Navigating the aisles of a South Korean grocery store can be an adventure, especially if you’re not familiar with the language or the art of decoding nutrition labels on Korean food packaging. Understanding these labels can be a game-changer when it comes to making informed food choices.

Before we continue, it’s important to note that this blog does not intend to provide medical or nutrition advice. Instead, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and skills to decipher South Korean food labels confidently. So, let’s dive into the world of Korean nutrition labels!

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Where to Find Nutrition Labels on Packaging

In South Korea, the location of nutrition labels varies depending on the food’s packaging. You’ll typically find the labels on the back of the packaging, but not all packaged foods follow this pattern. Nutrition information may also appear on the front of packages (shown in the images of Hetbahn Cooked Multi-grain Rice below) or on the sides of packages (shown in the images of Peacock Egg Potato Salad below). These label placements might differ from what you’re accustomed to in your home country, so it may take you some time to adjust.

Since each section of the overall nutrition label may also appear in different locations depending on the package, so it’s important to use keywords to identify the various components of nutrition labels. For example, the ingredients list has been highlighted with an orange box in the images below to show some variations of the placements. Rather than relying on the location of the list to be consistent, look for the word “원재료명” to identify the ingredients list (also highlighted with an orange box in the images below). From there, you can analyze the ingredients using translation apps, as we’ll discuss later in the blog.

The Basics of Korean Nutrition Labels

Before we dive into reading the nutrition labels, let’s address some basic information related to Korean nutrition labels.

Overseeing Authority

The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is responsible for overseeing nutrition label standards. They ensure that labels provide accurate and useful information to consumers. Be sure to refer to information from the MFDS for the most up-to-date nutrition label standards.

Comparing with Labels from Other Countries

If you’re accustomed to labels from other countries, you might notice differences in layout and terminology used in Korean nutrition labels compared to labels from your country. The information required to be reported on Korean food labels may be different from the requirements of other countries, and vice versa. Still, the overarching principles of nutrition labels are universal.

“kcal” vs “cal” for Calories

Calories are a measure of energy, particularly in reference to the amount of energy in food or drinks. For some readers, it may be puzzling to see “Calories” or “Cal” expressed as “kcal.” Don’t worry; “kcal” is simply another way to express calories. One big Calorie (that’s a calorie with a capital ‘C’) is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie, both of which are equal to 1,000 small calories (that’s a calorie with a lowercase ‘c’).

For more information on the topic of caloric units, you can check out the following articles by the American National Health Library and the United Kingdom National Health Services.

Now, let’s break down the various components of Korean nutrition labels.

Calories and Serving Size

Let’s start by dissecting the calorie and serving size information. This information is listed on the same line as the nutrition information label, which is written as “영양정보” in Korean.

• Nutrition Information = 영양정보 (yeong-yang jeong-bo)

Calorie Breakdown

Nutrition labels in Korea use “kcal.” As discussed in the section above, a “kcal” is equivalent to the ‘Calories’ terminology you may be familiar with on other countries’ food packages, such as the United States.

Serving Size

Understanding serving size is important because it determines the nutritional values provided by a food product. Serving sizes can be presented in several ways on packaged food. The serving sizes are generally listed by mass (e.g., 30 grams). Here are a few examples of how serving sizes may be denoted:

• Serving Size = 제공량 (jae-gong-nyang) or 1회 제공량
• Total Amount (in a package) = 총 내용량 (chong nae-yong-nyang)
• Calories Per Serving = [X]g 당 [Y] kcal
• [X]g Per Serving = 1회 섭취참고량 [X]g 당

Example: Calories and Serving Size

Using the Peacock Egg Potato Salad as an example, we will highlight the nutrition label, serving size, and calories. A serving of 110 g of Peacock Egg Potato Salad contains 200 kcal, which is equal to 200 Calories (with a capital ‘C’). As shown in the image below:

• Tag 1 (Blue): 영양정보 refers to nutrition information
• Tag 2 (Orange): 총 내용량 110 g refers to the serving size or the total amount of food in the package, and 200 kcal is the number of calories per serving.

Ingredients and Allergens

Identifying the ingredients and allergens in a food product is important for making conscious and safe food choices. We will give an overview of how to identify the ingredient list, allergens, and possible risk of cross-contamination when reading Korean nutrition labels.

Ingredient List

The ingredient list on the nutrition label will tell you what’s in the product in descending order of quantity, similar to the US. You can identify the ingredient list on a nutrition label by the Korean word “원재료명.” You can use translation apps to help you read through an ingredient list, and we’ll discuss some translation resources later in the blog.

• Ingredients = 원재료명 (won-jae-ryo-myeong)
• Ingredients and Contents = 원재료명 및 함량 (won-jae-ryo-myeong mich ham-nyang)

Allergens: “Contains” and “May Be Produced In a Factory That…”

In this section, we’ll look into a critical aspect of Korean nutrition labels: allergens. These labels provide essential information to help you identify and steer clear of common allergens in food products, ensuring safe and informed consumption.

Allergens are usually highlighted with a contrasting background color at the end of the ingredient list. The allergen box may be a variety of colors, such as yellow, red, and gray. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) sets the required allergens for listing on food packaging.

• Contains [X allergens] = [X allergens] 함유 (hahm-yoo)

This list includes some common allergens that packaged food in Korea may contain, but it’s not an exhaustive one. You can use translation apps to identify allergens not listed below.

• Milk = 우유 (ooh-yoo)
• Egg = 계란 (gye-rahn) or 달걀 (dahl-gyahl) or 알을 (ah-reul)
• Peanuts = 땅콩 (ttang-kong)
• Soybean = 대두 (dae-doo)
• Wheat = 밀 (mil)
• Shrimp = 새우 (sae-ooh)
• Pork = 돼지고기 (dwae-jee-go-ghee)
• Tomato = 토마토 (to-mah-to)
• Walnuts = 호두 (ho-doo)

Manufacturing facilities can sometimes handle allergens that aren’t part of the final product, which could lead to potential cross-contamination. As a result, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety mandates including this information on the product’s packaging. You’ll usually find this cross-contamination disclosure in a bulleted list, often positioned near the nutrition or ingredient information. The wording of the disclosure may include variations such as:

• Option 1: 이 제품은 [X Ingredients] 사용한 제품과 같은 제조시설에서 제조하고 있습니다.
• Option 2: [X Ingredients] 혼입가능.

Example: Ingredients and Allergens

Using the Dongwon My Plant Vegan Tuna as an example, we will highlight the ingredient list, allergen list, and cross-contamination risk disclosure. As shown in the image below:

• Tag 1 (Light Blue): 원재료명 및 함량 signals the start of the ingredient list.
• Tag 2 (Orange): 대두, 토마토 함유 indicates that the product contains the allergens soybean and tomato.
• Tag 3 (White): 이 제품은 알류, 우유, 메밀, 땅콩, 밀, 고등어, 게, 새우, 돼지고기, 복숭아, 아황산류, 호두, 닭고기, 쇠고기, 오진고, 조개류(굴, 전복, 홍합, 포함), 잣을 사용한 제품과 같은 제조시설에서 제조하고 있습니다 indicates that the product was produced in a factory that also processes eggs, milk, buckwheat, peanuts, wheat, mackerel, crab, shrimp, pork, peach, sulfuric acid, walnuts, chicken, beef, squid, shellfish (including oysters, abalone, mussels), and pine nuts.

Nutrient Breakdown

Now, let’s decode the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals section on Korean food labels. Like the calories and serving size, this information is found under the nutrition information (영양정보) section of a food label.

Macronutrients

Some of the most common macronutrients displayed on Korean labels include the following with their Korean translations. You can use translation apps to identify nutrients not listed below.

