms
Middle School students must also adhere to a standardized dress code. White or red
polo style shirts (short or long sleeved), khaki or black trousers, shorts, skirts, or skorts
are acceptable. Only mostly black or brown closed-toed shoes are allowed. The
uniform is available in a number of stores in the US and Korea as detailed above.
High School
High School students do not have a dress code except for the basic need to adhere to
neat, clean, modest, and safe dress. Students are requested to NOT wear crop tops,
tops with spaghetti straps, halter-tops, excessively tattered/torn pants, very short skirts
or very short shorts to school. All students are to wear shoes or sturdy sandals at all
times.
5
PTA Board 2015-2016
Purpose
The purpose of the SFS PTA is to promote, support, and enrich the interests and
welfare of the students, teachers, and parents of Seoul Foreign School through social,
extra-curricular, and fund-raising activities.
Contacts
Lynden Cooper
[email protected]
010 3700 6101
Barbara Kim
[email protected]
010 4484 0817
Secretary
Laura Hall
[email protected]
010 2629 4927
Treasurer
Susanne Woehrle
[email protected]
010 9294 3891
Susanna Kennedy
[email protected] 010 8828 1964
Jinsook Wood
[email protected]
ES Chair
Archana Mantravadi
[email protected] 010 4548 4268
MS Chair
Amanda Ing
[email protected]
010 4701 1552
HS Chair
Jinhi Sohn
[email protected]
010 8668 8981
BS Chair
Annelie Jensen
[email protected]
010 9086 1995
Sally McEachen
[email protected]
010 2482 5940
President
Vice President
Transitions
Spirit Chair
6
010 5009 6039
Acronyms Commonly Used at SFS
AP
Advanced Placement program courses offered in High School
APAC
Asia Pacific Activities Conference
BS
British School
BSPTA
British School Parent Teacher Association
CAS
Community hours required for IB High School Students
EDLINE
SFS’s online communication tool
ES
Elementary School
ESPTA
Elementary School Parent Teacher Association
ET
Educational Technology
FOBISSEA
Federation of British International Schools in South and East Asia
HS
High School
HSPTA
High School Parent Teacher Association
IB
International Baccalaureate
IGCSE
International General Certificate of Secondary Education
ICT
Information and Communication Technology
IT
Information Technology
KAIAC
Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference
KORCOS
Korea Council of Overseas Schools
KS1
Key Stage 1 (British School, Reception to Year 2)
KS2
Key Stage 2 (British School, Year 3 to Year 6)
KS3
Key Stage 3 (British School, Year 7 to Year 9)
LC
Lyso Centre (Main Stage or Performing Arts Centre)
LT
Little Theatre
MC
Media Commons
MPC
Multipurpose Centre
MS
Middle School
7
MSPTA
Middle School Parent Teacher Association
PAC
Performing Arts Centre (Lyso Centre or Main Stage)
PAC
Parent Advisory Committee
PTA
Parent Teacher Association
SAT
Scholastic Aptitude Test
(Standardized test for US College admissions)
SATs
Standard Assessment Tasks (British Curriculum exams)
SERP
School Emergency Response Plan
SWEP
School Wide Extracurricular Program
SYATP
‘See you at the Pole’ A worldwide student prayer gathering. At
SFS it is an opportunity for the entire school to gather in prayer
and typically happens in September. See www.syatp.com for
more information.
TBA
Taechon Beach Association (a retreat site used by SFS)
TPA
Teacher Performance Appraisal
UAC
Underwood Activity Centre
UbD
Understanding by Design (lesson design concept used by Wiggins
and McTighe also referred to as Backward Design)
8
Facilities in Yonhi Dong
Yonhi Dong Main Street refers to the main road at the bottom on the hill.
Yonhi Samgeori refers to the T-junction with Woori Bank on one corner. Turn left at the
bottom of SFS hill and Yonhi Samgeori is at the 2nd junction
Saruga Shopping Centre
In addition to a grocery store which stocks a range of international products, they have
a bakery (Peter Pan), small pharmacy, coffee shop, Baskin Robbins, and other small
shops. It is 15-20 minutes walk from SFS.
Open daily from 9.30 am to 10 pm. Phone: 02 334 2428.
131-1 Yonhi Dong, Seodaemun Gu, Seoul.
• Continue on from Yonhi Samgeori until you see Citibank on right side of the road.
• Turn right down the lane and Saruga shopping Centre will be in front of you.
