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Living in Korea as a Foreigner: Complete 2025 Guide
Why Live in Korea?
South Korea is a dynamic country where tradition meets modern life. Whether you're here for work, study, or just adventure, daily life as a foreigner can be both exciting and overwhelming at first.
But don’t worry—this complete guide will help you survive and thrive in Korea.
1. Housing: Finding Your Home in Korea
▫️ Goshiwon (고시원)
- Small, affordable private rooms, perfect for short stays or budget living.
- Monthly rent: ₩250,000 ~ ₩500,000.
▫️ One-room Apartments (원룸)
- Studio apartments popular among young Koreans and expats.
- Monthly rent: ₩400,000 ~ ₩800,000.
▫️ Long-term Airbnb & Co-living Spaces
- Easier for foreigners, but slightly more expensive.
👉 Recommended Platforms:
Zigbang, Dabang, Airbnb, Facebook housing groups
➡️ [Read More: 3 Best Ways for Foreigners to Find Housing in Korea
2. Transportation: Mastering Korean Public Transit
- T-money card: Rechargeable card used for subways, buses, and taxis.
- Apps: Naver Map (accurate for buses), KakaoMap, KakaoTaxi
- Subways are clean, safe, and English-friendly.
➡️ [Read More: How to Use Korean Subway]
3. Communication: Getting a SIM Card
- Short-term visitors: Prepaid SIM (KT, SKT, LGU+ at airports)
- Long-term expats: Monthly plans from KT, SKT, LG, or budget carriers like 알뜰폰 (Alteul Phone)
➡️ [Full SIM Card Setup Guide: Coming Soon]
4. Shopping & Daily Life Essentials
▫️ Convenience Stores
Try Triangle Kimbap, Banana Milk, and instant ramen at CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven.
▫️ Karrot Market (당근마켓)
Buy and sell secondhand items from locals.
➡️ [Top 10 Korean Convenience Store Snacks]
➡️ [How to Use Karrot Market in Korea]
5. Food & Eating Out
- Local restaurants rarely have English menus → Use Papago or Naver Papago camera scan.
- Street food is safe and delicious (tteokbokki, hotteok, odeng).
➡️ [Must-try Korean Street Food and Where to Find]
6. Healthcare: Hospitals & Insurance
- Visit international clinics for English service.
- Health insurance (NHIS) is mandatory for stays over 6 months.
➡️ [Healthcare in Korea for Foreigners]
7. Korean Culture & Etiquette
- Take off your shoes indoors.
- Bow slightly when greeting.
- Use two hands when giving or receiving items.
➡️ [Korean Etiquette Guide (Coming Soon)]
8. Social Life & Making Friends
- Try language exchange meetups (HelloTalk, Meetup, Facebook groups).
- Join hobby clubs or volunteer activities.
9. Managing Money
- Open a bank account (KakaoBank, Shinhan, Woori).
- Use Toss or KakaoPay for mobile payments.
10. Must-Have Apps
- KakaoTalk (messaging)
- Naver Map (navigation)
- Coupang (shopping)
- Yogiyo (food delivery)
Conclusion: Your New Life in Korea Starts Here
Korean life may feel unfamiliar at first, but with the right tools and open-minded attitude, you'll soon find yourself feeling at home. Explore, make friends, and embrace the experience!