• Carbohydrates = 탄수화물 (tan-su-hwa-mul)
• Protein = 단백질 (dan-baek-jil)
• Fat = 지방 (ji-bang)
• Saturated Fat = 포화지방 (po-hwa-ji-bang)
• Trans Fat = 트랜스지방 (teu-raen-seu-ji-bang)
• Cholesterol = 콜레스테롤 (kol-le-seu-te-rol)
• Sugars = 당류 (dang-nyu)
• Sodium= 나트륨 (na-teu-ryum)
• Calcium = 칼슘 (kal-shee-yum)
• Dietary Fiber = 식이섬유 (shig-ee-seom-yu)

Vitamins and Minerals

This nutrition label section highlights the key vitamins and minerals included in the food item. The vitamins are not necessarily present on all food packaging, but we have included an example of a vitamins and minerals section in the image below.

• Vitamin = 비타민 (bee-ta-min)

The word “비타민” is accompanied by its corresponding English letter and number. For example, “Vitamin B6” would be written as “비타민 B6” in Korean.

Daily Values (DV%)

This percentage indicates how much a nutrient in one serving contributes to a daily diet. The percent daily values on Korean labels are based on a 2,000-calorie daily intake. This daily caloric intake may not align with your country’s guidelines or physician’s recommendations, so you can adjust your intake as needed.

The product label will list each nutrient in its appropriate units, such as milligrams (mg), grams (g), or micrograms (µg). Alongside, you’ll find the corresponding percent value, calculated based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories.

Example: Nutrient Breakdown

Using Market O Nature O! Granola Pop as an example, we will highlight the macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, and percent daily values. As shown in the image below:

• Tag 1 (Blue): This box displays the macronutrients present in the product along with their corresponding amounts.
• Tag 2 (Orange): This section shows the vitamins and minerals in the product with their respective amounts.
• Tag 3 (Yellow): The percentages shown are the Daily Values (DV%) of each macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral based on a daily intake of 2,000 calories.

Additional Information

Here are a few additional tips for navigating packaged food in Korea.

Expiration Dates

Ensure your food is fresh and safe by following these instructions. Keep in mind that in Korea, dates follow the order of year/month/day. Expiration dates on food packages may vary in location and can be represented by a few words, such as:

• Distribution Deadline = 유통기한 (yoo-tong-ghee-hahn)
• Consumption Deadline = 소비기한 (so-bee-ghee-hahn)
• Use by Deadline = 사용기한 (sah-yong-ghee-hahn)
• Until [Date] = [Date] 까지 (kkah-jee)

We have highlighted two examples of expiration dates with an orange box in the images below.

Special Symbols or Icons

Keep an eye out for any unique symbols or icons on labels; they may convey important information.

Storage

When exploring Korean packaged food, keep an eye out for storage symbols. These small icons guide you on how to store your food for optimal freshness.

Food that should be frozen will usually have a snowflake symbol. The image below of Mom’s Dish Chicken shows an example of the snowflake icon in a light blue square.

For items requiring refrigeration, keep an eye out for the term “냉장 제품” or simply “냉장,” accompanied by various symbols. You might see icons like a refrigerator or a snowflake (which can be confusingly similar to frozen). The image of Maniker Mung Bean Chicken Stew Package below has an example of the fridge icon outlined by a blue square.

The Joowon Duck packaging uses a leaf symbol alongside “냉장” to indicate that the product should be refrigerated, as shown in the blue square.

Recycling

Check for recycling symbols and guidelines on food packaging. Keep in mind that garbage and recycling regulations differ by district, so consult your local waste disposal resources. You can watch the video below made by Seoul National University Office of International Affairs students to learn some of the basics of waste disposal and recycling in Korea.

Cooking Instructions

Packaged foods may have cooking instructions on the packaging when appropriate. Cooking instructions may be displayed in a number of ways and can be identified by images, times, and numbered steps. The orange boxes below highlight a few examples of how cooking instructions may be displayed on different products.

Reading Korean Nutrition Labels Practice

Let’s analyze the nutrition label from a T Asia Kitchen Pu Phat Phong package to put all the previously outlined information into practice. The first image below shows the front of the T Asia Kitchen Pu Phat Phong package, and the second image shows the back.

We will number and identify each section on the food nutrition label below. The front of the package may offer a preview of some nutrition information for a product, such as:

• Tag 1: 170 g 220 kcal = Serving Size (170 g) and Calories (220 kcal)
• Tag 2: Lists a preview of the ingredients (and their percent content)

Now, when you look at the back of the package, you can see the following information moving from the top to the bottom of the package.

• Tag 3: 원재료명 = Ingredient List
• Tag 4: 계란, 게, 우유 함유 = Contains the allergens egg, crab, milk.
• Tag 5: 이 제품은 대두,밀,메밀,땅콩,고등어,새우,닭고기,쇠고기,돼지고기,복숭아,토마토,아황산류,호두,오징어,조개류,잣을 사용한 제품과 같은 제조시설에서 제조하고 있습니다 = Product was produced in a factory that also processes soybean, wheat, buckwheat, peanut, mackerel, shrimp, chicken meat, beef, pork, peach, tomato, sulfuric acid, walnut, squid, shellfish, and pine nuts.
• Tag 6: 영양정보 = Nutrition Information
• Tag 7: 총 내용량 170 g 220 kcal = Serving Size (170 g) and Calories (220 kcal)
• Tag 8: This box displays the macronutrients and minerals present in the product followed by their corresponding amounts and percent values.
  • Example from the package: 포화지방 10 g 67% = Saturated Fat 10 g 67% of Daily Value

Overall Example

Translations

Translation resources, such as Papago or Google Translate, may be helpful tools if you need language assistance while navigating Korean food labels.

Using Papago to Read Labels

Papago is a great tool for translating ingredients on food packaging. With the Papago app, you can snap a photo of the ingredients list and have the information translated in seconds. However, as with any translation app service, the information may not always be translated accurately. Watch the video below for a tutorial on how to use the image translator on Papago.

Additional Resources For Reading Korean Food Labels

Our Muslim readers can learn more about navigating food labels to find halal-friendly packaged food by checking out the blog Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels.

For more information and handy tools on Korean nutrition labels:

• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety – Food Labeling System
• 30-Day Challenge: Learn How to Read Korean Nutrition Labels
• How to Read Korean Food Nutrition Labels
• Tips on How to Understand Korean Food Labels

Conclusion

Understanding Korean nutrition labels is a valuable skill when navigating South Korean grocery stores. Navigating Korean nutrition labels can seem daunting at first, but with the insights shared in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to interpret these labels more confidently. By decoding these labels, you can gain insight into what’s inside that intriguing package. Happy label reading!

Note: The food labeling standards in South Korea are continually updated and changed. To stay up to date on the most current labeling standards, refer to the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Reading Korean Nutrition Labels appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Are you a Muslim traveler or resident in South Korea, feeling overwhelmed by the lack of halal food options? Fret not, because help is at hand! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the city of Incheon, uncovering its hidden gems of halal food options. From restaurants to grocery stores, we’ve compiled a list of halal options that will make your food hunt a breeze. Additionally, we’ll be sharing some useful tips and tricks to help make your search for halal food in Incheon a less stressful experience. Read on to find out more!

Listen to the BlogCast

Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul.

Halal in Korea

Halal is an Arabic word that means “lawful or permitted.” The term halal is generally used in reference to Islamic dietary practices, but it extends to other Islamic practices as well.

When I first arrived in Korea, one of my main worries as an observing Muslim was access to halal and Muslim-friendly food. While living in Songdo, Incheon, I found it (understandably) challenging to access strictly Halal options as Songdo is a fairly new city. However, with a bit of research and helpful recommendations from new friends, I was able to locate halal food options near Songdo in the Incheon area.

Korea has a Muslim population of over 200,000. As the Muslim community continues to grow in Korea, so do the halal and Muslim-friendly food options. The diversity of the Muslim population in the area creates a wonderful environment to enjoy and explore a variety of halal cultural cuisines. Continue reading to discover some of the halal resources available in Incheon.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that the restaurants mentioned in this blog may self-certify as halal, but they may not have official certification from a recognized halal certification authority. The information provided in this blog post is based on research and recommendations, but it’s always advisable for individuals to exercise their own discretion and verify the halal status of the establishments before dining.

