Seoul International Women's Association

#SIWAHIKINGCLUB - Umyeonsan Mountain Hike
2023-09-12 08:30 - 11:00 (Asia/Seoul) | Compose Coffee, 서초구 과천대로 946 1층 104호, 서울, Korea, Republic of
After the scorching heat of the summer, September will bring us some more manageable temperatures during the day allowing us to venture out again in the mornings and conquer this time the Umyeonsan mountain to see the stunning cityscape from the top.

We will start our hike at Sadang station exit 3, hike up to Umyeonsan mountain to catch the gorgeous city views and then end our hike at the Arts center. It is a nice walk in the forest with just a few stairs near the top of the mountain, so non-hikers can join as well. Trust us the view will be very rewarding!

Distance: 3.0 km
Grade: Easy
Approx. time of walk: 2.30 hours
Trail: Sadang station Exit 3 → Umyeonsan Mountain → Arts center

Event date & time: 2023.09.12. 8:30 – 11:00

Event host: Victoria Fedorova, siwa.victoriaf@gmail.com

Venue / meeting spot: Compose Coffee, Sadang Station Exit 3
서울 서초구 과천대로 946 1층 104호
Naver map: https://naver.me/5bdK2ghP

Nr of participants: unlimited

Ticket price: free

Additional Information: Please carry some snacks & water for the hike, in case you need to refill your energy level. Also carry some cash, as after the hikes we often land in a restaurant to make up for all those burnt calories on the way. 😉

The event is open to SIWA members and their guests

SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle
2023-09-14 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 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: 2023.09.14. 10:30-12:00

Event host: Yashu Sitani, hospitality@siwakorea.com

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

Nr of participants: unlimited

Ticket price: free

Additional Information: There’s no fee for these events, you pay only for what you eat and drink.

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-09-14 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: 2023.09.14. 15:50 – 18:30

Event host: Yashu Sitani, hospitality@siwakorea.com

Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK

Nr of participants: unlimited

Ticket price: free

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
2023-09-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Anna’s House – 안나의 집 ( 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28), 경기도 성남시 중원구 마지로 28, 서울, Korea, Republic of
New volunteering opportunity with SIWA will bring you to the kitchen of ANNA’s HOUSE where they 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: 2023.09.22. 13:00 – 15:00

Event host: Yashu Sitani, hospitality@siwakorea.com

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

Nr of participants: unlimited

Ticket price: free

SIWA Social Night - Guillaume Summer Exhibition
2023-09-27 19:00 - 21:00
Dear Ladies, our next Social Night will come early at the end of September!
We have decided to move our monthly event forward with a unique Social Night right before breaking into Chuseok holidays on 27th September. We will visit a lovely French cafe in Gangnam called Guillaume, which is currently hosting a summer exhibition titled ‘A bite of the picture and a dessert’. You can explore the artworks of three young Korean female artists and their view on the world.
It is the first of a kind exhibition that introduces the works of three undergraduate artists Kim Kyunghee, Cho Haein and Choi Seoyeon who express their emotions and experiences in colors. Although digital technology dominates the art market, these artists stick to flat panel painting to put their stories on canvas.
During the evening you can indulge yourselves in french patisseries, tasty coffee variations and refreshing drinks with bubbles at this cute cafe! You only pay for what you eat and drink! Reserve your spot and meet us for this one of a kind social night at a cafe!

Event date & time: 2023.09.27. 19:00 – 21:00

Event host: Sejung Jang, vpfundraising@siwakorea.com

Venue / meeting spot: Guillaume (88-37 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul // 강남구 청담동 88-37)
Naver map: https://naver.me/5BvjCQvL

Nr of participants: 15

Additional Information: You only pay for what you eat and drink. Feel free to bring with you your friends, partners, colleagues, anyone who is up for good times and little chatter, but make sure you reserve a spot in your RSVP.

