Almost Korean Podcast

Almost Korean Podcast

Almost Korean Podcast is hosted by two Korean American men in their early 40s living in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, near a U.S. Army base. We talk about life in Korea as Korean Americans—where culture, identity, and expectations don’t always line up. From living near a U.S. military base to raising a family in Korea, appearing on Korean TV, creating content, and navigating marriage, fatherhood, social issues, and Korean pop culture, we share honest conversations from the in-between. Real talk. Lived experience. Almost Korean.

  1. May 28

    Ep. 18 - Things We Love & Hate About Korea

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 18: Things We Love & Hate About Korea Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 18, Gibson and Tae have an honest and hilarious conversation about the things they absolutely love about Korea… and the things that still drive them crazy after living here. From the convenience and affordability of daily life to tiny towels and chaotic drivers, this episode dives into the little cultural differences that stand out when comparing Korea and the U.S. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • Why dining out in Korea feels so affordable 🍜 • The beauty of NO tip culture compared to the U.S. 💸 • Korea’s incredible convenience and public transportation system 🚆 • Why the small “hand towels” at hotels still bother them 😅 • Experiences with reckless taxi and bus drivers 🚕 • Frustrations with limited customization options in Korea • Thoughts on exaggerated advertising and marketing culture 📺 • Funny stories, relatable moments, and real conversations about life in Korea This episode is all about the everyday things you don’t really notice until you’ve spent significant time living here — both the amazing and the frustrating. Whether you’re living in Korea, planning to visit, or just curious how Korea compares to life in the U.S. — this episode keeps it real. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share what YOU love or hate about Korea in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein #AlmostKoreanPodcast #LifeInKorea #KoreaCulture #KoreanAmerican #LivingInKorea #KoreaTravel #Podcast #거의한국인 #팟캐스트

    46 min
  2. May 21

    Ep. 17 - Eating What Is Given (ft. Austin)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 17: Eating What Is Given (ft. Austin) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 17, Gibson and Tae sit down with Austin, the creator behind  @EatingwhatisGiven  to talk about his journey to Korea, his life outside of content creation, and how he unexpectedly built a following through food content and cultural experiences. What started as simply documenting meals and experiences turned into a platform that highlights Korean food, hospitality, and the connections built around sharing a table. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • How Austin first came to Korea and what kept him here 🇰🇷 • His actual profession as a KAIST professor • How Eating What Is Given started and grew organically 🍜 • Why Korean food culture is about more than just eating • Experiences filming local restaurants, hidden gems, and everyday meals • The balance between living life and creating content online • Honest conversations about culture, community, and navigating Korea as a foreigner Austin’s content focuses on embracing experiences as they come — trying new foods, meeting new people, and appreciating the stories behind everyday meals. His channel has connected with viewers through its authentic and grounded approach to Korean food and culture. Whether you’re into food content, life in Korea, or hearing how creators build communities through shared experiences — this episode is packed with great stories and real conversation. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share your favorite Korean food or dining experience in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein 🌐 Check Out Austin / Eating What Is Given YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EatingwhatisGiven Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatingwhatisgiven Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatingwhatisgiven 🥖 Austin's Grandfather's Bratwurst sold in Korea: https://www.andyskorea.co.kr/sausage/?idx=13https://smartstore.naver.com/thedutchhouse/products/5906408078 #AlmostKoreanPodcast #EatingWhatIsGiven #KoreanFood #FoodContent #LifeInKorea #KoreanAmerican #Podcast #Mukbang #FoodCulture #거의한국인 #팟캐스트 #foodie #podcast #koreatravel #koreanculture #daejeon #대전 #pyeongtaek #평택 #주는대로먹는다 #오스틴

    1 hr
  3. May 14

    Ep. 16 - Asian Masculinity (Part 2)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 16: Asian Masculinity (Part 2) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 16, Gibson and Tae continue the conversation on Asian masculinity — diving deeper into how Asian men are perceived today, how representation has evolved, and how confidence and identity change with age and experience. From K-pop idols and K-dramas to social media trends and modern dating culture, this episode explores how the image of Asian men has shifted over time — and how that compares to what they experienced growing up as Asian Americans. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • How perceptions of Asian masculinity have changed over the years • The rise of Asian representation through K-pop, K-dramas, and social media 🎬 • Discussions around trends like 에겐남 vs. 테토남 (estrogen male vs. testosterone male) and evolving masculinity in Korea • The pressure of toxic masculinity and patriarchical standards in an Asian household • Why confidence now comes more from self-acceptance than proving something • Thoughts on fatherhood, maturity, identity, and becoming comfortable in their own skin This episode reflects on how Asian men went from feeling overlooked or stereotyped to seeing broader and more diverse representation in media today — while also learning that masculinity doesn’t need to fit one mold. Whether you relate personally or are just interested in conversations around identity, culture, and representation — this episode brings honest perspectives and real experiences. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week! 👍 Like the video, 💬 share your thoughts or experiences in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein #AlmostKoreanPodcast #AsianMasculinity #KoreanAmerican #RepresentationMatters #KCulture #KDrama #Kpop #Identity #Podcast #거의한국인 #팟캐스트

