The Soju Sessions

In this week's (delayed) episode, we speak to music writer (and fellow Scouser) Jamie Finn about northerners in Korea tending to gravitate towards each other, heading to the peninsula for an adventure, basically not knowing anything about it and writing about the local Korean music scene through multiple outlets.We also discuss the evolution of music and events in Korea (and the beginnings of nonconformity), starting his own magazines, gentrification and its effects on the local culture (mainly in HBC), and the Busan music scene compared to SeoulThere's plenty more this week, including (but not limited to) iconic Liverpool institution, The Krazyhouse, Robbie and Barry from Eastenders (we never quite know where these conversations will turn), Korean societal problems and the differences in gig culture between Korea and the West.As always, something for everyone.Get on it.

In this week's episode we get into the weeds and discuss how NOT to run an English academy in Korea, following a very bad recent experience.We chat about closing the door on Korea for good, Korea losing its appeal due to inflation and saving potential, and the idea that everyday things like fruit are now a bit of a luxury.We also get into signing a contract before seeing the apartment (don't EVER do that), hagwon bosses expecting you to live in an unfurnished shoebox and calling out greed/penny-pinching within the teaching industry.Something for everyone, as per.Get on it (link in stories)#korea #korealife #korea4expats #expatsinkorea #expatlife #expatkorea #seoullife #seoul4expats #koreanculture #koreansociety #hagwon #koreanhagwon #seoulhagwon #inflation #expensivefruit #hagwonhorror #greed #pennypinching #wonjangnim #oneroom #koreanapartment #prison #shoebox #gettofuck #koreaneducation #instagood #f4f #cheongju4life #suwon #seoul 

WE BACK!First and foremost, apologies for the delay in episodes; it wasn't planned. Been a pretty turbulent past month or so with moving back to Korea only to find out the job/apartment wasn't quite what was expected, but more on that in our special next weekend.In THIS WEEK's episode, we speak to the founder of Korean Image (Instagram), Blair Naujok. But before we proceed any further, we should first apologise to Blair for sitting on this episode for so long (this was recorded over a month ago), whilst simultaneously thanking him for the postcards with Korean images on which he sent to both me and Josh - a lovely touch.This episode touches on how the archive first came about, Blair's family history and viewing 50s and 60s Korea in colour for the first time.We also discuss a positive aspect of COVID (the birth of the archive), expanding and categorising the archive and contributing to various exhibitions.Of course, there's loads more in this one, including (but not limited to) understanding heritage through photos, immigration and acceptance, and future plans for the archive.Something for everyone.Get on it.#seoul #korea #sojusessions #korea4expats #kwave #koreansociety #korealife #koreanculture #koreamilitary #koreanwar #koreanimmigrant #expatsinkorea #expatkorea #expatlife #koreanpolitics #hallyu #koreanimage #photography #traditionalkorea #usmilitary #colourphotography #historicalphotography #imagearchive #koreaincolor #50skorea #60skorea #koreaexhibition #koreanheritage

In the second part of Joon-Young's #sojusessions we discuss alternate things for expats to do (not just go drinking in Itaewon or Hongdae), the differences between the mentality of Koreans in small-town Korea (Cheongju) and Seoul, Koreans persistently comparing themselves to one another, and Koreaboos searching for oppa.We also get into Korea's collective society system, Asian fear of the dreaded Westerner, the future of Joon-Young's Mad Korean Class, as well as some solid advice for learning Korean.

In this week's episode, we speak to Joon-Young from Mad Korean Class (craziest Korean class in Sinchon). We discuss the tactics of Hongdae F-Boys (including some pretty debatable pickup lines), Koreaboos, leaving home for the States at 16 as an exchange student and dealing with bullies. We also get into the perceptions young Koreans have of Westerners (before meeting any), some differences between Western and Korean teenagers and strategies for fitting in when studying abroad. Plenty more, too, this week, including (but not limited to) cultural differences between American and British high schools, reasons for starting Mad Korean Class and the differences in language-learning approaches between Koreans and Westerners. Something for everyone, as per. Get on it.

In the second part of Matt's #sojusessions, we discuss what Trump's policies towards the Korean peninsula might be, Obama being misportrayed as a saint and Westerners finding a purpose in Korea (and becoming better). We also talk about Korea being a second home to many ex-pats, homelessness in Korea (versus the West), young Koreans missing out on life experiences by living at home until they get married and the military toughening up young Korean men.

