AKIN by Techlyon

Today, we’re catching up with Siying, our marketing strategist, as she takes us along on her second remote work adventure in South Korea—a country whose culture and food have captured her heart. Keep reading to discover more about her two-month journey as she hopped from one place to another in Seoul. You don’t want to miss her favourite noodle spot and must-visit local gems in the area!

New hair who dis?

1. Walk us through a day of your time there!‍

I usually start my day at my accommodation, and after lunch, I’d head out to continue my work at a cafe, wrapping up just in time for dinner. This way, I got to switch up my work environment and enjoy delicious foods throughout the day. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!

2. Any unexpected challenges while working remotely in South Korea? How did you overcome them?

Check the opening hours, especially on weekdays! Singapore is an hour ahead of Seoul and I learned the hard way that leaving late after work can result in limited dining options or closed restaurants. In such situations, I just opt for a quick dinner at home.

A classic hearty breakfast in Seoul

3. How have you embraced the local culture and community?

I visited the traditional Korean Jimjilbang a few times during my stay and I loved the relaxed atmosphere. It’s a place where people take a break from their busy lives to unwind, enjoy the hot baths (similar to onsen), and rejuvenate in the saunas.

It's like a theme park where everyone, young and old, friends and families, can gather. The best part is, you’ll only need to pay for a few hours of access, and they provide clothing along with towels for showering, so there's no need to bring anything or worry about toiletries.

The communal area of a Jimjilbang where everyone can gather and unwind

4. Any tips for colleagues who are considering remote work?‍

I recommend booking accommodation outside touristy areas to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy more budget-friendly dining and shopping options. Always ensure your chosen accommodation provides essential amenities for productive work, such as a well-equipped workspace, fast wi-Fi, and a fully furnished kitchenette. Checking photos and reviews can be helpful.

If you find yourself working in Seoul, make sure to check out a PC Bang! It’s an internet cafe that offers affordable computer setups with fast wi-fi, spacious screens, and the convenience of ordering food and drinks directly to your table. While it’s an interesting choice of location, it might not be the most ideal work environment for some.

5. Any favourite local activities or discoveries?

‍Fun fact! Did you know that concert tickets in Seoul are significantly more affordable than in Singapore? There’s also at least one concert happening every weekend. It’s insane. That's why I spend most of my weekends on the lookout for the next artist to support.

NCTDREAM’s 3rd album ‘ISTJ’ showcase

6. With the physical distance, how do you stay connected with your colleagues?

Slack has been a fantastic tool for connecting with my colleagues, offering me the flexibility to choose the level of formality that suits each interaction. The 'huddle' function really feels like a spontaneous phone call. Plus, it's not always about business because building camaraderie is equally important. I take the time to share how my day is going and find out what's happening in the office!

7. Tell us about your go-to dining spot!

Oh I really love the Kalguksu from Myeongdong Kyoja (명동교자). It's a Michelin-starred restaurant in Myeongdong known for its flavourful soup and thin, chewy knife-cut noodles, similar to our banmian in Singapore. If you visit, don't forget to ask for a complimentary bowl of rice because it pairs beautifully with the soup. I lost count of how many times I visited the restaurant.

Kalguksu tastes especially good on cold, rainy days!

8. Any tips or essential apps for daily life in South Korea?

Use these three essential apps:

Naver Map: Google Maps doesn't work as well in Seoul, so I recommend using Naver Map for navigation.
Kakao Subway Map: This app is a lifesaver when using the subway system. It guides you to the nearest exit at your destination, saving you from unnecessary walks from one end of the platform to the other. It also helps you find the closest exit to connecting walkways during transit.
Naver: Think of Naver as South Korea's equivalent of Google. I found it incredibly useful for searching for food. To make the most of it, use key terms in Korean, like the name of the food or your current location. For example, if you're craving Kalguksu, search for "칼국수" in Korean. If you're looking for a restaurant near Seongsu, type "성수맛집" (Seongsu restaurant) in Korean. This way, you'll discover more local reviews and recommendations.

Hope these help!

And that’s a wrap on Siying’s wonderful journey in South Korea! Keep an eye out for more stories from the AKIN folks as we continue to share our unique remote work experiences from around the world. Up next - Sherri’s story from the land down under!

P/S: Wanna try Kalguksu but not going to South Korea anytime soon? Try Maangchi’s recipe!

Kalguksu on a rainy day sounds yums

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Remote Work Log: Unveiling Siying’s love for South Korea

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