VISA PROCESS
Before packing your bags, familiarize yourself with the Korean visa process. The type of visa you need will depend on your purpose for moving to South Korea, whether it's for work, study, or other reasons. Ensure you have all the required documents and comply with the specific visa regulations. You can come to Korea visa free for 6 months depending on where you are from and try to find a job. If you have a degree and speak English you shouldn't have any trouble finding a job.
DOWNLOAD APPS KOREANS MOSTLY USE
Kakao Talk (the messenger app)
Kakao T (taxi app)
Yogiyo (food delivery app)
Baemin (food delivery app)
SSG (grocery shopping app)
Market Kurly (grocery shopping app)
Coupang (online shopping app for just about anything)
Karrot (local second-hand app)
Naver Map (navigation app)
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Seoul boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system. Familiarize yourself with the subway and bus systems, as they will likely become your primary means of getting around the city. It's affordable and get the T-Card from the convenient store and charge as you go until you get a Korean credit card.
WEATHER AWARENESS
South Korea experiences distinct seasons, each with its own climate characteristics. Be prepared for cold winters and humid summers. Understanding the weather patterns will help you pack accordingly and adjust to the climate. If you plan to stay for a year, you'll need a parka in the winter with shorts for the summer as it gets really cold and hot.
BRING ENOUGH MONEY
If you need to find a place to live for a year or longer, you'll need to deposit at least 10 million won for a decent studio. If don't have a Korean bank account, you'll need to provide cash deposit on the move-in day.
NO TIPPING CULTURE
Generally speaking, tipping is not required and VAT is included in most stores. Therefore, you should not tip in taxis, hotels, and restaurants. However, tipping may be required when you go on a tour with a tour guide.
PERSONAL SPACE MAY GET INVADED
Since Seoul is a crowded city, you may expect a little bit of push or shove in places like buses and subway during rush hour. Some people may say "excuse me" but some may not and slide through. Just embrace it as this is part of the culture from the older generations.
CARS MAY COME FIRST BEFORE YOU
You have to be cautious when crossing the crosswalk where there are no signals in narrow roads. In some cases, you'll have to yield as a pedestrian. I advise you not to stay away from headsets and smartphone while walking for the first couple of weeks.
EXPECT FOODS TO BE SPICY
Korean foods are diverse and Koreans generally love spicy food. Therefore, if you get take a lot of spicy, I advise you to ask or check out the picture before ordering.
BE QUICK AND FAST
Koreans typically don't like to wait long in lineups. Generally, you have to be quick and fast when choosing something especially if there is a long line up behind you. It's considered rude if you take too much time and need to be more considerate of others.
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