SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle
2023-11-16 10:30 - 12:00 (Asia/Seoul)
Sometimes you just need a SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) to shake up your morning routine. 🙂
If you want to become a regular or pop in occasionally, then just mark every 3rd Thursday of each month in your calendar, when we meet for our monthly morning mingle over a cup of coffee or tea at Anthracite in Itaewon.
These casual Coffee Mornings (CoMo) are the perfect events for SIWA members and newcomers to come together, share a chat over a cup of coffee, hear about the upcoming events and get to know each other a bit better.
Save the date and see you at our next CoMo! Grab your coffee and come to the 3rd floor to meet us and new faces!

Event date & time: 2023.11.16. 10:30-12:00
Venue / meeting spot: 3rd floor in Anthracite Hannam (앤트러사이트 한남점), 240 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로 240)
Naver map link: https://naver.me/GbEcgUeb
Additional Information: There’s no fee for these events, you pay only for what you eat and drink.

SIWA Speaker Series: Intercultural Narratives Project - “In Their Own Words”
2023-11-16 18:30 - 19:30 | Seoul Club, 중구 장충단로 86 서울클럽, 서울, Korea, Republic of
SIWA’s Intercultural Narratives Project, “In Their Own Words,” is a bi-monthly speaker series created to foster a warm and welcoming environment where speakers from diverse backgrounds candidly share their personal and professional journeys, each through the unique lens of their own cultural perspectives.
Each session will last approximately 40-45 minutes, commencing with personal story-sharing and concluding with an interactive Q&A.
We invite you to join us at this special event with our first esteemed guest speaker Ms. Surabhi Kumar.

Ms Surabhi Kumar has been an educator for over two decades and has worked in several international schools in Berlin, New York, Tokyo, Delhi, Washington D.C. and Chicago. She specializes in teaching English and Mathematics to young children.
She has an Undergraduate Degree in Commerce and Postgraduate Diploma in Finance.
An avid reader, she is also fond of traveling, and sampling local cultures and cuisines. She is married to H.E. Mr. Amit Kumar, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea and has two children.

Event date & time: 2023.11.16. 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Event host: Sunghwa Han, president@siwakorea.com
Venue / meeting spot: Seoul Club: Cheesman Room, 86 Jangchungdan-to, Jung-gu, Seoul // 서울클: Cheesman Room 럽 서울 중구 장충단로 86 서울클럽
Naver map: https://naver.me/GZAjsyPn
Nr of participants: 20
Additional Information: The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.
Following the talk, you can dine at the Seoul Club restaurant, where you’ll be charged only for the food and beverages you order.

SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2023-11-22 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
If you are a foreigner, living in South Korea, for sure it has its peculiarities and perks. 🙂You might be allured into Korean culture by the catchy K-pop songs and romantic or action filled K-dramas and movies. Or you just simply fell in love with the tasty food, the unique traditions and history, the buzzing life in the cities and the serene landscapes of the mountains and sea side.
Well no matter what brings you here, probably you have quickly noticed that some level knowledge of the Korean language can be super useful to get around in everyday life. Yet to acquire a foreign language is a hard skill to master, let that be Korean with its own alphabet, writing system and 7 verb paradigms and speech levels.
But no better way to take on that challenge than among friends, a supportive community and an attentive native instructor. 🙂
If you are familiar with Hangul symbols and reading goes okay, but you feel you could boost your speaking skills, come and join our Korean Speaking Club sessions with Mrs Joy and other SIWA members. We will offer sessions every 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday in each month which you can attend as your busy life allows.
We promise to keep it simple and fun with focusing on daily topics that you can use to make your life easier in South Korea.

Level: any level
Participants will be grouped according to their level with native korean. Aim is to have small groups with max 4-5 persons.

Event date & time: 2023.11.22. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sue Lim (SIWA Member & Coordinator), siwa.suemin@gmail.com
Venue: Cafe Promise, Bonguensa-ro, Gangnam-gu // 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 15
Ticket price: free for members / 10,000 kw for non members – The payment of non-members goes to the SIWA social impact projects supporting local charities.
Additional Information: This event is for SIWA members and their guests only!

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-11-23 15:50 - 18:30 | Nanumi Soup Kitchen, 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
SIWA continues to bring you volunteering opportunities supporting underprivileged local communities. This month you can lend your hand in serving food to homeless people at the NANUMI Soup Kitchen, where hundreds of meals are provided daily to those in need.
Join with SIWA for 2-3 hours on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Your help will be greatly appreciated at NANUMI Soup Kitchen.