About Incheon

Incheon, officially named the Incheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시), is in the northwestern region of South Korea.

You can see the city of Incheon (인천시) outlined in blue on the map to the left. Incheon is made up of 8 districts (-gu) and 2 counties (-gun). Many islands of Incheon extend into the Yellow Sea.

The Jung-gu district of Incheon is home to the Incheon International Airport (sometimes called the Seoul–Incheon International Airport), which is the largest airport in South Korea. And it’s likely the airport you arrived at when you reached Korea!

Incheon is bordered by Seoul and Gyeonggi Province by land to the East. A subway ride from Incheon to Seoul can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours depending on where you are traveling to or from.

We recommend using Naver or Kakao Navigation apps when visiting Incheon. Both Naver and Kakao Navigation have English.

Halal Restaurants in Incheon

There are a variety of halal and halal-friendly restaurants in Incheon for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with friends and family. The restaurants below are only a few of the locations listed in the South of Seoul app in the Incheon area. Download the South of Seoul app for easy access to halal options in your area.

Bupyeong-dong

Bupyeong-dong, Incheon-si exists near Bupyeong Station.

The Halal Guys⁰

032-508-3535

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 부평구 부평문화로80번길 37

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Bihanee ⁰

0507-458-8771

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Specialize in Indian and Nepali food. Bihanee offers halal chicken, halal lamb, and seafood options. Alcohol drinks served

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Dongchun-dong

Dongchun-dong, Incheon-si exists near the Songdo Golf Club.

Arabesque⁰

032-859-6900

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 연수구 능허대로267번길 30

Halal dishes from a variety of countries. Absolutely delicious.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ongnyeon-dong

Ongnyeon-dong, Incheon-si exists near the Songdo Golf Club.

Yahala ⁰

0507-1447-0609

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 연수구 능허대로 205

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Aladdin Kebab ⁰

032-832-6003

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

A restaurant serving Turkish kebabs and Indian curries

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Alyamani Corner Restaurant⁰

032-832-3393

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

A restaurant in Incheon with Halal options

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Halal Turkistan Cafe⁰

032-834-1338

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Dera Restaurant⁰

032-832-0799

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Songdo-dong

Songdo-dong, Incheon-si exists near Incheon National University Station, Technopark Station, Campus Town Station, and more.

Bombay Brau Songdo Branch⁰

032-833-7828

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Please note that Swagat India Restaurant is not advertised as halal, but they do offer Muslim-friendly seafood and vegetarian options.

Swagat India Restaurant⁰

0507-1303-2548

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yeonsu 2-dong

Yeonsu 2-dong, Incheon-si exists near Yeonsu Station and Woninjae Station.

Seven Ways⁰

032-812-8120

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Yonghyeon-dong

Yonghyeon-dong, Incheon-si exists near Inha University Station.

The Kebab⁰

010-4380-9660

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Kebab House⁰

070-8755-8407

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

UZ Kebab⁰

01082819097

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 미추홀구 인하로47번길 71

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Halal Grocery Stores in Incheon

If you prefer cooking at home or are craving a home-cooked meal, visit the halal grocery stores in Incheon for what you may need. The marts have a variety of offerings like halal meats, herbs, spices, international food products, and more.

Gojan-dong

Medina Halal Food⁰

01028667567

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 남동구 논곡로 81

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ongnyeon-dong

Janna Mart⁰

01065481440

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

A supermarket with Halal options.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Halalco Food Mart⁰

032-834-5152

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

A Halal grocery store

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Seoknam-dong

Al Khairi Halal Mart Incheon⁰

Hangul Address

인천 서구 건지로249번길 39-3

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Online Resources and Apps

Along with the growing number of Muslim-friendly restaurants and grocery stores in South Korea, there are now several convenient online delivery options available for those seeking halal groceries. The following websites offer a range of halal meats, spices, produce, pantry staples, sweets, and more.

Yes!Halal

• You can place orders directly on the Yes!Halal website.
• Some Yes!Halal products are available for purchase through Coupang. Purchases made through Coupang require a Korean bank account. Foreign credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment.
• Yes!Halal also offers products on Gmarket if you don’t have a Korean debit or credit card. Gmarket supports foreign cards and PayPal payments.

Al Bazaar

• You can place orders directly on the Al Bazaar website.

Coupang

• Halal offerings from various vendors available for home delivery, such as:
  • Yes!Halal
  • Rabbikperenfoods
• You can search for more options by typing “halal” or copying and pasting “할랄” in the Coupang search bar.
• Purchases made through Coupang require a Korean bank account. Foreign credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment.

MUFKO App

• The MUFKO app provides a variety of helpful services for Muslims residing in Korea. One of its most popular features is the barcode scanner, which allows users to scan a food product’s barcode and receive information about its ingredients. This enables users to make informed decisions about whether or not to consume the product.

South of Seoul App

• You can explore more halal establishments as they are added to the SOS app.
• To find halal restaurants and marts in the SOS app, type “halal” into the search bar. If the listing doesn’t appear upon your initial search, switch the filter in the top left corner of the screen from “Closest” to “New” for additional listings in the surrounding area.
• The SOS app is also a great tool for discovering restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. To do so, type “vegetarian” in the search bar and explore a range of delicious options.

Naver Maps/Kakao Maps

• To search for establishments that offer halal options, copy and paste the following into Naver or Kakao Maps:
  • 할랄 or 할랄 식당 – halal or halal restaurant
  • 해산물 or 해산물 식당 – seafood or seafood restaurant
  • 채식 – vegetarian
  • 비건 – vegan

General Local Resources

The local mosques/masjids listed on the Seoul Central Mosque website may be able to provide additional information and resources for Muslims residing in Korea.

Additional Tips for Muslim-friendly Food in Korea

Aside from halal meat options, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants are also great options for Muslim travelers or residents. Korea is a peninsula, so there is an assortment of fresh seafood offerings throughout the country. View the “Online Resources and Apps” section above for helpful tips on finding seafood and vegetarian restaurants.

We also want to offer some information that may be helpful during day-to-day shopping and eating out during your time in Korea.

Checking Ingredients of Packaged Goods

As you’re shopping in Korean grocery stores, it’s important to be able to navigate nutrition information on food packaging to check for non-permissible ingredients. The allergen warning line will generally alert if the product contains meat or uses meat by-products (e.g., gelatin). Learn more in the following SOS blog post which addresses reading food labels: Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels.

Helpful Phrases When Ordering Food

Some restaurants may offer foods that contain non-permissible ingredients, but you may be able to ask them to adjust your order so those ingredients are not included. You can try saying or showing the following phrases when placing an order.

• Please remove [X] = [X] 빼주세요 (ppae-ju-seh-yo)
  • Example: Please remove the meat = 고기 빼주세요 (gogi ppae-ju-seh-yo)
  • Example: Please remove the pork = 돼지고기 빼주세요 (dwaeji-gogi ppae-ju-seh-yo)
• Does this contain [X]? = [X] 들어있나요? (deu-reo-in-na-yo)
  • Example: Does this contain meat? = 고기가 들어있나요? (gogi deul-reo-in-na-yo)
  • Example: Does this contain pork? = 돼지고기 들어있나요? (dwaeji-gogi deul-reo-in-na-yo)

Translation programs, such as Papago or Google Translate may also be helpful in translating your requests while ordering food.

Sharing Halal Information with the Community

While the above list provides a good starting point, it’s important to note that there may be additional halal resources in Incheon that are not included. We encourage you to explore and try out different halal establishments during your stay or travels in South Korea. If you come across any new halal or Muslim-friendly spots, we would love for you to share them with us in the South of Seoul groups (listed below) so that we can continue to expand our information and lists.

Check out our blog about halal food in the Greater Pyeongtaek area to explore more halal options during your time in South Korea.

