Living in South Korea Guide (2025): Housing, Transport, Food, and Everyday Life for Foreigners

Living in South Korea: The Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors and Long-Term Stays

South Korea is not just a place to visit – it’s a place to live, explore, and adapt to. Whether you’re coming for study, work, or a long stay, knowing how locals actually live makes all the difference.

1. Before You Arrive: Essentials to Prepare

2. First Steps After Landing

• T-Money Card: Buy at the airport or any convenience store. Works on all buses, subways, even some taxis nationwide. Tap in & out, don’t forget at exit.

• SIM or eSIM: Avoid overpriced airport counters. Order online or through foreigner-friendly carriers (e.g., Chingu Mobile). Unlimited data starts around ₩25,000/month.

• KakaoTalk: Everyone uses it. From landlords to new friends, having a Korean number linked to Kakao is essential.

• Papago: Korea’s own translation app, far better than Google Translate for menus, signs, and casual conversations.

Insight: Many landlords only reply via KakaoTalk. Our service helps bridge the gap when you’re still setting up your local number.

3. Navigating Daily Life

Transportation

• Subway: Clean, safe, bilingual signs. Priority seats are always left empty unless you qualify.

• Bus: Wave to the driver, or they won’t stop. Tap in and out to avoid overcharges.

• Taxi: Affordable compared to many countries. Use Kakao T app – no need to explain directions.

• Night Options: After midnight, subways stop. Choose night buses (marked with “N”) or taxis.

• Walking & Cycling: Cities are pedestrian-friendly. Seoul’s Han River bike paths are a highlight.

4. Housing: Short-Term vs. Long-Term

5. Neighborhoods Worth Knowing

• Hongdae (홍대): Youth culture, nightlife, indie music. Best for students and party-lovers.

• Yeonnam (연남): Quiet alleys, artisan cafés, “Yeontral Park.” Best for slow weekends.

• Jongno (종로): Historic Seoul – palaces, hanok, art alleys.

• Myeong-dong: Tourist-heavy shopping & street food. Fun once, overpriced twice.

• Itaewon: International hub with diverse food and nightlife.

• Gangnam: Modern, upscale, corporate vibe. Think tech hubs, luxury shops, plastic surgery clinics.

• Seongsu: Industrial-turned-hipster, Seoul’s “Brooklyn.” Pop-ups, design cafés.

6. Food Culture: How to Eat Like a Local

• Ordering: Call out “저기요!” (jeogiyo) or ring the bell. Don’t wait passively – it’s expected.

• Banchan (Side dishes): Always free, always refillable.

• Payment: Go to the counter. Splitting bills (따로따로) may be refused in small shops.

• Must-Eats:
• Bibimbap (비빔밥) – colorful rice bowl
• Samgyeopsal BBQ (삼겹살) – grill-it-yourself pork belly
• Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – spicy rice cakes from street stalls
• Chimaek (치맥) – fried chicken & beer, Korea’s ultimate pairing

7. Nightlife & Activities

• Clubbing:
• Hongdae – student-friendly, EDM/hip-hop clubs
• Itaewon – international, diverse crowds
• Gangnam – upscale, dress codes apply

• Late-Night Culture: Expect “rounds” (1차, 2차, 3차) – dinner, then bar, then karaoke.

• Unique Activities:
• Noraebang (karaoke rooms)
• PC Bang (gaming cafés with food service)
• Photo booths (인생네컷 strips to keep)
• Jjimjilbang (24h sauna + sleeping area)
• Han River nights (chicken + beer picnic)

8. Practical Living Tips

• Shoes Off Indoors: Always.

• Trash Sorting: Food vs. recycling vs. general waste in official bags.

• ARC Reporting: Address changes must be updated within 14 days.

• Healthcare: Clinics are affordable; pharmacies provide OTC help.

• Safety: Low crime, but watch scooters on sidewalks.

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