Event date & time: 2023.11.23. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Additional Information:

Please wear a KF94 mask.
A participant must have completed the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

Exploring K-Art & Culture: Visit to Eunpyeong Hanok Village & Hanok Museum
2023-11-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Yeonsinnae Station Exit 3, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Living in Seoul you might have been to the famous traditional hanok villages in the areas of Bukchon or Namsangol. These traditional hanok villages focus on showcasing how life could have been in the past, while beauty and practicality of the buildings still inspire architects and citizens for a way of living.
One of the newly established neighborhoods with only hanoks is actually where our next tour takes you: Eunpyeong Hanok Village.
This new hanok village was built from scratch at the bottom of Bukhansan Mountain, allowing the area to expand into the largest neighborhood of new hanok houses in the metropolitan area while maintaining a slower and quieter ambiance unlike Bukchon Hanok Village and Namsangol Hanok Village in the midst of busy city scenes.
Come join us to see the white buildings of hanoks with the typical dark rooftops in front of Bukhansan mountain for the picture perfect scenery.
We will begin our tour with a visit to the Eunpyeong History Hanok Museum, which is dedicated to promote the history and hanok culture of Eunpyeong-gu and the differences of hanok structures over time and history of the region.
After the tour we will stop by the 1 In 1 Jan cafe, which offers a bird’s eye view of the entire hanok village and if you love rice cakes, you’re in for a treat, as the cafe serves various types of traditional rice cake desserts that pair perfectly with tea and coffee.

Event date & time: 2023.11.24. 10:00 – 13:00
Event host: Sejung Jang, vpfundraising@siwakorea.com
Meeting point: Yeonsinnae Station Exit 3 (Seoul Subway Line 3, 6). We will take the bus together to the museum.
Naver map: https://naver.me/5xlRKmJ0

Nr of participants: 10
Ticket price: Hanok Museum admission fee: 1,000 KRW
Coffee & Dessert – you pay only for what you eat and drink.
Additional Information: The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2023-11-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2023.11.24. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

SIWA Moms & Tots get-together
2023-11-25 10:30 - 13:00 | Hillside Apartment, 한남대로36길 54, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
After a successful relaunch of SIWA Moms and Tots in October, we are ready for the 2nd get together. We are ready to continue to grow our group, reconnect and build new friendships. Get-togethers are informal and relaxed, so please feel free to join us whenever you can – traffic or meltdowns sometimes are inevitable. 😊
We will meet on the last Saturday of November and with the event being on the weekend, we hope to see daddies and big toddlers too!
This month’s venue is the Clubhouse of Hillside Apartment in Hannam with a great playroom for the little ones to keep them busy and entertained. Also parking is available for those who will come by car, just please let us know in advance.
Around 11:00 am we will order food delivery together for the participants so we can keep the energy up and kill the hunger pangs. If you are late for the time, please bring your own food or snacks or order individually. And last, everybody please bring your own drinks!
Let us know before 22 November if you can join us. We hope to see you there among SIWA Moms & Tots! 😊
Event date & time: 2023.11.25. 10:30 am – 13:00 pm
Event hosts: Sato 010-9422-4873 and Liga 010-9322-1448
Venue / meeting spot: Hillside Apartment (힐사이드아파트) 서울 용산구 한남대로36길 54
Naver map: https://naver.me/GgeuSRwG

Nr of participants: no limit
Ticket price: free

SIWA Connect: Community Engagement Forum with the Babybox Korea
2023-11-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Heyground Seoul Forest branch, Wangsimni-ro, 115, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
We invite you to SIWA Connect, our new dynamic community initiative committed to nurturing inclusivity and collective responsibility through insightful and engaging conversations and discussions among local and international communities on various topics. We are excited to partner with the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC) and Gangnam Global Village Center (GGVC) for this bi-monthly forum.
In 2022, “Broker,” an emotionally charged South Korean drama film directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda with a stellar cast, including Ji-eun Lee, Doona Bae, and Kang-ho Song, was released to a global audience. The movie explores the heart-wrenching choices a young mother faces regarding her newborn child, interweaving the lives of the main characters connected to the mother, her baby, and the baby box.
Korea’s first baby box was established in 2009 for parents who could not raise their babies due to unavoidable circumstances. The organization is dedicated to safeguarding abandoned infants while providing crucial support to mothers, with the ultimate goal of encouraging mothers to reunite with their babies at a later time. Despite its mission, the debate over whether the baby box serves as a life-saving measure for abandoned infants or a facility that encourages infant abandonment has persisted since the organization’s work became well-known in Korea and worldwide. The founder, director, and staff from Babybox Korea will be present for discussions and Q&A. (We will conduct the forum in English and Korean.)
SIWA hopes to educate ourselves for meaningful change in our communities. Please join us in this meaningful and impactful journey.