Volunteer with South of Seoul

Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Halal Food in Incheon appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Struggling to find halal options? As a Muslim person living in or visiting South Korea, searching for halal food can be a challenging task. But worry not, as we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll delve into halal food options available in the Greater Pyeongtaek area. This blog post provides a list of halal restaurants and grocery stores, along with some useful tips to help you find halal food options with ease.

Halal in Korea

Halal is an Arabic word that means “lawful or permitted.” The term halal is generally used in reference to Islamic dietary practices, but it extends to other Islamic practices as well.

When I first arrived in Korea, one of my main worries as an observing Muslim was access to halal and Muslim-friendly food. With a bit of research and helpful recommendations from new friends, I was able to locate halal food options in South Korea, even beyond the capital city of Seoul.

Korea has a Muslim population of over 200,000. As the Muslim community continues to grow in Korea, so do the halal and Muslim-friendly food options. The diversity of the Muslim population in the area creates a wonderful environment to enjoy and explore a variety of halal cultural cuisines. Continue reading to discover some of the halal resources available in Pyeongtaek.

DISCLAIMER

Please note that the restaurants mentioned in this blog may self-certify as halal, but they may not have official certification from a recognized halal certification authority. The information provided in this blog post is based on research and recommendations, but it’s always advisable for individuals to exercise their own discretion and verify the halal status of the establishments before dining.

Halal Restaurants in Pyeongtaek

There are a variety of halal and halal-friendly restaurants in Pyeongtaek for a quick bite or a sit-down meal with friends and family. The restaurants below are only a few of the locations listed in the South of Seoul app in the Pyeongtaek area. Download the South of Seoul app for easy access to halal options in your area.

Paengseong-eup

Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si exists near Camp Humphreys US Army base.

MG Doner Kebab^4.7

031-653-9937

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정쇼핑로 5-1

Delicious kebabs actually served in a pita. Most places serve them in a tortilla. They also have falafel and hummus.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Red Onion^4.7

031-656-6660

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정순환로 110-4

This is owned by the same owners as the Nazar Kebab restaurant but was updated to offer more contemporary options. The name changed in 2019 from Nazar to Red Onion.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Crazy Wings And Burgers^3.8

A restaurant with a little something for everyone.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

King Hamburger ⁵

0316519937

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정쇼핑로 4

Family burger restaurant thatâ€s filled with flavor.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Arati Indian Restaurant ⁵

031-657-2548

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정순환로138번길 56

Located on the second floor, this flavorful restaurant has a beautiful outdoor deck. There is an additional location in Pyeongtaek City.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Nazar Kebab Stand⁵

031-651-9951

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 팽성읍 안정쇼핑로 2

Nazar Kebab is a well-loved Turkish style kebab stand near the walk-in gate to the Camp Humphreys walking gate.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Pyeongtaek-dong

Pyeongtaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si exists near AK Plaza which is also known as the Pyeongtaek Train Station.

Himalayan Danfe Restaurant ⁵

0316560977

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 평택1로9번길 1

A tasty Indian restaurant across from Moti Mahal near AK Plaza.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Swoyambhu Restaurant⁵

031-652-3305

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 평택2로 5-1

Northern Indian Food in a Stunning Atmosphere. Swoyambhu Restaurant restaurant, located a stones-throw from AK plaza, is surprisingly authentic, with unique menu items people who have visited India will appreciate. We recommend getting all the courses when you go because they are all impressive. Its also an excellent place for vegetarians to dine because there are so many flavorful options. The interior is also quite sexy and makes for an intimate meal with a lovely view if you sit next to the window. Its swoon worthy and makes Swoyambhu one of the best date locations in downtown Pyeongtaek City.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Mountain Restaurant⁵

031-651-3612

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 평택2로 10

This restaurant is owned by the same person as Mount Fishtail near Cheonan Station, a very popular restaurant for many years. Worth giving a try.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Sinjang-dong

Sinjang-dong, Pyeongtaek-si exists near Osan Air Force Base and Songtan Station.

Efes Kebab⁵

070-8116-3131

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 쇼핑로 19

A well liked Kebab stand in Songtan. This blue delight has been a long time favorite with the locals that stick around. The friendly staff and rich food keep us all coming back for more. They also make their own bread which is truly wonderful.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Taj Palace Indian Halal Restaurant³

031-668-4444

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 쇼핑로 17-1

Indian food perfect for the halal diner.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Star Kebab⁰

031-668-5582

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 쇼핑로 19

One of the longest running kebab restaurants in Shinjang, otherwise known as the SED. A great place for a late night meal or a place to dine with visiting Muslim friends.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

King Hamburger Songtan⁵

0316659951

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 쇼핑로 14

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Anjung-eup

Anjung-eup exists near Pyeongtaek’s KTX Station which should open in late 2023.

Cafe Islam Halal Food⁵

01021757107

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 안중읍 안현로서2길 14

AN Uzbek restaurant located on the second floor. They serve up all the Uzbek favorites.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Halal Grocery Stores in Pyeongtaek

If you prefer cooking at home or are craving a home-cooked meal, visit the halal grocery stores in Pyeongtaek for what you may need. The marts have a variety of offerings like halal meats, herbs, spices, international food products, and more.

Anjung-eup

Halal Market⁰

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 안중읍 안중로114번길 10

A small, Muslim Grocery story.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Pekarnya Bakery⁰

01085954554

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 안중읍 안현로서2길 27

A bakery and small grocery that specializes in Uzbek nan.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Tashkent ⁰

01068918388

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 안중읍 안현로서5길 53

Small Uzbek / Russian grocery. Great sausage selection.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Seojeong-dong

World Mart Seojeongri⁵

Hangul Address

경기도 평택시 서정역로 39

One of the best world/ international markets. Halal meats, fresh herbs, lots of spices, and more. Parking: this is next to the Seojeongri Market parking garage where you can park for free for 2 hours.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Tongbok-dong

NR Mart⁰

Hangul Address

경기 평택시 중앙로 19

Halal grocery story in Pyeongtaek

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Online Resources and Apps

Along with the growing number of Muslim-friendly restaurants and grocery stores in South Korea, there are now several convenient online delivery options available for those seeking halal groceries. The following websites offer a range of halal meats, spices, produce, pantry staples, sweets, and more.

Yes!Halal

• You can place orders directly on the Yes!Halal website.
• Some Yes!Halal products are available for purchase through Coupang. Purchases made through Coupang require a Korean bank account. Foreign credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment.
• Yes!Halal also offers products on Gmarket if you don’t have a Korean debit or credit card. Gmarket supports foreign cards and PayPal payments.

Al Bazaar

• You can place orders directly on the Al Bazaar website.

Coupang

• Halal offerings from various vendors available for home delivery, such as:
  • Yes!Halal
  • Rabbikperenfoods
• You can search for more options by typing “halal” or copying and pasting “할랄” in the Coupang search bar.
• Purchases made through Coupang require a Korean bank account. Foreign credit and debit cards are not accepted for payment.

MUFKO App

• The MUFKO app provides a variety of helpful services for Muslims residing in Korea. One of its most popular features is the barcode scanner, which allows users to scan a food product’s barcode and receive information about its ingredients. This enables users to make informed decisions about whether or not to consume the product.

South of Seoul App

• You can explore more halal establishments as they are added to the SOS app.
• To find halal restaurants and marts in the SOS app, type “halal” into the search bar. If the listing doesn’t appear upon your initial search, switch the filter in the top left corner of the screen from “Closest” to “New” for additional listings in the surrounding area.
• The SOS app is also a great tool for discovering restaurants with vegetarian and vegan options. To do so, type “vegetarian” in the search bar and explore a range of delicious options.

Naver Maps/Kakao Maps

• To search for establishments that offer halal options, copy and paste the following into Naver or Kakao Maps:
  • 할랄 or 할랄 식당 – halal or halal restaurant
  • 해산물 or 해산물 식당 – seafood or seafood restaurant
  • 채식 – vegetarian
  • 비건 – vegan

General Local Resources

• The local mosques/masjids listed on the Seoul Central Mosque website may be able to provide additional information and resources for Muslims residing in Korea.