This week, we speak to one of the Cheongju old guard, Matt Phillips, about ex-pats possibly thinking a little too highly of Busan, small-town vs. big-city Korea, and Cheongju being the Wild West back in the mid-2000s. We also discuss the difference between Korea now and two decades ago, Yoon's failed war plans, the K-wave boom, and the rise of democracy in Korea. Something for everyone, as per. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we mix it up a touch and look at the differences between Dubai and Seoul for expats. As you might imagine, there's a lot to get through, including (but not limited to) officials stopping workers from going to the beach (in Dubai), the eclectic mix of people who live in Dubai and expat kids who've grown up there. There's also bits and pieces about the cost of living (mental), having to download an app for everything and everyone trying to rip you off. Loads more too this week, including wearing £500 sunglasses indoors, the never-ending stream of traffic fines and some of the grotesque things Westerners with too much money get up to. There truly is something for everyone this week. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to Cheongju's finest, Camila Ugarte, about first impressions of Korea, the legendary Cheongju social scene and shitting yourself in public (you heard). We also discuss injuring yourself trying to impress Korean men, the communal culture of Korea and strangers touching you in a jimjilbang (Korean sauna). Loads more, too, including (but not limited to) misunderstanding doctors, Korean efficiency, how (some) Koreans treat people who look differently and the juxtaposition of old and new in Korea. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to native Korean Lee Da-Eun (이다은) about racism in Korea, the attitudes of older Koreans towards foreigners and the perception of foreigners only coming to Korea to party. We also discuss Koreans as introverts, fashion and identity in Korea, the challenges of integrating as an expat and superficial compliments from Koreans (think being called handsome by middle-aged taxi drivers, lads). Loads more too this week, including legally-covered discrimination, the biggest problems when learning Korean and/or English and what Korean society could take from Western society. As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In the second part of Danielle's soju sessions, we discuss the stoicism of Russians, the difference between 'traditional' expat bars in China and Korea and those in UAE and the fabled Dubai Brunch. We also talk about hiking in Korea, the difference between Seoul and Dubai in a community sense and being followed around Tesco by Chinese people. There's also chat about the 'higher-status' person choosing and paying in restaurants, going to the toilet in the street in China and the cleanliness in UAE and Korea compared to the UK and China.

In this episode we are joined by Tony's sister, Danielle, to discuss comparisons between Korea, China & UAE. We get into teaching in China and how it compares to the other 2 countries, “Little Emperor Syndrome” and the saving face culture of East Asia. We also talk about a terrifying incident with a samurai sword-wielding neighbour, living abroad as a female v male and the tribal focus in some rural schools in the Middle East. There's also some talk about safety compared to the UK, Korea's 4b movement/angry incels and differing attitudes to the English language around the world. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we step way, way out of our comfort zone (and knowledge sphere) and discuss what a Trump Presidency might look like for Korea. We get into Trump's ‘America First' policy, Korean government spending on US military personnel and the possibility of re-opening dialogue with North Korea. We also talk about South Korean propaganda leaflets, effects on the Korean economy, Korea's dominance of the semiconductor industry and Japan's attitude towards Korea. Loads more too this week, including the Democrats woeful showing in the American election, people not looking at issues for their own individual merits and Korean immigration into the US. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak with expat entrepreneur/influencer Tanaya Clark about initially heading to Korea as an exchange student, starting a business in Korea and the benefits of controlling your own visa. We also discuss dating differences in Korea (compared to The West), being a black woman in Korea (and how Koreans view black people in general) and competition within the expat community. We also get into “Tall Poppy Syndrome”, the great things about living in Korea, the Korean population possibly getting a bit bigger around the waistline and the oft-derided Korean beauty standards. Plenty of bases covered this week; as usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to seoulfuldiaries creator, Sharen Hau. We discuss the lack of onboarding at hagwons, being discriminated against as an Asian-American of Vietnamese origin and how Koreans view other Asians in the English teaching industry. We also get into older Koreans' expectations of English teachers being white Americans, content creation during COVID and the challenges of collaborating with Korean brands. Loads more too this week, including (but not limited to) being a single mother in Korea (and Korean bosses' attitudes to pregnant women), as well as the concerns of raising a child in America. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In the second part of Yoon-Seo's #sojusessions we discuss the foreigner experience through the eyes of a Korean, Korean being “more than K-pop” and Western individualism Vs Korean collectivism. We also discuss Koreans not questioning an older person under any circumstances, what Westerners could be doing better to integrate themselves and a spot of Western stereotype myth-busting. There's also some talk about Korea becoming more accepting towards foreigners, Koreans experiencing a type of PTSD when hearing English and the idea of society possibly pushing back against the demand on children. Something for everyone, as per. Get on it.

