Are you considering moving to South Korea? Before taking the plunge, read our handy guide, which details various tips and tricks, from living expenses to western standards to culture and family life – guaranteed to ensure a smooth transition.
Whether you’re moving for a job or wish to find a job on arrival, you should know a few things before moving to this part of the world.
1. You’ll have to learn the language
Although challenging, learning a new language is exciting and rewarding. Few people in this part of the world speak English, so knowing the native tongue is a must if you wish to embrace living in this part of the world to the fullest!
This is especially the case if you plan to move to a smaller town or somewhere in the countryside.
Even a basic understanding of the local language will help you buy and order groceries or ask for directions. Knowing Korean will also help you build bonds with people from this part of the world.
The best way to begin your language learning escapade is to learn Hangul, the native writing system. This easy-to-learn, simple alphabet will make learning this complicated language much easier!
2. It’s the plastic surgery capital of the world
With the most impressive cosmetic surgery rate on the planet, Seoul administers an exceptional one million procedures per year. It is, therefore, little wonder South Korea is deemed the plastic surgery capital.
Data suggests that one in three women between the ages of 19 and 29 have undergone plastic surgery in South Korea. This could be anything from lip fillers to eye lifts and nose jobs.
3. South Koreans use metal chopsticks
The food in Korea is fantastic! From BBQs to Jimdak and Dalkgalbi, there are plenty of traditional options to choose from. One point to note? All meals consumed in South Korea are devoured with metal chopsticks. So what are you waiting for? Get practicing!
4. Koreans have a peculiar way of calculating age
Korea adopted a bespoke age-calculating method. When babies are born in Korea, they are already deemed one year old. On January 1st, when the New Year strikes, every Korean turns another year older.
This means Korean babies born on December 31st will be deemed the age of two on January 1st.
5. The costs of living in South Korea
Korea, especially the capital, can be on the pricy side of living costs, mainly because Seoul has so many offerings, comprising sights, sounds, restaurants, bars, and more – meaning you’ll want to be out all the time!
The most considerable expense in Korea is rent. However, if you’ve moved over with a company as a teacher or on secondment, the company in question will likely pay for this for you.
If you wish to stick to a budget, look out for two-for-one offers at the supermarket and adhere to the local food instead of imported produce, as this is always more costly.
6. South Koreans are addicted to shopping
Korea is home to a handful of fascinating shopping hubs boasting a variety of attractive products. Both Busan and Seoul are celebrated as Korea’s top shopping centers. Here, you will discover a wide range of quality goods at affordable prices.
7. They have an erotic theme park
Love Land or Jeju Loveland (제주러브랜드) comes in the shape of an epic outdoor sculpture park. This park was first launched in 2004 and can be found on South Korea’s infamous Jeju Island.
The park’s primary focus is the language of love. It educates visitors through a series of sex education films and boasts an impressive 140 unique sculptures that showcase humans in various sexual positions.
There are more parks like this in Japan.
8. Zodiac Sign? No – It’s common to ask about blood types instead
Local people denote an individual’s blood type to personal views, compatibility with others, and demeanor. This belief is so steady that certain employers will request the blood types of prospective applications during the interview process.
9. Sorry ladies – Men are spoiled are on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day across the globe is very different from Valentine’s Day in Korea. In this part of the world, it is one of the 12 “love days” rejoiced, and instead of taking place once a year, it takes place on the 14th of each month.
These days are named under various nicknames, comprising everything from White Day to Hug Day to Black Day. The most attention is paid to Valentine’s and White Day, while the other days achieve no to little commercial attention.
10. Toilet paper & laundry detergent as housewarming gifts
Both laundry detergent and toilet paper are prevalent gifts to bring to a housewarming in Korea, even though they may be a cultural shock to you.
Toilet paper is symbolic of prosperity. Why? Because many years ago, not all people could afford a luxury such as toilet paper, as Korea was at one time an impoverished country. Both of these items are viewed as efficient housewarming gifts in Korea.
Both of these gifts can be purchased from local convenience stores. Expats in this area will be highly regarded if they gift these items to those celebrating such an occasion.
11. Blazing-fast internet speeds
South Korea boasts some of the most impressive and speediest Internet speeds across the globe, running at an astonishing 24.6 Mbps. This is twice as much as the United States, where Internet speeds run at 11.6 Mbps.
On top of the insane speed, Internet connections are a great deal lower priced in this country as opposed to the U.S. Whether you use Wi-fi for work, to talk to friends and colleagues, to surf the net, or to watch films, in this part of the world, you can expect to do all of this speedily.
