Five k-pop songs for your Korean Summer

**So I realize this post is a bit out of date but I found it, half finished of course, on my drive so thought I'd throw it up here anyway. Maybe some of you still have some Indian Summer days left.**

It's summer in Korea...
It can get pretty hot here during the summer and, lucky for me, I just happen to live in the hottest city in Korea. If Korea is hot in the summer- Daegu is positively sweltering. I'm not sure I've ever lived somewhere with this level of heat and humidity (and I grew up in South Georgia, went to summer camps in Florida... none of that compares to the heat and humidity here!!).

With how hot it is I have honestly given up on doing little more than moving, at a rather slow pace, from point A to point B while I'm outside. And even that ends with me being nothing more than a gross, sweaty mess.  The only relief it seems I can find (other than aircon filled coffee shops with an ice latte in hand!) is finding just the right beat pumping in the headphones to put enough spring in my step to get me down the street!

So, in an effort to spread the love, here are five k-pop songs that I've been using to get myself motivated and out the door into the painful heat (really, I'm not kidding, it SO freakin' hot here!)

MBLAQ- Smoky Girl
The summer started with my boys *finally*, after over a year (which in k-pop land means they basically disappeared for an eternity!), making a comeback with Smoky Girl.

Now, I realize the simple fact that they are my group, my favorite above all others, makes me inherently biased but... it's just a damn good song. It's clean, cool,  all parts lead well from one to the other (too often in k-pop a great song is ruined by some random rap, dance, dubstep moment that just doesn't flow), the dance is sharp and crisp, and the suits... the suits, people... *ahem* wait, what was I saying? Oh, right. Smoky Girl was a great way to start the summer. Well done boys, well done!

*side note* I recently went to the opening ceremony for a sporting event here in Daegu. MBLAQ just so happened to be part of the ceremony festivities along with several other k-pop artists. Which means... I SAW THEM... in real life... preforming... they were fabulous and blew all the other groups out of the water. And yes, yes there was squealing and fangirling. Say what you will but sometimes it's nice to act 13 again ;)

MIB- Dash
This is a group that I have just recently discovered. They have been around for a while but have yet to make it really huge. They are one of those groups that are interesting in fact that they are 'technically' k-pop but don't necessarily follow all the rules- they are made up of three rappers and one vocalist, they can't dance (really, not at all), and tend to not follow your typical k-pop flowerboy (although to me they still fall in pretty boy territory) trends.

It's one of those songs that, as soon as I heard it, was addicted too. And it's got the perfect beat to make you feel like you've got swag even as you sweat your way down the street! Also, the suits, people!... I'm sensing a theme here, hmm....

Crayon Pop- BarBarBar
This is the song of the summer here in Korea.

It. Was. Everywhere.

I personally adore it. Its fun, cute, and the dance is fairly simple and doable (in some fashion) by everyone. And it's always nice to see a k-pop group that doesn't take themselves too seriously and, as a result, actually produces something fairly unique to the rest of what's currently out there.

EXO- Growl
Ok, I hate that I'm putting this group on the list.

I do not like them.

There are way to many of them (I paid my dues early on learning all 15 Super Junior member's names and am NOT doing that again), they look like those bratty kids in the back of class that don't care (not that I've had any of those), and they are one of the most popular groups in Korea right now having, in my opinion, not produced much quality (their last song contained actual howling like a wolf, come on boys, really?)... but...

... I have to be honest and say it was one of my favorite songs of the summer and, even more, the choreography and music video were just well done.  Ok, I've confessed... moving on...

Roy Kim- Love, Love, Love
I had a hard time picking the last song. There were a few other songs that I listened to a lot this summer but this one actually had one of the highest play counts on iTunes.

It's simple, sweet, and has the feeling of a cool, fresh breeze which is really all I've wanted this summer.


So there you have it. I hope these help to get you motivated and outside even in this crazy summer heat!

Bonus: MBLAQ- No Love
Because... aren't they just the cutest things ever?!?! I mean... *sigh* seriously, they kill me *^^*

Update!

Well hello there! Long time no see… yeah, I know that’s kinda my fault. It has been *way* to long since I’ve sat down at my computer to write something, anything!

Due to the long absence I’m going to attempt to give you a whirlwind update from this summer. Ready?  시작!