In this week's episode of #thesojusessions we speak to native Korean, Jeon Yoon-Seo (전윤서). We get into some really interesting topics from the other side of the Korea coin, including why English is seen as “mandatory” for Koreans, the Korean education system from a Korean point of view and why young Korean women don't want to have children. We also discuss solutions to the birthrate problem, how foreigners are perceived in Korea and stereotypes Koreans have about Westerners. Loads more too this week, including (but not limited to the mentality of the first-year teacher in Korea, Koreans and people of “higher status”, the idea that the honorific system might be holding Korean society back and how Westerners are portrayed in Korean media. Really interesting this one and should resonate with anyone who has spent any time in Korea.

In the second part of Ryan's #sojusessions we discuss his side hustle of making his own mead plus his future business plans, procuring an F visa and pouring drinks for your elders in Korea. We also get into Koreans who go out on midweek benders then put a 12-hour day in the next day, hangover cures and their limited effect when you drink to oblivion and the lack of traditional Western brekkies in Korea. There's loads more as usual, including the difference in pub snacks, hare of the dog and arguably the worst thing about Korea: the bread/sandwich situation.

In this week's episode, we discuss escaping Ireland during COVID, choosing Korea over China and playing rugby in Seoul. We also get into the depressing fact that night-outs finish earlier as you get older, the Korean War and South Korea's un-democratic roots. There's a large focus on history this week, but there's also some chat about the perils of reunification, what NOT to do when visiting North Korea and the parallels between ROI and ROK.

In the second part of Sam's #sojusessions, we settle a long-running lookalike debate (incredibly there are people in the world who think Josh looks like f*cking James Bond), meeting Koreans through non-traditional means (i.e. not in the pub) and starting a bioplastics company. We also discuss Sam's current venture, Dusk Cider, and the difficulties of starting a cider company in a country with a limited cider culture, bosses who expect staff to work as hard as them and Korea's (changing) desk-warming culture. We also chat about reading the bible/churchgoers in Korea, more Pachinko chat and a guest request for Josh.

In this week's episode, we speak to expat business owner, Sam Begdouri. We talk about the woes of being a Tottenham fan, how watching Korean football compares to the Premier League, as well as a devastating bet loss. We also get into moving to Korea for love, the ignorance of (some) older Koreans and the insecurities that come with being a young adult. Loads more to listen out for too, including (but not limited to) the conflicting emotions of having children, separating in Korea when kids are involved and the idea of marriage being a disposable commodity. As always, something for everyone.  Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to ex-Korea resident, Alison Lihalakha. We cover the genesis of the Korean Kim and Vietnamese Nguyen surnames, differences in culture in Korea compared to the Middle East and Saudi culture being different what Westerners imagine (Alison lived in Saudi pre-Korea). We also discuss Apartment adjoshis (old retired Korean fellas who act as caretakers at big apartment buildings), being able to blend in in Korea as a person of Asian heritage and older Koreans staring at foreigners. There are also bits and pieces about Korea for expat kids, the lack of expectation on Westerners to speak Korean and Alison's memoir (Salted Plums) about growing up Asian in the States.

