What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Korea

Thinking of moving to South Korea? Whether you're coming for work, school, or just a fresh start, there's a lot you won’t find in the travel brochures or YouTube vlogs. This post breaks down the things I really wish I knew before relocating to Korea, from hidden rules and tech headaches to housing surprises and cultural friction. If you're a foreigner planning to live in Korea, this is the kind of practical, real-world advice that can save you time, money, and frustration.

Let’s get right into it!

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You need a Korean phone number for almost everything.

In Korea, a local phone number is not optional; it’s essential. You need it to:

• Sign up for Korean apps like KakaoTalk, Naver, Baemin, and Coupang
• Get SMS verification for banking and ID services
• Book appointments, deliveries, taxis, and even food
• Register for your ARC (Alien Registration Card)
• Communicate with landlords, employers, and schools

Without one, daily life becomes a series of dead ends.

How to Get a Korean Phone Number as a Foreigner

Option 1: Prepaid SIM Card

• Easiest option on arrival.
• No ARC required.
• Available at airport booths or phone stores.
• Usually more expensive per month, with limited data or features.
• Some don’t allow app verifications or banking SMS.
• Good for short-term stay or while waiting for ARC.

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Option 2: Postpaid Plan (Best for Long-Term Stay)

• Requires an ARC (or ARC application receipt at some carriers).
• Better rates, more data, and full functionality.
• You’ll need a passport, ARC (or confirmation of registration), and Korean bank account.
• Major carriers: SK Telecom, KT (Olleh), and LG U+.
• Some shops have English-speaking staff, especially in popular foreign towns like Hongdae and Itaewon.
• If you’re staying long-term for work, you should ask a co-worker to go with you to help you navigate it and avoid being swindled into overpaying for a phone plan.

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Option 3: Foreign-Focused Providers

• Companies like EG SIM, Woori Mobile, and Chingu Mobile cater to foreigners.
• Some allow you to use a passport-only SIM temporarily.
• Still, expect limited functionality until you get your ARC.

Tips:
Get a temporary SIM the day you arrive, and once your ARC is issued, switch toa full plan. Don’t delay,  a Korean number unlocks almost everything.

When you apply for your ARC, ask the immigration officer to print you a temporary ARC. It will have the same functionality as your physical residence card and allow you to open a bank account and get a phone number faster, but it won’t work for apps that require you to upload an image of your residence card for verification.

Download Kakaotalk and register an account in your home country BEFORE you land in Korea, as most Koreans will use it to communicate with you.

You can’t open a bank account or sign a lease without an ARC(Alien Registration Card).

The Alien Registration Card (ARC) is your Korean ID. Without it, you’re basically a tourist, no matter how long you plan to stay.

It’s the key to long-term housing, internet contracts, phone plans, insurance, and just about everything else.

You can apply for your ARC at the immigration office once you have a visa and a local address. Processing can take 3–6 weeks.

If you do not have a visa, it is not possible to obtain an ARC.

What You Need to Apply:

1. Valid Passport
2. Visa Issuance Number OR Visa Sticker
   
    
   • Depending on your visa type (student, work, etc.)
 
3. 1 Passport-Sized Photo
   
    
   • Must be recent and meet Korean ID photo standards
    
   • There are photo booths at the immigration office where you can pay cash and get 6 printed photos. You’ll have to cut the photos out by yourself using scissors provided at the immigration office.
 
4. Application Form
   
    
   • You can fill it out in person at the immigration office or download and print it from the HiKorea website
 
5. Processing     Fee
   
    
   • 30,000 KRW (usually paid via revenue stamp at the office)
    
   • There are ATMs at the office should you forget to bring cash.
 
6. Korean Address Confirmation
   
    
   • Usually a signed housing contract
 
7. Additional Docs (depending on your visa type)
   
    
   • For example:
      
     • Students need a certificate of enrollment
      
     • Workers need a copy of their employment contrac

Where to Apply:

You must book an appointment at your local immigration office. This is determined by the district of your Korean address.

• Book online at HiKorea.go.kr
• You must register within 90 days of arrival

Processing Time:

Usually takes 3–6 weeks. While you wait, you can request a confirmation document that some services will accept in place of the actual card.

Tip:

Once approved, they’ll either mail it to you or you’ll need to pick it up. Make sure your address is correct. They will ask you on the day of your application which method you prefer, and shipping will cost an additional fee.

