Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be challenging. South Korea, with its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, offers a particularly interesting experience.
In this guide, we will help you prepare for the lifestyle changes you’ll face when moving to South Korea. We’ll cover housing, transportation, food, language, work culture, and more. By the end, you’ll feel more ready for your big move!
1. Learn the Basics of Korean Language
Learning Korean is one of the most important steps you can take. While many young Koreans speak some English, knowing Korean will make your daily life much easier.
About 30% of Koreans can speak English at a basic level, according to the EF English Proficiency Index (2021). The Korean alphabet, Hangul, has only 24 letters and can be learned in a few hours.
Start with basic phrases like “안녕하세요” (annyeonghaseyo – hello) and “감사합니다” (gamsahamnida – thank you). You can find many free resources online to start learning. For more structured learning, consider taking classes.
2. Understand Korean Housing
Housing in Korea might be different from what you’re used to. About 60% of Koreans live in apartments, according to Statistics Korea (2020).
The average size of a Korean home is about 84 square meters, as reported by the Korea Real Estate Board (2021).
Common types of housing for expats include officetel (a small studio apartment, often in a building with offices), one-room (similar to a studio, but in a residential building), and apartments (larger spaces, often preferred by families).
Remember, most Korean homes use ondol, a floor heating system. You’ll likely sleep on a mat on the heated floor rather than a raised bed.
3. Get Ready for Korean Food
Korean cuisine is delicious and healthy, but it might be quite different from what you’re used to.
Koreans eat an average of 1.5 servings of vegetables per day, according to Korea Health Statistics (2020). Kimchi, a spicy fermented vegetable dish, is eaten with almost every meal.
To adapt to Korean food, try Korean restaurants in your home country before you move. Learn to use chopsticks, and be prepared for spicy food as Korean cuisine often uses red pepper.
4. Prepare for Korean Work Culture
If you’re moving to Korea for work, be ready for some cultural differences. Koreans work an average of 1,967 hours per year, one of the highest in the OECD (2021). Hierarchy is very important in Korean workplaces.
Be prepared for long working hours, show respect to your seniors and superiors, and expect after-work socializing with colleagues, which is common and often expected.
5. Understand Korean Transportation
Korea has an excellent public transportation system. Seoul’s subway system is the third-longest in the world, with 331.5 km of tracks (Seoul Metro, 2022). About 29% of Koreans use public transportation for their daily commute (Statistics Korea, 2020).
To navigate Korean transportation, get a T-money card, which can be used for subway, bus, and even some taxis. Download transportation apps like Kakao Metro for easy navigation. Taxis are affordable, but make sure you have your destination written in Korean.
6. Be Ready for Korean Weather
Korea has four distinct seasons, each with its challenges. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). Fall (September-November) is pleasant, with temperatures between 10-25°C (50-77°F).
Winter (December-February) is cold, with temperatures dropping to -10°C (14°F) or lower. Spring (March-May) is mild, but watch out for yellow dust from China. Pack clothes for all seasons, and be prepared for air pollution, especially in spring.
7. Understand Korean Social Norms
Korean society has some unique customs. Bowing is a common greeting, especially in formal situations.
It’s polite to use both hands when giving or receiving something. Taking off your shoes before entering homes is a must. Learning and respecting these customs will help you fit in better.
8. Prepare for Technology in Korea
Korea is known for its advanced technology. It has the world’s fastest average internet speed at 28.6 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2023). About 95% of Koreans own a smartphone (Pew Research Center, 2021).
Get a Korean phone number as soon as you arrive, as it’s needed for many services. Download KakaoTalk, the most popular messaging app in Korea, and be ready to use your phone for everything from paying bills to ordering food.
9. Healthcare in Korea
Korea has a good healthcare system, ranking 23rd out of 195 countries in healthcare access and quality (The Lancet, 2018). National Health Insurance covers about 97% of the population. As an expat, you’ll likely be covered by this insurance. Make sure to sign up when you arrive.
10. Learn About Korean Entertainment
Korean entertainment is popular worldwide. K-pop generated $5.79 billion in 2020 (Korea Creative Content Agency, 2021), and Korean dramas are watched by millions globally.
Watching Korean TV shows and listening to K-pop can help you understand the culture better. Many expats find that 영어 회화 학원 often discuss popular culture, which can be a fun way to practice language skills.
Conclusion
Moving to South Korea is a big step, but with the right preparation, it can be an amazing experience. Remember, it’s normal to feel culture shock at first. Be patient with yourself as you adjust. Join expat groups on social media for support and advice, try to make Korean friends who can help you understand the culture better, and keep an open mind and be willing to try new things.
By preparing for these lifestyle changes, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in South Korea. Good luck with your move!
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