Home Mart Grocery Market
This grocery store is about 1.7 km from the school. It is a traditional Korean grocery
store and the produce prices are cheaper than Saruga.
• Turn left at the bottom of the school hill.
• Turn right at the Yonhi Samgeori.
• Turn right at the street just before the stream, one-way (Naboo Expressway is
overhead).
• Home Mart is less than 0.5 km on the right.
Photograph Studios
Can be found on the Yonhi Dong Main Street after Yonhi Samgeori on the left hand
side of the road.
Pharmacies and Opticians
There are a number of pharmacies and opticians along Yonhi Dong Main Street. After
Yonhi Samgeori there is a big pharmacy on the right hand side of the road. There are a
number of opticians on the right and left hand side of the road.
Alterations for Clothes
On the left hand side of the road after Yonhi Samgeori.
Shoe Repair
A shoe repair mobile booth is located outside the Standard Chartered Bank in Yonhi
Dong.
9
Turn right at Yonhi Samgeori.
• Go down one block and you will see the Standard Chartered Bank on the left hand
side of the road.
•
Post Office
The post office is opposite the Standard Chartered Bank in Yonhi Dong.
• Turn right at Yonhi Samgeori.
• Go down one block.
• The post office is on the right hand side of the road.
Public Transport Options
Subway
There are 4 subway stations close to Yonhi Dong: Sinchon (Line 2)
and Hongdae (Line 2) are closer and Hapjeong (Line 2 & Line 6) and
Hongje (Line 3) are a bit further away.
Bus
The “Chinese Overseas High School” bus stop is closest to the
school. Turn right at the bottom of the school hill and the bus stop is
about ½ block down the road.
North bound buses (towards Seodaemun Fire Station)
For buses heading north (heading towards the Seodaemun Fire
Station from school) the stop is just before the IGA Convenience
store.
• Seoul Bus 7738 (green): to Hongje Station (Subway Line #3)
• Seoul Bus 110 (blue): to Pyeongchang-dong
South bound buses (towards Yonhi IC
For buses heading south (towards the Seodaemun Fire Station) the
stop is in front of the Mizuno sporting goods store.
• Village Bus 03 (green) : a local bus which runs in a loop and goes
to Sinchon Station and back to Yonhi Dong (Line 2 / Green
Subway Line). Pick this bus outside of exit 4 at Sinchon to travel
to Yonhi Dong.
• Seoul Bus 110 (blue) : to Itaewon
• Seoul Bus153 (blue): to Yeouido
• Seoul Bus 7017 (green): to Namdaemun and Myeondong
10
Popular Coffee Shops and Restaurants in Yonhi Dong
Richemont Bakery
Opposite Seodaemun Gu Fire Station. Take a right from
the bottom of the SFS Hill and walk 2 blocks. The bakery is
around the corner opposite the fire station.
O Sia
A mix of South East Asian and Asian food available. A few
yards beyond Richemont Bakery (see above) towards
Yonsei University North Gate.
Paris Baguette
Chain of bakeries with 2 branches in Yonhi Dong. One
beyond Seodaemun Gu Fire station (turn right from the
bottom of SFS Hill, the fire station is 2 blocks away and the
bakery is a few yards away on the same side of the road).
The other is beyond Yonhi Samgeori on the left hand side
of the road.
Good Morning Hanoi
South East Asian food. Turn left at Saruga Shopping
Centre, the restaurant is on the left hand corner of the
road.
Kizzly
Children’s Café. Suitable for children 7 and under. One
block up from Saruga shopping Centre down the Pizza Hut
lane.
4,5FL Pyeonghwa Bldg, 193-2 Yonhi Dong, Seodaemun
Gu
02 332 5442
Open daily from 10:30-21:00
Closed day before and day of Lunar New Year and
Chusok
11
Emergency Numbers/Useful Numbers for Seoul
Fire and Emergency Ambulance
119
When a foreigner calls 119 the staff in the situation room connect the call with a
translator from Korean Tourism Organization. Services are provided 24 hours a day in
English, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and Vietnamese.
Seoul Metropolitan Government: http://english.seoul.go.kr/lh/help/emergency.php
Police
112
Tourism and Transalation
(24 hours)
English, Japanese and Chinese services
Seoul Dasan Call Centre (09:00-22:00)
1330
120
Medical Facilities in Seoul
A number of the large hospitals in Seoul have International Clinics. To make the
process more efficient it is advisable to register with an International Clinic on arrival.
