Moving to Korea in 2025: A Practical, Renter-First Playbook (No fluff)

Plan like a local, arrive like you’ve lived here for years.

This guide distills what actually matters for newcomers—housing, money, healthcare, transport, etiquette, and everyday hacks—so you don’t waste your first month fixing avoidable mistakes.

TL;DR — What most people wish they knew earlier

• Housing: Jeonse = huge deposit, low/no monthly rent. Wolse = smaller deposit + monthly rent. Register your lease and check the building’s debt before you hand over money.

• Docs first: ARC (alien card) → bank account → phone number. Many services won’t work without all three.

• Payments & apps: Cards are accepted almost everywhere. KakaoTalk, Kakao/Naver Map, and delivery apps run your life.

• Transit: Get a T-money card. Subways/buses are punctual, safe, and cheap.

• Healthcare: National insurance is mandatory after ~6 months. It’s affordable and high quality.

• Etiquette: Shoes off indoors. Keep your voice down on public transport. Be extra polite to elders.

• Bring: Your deodorant brand, multi-plug adapter, voltage-friendly electronics, basic meds, and a few “comfort” foods.

1) Renting 101 — How housing really works

Jeonse vs. Wolse at a glance

Rule of thumb

Bigger deposit → lower monthly rent (on wolse). Negotiate both together.

Before you transfer a single won

• Verify ownership & liens. Ask your agent to pull the latest building registry (등기부등본).

• Register the lease at the local office promptly after signing.

• Time your move-in so utilities, internet, and the building fee are set from Day 1.

• Expect small spaces. Many studios are compact. Check storage, sunlight, and noise at different hours.

• Work with pros. A licensed agent (부동산) earns a capped fee and handles paperwork. If language is a worry, use an agent who regularly works with foreigners.

2) Your first 10 days — An onboarding checklist that actually works

3) Money, phones, and the admin stack

• ARC (Alien Registration Card): Apply within 90 days. Keep the receipt; some banks accept it to open accounts.

• Banking: International cards work, but a Korean bank account simplifies everything (rent, bills, online shopping).

• Mobile: Prepaid is fine for the first days; switch to a plan after ARC. Keep your number—many services tie logins to SMS.

• Bills: Expect a building management fee (cleaning, elevator, security; sometimes heating/water). Clarify what’s included.

Callout

Many government and utility sites offer English support; still, bring a Korean-speaking friend or your agent on key days. It saves hours.

4) Getting around (and loving it)

• T-money covers buses, subways, and even convenience stores in some cases.

• Apps: Use KakaoMap or Naver Map for accurate directions (Google is limited for navigation).

• KTX high-speed rail connects major cities efficiently.

• Taxi tips: Card accepted; tipping isn’t expected. Late nights are safe, but verify your destination on the screen.

Micro-etiquette

Priority seats are sacred. Keep calls silent on trains/buses. Queue lines are real—follow them.

5) Healthcare without headaches

• National Health Insurance becomes mandatory after ~6 months on qualifying visas. It’s affordable and widely trusted.

• Pharmacies (약국): Common and efficient. Ask the pharmacist for over-the-counter options by symptom.

• Emergency: 119. For non-urgent care, walk-in clinics handle most issues quickly.

6) Everyday living hacks locals use

• Shoes off indoors. Always. Bring decent socks and consider indoor slippers.

• Laundry: Dryers are rare. A foldable rack + dehumidifier = faster drying in summer.

• Trash & recycling: Separate meticulously (paper, plastic, cans, glass, food waste). Your building posts instructions.

• Toilets: If there’s a bin beside the toilet and a sign asking not to flush paper, use the bin.

• Parcel life: Delivery is fast; lockers and convenience stores handle pick-ups/returns smoothly.

• Internet & power: Fast internet is standard. Korea uses 220V Type F—bring a universal adapter.

• Air quality: Check a daily AQI app. On bad days, a KF94 mask helps.

• Convenience stores: They’re mini-lifelines—SIM top-ups, late snacks, ATM, even bill pay in some cases.

7) Eating well (including if you’re vegetarian/vegan)

• Korean basics that adapt well:
• Bibimbap (ask for no meat/egg),
• Dolsot bibimbap (stone-pot; same request),
• Tofu stews (check broth),
• Banchan (side dishes; confirm seafood base),
• Temple food restaurants (naturally vegetarian).

• Phrases that help:
• “I don’t eat meat.” → 고기 빼 주세요 (go-gi bbae juseyo)
• “No fish/seafood, please.” → 해산물 빼 주세요 (hae-san-mul bbae juseyo)

Pro tip

Many places are happy to adapt dishes if you ask kindly. City centers now have dedicated veg-friendly spots.

8) Work & social norms that save you from awkward moments

• Age hierarchy matters. Use polite language with seniors. Pour drinks for elders; turn your head slightly when sipping alcohol.

• Public volume: Keep conversations low on transit and in quiet spaces.

• After-work culture: Team dinners (회식) and karaoke rooms (노래방) are common. You’re free to bow out politely—do it early and kindly.

• Gifts: Small housewarming or thank-you gifts (fruit, snacks, or coffee cards) are appreciated.

9) Safety, scams, and staying wise

• Street safety: Very high. Late-night public transit is normal. Mind traffic more than crime.

• Housing scams:
• Be wary of cash-only deals and outlier prices.
• Always match the landlord’s ID to the property record.
• Register your lease—it protects your deposit priority.
• If something feels rushed or “too good,” walk away.

10) Sample monthly budget (solo, modest lifestyle)

This is a planning tool, not a quote. Real numbers vary by district, size, and lifestyle.

11) What to pack (you’ll thank yourself later)

• Deodorant & personal care you love (harder to find/expensive).

• Universal adapters and a small power strip.

• Documents: certified copies, passport photos, international driving permit (if needed).

• Comfort foods/spices for homesick days.

• Quality walking shoes (you’ll walk a lot).

• Layering clothing for four true seasons; compact umbrella for summer rains.

Mini-FAQ

Make Your First Lease in Korea Low-Risk with FOHO

• Verified listings only, with fraud checks before you waste time.

• Escrow-style deposit & rent support—money moves only when agreed conditions are met.

• Clear landlord coordination (KR/EN) so details don’t get lost.

• Move-in checklist & reminders (lease registration, utilities, internet) so you don’t miss steps.

• Receipts and history for every payment—simple and organized.