Questions & Answers
Category:Banking
- Is it difficult to open a bank account in Korea?
- Do I need to have an alien registration card to open a bank account in Korea?
- Do I have access to my Korean bank account when I am outside the country?
- Can I cash a foreign check in Korea?
- How do Korean checks work?
- Are bank checks exactly like cash?
- Why does Korean money stop at 50,000 KW?
- I don't speak Korean. How can I use the ATM?
- Can I access my home country account from a Korean ATM?
- Is there a difference in the service charges applied to teller and ATM transactions?
- Can I have more than one bank account in Korea?
- Some ATMs say 'Cash' 'Check' 'Cash/Cheque'? What do these options mean?
- Why can't I use the ATMs at night?
Children/Families
- Where can I find a pediatrician?
- I've heard that there are childcare subsidies for working mothers? As a foreign worker, am I entitled to these?
- Our children are pre-school age. Is there anything for them to do in Seoul?
- I'm a foreigner working in Korea. Am I entitled to maternity leave?
- How many intercultural marriages are there in Korea?
- How much should I pay for a nanny or maid?
- What childcare options are available in Korea?
Communication Services
- Can I bring my mobile phone to Korea?
- Is it true that there will be on-line etiquette programs in Korea?
- I've heard that it can be difficult to get phone service in Korea if you're a foreigner. Is that true?
- Pre-paid cell phone cards are very costly. Why can't I get regular mobile service?
- Why do I have to go and re-register my cell phone every 3 months?
- Can visitors or tourists get wireless internet service?
- I would like to switch phones. Will this cost me a lot?
- How can I forward calls from my landline to my cell phone?
Culture
- During interviews I've been asked about when I plan to have children, why I'm not married, etc. Is that legal? Are men asked the same questions?
- My students keep asking me if I've had lunch or breakfast. Are they inviting me to eat with them?
- I've received some gifts I can't use for Chuseok. What should I do?
- Why is there no 4th Floor button in many elevators?
- Why are we not supposed to write people's names in red ink?
- I've found that customers here often just hang up without saying goodbye. I don't know if they're angry or not.
- Why do people so often say 'yes' to something they don't intend to do?
- What does 'Arirang' mean?
- What is the main religion in Korea?
- Is Korean 'shamanism' similar to that of North American Indians?
- What is Chuseok?
- Where can I find free Korean language classes
- Am I expected to give a gift to my boss?
- What is the rule of thumb about gift-giving for Chuseok?
- What kind of gift is appropriate at Chuseok?
- I've been told that I'm expected to give one month's salary each to my Korean driver and maid for Chuseok and Lunar New Year? Is that correct?
- Why is November 11th called Pepero Day in Korea?
- Is fortune telling popular in Korea?
- I've been asked, in a social conversation, what my blood type is. Why is that?
- I've seen Korea written as Corea in some documents. Which is the correct spelling?
- Do the colours black and white have the same meanings in Korea as in the West?
- What is a cultural property? And what is the difference between a tangible and intagible cultural property?
- Why do some Koreans hang fish in homes, stores, etc? Is it related ot the wooden fish hanging in temples?
- I've read about people feeling insulted if a Korean uses 'nopinmal' with Koreans but 'banmal' with them. What's the difference between the two?
- I've heard that the 14th day of the month is a special 'love' day. What does that mean?
- Do Koreans celebrate Valentine's Day?
- Why do Korean talk about Korean age and Western age?
- Why does South Korea have such a high Christian population for a country that was not colonized by Western powers?
Driving in Korea
- Can I use my driver's license in Korea?
- Are there any reasonably priced parking lots in the downtown (City Hall) area where one can occasionally park a car for the day?
- What is the minimum driving age in Korea?
- How can I find out where my car has been towed?
- Can I make a left turn on an amber/yellow light?
- On what side of the road do Koreans drive?
- I've heard about an alternate-day-driving program. What is that?
- How do I get rid of my car if it's too old to sell?
- How can I find out if there are any outstanding fines on my car?
Food Eating
- Do I have to eat only Korean food while I'm in Seoul?
- Are the people of Seoul starving?
- Is there a white fish in Korea that is comparable to cod? If yes, where do you buy it?
- Is there a particular reason why Koreans eat bindaetteok on rainy days?
- Why was I served milk at a drinking party in Korean bar?
- Why is it so special to eat rice cake soup on New Year's Day?
- What is haejang-guk? What is it made out of?
- What is Soondae?