(Severance Hospital and Clinic information page 1)
12
Useful Online Resources
Seoul Global Centre
The Seoul Global Centre is run by the Seoul Metropolitan
Government to provide amongst other things information
services to foreigners. They have 7 Global Village Centers
around Seoul in the predominantly expatriate areas. In addition
to providing information they run free language classes.
http://global.seoul.go.kr/
Korea4expats
A very useful website for expatriates which provide information
on living in Korea, moving to Korea, activities, shopping,
visiting Korea, etc.
http://www.korea4expats.com/
Angloinfo
Similar to Korea4expats, it also provides information on living
and moving to Korea.
http://seoul.angloinfo.com/
Visit Korea
A website run by Korea Tourism Organisation which provides
information on travel in Korea.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto
Public facilities
Seoul Metropolitan run website which allows the public to
reserve parks, gyms, office rooms,etc at a very reasonable
rate.
http://website.informer.com/visit?domain=yeyak.seoul.go.kr
Apps and Websites for Subway and Buses
Seoul Bus Map
http://topis.seoul.go.kr/eng/
Seoul Metro
http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/
Subway Korea App
Very useful information on Seoul Subway
including a map of the area around the
subway station, timeline and route finder with
costs.
Seoul Metropolitan Government (general information on travel)
http://www.visitseoul.net
13
Tourism
iTour Seoul gives you information on restaurants, sites to visit, events, and shopping.
The best part is that it notes the subway line and exit number to get off at.
Translation
Google Translate is good for single word and photo translations from Korean to English
and vice versa.
Courier and Copy Services
Federal express/ Kinkos has a number of drop off points all over Seoul.
http://www.fedex.com/kr_english/dropoff/
Newspapers, Magazines, and Radio Stations
Newspapers
The Seoul Times
Online newspaper in English
http://www.theseoultimes.com/ST/index.html
Korean Herald
Print copy available for delivery
http://www.koreaherald.com/
Korea Times
Print copy available for delivery
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/index.asp
JoongAng Daily
Print copy available for delivery
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/
Radio Stations
101.3 FM
102.7 FM
All English language radio station
American Forces Network Korea radio station
Magazines
A number of free English magazines are available that provide information on life in
South Korea including restaurant listings, activities and travel articles. They are normally
available at a number of places including hotels, restaurants and tourist information
centers. Regular email updates from the magazines are also available.
Some of the more popular ones are:
14
Seoul
10
Groove
http://magazine.seoulselection.com/
http://10mag.com/
http://groovekorea.com/
Bookstores in Seoul
Kyobo Bookstore
The four largest Kyobo Bookstores around Seoul are
Kyobo Building at Kwang Hwa Moon subway station,
Times Square Mall at Youngdeungpo subway station,
Kangnam at Sinnonhyun subway station, and Jamsil
subway station. They have a huge English selection
including best sellers and children’s books.
Bandi and Luni’s
Large English selection, located in the COEX mall and
basement of Samsung Building..
Kim and Johnson
Great selection of children’s books and academic
workbooks. Address : 2B Ara Tower, 1317-20
Seochodong, Seocho – gu, Seoul. Tel No: 02 3478 0505
Young Poong Bookstore
IFC Mall, Yeouido
http://www.ifcmallseoul.com/eng/main.do
What the Book?
New and used English bookstore in Itaewon
http://whatthebook.com/
15
Diplomatic Missions in Korea
For a comprehensive listing of Embassies in Seoul please see:
http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/south-korea#836
Food Shopping in Seoul
COSTCO
Many branches all over Seoul
http://www.costco.co.kr/eng/locations/
Emart
Part of the Shinsaegae group with stores all over
Seoul
http://english.shinsegae.com/english/emart/emart_
main.asp
Foreign Food Mart
Wide range of South Asian / South East Asian foods
137-8 Itaewon dong Jungeun Building, Yongsan Gu
02 793 0082
Haddon House Supermarket
Located at Hannam Heights just past the entrance
to the UN Village
High Street Market
Great selection of international foods
http://highstreet.co.kr/
HomePlus TESCO
Large and small supermarkets all over Seoul. There
are 2 large HomePlus’ close to the school:
•
World Cup Stadium (at Mapo)
•
Hapjeong (Address : B2 Mecenatopolis Mall, 490
Seogyo Dong, Mapo Gu, Seoul. Tel : 02 6938
8800. Open from 9 am to mid-night every day
except every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month.
