As a public school teacher in South Korea, I’ve learned that the echo chamber of English language information about Suneung lacks detail. In fact, the English language research and information about the Suneung was so misleading I could find no ethically viable sources for my Master’s thesis. Therefore, I would like to reveal some misconceptions about Korea’s Suneung (CSAT) exam. The Suneung (CSAT) in Western Media and Literature In Western media and conversations, the Korean Suneung (College Scholastic Ability Test, or CSAT) often gets sensationalized. Researchers, YouTube creators, and blog post writers describe it as an intense, all-or-nothing exam that defines every Korean student’s future. While there is truth to its importance in South Korea, especially historically, many misconceptions circulate. Particularly regarding its impact on university admissions and the pressure it imposes on students. Let’s address some of the common misconceptions and look at the real data published by Korean institutions. I found out about the following misconceptions from my public school students. After one student presented a speech on the Suneung, I realized much of what I had learned about the exam through English language media was almost entirely inaccurate. I asked the students for more resources and did additional research myself. Here is what I found. Misconception 1: The Suneung Is the Only Pathway to University In the West, people often assume that Suneung is the sole determinant for university admissions, but this is far from the truth. While the test is critical for certain prestigious universities, the South Korean admissions process has evolved. Many universities now consider “holistic” or multi-faceted criteria, similar to Western systems. These factors include: According to the Korean Ministry of Education, universities only admit around 27% of students solely based on their Suneung scores. The remaining students are admitted through a mixture of early admissions programs, which consider academic achievements, student portfolios, and other holistic factors. In fact, I’ve had two students accepted to Seoul National University based only on their portfolios, no Suneung required. Misconception 2: Most Students Only Take the Suneung Once It’s a common myth that Korean students only take the Suneung once, passing or failing in one shot. The reality is more nuanced. Many students opt to take the exam multiple times to improve their scores. These students are called jaesusaeng (재수생), and they often attend specialized hagwons (private academies) to prepare for a second or third attempt. Also, some of my students put off taking the Suneung for a year so they can have a year to study after school. According to 2023 data from the Korean Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation (KICE), approximately 15-20% of the students taking the exam each year are retakers. This number includes students who may have already entered a university but wish to reattempt the exam to gain entry into more prestigious institutions. Also, the Number of Repeat Test-takers Applying for CSAT This Year Highest in 21 Years Misconception 3: Suneung Participation Is Universal Among Korean Students One of the most misleading views of the Suneung is that every Korean student takes it as a gateway to higher education. In reality, not all students sit for the exam. In fact, many of my students never take the test because they attend vocational high school programs after middle school. Since the test is primarily designed for those who aim to enter four-year universities, they see no reason to do it. According to KICE data, in 2022, around 509,000 students registered for the Suneung. However, Korea has a student population of over 2 million in the 17-19 age range, meaning a significant portion of students choose alternate paths, including vocational schools, community colleges, or skipping higher education entirely. Misconception 4: The Majority of Students Fail the Suneung Many Westerners assume that the majority of students “fail” the Suneung, meaning they don’t gain admission to a university. This is misleading. While getting into top-tier universities like Seoul National University (SNU) or Yonsei University is incredibly competitive, the overall university acceptance rate for students who take the Suneung is fairly high. According to statistics from Statistics Korea, around 70-80% of students who sit for the Suneung get admitted to some form of higher education institution. This rate includes those who go on to four-year universities, junior colleges, or specialized institutes. Misconception 5: The Pressure Around Suneung Is Exclusively Due to Parental and Societal Expectations Just like with the United States and the CAT or SAT, pressure comes from a variety of different sources and not everyone feels it. While it’s true that the Suneung exam holds cultural importance and is seen as a way for students to secure prestigious careers, the Western narrative often over-emphasizes societal pressure while ignoring the agency students have. Many students are self-motivated, viewing the Suneung as a personal goal. A growing number of students now see other paths, and there is increased awareness of mental health in schools and among families. Government and school initiatives in South Korea have worked to address stress surrounding the Suneung. Programs focusing on mental well-being have increased, and a growing number of students are opting for careers in technology and arts, where the Suneung score is less critical. The Reality of the Suneong is Nuanced The Suneung is undoubtedly a significant moment in the lives of some South Korean students. However, it is not the make-or-break event for every single student it is often portrayed as in the West. Students have multiple avenues to enter higher education, and many take advantage of these alternatives. Additionally, the high rate of university acceptance paints a more optimistic picture than the grim narrative often presented in Western discussions. Understanding the Korean education system means looking