Additional Tips for Muslim-friendly Food in Korea

Aside from halal meat options, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan restaurants are also great options for Muslim travelers or residents. Korea is a peninsula, so there is an assortment of fresh seafood offerings throughout the country. View the “Online Resources and Apps” section above for helpful tips on finding seafood and vegetarian restaurants.

We also want to offer some information that may be helpful during day-to-day shopping and eating out during your time in Korea.

Checking Ingredients of Packaged Goods

As you’re shopping in Korean grocery stores, it’s important to be able to navigate nutrition information on food packaging to check for non-permissible ingredients. The allergen warning line will generally alert if the product contains meat or uses meat by-products (e.g., gelatin). Learn more in the following SOS blog post which addresses reading food labels: Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels

Helpful Phrases When Ordering Food

Some restaurants may offer foods that contain non-permissible ingredients, but you may be able to ask them to adjust your order so those ingredients are not included. You can try saying or showing the following phrases when placing an order.

• Please remove [X] = [X] 빼주세요 (ppae-ju-seh-yo)
  • Example: Please remove the meat = 고기 빼주세요 (gogi ppae-ju-seh-yo)
  • Example: Please remove the pork = 돼지고기 빼주세요 (dwaeji-gogi ppae-ju-seh-yo)
• Does this contain [X]? = [X] 들어있나요? (deu-reo-in-na-yo)
  • Example: Does this contain meat? = 고기가 들어있나요? (gogi deul-reo-in-na-yo)
  • Example: Does this contain pork? = 돼지고기 들어있나요? (dwaeji-gogi deul-reo-in-na-yo)

Translation programs, such as Papago or Google Translate may also be helpful in translating your requests while ordering food.

Sharing Halal Information with the Community

While the above list provides a good starting point, it’s important to note that there may be additional halal resources in Pyeongtaek that are not included. We encourage you to explore and try out different halal establishments during your stay or travels in South Korea. If you come across any new halal or Muslim-friendly spots, we would love for you to share them with us in the South of Seoul groups (listed below) so that we can continue to expand our information and lists.

Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group

Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group! This South of Seoul moderated community group of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. Additionally, the shared posts introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again.

Volunteer with South of Seoul

Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Halal Food in Pyeongtaek appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Are you Muslim and wondering what snacks and packaged foods you can eat in Korea? South of Seoul volunteers have put together a guide for reading food labels. The information provided in this post comes from Zahra, a Muslim graduate student who lived in South Korea.

Listen to the BlogCast

Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article, but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

The Struggle to Shop for Halal Food In Korea

Islam remains a minority religion in South Korea. However, with an increase in Muslim immigration and migrant workers, Korea becomes more and more halal-friendly with small stores and restaurants opening across the country.

However, labeling food in grocery stores halal-friendly still hasn’t become standard practice. This means that those wishing to eat halal will need to learn how to read Korean food labels. The following post digs deeper into how you can do this even if you aren’t able to speak Korean yet.

Halal Certified in Korea

First of all, let’s start by looking at halal-certified foods in Korea. Korea does offer some halal-certified foods here and there. Once again, the amount of official halal items continues to grow over time. The following video takes a look at what halal food means, how it’s labeled in Korea, and what each label may mean. The following video includes Korean explanations. Click on the ‘Gear’ icon on the bottom right to choose subtitles in a variety of other languages.

Of course, if you live in more rural areas of Korea, finding halal food may become increasingly difficult and we want you to be empowered to make informed choices so let’s look at reading foods that do not have a halal label.

Checking Ingredients of Packaged Goods

As you’re shopping in Korean grocery stores, it’s important to be able to navigate nutrition information on food packaging to check for non-permissible ingredients. The allergen warning line will generally alert if the product contains meat or uses meat by-products (e.g., gelatin).

Using Papago to Read Labels

Papago is a great tool for translating ingredients on food packaging. You can snap a photo of the ingredients list and have the information translated in seconds. However, as with any translation app service, the information may not always be translated correctly.

See the video below for a tutorial on how to use the image translator on Papago.

Hangul Words for Key Ingredients

As a safeguard, it is good to be able to identify a few specific Korean terms to help navigate the Korean nutritional label. This is a brief list of Korean translations for common non-permissible foods that you may encounter on food packaging as you check the ingredients list.

• Meat (used to refer to meats/beef generally) = 고기 (gogi)
• Beef = 쇠고기 (so-gogi)
• Chicken = 닭고기 (dakkgogi)
• Pork = 돼지고기, 돼지 (dwaeji-gogi, dwaeji)
• Gelatin derived from beef or pork will generally be denoted with the Korean words 쇠고기 and 돼지고기, respectively.

Examples: Reading Packaged Food Ingredients

The image below shows the nutritional information and ingredients of a popular ramen brand called Shin Ramen. We have highlighted the allergen warnings with a blue rectangle in the image shown below. For this brand, the allergen information indicates that Shin Ramen contains pork (돼지고기) and beef (쇠고기).

As another example, the following image shows the nutritional information and ingredients of Dongwon Gaeseong Kimchi Mandu. The allergen warnings for the dumplings are highlighted with a blue rectangle as shown below. For Dongwon Gaeseong Kimchi Mandu, the allergen information indicates that this product contains pork (돼지고기), beef (쇠고기), and chicken (닭고기).

Note: The allergen warning line on some products may indicate that the product was manufactured in a facility that also processes non-permissible ingredients.

Examples of Eating Halal At Convenience Stores

Using the above tips for reading food labels can be especially helpful when finding convenience foods. In the video below, you can watch people choose halal-friendly options at Korean convenience stores:

Share Your Halal Label Reading Tips

South of Seoul always strives to improve the information for our community. We want to know about any tips or tricks you may have for eating halal in Korea.

Check out this blog post for a more in-depth guide to reading Korean nutrition labels.

Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group

Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group! This South of Seoul moderated community group of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. Additionally, the shared posts introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again.

Volunteer with South of Seoul

Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content.

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Looking for Halal: Reading Korean Food Labels appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

As a Public Health Practicum Intern with the South of Seoul Public Health Program, I had the opportunity to educate multi-lingual grade school students at an international school, DA-NA SI, on the importance of proper dental hygiene practices. Dental health education plays a vital role in promoting lifelong oral health. SOS Public Health hopes to collaborate with more schools to provide this type of in-person curriculum in the future.

Listen to the BlogCast

Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

The Value of Multi-lingual Public Health Resources

Countries such as South Korea need multi-lingual public health information for foreign populations to ensure that everyone has access to accurate and relevant information, regardless of their language or cultural background. This is important because people may not understand or trust information not presented in their native language, and they may also have different cultural beliefs and practices that affect their health.

Access to language-appropriate information can help to improve health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as refugees, immigrants, and linguistic minorities. It can also help to build trust and cooperation between communities and healthcare providers, which is essential for effective public health interventions. Therefore, South of Seoul created Public Health resources focused on developing multi-lingual resources for various ages.

Recommended Use of Dental Health Lesson Plan

South of Seoul created the following multi-lingual Dental Health education plan for free use by the general public. Community leaders and organizations who may find the following information useful may include:

• Schools and Academies
• Individual ESL/EFL Teachers
• Home School Communities
• Families

Organizations wishing to create similar programs on varying public health topics can contact Lisa Peck at sos.sec@southofseoul.net.

About DA-NA Scuola Internazionale (DA-NA SI)

The following multi-lingual Public Health lesson was Beta Tested at DA-NA Scuola Internazionale (DA-NA SI). DA-NA SI is an international school located in Yongin, South Korea. According to their website, “DA-NA S.I.’s education and curriculum is based on the educational philosophy of the Italian ‘Reggio Emilia’ Approach.” DANA-SI uses an all-English, Canadian curriculum designed for students from ages 4 to 18. To learn more, visit DA-NA SI’s official website and Instagram page.

