Laguna Source in Korea 2024
Jeff Schwartzman
Recruiter/Managing Partner @ Laguna Source | 20+ years experience within Life Sciences, BioPharma & Food/Nutritional industries
South Korea is know as the "Land of the Morning Calm" due to its natural beauty and tranquility in the morning. We landed early at 5:30am and made it to our hotel in Songdo under 2 hours. The ICN Incheon International Airport is the #3 ranked in the world with speedy and efficient operations.
My wife Melissa joined me in Korea for the first time along with our 17 year old daughter. Sunday morning we enjoyed exploring Songdo and found our new favorite breakfast place, Teddy's Bagel next to An's Bakery. We enjoyed macadamia encrusted and blueberry filled bagels along with lemon tea and coffee Americano. Afterwards we strolled through the Songdo Central Park, Lotte Mart and Hyundai Premium Outlets shopping mall. We enjoyed dinner at the new Times Space buildings with a variety of fun restaurants, bars and cafes.
A huge thanks to Joe from Joe Vickers Art for designing our Laguna Source coasters! They made for a special gift enjoyed by our friends in Korea. joevickersart.com
Monday night was a fun evening reconnecting with friends and family members from Samsung Biologics. Owner and Canadian Chef Eddy along with his fantastic staff at Songdo City Bar & Restaurant have created a special place in Songdo popular among Songdo Expats. Their burgers, pizza, poutine and craft beer selection are on point with any pub or brewery in Canada and the US!
I enjoyed meeting my counterparts at the Samsung Biologics site. The rapid growth of BioCampus 1 & 2, new Plants 4 & 5, and employee amenities is extraordinary! The Starbucks, CU convenience store, Olive Young, Samsung Store, Samsung Biologics Cafe and expansive gym facilities are outstanding!
We moved to Gangnam mid-week and immediately headed to the Starfield COEX Library along with the Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul. Hyundai Motors has an amazing history and just reached the major milestone of 100 Million vehicles produced globally! The museum features informative exhibits highlighting the first mass-produced Pony vehicle, Ulsan manufacturing plant and innovative EV's including the IONIQ 5. We're fortunate to be part of Hyundai and Genesis Motors commitment to growth by bringing on global talent!
The Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs were right next to our hotel in Gangnam. It was fascinating to visit the burial sites of King Seongjong (1469–1494), Queen Jeonghyeon (his second queen), and King Jungjong (1506–1544), significant rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. That afternoon, we climbed 800' up Namsan to Seoul Tower. It was a crystal clear day and the perfect time to take in breathtaking views of northern Seoul. Just below Namsan we enjoyed street food at the Myeongdong Night Market.
One of my favorite things to do in Korea is wander through Seoul! On a long 11 miles walk (with many coffee shop stops), we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Changgyeonggung Palace and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). I want to go back to the Bukchon Hanok Village and surrounding neighborhoods and spend more time at the art galleries, cafes and coffee shops.
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Monday, our last day, we went to HELLO_K Korean cooking class. Junghee was fantastic! She took us through the local Mangwon local market to learn about local ingredients and snacks. We prepared 4 dishes including pajeon and bibimbap. It was the best way to learn new Korean terms including ???? as well as recipes to make at home. www.hellokcooking.com
Want to learn more about living and working in Korea as an Expat? It's an amazing opportunity to gain valuable international career experience while working with a fantastic friendly group of fellow Global Employees from the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia.?Multiple Expat positions are immediately available and the general requirements include:
Key Expat Benefits include a company paid apartment in Songdo and International School Tuition at the fantastic Chadwick International School?- www.chadwickinternational.org Chadwick alumni are attending top Universities including?Cornell, UC Berkeley, Columbia University, Princeton and NYU!
Additional info about Living and Working in Korea as a Global Employee is at -?goo.gl/6haLU1
You can also view more photos at -?https://instagram.com/lagunasource
For more info about Global Employee/Expat Opportunities available, please contact Jeff Schwartzman.
Please also reach out if you would like to learn more about Global recruiting for your company!
949-330-7232
jefflaguna on KakaoTalk
Sr. Quality Compliance Lead at Janssen Vaccines Corp., Incheon, South Korea
2 个月Hi Jeff, Happy New Year! Sorry again we couldn't meet. Songdo has been growing a lot, right?
CMO/CLO External Manufacturing Operations Lead
2 个月Jeff Schwartzman Hope to contact you again in a couple of years. Who knows?! For sure, Thank you for having suported me moving and working in South Korea. One of the best experience of my life ever so far. Merry Christmas Jeff
HRBP and Talent Acquisition
3 个月Looks like an amazing trip! Glad to see the family got to join you this time!
EVP(???), Samsung Biologics
3 个月I acknowledge your significant contribution to the growth of Samsung Bio and recognize you as an ambassador of South Korea. I wish you and your family continuous happiness and a prosperous New Year. Thanks. Andy