If you are here for work, your company should send an experienced staff member to accompany you when you are applying for the ARC.

Getting the ARC Takes Time... And You Can’t Do Much Without It

Once you apply for your Alien Registration Card (ARC),expect to wait 3 to 6 weeks for it to be processed. And during that time, you're in a frustrating limbo.

Without the physical ARC in hand (or at least the confirmation slip), you’ll hit walls almost everywhere:

• You can’t open most bank accounts
• You can’t get a full mobile phone plan
• You can’t sign a long-term lease
• You’ll be locked out of many Korean apps and services that require identity verification
• No national health insurance access

Even if you have a visa and are legally in the country, the lack of an ARC means Korea still treats you like a temporary visitor.

Some services may accept your ARC application receipt as a temporary workaround, but not all. Bottom line: plan ahead. Bring enough cash or an international card to survive the first month, and be ready for a slower-than-expected start.

Temporary ARC Slip: Your Lifeline While Waiting for the Card

After applying for your Alien Registration Card (ARC), the immigration office gives you a temporary ARC slip (sometimes called a “receipt” or “application confirmation”).

This slip is proof that you’ve applied and are legally registered, and it can help you access some services before your physical ARC arrives.

What the Temporary ARC Slip Lets You Do:

• Open a bank account at certain banks that accept it
• Get a Korean mobile phone plan (some carriers accept it)
• Register for health insurance
• Prove your legal status for landlords or employers (sometimes)

What It Doesn’t Do:

• It’s not accepted everywhere; some places will still require the physical ARC
• It’s not suitable for services that require you to provide a printed or digital scan of your ARC.
• It’s not valid for certain legal documents or long-term contracts
• It’s temporary and should be replaced by the actual ARC as soon as possible

Pro Tip:

Always keep your temporary ARC slip handy until you get your card, and confirm with banks, landlords, or service providers if they accept it beforehand.

Most Government Websites Are Poorly Translated or Not Available in English

One harsh reality for foreigners living in Korea is that many official government websites are either badly translated or only available in Korean. This makes everything from visa renewals and tax filings to local registrations frustratingly difficult.

Even sites that offer English versions often have outdated information, broken links, or confusing layouts. You might find yourself guessing forms, relying on machine translation, or needing help from Korean-speaking friends or services.

This language barrier slows down essential tasks and can lead to costly mistakes if you don’t get it right the first time.

What to Do:

• Use services like HiKorea (official immigration site) which offers the best English support.
• Keep a trusted Korean speaker or professional service on standby for important paperwork. You can always contact us through Instagram if you need help and we’ll do our best to assist you for a fair price.
• Bookmark and regularly check expat community forums and blogs for up-to-date guidance.

Renting an Apartment Often Requires a Huge Deposit

In Korea, the most common way to rent an apartment is through a system called “jeonse” or a large key money deposit. Instead of paying monthly rent like in many countries, tenants pay a substantial lump sum deposit upfront, often 30% to 80% of the apartment’s market value.

This deposit is held by the landlord for the lease term(usually one or two years) and returned in full when you move out, assuming no damages or unpaid bills.

What This Means for You:

• You need a large amount of cash or savings before you even start looking for a place.
• This can be a major hurdle for foreigners without local credit or banking history.
• Monthly rent (called "wolse") options exist but usually come with higher monthly payments and smaller deposits.
• Finding a place that accepts foreigners and offers reasonable deposit terms can be tough without help.
• There are online communities where short-term rental options are often advertised. Try searching for Facebook groups, craigslist ads (little sketchy), and kakaotalk open-chats.
• You’ll find most short-term rentals listed nearby university towns and popular tourist towns.

It’s Hard to Find Housing Without a Korean-Speaking Friend or Agent

The Korean housing market is complex, fast-moving, and heavily reliant on Korean language and local networks. Most rental listings are on Korean-only platforms, and landlords often prefer dealing with tenants who speak Korean.

Without a Korean-speaking friend or a reliable real estate agent who understands foreigner needs, you’ll struggle to:

• Find listings that accept foreigners
• Understand lease terms and contracts
• Negotiate deposits and fees
• Navigate paperwork and registration

Even simple things like visiting an apartment or communicating repair issues can become major headaches.

What Helps:

• Hiring a bilingual agent specializing in foreign clients
• Using trusted housing services that cater to foreigners
• Building a local support network early on

We are here to help if you’re struggling to navigate the housing market. Send us a DM on Instagram to get started today.