beyond the exam to appreciate the broader context of student choices, educational opportunities, and evolving societal attitudes toward academic success. EFT Teachers Should Acknowledge the Nuances of the Suneung For English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers in Korea, acknowledging the nuances of the Suneung matters. For us, understanding the misconceptions about the education system, particularly about the suneung (CSAT) exams and the broader learning culture, may impact our students in hidden ways. Such misconceptions can influence how teachers approach classes, relationships with students, and expectations within the educational environment. Let’s talk more about this because our students deserve information teachers. Understanding Student Motivation and Stress Misconceptions about the suneung exam can lead EFL teachers to misunderstand the intense pressure Korean students are under. While the suneung is critical for university admission, it’s not the only factor. However, because many students are aiming for top-tier universities, there’s a high level of competition. Teachers should be aware of the balance between fostering a relaxed, engaging classroom atmosphere and acknowledging the academic pressures students are already facing. Adjusting Expectations About Academic Performance The relative grading system used in Korean schools adds another layer of pressure. EFL teachers need to understand that many students aren’t just competing to pass, but to excel relative to their peers. For EFL teachers, this means realizing that students might not necessarily be focused on mastering English fluency for personal growth, but rather on performing well enough to outpace classmates in exams or for university admissions. Being Sensitive to Cultural Expectations Cultural misconceptions about Korean education, such as the idea that all students take the suneung once and base their future on it, can create misunderstandings about students’ experiences. In reality, many students retake the exam or enter university through alternative routes, such as holistic admissions programs. Teachers who recognize these nuances can better support their students’ learning journeys. Supporting Student Well-Being Korean students, particularly in middle and high school, experience significant stress due to the relative grading system and competition. Misconceptions that paint this system in a purely negative light can prevent teachers from recognizing the resources students use to cope, such as after-school programs, counseling, and extracurricular activities. Teachers who are attuned to the pressure points in students’ academic lives can better support their emotional and mental well-being. Designing Effective Lesson Plans The holistic nature of university admissions is often overlooked. Korean students may focus on non-academic aspects like extracurricular activities or projects that contribute to their university applications. EFL teachers can use this to their advantage by designing lessons that emphasize real-world communication skills, teamwork, and project-based learning. Building Rapport with Parents and Students Due to our role in education, many EFL teachers often interact with parents who may have different expectations based on cultural norms around education in Korea. Parents may focus heavily on academic performance, pushing their children toward high scores in all subjects. Understanding the competitive grading environment and the emphasis on educational success can help EFL teachers communicate more effectively with parents about student progress. However, also understand not EVERY Korean parent pushes their kids. I work in the countryside. These days at my particular school, most of my students’ parents only want them to be happy. The kids who excel do so from their own motivation. If you choose to work in Gangnam your reality may feel different. Navigating a Complex Education System The Ethical Responsibility to Learn Beyond the English-Language Media Echo Chamber For EFL teachers in South Korea, understanding the misconceptions about Korea’s Suneung (CSAT) exam is more than just a practical necessity—it is an ethical responsibility. Teachers must go beyond the simplified and often skewed portrayals of Korea’s educational culture that exist in English-language media and explore the lived realities of Korean students. Teaching in another culture comes with the ethical obligation to fully comprehend the realities that shape students’ lives. By immersing themselves in accurate, nuanced information, teachers can tailor their lessons more effectively, respecting the pressures and challenges their students face. This also helps teachers remain mindful of student stress, understand the importance of academic success in Korean culture, and build stronger, more empathetic relationships with both students and their parents. We need to see our students and treat our students as whole and nuanced people. Aligning teaching methods with the realities of the Korean educational system—rather than relying on superficial media narratives—enables teachers to ethically support their students’ development. This involves recognizing both academic needs and the mental and emotional aspects of learning, fostering an environment where students can thrive in both academic achievement and language development. Understanding these cultural nuances and going beyond media-driven misconceptions is a matter of respect and professional integrity for all EFL teachers. Additional Information South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the hardest parts of moving to Pyeongtaek. Many parents ask, “Where can my child attend school in Pyeongtaek?” It’s one of the most common concerns for families moving to the area. Often, parents explore multiple options, sometimes choosing different schools for each child or changing their choice depending on the situation. Below are some of the most common schooling options in Pyeongtaek. Information Overview This post focuses on elementary through high school education options in Pyeongtaek. If