- Why do Koreans wrap pieces of meat in lettuce or other leafy greens?
General Info
- Where can I get weather information?
- Are foreign residents allowed to buy property in Korea?
- Is it true that everyone should have a business card in Korea? I'm not working, do I need to have one also?
- Is it possible to rent a post office box in Seoul?
- I understand that the post office supplies boxes for mailing stuff home?
- Why does my house have two different numbers?
- Are foreign nationals working in Korea entitled to childcare subsidies?
- What is the difference between a 'gu' and a 'dong'?
- Is there anything special I should bring with me?
- What is a yogwan?
- I don't speak Korean. Will I be able to manage when I go to Korea?
- I'd love to visit Korea, but I can't eat spicy foods. Is there anything I can eat?
- I have some ideas on how to improve services for other visitors. Who can I talk to?
- Is it possible to get a tax refund on purchases I make in Korea?
- What is the voltage in Korea?
- How much should one tip in Korea?
- Am I going to be able to find anyone who speaks English when I get to Korea?
- What is the difference between a 'hogwan' and a 'yogwan'?
- What's the purpose of the raised circles and bars on the floors of the subway stations and on sidewalks?
- Why do Koreans walk on the left (sometimes) and drive on the right?
- Are there rules about where one stands on an escalator?
- Why is it when I click on to the English functions of the ATM, there's often a step that's in Korea only
- Why can't foreign residents order on-line even with their alien registration numbers?
- Why does my assistant smile when giving me bad news?
- Why do we have to put the area code for a local number when dialing from a mobile phone?
- Why do the police drive with their lights flashing?
- I hear people chanting Dae Han Min Guk a lot. What does it mean?
- What are digital, set or magic perms? And what's a danbaekjil pama?
- Why do we see so many Xmas trees still up in February?
- Is it true that tattoos are illegal in Korea?
- Can pets get H1N1 test/vaccine in Korea?
- When I’m throwing trash out, I was told to use a specific plastic bag. Where can I find them?
- What is Haechi? Why is it the symbol of Seoul?
- We hear a lot about how much Koreans spend on education. How much is spent on public education in Korea?
Getting Around
- What's the difference between the grey and black and orange taxies in Seoul?
- I don't always want to hail a taxi on the street. Can I call for one?
- How can I know which bus to take?
- Where can I get information on the subway system?
- Can you mail items from Korea using padded envelopes? If so, where can you get them?
- We are moving to Seoul in July? How can I meet other foreign wives?
- Why are there steps or arrows painted on the subway platforms and stairs.
- Why are the route maps at bus stops almost all in Korean only?
- Why don't people pull over when they hear an ambulance siren?
- Why should I always get a taxi receipt?
- When I take a taxi, where should I sit, in front or in back? Is it O.K. to sit next to the driver?
- Do I have to wear a seat belt in Korean taxis?
- Should I tip the taxi driver?
- My trip home by taxi cost me more than usual the other night. Did the driver cheat me?
- Why is it so hard to get a taxi to pick me up after 11PM?
- Why do I have to pay more if I get on a taxi late at night?
- I don't understand Korean. Can I use the QR codes at Seoul's bus stops?
- How do I know a taxi is a legal one and not a pirate?
- How do I get a refund on the balance remaining on my T-money card?
Government Regs
- Do I have to file an annual Korean tax return?
- How can I figure out how to file my Korean income tax return if I don't speak/read Korean fluently?
- How can I make sure that my employer is paying the tax they deduct from my salary to the government?
- Do I have the contribute to the Korean Pension Plan even though I'm not going to be here until I retire?
- What can I do if my employer refuses to give me my severance pay?
- What is the legal drinking age in Korea?
- How old do you have to be to buy cigarettes in Korea?
- I understand Koreans smoke a lot. Can we smoke everywhere?
- Why aren't garbage bags put in trash cans before they are put out on the street?
- Where can I find the postal code/zip code for addresses in Korea?
- What is this new address system we keep hearing about?
- What is the voting age in Korea?
- What is the age of consent for marriage in Korea?
Health
- What does the yellow dust do? Is it dangerous?
- Does the yellow dust problem occur all year long?
- Is there anything I can do to stop yellow dust?
- Where can I get information on today's level of yellow sand?
- I've been hearing about 'yellow dust'. What is it?
- Where can I find a pediatrician?
- I've just found out that I'm pregnant. Is it safe to have my baby in Korea?
- If foreign residents have a baby in Korea, will the child be a Korean citizen?