In this week's episode we talk to Suwon's own, Nathan Putnam. We discuss how Norway and Germany acted as a precursor to Korea, operating your own English academy (and the demands of unreasonable Korean mothers) and how easy it is as a Westerner to just show up and get on in Korea. We also get into the lack of mental health awareness in Korean schools, teaching Samsung executives (and the deference shown to Samsung employees by Korean society) and going to the 2014 World Cup. There's loads more too this week, including (but not limited to) staying out til 4 am on a Wednesday, marrying into Korean culture, the legendary Inter Suwon, exploring Korea on a motorbike and returning back to the States to work for the US government. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In the second part of Krissi's Soju Sessions, we discuss a clear shift in parenting styles from when we were young, kids acting out on planes/in public (and a solid Christopher Moltisanti reference) and asking v telling kids to do stuff. We also discuss some more ridiculous Chat GPT searches (and people who talk to it graciously (this week's poll)), the idea of Gyemoim (communal saving) in Korea and Krissi's NY Times front page article. There's also bits and pieces about the changing the political landscape in Korea, Noraebang (karaoke) brothels and life in Daegu v Busan. As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to Korea-based freelance writer, Krissi Driver. We discuss the frustrations of buying things off Korean websites, briefly living in Lithuania as a child (plus a particularly harrowing Russian acid bath tale - be warned) and the even more harrowing ordeal of navigating Korea pre-smartphone. We also get into student loan repayment, the 'business-first' hagwon model (even if it's to the detriment of actual learning) and students being in a higher level than they should be because their parents are paying. As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to professional footballer and current Daejeon Hana Citizen centre-back, Aaron Calver. We discuss Aaron's football beginnings in Australia, his transition to the K-League (and how the two compare) as well as cultural differences between the two countries/leagues. We also get into his time at both Gwangju (where he won the league) and current team, Daejeon, his future plans and national team aspirations and the competitiveness of European football compared to Asia. There are also bits and pieces about mental health awareness (or the lack of in Korea), positive experiences in Korea and playing against one Jesse Lingard. As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode we speak to California native, Jackie Roberts. We discuss things like Korea's ageing problem, differences between Cali, London and Korea and navigating public transport in and around Seoul. We also get into the differences in dog (ownership) culture (and Koreans generally being scared of big dogs), Korea's fabled cafe culture and what it's like for western women being in a relationship with a Korean. There's also bits and pieces about couple wear, early impressions of hangul, being poked in a jimjilbang (not a euphemism), appreciating the directness of Koreans and the very English trait of mercilessly ripping your mates if they've dared to wear new gear. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

This week we speak to Belfast's own Sean Armstrong, a big-time frequenter of the 2013 Cheongju bar scene. We discuss some of the mad characters who could be found rolling around some of the CJ bars back in the day, staff meetings in hostess bars and the challenges of teaching in Ireland. We also raise the steaks (pun intended) by discussing Sean's side-hustle/long-term vision of bringing Korean BBQ to Belfast. We explore the social and interactive side of K-BBQ, the challenges and benefits of running a pop-up in Belfast, Sean's passion for Korean food and transitioning from teaching to small business ownership. Get on it if you love a bit of Korean grub.

In this week's episode, we welcome back our first-ever guest on the pod. And it's safe to say we get through quite a lot. We discuss the influx of Koreans (and Russians) in Vietnam, job offers in Taiwan and more socio-economic policy chat which smarter people than us have almost certainly spent years studying, which we've butchered in less than a minute. We also get into being sent out of class in school/college, giving money to beggars in India and travellers “begpacking” around SE Asia. There's also bits and pieces about Mongolia, tipping culture in America and shooting cows with bazookas in Cambodia (not us). There really is something for eveyone in this one. Get on it.

