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
Item | Why It Matters | FOHO Tip |
Naver Map & Kakao Map | Google Maps barely works in Korea. Locals use these apps for buses, subways, walking, and even finding hidden alleys. | Download both before you land. Naver has better English UI, Kakao is stronger for driving. |
International Bank Card | Korea is card-friendly. Visa/MasterCard work almost everywhere, but some machines reject foreign cards. | Carry a backup card + ₩50,000–100,000 won cash for small vendors. |
Health Check & Vaccines | No mandatory vaccines, but Hepatitis A/B and typhoid are recommended for longer stays. | Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure. |
Visa & ARC Prep | If you’ll stay over 90 days, you’ll need an Alien Registration Card (ARC). | Book an immigration office slot early; FOHO guides you step by step on this. |
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
Option | Typical Rent | Deposit | Best For | FOHO Note |
University Dormitory | ₩150k–₩400k/month | None | Exchange students | Cheapest + social, but strict rules. |
Goshiwon | ₩250k–₩500k/month | None | Budget stay, interns | Tiny, basic, often free kimchi/rice. |
Share House | ₩600k–₩900k/month | 1 month’s rent | Young professionals | More space + social life. |
One-Room / Officetel | ₩700k–₩1.5M/month | ₩5M–₩10M | Long stays, private living | Complex contracts; FOHO verifies. |
Airbnb / Residence Hotel | ₩1M+/month | Minimal | 1–3 months stay | Easy, but pricier. |
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.
9. Seasonal Highlights
Season | Must-Do |
Spring | Cherry blossoms at Yeouido or Jinhae Festival |
Summer | Boryeong Mud Festival, Han River nights |
Autumn | Hiking in Bukhansan, lantern festivals |
Winter | Ski trips (Vivaldi, Yongpyong), Seoul Plaza ice rink |
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