12. Men wear as much makeup as women
In Korea, the younger generation (particularly men) are hot in their hair, eyebrows, and skin. They’ll often wear BB cream daily. This country’s ‘de rigor look simply translates to a “dewy” glow.
This exact dewy glow has been adopted by men wishing to achieve a pretty-boy aesthetic, which takes inspiration from the likes of K-pop idols.
These idols are at the forefront of boosting the Korean cosmetics industry, which is currently worth in the region of $7 billion. Makeup ‘pours homme’ is mainstream and growing in popularity.
13. South Korea is the breakdancing capital of the world
Although breakdancing brings images of kids spinning to tunes on sidewalks in the Bronx, Seoul has become the focus of this unique art form.
Here, you can watch numerous breakdancers in action, some of whom compete globally.
14. Tipping is not customary in Korea
In Korea, tipping is not compulsory nor expected by wait staff and bell boys. Tipping a specific individual can prove offensive. Why? The Koreans believe that good service should be standard, so leaving a gratuity isn’t necessary.
15. Don’t flush toilet paper
In South Korea, if you flush toilet paper down the toilet, you risk clogging it. There are bins placed beside the bathroom in public restrooms solely for used toilet paper.
16. Beards are considered dirty
The younger Koreans deem beards dirty, unruly, unclean, and eccentric. On the other hand, a clean-shaven look symbolizes class, sharpness, and sophistication. If you’re looking to impress in this country, especially at an event or job interview, show your natural beauty and shave!
17. South Korean drinking culture
When offering an alcoholic drink to another person in South Korea, it is traditional to present this drink with two hands. However, when pouring someone a drink, you should hold the bottle with your right hand only, then lightly fit the wrist of your right hand using your left hand.
18. Avoid writing in red ink
Writing in red ink in South Korea is considered a death threat. This is especially the case if you write a person’s name in red ink. It can also mean this individual has passed away. However, if they are still alive and well, you wish death or harm upon them.
Although just a myth, several Koreans still deem it extremely rude to write a person’s name in red ink.
19. Matching outfits
In South Korea, it’s widespread for couples to dress in the same outfits. Why? Wearing matching outfits is symbolic of loving one another and shows the world exactly this! Think ‘solidarity in stripes.’
20. The number 4 is unlucky
In South Korea (and other Asian countries), the number four is considered extremely unlucky, as both the words for ‘four’ and ‘death’ sound highly similar in the Korean language.
21. Black day – A special day for ‘singles’
Black Day, which in the local language translates to 블랙데이, is a holiday that, although unofficial, takes place on the 14 April each year.
In South Korea, this holiday is observed mainly by singles. To celebrate, many singles enjoy eating jajangmyeon which is a popular dish of noodles served in a black bean sauce.
The day is also associated with White Day and Valentine’s Day on the 14th.
FAQs
What is the capital of South Korea?
Seoul, otherwise known as the Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the largest metropolitan in this area and the capital of the Republic of Korea (or South Korea).
In terms of size, Seoul ranks 16th on the list of the world’s largest cities and sits in the Seoul Capital Area (or heart) of South Korea, which comprises the surrounding Gyeonggi province and Incheon metropolis. Here, you can learn a great deal about Korean culture and the entire country.
Do expats qualify for health insurance in South Korea?
After six months of living in South Korea, all foreign residents must register with the NHI or National Health Insurance service.
This healthcare system is more than enough cover for those wishing to invest in a health insurance package that covers them for day-to-day procedures, common illnesses, and any accidents or emergencies.
How do I get a Korean driving license?
To drive a vehicle in Korea, the individual in question must hold a valid driver’s license. This can be an international driver’s license. These exact licenses are suitable for a year only.
Once this year has passed, if still intending to reside and drive in South Korea, you must hand in an original copy of the license, certification from the embassy, a certified translation of the license, your passport, certification of immigration, Alien Registration Card and a total of three photos taken in color.
These documents should be handed to the driver’s license examination office. To avoid renewing all tests, you must obtain a domestic driver’s license.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in South Korea?
South Korea is now home to a highly cosmopolitan vibe, and as such, most South Korean banks invite foreigners to open up new accounts when moving to South Korea.
As long as you have the relevant paperwork to hand, almost 99% of people from other countries will be entitled to a Korean bank account when moving to South Korea.
The same cannot be said for North Korea.
Final Thoughts
Considering moving to South Korea? This handy guide will help you on your way, irrespective of whether you are moving with a family, other foreigners, or solo.
Although initially a culture shock to foreigners from further afield, there are many things you will learn to love about this country – just maybe not the lack of personal space.
From a new culture to the many urban areas to the must-try food, there are lots to see and do when foreigners choose to move to South Korea. There is also a great health insurance system for expats and many school options to choose from.
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