Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-12-14 15:50 - 18:30 (Asia/Seoul) | 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.

SIWA Monthly Book Club: “FLAWLESS” by Elise Hu
2024-02-16 11:00 - 12:30 | 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 “FLAWLESS” by Elise Hu
If you want to plan ahead, next month’s book is “CRYING IN H MART” by Michelle Zauner

Event date & time: 2024.02.16 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Venue / meeting spot: Paul Bassett Hannam , 폴바셋 한남 커피스테이션점 서울 용산구 한남대로 48
Naver map: https://naver.me/x3qL1MkV
Event host: Sejung Jang, sejung@siwakorea.com
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. 🙂
Valet parking is available from 11:00 for those come by car.

SIWA Connect: Community Engagement Forum - SAVE THE DATE!
2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Heyground Seoul Forest branch, Wangsimni-ro, 115, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
We invite you to SIWA Connect, our vibrant community initiative, where we celebrate diversity and inclusivity by facilitating engaging and meaningful discussions on various topics. We are excited to partner with the Itaewon Global Village Center (IGVC) and Gangnam Global Village Center (GGVY) for this bi-monthly forum.
Please join us on an enriching cultural journey with our dynamic speakers, who represent diverse cultural backgrounds and are all long-term residents of Korea (and also fluent in Korean). Together, we will delve into fascinating insights and shared life experiences in Korea, exploring various facets, including cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, valuable tips, and deep appreciation of the culture.
While embracing different cultural experiences enriches our lives, it can also frustrate us with confusion and conflicts. Many of us who live in Korea as non-Korean citizens can relate to these sentiments. Our discussions will cover topics such as cultural identity and integration, cultural sensitivity and understanding, sharing personal narratives of overcoming cultural barriers and conflicts, navigating professional opportunities, career development, and entrepreneurship.
Don’t miss out on this unique and meaningful opportunity to gain invaluable insights and practical advice for thriving in Korea’s contemporary cultural environment. Let’s come together to celebrate the rich tapestry of our global community through lively conversations and interactive engagement!

Guest Speakers:

Cecile Corona (France)
Ms. Cecile Corona currently serves as the Cluster Guest Experience Manager at Seoul Dragon City Hotel, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role. With a Master’s degree in Convention & Exhibition Management from Kyung Hee University, she is well-equipped to handle the demands of the hospitality and event management industry with her diverse cultural experiences and expertise.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Cecile is deeply committed to community service and actively engages in volunteer work to make a positive impact. Her multifaceted background, coupled with her invaluable skills, renders her a crucial asset to her team.

Katherine Corteza (Philippines)
Ms. Katherine Corteza serves as the Center Director of Itaewon Global Village Center, where she plays a pivotal role as a liaison between the Korean Government and foreign residents in Korea. She is dedicated to bridging the cultural gap between locals and foreign communities through organizing informative seminars and cultural programs. Her responsibilities encompass building networks among foreign communities and fostering multicultural relations between Korean residents and foreign residents in Korea. Additionally, she advocates for the needs and demands of the minority, ensuring that the Korean government is attuned to the voices of the foreign community.
Katherine is the recipient of various honors and achievements, including the 2023 Seoul Honorary Citizen Award, Citation Award from the Korea National Police Agency, Yongsan Senior Welfare Center, and 14th Gawad Genny Lopez Jr., Bayanig Pilipino Award (Filipino Modern Day Heroes).

Nihat Khalilzade (Azerbaijan)
Mr. Nihat Khalilzade, the center director of Gangnam Global Village Center, is an international business professional who fosters collaboration, innovation, and community building. With over a decade of experience in the Information Technology and Services industry, Nihat has established himself as a visionary global business development director specializing in computer literacy, strategic consulting, team leadership, project management, business intelligence, and multicultural education.
Nihat is also a Social Integration Advisory Committee member under the Ministry of Justice Korea, a Global Business Development Advisor of the Korea Wireless Internet Solution Association (KWISA), and a Startup Specialist at the Global Startup Immigration Center.
Having embraced South Korea as a second home, Nihat has directed his career toward supporting fellow expatriates and enhancing the dynamic Korean business landscape. He is eager to connect with professionals, industry peers, and like-minded individuals interested in collaboration, networking, and cultural exchange.

Event date & time: 2024.02.20. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Event host: Sunghwa Han, president@siwakorea.com
Venue: Heyground Seongsu Branch – Skylounge (8th floor – rooftop) 5 Ttukseom-ro 1na-gil, Seongdong-tu
Naver map: https://naver.me/xOCmI3hc
Nr of participants: 40
Ticket price: free
Additional Information: Light refreshments will be provided before the forum.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-02-23 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: 2024.02.23. 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
2024-02-28 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: 2024.02.28. 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 opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-03-01 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: 2024.03.01. 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 & Taiwha Cultural Discovery Volunteering Opportunity
2024-03-07 10:00 - 11:30
The monthly SIWA & Taiwha Cultural Discovery Initiative, in partnership with Taiwha Fountain House, aims to aid individuals in their journey towards better mental health, fostering strength and empowerment for successful reintegration into society.
SIWA volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating enjoyable learning experiences and boosting participants’ confidence through unique cultural exchange and interaction. During the one-hour program, volunteers introduce and share diverse cultures from around the world with members of Taiwha Fountain House, all conducted in English.
Taiwha Fountain House provides a supportive community-based mental health rehabilitation program under the global Clubhouse International model. Clubhouse International oversees 320 local Clubhouses in more than 30 countries, offering individuals in recovery opportunities for friendship, employment, housing, education, and access to medical services within a nurturing and familial environment.
If you wish to volunteer for this enriching opportunity and share your cultural heritage, please contact Jean Kim, the event coordinator.
Event date & time: 2024.03.07. 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Volunteer Coordinator: Jean Kim, jean@siwakorea.com
Venue: It is a 10-minute walk from Gongdeok station. (Jean will share detailed location information once the volunteers are confirmed. )
Nr of participants: 1

