r/living_in_korea_now

I’m trying to figure out the easiest and most reliable way to send money from Dubai to South Korea.
I’ve already tried a few options, but I’m looking for something that’s fast, has reasonable fees, and preferably lets me receive the money directly into my Korean bank account.

Hi, I’ll be a master’s student in Jinju with a monthly budget of around 1.4-1.6M KRW. The dorm + meal plan seems to be around 1.73M KRW per semester, so roughly 430k KRW per month. I’m also estimating around 70k for transportation, 50k for phone, and around 80k for health insurance.

Is my budget enough to live somewhat okay if I stay in the dorm? Are there any hidden costs I should expect besides extra food and personal items?

Hello nice people!
So I have a quick question, a friend just moved to Korea for work. He has a regular working visa and will be here for 5 years.

He asked me something about converting his driving license into a Korean one. He told me to get the Korean one you need to leave your home country one with them and you can get back only if you leave the country?! Is it true?!

I did a quick search online and it’s seems to be true but I still wanted to ask you guys cos I have never knew about it….. still learning things about Korea after so long….. Also I took my first ever driving license here in Korea so I didn’t know….. kkkk

Thanks for the answers.

Hi everyone!
I recently came to Yonsei kli, and I haven’t met a single Bangladeshi here yet😭
I’d really love to meet other Bangladeshis studying at Yonsei University or Yonsei KLI, make some friends, and hang out. If you’re here, please leave a comment or send me a dm.

https://preview.redd.it/zzya0sylbuah1.jpg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46ca060ed2b7cb80244a2eec2eac1cd07160d35f

Since I live abroad, I’ve been really hesitant about visiting a dermatology clinic in Korea. I mean, there are just so many options, and most of the reviews online feel like straight up ads. It’s so overwhelming, right?

Honestly, I was super nervous that I’d get scammed into buying some expensive, unnecessary package just because I’m a foreigner and don't know the ins and outs of the local system. I really didn't want to be pressured into a procedure I didn't actually need.

I ended up visiting Dion Clinic, and I was honestly surprised by how chill the consultation was.

Instead of hitting me with a You need to get this and this, they actually took the time to listen to my concerns first. They laid out a few different options for me, explained the pros and cons of each, and told me what kind of results I could realistically expect.

Even when I asked follow up questions because I didn't quite get the medical jargon, they didn't act annoyed at all. They just re explained everything in simpler terms until I felt comfortable. It really felt like they were trying to help me make an informed decision rather than just pushing a sale.

I actually ended up going with a completely different treatment than what I’d planned, but because they explained the why behind it, I felt super confident in my choice. No high pressure sales tactics at all.

If you’re planning to get some work done in Korea, my advice is: don't just look at the flashy before and after photos or the crazy discounts. Try to find a place that actually listens and takes the time to explain things to you. It makes all the difference!

Anyway, just wanted to share since I know how stressful it is to pick a clinic. Let me know if you guys have any questions!

For some context, I (23M) am moving to Korea to be in EPIK and will likely not be in Seoul. I have a small fund saved up, and will get support from my parents (which covers me building savings and investment).

I’ve been asking AI about budgeting and wanted to ask if anyone had any comments about what it’s been telling me and their opinions on if this is accurate in your experience for Korea.

Salary 2.2 million a month:
2.0 million after taxes/pension/insurance taken out.
As a U.S. citizen I’ll get my pension back at the end of contracts. After two years that’s around $3,500. Not to mention the severance of 2.2 million every year.

School lunches: 80,000
Groceries: 250,000
Eating out: 160,000
Transportation: 80,000
Phone (unlimited data): 60,000
Utilities: 100,000
Gym membership: 70,000
Refill skincare/toiletries/laundry: 80,000
Subscriptions: 60,000
Doctor visits: 30,000

Total: 980,000**원~**

1.) Is this too optimistic in your opinion? These are only the things I can also guarantee I’ll be doing every month. That leaves around 1,000,000원 for new clothes, visiting the derm, fun, travel, any extra eating out, movie tickets etc.

The 1,000,000원 is purely to have fun experiences and save extra for bigger experiences (a concert/ Japan trip etc).

2.) Did you find coming to Korea for the first time a lot of money required to start up?
3.) Did I miss any possible categories?

Help !! Goshiwon landlord threatening to kick me after I send multiple times pictures of the floor with cockroach and bugs ! The landlord say I have to leave as I bother her with bug pictures.