Purpose of the Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan

Our dental health lesson plan aimed to empower multi-lingual school-aged children with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain proper oral hygiene. Designed to be interactive and engaging, the lesson plan featured activities that reinforced key concepts such as the benefits of fluoride toothpaste, the correct techniques for toothbrushing and flossing, and more.

Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan

We designed a comprehensive lesson plan which included a presentation and student activities. You can download a pdf version of the Dental Hygiene Lesson Plan below.

Dental Hygiene Teaching Experience

We divided the DANA SI students into three groups for 50-minute sessions each to accommodate the students’ and teachers’ class schedules.

• Session 1: Grades 1 and 3
• Session 2: Grades 2, 5, and 6
• Session 3: Kindergarten

Dental Hygiene Lesson Materials

Materials for this lesson plan included:

• Dragon Dental Plushie
• Large Mouth Models [instructions on how to make the models at 0:00 – 0:42 seconds in the linked video]
• White Yarn for floss
• Toothbrushes
• Dental Hygiene Care Kits [see Dental Hygiene Care Kits section below for the contents of the kit]

Warm-Up/Discussion

Each session began with a warm-up Q&A to gauge each class’s prior knowledge of oral health.

Some example discussion questions included:

• What color is your toothbrush?
• How often do you brush your teeth every day?
• How often do you floss each day?
• What times of day do you brush your teeth?
• What do you think is the best way to brush your teeth?

The students were eager to answer questions and share their dental hygiene experiences.

Dental Hygiene Guided Practice

After the warm-up, we demonstrated toothbrushing and flossing techniques through guided practice with the help of Chewy the Dragon.

As Chewy the Dragon modeled toothbrushing and flossing techniques, students imitated the motions using their “air toothbrushes” and “air floss.” Then, a couple of students were selected to reaffirm their understanding by showing the class how to brush Chewy’s teeth.

Chewy the Dragon was a hit among the students. Although students were highly amused by Chewy’s anatomical lack of a tongue, they loved interacting with the stuffed animal to show their dental hygiene skills.

Independent Practice

Following the guided practice, the students participated in a more hands-on activity. We divided students into groups of 4 or 5. Then, we provided each group with large mouth models made out of construction paper and plastic bottles.

The students applied Play-Doh to the ‘teeth’ on the model to act as dental plaque and food. Each group was given toothbrushes and yarn (to represent floss) to apply the skills they learned from the initial guided practice.

Wrap-up and Review

Once the students completed their independent practice on the mouth models, we regrouped to review the lesson as a class. The students eagerly raised their hands to recount each step of toothbrushing. A couple of students were selected to come up to the front to demonstrate what they had learned.

Dental Hygiene Care Kits

After each dental hygiene session, we distributed dental hygiene care kits to the students. Each dental care kit included:

• a toothbrush
• toothpaste
• dental flossers
• custom dental-themed stickers
• a toothbrushing checklist
• two dental health zines: one for children and one for parents (see below for more details)

The University of Utah Asia Campus Undergraduate Research Opportunity Grants (UROG) graciously funded the construction of 300 dental health care kits. In addition to the kits distributed at DANA SI, the remaining kits were distributed, with the help of South of Seoul volunteers, Harry Woods, Chad Card, and Brian Rich, to three other schools: SLP Academy, Humphreys West Elementary School, and Humphreys High School.

Dental Health Zine for Children

What is a Zine? There is a range of definitions for zines. One commonly accepted description from The Bindery states, “A zine is a self-published, non-commercial print-work that is typically produced in small, limited batches.” Essentially, a zine is a mini foldable magazine.

The first zine created for the students’ dental health care kits titled “I Can Brush My Teeth,” is a step-by-step tutorial on proper toothbrushing techniques.

Because the population we worked with included both International and Korean students and parents, English and Korean instructions were included in the zines.

You can view and download the children’s dental health zine below.

Printing PDF of Zine

• Set printing size to “Fit to Page”
• Trim white edges before folding
• Follow the folding instructions for an 8-panel zine

Dental Health Zine for Parents

The second zine, titled “Dental Health Notes for Parents,” aims at conveying child dental health information to parents. Such information includes different types of toothbrushes and some definitions of common oral health terms.

The parent dental health zines were also written in English and Korean for accessibility to both our Korean and multinational communities.

You can view and download the parents’ zine below.

Printing PDF of Zine

• Set printing size to “Fit to Page”
• Trim white edges before folding
• Follow the folding instructions for an 8-panel zine

Children’s Toothbrushing Chart

We included a toothbrushing chart for students to use at home as a checklist to promote brushing twice daily. You can print and laminate the chart for repeated use. A dry-erase or wet-erase board marker works great on a laminated card.

You can view and download the toothbrushing chart below.

Results of the Dental Hygiene Lesson

During each Dental Hygiene Lesson implemented at DANA SI, we conducted a brief oral questionnaire about general dental hygiene knowledge.

When asked how often students brushed their teeth daily, 80% of students reported brushing their teeth twice a day, 15% reported brushing 3 times daily, and 5% reported brushing once a day.

When asked what methods students use to brush their teeth, 60% reported that they use circular, up/down, and side-to-side motions, 33% reported only using up/down and side-to-side motions, and 7% reported only circular motions.

The students demonstrated a high level of dental hygiene knowledge. Many had a solid understanding of basic oral care principles and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. However, as expected, the youngest students (those in kindergarten, first, and second grade) had some gaps in their knowledge. For example, some students did not know to use varying brushing motions, the length of time to brush their teeth, etc. We focused on filling in these gaps and helping students establish strong toothbrushing techniques all while emphasizing the crucial role of oral health in overall well-being.

Follow SOS Public Health for More Resources

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns.

Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity

Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program.

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Dental Hygiene Teaching Experience appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Finding an English-speaking dentist in Korea can be daunting if you don’t know how to search for one. You may experience challenges with language and cultural dissonance when navigating the Korean healthcare system in regard to dental health.

Listen to the BlogCast

Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

About SOS Public Health Dental Information

SOS Public Health conducts research on dental clinic locations that may have English language support. As information becomes available on such clinics, SOS Public Health volunteers add the information to the South of Seoul app and blog posts such as this.

Help SOS Public Health Source Information

If you know of any English-speaking dentists in Songdo that you would like added to this list, feel free to message SOS Public Health on Facebook or via email (publichealth@southofseoul.net).

Take Care of Your Dental Health in South Korea

Although this blog introduces an English-speaking dentist, the blog does not imply that only English-speaking dentists provide safe and effective dental care. We shouldn’t let language and cultural challenges deter us from maintaining our dental health. If your area does not have an English-speaking dentist, don’t hesitate to try Korean-speaking dental clinics. Many non-English speaking dental clinics may have excellent services.

When visiting a non-English speaking dentist, you may need additional tools to help you navigate the language challenges you may face. The end of this blog post lists some available resources that may help you overcome such challenges. We begin by taking a look at English-speaking provider(s).

English Dentist(s) in Songdo

The information below includes a limited list (currently only 1 location) of dental clinics that provide services in English. As SOS Public Health continues to research, more resources may be added to the list below over time.

You can find all organizations listed below in the South of Seoul app. Download the South of Seoul App for easy access to information on resources available in South Korea. To search, type ‘Dentist Songdo’ (or the name of your area) in the app’s search bar.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this blog post is not sponsored content. The organizations listed below are provided based on community recommendations and direct research. South of Seoul does not receive monetary compensation for posting this blog post.

Elisha International Dental Clinic (엘리샤인터내셔널치과의원)

Elisha Dental Clinic⁰

0328310027

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 연수구 인천타워대로132번길 34

Elisha International Dental Clinic is an English-speaking, LGBTQ+ friendly dental clinic located in Songdo. Appointments with this dental clinic can be made via Kakao Talk. Visit their website to learn more on how to schedule an appointment.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Elisha International Dental Clinic is located near Incheon National University Station in Songdo, across the street from Lotte Mart and Songdo Convensia Center. Recommended by the University of Utah Asia Campus, this dental clinic provides dental health services in English and Korean from a team of licensed professionals.