you’re looking for daycare, kindergarten, or preschool information, please refer to other posts on this blog. Additionally, this guide covers options for families affiliated with the U.S. military under SOFA status, as well as international residents living in Pyeongtaek. For this reason, we include information about DoDEA schools, even though they are not open to the general public. Homeschooling Levels: Elementary – High School School Year: Families Discretion Homeschooling is a popular option for many expat families, especially those associated with the U.S. military. It offers a flexible, personalized approach to education, allowing children to thrive academically while adjusting to life in a new cultural environment. Whether you want to maintain your home country’s curriculum, follow international standards, or design a custom learning experience, homeschooling can be a great choice. In South Korea, homeschooling can be supplemented with hagwon classes. Hagwons are private tutoring academies that specialize in subjects such as math, English, music, robotics, dance, martial arts, and science. Legal Framework for Homeschooling In South Korea, homeschooling is allowed but regulated under the country’s education laws. The Ministry of Education oversees the standards to ensure children receive a quality education. Residency and Visa Considerations Your visa status can impact how you homeschool your child in South Korea. International Private Schools Levels: Elementary – High School School Year: August – July A variety of families choose to have their children attend excellent international schools in South Korea Located in Pyeontaek International Christian School Pyeongtaek (ICS) : Founded in 1990, ICS is one of the leading international schools in Pyeongtaek, offering a college-preparatory curriculum for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Located in the heart of the international community, ICS provides a high-quality education that prepares students for both academic success and global citizenship. All ICS teachers are certified professionals, with many holding advanced degrees. The school’s experienced faculty creates a supportive and challenging learning environment that encourages intellectual growth. As part of the NICS (Network of International Christian Schools), ICS is connected to a network of 15 schools in 13 countries, representing over 100 nations. This network allows ICS to share resources and expertise globally, constantly improving their academic programs. ICS is also one of three NICS schools in Korea, alongside Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) and Uijeongbu International Christian School (UICS). This ensures families receive the same high-quality, faith-based education across multiple campuses in South Korea. Located Within 1 Hour of Pyeongtaek School Year: August – July or March – January In addition to Pyeongtaek-si’s international school, others exist in neighboring cities. Families who don’t mind a commute may enroll their students in school such as: U.S. Military High Schools Levels: Elementary – High School School Year: August – July Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base offer educational opportunities for children of military families through the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) schools. These schools provide an American-style education that mirrors schools in the U.S., helping students transition smoothly between schools during military relocations. Eligibility and Enrollment DoDEA schools, like Humphreys High School, are open exclusively to dependents of U.S. military personnel, DoD civilian employees, and other affiliates. Unfortunately, civilian expatriates and local residents cannot enroll their children in these schools. Families must provide proof of military affiliation, visas, and residence documentation during the enrollment process. Online International Schools Levels: Elementary – High School School Year: August – July For families seeking flexibility, online schools can be an excellent option. They allow students to study from home while following a structured, accredited curriculum. This is especially helpful for families who frequently relocate or who want an alternative to traditional schooling. There are many online schools offering K-12 education, including U.S.-based, British, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. These schools provide a flexible way for students to maintain academic consistency, no matter where they live. Korean Public Schools Levels: Elementary – High School School Year: March – January International students can attend public schools in Pyeongtaek, with entry requirements varying by age and level of schooling. The Choice is Not Easy Pyeongtaek offers a range of education options for international families, from homeschooling and international schools to U.S. military and local public schools. The right choice depends on your family’s needs, your child’s learning style, and your legal or visa status. Additionally, online information remains limited. Support for vetting the different education options also remains limited. Here’s a simple table that outlines the benefits and challenges of each schooling option in Pyeongtaek: Schooling Option Benefits Challenges Homeschooling – Flexible schedule tailored to your child’s needs – Requires a lot of time and effort from parents – Personalized curriculum and pace – Limited social interaction unless supplemented with group activities – Ability to maintain home country’s education standards – Legal and visa requirements may vary, especially for non-military families International Christian School (ICS) – College-preparatory curriculum – Tuition can be expensive – English-based instruction – Limited to faith-based education (Christianity) – Strong academic and extracurricular programs – May require commute depending on location U.S. Military High Schools – Follows U.S. curriculum, easing transitions between schools for military families – Only available to U.S. military-affiliated families – Accredited American-style education – Not