    41 min
  4. May 7

    Ep. 15 - Asian Masculinity (Part 1)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 15: Asian Masculinity (Part 1) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 15, Gibson and Tae dive into a real and personal conversation about Asian masculinity — what it felt like growing up as Asian Americans and how identity, representation, and expectations shaped their experiences. From feeling overlooked and misrepresented to finding confidence and redefining masculinity on their own terms, this episode opens up an honest discussion that many can relate to. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • What masculinity felt like growing up as Asian American men • Feeling underrepresented and mischaracterized in media • Why figures like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee didn’t fully reflect their experiences • The desire for better, more relatable representation • Growing up influenced by toxic masculinity and unrealistic expectations • How their perspectives have changed — becoming more confident and comfortable in their own skin This episode is about growth — moving from comparison and pressure to self-acceptance and confidence without needing to prove anything.Whether you’ve experienced similar struggles or are just interested in conversations around identity and representation — this is one you don’t want to miss. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share your thoughts or experiences in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein #AlmostKoreanPodcast #AsianMasculinity #RepresentationMatters #AsianAmerican #Identity #Podcast #LifeInKorea ##거의한국인#asianamericanmedia #toxicmasculinity #팟캐스트 #영어회화 #영어공부

    43 min
  5. Apr 30

    Ep. 14 - seoul.southkorea 서사코 (ft. Chris & Jim)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 14: seoul.southkorea 서사코 (ft. Chris & Jim) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 14, Gibson and Tae sit down with Chris & Jim, the team behind seoul.southkorea (서사코), to talk about how they turned individual content creation into a growing community and business in Korea.From meeting at an influencer event to building something together, this episode dives into how opportunity, personality, and timing all came together. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • How Chris & Jim met at an influencer event and decided to work together 🤝 • Jim recognizing the opportunity to help monetize Chris’s travel content 📈 • The story behind how seoul.southkorea (서사코) was started • Chris’s background as a community builder in Bulgaria and now CEO • Jim’s role as the outgoing CMO, focused on networking, events, and growth • How they built and manage an influencer group chat of 1300+ creators • Organizing networking events with restaurants, cities, and travel companies • Real conversations about content creation, business, and life in Korea Chris brings a more grounded, community-focused approach, while Jim thrives on meeting people and creating opportunities — and together, they’ve built something that connects creators across Korea.Whether you’re into content creation, influencer marketing, or just curious how people build communities abroad — this episode gives you a real look behind the scenes. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share your thoughts or experiences with content creation or networking, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein 🌐 Follow Chris & Jim seoul.southkorea: https://www.instagram.com/seoul.southkorea?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Chris: https://www.instagram.com/chrisbg?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Jim: https://www.instagram.com/sixpackpiggy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== #AlmostKoreanPodcast #SeoulSouthKorea #서사코 #ContentCreators #InfluencerMarketing #seoul #seoultravel #koreanculture #podcast #LifeInKorea #ExpatLife #KoreanAmerican #Podcast #서울 #평택 #캠프험프리스 #거의한국인 #팟캐스트 #koreatravel #여행 #영어회화