Elisha International Dental Clinic offers services for various oral health needs and concerns. Their treatment options, as listed on the Elisha International Dental Clinic website include:

Office Hours (Note: These hours are subject to change at any time by the clinic.)

• Mon-Thurs: 10 AM to 7 PM
• Fri: 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
• Sat & Sun: Closed
• Lunch Hours: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

How to Find A Dentist Near You

If you don’t mind visiting a non-English speaking dentist, here are a few resources that may help you find a dentist near you. When visiting a dentist who may or may not have English-speaking services, make sure to go prepared. Having Papago or the BBB Korea on hand while at your appointment may help ease any language challenges you may face.

Naver Maps or Kakao Maps Search

You can search for dental health resources through Naver Maps and KakaoMap. To find a dental clinic in your area, copy and paste 치과 의사 (dentist) or 치과 (dental clinic) into Naver Map or KakaoMap. Click here for information on how to use Naver Maps. Papago or other translation services may be needed to search and translate Korean terms.

BBB Korea

To overcome the potential language barrier, you can utilize services like the Papago translation app and the BBB Korea app.

BBB Korea offers Korean-English translation support provided by volunteers. You can access BBB Korea through their app for over-the-phone interpretation help.

Helpful Korean Dental Terms

Knowing some common dental terms before your visit to the dental clinic could come in handy. Additionally, Korean dental terms can often be used to search for specific services on Naver or Kakao maps as well. Some terms may or may not show intended results when copied and pasted into Naver Maps. However, the following list of dental terms and treatments could be useful when asking for services at a dental clinic.

• Dental clinic/office = 치과 (cheek-gwa)
• Dentist = 치과 의사 (cheek-gwa eui-sa)
• Pediatric dentist = 소아치과 (so-ah cheek-gwa)
• Tooth/teeth (various words may be used) = 치아/이/이빨 (chi-ah/ee/ee-ppal)
• Wisdom teeth = 사랑니 (sa-rang-ni)
• Toothache = 치통이 (cha-tong-ee)
• Cavities (also known as dental caries) = 충치 (choong-chi)
• Gum disease = 잇몸 질환 (eat-mome jil hwan)
• Scaling (also known as a dental cleaning) = 스케일링 (seu-kale-ing)
• Filling (in reference to a dental cavity) = 충치재 (choong-chi-jae)
• Gum treatment = 잇몸 치료 (eat-mome chi-ryo)
• Tooth extraction = 치아를 뽑다 (chi-ah-reul ppob-da)
• Braces = 교정기 (gyo-jeong-gi)
• Denture = 틀니 (teul-ni)
• Teeth whitening = 치아 미백 (chi-ah mi-baek)

NHIS Dental Care Coverage

Several dental services may be covered by Korean National Health Insurance. You can check which oral health services and procedures may be covered by National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) by calling their foreign languages hotline at 033-811-2000.

NHIS Hotline⁵

0338112000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

This phone number takes you to an NHIS agent who can answer any and all questions you have about the Korean national health insurance including cost and coverage. English, Russian, Chinese and other language services are available. Note: It may be difficult for a call to go through during the lunch hour (12pm-1pm)

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Follow SOS Public Health for more resources

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns.

Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity

Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for a an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program.

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

Research Compliance Supervisor & Editor

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

Ms. Peck graduated from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon with a Master’s in Public Health and her Certification in Public Health (CPH). Ms. Peck also holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Linguistics and one in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis.

Ms. Peck is Korean American and speaks both English and Korean. She has moved between the US and Korea since childhood, finally settling in Korea after graduating from UAC.

In 2021 Ms. Peck founded the South of Seoul Public Health Program which focuses on research and initiatives regarding the health and wellness of multinational residents in South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Peck oversees the SOS Public Health Graduate Student Practicum Program which provides mentorship and training for Master’s in Public Health students. The program works with two students a semester with a focus on ethical UX research design, survey development, and initiative implementation.

Primary Researcher & Author

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post English Speaking Dentists in Songdo appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.

Going to the dentist can be an intimidating experience, particularly in a new environment. Equipping yourself with some information about dental care in South Korea can make the process less intimidating. Recently, I visited Elisha International Dental Clinic in Songdo, Incheon, for an oral checkup and deep cleaning procedure covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS). This dental clinic was recommended by the University of Utah Asia Campus. This blog post details my experience visiting Elisha International Dental Clinic as a female international student from the United States who wears a hijab.

Listen to the BlogCast

Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations.

Disclaimer

The information in this blog post is not sponsored content. The organizations listed below are provided based on community recommendations and direct research. South of Seoul does not receive monetary compensation for posting this blog post.

Importance of Dental Check-ups

Brushing and flossing at home generally do not provide enough protection on their own to maintain oral health. As stated in the NHIS Health Screening pamphlet, it is important to have a dental professional perform a checkup for the “early detection of oral diseases, such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, and so on.”

What Is A Dental Cleaning?

Dental deep cleaning, often called scaling in Korea, is a procedure to remove dental calculus (also known as tartar) and plaque that builds up on the teeth over time and cannot be removed by brushing alone. According to Elisha International Dental Clinic, professional dental cleaning is recommended every six months, but more frequent cleanings may be necessary depending on how quickly tartar accumulates on a person’s teeth.

NHIS Dental Coverage

National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) subscribers can receive oral checkups as part of the general health checkup provided every two years for no additional cost.

The NHIS partially covers a scaling appointment once per year. The final price of dental scaling will depend on dental clinic pricing. The NHIS does not cover X-rays as part of scaling appointments.

Elisha International Dental Clinic

Elisha International Dental Clinic is located near Incheon National University Station in Songdo, across the street from Lotte Mart and Songdo Convensia Center.  Recommended by the University of Utah Asia Campus, this dental clinic provides dental health services in English and Korean from a team of licensed professionals.

Dr. Sun Kim received her D.D.S. from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Kim has extensive experience practicing dentistry in the United States and South Korea.

Elisha Dental Clinic⁰

0328310027

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

인천 연수구 인천타워대로132번길 34

Elisha International Dental Clinic is an English-speaking, LGBTQ+ friendly dental clinic located in Songdo. Appointments with this dental clinic can be made via Kakao Talk. Visit their website to learn more on how to schedule an appointment.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Making a Dentist Appointment

Elisha International Dental Clinic provides two modes of contact: messaging through KakaoTalk or calling the clinic at 032-831-0027 or 032-831-0053. Learn more about KakaoTalk and other useful apps for living in South Korea.

I utilized the clinic’s KakaoTalk messaging service because, like many people my age, I don’t like making phone calls. I scheduled an appointment for an annual dental checkup and scaling. In less busy areas around Korea, you may be able to schedule an appointment in person or receive treatment as a walk-in patient.

Required Information When Making a Dentist Appointment

Elisha International Dental Clinic requested the following information when I scheduled an appointment through KakaoTalk.

Note: These requirements will not be true for all dental clinics in South Korea. Contact your dental clinic to find out what documents they require from their patients.

• Full name (as it appears on your identification)
• Identification number on photo ID (e.g., ARC number, driver’s license number, passport number, etc.)
• Insurance information (provider and subscriber number)
  • Elisha International Dental Clinic accepts various insurance plans: National Health Insurance Services (NHIS), supplemental, private, and foreign insurance.
  • You can contact the clinic by phone or KakaoTalk to check if they accept your insurance plan.
• Purpose of appointment (e.g., oral checkup, dental scaling, tooth or jaw pain, or other oral health-related issues)

Appointment Day

The day of my appointment finally arrived! I was initially nervous because I went to the same dentist in the United States for most of my life. So visiting a new dentist in a different country was a big change for me.

Required Items for Arrival at Dentist Appointment

When I arrived at the dental clinic for my appointment, a receptionist asked for the following information. The required documents may differ at other dental clinics. Contact your dental clinic to confirm what documents patients need to bring.