I’m currently staying in a goshiwon in Seoul. My contract is valid until July 2, but my landlord is now threatening to kick me out tomorrow (June 30).

The situation started because I sent photos of my the building (kitchen, floor) and reported cockroaches, and other bugs.

After that the landlord became angry and told me I was “disrespectful” and now says I must leave immediately. She is saying tomorrow is my last day.

I also want to mention that I have important exams this week and I genuinely cannot find another place in such short time. Moving out tomorrow would seriously disrupt my situation.

I feel pressured and unsafe and I’m not sure what my rights are here. I do not want to break the contract, and I cannot realistically move out overnight.

Hello everyone!
With the start of the upcoming semester and moving season, many expats and international students are looking for a place to live in Korea
However, I know many of you are terrified of getting ripped off or losing your deposit (보증금) because you aren't familiar with the Korean housing system.
As a Certified Real Estate Agent and Legal Consultant, I want to share 3 essential legal tips to keep your money 100% safe.

1. Verify the "Certified Copy of Real Estate Register" (등기부등본)
Before you send even a small reservation fee, you MUST request this document. Check the owner's legal name and compare it to the bank account holder's name. Also, check for "Deeds of Trust" or heavy debts (근저당). If the landlord owes too much money to the bank, your deposit could be at risk if the building goes into auction.

2. Understanding "Maintenance Fees" (관리비)
In Korea, you pay monthly rent PLUS a maintenance fee. Many landlords lower the official rent but raise the maintenance fee significantly to avoid taxes. Make sure you clearly ask what is included (e.g., internet, water) and what is separate (electricity, gas) BEFORE signing, and get it in writing.

3. Get Your "Date of Confirmation" (확정일자) on Day One!
The moment you move in and get your keys, go straight to the local community center (주민센터) or report it online to get a "Date of Confirmation" (확정일자). This legal stamp acts as a shield. By law, it gives you priority rights to get your deposit back safely if the landlord faces financial trouble. Never skip this step!

Hello

I'm currently looking for switching house.

How do you guys switch house if you don't have the deposit money right away? Basically, I need to get the current house deposit in order to pay the new house deposit.

But for getting the current house deposit, I need to quit it in first place, so I'm kinda stuck here.

I don't have the possibility to ask for the new house deposit money from friends.

Is there any way or something I don't know about?

I was thinking about quitting house and stay inside an hotel until I get the deposit back. But I also have a bunch of stuff that I need to keep from my current house.

Hi everyone
Can anybody recommend a bar in Hongdae or Iteawon that might be showing the game tonight with a big screen please ?
A lot of the sports bars (Sam Ryan’s) close at midnight?
Thank you for any recommendations 🙏

I’m a US foreign resident who has lived and worked in Korea for over 10 years. I originally came here through the usual path (D10 to E7 to F2), so I understand how easy it is to feel stuck between hagwon jobs, unclear contracts, visa concerns, recruiter promises, and limited information about what else is actually possible here. (I can’t speak Korean either)

My professional background is in recruitment, HR, and corporate hiring in Korea. I’ve worked in Korean and international office environments, including corporate recruitment, global HR, candidate screening, resume review, interview preparation, and hiring strategy.
I’m starting to offer guidance for foreigners in Korea who want to explore non-hagwon job options, especially more corporate or office-based roles.

This could include support with:
Understanding what types of non-teaching roles may realistically fit your background
Reviewing your resume/CV for the Korean job market
Helping you position teaching experience for corporate roles
LinkedIn profile improvement
Job search strategy in Korea
Identifying companies or industries that may be more foreigner-friendly
Interview preparation
Basic guidance on how Korean hiring processes usually work
Thinking through visa/work authorization concerns from a job search perspective

To be clear, I’m not promising that everyone can immediately move into a corporate job. Korea can be difficult without Korean fluency, and some roles will require Korean language ability or specific visa eligibility. But there are more options than many people realize, especially if your background is positioned properly.

I also do not represent any hagwon, and I’m not here to push people into teaching jobs.

If you’re currently trying to get out of hagwon work, avoid a bad situation, or figure out what your next step in Korea could look like, feel free to DM me. I’m happy to have an initial conversation and see whether I can point you in the right direction.