Event date & time: 2023.11.27. 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m.
Event host: Sunghwa Han, president@siwakorea.com

Venue: Heyground Seongsu Branch – 헤이그라운드 성수 시작점
Skylounge (8th floor – rooftop)
5 Ttukseom-ro 1na-gil, Seongdong-gu (성동구 뚝섬로 1나길 5)
Naver map: https://naver.me/xOCmI3hc
Ticket price: free – if you need more than 3 tickets, please contact us before registration!
However if you would like to contribute and support the Babybox Korea, please look for the SIWA donation box at the event.
Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided before the forum.

Special K-Art & Culture Program: Christmas Wreath Making Workshop and Fundraiser
2023-12-01 10:30 - 12:30 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
December is fast approaching, and the K-Art & Culture program series will conclude with a special Christmas wreath-making workshop to celebrate the year’s end and our giving spirit. Please join us in making festive wreaths as we share blessings and raise funds for a children’s welfare home. Seventy percent of ticket sales will be donated to a chosen charity. Your contribution will help provide Christmas gifts to the children, fostering a joyous holiday celebration for all.
We will give you all the materials needed to create your stunning Christmas wreath, including decorative ornaments and packaging to take it home. Your unique wreath will bring the holiday spirit into your home: hang it on a door, a fireplace, a mirror, or a window, or decorate your table. Be creative and use it as you like!
There will also be a lucky draw, and one happy participant will take home a bottle of Italian sparkling wine, ‘Italian Christmas Dolce Asti’ with the wreath. Celebrate the holiday with us at this fun and meaningful event!
SIWA member and volunteer Jean Kim will lead this workshop. As an innovation consultant with a design background and the founder of Progetto823, Jean brings her passion for home decoration and flower arrangements to enrich this creative session.

Event date & time: 2023.12.01. 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Event host: Sejung Jang, vpfundraising@siwakorea.com

Venue: Cafe Promise – 113, Boneunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu / 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 11 – The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.
Ticket price: 80.000 KRW (60,50 USD) – including a cup of coffee or tea as refreshment.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PAYMENT:
If you wish to make a payment through our website, please make sure to use a credit card issued outside of South Korea, as currently Paypal and its credit card system do not accept South Korean credit cards.
With South Korean bank account and credit card you can make your payment via Bank transfer:

Bank Name: KEB Hana Bank
Bank Account #: 359-910024-03504
Account Name: SIWA (시와)
Description: *please add your name*_GIVE

Additional Information: Registrations and payments must be completed by November 27th.
If a cancellation occurs after the 27th for a pre-purchase ticket, you will be charged 10,000 won as a cancellation fee.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2023-12-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2023.12.01. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2023-12-09 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
If you are a foreigner, living in South Korea, for sure it has its peculiarities and perks. 🙂You might be allured into Korean culture by the catchy K-pop songs and romantic or action filled K-dramas and movies. Or you just simply fell in love with the tasty food, the unique traditions and history, the buzzing life in the cities and the serene landscapes of the mountains and sea side.
Well no matter what brings you here, probably you have quickly noticed that some level knowledge of the Korean language can be super useful to get around in everyday life. Yet to acquire a foreign language is a hard skill to master, let that be Korean with its own alphabet, writing system and 7 verb paradigms and speech levels.
But no better way to take on that challenge than among friends, a supportive community and an attentive native instructor. 🙂
If you are familiar with Hangul symbols and reading goes okay, but you feel you could boost your speaking skills, come and join our Korean Speaking Club sessions with Mrs Joy and other SIWA members. We will offer sessions every 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday in each month which you can attend as your busy life allows.
We promise to keep it simple and fun with focusing on daily topics that you can use to make your life easier in South Korea.

Level: any level
Participants will be grouped according to their level with native korean. Aim is to have small groups with max 4-5 persons.

Event date & time: 2023.12.09. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sue Lim (SIWA Member & Coordinator), siwa.suemin@gmail.com
Venue: Cafe Promise, Bonguensa-ro, Gangnam-gu // 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 15
Ticket price: free for members / 10,000 kw for non members – The payment of non-members goes to the SIWA social impact projects supporting local charities.
Additional Information: This event is for SIWA members and their guests only!

