The Foreign Tigers

How Chess is Transforming Seoul's Social Scene: The Story of Seoul Chess Club

This episode explores the inspiring story of Kate, founder of Seoul Chess Club, and how she built a vibrant community in Seoul to foster social connections through chess &combat loneliness. Discover her journey from tech to community building, the impact of chess on social bonding, and her vision as part of a global chess community. Instagram: @seoulchessclub [https://www.instagram.com/seoulchessclub] _________________________ The Foreign Tigers uses Auphonic, an automatic audio post-production service, to ensure every episode sounds its best. You can support our show by donating credits directly to our Auphonic account, and here's the best part: we don't receive any money, just credits that go straight toward producing quality audio for future episodes. Your donation works like this: - One-Time Credits are added to our account and never expire - They cover the professional audio processing that makes our podcast sound polished and professional - The minimum donation is €5 / $6, and you can contribute any amount above that Ready to help? ⁠https://auphonic.com/donate_credits?user=foreigntigers Every donation directly supports our mission to bring you engaging conversations and crystal-clear audio. Thank you for being part of our community!

From Hagwon to Career: Navigating and Transitioning Your Life in South Korea

Most expats assume teaching English in Korea is just a short-term gig. Lauren DeMeo reveals how her initial year-long plan transformed into a thriving business and a lifelong love affair with Korea. What does it take to make Korea truly your home? Lauren’s journey, from newbie to business owner, illustrates how embracing change, community, and continuous learning can lead to a thriving new life. If you’re dreaming of Korea or already here and feeling stuck, this episode will inspire you to seize the moment, and to remember: your best life begins with the decision to try. Lauren DeMeo is the CEO of The Keys Admissions, specializing in college admissions counseling for international students. With over 15 years living and working in Korea, she’s an expert at navigating the challenges of expat life and education abroad, helping students turn dreams into reality. W: https://www.thekeysadmissions.org [https://www.thekeysadmissions.org/] ____________________________ The Foreign Tigers uses Auphonic, an automatic audio post-production service, to ensure every episode sounds its best. You can support our show by donating credits directly to our Auphonic account, and here's the best part: we don't receive any money, just credits that go straight toward producing quality audio for future episodes. Your donation works like this: * One-Time Credits are added to our account and never expire * They cover the professional audio processing that makes our podcast sound polished and professional * The minimum donation is €5 / $6, and you can contribute any amount above that Ready to help? Donate credits to The Foreign Tigers [https://auphonic.com/donate_credits?user=foreigntigers] on Auphonic. Every donation directly supports our mission to bring you engaging conversations and crystal-clear audio. Thank you for being part of our community!

Annettely: Music, Film and Self-Expression

Annettely, a singer-songwriter and filmmaker, shares her journey of rediscovery, the confidence she found shedding imposter syndrome and her mission to keep her art genuine in an AI-driven world. She reflects on turning 30, learning to love herself beyond external praise and channelling her story into a unique blend of English and Korean lyrics, minimalist production and her vulnerable album Pluto. After leaving a corporate career to pursue music full time, her perspective on creativity and success shifted, reinforcing that authenticity and persistence matter most. She talks about longevity in music, the enduring power of the human touch in art and her dream of performing for a community that truly understands her, offering inspiration to anyone battling self-doubt or seeking to reignite their passion. Annettely's Album & Socials: * Album Links - https://link.soundrepublica.music/Pt4CGHOTY?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio * YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Annettely⁩  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCxQVuP-XopfSm2eGENAW2YQ] * Instagram - @annettely

The Power of Community for Expat Partners

This episode features Inger and Ann from The Gallery in Seoul, exploring how partners of expat professionals can reinvent their careers, embrace the pause, and build community abroad. Discover their inspiring journey, hear about their impactful events, and get some practical advice for anyone seeking professional growth and connection. Find out more about The Gallery in Seoul here: https://www.thegalleryseoul.com [https://www.thegalleryseoul.com] Instagram: @thegalleryseoul

Journalism & Living in South Korea: Insights from Raphael Rashid

In our latest edition of the Foreign Tigers podcast, we delve into the world of journalism through the eyes of seasoned freelance journalist Raphael Rashid. With over a decade of experience reporting from South Korea for publications such as the New York Times, the Guardian and Elle Korea, Raphael sheds light on his journey into journalism, the unique challenges he has faced, and the vibrant landscape of Korean media.