Living in Korea
Everything expats and long-term visitors need to know — from visa requirements and housing to banking, healthcare, and daily life tips.
If you're planning to hit more than three spots a day in Seoul, the Climate Card is your absolute best friend, but don't ditch that T-money card just yet—you'll still need it for the airport run and those spontaneous trips to Busan or the DMZ!
The short answer is yes, you can absolutely call a taxi without a local number by using apps like K.Ride or Uber (UT). In this guide, I'll show you the exact workarounds for the 'no local phone number' headache and how to pay like a local in 2026.
The short answer? Korea's recycling system is incredibly strict—you need to separate everything from food waste to clear PET bottles, and if you mess it up, you could face fines up to ₩1,000,000. Here's your complete guide to mastering Bun-ri-su-geo (separation and disposal) like a local.
The short answer? Korean kiosks reject foreign cards because of 3D Secure authentication failures, IC chip mismatches, and midnight maintenance windows. In 2026, the solution is a three-tier strategy: get a WOWPASS for domestic transactions, use Wise/Revolut for ATMs, and know the functional Korean phrases to request manual processing when tech fails you.
Navigating Baemin without an ARC in 2026 is simpler than you think. Discover reliable pay-at-door methods and effective alternatives for food delivery in Korea.
Don't let a rejected foreign credit card ruin your Korean adventure. This guide offers expert tips and practical solutions for navigating Korea's kiosk culture and ensuring smooth transactions.
Discover the best Korea SIM cards for long-term stays. Compare MVNOs, postpaid plans, and verification steps to save money and stay connected.
The ultimate guide to finding meaningful volunteer work in Seoul for 2026. Discover animal shelters, soup kitchens, and language exchange programs.
Master the art of the Korean visa run in 2026. Comprehensive guide on routes, costs, immigration risks, and re-entry tips for long-term travelers.
Compare Hikorea online applications versus immigration office visits for Korean visa renewals. Find costs, documents, and expert tips for 2026.
Comprehensive guide to setting up utilities in Korea. Master the process for internet, gas, electricity, and water with costs and step-by-step advice.
Master Korea's e-commerce giant with our 2026 guide to Coupang Rocket Delivery, Wow membership benefits, and English navigation for expats.
Master the fast-paced Pali-Pali culture in South Korea's workplaces. Essential guide for expats & international professionals in 2026.
The complete 2026 guide to emergency medical care in Seoul. Find the best international hospitals, ER costs, and English-speaking services for travelers.
The ultimate 2026 guide to remote work in Jeju Island. Discover 500Mbps cafe speeds, top coworking spaces, and living costs for digital nomads.
Explore teaching English in Korea for 2026. This guide compares EPIK and Hagwon jobs, helping you choose the best path for your expat journey.
Unlock your dream of teaching English in Korea with our comprehensive E-2 Visa guide. Learn requirements, steps, and insider tips for a smooth process.
Maximize your 13th month salary with our comprehensive guide to tax returns for foreigners in Korea including the 19 percent flat rate and deductions.
The ultimate guide to building a social circle in Korea. Discover where to meet locals, cultural etiquette, and the best apps for making Korean friends.
Compare Goshiwons and Officetels for short-term stays in Korea. We analyze costs, comfort, and contracts to help you choose the best housing option.
Navigating Seoul's international school landscape for your child's education can be complex. This 2026 guide simplifies choices for expat families.
Discover the cheapest and fastest ways to transfer money from South Korea to your home country in 2026. Compare Sentbe, WireBarley, and banks.
A detailed comparison of sending money from Korea via traditional banks versus Wise. We analyze fees, exchange rates, and speed to save you money.
A comprehensive guide to pensions, visas, healthcare, and housing for expats planning to retire in South Korea. Secure your future in the Land of Morning Calm.
Master the strict South Korean recycling system. Learn about sorting categories, specific colored bags, disposal schedules, and how to avoid heavy fines.
Master the complex South Korean recycling system with our comprehensive 2026 guide covers bags, fines, food waste, and schedules.
Unlock free access to books, media, and digital resources at Korean public libraries. A comprehensive 2026 guide for expats and travelers on registration and usage.
Everything expats need to know about having a baby in Korea in 2026, from 1M KRW government vouchers to booking luxury postpartum care centers.
Complete guide to pet ownership in Korea covering English-speaking vets, luxury pet hotels, costs, and regulations for expats living in Seoul.
Master the F-5 visa application in 2026. Detailed guide on income, KIIP, and documents for securing permanent residency in South Korea.
Master the banking system in South Korea with our step-by-step guide on documents, account types, and overcoming transaction limits for expats.
A comprehensive guide to navigating the Korean banking system, securing your ARC, and lifting transaction limits for a smooth life in Korea.
