Author’s note: ‘Life in Korea’ posts are written for the newer expats here in Korea. If you have a more experienced perspective to offer, comments are open!

UPDATED 17 Jan 2011 to include additional information about ART + SEOUL, received via e-mail.

Expats in Korea are quite fortunate to have several English-language magazines – freely available and found across the country. While they have different focuses and locales, all are worth picking up – and all are looking for contributors.

In the interest of trying to be informational while informative, I present these in alphabetical order:

Art + Seoul: Still in its infancy, the first issue will come out in February. It will be printed in limited edition in Korean and English. Right now, they claim a “wide range of contributors that includes artists, photographers, and writers.”The website is bare-bones to say the least, and it’s unclear one might go to pick one up. Keep your eyes open for now, and hopefully we’ll see some more from them in the future.

Daegu Pockets: This paper magazine highlights the best of Daegu, and is also viewable online. Put together by long-term resident Craig White, the magazine doesn’t worry with what’s going on around Seoul or elsewhere in Korea – Daegu has more than enough going on to fill the pages. A new Android and iDevice app let you read the magazine and peruse a map for free – search the respective markets for those. Pick this up in a couple dozen places around Daegu.

Eloquence Magazine: aimed at those with more fashion than the rest of us, Eloquence’s photo-heavy theme is great to flip through. The website is well-designed, and almost more informative than the magazine. If you’re looking for current news or political commentary, you’re in the wrong place – check here for entertainment, events, food, and some travel.  Find this at some of the more fashionable bars and clubs around Itaewon in Seoul.

Groove Magazine: featuring a little bit of everything, Groove has partnered with Hi Expat to combine the former’s off-line presence with the latter’s on-line presence. Covering everything from news to travel to the techno music scene, Groove serves the English teachers in Seoul with some great photography and good articles. While visiting business professionals might not be as interested in party pictures from some concert, the young-at-heart will stay amused.

Neh Magazine: ‘Not Everyone’s Hangookin’ is the slogan, and Bucheon is doing well with its own bimonthly magazine. Although not entirely focused on Bucheon, CJ Koster-Allen keeps the magazine light-hearted without being too serious. While the printed magazine is nicely put together, the website still feels like it’s being put together. With each issue fitting a certain theme, this still-new “belligerent pirate” is the new kid on the block with a bright future.

Seoul Magazine: the only government entry on the list is also the cleanest and least controversial. Edited by Robert Koehler and featuring some excellent photography by Ryu Seunghoo, the magazine features a look at places, people, restaurants, and what’s going on around Korea’s capital. With few Korean references and little previous knowledge of Korea assumed, SEOUL feels more like a ‘get-to-know-Seoul’ magazine than a guide for those already there. You’ll only find some articles online, so pick up a paper copy at the Seoul Global Center near City Hall.

10 Magazine: Perhaps the most likely to be found at a five-star hotel or fancy restaurant, 10 Magazine combines expert information with excellent photography and the biggest monthly event calendar. There are times when every other page features an ad, but they blend in well enough. There’s enough variety for readers, whether you’re living in Korea or elsewhere in the world. Pick one up at any of their dozens of sponsors or the aforementioned fancy hotels and restaurants.

Work’N'Play Magazine: one of the newest entries into the crowded field, Work’N'Play brings their expertise to bear with a well-balanced mix of entertainment, people, fashion, and more. January marks it’s third issue, although the bugs have already been worked out by their professional team. As of this post’s publishing date, I haven’t seen many references to the printed magazine on the website – perhaps they’re coming soon. You’ll need to subscribe – or contribute – to this magazine to see a copy.

Disclosure: Chris in South Korea is a regular contributor to the Groove Magazine, has contributed to 10 Magazine in the past, and has a future contribution to Work’N'Play’s magazine. © Chris Backe – 2011

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