SIWA Winter Luncheon with “Giving December” Fundraiser
2023-12-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Mariposa at Farimont Ambassador Seoul, 영등포구 여의대로 108, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Reflecting on a dynamic year marked by meaningful achievements under SIWA’s motto, ‘Coming Together to Inspire,’ we extend heartfelt gratitude to our cherished members and patrons whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our growth and success. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
This event is more than just a delicious meal; it is a gathering of old and new friends, a shared experience of joy and gratitude, and an opportunity to build special memories together. Let’s create moments of warmth and connection, surrounded by the season’s magic. Save the date for an afternoon filled with laughter, good company, and the joy of giving.
For this special occasion, we have prepared beautiful holiday gifts that are available for online purchase. The proceeds from your generous contributions will be donated to Open Arms Korea (OA), supporting them in preparing New Year gifts for the children in four different welfare homes they mentor through the English program.
Join us for a jubilant end-of-year celebration at SIWA’s Annual Winter Luncheon at the Mariposa Restaurant of the Fairmont Hotel. Indulge yourself with a festive meal and fine-dining experience, while you appreciate the holiday spirit with your friends at SIWA.

Event date & time: 2023.12.13. 12:00 pm – 14:00 pm

Venue: Mariposa at Fairmont Ambassador Seoul – 108, Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
// 페어몬트 앰배서더 서울 마리포사 – 서울 영등포구 여의대로 108 페어몬트 앰배서더 서울 29층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5DHjySOi

Nr of participants: 18 – The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.

Price for the Winter Luncheon: The price includes 5 course-meal with tea or coffee.
Please check out the standard (SIWA Winter Luncheon – menu) and vegan menu (SIWA Winter Luncheon – VEGAN menu) and select your preferred choice, about which we will contact you by December 6th.

SIWA member ticket: 100.000 KRW (76,5 USD)
Non- member ticket: 120.000 KRW (92,0 USD)

Handmade items available for online purchase at the SIWA “Giving December” Fundraiser:

Christmas Wax Tablet (GIFT1): 30.000 KRW (23,5 USD)
Christmas Flower Box (GIFT2): 50.000 KRW (38,5 USD)
Christmas Centerpiece (GIFT3): 50.000 KRW (38,5 USD)

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PAYMENT:
If you wish to make a payment through our website, please make sure to use a credit card issued outside of South Korea, as currently Paypal and its credit card system do not accept South Korean credit cards.
With South Korean bank account and credit card you can make your payment via Bank transfer:

Bank Name: KEB Hana Bank
Bank Account #: 359-910024-03504
Account Name: SIWA (시와)
Description: *please add your name*_LUNCH / GIFT1 / GIFT2 / GIFT3 (in line with your purchase)

Additional Information: Registrations and payments for the Winter Luncheon must be completed by December 6th. No reimbursement is feasible for this event due to the reservation policy of the restaurant.
Purchase and payments for the online fundraiser gifts must be completed by December 4th. Handmade gifts will be ready for December 13th and can be picked up at the luncheon. With special needs for pick up, please contact our team after placing your order.

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-12-14 15:50 - 18:30 | Nanumi Soup Kitchen, 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
SIWA continues to bring you volunteering opportunities supporting underprivileged local communities. This month you can lend your hand in serving food to homeless people at the NANUMI Soup Kitchen, where hundreds of meals are provided daily to those in need.
Join with SIWA for 2-3 hours on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Your help will be greatly appreciated at NANUMI Soup Kitchen.

Event date & time: 2023.12.14. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Additional Information:

Please wear a KF94 mask.
A participant must have completed the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

SIWA Monthly Book Club: "A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT” by Norman Maclean
2023-12-15 10:15 - 12:30 | National Library of Korea, 201 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Our Monthly Book Club will say goodbye to 2023 with a special gathering at the National Library of Korea. Participants will watch together the screenplay adaptation of the novel “A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT” and discuss the differences and similarities between the storylines over a nice lunch and coffee.
The movie starts at 10:30 sharp, so our group will meet at 10:15 to take part in the screening together 🙂
Please make sure you register through our website if you are interested, so we can reserve a seminar room at NLK for the screening.
Besides registering on our website, there are a few extra requirements by NLK to be able to enter the facilities.
Korean Book Club members, who intend to attend the event, need to register for membership at NLK on nl.go.kr and share your ID and phone number with our event host as it has been communicated in the group chat on KakaoTalk.
International Book Club members are good to attend without registering at NLK, however please make sure to have your passport with you on the day.
Join our group and enjoy this special meetup on December 15th.