accessible to civilians or non-DoD employees – Access to extracurricular activities and sports – Enrollment may depend on space availability Online International Schools – Flexible learning environment and ability to study from home – Requires strong self-discipline and parental oversight – Can choose from multiple curriculums (U.S., British, IB) – Limited social interaction unless supplemented with local activities – Ideal for families who frequently move – Quality of education depends on the online provider Korean Public Schools – Affordable, as public schools have little or no tuition – Language barrier: Classes are taught in Korean – Cultural immersion for international students – Academic pressure and intense competition in Korean schools – Opportunity to learn Korean language – Limited flexibility in curriculum and pace of learning Pyeongtaek Living 101Pyeongtak Living 101 is a PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) Program that supports international residents living in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do. The program provides classes, workshops, and information to make integration into Korean life smoother. The Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF), established in 2014, is a key organization in promoting global exchange and fostering international relations in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. PIEF’s mission centers around enhancing cultural understanding and cooperation, especially with the United States Forces Korea (USFK), local foreign residents, and citizens of Pyeongtaek, with the goal of becoming a globally recognized city. PIEF operates three main centers: the Paengseong International Community Center, Songtan International Community Center, and the Pyeongtaek English Education Center. These centers provide various services, such as language education, cultural programs, and support services for foreign residents. The foundation focuses on strengthening the ROK-US alliance through community-building events, cultural festivals, and educational programs that aim to integrate both locals and international residents. Additionally, PIEF facilitates programs to support foreign residents in Pyeongtaek by providing interpretation, legal and immigration counseling, and other resources to help them settle in Korea. By organizing diverse programs, such as the Global Supporters and Global Citizenship Fostering initiatives, PIEF actively promotes cultural exchange and global citizenship among Pyeongtaek’s residents. The foundation also seeks to enhance the city’s global reach through collaborations with other cities worldwide and through public diplomacy initiatives, aiming to position Pyeongtaek as a leading international city in Korea. www.facebook.com/PyeongtaekLiving101

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Korea has a plethora of folk villages where you can learn about Korean history during different eras. Take a day for this Yongin Korean Folk Village itinerary and enjoy all the expansive, family-friendly park has to offer. Also, this particularly itinerary happens all in one place! About Folk Villages In South Korea Korea has many different types of folk villages across the country. Folk villages provide a way for Korean citizens, residents, and tourists to learn more about Korean culture. Each folk village may focus on one particular historical time period or may have different areas of the village dedicated to a variety of historical time periods. Korean folk villages focus on Korean history from a Korean education standpoint. This means that the villages are designed for those who live and travel in South Korea. They aren’t designed specifically for foreign visitors. This means most information may be in Korean. Arrive at Folk Village Early It’s a great idea to arrive around 10 am – 11 am so that you can enjoy 5-8 hours since tickets aren’t cheap. There is more about ticket costs later. As I mention later in the blog, we spent 5 hours and wished we had more time. Additionally, arriving early means cooler weather during the hot months. Our Experience at Yongin Folk Village While you may find a number of folk villages across the peninsula, which we encourage you to visit, the Korean Folk Village in Yongin offers the most immersive, traditional cultural experience.  This folk village stands out against the rest. While MOST of the folk village is stroller-friendly, you may find the folk village dirt path bumpy at times. Thankfully, the markets and amusement parks are paved. Just keep in mind that there may be easy areas and more difficult areas. We recommend blocking out your day for this trip. When my toddler and I visited, we arrived when the Korean Folk Village opened and stayed for almost 5 hours.  I felt unfulfilled because there were SO many things that we did not experience but such is the life of a toddler mom.  The folk village is wonderful day and night. The evening experience looks like a beautiful moonlit walk, including shadow performances in traditional houses and a haunted house, which you can also experience during the day.  Things to Do The Yongin Korean Folk Village offers many things to do. Experience includes traditional food, performances, educational classes on traditional craftwork, Korean architecture, horseback riding, riverboat rides, and an amusement park. Overall Experiences Stroll through the houses of a traditional Korean village, from farmers and tradesmen to scholars and nobility.  Participate in crafts, such as pottery, woodshop, silk-thread making, mask painting, straw shoe making, traditional fan making, and bamboo flute making, located in different houses.  Peruse exhibits and demonstrations in the museums.  Horseback riding, swings, and ferryboats are also in this part of the village.  Enjoy a breathtaking walk to Keum Ryeon Sa (Buddhist Temple).  * The temple walk is not stroller-friendly. Lots of stone steps. Performances Performances begin at 10:00 and run every hour with the last performance at 14:00.  Each performance showcases a different traditional instrument or dance so you may want to circle back to the stage to catch each one.  