Building Community and Connection in Korea with South of Seoul Founder Lanae Rivers-Woods

Melissa Edwards-Whittington
Oct 15, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 11

Woman in teal helmet and red glasses excitedly points upwards at skate park. Wearing black shirt with graphic; colorful wrist guards. Blue sky.

Bridging Cultures: How Lanae Rivers-Woods is Connecting Communities Through South of Seoul

Lanae Rivers-Woods has always been at home in the world abroad. Growing up in Talkeetna, Alaska, she was raised in a community where nearly half the population hailed from international backgrounds. Her family, too, was global, shaping a worldview where cultural exchange and diversity became second nature. Unsurprisingly, her extensive travels—starting as early as age seven—left her feeling that being abroad was more of a home than staying in one place. This unique perspective would one day fuel her mission to foster community and understanding in South Korea, a country she has called home since 2011.

With a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) and a Master of Arts in International Teaching (MAIT), Rivers-Woods has dedicated her life to education and service. But it was in Korea, a place far from her Alaskan roots, that she made her most significant impact. In 2015, she founded South of Seoul, an organization that has since become a lifeline for the international community in South Korea.

Two people in ski gear smile for a selfie. One flashes a peace sign. Blue sky in the background. Mood is playful and cheerful. — As English Language teachers, Lanae and her husband Harry fill their downtime with volunteering in their community and exploring Korea in all seasons.

The Birth of South of Seoul

When Rivers-Woods first conceived South of Seoul, many told her it would only be possible to create meaningful change with a large budget or a whole staff. However, this did not deter her. “I knew I could do it with what people spend on beer in a weekend,” she recalls. Armed with a passion for community service and research she had already done for her benefit, Rivers-Woods set out to create a resource to help others navigate life in South Korea.

South of Seoul started as a blog and grew organically into a volunteer-driven organization. Its mission? To ease the cultural and logistical challenges many foreigners face while living in Korea. With volunteers from diverse backgrounds and cultures, South of Seoul creates content that resonates with a broad audience, allowing individuals to discover the Korea that speaks to them.

Tour guide in a yellow vest explains a map to a group of people outdoors. Background shows buildings and greenery. Sunny day. — Lanae Rivers-Woods, Lisa Peck, and Harry Woods lead a city tour to help local community members understand their area, including shopping, transportation, and recreational areas.

Empowering Through Knowledge

One of Rivers-Woods’ core beliefs is that knowledge is power. Through South of Seoul’s extensive blog, app, and multiple Facebook groups, the organization offers information to help foreigners feel more empowered daily. Whether finding the best local markets, navigating healthcare, or understanding cultural nuances, the platform is designed to make life in Korea less intimidating and more accessible. Providing information and understanding, South of Seoul empowers individuals to feel confident in their decisions.

Group of people posing with market items under a "2024 Songtan Market" sign indoors. They appear happy. Background has wood paneling. — Both Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) and Songtan Market have amazing programs for foreigners in the community thanks to the efforts of Lanae, Lisa, Harry, and so many more volunteers. Programs like these maintain international peace and ease transitions as people move to Korea, and through these collaborations, the United Nation’s mission of peace and cultural respect is maintained one day at a time.

Building a Bridge Between Cultures

South of Seoul is about more than just information—its about building community. Rivers-Woods has made it her mission to strengthen the bonds between internationals and locals, working tirelessly to create spaces where both groups can interact and learn from each other. South of Seoul partners with various local organizations, including the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Songtan Market, Pyeongtaek City, Namseoul University, United on the RoK, and countless other bloggers. These partnerships allow South of Seoul to expand its reach and offer even more valuable content to those navigating life in Korea. South of Seoul founder Lanae Rivers-Woods continues to shape meaningful experiences for Korea’s international community through education and outreach.

In addition to formal partnerships, South of Seoul is deeply committed to supporting local content creators and individuals sharing useful information with the broader community. This collaborative effort has helped foster a sense of belonging among both Koreans and foreigners.

Group of people posing with a "2024 Pyeongtaek Integration Tours" banner in a bustling city street, surrounded by tall buildings and trees. — South of Seoul is changing lives. How can it change yours for the better? Check out South of Seoul on Facebook, Instagram, and their extensive blog for all foreigners in Korea including those affiliated with the military.

A Legacy of Connection

Lanae Rivers-Woods’ journey from the small town of Talkeetna, Alaska, to South Korea is a testament to the power of vision and determination. What began as a personal passion for serving the community has grown into a dynamic organization that is not just transforming the way foreigners experience Korea, but also making a significant impact on the community. Through South of Seoul, Rivers-Woods has created a space where people from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and build lasting connections, inspiring hope and a sense of empowerment.

In a world that often feels divided, South of Seoul reminds us that community knows no borders. With Rivers-Woods at the helm, this organization continues to prove that, with the right amount of heart and dedication, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.

Woman in a helmet smiles on a rural path at sunset. Lush green fields and mountains in the background, under a vibrant, colorful sky. — Lanae Rivers-Woods loves spending time cycling. She loves it so much, she has cycled from Pyeongtaek to Sokcho!

Words of Wisdom from South of Seoul Founder Lanae Rivers-Woods

“When you move abroad, pride is not your friend. You need to have a sense of humor instead of being angry. Even though you may think that you are right, you are probably wrong. And most importantly, tomorrow is another day.”

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Connect with South of Seoul: Resources, Communities, and More

South of Seoul is changing lives. How can it change yours for the better? Check out South of Seoul on Facebook, Instagram, and their extensive blog for all foreigners in Korea including those affiliated with the military.

Download the South of Seoul App, available on Android and iPhone operating systems.

South of Seoul Websites and Blog

South of Seoul Facebook Pages and Groups