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-09-28 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: 2023.09.28. 15:50 – 18:30

Event host: Yashu Sitani, hospitality@siwakorea.com

Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK

Nr of participants: unlimited

Ticket price: free

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
2023-10-06 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: 2023.10.06. 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

#SIWAHIKINGCLUB - Gwanaksan Mountain Hike
2023-10-11 08:30 - 11:00 | Compose Coffee, 서초구 과천대로 946 1층 104호, 서울, Korea, Republic of
The trees have started playing dress-up and we couldn’t be happier. Fall is here, ladies!! One of the best months to spend time in nature is to see all the beautiful colours of the autumnal foliage. Join us to make the most out of this season and be ready to conquer the mighty Gwanak mountain.
We will meet at Twosome Place Nakseongdae Station, take a bus to SNU campus and get off at its highest point to give us an easy start. From there we’ll walk up the mountain stopping at the viewpoints along the trail to admire the beautiful scenery of Seoul at our feets. Our descent will take us through the SNU campus.
After this challenging hike we will refuel either at the student cafeteria or in the infamous Sharosu-gil, where friendly places feed the hungry students and hikers of Gwanaksan.
Join us this October for this very rewarding hike.

Distance: approx 4.0 km
Grade: Difficult
Approx. time of walk: 3.30 hours

Event date & time: 2023.10.11. 8:30 – 11:00
Event host: Victoria Fedorova, siwa.victoriaf@gmail.com
Venue / meeting spot: Twosome Place Nakseongdae Station Branch / 서울 관악구 남부순환로 1926 경동제약빌딩
Naver map: https://naver.me/5xLquNmn

Additional Information: Make sure you have suitable clothing for the weather and the hike. Please carry some snacks & water, in case you need to refill your energy level during the trip.
Also carry some cash, as after the hikes we often land in a restaurant to make up for all those burnt calories on the way. 😉
The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-10-12 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: 2023.10.12. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Nr of participants: unlimited
Additional Information:

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

SIWA Monthly Book Club: A DISTANT & BEAUTIFUL PLACE by Yang Kwija
2023-10-13 10:30 - 12:00 | Paul Bassett Hannam 폴바셋 한남 커피스테이션점, 용산구 한남대로 48, 서울, Korea, Republic of
Our Book Club is coming to the last piece of 1 year’s reading list and what would be a better ending than a collection of interconnected short stories from none other than the place we all call home, Seoul, South Korea. Written by Korea’s most cherished and respected author, this book is set up in a distant and beautiful neighborhood of Wonmi-dong before the country was democratized in 1987. From the lightning speed of industrialization and economic development in the 1980s, these stories capture Korea in its transformation to modernity with its characters striving for a successful and a better life. Each story is unique in their own way and yet form together a captivating novel as a whole.
Short story names:

A Distant and Beautiful Place (멀고 아름다운 동네)
The Spark (불씨)
The Last Land (마지막 땅)
The Wonmi-dong Poet (원미동 시인)
A Vagabond Mouse (한 마리의 나그네 쥐)
On Rainy Days I Have To Go to Karing-dong (비오는 날이면 가리봉동에 가야 한다)
Bellfinch (방울새)
The Tearoom Woman (찻집 여자)
Our Daily Bread (일용할 양식)
The Underground Man (지하 생활자)
Cold Water Pass (한계령)

Join us this October to discuss this book and learn more about the life of people in this city in the era of 1980’s and to shape our future in this city. Don’t forget to submit your recommendation for the next SIWA reading list!
As of October we will meet in a new location due to the construction work in our regular venue.
The new venue is PAUL BASSETT HANNAM and we will meet on the 4th floor to have our quiet space for great conversations. 🙂
Event date & time: 2023.10.13. 10:30 – 12:00
Event host: Sejung Jang, bookclub@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.

SIWA Coffee Morning (CoMo) - monthly morning mingle
2023-10-19 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 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: 2023.10.19. 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.

