chicago 31 - Gina Bear's Blog

Comment SK GUIDE and I’ll send you all my tips on solo female travel to South Korea!

[Hi! I’m Gina and I’m a native Chicagoan who lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade! Follow me @ginabearsblog and I’ll show you how to travel solo in Asia and the USA!]

So is South Korea safe? For the most part, yes. Please remember that doesn’t mean crime doesn’t happen and people won’t target you for acting naive.

#southkoreatrip #visitseoul #visitkorea #seoulkorea #koreatravelguide | solo female travel South Korea, solo female travel Seoul, how to travel South Korea solo, how to travel Seoul solo, solo female travel tips, East Asia travel tips, South Korea travel tips, Seoul travel tips

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Looking for the best Christmas lights in Seoul?

[Hi! I’m Gina and I’m a native Chicagoan who lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade! Follow me @ginabearsblog and I’ll show you how to travel solo in Asia and the USA!]

If you’re spending the holidays in South Korea, you’re in for a treat! Did you know that Christmas in Korea is actually a bigger couples holiday compared to Valentine’s Day?

Never fret because all the Christmas lights in Seoul make it for a very magical winter holiday!

Comment “Christmas in Seoul” and I’ll send you my complete guide on where to see Christmas lights! It’s got a map and every single location!

#seoulkorea #visitseoul #visitkorea #koreatravel #koreatravelguide | where to see Christmas lights in Seoul, where to find Christmas lights in Seoul, what to do during Christmas in Korea, what to do during Christmas in Seoul, how to celebrate Christmas in Korea

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Wanna leave the USA? The EPIK Program in South Korea is still accepting applications for Spring 2025 on a rolling basis.

Comment EPIK and I’ll send you my complete guide on how to get a job teaching English in Korea.

I’ve been working two part time jobs just to pay the bills and as someone who is college educated, has tons of professional work experience, I can’t get a proper job with health insurance, 401k, or any benefits.

The job market in America has increasingly become more and more competitive and I don’t have a lot of hope for the future in my country.

I’m not sure what the future holds and I’m scared for it. Either I go home to Chicago, or I go back abroad. Whichever comes first. All I know is I need to get tf out of Texas.

Who’s joining me?

#expatliving #expatlifestyle #expatblogger #lifeabroad #liveabroad | how to leave the USA, jobs in South Korea, teaching jobs in South Korea, how to teach abroad in South Korea, how to get a job teaching English in Korea

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Visiting Seoul South Korea for the Christmas season?

Comment CHRISTMAS, and I’ll send you my complete guide on where to eat in Seoul, see Christmas lights, and what to do during the most wonderful time of the year.

Having lived in the Land of the Morning Calm for almost 6 years, I know a thing or two about the Christmas season there.

Christmas in Korea is celebrated as a huge couples holiday. It’s even bigger than Valentine’s Day. Many businesses cater to romantic getaways and dinners for two.

The Christmas displays in Seoul are stunning and start on November 1st and usually go until the first week of January.

These are my all time favorite displays and I hope you’ll enjoy them for your photos too!

#christmasinspiration #christmasinkorea #seoulkorea #visitseoul #visitkorea | Korea travel guide, Christmas in Seoul, Christmas in Korea, Korea travel guide, what to do in Seoul in winter, winter in Korea, winter in Seoul, winter inspiration

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Comment Korea, and I’ll send you my comprehensive guide on what it’s REALLY like to live in South Korea from a local’s perspective.

My blog post is the no bs, no sugar coated, or fluff edition. I tell it like it is. The beautiful, the bad, and the ugly.

[Hi! I’m Gina and I’m a native Chicagoan who lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade! Follow me @ginabearsblog and I’ll show you how to travel solo in Asia and the USA!]

#lifeinkorea #lifeinseoul #expatlifestyle #lifeabroad #koreatravelguide | expat life in Seoul, expat life in Korea, life in Korea, expat abroad, life in Asia, expat in Asia, life in Seoul, how to move to Korea

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US Elections got you bummed?💌

If you’re trying to leave the country ASAP, I got news for you!

[Hi! I’m Gina and I’m a native Chicagoan who lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade! Follow me @ginabearsblog and I’ll show you how to travel solo in Asia and the USA!]

The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is now accepting applications for their 2025 school season.

They close on November 15th at 11:59 PM HST.

If you’re looking to go to Korea, the EPIK program is still accepting applications on a rolling basis for spring 2025!

Comment “get me outta here” and I’ll send you my guide on how to apply for both JET and EPIK.

#uselection2024 #moveabroad #lifeinjapan #lifeinkorea #expatliving | how to move abroad, how to move to Japan, how to move to Korea, how to get out of the USA ASAP, Americans abroad

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Where to stay in Seoul: tips from a local. 🇰🇷

Comment Seoul and I’ll send you my blog post on the best places to stay, best hotels, and what to do in each area.

[Hi! I’m Gina and I’m a native Chicagoan who lived abroad in Japan and South Korea almost a decade! Follow me @ginabearsblog and I’ll show you how to travel solo in Asia and the USA!]

1. Insadong & Ikseondong - Perfect for those who want the traditional Korean experience.
2. @moxyseoul is EXCELLENT for getting rooftop views of Ikseondong Hanok Village.
3. Myeongdong - this area is perfect for the shopaholics and people who love street food
4. Hongdae- this is for the younger crowd looking to party like it’s 1999.
5. Gangnam- this is for the luxury travelers
6. Jamsil- one of my favorite areas for the chill vibes and proximity to amazing cafes, amusement parks and shopping.
7. Itaewon- also for the foodies! HBC has amazing restaurants and cafes
8. @banyantree_seoul - legit one of my favorite properties in Seoul

#visitseoul #seoulkorea #visitkorea #koreatravel #koreatravelguide | where to stay in Seoul, best places to stay in Seoul, Seoul neighborhood guide, Seoul travel guide, Seoul travel, Korea travel, Korea tips from a local

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This Día de Los Muertos, I’m remembering all those who have left.

Celebrating Day of the Dead means facing the fact that death is real and although our loved ones are no longer with us, we can remember them. Mexicans deeply believe our dearly departed are at peace in the afterlife. Their spirits return to be with us during the holiday.

My mom sets up an altar every year. Here’s some things that are always on it:
💀 Sugar skulls with the names of our loved ones
🍭Food, alcohol, and things our loved ones enjoyed in life
🧡Marigold flowers to guide our loved ones back
🐕‍🦺 A black dog to help protect the home from evil spirits
🪙Money for our loved ones to ferry back across the River Styx

I’m sad to see more names on the altar this year, but my entire life I was raised not to be afraid of death… for it is the next great adventure.

Tiffu, Hugo, Tyler, Mikey, Abuelita Elodia, Nono, and Nona, I miss you all. 💕

#díadelosmuertos #dayofthedead #diadelosmuertosaltar #mexicanculture #dayofthedeadmakeup | remebering our loved ones, day of the dead celebrations, Dia de Los Muertos celebrations

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