I have a Google alert for the word “Daejeon” so I came across your blog. Welcome to Daejeon–you’ll find it a manageable city. I love to cook and am always foraging for food so if you are looking for anything, just drop me a line and I’ll tell you if I know where you can find it. I’m Filipino-American so I’m familiar with Filipino food (my caldereta rocks).

The one thing I wanted to tell you was the season for the Yellow Dust is soon upon us. Horrendous amounts of yellow pollen will be arriving in Daejeon. If you leave your windows open to let the cool air in and avoid using the air conditioner, you will have to mop DAILY to collect all the pollen to avoid suffering from the ill effects.

Ask your co-workers about the Yellow Dust–they’ll tell you how bad it can be. The dust has begun in Seoul, and in the town where I work, Kongju, it has started as well.

Have a great weekend and maybe we’ll meet sometime.

Earl

Reply: Joy has already returned to the Philippines today (March 22) but I expect her to be back in the future. Thanks for the tip. I will definitely look you up. All the best!

I forgot to mention instead of bundling clothes up to 5 layers, it is better to buy thin thermal wear, both pants and long sleeves. This is more effective, efficient (less laundy), and easy mobility (not feeling bulky).

The neck and ears are cold points, so I also used scarf and cap. I just put them inside my sweater when inside the building.

Reply: Thanks for the tip! Truly appreciate that. The weather is changing for the better as it is getting warmer with the coming of summer. I will keep in mind the thermal wear when winter arrives. Thanks again!

i’m glad you’re enjoying korea! at the same time it’s sad to hear that you’ll be apart for one year. too bad joy is going home in a few days and will miss the coming of spring. spring in korea can be very beautiful, especially when the trees begin to bloom. it takes a while to get used to the cold but the summer there will be all too familiar–just as humid and muggy as summer in manila. really hope you can go around seoul before joy leaves. you can take the seoul city tour bus (there are several types of tours). if you’re pressed for time, best to go to gyeongbukgung palace and then explore the nearby insadong (a whole street that sort of encapsulates all the different things you can find all over korea–craft shops, art galleries, street performances, traditional tea houses, etc). yes, it can get lonely there. and there may be some racism from strangers. but overall, i’m sure you’ll really enjoy yourself. :)

Reply: Hi, Sandra! Long time no see. Thanks for your comment. Yes, the weather in Korea takes some getting used to, and I’m already bracing myself for the coming of winter. We already took the Daejeon city tour last Saturday and enjoyed the sights. We will definitely keep in mind your suggestions when we go to Seoul, if not in the next few days then definitely in the near future. All the best!