If you want to plan ahead, next month’s book is “INTERPRETER OF MALADIES” by Jhumpa Lahiri

Event date & time: 2023.12.15. 10:15 am – 12:30 pm
Venue / meeting spot: National Library of Korea – 201 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul // 국립중앙도서관 서울 서초구 반포대로 201
Naver map: https://naver.me/GkKkYly3

Additional Information: BC events are exclusively for SIWA members.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2023-12-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2023.12.22. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

CANCELLED - SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2023-12-27 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
CANCELLED due to holiday season!

If you are a foreigner, living in South Korea, for sure it has its peculiarities and perks. 🙂You might be allured into Korean culture by the catchy K-pop songs and romantic or action filled K-dramas and movies. Or you just simply fell in love with the tasty food, the unique traditions and history, the buzzing life in the cities and the serene landscapes of the mountains and sea side.
Well no matter what brings you here, probably you have quickly noticed that some level knowledge of the Korean language can be super useful to get around in everyday life. Yet to acquire a foreign language is a hard skill to master, let that be Korean with its own alphabet, writing system and 7 verb paradigms and speech levels.
But no better way to take on that challenge than among friends, a supportive community and an attentive native instructor. 🙂
If you are familiar with Hangul symbols and reading goes okay, but you feel you could boost your speaking skills, come and join our Korean Speaking Club sessions with Mrs Joy and other SIWA members. We will offer sessions every 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday in each month which you can attend as your busy life allows.
We promise to keep it simple and fun with focusing on daily topics that you can use to make your life easier in South Korea.

Level: any level
Participants will be grouped according to their level with native korean. Aim is to have small groups with max 4-5 persons.

Event date & time: 2023.12.27. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sue Lim (SIWA Member & Coordinator), siwa.suemin@gmail.com
Venue: Cafe Promise, Bonguensa-ro, Gangnam-gu // 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 15
Ticket price: free for members / 10,000 kw for non members – The payment of non-members goes to the SIWA social impact projects supporting local charities.
Additional Information: This event is for SIWA members and their guests only!

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-12-28 15:50 - 18:30 | Nanumi Soup Kitchen, 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
SIWA continues to bring you volunteering opportunities supporting underprivileged local communities. This month you can lend your hand in serving food to homeless people at the NANUMI Soup Kitchen, where hundreds of meals are provided daily to those in need.
Join with SIWA for 2-3 hours on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Your help will be greatly appreciated at NANUMI Soup Kitchen.

Event date & time: 2023.12.28. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Additional Information:

Please wear a KF94 mask.
A participant must have completed the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-01-05 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2024.01.05. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2024-01-11 15:50 - 18:30 | Nanumi Soup Kitchen, 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
SIWA continues to bring you volunteering opportunities supporting underprivileged local communities. This month you can lend your hand in serving food to homeless people at the NANUMI Soup Kitchen, where hundreds of meals are provided daily to those in need.
Join with SIWA for 2-3 hours on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Your help will be greatly appreciated at NANUMI Soup Kitchen.

Event date & time: 2024.01.11. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Additional Information:

Please wear a KF94 mask.
A participant must have completed the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

SIWA Monthly Book Club: "INTERPRETER OF MALADIES" by Jhumpa Lahiri
2024-01-12 10:30 - 12:00 | Paul Bassett Hannam 폴바셋 한남 커피스테이션점, 용산구 한남대로 48, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our Monthly Book Club comes together on the second Friday of each month for an engaging conversation among the SIWA book lovers. Our enthusiastic readers reflect on the protagonist’s journey, while they share the impact it might have on their own life and view on the world. These Book Club meetups might be quiet and intimate, while sometimes more passionate, heated or full of laughter, yet they are always respectful towards each member and their opinion.
Join our groups and share your love for books and stories in a great community.