Master the art of negotiating housing in Korea. Learn how to adjust deposits, lower monthly payments, and navigate real estate contracts like a local.
A comprehensive guide to mastering the NHIS website and app in 2026. Learn login hacks, payment methods, and coverage checks to avoid penalties.
Navigate the essential paperwork, quarantine rules, and flight arrangements for moving your beloved pet to Korea in 2026.
The comprehensive step-by-step guide for moving to South Korea in 2026. Covers visas, housing, banking, and detailed costs for a seamless transition.
Navigating moving companies in Korea can be complex. This guide covers international and local movers, costs, services, and essential tips for expats.
A complete guide to finding English-speaking therapy in Seoul. Covers costs, insurance, top clinics, and mental health resources for expats in 2026.
A comprehensive guide to long-term stay options for retirees in South Korea, including investment visas, costs, and healthcare access.
Compare costs, amenities, and lifestyle differences between Goshiwons and Officetels in Korea for 2026. Find your perfect Seoul accommodation.
Master Korean cooking with our 2026 guide to essential pantry items. Discover the must-have sauces, spices, and ingredients for authentic flavors.
Compare KIIP and language apps for Korean visa points. Discover the best strategy for F2 and F5 visas in 2026 with cost and time analysis.
Discover the best apps and offline meetups for language exchange in Korea. Learn about costs, locations, safety tips, and how to make local friends.
Discover essential insights into Korean work culture in 2026. From hierarchy and etiquette to salaries and visa types, master the professional landscape.
Master the nuances of Korean work culture with our comprehensive guide on office etiquette, hierarchy, and business customs for international professionals.
Complete guide to Korean SIM cards, eSIMs, and phone plans in 2026. Compare prices, speeds, and registration steps for travelers and expats.
Guide for foreigners on navigating Korea's tax return process for 2026. Learn how to claim deductions, file accurately, and maximize your refund.
Complete guide to investing in KOSPI and KOSDAQ as an expat. Learn about brokerages, taxes, and English apps for foreigners in Korea.
Complete guide to claiming your South Korean National Pension lump-sum refund in 2026. Includes eligibility lists, airport process, and calculation steps.
Master the art of sending packages from Korea. A complete guide to EMS, box sizes, customs apps, and shipping costs for expats and travelers.
Compare SKT, KT, and LG U Plus phone plans for travelers and expats in 2026 to find the best data speeds, coverage, and value.
Navigate Korea's pension system with this essential guide. Understand deductions, eligibility, and how it impacts your finances as an expat or traveler.
Master the 2026 TOPIK changes and visa language requirements. A complete guide to Korean proficiency levels needed for working in Korea.
Essential guide to South Korean labor laws for expats in 2026 covering wages severance dismissal and contracts
A complete guide to Korea's unique lump-sum housing deposit system. Learn costs, loans, and safety tips for foreigners navigating Jeonse in 2026.
Master the Korean holiday system. Learn which days shops close, how to book transport during Chuseok, and survival tips for Red Days in Seoul.
A complete guide to South Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) for expats. Covers premiums, enrollment, hospital visits, and 2026 cost updates.
The complete 2026 guide to Korea's National Health Insurance. Learn about mandatory enrollment, costs, coverage benefits, and how to register dependents.
Master the art of grocery shopping in Korea with our 2026 guide to E-Mart, Market Kurly, and local markets. Save money and eat well.
Master Korean business culture in 2026. A comprehensive guide to bowing, business cards, and meeting protocols for international professionals.
A complete step-by-step guide to exchanging your foreign driving license in South Korea, including document requirements, costs, and exam details.
A complete guide to becoming a Korean citizen including requirements, the KIIP program, costs, and the interview process.
A comprehensive guide to the top Korean banking apps for expats in 2026, ranking UX, English support, and digital remittance features.
Master Korean apartment etiquette in 2026. From strict recycling rules to noise control, learn how to be the perfect neighbor in Korea.
Unlock your dream of living and working remotely in South Korea with the F-1-D Digital Nomad Visa 2026. This guide covers eligibility, application, and life in Korea.
Master the unique Korean housing market. A complete guide to Jeonse lump-sum deposits vs Wolse monthly rent, costs, and safety tips for 2026.
A comprehensive comparison of Korea's mandatory NHIS versus private expat insurance, including costs, coverage gaps, and enrollment steps.
Master Karrot (Danggeun Market) in 2026. Complete guide for expats on buying, selling, and navigating Korea's top second-hand app with safety tips.
A complete guide to updating your Korean address for ARC holders. Learn the 14-day rule, HiKorea online methods, and offline procedures to avoid fines.
A complete guide to buying property in South Korea in 2026. Learn legal requirements, Jeonse gap investing, tax rates, and visa opportunities.