The schedule may change due to weather conditions. Amusement Park Park rides for children and adults of various sizes.  My toddler was limited to 4 rides – the Merry-Go-Round, Mini-Viking, Magic Tea Cup, and Bounce Spin because of the height requirement but there are 11 other rides for those less vertically challenged.  You’ll also find toys, arcades, a photo area, a folk museum, a shooting range, western-style food options, and a haunted house.  Definitely go through the haunted house, which includes recreations of ghosts that have been seen in Korea. Lunch or Dinner Breaks Hungry?  You’ll find a variety of Korean dishes, street food, desserts, and cafes at the Yongin Korean Folks Village.  For the cafe experience, stop at Darakbang, in the Market Village, near the entrance to the folk village.  Otherwise, you will find coffee and street food at the kiosks in the Market Village.  If you have more of an appetite, the Market Village and the Marketplace, at the opposite end of the folk village, offer touchscreen ordering with a cafeteria-like experience.  The kid’s plate includes orange juice, soup, rice, a hamburger patty, and sotteok (rice cakes and sausage).  If you require something more Western-inspired, visit the Amusement Village.  Lockers are available at a price. Seasonal Attractions The pool opens during the Summer and a snow sled field during the Winter.  The folk village also hosts seasonal festivals, such as the Romantic Fall by Joseon during the Autumn, rice cake on New Year’s, Jeongwol Daeboreum (First Full Moon), Dano (hair washing in flower water), Chuseok Farmers’ Performance, Dongji (Winter Solstice) red bean soup. Accessibility Stroller, wheelchair, and audio guide rentals are available at the entrance. The availability of mobility support means that Korean Folk Village in Yongin may be perfect for multi-generational travel. Yongin Korean Folk Village is family-friendly. You’ll find nursing stations throughout the park.  If your toddler is potty-training, like me, the restrooms include toddler-sized toilets. Yongin Folk Village Listing and Location Additional Information for Yongin Folk Village Remember that all Yongin Folk Village policies, prices, and opening hours may change over time or during different seasons and holidays. You may want to confirm details via their website or by contacting 1330. Hours of Operation Open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekdays (Monday to Thursday) and 10:00 to 21:30 on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) Shuttle Service The Korean Folk Village offers a free shuttle service 3 times a day, to Suwon Station and back, on a first come-first served basis. The shuttle leaves Suwon Station Exit No. 4 at 10:30, 12:30, and 14:30; Korean Folk Village at 13:50 and 16:00. Please remember that times may change due to traffic. Parking If you have a Hi-Pass, there’s a fast parking option that will charge your Hi-Pass card.  Just keep an eye out for the usual Hi-Pass blue lane and sign. Otherwise, don’t forget to cover your parking fees before you leave. Ticket Prices Adults & Youth (14yo to 64yo) admission costs W32,000; Children (36 months to 13yo), W26,000; and Over 65, W22,000.  Under 36 months are free. The price was a bit more than I wanted to pay but if you stay for the day, then you’ll discover that it’s worth it.  You may purchase annual memberships, ranging from W90,000 to 190,000.  The Amusement Village, museum, and exhibition halls are included in the cost of admission. Pet Policy Pets are not allowed.  Bikes, Scooters, Etc Policy While strollers and wheelchairs are permitted, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, etc are not.  Drone Policy Drones are not permitted. Join a Facebook Group I hope you enjoyed the Yongin Korean Folk Village Itinerary. Looking for more travel itineraries or ideas for families? Join some Facebook groups. Explore More Korean Travel Itineraries South of Seoul has over 52 travel itineraries that extend across Korea. That’s one trip every week for a year! Many itineraries range from 1 to 3-day plans which can be combined to create extended trips across the country. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Worried about the typhoons that come through South Korea? Learn more about Typhoon preparedness in Korea and how international residents might want to prepare. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible content through the use of AI technology. We don’t have time to read each article but we do our best to make more of our content accessible. If you would like to join our Accessibility Team apply to volunteer with South of Seoul. Please note that the pronunciation of some Korean words may be inaccurate due to AI technology’s limitations. About Typhoons in South Korea Typhoons in South Korea occur most often between the months of May and November. The majority of typhoons impact South Korea between July and September. Keep in mind that weather changes often and typhoons may occur during any month. Please note that typhoon season and Jangma (monsoon season) in South Korea exist as two separate concepts. Typhoon season refers to the months when typhoons may commonly occur (May-November) and Jangma (monsoon season) refers to an intensely rainy time of the summer (Mid July – August) that may or may not include a typhoon. Additionally, typhoons and monsoons have different meanings. A typhoon (hurricane) describes a large, rotating tropical storm while a monsoon describes a seasonal rain pattern.  Korea experiences, on average, 7 typhoons a year. The hardest hit regions are Jeju-do, Gangwon-do, and Jeollanam-do.  