In the second part of Niall's #sojusessions we get into his slightly unorthodox reason for learning Korea, Korean wedding rituals and (some) foreigners in Korea relying heavily on their Korean spouses. We also discuss Korean spouses abroad, the rampant negativity in Korea surrounding the birth rate crisis and the fabled solo pint. There's also some chat about a hagwon bringing in an actual bear to show the kids, some cultural things Koreans think are weird about us and dealing with British sarcasm. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this episode, we speak to another Cheongju stalwart about the art scene in Korea compared to England, more uninformed art reviews (and general nonsense) and the differences in applying to uni compared to the actual course in Korea. We also discuss our own uni experiences, including (but not limited to) referencing people who didn't exist, building a house in Korea and more ludicrous chat GPT searches. We will also hopefully get to the bottom of a long-running debate in this episode's poll, so be sure to vote! As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we discuss loads of stuff from the nightmarish 'A Serbian Film', to the level of English within the adult population and older Koreans who take it upon themselves to tidy up the neighbourhood. We also discuss shit driving Korea, buying soju by the shot in some restaurants now, watching Muay Thai in Lumpinee and a recent podcast milestone. As always, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode of #thesojusessions, we have a very special guest as Josh's Dear Mum joins us, fresh off the back of her trip to Korea. We look at Korea through the perspective of the holidaymaker and discuss things like eating puffer fish and eel, as well as Korean tending to approach Western women more than they might men. Oh, and there's also more ridiculous Chat GPT searches. We also get into midnight runs, a fight in the street between two Korean women and the always-well-received gift from students. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode we speak to our first EVER Korean guest, which we're extremely excited about. We briefly discuss Daniel's job (he's a bodyguard), why Korean men often call Western men handsome and the reason why we've wanted a Korean on for so long: How Korean people view Westerners who live in Korea. We also get into common culture clashes from a Korean perspective, the bluntness of some Koreans when speaking English and more (shocking) Josh lookalikes. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In the second part of Kevin's #sojusessions (finally), we discuss Guinness (potentially) being overrated, disruptive students, Liverpool's cultural behemoth, Brookside (specifically Barry Grant) and Kevin's YouTube channel - Korea Brewing Adventure. We also get into the fabled midweek night-out in Korea, Korea's "bali-bali" culture, Kevin's future brewing plans, as well as the first seeds of a #sojusessions social being planted. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this week's episode of #thesojusesions, we speak to Canadian teacher/YouTuber/brewer, Kevin Grabb. We discuss (not) shouting insults at Korean mates out the window of a moving car like you would friends at home, complaining whilst living in a first-world country and not taking the small things for granted. We also chat about Kevin brewing his own makgeolli (traditional Korean booze) and ale, the outrageous price of booze in Dubai and how easy it was to make friends in Korea 10+ years ago plus loads, loads more. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In this week's episode, we speak to American teacher Lizzie Hobbie. We discuss all sorts of things including (not) waving at old people, questionable driving in Korea and not having an adult conversation at work for 5 years. We also get into a BBC show which claimed Koreans are unhelpful, Korean people asking how old you are within 5 minutes of meeting (and also being shocked at how Westerners address older people) and another hot take on geopolitics (this time the Taiwan-China debate). There's also some chat about naked cartwheels in PC Bangs (we never quite know where these conversations will go). Something for everyone as per. Get on it.

In this week's episode of #thesojusessions, we talk to university lecturer and part-time DJ, Paul Wynne. We discuss leaving England and heading to Korea at 40, living in rural Korea and the cultural phenomenon that is Koreans using roundabouts. We also get into Paul's passion for Northern Soul music and playing local festivals in Seoul and the wider East Asia area, our shared disdain for K-Pop, as well as vinyl snobs. Have a listen, you might like it. Or don't. I'm not the boss of you.

In this week's episode we speak to the organiser of the Jinju English FIlm Festival, Steve Alexander-Larkin.We discuss a couple of University scandals, one including a K-Pop band who were receiving free grades and not attending, the other a spot of blackmail, as well as the reasons the Jinju Film Festival came about.We also get into the use of Chat GPT in the classroom, Josh's last 5 Chat GPT searches (which will almost certainly be a regular segment going forward) and South Korea's “Hero Visa” (really).As usual, something for everyone.Get on it.

In the second part of David's #sojusessions, we delve DEEP into North Korea and discuss things like why they don't want the population to become rich, their campaign of terror over the years and why the "freedom-loving" West hasn't intervened. We also talk about the complicated relationship between the Big 3 in East Asia, Korean politics flitting between a hatred of Pyongyang and Tokyo and ex-pats with "main character" syndrome. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this episode of #thesojusessions, we talk to Professor David A. Tizzard, a 20-year veteran of Korea with a PhD in Korean studies.  We discuss moving to Korea in the mid-2000's to escape a slightly hedonistic lifestyle, the idea of Korean adult students turning up for class no matter what state they're in and never truly being “friends” with a Korea in the traditional Western sense. We also get into the fantastic phenomenon of Korea having no chavs whatsoever, being able to leave your laptop on a table in a busy cafe without it being stolen and Koreans not being able to travel abroad until 1989. There's loads more in this one, including women supposedly not being allowed to smoke in public until fairly recently,  Koreans not doing small talk and the difference in the Korean festival to its British counterpart (lol). Safe to say David knows what he's on about when it comes to Korea, which makes this one a solid listen. Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In this episode, we delve deep into the mystique of K-Pop and its "fandoms", with the help of marketing expert, Brandy Sweesy. We discuss all sorts of things such as K-Pop fans feeling as though they have a sort of ownership over idols, "fans" ruining the careers of those who fall out of favour (often for innocuous things like posting a photograph with a girlfriend) and K-pop trainees not being allowed to have a mobile phone, let alone a boyfriend or girlfriend. We also get into the highly organised nature of fandoms, (BTS fandom) ARMY weighing in on geopolitics and a possible romance between two of the BTS lads. Oh, and there's also a shout-out for The Sopranos' Phil Leotardo, as well as world-famous shagger, Tom Jones. A real eye-opener for those who, like me and Josh, have limited knowledge of this particular industry. Get on it.

