People from every corner of the globe are drawn to Asunción, where Paraguay’s laid-back capital has quietly become a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and ambition. Each Tuesday evening from 18:00 to 21:00, digital nomads, expats, and friendly locals come together at the ever-popular English Networking event organised by The Asunción Times. Held in a different charming bar or restaurant across the city each week, these gatherings offer the perfect blend of Paraguayan warmth and international energy. In this “People of Asunción” series, we introduce you to the inspiring people who make this scene so uniquely alive. In #4: Alexia Choi from South Korea.
Meet Alexia Choi
Alexia Choi is a 27-year-old psychiatrist by day, and club promoter by night. She has roots in both South Korea and Brazil.
Where are you from, and how long have you been in Paraguay?
“I am from South Korea, originally from Seoul. I was born there, but I grew up in Brazil. My mother is Brazilian, so I have always had both cultures in my life. I have been in Paraguay for five years, and I am a resident. I am Paraguayan now.”
What are you doing in Paraguay?
“At the moment, I am balancing work and vacation. I am working, but also taking time to relax and enjoy life with my friends here. I work as an online psychiatrist, providing my services remotely. In addition to that, I am also a techno club promoter, which is something I really enjoy doing.”
What is your favourite place in Asunción, and why?
“In Asunción, I really like the Shopping del Sol area, Villa Morra, and the neighborhoods around. Those are places I enjoy because they are great for walking around, and making purchases.”
What is your favourite place outside Asunción, and why?
“Outside the capital, I love the city of Villarrica. The nature there is beautiful and I especially love the capybaras. I discovered this city when a friend told me, ‘Let’s go to a city called Villarrica, it is three hours from here.’ We went in her car, and she also showed me Oktoberfest (A large German festival, originating in Munich, that celebrates Bavarian culture with beer, traditional food, and music) in Colonia Independencia. That trip made me really like the place.”
What do you love most about Paraguay?
“What I love the most is the people. People in Paraguay are extremely kind, gentle, and warm. My welcome to the country was amazing. I have never had a single complaint. It is easy to make friends here, and what is even better is that they are long-lasting friendships. The friends I made when I first arrived five years ago are still friends today.”
What do you miss from home?
“From Brazil, I miss the beach, especially during the very hot months here like January and February. From Korea, I miss traditional homemade food, the kind your parents cook. Even if there are good Korean restaurants here, it is never the same as home-cooked food.”
If you would move away tomorrow, what would you absolutely take with you from Paraguay?
“If I had to leave, I would definitely take my tereré set. That is the one things I know I would take with me for sure.”
How did you learn to prepare tereré?
“I learned thanks to some friends. They told me, ‘This drink will refresh you, it is like mint tea’, and they took me to a small market stall to buy the herbs. They prepared it, gave it to me, and I thought it was mate at first, but they said, ‘No, it is tereré.’ I tried it, liked it immediately, and since then I have been drinking tereré for four years. I prepare it really strong, with a lot of herbs. I usually add mint, cedrón, kapi’i katí, and mint-and-lemon yerba. I love it like that.”
Meet Alexia
You can find Alexia on Instagram, or better yet, bump into her in person at one of The Asunción Times English Networking events – every Tuesday from 18:00 to 21:00, popping up in a different lively bar or restaurant across Asunción! Check our What’s On Guide to discover exactly where the next one is taking place.
Read previous episodes of People of Asunción:
People of Asunción #1, Simon Kerzel From Germany: ‘Paraguay Feels Like Genuine Freedom’.
People Of Asunción #2, Patricia Fretes From The US: “I Love The Unity Within People Here”.
People Of Asunción #3, James Meads From The UK: ‘I Love The Great Craft Beer Scene Here’