Hello. I apologize if how I explain this as I am very frazzled, but I was at home and I had the door latch on the door and my headphones on. The real estate agency in charge of my one room had texted and called me in order to show my one room, and I didnt see they had done so. Only 10 minutes later, they were putting in the code to my front door and then they had attempted to open the door while I was inside. I was so shocked and scared that I yelled "Just a moment" at the agent, and I answered the door. He had prospective tenants with him and asked to show my one room, and I had tried to say no mentioning I had a bunch of laundry and stuff out. He still insisted so I asked for a moment while I quickly tidied things up and then let them inside. They quickly left, but I cant help but feeling scared and anxious afterwards. It was only 10 minutes notice. Is this normal?

I literally asked over the phone yesterday for them to give at least a days notice because they had called and texted me while I was at the hospital waiting for my appointment and in my confusion I gave them the code to let them in. I don't understand though how they can just enter my apartment without even giving at least a couple hours notice unless if it was an emergency. Showing my one room to prospective tenants is not an emergency. What if I had been in the shower?! What if I was naked and changing?? I have been having health problems lately. What if I was in the middle of throwing up?! Is it too much for me to ask for a day's notice? When I originally came to look at this apartment, I had scheduled ahead of time with the agency a date and time I was going to start looking at places in the area. Is this even legal? I am scared shirtless right now at them trying to barge in all of a sudden.

Edit to add: Just to be clear, I was only given 10 minutes notice from the time they had texted and called to when they had opened my door and attempted to come in but failed due to the door latch.

Final Edit: So thanks to the replies here and another sub, I was able to figure out how to set my boundaries with the real estate agency. I changed my door code, and I informed the real estate agency that I had done so and that they can only come and visit after they contact me prior AND receive my okay as well. I told them that I will let them in myself to do so to remain cooperative in helping find new tenants. I also told them times in the following week that I would not be available under any circumstances. I also will not give them my door password again as they have shown they will enter without giving much prior notice or receiving any confirmation. Thank you all for the advice and explanations.

Hey! Is anyone interested in celebrating 4th of July in Seoul~?

​I'm a 26-year-old Korean guy living in Seoul. I haven't had many chances to talk with expats before, so my English is a bit basic, but I'm really eager to learn and hang out!

​I'm interested in joining some running clubs or board game meetups where I can naturally mingle with people. If you know any welcoming groups, or if you're down to grab a coffee and play some games (I can help you with your Korean too!), please let me know!

Has anyone here successfully landed a job in Korea after attending a language school? I'd love to hear about your experience.

I know it's not easy, and I'm not expecting it to be a guaranteed path. I'm just wondering if anyone has actually made it work and felt that going to language school was worth it in the end.

I went to the bank recently for a handful of administrative tasks and my husband came to help interpret. The banking terminology is above my Korean level so I missed most of what was said. Apparently while we were there, the bank employee who was helping us asked if I would open a credit card because her performance has been low and it would help her a lot, and that I could just cancel it after a couple of months. My husband agreed and I signed the papers and ended up opening a credit card completely without my knowledge until the card arrived in the mail. I thought it was strange when at the bank they had me setting up online banking passwords again and I even mentioned while there that I’ve already set up online banking, but was ignored by everyone so I just trusted the process and did what they told me.

First, I was absolutely shocked that my husband didn’t tell me. He was ultimately in the wrong here and we had a big fight about it, but his explanation was that this is really normal in Korea and he was worried about translating everything quickly on the spot. Since she helped us a lot he just went along with it to help her out also and he doubled down that the credit card won’t impact anything and we can just cancel. He said this is super normal in Korea. I was so shocked to hear this attitude, because the employee didn’t “help us.” She did her job and I certainly don’t owe her anything by opening a new credit card account.

Separately, I think the employee asking for a personal favor like this is extremely strange and unprofessional. If she had given a regular sales pitch about their credit card offers and shown me the benefits, I might have become a real customer. But to guilt customers into signing up for a financial product they don’t need and not giving any disclosures or details about the card is just wild. It’s also asking customers who help falsely inflate her performance metrics. It also made me feel like I wasn’t viewed as someone who would be a legitimate credit card customer since she jumped to “hey just sign up for this and cancel in a couple of months,” instead of “are you interested in any of our credit card programs?”

I used to work in financial services regulation in the US, so maybe I’m extra sensitive about this, but I never thought I’d find myself in a situation where I ended up opening a credit card without realizing it. I strongly considered complaining to the bank, but ultimately decided to just cancel.

Is this really normal in Korea?

Hello, I'm an American and will in Busan for a few days. My Android phone is broken and I'd like to find an unlocked phone for cheap to get me through the rest of my trip. Preferably near Yeongdo or Nampo.

Is it common to find unlocked phones that work internationally? I AT&T network.

Thanks :)