- Why do people walk around wearing masks?
- How can I know if I do or don't have health insurance?
- I keep hearing about fan deaths. What is it?
- If I don't have Health Insurance, can I still get medical care?
Housing
Immigration
Money Matters
- How do I pay my utility bills?
- I know that I have to file an annual tax return in Korea, but how can I do it when I don't speak or read Korean?
- Why is it when I click on to the English functions of the ATM, there's often a step that's in Korea only
- Why can't I use my Korean ATM card to access my account from outside Korea?
- If I pay for purchases with a Korean credit card, does this add to my income tax deductions?
- My boss only gave me less than one month's salary when my contract ended? What can I do.
- My employer did not give me my pension information until just hours before my flight. What can I do now?
- Why is it that universities don't pay airfaire to and from Korea?
- My employer pays me less than my hourly wage when I work overtime. Is that usual in Korea?
- Can I receive monies owed me by my employer after I leave Korea?
- Are Expat seniors (65+) eligible for same discounts as Koreans?
- Are there any banks that operate for 24 hours?
Networking/Socialising
- I'm a foreign woman married to a Korea man and would like to meet other foreign spouses. Where can I go?
- I'm new to Seoul and am looking to make friends. How can I meet people?
- I don't live in Seoul and would like to know if there are any clubs or groups for expats in other areas of Korea?
- I understand that there are complicated drinking rules in Korea?
Security
- I understand that Korea is very safe but is it safe to use the ATMs at night?
- I've heard that there are attack drills in Seoul where traffic stops and everyone goes indoors. Is this true?
- Is Korea a dangerous place to live?
- How can I find the police station nearest to my home?
- Why are all crime suspects wearing surgical masks in public photos?
- What can I do if forget something in a taxi?
- What are the stats regarding sex crimes and foreign nationals in Korea?
- We keep hearing and reading about foreign teachers arrested for drug use. What are the stats?
Shopping
- Is lactose-free milk available in Seoul?
- Can I use my COSTCO membership card in Korea?
- How hard should we haggle/bargain when shopping in Korea?
- I need to have the tank on my BBQ grill re-filled. How can I do that?
- Is there any place where I can donate stuff we don't wear, but that is in good condition?
- Can non-Koreans shop at second-hand stores?
- Is it possible to get Xmas trees in Seoul?
Teaching in Korea
Thing to Do
Travel in Korea
Working Conditions
- Is there a government agency I can contact in case of a contract dispute with a Korean employer?
- Can a foreign worker who does not have a work visa get help from the Ministry of Labor?
- As a foreign worker in Korea, am I entitled to maternity leave?
- Is my employer obligated to provide me with medical insurance?
- My employer enrolled me in a private insurance plan not the national one, is that legal?
- Can I get my own national health insurance coverage?
- My employer says that I have to go to a specific clinic/hospital? Can't I chose my own doctor/hospital?
- Does the national health plan cover 100% of my medical expenses?
- How much will it cost me to provide my own health insurance coverage?
- My employer has gone bankrupt owing me back wages and my air fare back home. Is there anything I can do?
- Is it true that as a foreign ESL teacher, I pay Korean income taxes 70% of my income, not 100%
- My employer wants us to work on promotions and special weekend camps for free or for less than our normal hourly wage. Can he do that?
- Which has more weight, labor law or the contract? Can a contract go against the law?
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Housing incl. Furnished, Serviced Apts
DMC Ville Serviced and Furnished Apartments, Seoul -
Doctors, Hospitals, Intl Clinics
Grand Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery-Dermatology, Apgujeong, Seoul -
Travel and Tour Agencies
KoriDoor Tours, Korean Culture & Adventure Tours, Seoul, Daegu, Pyeongtaek -
Beauty Care - Hair, Nail, Massage, Wax, Spa
Hair of Zio, Natural Hair Extensions, Gangnam Seoul -
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, etc.
International Café Huh -
Business and Networking Associations
European Community Chamber of Commerce in Korea, EUCCK, Seoul and Busan -
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, etc.
Tartine Bakery and Cafe - Fruit, Meringue Pies, Peasant Bread - Itaewon Seoul -
Schools Nursery to University
Chadwick International, PreK-12 International School, Songdo, Incheon
Last Posts On Forums
An opportunity to meet the Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones and Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal.
Piano Duet concert with Kemenes Andras and Victoria Park. No tickets necessary.
The dates of the HaeBangChon Festival have changed to 25-26 May.
The convention showcases the local tattoo scene.