Identification

• Alien Registration Card (ARC/FRC) or equivalent (e.g. Korean driver’s license)
• Other forms of photo ID that the clinic may accept (e.g., passport, driver’s license, etc.)

Health Insurance

• National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) subscriber number
• Elisha International Dental Clinic accepts various insurance plans, including private and foreign insurance
  • To find out if your dental clinic accepts your insurance, you can call to ask

Payment

• Money to pay for the procedures and treatments
  • Cash or debit/credit cards were accepted
• Costs will vary by the elected treatment plan and dental clinic
  • You may be able to call your dentist to request estimates on the cost of the procedures you are interested in.

Intake Procedures

I filled out an electronic intake form on a tablet. The instructions on the form were in Korean and English, which may not be available at other dental clinics. Reading the information in English helped ease some of my initial anxiety about experiencing a language barrier when visiting a clinic in Korea.

The requested information on the intake form included name, birthdate, phone number, address, insurance information, brief dental history, and any medical conditions of note. There was even an option to select how much pressure I would like the dental hygienist to use for the scaling procedure. However, this question might not be asked at other dental clinics.

The front desk confirmed my appointment details: an oral checkup, X-rays, and an annual scaling treatment. I read and signed a consent form detailing the scaling procedure in Korean and English.

Oral Exam/Checkup

After the intake procedure, I was asked to remove any metal around my head, including my earrings and hijab pins. A dental hygienist then performed X-ray imaging of my whole mouth. The X-ray machine appeared similar to the ones used in the United States. The dental hygienist then seated me in a dental chair and took bitewing X-rays with a portable unit.

The dentist, Dr. Sun Kim, joined us and reviewed the X-rays before she performed a visual oral exam. The visual oral exam included checking the state of my teeth, gums, and tongue for any signs of oral cancer. Dr. Kim dictated notes to the dental hygienist about issues that needed to be addressed (dental caries, wisdom teeth, sugar intake, etc.). We decided to complete the scheduled scaling treatment and discuss treatment options for the dentists’ concerns after.

Scaling

The dental hygienist began the scaling treatment by adjusting my chair and covering my face with a piece of fabric that only left the mouth exposed. The fabric functions as a shield for the eyes against bright light. It was a new experience for me since I wear goggles at dental clinics in the United States. The clinic does offer glasses/goggles if preferred. The dental hygienist used an ultrasonic scaler and other dental hand instruments during the scaling. These instruments help remove tartar and plaque builds up on the teeth. The next part of the dental cleaning was brushing, and it ended with a thorough flossing.

Consultation

Following the scaling treatment, the dental hygienist discussed treatment plans for the concerns noted during the doctor’s initial exam. The hygienist provided an overview of the issues, the corresponding treatment options, and their costs.

Due to NHIS coverage limitations, some treatments were out of my budget. I consulted the dentist about delaying treatment for those concerns until I returned to the United States since my US insurance would cover dental fillings. For the treatments that NHIS partially covers, such as wisdom teeth extractions, I scheduled follow-up appointments.

After the consultation, I paid for the completed treatments with my Korean debit card at the information desk. I paid 25,400 KRW after NHIS insurance for an oral checkup, dental scaling, X-rays, and consultation at the end of my visit. This cost may vary depending on the dental clinic you visit. Call your dentist to confirm how much your insurance will cover before your visit.

Schedule Your Appointment

To schedule an appointment at Elisha International Dental Clinic (엘리샤인터내셔널치과의원), call 032-831-0027 (or 032-831-0053) or send a message on KakaoTalk messenger at Kakao ID elishadental.

To find a dental clinic near you, copy and paste 치과 의사 (dentist) or 치과 (dental clinic) into Naver Map or KakaoMap. Click here for information on how to use Naver Maps.

Helpful Korean Dental Terms & Phrases

Knowing some common dental terms before your visit to the dental clinic could come in handy. Additionally, Korean dental terms can often be used to search for specific services on Naver or Kakao maps as well. Some terms may or may not show intended results when copied and pasted into Naver Maps. However, the following list of dental terms and treatments could be useful when asking for services at a dental clinic or contacting BBB Korea for assistance.

• Dental clinic/office = 치과 (cheek-gwa)
• Dentist = 치과 의사 (cheek-gwa eui-sa)
• Pediatric dentist = 소아치과 (so-ah cheek-gwa)
• Tooth/teeth (various words may be used) = 치아/이/이빨 (chi-ah/ee/ee-ppal)
• Wisdom teeth = 사랑니 (sa-rang-ni)
• Toothache = 치통이 (cha-tong-ee)
• Cavities (also known as dental caries) = 충치 (choong-chi)
• Gum disease = 잇몸 질환 (eat-mome jil hwan)
• Scaling (also known as a dental cleaning) = 스케일링 (seu-kale-ing)
• Filling (in reference to a dental cavity) = 충치재 (choong-chi-jae)
• Gum treatment = 잇몸 치료 (eat-mome chi-ryo)
• Tooth extraction = 치아를 뽑다 (chi-ah-reul ppob-da)
• Braces = 교정기 (gyo-jeong-gi)
• Denture = 틀니 (teul-ni)
• Teeth whitening = 치아 미백 (chi-ah mi-baek)
• I would like to request the annual dental scaling that is covered by NHIS = NHIS에서 지원하는 연간 치과 스케일링을 요청합니다
• I would like to request the biennial (every 2 years) oral checkup that is covered by NHIS. = NHIS에서 보장하는 격년제(매 2년) 구강검진을 요청합니다.

Visit this blog post for more information about finding an English speaking dentist in Songdo or how to search for one in your area.

NHIS Dental Care Coverage

Several dental services may be covered by Korean National Health Insurance. You can check which oral health services and procedures may be covered by National Health Insurance Services (NHIS) by calling their foreign languages hotline at 033-811-2000.

NHIS Hotline⁵

0338112000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

This phone number takes you to an NHIS agent who can answer any and all questions you have about the Korean national health insurance including cost and coverage. English, Russian, Chinese and other language services are available. Note: It may be difficult for a call to go through during the lunch hour (12pm-1pm)

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Follow SOS Public Health for More Resources

Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to stay updated on SOS Public Health Initiatives. If you have questions about healthcare in Korea, visit the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group, or feel free to message SOS Public Health with any questions or concerns.

Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum Opportunity

Are you a graduate student looking for practical experience in public health? Apply for an SOS Public Health Practicum! Click below to learn more about the SOS Public Health Practicum Program.

Research Design & Implementation Team

UX/UI Supervisor & Editor

Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAIT

Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.

Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.

Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.

When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.

Research Compliance Supervisor & Editor

Lisa Peck, MPH, CPH

Ms. Peck graduated from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon with a Master’s in Public Health and her Certification in Public Health (CPH). Ms. Peck also holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Linguistics and one in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis.

Ms. Peck is Korean American and speaks both English and Korean. She has moved between the US and Korea since childhood, finally settling in Korea after graduating from UAC.

In 2021 Ms. Peck founded the South of Seoul Public Health Program which focuses on research and initiatives regarding the health and wellness of multinational residents in South Korea.

Additionally, Ms. Peck oversees the SOS Public Health Graduate Student Practicum Program which provides mentorship and training for Master’s in Public Health students. The program works with two students a semester with a focus on ethical UX research design, survey development, and initiative implementation.

Primary Researcher & Author

Zahra Alsafi

Zahra Alsafi is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon, South Korea. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies from the University of Michigan.

Ms. Alsafi was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, USA to Iraqi refugee parents. Inspired by her community and international experiences, she hopes to pursue public health dentistry with a focus on preventative care for immigrant and refugee populations. She is particularly interested in disseminating educational information through accessible formats.

Ms. Alsafi’s public health practicum with South of Seoul Public Health will focus on dental health education for school-aged children and adults in South Korea.

The post Visiting Elisha International Dental Clinic appeared first on The South of Seoul Blog.