Summers for an English teacher usually start with Summer English Camp. What these camps look like can vary from school to school. At Gachang it means three days of “special” english classes that include grades 1-6 (usually I only teach 3-6). They are meant to be a fun camp-like setting where students learn/practice English.  For this camp I had the “brilliant idea” (I’m still not sure if this was my best or worst idea ever) to make ice cream in a bag with all the classes. Besides a few too many “we’re out of ice!!” panics and three days of being covered in sticky saltiness it actually went off pretty well. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, English was spoken and ice cream was (miraculously!) made. Success!

Our camp ended with the students and their families camping out overnight on the school grounds. It was great fun to be a part of the night and see the students with their families, dance around to TeenTop around the campfire, watch them set off fireworks and then go have some chicken, beer and soju with the rest of the faculty in the science room after everyone was asleep (yes, that happened).

After summer camps I had a few weeks of teaching summer classes. These differ from summer camps in that only some students sign up and they are more like regular class periods.  Because this is during their summer break I had much smaller classes which was really very enjoyable. I also taught them completely on my own. While I absolutely adore my coteacher, it was nice to have a class totally to myself. Feels a little bit more like my old “classroom teacher” days. I also have more freedom in subject matter and did some things “just because” and “just for fun”.

Finally, the moment that all teachers wait for arrived. Summer vacation!! I was blessed to have my best friend from… forever, come and visit me. It was amazing having Mandy here, even though it was really too hot to do much more than sit inside and try not to overheat (seriously people, it. was. hot.). But it was fantastic, and a bit serial, to be able to show her around and show off Korea. It really is an amazing place that I would HIGHly recommend everyone visit. Just, maybe not at the height of summer! *^^*  

It was hard to say goodbye, though. And made me realize how very much I miss people back home. It’s been over a year since I’ve been there which just seems crazy to me! So, while Daegu is my home right now, I am very, very much looking forward to making the trek back over the ocean in the not too distant future for a little visit! Woot!!

The summer season ended with a five day trip to Jeju Island for 추석 (Chuseok)- it a bit like the Korean version of Thanksgiving. Jeju is considered to be one of Koreas great beauties and everyone seems to be very proud of it. It didn’t disappoint and I am already planning another trip back in the spring to do a bit more exploring! The landscape was absolutely breathtaking.

So I think brings us up to the present. We are about halfway through our second semester at school (how did that happen so fast?!?) and I am officially started on my second contract/year here. The temperatures have finally started to drop and Autumn is in the air! I’m very much looking forward to this new season!

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 4

Day 4: What You Wore

I've been dreading this prompt. Finding clothes is tricky here. Shirts are usually no problem and dresses are doable with a lot of searching. Pants/shorts/shoes are basically nonexistent in the sizes I need. It is a sad story in my life for sure. And thanks to the recent development of summer in Daegu (SO HUMID!!!) I usually feel like I'm barely presentable to the outside world. 

But due to it being the 4th of July I decided I need to at least pay homage and go with a little red, white and blue. So here's the picture I snapped on the way to school (I have only a small bathroom mirror in my apartment so the reflective surfaces I pass on the way to the bus serve as my check if I'm presentable for the day.... hey, it works).

I did have several students tell me "Teacher. Pretty." today. Than again- they say that often... I think I still have the novelty of blonde hair and blue eyes working in my favor. 

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 3

Day 3: Something Green

It was bound to happen. I totally forgot to even look at what the subject of todays photo was supposed to be. Whoops.
So It's almost 10:30 and I'm looking around around my apartment for something green and interesting. So here's a ridiculous picture displaying one of my current favorite korean foods.

This is my "remembered I needed a picture right before I go to bed" look.
Obviously I'm still working on the selca technique.

Thanks to my schools garden we have fresh lettuce and peppers with our lunch everyday. It was at school that I was introduced to 쌈장 (ssamjang). And I've become obsessed. It's made with red pepper paste, onions, garlic and a few other ingredients. At school we eat it with the raw peppers or make a lettuce wrap with a spoon full of rice and a little bit of the paste. It's. So. Good. Definitely one of my favorite korean food discoveries! So I always try to keep some green peppers and 쌈장 handy for a tasty treat.

