Military Expat: 9 Great Experiences for Spouses in South Korea

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As a military spouse in South Korea, I’ve explored extraordinary aspects beyond the everyday. Vibrant festivals and historical insights deepen my appreciation for Korea’s culture and history. I engage in events showcasing Korea’s beauty and build strong connections with locals. I also share my creativity. Below, I’ll share how these experiences have enriched my expat life in South Korea.

Table of Contents

• Embracing Adventure: A Military Spouse’s Guide to Thriving in South Korea
• Busan Fireworks Festival
• DMZ Tour
• Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
• Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
• N Seoul Tower
• Teaching English
• Busan Sand Castle Festival
• DIWA Painting Exhibition
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Embracing Adventure: A Military Spouse’s Guide to Thriving in South Korea

Living as a military spouse in South Korea has provided me with countless opportunities to immerse myself in the local culture. From celebrating vibrant festivals to exploring historic sites, each experience has added depth to my understanding of this beautiful country. These moments go beyond simple tourism; they involve forging connections with the local community, participating in unique traditions, and sharing these enriching experiences with others. Below, I’ll detail how these encounters have made my time in South Korea both fulfilling and memorable.

1. Daegu Lantern Festival

As a military spouse in South Korea, attending festivals like the Daegu Lantern Festival provides a beautiful glimpse into the vibrant local culture. I’m not often left speechless, but the 2016 Daegu Dalgubeol Lantern Festival amazed me and made me feel like a kid again. The festival, held in April at Daegu’s Durya Park, is one of the prettiest sights I’ve encountered since moving to South Korea. Last time I went, someone shouted, “Hey DuffelBagSpouse!” which was crazy. She turned out to be a lovely person, and we quickly became friends. Click on the link to see what I mean.

2. Busan Fireworks Festival

Fireworks are always fun, but a show that lasts almost an hour, synchronized to music, with laser lights over South Korea’s longest suspension bridge, which changes colors, and with over a million people, is a spectacle.

The Busan Fireworks Festival takes place every October on Gwangalli Beach in Busan. The festival has cultural events and entertainment, high-tech laser light shows and culminates with one of the, if not the best, fireworks display I’ve ever seen. It is one of the area’s most popular festivals, drawing crowds of more than 1 million visitors every year. Though most people flock to the beach for a closer view of the festivities, nearby Hwangnyeongsan Mountain also offers a great view of the fireworks. This year the festival was on October 22nd.

It’s been a few years since we attended, but I remember that day vividly. We watched two old men yelling at each other. We spent the entire day on the beach to ensure we had a prime view of the show. A large Korean family adopted us and set up their blankets right next to ours, even though they had the entire beach at their disposal. We spent the evening eating their food and drinking their soju. Click here for the video.

Tip

Book one of the nearby hotels. The train and roads will pack with travelers, so stay at a budget hotel or homestay within walking distance for convenience. Be aware– the larger hotels will increase prices as soon as the festival dates are announced.

3. DMZ Tour

The DMZ isn’t your typical tourist destination. Learning all the things that happened there, watching them watch and photograph you and signing the “possible death” waiver adds to the tension.For every military spouse in South Korea, exploring the DMZ offers a profound insight into the geopolitical climate that shapes much of the region’s history. I did learn a lot and seeing it firsthand put most of it into perspective. I was shocked to see the distance that Soviet asylum seeker had to run with 20+ North Korean soldiers chasing and shooting at him. He made it but he had to haul ass to freedom!!! Nothing really brings it home until you see it for yourself.

Update: we had a recent defection while we lived in Korea. Pvt. Travis T. King defected but was returned to US Custody after weeks of negotiations.

4. Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is a must-visit for any military spouse in South Korea, showcasing the country’s stunning natural beauty during spring. I decided to spend my birthday in Jinhae (or Chinhae) a week ahead of the annual cherry blossom festival. I definitely recommend going down there before OR after the festival that began April 1 last year and ran through the 10th. Even though the blooms weren’t completely mature yet, it’s beautiful, and there are already many people – but not the overwhelming crowds during the festival. The event also features street performers, food vendors, and nighttime fireworks. It’s a popular opportunity to welcome the spring weather after a long, cold winter. The crowds can be overwhelming. And the cherry blossoms like all the stunning flowers around Korea are forecasted in advance, so you can make plans to see them.

5. Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden

I got a chance to watch the colorful changing of the guard ceremony at Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. It is one of the “Five Grand Palaces” built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty. Although you cannot roam freely about in the latter, there are English (and other languages too) guides that will escort you and relay the history. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic 300-year-old tree. I think it was my favorite of the five because of its stunning ponds and pavilions. Buy a palace combo pass to save money. It is well worth it.

6. N Seoul Tower

I climbed the N Seoul Tower. Did you know the N stands for “new” because of the renovation that took place way, way back in 1980? The tower is the tallest structure in Seoul and sits atop Namsan Mountain offering a panoramic view of the city and beyond.

7. Teaching English

Expat Life Tip: Get involved in the Community. I teach a free conversational English class to 5 ladies who have become my friends for life. Engaging in community activities, such as teaching English, is a fulfilling way for a military spouse in South Korea to connect with locals and build lasting friendships.

The last English class of 2016 had us playing games. I taught the ladies rock, paper, scissors and they had fun learning about white elephant gift exchange– w/o the gift stealing– they are too nice for that. I am so happy & proud to see them becoming so comfortable with their English and expanding their comfort levels with the language. And it’s by FAR the most rewarding thing I’ve done here.

Are you looking fir Korean friends, check out DIWA, Daegu International Womens Association.

8. Busan Sand Castle Festival 

We’ve gone to Busan’s Haeundae Beach Sand Festival two years in a row because we both love the artistry involved in these contests. The detail and precision that go into these sculptures are amazing. The competitors come from all around the world for the weekend-long festivities. Busan is our home away from home, just a little over an hour away on the KTX train. The festival takes place one weekend in late May.

9. DIWA Painting Exhibition

After spending months painting in Mrs. Shim’s gallery, I participated in my very first art exhibit in April.  I painted a memory from a trip to Spain from a picture I had also taken on a trip there a few years ago. Surprise, surprise… I even sold my oil painting shortly after displaying it. DIWA, Daegu International Women’s Association is just one of many organizations an expat can participate in here in Daegu. Participating in the DIWA Painting Exhibition was a highlight for this military spouse in South Korea, allowing me to share my artistic expressions with an international community.

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