This month’s read is “INTERPRETER OF MALADIES” by Jhumpa Lahiri
If you want to plan ahead, next month’s book is “FLAWLESS” by Elise Hu

Event date & time: 2024.01.12 10:30 – 12:00
Event host: Sejung Jang, sejung@siwakorea.com
Venue / meeting spot: Paul Bassett Hannam , 폴바셋 한남 커피스테이션점 서울 용산구 한남대로 48
Naver map: https://naver.me/x3qL1MkV
Additional Information: BC events are exclusively for SIWA members.
As of October, 2023 we meet on the 4th floor of PAUL BASSETT HANNAM to have our quiet space for great conversations. 🙂

SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2024-01-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
If you are a foreigner, living in South Korea, for sure it has its peculiarities and perks. 🙂You might be allured into Korean culture by the catchy K-pop songs and romantic or action filled K-dramas and movies. Or you just simply fell in love with the tasty food, the unique traditions and history, the buzzing life in the cities and the serene landscapes of the mountains and sea side.
Well no matter what brings you here, probably you have quickly noticed that some level knowledge of the Korean language can be super useful to get around in everyday life. Yet to acquire a foreign language is a hard skill to master, let that be Korean with its own alphabet, writing system and 7 verb paradigms and speech levels.
But no better way to take on that challenge than among friends, a supportive community and an attentive native instructor. 🙂
If you are familiar with Hangul symbols and reading goes okay, but you feel you could boost your speaking skills, come and join our Korean Speaking Club sessions with Mrs Joy and other SIWA members. We will offer sessions every 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday in each month which you can attend as your busy life allows.
We promise to keep it simple and fun with focusing on daily topics that you can use to make your life easier in South Korea.

Level: any level
Participants will be grouped according to their level with native korean. Aim is to have small groups with max 4-5 persons.

Event date & time: 2024.01.13. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sue Lim (SIWA Member & Coordinator), siwa.suemin@gmail.com
Venue: Cafe Promise, Bonguensa-ro, Gangnam-gu // 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 15
Ticket price: free for members / 10,000 kw for non members – The payment of non-members goes to the SIWA social impact projects supporting local charities.
Additional Information: This event is for SIWA members and their guests only!

SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle
2024-01-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Maxim Plant (맥심플랜트), 250 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로 250)
Sometimes you just need a SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) to shake up your morning routine. 🙂
If you want to become a regular or pop in occasionally, then just mark every 3rd Thursday of each month in your calendar, when we meet for our monthly morning mingle over a cup of coffee or tea. In the new year we will return to Maxim Plant for the tasty treats and friendly atmosphere.
These casual Coffee Mornings (CoMo) are the perfect events for SIWA members and newcomers to come together, share a chat over a cup of coffee, hear about the upcoming events and get to know each other a bit better.
Save the date and see you at our next CoMo! Grab your coffee and come our table where you’ll see familiar and new faces!
Event date & time: 2024.01.18. 10:30-12:00

Event host: Ludy Chung (CoMo Coordinator) / Sejung Jang (sejung@siwakorea.com)

Venue / meeting spot: Maxim Plant Itaewon (맥심플랜트), 250 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul (서울 용산구 이태원로 250)
Naver map link: https://naver.me/5Q4GIRso
Additional Information: There’s no fee for these events, you pay only for what you eat and drink.

SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2024-01-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Cafe Promise, 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층, 서울, Korea, Republic of
If you are a foreigner, living in South Korea, for sure it has its peculiarities and perks. 🙂You might be allured into Korean culture by the catchy K-pop songs and romantic or action filled K-dramas and movies. Or you just simply fell in love with the tasty food, the unique traditions and history, the buzzing life in the cities and the serene landscapes of the mountains and sea side.
Well no matter what brings you here, probably you have quickly noticed that some level knowledge of the Korean language can be super useful to get around in everyday life. Yet to acquire a foreign language is a hard skill to master, let that be Korean with its own alphabet, writing system and 7 verb paradigms and speech levels.
But no better way to take on that challenge than among friends, a supportive community and an attentive native instructor. 🙂
If you are familiar with Hangul symbols and reading goes okay, but you feel you could boost your speaking skills, come and join our Korean Speaking Club sessions with Mrs Joy and other SIWA members. We will offer sessions every 2nd Saturday and 4th Wednesday in each month which you can attend as your busy life allows.
We promise to keep it simple and fun with focusing on daily topics that you can use to make your life easier in South Korea.

Level: any level
Participants will be grouped according to their level with native korean. Aim is to have small groups with max 4-5 persons.

Event date & time: 2024.01.24. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sue Lim (SIWA Member & Coordinator), siwa.suemin@gmail.com
Venue: Cafe Promise, Bonguensa-ro, Gangnam-gu // 카페프라미스 서울 강남구 봉은사로 113 지상1층
Naver map: https://naver.me/5HSEpf42

Nr of participants: 15
Ticket price: free for members / 10,000 kw for non members – The payment of non-members goes to the SIWA social impact projects supporting local charities.
Additional Information: This event is for SIWA members and their guests only!

