Your Support for Thriving in Korea: Pyeongtaek Living 101
- South of Seoul
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
By South of Seoul
Join the 2025 Season of PIEF Classes, Workshops, and Walking Tours starting this spring!
Moving to South Korea may feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. How can you search Naver effectively if you don’t speak Korean? Where do you shop for groceries? How do you find a medical specialist? What’s the best way to get around? Great news, if you live in or near Pyeongtaek, the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation’s (PIEF) Pyeongtaek Living 101 program is here to help! They provide FREE courses, workshops, and walking tours that support integration.
Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), this program is part of South Korea’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society. Recognizing the unique needs of United States Forces Korea and United Nations Command military-affiliated residents and other international newcomers, MOFA funds programs that promote cultural understanding, accessibility, and social equity. By helping foreign residents—especially those who cannot read or speak Korean—navigate daily life, Pyeongtaek Living 101 supports attendees so they can comfortably participate in the local community and feel a sense of belonging.
The Pyeongtaek Living 101 program uses a custom integration curriculum designed specifically for international residents in Pyeongtaek-si. Each topic is based on local research into the real challenges and needs of the community. Developed with insights from surveys, interviews, and direct feedback from those living in Pyeongtaek, this program provides practical, relevant, and easy-to-understand guidance for navigating life in Korea. Each class, workshop, and tour is led by experienced international residents who understand the struggles of adjusting to a new country and are passionate about helping others feel at home.
What Can You Expect in Pyeongtaek Living 101 for 2025?
NEW curriculum elements such as the Introduction to Pyeongtaek-si: Integration Handbook were written for 2025. Compiled in response to the most asked questions during the 2024 program, the handbooks and new workbooks provide a deeper dive into difficult to conceptualize topics. This includes managing the integration process, local government structure, accessing support services, and more. For example, a detailed explanation of government structure was added so that our community members can better access information and find solutions.
The new curriculum supports a busy season of free adult classes, hands-on workshops, walking tours, and the NEW social outings.
Classes cover residency essentials, exploring Pyeongtaek (finding neighborhoods, events, and using Naver Maps), home & living tips (grocery shopping, recycling, home maintenance, and education options), and community building (connecting with expat groups and local organizations).
Workshops include Korean search skills, unique local experiences, life simplification strategies, and goal-setting to avoid FOMO.
Walking tours guide participants through key neighborhoods, teaching public transit navigation and orientation to neighborhoods.
Social outings will occur after each course of workshops and classes. Attendees will spend an evening visiting a board game cafe, nori bang, or other activity decided on by the group.
Additionally, in 2025 Pyeongtaek Living 101 will launch a special kids program for kids ages 2-11. The program will teach Korean language and culture through games, activities, and fun. The Pyeongtaek Living 101: KIDZ will happen at the same time as the Adult classes and workshops.
Why Does MOFA Support This Program?
South Korea’s partnership with the U.S. military and international residents is long-standing and plays an important role in local communities. However, language barriers, cultural differences, and daily life challenges can make integration difficult.
MOFA funds Pyeongtaek Living 101 because inclusion matters. By providing resources and education, the program ensures that:
U.S. military-affiliated residents and other internationals have improved access to healthcare, banking, and essential services.
Korean communities and foreign residents build mutual understanding, reducing cultural misunderstandings and creating a space for cultural integration and inclusion.
Everyone, regardless of language ability, can thrive and feel welcome in Pyeongtaek.
This program is especially helpful for those who cannot read or write Korean, offering practical support so that all residents—regardless of nationality—can participate more easily in daily life. Whether you need help reading signs, filling out forms, or understanding local systems, Pyeongtaek Living 101 makes sure no one is left behind.
How to Stay Updated
Don’t miss out on upcoming classes and tours in 2025! Follow PIEF on Facebook to see announcements, schedules, and registration details.
Follow Now! Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/withpief
Pyeongtaek Living 101 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PyeongtaekLiving101
Join the Waiting List!
If you would like to get advance notifications of Pyeongtaek Living 101 events, join our mailing list: https://forms.gle/U7XGA59wzDJAPEGJ9
About the Author
The following piece was written by the South of Seoul to support PIEF’s Pyeongtaek Living 101 program, which is graciously funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, and Pyeongtaek City.
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