    58 min
  6. Apr 23

    Ep. 13 - Welcome to My Dong (ft. @iGoBart)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 13: Welcome to My Dong (ft. Bart) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! In Episode 13, Gibson and Tae are joined by Bart van Genugten, the creator behind the YouTube channel  @iGoBart , as we dive into his experience living in Korea and exploring the country in a way most people don’t. From his “Welcome to My Dong” series to his experience touring North Korea, this episode goes beyond surface-level travel and into the real stories behind Korean neighborhoods. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • Bart’s journey moving to Korea and what kept him here 🇰🇷 • The idea behind “Welcome to My Dong” — exploring all 467 neighborhoods of Seoul • How his content goes beyond travel to highlight history, culture, and local people • The difference between typical Korea travel content vs. documentary-style storytelling • About Bart's experience visiting North Korea and how he wrote a book (직항은 없다) about it Unlike typical travel vlogs, Bart’s work focuses on uncovering the stories, history, and everyday lives of people in each neighborhood, offering a deeper and more meaningful look at Korea. Whether you’re living in Korea, planning to visit, or just curious about the country from a more thoughtful perspective — this episode gives you a unique lens through someone who’s dedicated years to truly understanding it. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share your favorite neighborhood or Korea experience in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein 🌐 Check Out Bart's Socials Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iGoBart Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igobart_ Website: https://www.igobart.com Bart's Book: https://product.kyobobook.co.kr/detail/S000208603929 #AlmostKoreanPodcast #WelcomeToMyDong #iGoBart #LifeInKorea #KoreanCulture #KoreanAmerican #Podcast #SeoulNeighborhoods #평택 #캠프험프리스 #거의한국인 #팟캐스트 #영어회화 #거의한국인 #travel #history #서울 #Seoul #seoultravel

    56 min
  7. Apr 16

    Ep. 12 - Korean vs. American Drinking Games (Soolbang 술방)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 12: Korean vs. American Drinking Games (Soolbang 술방) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 12, Gibson and Tae dive into the world of Korean vs. American drinking games — breaking down how they’re played, what makes them fun, and why they’re such a big part of social gatherings. This episode is also a “Soolbang (술방)”, where instead of eating like mukbang, the hosts are drinking together throughout the show, bringing a more laid-back, real, and interactive vibe. And watch Gibson and Tae actually shotgun a beer live on camera 👀 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • Popular Korean drinking games and how they work 🍻 • Classic American drinking games and how they compare • The strategy, chaos, and humor behind these games • Funny drinking stories and fun college memories • Real-time reactions, laughs, and moments as the drinks keep flowing Whether you’ve played these games before or are just curious how they differ across cultures — this episode is all about fun, competition, and letting loose. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 drop your favorite drinking game in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! *DISCLOSURE: WE ARE NOT ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO DRINK ALCOHOL. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY AND DO NOT DRINK IF YOU'RE A MINOR* 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein #AlmostKoreanPodcast #DrinkingGames #Soolbang #술방 #Mukbang #먹방 #술먹방 #Koreandrinking #KoreanAmerican #Podcast #LifeInKorea #거의한국인 #팟캐스트 #soju #terra #beer #shotgun #americandrinking #drinkingculture #소주 #맥주 #술게임

    44 min
  8. Apr 9

    Ep. 11 - South of Seoul (ft. Lanae)

    🎙️ Almost Korean Podcast | Episode 11: South of Seoul (ft. Lanae) Welcome back to Almost Korean Podcast! 🇰🇷🇺🇸 In Episode 11, Gibson and Tae are joined by Lanae, co-founder of South of Seoul, as we explore life outside of Seoul and the communities that make it unique. We dive into her experiences building a platform that helps foreigners and locals better navigate life in Korea. 👇 In this episode you’ll hear: • What life is like south of Seoul and outside the capital 🏙️➡️🏡 • Lanae’s journey as a co-founder of South of Seoul and building community • How South of Seoul supports expats, military families, and travelers • The importance of accessible information and cultural integration • Real stories, insights, and honest conversations about living in Korea Through her work, Lanae has helped grow a global volunteer-driven organization that connects people across cultures and provides trusted resources for navigating daily life, travel, and community in Korea. Whether you’re living in Korea, planning to move, or just curious about life beyond Seoul — this episode gives you a deeper perspective on community, culture, and connection. 📌 Subscribe for new episodes every week!👍 Like the video, 💬 share your experiences living in Korea in the comments, and 🔔 turn on notifications so you don’t miss an episode! 🌐 Follow Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostkoreanpodcast Tae's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appasdiary Gibson's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbellandprotein Check out South of Seoul Website: https://www.southofseoul.net/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthofSeoul Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/south_of_seoul/ #AlmostKoreanPodcast #SouthOfSeoul #LifeInKorea #ExpatLife #KoreanCulture #KoreanAmerican #Podcast #pyeongtaek #캠프험프리스 #평택 #거의한국인 #팟캐스트 #southofseoul

    59 min

About

Almost Korean Podcast is hosted by two Korean American men in their early 40s living in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, near a U.S. Army base. We talk about life in Korea as Korean Americans—where culture, identity, and expectations don’t always line up. From living near a U.S. military base to raising a family in Korea, appearing on Korean TV, creating content, and navigating marriage, fatherhood, social issues, and Korean pop culture, we share honest conversations from the in-between. Real talk. Lived experience. Almost Korean.

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