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

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

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

In this episode of #thesojusessions, we talk to Professor David A. Tizzard, a 20-year veteran of Korea with a PhD in Korean studies.  We discuss moving to Korea in the mid-2000’s to escape a slightly hedonistic lifestyle, the idea of Korean adult students turning up for class no matter what state they’re in and never truly being “friends” with a Korea in the traditional Western sense. We also get into the fantastic phenomenon of Korea having no chavs whatsoever, being able to leave your...

In this episode, we delve deep into the mystique of K-Pop and its "fandoms", with the help of marketing expert, Brandy Sweesy. We discuss all sorts of things such as K-Pop fans feeling as though they have a sort of ownership over idols, "fans" ruining the careers of those who fall out of favour (often for innocuous things like posting a photograph with a girlfriend) and K-pop trainees not being allowed to have a mobile phone, let alone a boyfriend or girlfriend. We also get into the highly...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this bonus episode of the pod, we discuss how Korea is perceived around the world by people who have never been here. We get into the mammoth economic rise of the country, how Hallyu (The Korean Wave) introduced Korean culture to the world, and Henry Ford's political leanings (of course). We also discuss the influence of Chaebols (Korean mega-companies) on the country, perceived political instability and the raging corruption throughout Korean politics, and concerns about human...

In the second part of Sean’s Soju Sessions, we discuss adopting small cultural customs, the calmness of Korean society and never even considering teaching in the UK. We also get into how criminally underpaid teachers are in the UK (and Korea), Korean grammar rules and blaming things on a non-existent wife, plus Sean’s recommendations for Korean entertainment.

In this episode, we discuss every young UK lad’s dream - trying to become a professional footballer, moving to Korea out of boredom and side-hustling as a DJ. We also chat about living in every Korean person’s favourite place - Jeju Island, (not) f*****g with Class As in strict countries and one of our favourite topics - North Korea.

In the second part of Ruairi’s #sojusessions, we discuss our 5-a-side drinking team from the Cheongju glory years, the Korean patriarchy and the state of the NHS in the UK. We also discuss meeting people from all walks of life, the distinct types of expats Korea attracts and not getting along with everybody. Again, something for everyone. Get on it. P.S. A load of shoutouts for the old CJ crew in this one.

In this Christmas special episode of #thesojusessions, we take a trip down memory lane and welcome the main man, Mr. Ruairi Morgan. We discuss Ruairi’s reasons for heading to Korea, not doing any sort of research before moving out and the Cheongju glory years. We also get into teaching kindy, mental health in Korea and the differences between Cheongju and bigger cities like Seoul plus loads, loads more. As usual, something for everyone. Get on it.

In this episode, we chat with a young Korean-American expat about what it’s been like re-integrating into Korean life after moving away as a child. We discuss working life in the Korean movie and K-Pop industry, pushback from Korean parents for moving back to the motherland and being stereotyped by Koreans. We also get into the pathetic level of Korean amongst *most Westerners (not you Jimmy), working with Korea’s biggest K-pop group, brutal ajummas calling you fat and the strict dietary...

In this episode, we talk about life as an American soldier in Korea, the DMZ and working as a voiceover artist. We also get into Dungeons & Dragons, shouting at old ajeossis for smoking in apartment buildings and the best state in America: Minnesota. #korea #USmilitary #korealife #d&d #koreatravel #koreastyle #expat #expatinkorea #expatlife #expatliving #expatfamily #expatkorea #busan #seoul #instagood #wanderlust #instatravel #travel #lifestyle #sojusessions#podcastersofinsagram...

WE ARE BACK! In the first episode of season 2, we delve into traditions in the land of the morning calm. We get into the origins of the Kim surname (which we’ve almost certainly butchered), mourning for 48 days and conveyor-belt-style weddings. We also discuss being able to have nice things in Korea, not having bins in public, changing attitudes towards Japan and Korean incels (as well as loads of other Korean traditions). Good to be back. As always, something for everyone. P.S. Listen...

In this bonus episode of the #sojusessions, we discuss some recent big changes, culture shock and purposely ruining influencers’ photos. We also get into a few tips if you’re new to Korea, including over-the-top YouTube advice videos about how to behave in Korea, not just settling for the first job a recruiter gets you and wanting/needing attention from taxi drivers. As always, something for...

In this episode, which doubles as the season 1 finale, we finish off Tony's #sojusessions. You  all know the drill by now: We basically just chat shit for a bit. Listen out for a particularly mental/harrowing story from Brazil, though, What we would like to do, however, is thank everyone who has listened, followed, shared, etc. We would also like to thank every one of our guests for taking the time out to talk to us; we truly appreciate it. What started off as a daft idea over a few beers...

In what is the penultimate episode of the season, Josh assumes the role of host and Tony the guest, to dig into the latter's time living (and travelling) abroad. We discuss reasons for leaving the UK/staying in Korea for so long, living in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan, and adjusting to life as an expat. We also get into similarities and differences between the three countries, backpacking around South America and a horror story/experience on a ranch in Northern Argentina. Bit different this...