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2024-01-25 15:50 - 18:30 | Nanumi Soup Kitchen, 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
SIWA continues to bring you volunteering opportunities supporting underprivileged local communities. This month you can lend your hand in serving food to homeless people at the NANUMI Soup Kitchen, where hundreds of meals are provided daily to those in need.
Join with SIWA for 2-3 hours on the second or fourth Thursday of the month. Your help will be greatly appreciated at NANUMI Soup Kitchen.

Event date & time: 2024.01.25. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Additional Information:

Please wear a KF94 mask.
A participant must have completed the third dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

K-Art & Culture: Exploring Oil Tank Culture Park & ‘Amtaedo Tenant Strike’ Art Exhibition
2024-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Oil Tank Culture Park, 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
The Oil Tank Culture Park was originally an oil depot, which was transformed into an eco-friendly cultural multiplex and gardens through urban regeneration. 6 oil reservoir tanks were left on site to raise awareness of sustainability, while they welcome the public as performance venues, exhibition halls, and learning spaces.
We will begin the tour by exploring both outdoor and indoor areas of the Oil Tank Culture Park with a walking tour and visiting one of the current art exhibitions: ‘Amtaedo Tenant Strike’. The special artistic event features works by artist Suh Yongsun who has been devoted to history, oral tradition and human nature as the subject of his art. The exhibition focuses on the Amtaedo Tenant strike (1923-1924) inherited from the spirit of Donghak Peasant Revolution (1894) and the March 1st Independence Movement (1919).
We will conclude our event with a short visit to their library and coffee break inside one of the oil tanks community space.

Event date & time: 2024.01.26. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Event host: Sejung Jang, vpfundraising@siwakorea.com

Venue: 87 Jeungsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea / 서울특별시 마포구 증산로 87
Naver map: https://naver.me/GAiBmDF3
Meeting spot: We will meet at 10:00 am at World Cup Stadium Station Exit 2 and walk together to the Oil Tank Culture Park (5min walk)

Nr of participants: 10 – Members and their guests only
Ticket price: free
Additional Information: Our K-art & Culture Exploration events are free, you only pay for your own tickets (if applicable), drinks and snacks.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-01-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2024.01.26. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our volunteering opportunity brings you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where supporters and volunteers prepare and serve 500+ warm meals daily to homeless people and adolescent runaways.
ANNA’S HOUSE was established in 1992 by Father Vincenzo Bordo, an Italian priest who dedicates his time and life to serve those in need. At Anna’s House they are committed to work for underprivileged people living on the streets, let them be homeless adults, runaway street kids or abandoned elderly.
Anna’s House offers food, clothes, medicine to solve daily physiological needs, while also providing legal, psychological counseling, work opportunity, long term shelter and safe space.
SIWA volunteers can help out with the cooking preparations in the Soup Kitchen.
Join us to give a helping hand every first or fourth Friday of the month.

Event date & time: 2024.02.02. 13:00 – 15:00
Venue: Anna’s House – 28 Maji-ro, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do (안나의 집 – 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5TvisKZY

K-Art & Culture: Dongdaemun District Tour & Stefan Sagmeister ‘Now is Better’ Exhibition at DDP
2024-02-13 10:30 - 13:30 | Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station – Exit 1, 동대문역사문화공원역1번출구지하철출구, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Dongdaemun Market is one of Seoul’s most popular shopping districts but there are many more things to see in this part of the capital city, such as the area around the iconic Dongdaemun Design Plaza and the ancient Dongdaemun Gate and fortress hill.
Our tour will start at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a major urban landmark designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The modern building replaced Dongdaemun stadium, which was built in the Japanese colonial era, and is the home of global exhibitions and South Korea’s fashion hub.
We will view together the ongoing exhibition by renowned Austrian designer Stefan Sagmeister: ‘Now is Better’. He is widely praised for his bold and provocative designs. His work is based on in-depth research of meaningful data and evidence related to global issues such as quality of life, life expectancy, death, poverty, crime rate and greenhouse gas emissions, etc.
In the second part of our tour we will explore the district of Dongdaemun, taking a walk along Cheonggyechon Stream, the artificial riverfront running through the city center; Dongdaemun Gate, the main eastern gate that used to be part of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress long ago; and the uncharted fortress hill that sits silently in the landscape.
We will end the tour at J.Hidden House, a tucked away traditional Korean Hanok café which has been recently remodelled with contemporary design elements to offer a quiet time travel from past to future. You can enjoy the ultimate harmony of traditional Korean hanok and modern decorations with a selection of luxurious desserts.