Public Trash Bins Are Rare; You’ll Have to Carry Your Trash Until You Find One

Unlike many countries, Korea has very few public trash cans in streets, subways, and public spaces. This means when you eat street food, finish a drink, or have any garbage, you’re expected to hold onto it until you reach a convenience store, your home, or a designated (or sometimes makeshift) trash collection point.

What This Means for You:

• It's recommended to carry a small bag for your trash.
• Don’t expect to find a bin immediately after eating or shopping.
• Korean cleanliness standards are high, so littering is frowned upon and fined in some places.
• If you see a pile of trash or recycling, it’s alright to add to it.
• Most buses will have a small bin near the exit.

Trash is a nightmare…

Korea has strict waste separation rules, and improper sorting can lead to fines. Here’s the basic breakdown:

1. General Waste (Non-Recyclable Trash)

• Food scraps (unless you compost)
• Soiled paper, tissues
• Broken ceramics or glass (wrap safely)
• Egg shells, chicken bones, etc

2. Recyclables

• Clean plastics (bottles, containers)
• Paper and cardboard (flatten boxes)
• Glass bottles and jars (rinse and separate by color if possible)
• Metals (cans, foil)

3. Food Waste

• Separated from general waste
• Must go into designated biodegradable bags (usually bought at convenience stores or supermarkets)

4. Large Trash (Bulky Items)

• Requires a special disposal sticker ("large waste sticker") you purchase at convenience stores or from the management of your apartment complex
• Applies to furniture, appliances, mattresses, etc.

Tips:

• Try to always rinse recyclables before disposal.
• Use designated trash bags; some districts require official bags. A trash bag that you purchase from Hongdae won’t be usable in Gangnam.
• Check your local district’s rules, they can vary slightly.

Proper sorting is important and taken seriously, so follow local guidelines to avoid fines.

Common Trash Bag Names in Korea

• 종량제봉투 (Jongnyangje Bongtu) — Volume-Based Waste Bags
      These are official, government-approved bags for general waste. You must buy these bags at convenience stores or supermarkets. Using non-official bags can result in fines.
• 음식물 쓰레기 봉투 (Eumsigmul Sseuregi Bongtu) — Food Waste Bags
      Special biodegradable bags used only for food scraps. Usually smaller and thinner than general waste bags, also purchased locally.
• 재활용 봉투 (Jaehwaryong Bongtu) — Recycling Bags
      Some districts require recyclable materials to be placed in clear or specific recycling bags, though often recyclables are sorted loose.
• 대형 폐기물 스티커 (Daehyeong Pye-gi-mul Sticker) — Large Waste Sticker
      Not a bag, but a sticker you buy and attach to bulky items (furniture, appliances) before disposal.

Korean Apps Often Don’t Accept Foreign Credit Cards

Many popular Korean apps and ecommerce platforms do not accept foreign-issued credit or debit cards by default. This is mainly due to security and local regulations.

Even if your card works abroad, these platforms often require:

• A Korean-issued card linked to a Korean bank account
• A Korean phone number for verification

What This Means for You:

• You may face repeated payment problems when ordering food, shopping, or booking services online.
• Using foreign cards on these apps often requires additional setup or workarounds.
• Getting a Korean bank account and card (which needs an ARC) is usually necessary to fully access these services.

Workarounds:

• Use international payment platforms that partner with Korean services (e.g., Samsung pay or Apple pay where accepted)
• Ask a trusted Korean friend to help with payments until you have your own card
• Some apps have started accepting foreign cards gradually, but coverage is limited
• We can assist you in some situations, send us a DM through Instagram and we’ll see what we can do

Medical Care Is Fast and Cheap, But Navigating It Without Korean Is Tough

Korea offers high-quality medical services that are often more affordable and faster than in many countries. Hospitals and clinics are generally efficient, and health insurance covers a large portion of costs.

The Catch for Foreigners:

• If you’re here for work, you’ll likely need to get a check-up after arriving in Korea.
• Most doctors and staff speak little to no English.
• Medical forms, prescriptions, and instructions are usually in Korean.
• Finding English-speaking clinics or hospitals requires research.
• Emergency rooms are hectic and communication barriers can add stress.