Additional Information: Exclusively for SIWA members.
Note: Volunteer hours will be logged through the official VMS platform (Volunteer Management System), enabling volunteers to receive certified documentation for their service.

SIWA Monthly Book Club: “CRYING IN H MART" by Michelle Zauner
2024-03-08 11:00 - 12:30 | 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 “CRYING IN H MART” by Michelle Zauner
If you want to plan ahead, next month’s book is “KOKORO” by Natsume Soseki

Event date & time: 2024.03.08. 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Venue / meeting spot: Paul Bassett Hannam , 폴바셋 한남 커피스테이션점 서울 용산구 한남대로 48
Naver map: https://naver.me/x3qL1MkV
Event host: Sejung Jang, sejung@siwakorea.com
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. 🙂
Valet parking is available from 11:00 for those come by car.

SIWA Annual General Meeting
2024-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Heyground Seoul Forest branch, Wangsimni-ro, 115, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
SIWA’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) is coming on March 14th. Please join us as we reflect on the achievements of the past membership year and celebrate the success of our vibrant community-building events and collaborative social impact initiatives. These endeavors have been made possible through the unwavering support of our members and collaborators. We will also look ahead to the future, preparing and planning together to ensure SIWA continues to fulfill its mission of positively impacting and empowering our community,
We have a very special announcement at this year’s AGM: We have successfully transitioned into a nonprofit corporation (NPO) under the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This milestone could not have been reached without the unwavering enthusiasm and commitment of our members and supporters who share SIWA’s values and beliefs.
As we move forward, we are excited at the prospect of joining our hearts and heads to create many more meaningful opportunities to ‘come together to inspire and empower’ each other and our communities.
Join us in celebrating the new beginning of SIWA and International Women’s Day: Let’s ‘Inspire Inclusion!’

Event date & time: 2024.03.14 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Event host: Sejung Jang, vpfundraising@siwakorea.com

Venue: Heyground Skylounge, 8th Floor – 5 Ttukseom-ro 1na-gil, Seongdong-gu / 헤이그라운드 성수 시작점 – 성동구 뚝섬로 1나길 5
Naver map: https://naver.me/xOCmI3hc

Nr of participants: 50 – SIWA members-only event and RSVPis a must by: 2024.03.10.
Ticket price: free
Additional Information: Paid parking is available on the streets in the area.

K-Art & Culture: Visit to Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum & Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’
2024-03-15 11:00 - 14:00 | Jegidong Station
Visit to Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum
We will begin the tour by visiting the Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum was established to preserve and pass on the history and knowledge of traditional Korean medicine. The museum is located across from the Seoul Yangnyeong Market, one of the most famous oriental medicine markets in Korea. The museum features more than 420 artifacts related to traditional Korean medicine and 350 types of herbal medicine as well as plenty of ancient literature related to the medicine.
K-Herb Foot Bath Experience (Optional- Reservation is required)
After exploring the museum, we will experience Herbal Medicine Footbath healing our body and mind dipping our feet in warm water with seasonal medicinal herbs under a living pavilion in Hanok, which is a traditional Korean house.
Visit to Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’
We will visit Starbucks Korea fifth Community Store ‘Kyungdong 1960’ dedicated towards revitalizing and restoring the long-standing heritage of the Kyundong Market, alongside the local community of the marketplace.
Event date & time: 2024.03.15. 11:00- am – 14:00 pm
Venue: 26, Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Meeting spot: We will meet at Jegidong Station at 10:55, Exit 2 and walk together
Nr of participants: 10
Ticket price:

Museum admission fee: 1,000 KRW. Paid individually at the museum.
K-Herb foot bath experience Fee: 6,000 won per person. Paid individually at the museum.
Starbucks ‘Kyungdong 1960’: Coffee & Dessert – you pay only for what you eat and drink.

Additional Information: Exclusively for SIWA members and their guests

SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle
2024-03-21 10:30 - 12:00
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.
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.
Event date & time: 2024.03.21. 10:30-12:00
Event host: Ludy Chung (CoMo Coordinator) / Sejung Jang (sejung@siwakorea.com)
Venue / meeting spot: Osulloc Tea House (Amorepacific Headquarters 1st floor)
100 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Sinyongsan Station Exit 2
Naver map: https://naver.me/xcKJFr8A
Additional Information: There’s no fee for these events, you pay only for what you eat and drink.

Volunteering opportunity at the Soup Kitchen in ANNA’S HOUSE
2024-03-22 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: 2024.03.22. 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

SIWA Korean Speaking Club
2024-03-27 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 session 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: 2024.03.27. 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 for SIWA members: free
Ticket price for NON – SIWA members: first trials session is FREE, all other following sessions are 10,000 KRW. Cash only event.
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!
