07.24
2026
Safety Rules Foreigners Must Know During the Rainy Season Frequent Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Traffic Delays... Checking Disaster Alerts Is Essential Summer in Korea is accompanied by the sweltering heat and the arrival of the rainy season. The rainy season (Jangma) is a phenomenon characterized by continuous rainfall caused by the influence of the monsoon front, which is formed when the North Pacific high-pressure system meets the Okhotsk Sea air mass. Generally, it lasts from late June to late
07.16
The sweltering heat is expected to be severe again this summer. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the nationwide average temperature for the summer of 2025 was 25.7 degrees Celsius, the highest since 1973. With temperatures and sea surface temperatures also predicted to be higher than average in 2026, warnings are being issued that preparations for heatwaves are necessary. For foreigners living in Korea, preparing for summer is no longer an option. In particular, learning how
07.09
With the arrival of summer vacation and the holiday season, there is an increasing number of cases among foreigners and international students residing in Korea who are temporarily visiting their home countries. However, neglecting pre-departure preparations can lead to unexpected inconveniences upon returning. Issues such as overdue utility bills, visa problems, and the suspension of mobile phone authentication can directly impact the resumption of life in Korea, making prior checks essential.
07.03
As the number of foreign workers in Korea steadily increases, interest in labor laws and labor rights is also rising. However, due to language barriers and a lack of information, cases of workers suffering from unpaid wages, unfair contracts, and long working hours remain significant. Experts emphasize that “foreign workers are protected by labor laws just like Koreans,” and stress the need to familiarize oneself with basic rights in advance. The first things to check are the minimum wage and wo
06.26
The use of medical services by foreigners residing in or traveling in Korea is steadily increasing. Korea is highly regarded internationally for its fast treatment speeds, state-of-the-art medical equipment, and relatively reasonable costs. Long-term foreign residents can even receive National Health Insurance benefits, making it a country with high medical accessibility. The process for foreigners to use hospitals in Korea is relatively simple. You can register by visiting a local clinic or hos
06.19
For international students studying in Korea, visa extension is a crucial administrative procedure repeated every semester. In particular, missing the visa expiration date can lead to illegal stay, so preparing in advance is essential. Fortunately, the D-2 (Study Visa) held by international students is relatively simple to navigate. The most important factor is the timing of the application. Typically, D-2 visa extensions can be applied for starting four months prior to the expiration date. Sinc
06.12
When opening a mobile phone account in Korea, foreigners often face extra screening. Requirements vary by nationality, visa type, and length of stay, and similar patterns appear in real consultation cases. Vietnam D-2/D-4 visa holders often lack credit history, limiting postpaid plans. Stays under six months may be rejected, and app authentication errors are common. The safest approach is applying after receiving your ARC. Starting with an MVNO plan and setting up automatic debit improves approv
06.05
As cybercrimes involving online fraud and fake websites are rapidly increasing in Korea, special caution is required from foreign residents. While Korea boasts a convenient environment where most banking, shopping, delivery, and public services are conducted online thanks to its advanced digital infrastructure, critics point out that this very structure is creating new opportunities for criminals. In particular, foreign residents who are not fluent in Korean or lack understanding of local system
05.29
It has been revealed that while foreign women residing in Korea are significantly exposed to various crimes, including sexual violence and domestic violence, a considerable number are not receiving adequate protection due to language barriers, anxiety regarding their residency status, and a lack of information. Critics point out that “support blind spots” persist, where systems exist but fail to practically reach victims. According to a paper published in the Journal of Multicultural Society Res
05.22
While the number of foreign job seekers preparing for employment in Korea is increasing, critics point out that realistic hurdles—such as limited access to recruitment information, visa regulations, and language barriers—remain high. Experts advise, “Rather than blindly submitting applications, a strategic approach is necessary, utilizing both foreigner-friendly platforms and major domestic recruitment sites.” The first place worth noting is specialized platforms for foreigners. Buddies Korea is
05.15
The South Korean government has begun full-scale discussions on reforming the system to facilitate the long-term stay of foreign workers and secure skilled labor. The aim is to overhaul the entire system to enable foreign workers to work stably in Korea and accumulate technical skills, going beyond merely supplementing labor shortages. Amidst the prolonged labor shortage in industrial sectors, this is being evaluated as a policy shift to view foreign workers not as “temporary replacements” but a
05.08
May in Korea is considered a stable and ideal season for outdoor activities, often referred to as the “peak of spring.” Warm days and cool evenings prevail, combined with clear skies and pleasant air, resulting in high satisfaction for outdoor activities. City parks, riversides, and walking paths are bustling with citizens eager to enjoy the spring, while music and traditional culture festivals are held one after another across the country, adding to the seasonal fervor. For foreign tourists and
04.30
When returning to Korea after staying abroad, there are several important things to check. Many people experience disadvantages due to ignorance of regulations. Be sure to review the information below before departure and immediately before entry. It is recommended to complete the Q-CODE (Quarantine Information Pre-entry) before entering the country. This online system operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) is available at the official website: https://qcode.kdca.go.k
04.24
A Stable Foundation for Life Built on Consistent Financial Records: For international students and foreigners living in Korea, a credit score is a more important factor than one might think. Korea‘s credit scores are managed by credit rating agencies such as NICE Information Service and KCB (Korea Credit Bureau). The score ranges from 1 to 1,000 points. In Korea, simply staying in the country does not generate a credit score; credit is formed only through actual financial transaction records. Th
04.17
For international students studying in Korea, finding employment after graduation is a major concern. This is because Korea‘s recruitment culture is unfamiliar to them. Often, a lack of information makes it difficult to determine the right direction for preparation. Job fairs are a helpful opportunity for these students. Hosted by universities or public institutions, these events feature participation from various companies. Recruitment consultations take place, and in some cases, on-site interv
04.10
The Korean government has expanded ‘Culture Day’ to every Wednesday to expand the cultural lives of both citizens and foreigners. Previously, the system was operated only on the last Wednesday of every month. However, starting in April 2026, various cultural discounts and programs will be available every Wednesday. ‘Culture Day’ is a cultural policy implemented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism since 2014. Its purpose is to help citizens participate in cultural activities more easil
04.03
When spring arrives, Seoul becomes a city filled with warm weather and flowers. Cherry blossoms reach their peak, especially from late March to early April. Many people visit parks and tourist attractions during this time. It is a great time to enjoy walks and picnics. Spring is also an ideal season to combine nature outings with light exercise. A representative spot for enjoying a spring outing in Seoul is Yeouido Hangang Park. As one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Seoul, it feature
03.27
Spring in Korea is a season where nature, culture, and local traditions come alive together. As winter recedes and the weather warms up, various festivals are held throughout the country. People flock to streets and parks filled with flowers. They also enjoy cultural events and local delicacies. During this time, Korea comes alive with tourists and citizens. The representative spring attraction is the cherry blossom festival. The Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival held in Changwon, Gyeongnam, and th
03.20
The Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is an official government training program run by the Ministry of Justice. Its official name is the Korea Immigration and Integration Program. It is designed to help foreigners settle into Korean society. It focuses on Korean language education while also learning about Korean culture, laws, and social systems. It‘s not simply a language course. It aims to foster long-term residence and independence. Eligible participants are legal foreign res
03.13
Starting January 2, 2026, the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea has expanded the mandatory employment information reporting system for foreigners to online reporting. Foreigners no longer need to visit the Immigration Office in person. Instead, they can conveniently report their employment information on the HiKorea website operated by the Ministry of Justice. This change will save both time and money. Employment information reporting is required when new employment status is establis