Tips:

• Use international or foreigner-friendly hospitals in major cities.
• Bring a Korean-speaking friend or hire a medical interpreter if possible.
• Apps like MediHere or hospital websites sometimes list English services.
• Learn basic medical Korean phrases before your visit or use a translation app to ease communication

Vegetarian or Dietary Restrictions Are Hard to Manage When Eating Out

Korean cuisine relies heavily on meat, fish, and seafood, and many dishes include hidden animal-based ingredients like fish sauce, broth, or fermented shrimp paste.

What This Means for You:

• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets can be tough to maintain when eating at typical restaurants.
• English menus rarely indicate dietary restrictions or ingredient details.
• Cross-contamination is common since kitchens often use the same utensils and oil.
• Finding dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants is possible but limited mostly to big cities like Seoul.

English Menus and Signs Are Rare Outside Tourist Zones

Outside of major tourist areas like Itaewon, Myeongdong, and Hongdae, English menus and signs are rare. Many small restaurants, shops, and public facilities only provide information in Korean.

What This Means for You:

• Ordering food or asking for directions can be challenging without Korean.
• You may need to rely on translation apps, pictures, or pointing to menus.
• Navigating official buildings or public transportation can be confusing in less touristy areas.

Tips:

• Learn basic Korean phrases for ordering and directions.
• Use apps like Papago or Google Translate with camera mode.

Basic Korean Phrases for Ordering Food

• 이거 주세요. (Igeo juseyo.) — Please give me this.
• 메뉴 있어요? (Menyu isseoyo?) — Do you have a menu?
• 추천해 주세요. (Chucheon hae juseyo.) — Please recommend something.
• 얼마에요? (Eolmaeyo?) — How much is it?
• 맵지 않게 해 주세요. (Maepji anke hae juseyo.) — Please make it not spicy.
• 포장해 주세요. (Pojang hae juseyo.) — Please pack it to go.
• 물 주세요. (Mul juseyo.) — Please give me water.
• 계산서 주세요. (Gyesanseo juseyo.) — Please give me the bill/check.
• 채식 있어요? (Chaesik isseoyo?) — Do you have vegetarian options?
• 한국어 잘 못 해요. (Hangugeo jal mot haeyo.) — I don’t speak Korean well.

Most Locals Don’t Speak Conversational English

Outside of major tourist areas, many Koreans have limited English skills. While younger people and those in service industries may know basic phrases, fluent English speakers are rare.

What This Means for You:

• Expect communication barriers in daily life, especially in government offices, smaller shops, and public services.
• Simple requests or directions may require patience, gestures, or translation apps.
• Learning basic Korean phrases will significantly ease your experience.

Tips for Making Friends and Finding English-Speaking Koreans in Korea

• Join English-Language Meetup Groups: Use Meetup.com, Facebook groups, or local expat communities to find events and gatherings.
• Attend Language Exchanges: Look for language cafes or exchange events where locals want to practice English and learn your language.
• Take Classes or Workshops: Enroll in cooking, art, or fitness classes popular with foreigners and English-speaking Koreans.
• Get Into the Nightlife Scene: Most Koreans socialize with alcohol, and tend to be much more open to talking with foreigners and speaking English after a few drinks.
• Use Social Apps: Apps like HelloTalk or Tandem connect you with Koreans interested in language exchange.
• Frequent Foreigner-Friendly Cafes and Bars: Places in Itaewon, Hongdae, or Gangnam often attract English-speaking Koreans.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Korean social circles can be tight; building genuine friendships takes time.
• Learn Basic Korean: Even minimal effort helps break the ice and shows respect, and Koreans LOVE IT when you speak just a few phrases.

Silence Is Expected in Public Spaces Like Subways and Buses

In Korea, maintaining quiet in public transport is the norm. Talking loudly, playing music without headphones, or phone conversations are considered rude.

What This Means for You:

• Keep phone calls brief or avoid them altogether on buses and subways.
• Use headphones for music or videos.
• Respect the unspoken rule of quietness to blend in smoothly.

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Final Thoughts

Moving to Korea comes with challenges most foreigners don’t expect. From needing a Korean phone number to navigating a housing market that demands huge deposits, the obstacles are real. But knowing what to expect before you arrive gives you a huge advantage.

Plan ahead, learn the basics, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the right preparation, living in Korea can be an exciting and rewarding experience, just be ready for the unexpected.

Ready to make your move to Korea smoother and stress-free?
Contact us today to get personalized support with everything from phone setup to housing and language help. Let us guide you through the challenges so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Korea.