About Typhoon Preparedness in South Korea Considering the number of typhoons each year, it’s important to have a typhoon Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Therefore, this post digs into what international residents need to know as they make their typhoon EPP. This EPP-related post begins with FEMA standards for preparing for a typhoon and then addresses some Personal Preparedness concerns. Keep in mind that no online post can cover all areas of preparedness for each person. Everyone needs to create their own individual plan based on their unique needs and lens on the world. This EPP-related post exists as a resource to consider in addition to other resources. Emergency Preparedness Plans for International Residents As an international resident in South Korea, you may need to take extra steps in creating a succesful and safe EPP. As an international resident, you may have additional concerns such as language barrier, paperwork, limited support system, and a lack of awareness regarding the hidden culture surrounding health care and emergency systems. During our 12 years living and working in South Korea, South of Seoul volunteers witnessed firsthand extremely tragic and life-threatening situations. Such situations may have been avoided or had less tragic outcomes with a fully developed EPP. Please, deeply consider carefully researching and planning for emergencies during your stay in South Korea. FEMA Typhoon Preparedness Most countries may offer similar emergency preparedness advice. Federal Emergency Management Agencies (FEMAs) around the world generally follow similar plans. However, each country may offer additional information based on unique geography, social, or cultural conditions. The Typhoon Emergency Plan Timeline infographic below shows a FEMA-recommended Typhoon Emergency Plan before, during, and after a typhoon. You can feel free to download and share this graphic as needed. Before the Typhoon During the Typhoon After the Typhoon Personal Preparedness to Consider In addition to the standardized preparations, take time to consider the following individualized planning. Personal Preparedness means additional elements to add to your EPP that related directly to your personal lived experience and lens on the world. South of Seoul has not listed all of the possible additional Personal Preparedness options. The following examples come from community interviews and feedback after previous national disasters such as floods, fires typhoons, landslides, and more. Such examples may create a useful framework for observing your own needs. Each person needs to consider their own unique situation and add to the plan. FEMAs offer excellent advice, however, each person also needs to consider their own unique situation such as: Let’s look at a few examples of some individual considerations. After reading the following examples South of Seoul provides a Personal Preparedness Worksheet to help you plan for your own personal needs. Example: Pregnant or Medically Fragile Example: Personal Vehicles Example: Living in Remote Locations Example: Securing Paperwork Example: Consider Your Employment Situation Example: Mental Health Support Emergency Preparedness Plan Worksheet for International Residents South of Seoul created an Emergency Preparedness Plan Worksheet (EPPW) specifically for international residents living in South Korea. We embedded the EPPW below. Anyone can download the following EPPW pdf for personal use or modify and share it with their own communities. The EPPW includes: Additional Resources The following resources may also come in handy: South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Summer vacations are coming. Expect to feel frustrated when you first show up at your favorite spots and they are closed for summer vacation. It’s hard at first, but when you understand the cultural standards, the frustration gets easier. Let’s talk more about business summer vacations in South Korea so that you can go from upset to aware faster. About Business Summer Vacations in Korea Many family-owned businesses or small corporations take a summer vacation sometime between mid-July and the end of August. The timing coordinates with when kids are out of school and families have time together. This is an important business practice for supporting social and family health. A few pro tips when to consider regarding summer vacations: The Culture Shock of Summer Vacation For some international residents, the concept of business summer vacations does not exist and they may feel angry experiencing it. Some people may feel entitled to a business being open at all times for any reason due to the cultural business standards of their home countries. In this situation, arriving in a country where many small businesses close to focus on family and self-care may feel unfair and alienating. Such feelings may be especially strong if the international resident has no knowledge of the new cultural standard. Such culture shock may turn into rage, posting online and negative feelings toward South Korea because it did not meet the hidden expectations of the new resident. South of Seoul volunteers have lived in both countries that take summer vacations and countries that do not. At first, we didn’t know what was happening during summer vacations either, and felt angry. However, once we understood the cultural system, we learned not to plan anything like trips to the mechanic or rural restaurants during August. Additionally, Korea is known as a country that works too hard, so many assume Koreans don’t take vacations. Although true in many ways, Korean culture does take breaks differently than other cultures might. For example, these summer small business owners overwork all year with 12-14 hour days 7 days a week, and only have summer vacation to give them hope. Checking Business Vacation Dates Businesses may announce their vacation dates in the following ways: Keep in mind, that businesses may post in one but not all of the previously mentioned locations. Additionally, they may just not post at all because they go on vacation every year at the same time, and the community already knows to expect it. They don’t realize that new international residents in Korea don’t know about this social standard. Tools for Learning About Business Summer Vacations in Korea In order to search for information about summer vacations, you can use two common tools: Managing the Emotions If you can, take a moment to remember that everyone needs a vacation. Small and