Master the banking system and secure your Korean credit card with our 2026 guide for expats. Learn requirements, best banks, and application hacks.
A complete guide to securing remote work and navigating the digital nomad lifestyle in South Korea under the 2026 visa regulations.
Discover the complete guide to homeschooling and alternative schools for expats in Korea 2026 including costs, legalities, and community resources.
A complete guide to Korean home insurance for expats. Learn about liability, fire coverage costs, and Jeonse protection strategies.
Everything you need to know about the South Korea Working Holiday Visa. Eligibility, application steps, costs, and finding a job in Seoul.
A complete guide to navigating gym memberships in South Korea, covering pricing structures, hidden fees, contract terms, and fitness culture.
Secure a Korean post-paid SIM without the 2-year commitment. A complete guide to MVNOs, identity verification, and flexible mobile plans for expats.
A complete guide to exchanging your foreign license or passing the Korean driving test in 2026, including costs, documents, and mobile IC card details.
Compare IKEA with top Korean furniture brands like Hanssem and Livart. Get expert tips on pricing, delivery, and styling for your home in Korea.
Discover the best English-speaking clinics in Seoul. From major university hospitals to local care, get costs, locations, and expert tips for 2026.
Discover the best expat clubs and networking events in Seoul for 2026. From professional mixers to hiking groups, find your tribe in South Korea.
A complete guide to navigating the Korean housing market using real estate apps, translation hacks, and expat-friendly services for 2026.
A detailed guide to renting in South Korea, covering Jeonse vs Wolse, deposits, finding English-speaking agents, and navigating contracts safely.
A complete guide to South Korea F-6 and F-3 family visas. Learn income thresholds, document lists, and application steps for expats.
Complete guide to South Korea F-6 marriage visa requirements including income limits, language tests, and interview tips for 2026 applicants.
Complete guide to the 2026 F-2 resident visa in South Korea. Learn points requirements, income thresholds, and application steps for long-term residency.
Discover the top expat communities, Facebook groups, and forums in Korea to navigate life, housing, and jobs. Essential digital guides for 2026.
Master the E-7 visa process for Korea. Learn eligibility, GNI salary rules, and application steps for 2026 to secure your career in Seoul.
Complete guide to working in Korea on D-2 and D-4 visas. Learn hourly limits, permit applications, and strict regulations for 2026 student employment.
Unlock Korea's remote work potential with our guide to the Digital Nomad Visa. Discover eligibility, detailed requirements, and the step-by-step application process.
The ultimate guide to surviving Korea's yellow dust season in 2026. Top apps, KF94 mask recommendations, and health tips for expats.
Discover comprehensive mental health resources in Korea. From English speaking therapists to crisis hotlines, find support for dealing with loneliness.
Navigate housing disputes in Korea with confidence. Learn how to handle repairs, deposit returns, and communication with your Korean landlord effectively.
A complete guide to surviving Korean bureaucracy, covering residence cards, digital certificates, banking, and tax settlements for expats.
Discover the essential guide to dating and marriage in Korea as a foreigner in 2026. Learn about apps, cultural etiquette, F6 visas, and wedding costs.
The definitive guide to the D-10 Job Seeker Visa in South Korea for 2026. Learn the points system, financial requirements, and renewal process.
A complete guide to securing the D 10 Job Seeker Visa in Korea. Learn the point system requirements, documents needed, and application steps for 2026.
Navigating cryptocurrency in Korea can be complex. This guide covers exchanges, regulations, tax implications, and practical tips for expats and travelers.
A complete guide to obtaining credit cards in Korea as a foreigner. We analyze the top banks, eligibility requirements, and application tips for 2026.
Discover the real cost differences between Seoul and Busan for 2026. Detailed rent, food, and transport breakdowns for expats and travelers.
A complete guide to changing your visa status within South Korea, covering requirements, HiKorea reservations, and D-10 to E-7 transitions.
Complete guide to buying property in Korea for foreigners. Covers ownership rules, taxes, visa benefits, and the 2026 market landscape.
The ultimate 2026 comparison of K Car and Encar for expats. Navigate the Korean used car market, understand fees, and drive away safely.
Comprehensive guide for expats buying a car in Korea. We cover financing options, registration taxes, insurance costs, and required documentation.
Discover the top recharge destinations outside Seoul. From calm temples to coastal luxury, here are the best 2026 weekend trips for expats.
Discover the top districts for living in Seoul in 2026. Detailed rental costs, commute times, and lifestyle analysis for expats moving to Korea.
Unlock your life in Korea with this complete guide to the Alien Registration Card application process, ensuring a smooth transition and legal stay.
Explore More Topics
Discover everything about Korea