Exploring K-Art & Culture: Deoksugung Palace and MMCA Deoksugung tour
2023-10-20 10:35 - 13:00
One of Seoul’s five grand palaces built during the Joseon dynasty, Deoksugung (meaning Palace of Virtuous Longevity) is unique among Korean palaces in having a modern seal engraving and a western style garden and fountain. Medieval and modern style architecture exists together in harmony in this palace.
The program is divided into 2 parts. In the first part we will begin with a guided tour of the Deoksugung palace at 10:45am. The tour will last an hour and we will discover the palace’s highlights.
During the second part of the program from 12:00 onwards, we will visit Deoksugung National museum of modern and contemporary art to view an exhibition ‘The Most Honest Confession: Chang Ucchin Retrospective’. This exhibition is a retrospective of Change Ucchin (1917–1990), who, along with Lee Jungseop and Park Soo Keun, is regarded as a key figure in the history of Korean modern and contemporary art for his depiction of Korean sentiments. We will view his earlier works and the significance of his uniquely Korean compositions in the history of Korean art.
Our very own SIWA member Sue Min, who is currently working as an Art coordinator will introduce the world of Chang Ucchin during our visit.
So, Please do join us for this one of a kind tour!!

>>> Registrations and payments need to be made by October 13th. <<<

Event date & time: 2023.10.20. 10:35 – 13:00
Event host: Sejung Jang
Venue: Sejong-daero 99, Jung-gu, Seoul 04519 / City Hall – Line 1 exit 1 / Line 2 exit 12
Naver map: https://naver.me/xtHpchyQ
Meeting spot: We will meet in front of the Deoksugung Palace entrance at 10:35.
Ticket price: 3000 KRW (Museum entrance fee – 2000 KRW , Palace entrance fee – 1000 KRW)
Nr of participants: max 10.
The event is open to SIWA members and their guests.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PAYMENT:
We will be purchasing the tickets directly at the Palace. Please bring KRW 3000 with you.

SIWA Moms & Tots get-together
2023-10-21 10:30 - 12:00 | 서울 용산구 서빙고로 137 국립중앙박물관
This is the first official get-together for SIWA Moms and Tots since after the COVID era. 😊
In the last few years, many of former Moms and Tots members have left Korea while new families have arrived 😊 Therefore we hope this very first meet-up will be a new start for our “Moms and Tots” with opportunities to reconnect and build new friendships.
We will meet on Saturday, so daddies and a big toddlers are more than welcome to come along, too!
Get-togethers are informal and relaxed, so please feel free to join us whenever you can – traffic or meltdowns sometimes are inevitable. 😊
We will order pizza and chicken around 11:15 for the number of people there at the time. If you are late for the time, please bring your own food or snacks or order individually. Also, please bring your own drinks and picnic blanket!
Let us know if you can join us before 13 October and we hope to see you there!
Contact persons: Sato 010-9422-4873 and Liga 010-9322-1448
Parking lot: The parking lot of the park is not very spacious, and it gets very crowded on weekends. Using public transportation is recommended, but you can park a car at National Museum and walk and come through the walking course to get to the Yong-san Family park side. (It takes 10 minutes for kids)
Venue: Yongsan Family Park 서울 용산구 서빙고로 137 국립중앙박물관
Naver map: https://naver.me/GgeuSRwG

Volunteering at NANUMI Soup Kitchen
2023-10-26 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: 2023.10.26. 15:50 – 18:30
Venue / meeting spot: NANUMI Soup Kitchen – 353-2, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Naver map: https://naver.me/FKx540fK
Nr of participants: unlimited
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
2023-10-27 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: 2023.10.27. 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

Korean Speaking Club - October Trial session
2023-10-28 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: 2023.10.28. 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
2023-11-03 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: 2023.11.03. 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
2023-11-09 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: 2023.11.09. 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: "ICE RIVERS" by Jemma Wadham
2023-11-10 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 “ICE RIVERS” by Jemma Wadham
If you want to plan ahead, next month’s book is “A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT” by Norman Maclean

Event date & time: 2023.11.10 10:30 – 12:00
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
2023-11-11 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: 2023.11.11. 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
2023-11-16 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 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