Lotte Mart
Located all over Seoul
http://company.lottemart.com/eng/sub.html
Namdaemun
Market Food Alley
Shopping in Seoul
Namdaemun Market has a variety of items including fresh flowers, household tools and
decorations, clothing, art supplies, birthday presents, jewelry, American food products,
16
bags, purses, cosmetics, sunglasses and crockery. The market is like a maze with 8
labelled gates. It has an information booth which can help with directions.
Dongdaemun Market is a huge shopping area that is very spread out and divided into
sections including, toy alley, shoe alley, sport alley, etc. It also has a large number of
department stores. There is a Visitor’s centre in the area, which can provide directions
and maps.
Insa Dong has a number of shops selling pottery, art and Korean knick-knacks. It also
has a number of traditional Korean restaurants.
Bangsan Market houses the baking district. You can find all sorts of baking and
cooking supplies and the prices are generally less expensive compared to the
expatriate stores. The market is just in from of the Euljiro Underground Shopping
Centre. Look for Seoil Total Bakery Shop and walk down the alley to the right of it. It’s
between Cheongyecheon and the Green subway line. The closest station is Euljiro 4 Ga
on the green line exit 6.
Myeongdong has many clothing stores, shops and restaurants including international
brands like Uniqlo, Zara, Mango and H&M.
Shinsaegae, Lotte, and Hyundai Department Stores are the 3 main high-end
department stores in Seoul. Most of these stores have gourmet food stores in the
basement that sell international food.
http://english.shinsegae.com/english/main.asp
http://www.lotte.co.kr/eng/02_bussiness/circulation.jsp
http://www.ehyundai.com/newPortal/eng/index.jsp
Watsons is an international style health and beauty retailer similar to Boots (UK) or
Walgreens (US).
Yongsan Electronics Market at Yongsan station for electronics.
COEX Mall has a number of shops, cafes, restaurants and cinemas. Address : 159
Samseong-dong, Gangnam Gu, Seoul.
IFC Mall is a new mega shopping center located in the space underneath the
International Financial Center in Yeouido. The mall features 100 stores and restaurants,
including a major bookstore, two-floor H&M, nine-screen cinema, and international
food court. The layout is very American, and it has a good range of inexpensive to midrange stores.
All of the dining outlets are located on the lowest level, L3. The mall houses global
brands such as H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo, along with the flagship stores of popular
brands such as Banana Republic and Hollister. Window-shoppers can check out the
latest bestsellers at YP Books or see a movie at the nine-screen CGV multiplex. IFC
Mall Seoul, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu +82 2 6333 5700; 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
http://www.ifcmallseoul.com/eng/main.do
17
Time Square Mall is a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various
leisure, entertainment, accommodation and dining facilities including; Shinsaegae
Department Store featuring a number of luxury brands and high-end local products;
CGV Stadium featuring 12 multiplex movie theatres, the Stadium with the world's
largest screen and multiple performance centre; Kyobo Book Centre; E-Mart Discount
Supermarket. 15, Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
http://www.timessquare.co.kr/en/
Culture, Art, and Performance
Seoul Art Centre
http://www.sac.or.kr/eng/
Sejong Centre
http://www.sejongpac.or.kr/eng/main/main.asp
Nanta Theatre
http://nanta.i-pmc.co.kr/Nanta/en/Intro.aspx
Jump Comic Martial Arts
Performances
http://www.yegam.com/jump/eng/
Chongdong Theatre
http://www.chongdong.com/
18
Activities for Students
Seodaemun Natural History Museum
Located 5 mins driving from SFS
At the bottom of the SFS hill take a right. Go past Seodaemun Gu Fire Station. Turn
right at the next big intersection and go up the hill to reach the museum.
5-58 Yonhi Dong, Seodaemun Gu, Seoul
02 330 8899
COEX Aquarium
Located at COEX Mall
159 Samseong- dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
02 6002 6200
Seoul Children’s Museum
http://www.seoulchildrensmuseum.org/eng/main.do
War Memorial of Korea
The grounds have a number of decommissioned planes, tanks and other military
equipment which children can play in.
29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
02 709 3114
National Museum of Korea
The museum has a children’s section with programs for families.
http://www.museum.go.kr/main/publish/view.jsp?menuID=002001001001
Seoul Zoo
http://grandpark.seoul.go.kr/Eng/html/main/main.jsp
Seoul Children’s Grand Park
http://www.sisul.or.kr/global/eng/park/park03.jsp
19
Kidzania
Kids job experience theme park located in Jamsil.
http://www.kidzania.co.kr/web/eng/home
Pororo Park
Park based on the Korean cartoon character Pororo located all around Seoul.
http://www.pororopark.com
Lotteworld
Large recreational complex with rides and shows located in Jamsil
http://global.lotteworld.com/main.asp
I Like Dalki
Indoor playground for young children at Time Square Mall.
