Eumseong-eup, Korea
I was placed in Eumseong, a small town located in Eumseong County in Chungbuk Province. Chungbuk (also known as Chungcheongbuk-do) is in the middle of Korea and is the only landlocked province. There are about 19,000 residents in my town and approximately 96,000 within the entire county (for some perspective, South Korea has 50 million people living in roughly 38,000 square miles–that’s close to the size of Indiana). Eumseong county, along with most of Chungbuk Province, attracts very few tourists and does not see many foreigners. As a result I get stared at, a lot. Not in a critical way, just a very curious way. Koreans tend to be very friendly and I find it helps to just smile a lot.
Early morning in Eumseong’s main park near the river.
I’ll admit I was a little disappointed when I found out I was placed in a rural area, but there are actually quite a few positive aspects to living in Eumseong. Firstly, I never have to worry about getting lost as I can walk anywhere I need to go. Secondly, it’s easy to find cheap, authentic food (I just have to play a guessing game when ordering). Thirdly, a small town means small schools which also means my class sizes are small. Anytime I feel the need to seek out city life (night life in particular) or want to explore another part of the country, I can easily hop on a bus or a train. Plus I get to experience living like a local Korean, or at least more so than in a big city.
The small river and jogging path that run through the middle of town.
Spring has finally arrived in Eumseong!
The best fried chicken at the local street market. And that hair! It matches his purple shirt!
The local street market.
View from my apartment building in Eumseong.
My main school, Namshin Elementary.
A Pocketful of Kimchi 
I thought I lived in a small town (Yeosu) but wow, yours seems even more so. Hope you enjoy it! It changed my views on City vs. Countryside and I love it!
Thanks! I hope you’re enjoying Yeosu! I haven’t visited the southern part of the country yet but hope to do so soon.
I’m gonna write down this city as my next visit location. Love the pics you took, especially the park! Oh yeah, and the purple-haired fried chicken man. xD
Thanks! If you ever visit, try for a market day which happen on days ending in 2 and 7.
Hi Emily, I’m also an expat new to Eumseong! There can’t be more than 20 foreigners in this town and I stumbled across YOUR blog on the internet! I was looking up information on living here. Would love to get to know you 🙂
There certainly aren’t very many foreigners in town. We should have coffee sometime, I will email you 🙂
Hello! I was googling art organizations in Korea and stumbled across your blog. This fall I’ll be staying in Eumseong with a friend of mine who is currently in her second year teaching though EPIK. I saw you used to work at the Seattle Art Museum, and would love to chat about art in Korea with you! I’m from Ohio, and am a working oil painter. Cheers!
Hi Rachel, it would be great to meet up and chat about art when you’re here! I probably know your friend, as there aren’t very many EPIK teachers in Eumseong. Email me when you’re in the area and we can grab some coffee. 🙂