Event date & time: 2024.02.13. 10:30 am – 13:30 pm
Event host: Jean Kim, jean@siwakorea.com
Venue: Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station – Subway Exit 1 / 동대문역사문화공원역1번출구지하철출구

Naver map: https://naver.me/FIgNUni1

Meeting spot: Exit 1 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5) – closest to B2 level entrance to Oullim Square, the DDP Market, the Design Lab, and the Museum.
Nr of participants: 10
Ticket price: free
Additional Information: Our K-art & Culture Exploration events are free, you only pay for your own tickets (if applicable), drinks and snacks. Exclusively for SIWA members and their guests.

SIWA Speaker Series: Intercultural Narratives Project - “In Their Own Words”
2024-02-14 18:30 - 19:30 | Seoul Club, 중구 장충단로 86 서울클럽, 서울, Korea, Republic of
SIWA’s Intercultural Narratives Project, “In Their Own Words,” is a bi-monthly speaker series created to foster a warm and welcoming environment where speakers from diverse backgrounds candidly share their personal and professional journeys, each through the unique lens of their own cultural perspectives.
Our February guest speaker is Ms. Michela Magrì, current Director at the Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul and Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Italy in Korea. As a lawyer, Ms. Magrì started her career for the Government of Italy in the Ministry of Justice, where she worked mainly with young detainees. Among the civil commitments, in addition to doing various volunteers to protect the rights of minors, she was appointed as curator and tutor in many cases of custody of minors with family problems by the Juvenile Court of Catania (Sicily).
In 2000, Ms. Magrì started her career in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specializing in the promotion of Italian culture abroad. She spent more than 9 years in two different periods working in Indonesia, then moved to Los Angeles in the USA, where she spent a period of almost 6 years. After working for two years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome, she chose to move to Seoul in June of 2021 because of the profound connection between Italy and Korea in many sectors, such as Music, Design, Fashion, Art, Food, Science, and Technology.
Our session will last approximately 40-45 minutes, commencing with personal story-sharing and concluding with an interactive Q&A. Mr. Federico De Stefano from the Italian culture Institute will also be participating as a speaker.
Event date & time: 2024.02.14. (Wednesday) 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Event host: Sunghwa Han, president@siwakorea.com
Venue: Cheesman Room at Seoul Club (86 Jangchungdan-ro Jung-gu/서울클럽 서울 중구 장충단로 86 서울클럽)
Naver Map: Seoul Club Location
Nr of participants: 20
Ticket price: free
Additional Information: The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.
Following the talk, you can dine at the Seoul Club restaurant, where you’ll be charged only for the food and beverages you order.

SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle: COMM COMM Bakery
2024-02-15 10:30 - 12:00 | COMM COMM Bakery, 용산구 한강대로44길 14, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Sometimes you just need a SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) to shake up your morning routine. 🙂
If you want to become a regular or pop in occasionally, then just mark every 3rd Thursday of each month in your calendar, when we meet for our monthly morning mingle over a cup of coffee or tea. In the new year we will return to Maxim Plant for the tasty treats and friendly atmosphere.
These casual Coffee Mornings (CoMo) are the perfect events for SIWA members and newcomers to come together, share a chat over a cup of coffee, hear about the upcoming events and get to know each other a bit better.
Save the date and see you at our next CoMo! Grab your coffee and come our table where you’ll see familiar and new faces!
In this new year will try to take you to new coffee shops so you’ll get to discover various parts of the city, tasty coffees, teas and desserts.
This month we will meet in: COMM COMM Bakery near Sinyongsan and Samgakji Stations, which is a current hotspot for all the foodies in Seoul.
Event date & time: 2024.02.15. 10:30-12:00
Event host: Ludy Chung (CoMo Coordinator) / Sejung Jang (sejung@siwakorea.com)
Venue / meeting spot: COMM COMM Bakery – 14 Hangang-daero 44-gil, Hangangno-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul / 컴컴 베이커리카페 – 서울 용산구 한강대로44길 14
Naver map link: https://naver.me/xDs6CPSw
Additional Information: There’s no fee for these events, you pay only for what you eat and drink.