Social Groups in Seoul
There are a number of social groups in Seoul that meet for friendship, networking,
information exchange and cultural and social activities. Although they are nationality
based they are open to members from all countries.
Association Francophone de Coree (AFC)
French Association in Seoul
http://www.afc-online.org/
Cercle Franco Coreen
French Association in Seoul
http://www.cerclefrancocoreen.org/
The American Women’s Club of Korea (AWC)
American Women’s Club with monthly coffees, events, and tours open to all women in
Seoul.
http://awckorea.com/
20
Australia and New Zealand Association of Korea (ANZA)
Holds monthly Coffee Morning at 10 am every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Paris Bar
and Grill, Grand Hyatt Hotel.
http://www.anzakorea.com/
British Association in Seoul (BASS)
Holds monthly meetings every last Tuesday of the month at the Seoul Club. In addition,
an Open House coffee morning is held at a private home each month.
http://www.britishseoul.com/
The Canadian Women’s Club
Holds its monthly coffee mornings on the first Wednesday of every month at a
member’s house.
[email protected]
Club De Damas Hispanas
Spanish speaking ladies club which meets monthly for lunch or brunch.
[email protected]
Dutch Club – Hendrik Hamel
http://hamelkorea.net/
The German Club
Open to those with a working knowledge of the German language.
http://deutscherclubseoul.org/Welcome.html
The Indian Women’s Club ‘Annapurna’
Meets monthly on the 2nd Friday of the month in the basement of the Indian Embassy.
[email protected]
Nordic Women’s Club
Open to those with links to one of the 5 Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway,
Sweden, Iceland and Finland.
http://www.kolumbus.fi/hannu.ruhala/nwc/about.html
21
Seoul International Women’s Association
Open to women of all nationalities. It holds a coffee morning on the 3rd Wednesday of
every month at the Conrad Hotel, Seoul.
http://siwapage.com/
Seoul Japan Club
Provides information and support for Japanese nationals living in Korea.
http://www.sjchp.co.kr/
The St. Andrew’s Society
Scottish society
http://standrewssocietyofseoul.weebly.com/
The Royal Asiatic Society of Korea
Aims to help people understand the culture, customs, art and history of Korea through
lectures, cultural excursions and publications.
http://www.raskb.com/
Korea4expats
Please refer to the Korea4expats for further information and information on other
Community Groups.
http://www.korea4expats.com/
Clubs and Sports
Seoul Club and the Hyatt Club are the 2 most popular clubs frequented by expatriates.
http://www.seoulclub.org/
http://www.seoul.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/activities/hotel-activities/clubolympus.html
22
Korean National and Religious Holidays
January 1 (New Year’s Day)
The 1st day of the New Year is celebrated. Family members rise early and put on their
best clothes. The younger members bow to their parents and grandparents as a
reaffirmation of family ties.
Lunar New Year (Korean New Year)
This is moving festival which is celebrated on the 1st day of the 1st month of the Lunar
Calendar. It is celebrated in a similar way to January 1 but on a grander scale. Families
perform ceremonies to commemorate their ancestors. Various traditional games are
played. There is much singing and traditional food is served.
March 1 Sam-il Day (Independence Movement Day)
Korean’s observe the anniversary of the March 1, 1919 independence movement
against Japanese occupations.
Buddha’s Birthday
Celebrated on the eight day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar. Solemn rituals
are performed at Buddhist temples, and the day’s festivities end with a ‘Lotus Lantern’
parade.
May 1 (Labour Day)
This is not a government holiday, but some banks and businesses may be closed.
May 5 (Children’s Day)
This day is celebrated with various activities for children who spend the day with their
parents.
June 6 (Memorial Day)
On this day, the nation pays tribute to its war dead. Memorial services are held at the
National Cemetery in Seoul.
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August 15 (Liberation Day)
This day commemorates the liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945 as well as
the establishment of the Republic of Korea in 1948.
Chusok / Harvest Full Moon / Korean Thanksgiving Day
This is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar calendar and falls in
September/October. This is one of the most important national holidays in Korea. Most
Koreans return to their hometowns during this holiday so traffic is unusually heavy.
October 3 (National Foundation Day)
This day marks the traditional founding of Korea by Tan’gun in 2333 B.C.
December 25 (Christmas Day)
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