Andong: My new home

A little about Andong, Gyeongbuk, South Korea…The city has a population of 184,000 located on the Nakdong river.  Andong is known as the cultural capital of Korea and is a central market for all of the surrounding rural towns and villages.  The name Andong means “pleasant town” and it seems to be fitting.

I will work at Gyeongsangbuk-do Education Research Institute starting Dec. 20^th.  Until then I work at Andong Gangnam Elementary teaching grades 3-6.  Everyone one the institute seems to be really cool so far.  We have had a few work outings and meeting to date.  I am absolutely adored by all of the teachers and students at my elementary school!  They are not too used to foreigners in Andong.  I am called “handsome” and “tall” as well as greeted by “hello” by pretty much every kid that passes in the hall.  It’s a great feeling… 

I love Andong so far and it is a very beautiful and different place.  It is basically a blend of old and new thrown between a river and some mountains.  The area that I live Ok-Dong (Dong means district) which has tons of new construction.  Ok-Dong has a large nightlife district and plenty of good restaurants all within a few blocks of my apartment.  My apartment is in a smaller building (only 3 floors) 5 other American teachers live in the building as well.  I have a view of a field on one side with mountains in the background and a hilltop park on the other.  Behind my building is another park with a basketball court which we like to play basketball and soccer with the local kids. 

 Above: Like a boss? Below: My view.

So far I feel like I made the right decision and am enjoying my new home.