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 2

Day 2: Clouds

I'm not sure if we are officially in rainy season (I think it starts closer to the end of summer) but it feels like it's started this week.

The sky is full of clouds but they are rather gray and dreary looking. I like a good rain storm every now and again but when waiting for buses is a big part of the day, I find myself glancing nervously at the sky hoping it holds off until I'm safely at my destination.

Hiding under my umbrella at the bus stop.

30 Days of Photos from Korea: Day 1

My amazing sister-in-law, who is one of the most creative people I know, recently started a 'photo challenge' on her blog (check it out).

I have loved getting a little snapshot of her days and what's been keeping her busy recently (and the adorable pictures of Scout are just an added bonus!- I miss her).

Since it's a new month and I'm feeling very motivated on this Monday I'm going to give it a go! I'm not going to promise amazingly artsy, thought provoking, ground braking photography. But I hope this is a way that I can share a little more of my days and experiences here in Korea!

Day 1: Self Portrait 

Really, this seems like the best place to start a photo challenge in Korea! The self portrait, or selca as it's know to Koreans, has been transformed into an art form here. Children, teenagers, young adults... old adults, everyone takes pictures of themselves when they are out and about here. I've sat in coffee shops and watched couples entertain themselves for hours by taking pictures together... and I'm not exaggerating... hours!

I don't think I'm quite up to my Korean counterparts level of skill but I'm working on it.

Also, I probably should have looked for a more exciting background than my corner of the English room... but hey, this is where I hang on Monday mornings so there's some authenticity for you. ;)

Updates...

Oh... hi there. It’s, um, been a while huh...

It’s been a crazy few months here in Korea. The new semester brought lots of changes.

A new Korean coteacher, the departure of the other Native English Teacher from my school, and a new teaching schedule that is keeping me on my toes! Over all the changes have had a rather positive outcome.

I am now working with an experienced coteacher. We have both adapted to a new system of working and teaching together. I have really enjoyed getting to know her as a teacher and as an individual. She is an amazing English teacher and I have already learned so much from her. I also feel like my skills as a ‘professional’ teacher are being more recognized and put to use. I've gone from teaching about 16 classes a week to 24. I'm loving the busyness of my new schedule. Gone are the hours that I used to spend twiddling my thumbs at my desk, and I couldn't be happier about that!

My new coteacher also understands that I don’t want to be stuck in the English room. I want to be a part of school life as much as I can. She is my link to the outside school world since I can’t read the daily memos and she has been incredibly diligent and gracious in letting me know what’s going on at our school. I’ve been able to participate in a 5k run, cheer my students on at their drumming competition, join teachers on a Saturday morning hike, and, of course, the always educational faculty dinners.

Out of all the changes this semester I think the chances I’ve had to talk with students outside of the English room have been the most meaningful. I’ve been able to actually get to know them. Let them know I’m interested in them-their lives- their language- their culture.

It’s been incredibly rewarding and I love the moments when students come in early and crowd around my desk. Some students I can have simple conversations with, others just run through the list of English phrases they know. And then there are some I can talk with about the name of the rice cake we had at lunch that I really liked and how to buy it at the store! Regardless of the amount or level of verbal communication that goes on I truly love my school and students. I am constantly grateful that I ended up where I did.  

In short- life is good. It’s hard to believe that I've been here in Korea for 10 months! And the thought of having to leave in two months when my contract ends is a sad one.

Yes- I miss home.

Yes- I really (really) miss my family and friends.

Yes- I miss the ease and comfort that comes with speaking the same language as everyone around me.

Yes- I miss a good proper breakfast. (actually, this month it’s been Chipotle that I’ve been craving... oh burritos... nomnom...)  

But- I’m just not ready to leave Korea.

After many discussions with friends and family (and a few long walks around Daegu thinking it over) my decision simply came down to the fact that I’m just not ready to leave. So I have crossed all my T’s and dotted the I’s and am officially signed on for another year here. It’s exciting and I have even found a peace knowing that I have more time to keep exploring, learning and teaching.

So- Cheers Korea! Thanks for being so awesome and letting me stick around a bit longer to continue experiencing it.

(Side note: this also gives the rest of you another year to plan your adventure to Korea! I guarantee your own personalized tour with one of the best guides in the country! And I even have a couch now for you to crash on!)