Guide to living in Korea
K-lifeon put together the things people most often get stuck on when they arrive in or live in Korea — what to do, where, and in what order — in plain language.
Alien registration — the first thing to do when staying in Korea over 90 days
If you entered on a long-term visa, you must register within 90 days of arrival. Here is what to bring, how to book, and what changes after registering.
When you are sick — emergency numbers, hospitals, pharmacies and health insurance
Numbers to call in an emergency, the difference between local clinics and big hospitals, what to do when you need medicine at night, and the basics of health insurance for foreigners.
Public transport — riding buses and the subway with one transit card
Where to buy and top up a transit card, how to get the transfer discount, and good ways to find your route.
Sorting rubbish — volume-based bags and recycling
In Korea, rubbish must be sorted by type. Here are the basic rules for general waste, food waste and recycling.
Getting a phone and a bank account — when you first arrive in Korea
What you can do differs before and after alien registration. Preparing in the right order saves a lot of trouble.
Workers' basic rights — contracts, wages and where to get help
Korea's labor laws apply to foreign workers too. Here is what to know before you start work and when something goes wrong.
Finding a home and signing a lease — steps that protect your deposit
The difference between monthly rent and jeonse, the documents to check before signing, and the reports to file right after moving in, in order. Your deposit is a lot of money, so it is best not to skip any step.
Extending your stay — what to do before your permitted period ends
Check your expiry date on your residence card or on HiKorea, and apply for an extension before that date. Here is how to apply, what to prepare, and what to watch out for.
Korea emergency numbers — save them on your phone
In an emergency, numbers are hard to remember. The numbers below work anywhere in Korea without an area code, and most offer foreign-language interpretation. Save them in your phone contacts now.
Sending and receiving parcels — from convenience-store delivery to overseas shipping
Parcel delivery in Korea is very fast and cheap. Online orders usually arrive within 1–2 days, and you can even send parcels from your local convenience store.
Sending money home — safe ways to make overseas transfers
Sending living costs to family matters a great deal to many foreign workers. Fees and exchange rates vary widely by method, and using an illegal operator can mean losing your money.
Korea’s four seasons and fine dust — getting ready for each season
Korea has four distinct seasons: summers are hot and humid, and winters drop below freezing. If you come from a hot country, preparing for your first winter is especially important.
Eating out in Korea — from ordering to paying
Korean restaurants can feel unfamiliar at first, but knowing a few customs makes things much easier. Side dishes, water, and how you pay are especially different from other countries.
Making the most of household-goods and cosmetics shops in Korea
Low-price household-goods stores and cosmetics and health shops are often the first places newcomers to Korea look for. You can buy everyday goods and cosmetics cheaply and easily, which is especially handy right after moving or while travelling.
Driving in Korea — international driving permits and licence exchange
How you can drive in Korea depends on how long you stay. For a short stay, use an international driving permit; if you live here long term, consider exchanging for a Korean driving licence.
Korean public holidays and festivals — what to prepare for Seollal and Chuseok
Korea’s biggest festivals, Seollal (Lunar New Year, the 1st day of the 1st lunar month) and Chuseok (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), are usually three-day holidays including the day before and after. Daily life changes a lot during these periods, so it is good to prepare in advance.
Learning Korean without spending money
Even a little Korean makes hospitals, banks, and working life much easier. Fortunately, Korea has plenty of free or low-cost Korean classes for foreigners.
Using pharmacies in Korea and medicines to keep at home
In Korea you can buy over-the-counter medicines such as cold remedies and digestive aids at a pharmacy without a prescription, while prescription drugs such as antibiotics need a doctor’s prescription. A green cross or a sign reading "약" (yak, medicine) means a pharmacy.
Your first week in Korea — essential phone settings
In Korea you can handle almost everything with your phone. Setting up the items below in your first week makes finding your way, shopping, and paperwork much easier.
This guide is general information. Rules, fees and required documents can change and may differ by situation, so always confirm important matters with the responsible agency.