In the second part of Loz's #sojusessions, we compare teaching abroad to uni (with doe), the ESL community and how it brings you together with people from all walks of life and the idea of some non-native speakers being better English speakers/teachers than natives. We also discuss living in a landfill for a month, apartment ajeossis and art being a little bit la-di-da (Listen out for a new podcast spinoff idea too). Something for everyone, as usual. Get on it.

In this episode we discuss making a book about expat life in Korea, what constitutes art, drawing dicks on people's leaving Korea flags and Liverpool anti-hero, Purple Aki. We also get into the differences between the art scene in London and Seoul, the idea of Koreans acting and living for the collective (as opposed to the more individualistic Westerner) and pouring pints in people's pockets. Something for everyone, as per. Get on it.

In this episode, we discuss possible itineraries for people who might be planning a short holiday in Korea. We finally figure out a long-standing technical glitch, before discussing the must-see places in and around Seoul, our take on how the BTS boys are getting on with their military service, and some lesser-known areas around the capital. We also head out of Seoul and chat about racist nightclubs in Busan, the hallowed Korean favourite of Jeju-Do and tea etiquette in Jeonju, plus loads, loads more. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In the second part of Rob's #sojusessions, we discuss recording music in Korea, not paying for beers in the pub since 2009 and Westerners who moan about Korea. We also discuss that rare (but embarrassing) breed who simply refuse to even try and speak Korean, Koreans never understanding when we do try and people whose accents inexplicably change after being away from home for half an hour. Listen out for another of Rob's tunes at the end, too. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this episode of #thesojusessions, we discuss working in public schools before making the move to a uni, living in arguably the best neighbourhood in Seoul (HBC) and the old professor vs teacher debate (again). We also get into the absurdly difficult Korean high school test, another tale of a shocking apartment from an old job, and Rob's music career (be sure to tune in to the end to hear one of Rob's signature jams).

In the second part of Dan's #sojusessions, we discuss the negatives of India and cultural differences between Korea (and India), how Dan chooses what his videos are going to be about and randomly drinking with old special forces. We also get into the job description of the Korean "gangster", Koreans getting arrested for dabbling abroad and some tips for the best patio (drinking) Pyeon-Ui-Jeoms in and around Seoul. We also instigate a beef with the BTS fandom, as well as top nerd and father of the mathematical formula which bears his name: Pythagoras, plus loads more. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

This week we speak to adventurer and YouTuber Dan Goldman, who has visited all 25 districts (or gu's) in Seoul and documented doing so on his channel (Where is Dan). We discuss the moustache game of Indian policemen, starting a travel YouTube channel and the Korean government attempting to force out the residents of the biggest shanty town in Seoul. We also get into the social lives of Korea's elderly, the inefficiency of other countries compared to Korea and cycling across India. Something for everyone as usual. Get on it.

In the second episode of Bart's Soju Sessions, we discuss cycling around the whole of South Korea, Koreans taking Kimchi everywhere with them and Josh's Nan taking her own cutlery on holiday. We also discuss Bart's trip to the islands up near North Korea (and a literal minefield), the Korean government overusing the emergency alert system and Korea's fabled drinking culture, as well as the origins of “going Dutch”. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this episode, we speak to Dutch explorer Bart Van Genugten, who is in the middle of visiting every dong (neighbourhood) in Seoul (which you can check out on his YouTube channel (iGoBart). We discuss difficulties for non-native English speakers getting a visa, the reasons for visiting every dong in Seoul and also going to North Korea for 6 days. We also get into the infamous 'Hitler Tree' in Mali-dong (and by proxy the horribly distasteful Hitler bar in Busan), the directness of the Dutch compared to Koreans and the famous/infamous expat neighbourhood, Itaewon. Plus loads, loads more. As usual, something for everyone this week! Get on it.