medium-sized companies in Korea work an excessive number of hours throughout the year. They need and deserve to have time with their families to build memories. We realize you will want to yell about it first because it sucks, but then take a moment. Remember, supporting healthy practices like closing for summer vacation helps support a healthy community, healthy families, improved mental health, and a better world for everyone. Feel your feelings of missing that business and see what they mean to you. Value them and what they bring to your life for the rest of the year. If you worked a ton, you would feel you needed a vacation more than money at least once a year as well. Supporting Healthy Vacation Practices Taking the time to help support the communication between businesses and the international community improves everyone’s lives greatly. After you have grieved your loss of not getting what you wanted, head to your nearest Facebook group (like Pyeongtaek Food & Fun or Pyeongtaek Living) related to your community and let other international residents know about the business vacation dates. This makes you a hero to the business you love and the community you live in. Misunderstandings Because of Language Barrier Many international residents think that their favorite business has closed permanently and announce it the business is closed online without double-checking. This occurs because the “Closed for a Holiday” sign and posts online are in Korean. It’s important to give a business until the end of August before you sound the alarms that they have closed forever. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group You are also welcome to join our Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Don’t get surprised by restaurant break times in Korea! Restaurants across the country provide their workers with time to rest between lunch and dinner. This is a very healthy habit for taking care of front-line workers but inconvenient for customers who don’t know it exists. Let’s talk about how break times may impact you and how to overcome the struggle. Common Restaurant Breaktimes Many restaurants have a break time between 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm. We have found 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm to be a common break time in many areas. However, Korea has no standard practice and each restaurant makes a plan for what works best for them. Many restaurants may post break time information on their Instagram or their Naver Maps listing. Break Times Make Lunch Complicated Finding lunch can feel almost like a competitive sport because of restaurant break times in Korea. Especially if you want to eat at a popular or famous restaurant. Big restaurants, small restaurants, family-owned restaurants, and franchise restaurants may choose to have a break between lunch and dinner service. Understanding how break times work and how they may impact your life and schedule may help you better plan your life in South Korea. Restaurants stop Seating New Guests 1 hr Before Breaktime Many restaurants (if not most) may require you to be seated at least 1 hour before break time starts. That means if their break time is 2:30 pm you need to be in your chair by 1:30 pm and not still on the waiting list. They will be kicking everyone out and closing the doors when break time hits. Respect their time and be ready to go. Lunch Service Times Are Short Since many lunch restaurants open between 11:00 am – 12:00 pm and you need to be seated an hour before break time, you only have about a 1-2 hour window to have lunch. Not only that, but you are in competition with all the other Koreans who also saw that cool spot online. You can’t mess around with picking a lunch spot and getting seated. Popular Restaurants May Sell Out Sometimes popular lunch spots completely sell out before break times start. Since they are about to go on break, they will not run out and re-stock. Once they are out of ingredients the restaurant will close until dinner time or for the day. Avoiding Break Time Frustrations In order to survive the hustle of restaurant break times in Korea try a few of these tips. All of the tips revolve around staying very aware of time and making sure you plan ahead. Look Up Restaurant Break Times Many restaurants will post their break times on their Instagram and Naver Maps listings. You may need to use Papago to translate the information from a screenshot. Breaktimes might be called 브레이크타임 or 휴식. Other variations may occur as well and usually contain 휴 as part of the phrase. You can always use Papago or Google Translate. (Please note that our bloggers use Naver Maps in Korean. Your Naver Maps information should be in English if your phone is in English.) If you can’t find the break times on Naver Maps or Instagram, you can also contact 1330 to ask about break times at a specific restaurant. South of Seoul has a blog to help you learn about the free help from 1330. Eat Early Plan on eating lunch at 11:00 am or 11:30 am right when the restaurants open. This helps to ensure you get a table and they aren’t sold out. Make a Reservation If you have the money and help with translation, make a reservation at a fancy restaurant that takes reservations. Then you know where, when, and what you will eat. Of course, not everywhere does reservations and you might need help making a reservation. Avoid Instagram Favorites Any business in Seoul popular on Instagram will be a hustle. That’s why we avoid these locations. Additionally, such locations tend to be big on hype and low on quality. Have a List of Options Don’t get your heart pinned on one spot. Have a list of 3 options within a few blocks of each other. Have a Backup Plan When in doubt, go to a corner mart and grab a meal. This can save your life on a Saturday when every place in the neighborhood is packed. Pay Attention to the Time Don’t let your day get away from you. Keep in mind that break times exist and make sure that your plans allow for you to grab lunch earlier in the day. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Hello, I am an English educator from the United States living in rural South Korea. Recently, I went through the testing process for my South Korean driver’s license at the Yongin Driving Center. I thought it might be helpful to share my story. I can only speak from my experience here, some testing sites might differ. Let’s go…. About Getting Your Korean Driver’s’ License as a US Citizen Since Driver’s Licenses in the United States are issued by state, each state has its own reciprocity agreement with South Korea regarding the exchange for driver’s licenses. That means, as of 2022 14 states have agreements for exchanging licenses: In order to exchange a driver’s license from one of these states, one must have the license apostilled in the state of origin. Such complications may mean that US educators who wish to live and drive in South Korea may choose to get a South Korean driver’s license through testing. This was the route I chose to take. Solo Driver’s Licence Exam v. Driver’s Licence Hagwon Once I decided to test for my Korean driver’s license I needed to choose between taking the exams independently or going through a driving hagwon. Driving hagwons cost around 1.5 million won prepare you for the exam. Some driving hagwons even offer classes in English. Since I am comfortable driving and have done so for many years, I choose to take the exams through a driver’s license testing center. Such centers do not require hagwon classes and I could simply take a series of tests to earn my license. Such a process was less expensive and less time-consuming. Driving Hagwon with English Speaking Instructors If you decided you would like to earn your license through a driving hagwon, here is an option. In Pyeongtaek, there is a popular driving hagwon with English instructors in Paengseong. A number of other English educators in South Korea have used this location. It may take 1-2 weeks to get your license through a driving hagwon depending on your schedule and theirs. That said, I did not choose the hagwon route and this is how it went… My Testing Location For my region, Yongin is the closest public driving center you can get your license at without aid from a hagwon. Your testing facility will depend on your location. You can ask 1330 for the address of the Driver’s License Test Center (운전면허시험잔) near you. Cost for Getting a License without Road School Overall, to get my license cost just over 120,000 won-140,000 won. This included the cost of taking the exam multiple times. This did not take into consideration incidental costs such as transportation, missed days of work, etc. Estimated Time to get a Driver’s License from Scratch The process of getting my South Korean driver’s license took about 3 months with appointments. In the past, I’ve seen posts saying you can get this done in a day or a week but with current Covid 19 restrictions as well as having a full-time job I didn’t find this possible. It may take you many visits and the amount of time may vary by person. If you are pressed for time, a driving hagwon may be worth the money. If you don’t do the hagwon route you need to stay flexible and allow a lot of grace for failing tests due to differences in language and culture. Yongin Offers English Language Support and Testing In the Yongin Driving center, there is a help desk on the side, usually, there is someone onstaff who speaks English to assist. All tests and forms were available in English. Remember that Korea provides each administrative district a great deal of self-governance. This means that each driving test center may have more or less languages and support in such languages available. My Personal Driver’s License Story Here’s my experience and the steps I took to acquire my Korean driver’s license! Since the South Korean government provides a great deal of flexibility for local government agencies, each driving center may have systems with differ from the one in Yongin. Always check your local testing center. We can’t state the importance of being aware that local governments have different systems across South Korea. Much of what your read may lead you to believe that Korea has a system of universal governance, but it does not. Each administrative district has the flexibility to adapt (or not adapt) to the needs of the immediate area. Such variance greatly impacts those of us who live in rural areas. This blog posts my experience in Yongin at a particular point in time. Expect your experience to be different based on location and changes in Korean rules over time. Allowing space for such fluidity and diversity of experience will help you emotionally navigate getting your driver’s license on your own. Step 1: Education Course (free) Usually, you have to sign up for the Education Course before you arrive to take the class. They say you can sign up online but I don’t think the “foreigner” option is fleshed out and did not work for me. Don’t panic, you have options. You can get someone to help you make a reservation on the Korean version of the site or you can go to the nearest testing center in person. For this step, I visited the Driver’s License Test Center (운전면허시험잔) in Yongin to ask questions about how to sign up for my Education Course. While there, the Help Desk staff told me I could join the next Education Course Video if there was an open spot. It was my lucky day and I was able to signup for a course immediately. The course is about an hour and it was a three-step process. First, you fill out a small form with your information to prove you have taken this course. Second, you go and sit for an “ education video” about the safety of driving. Third, you can go back downstairs take a number and sign up for the written test. Step 2: Written Exam (7,500 won) 70% pass Written Exam Details I recommend studying for this test beforehand regardless of driving experience. There is an app called 운전면허. Plus, the app is a study guide and practice test with word-for-word questions you will see. Some of the situations and questions on this test are so specific that without remembering them from the app I wouldn’t have passed. Please study this a few times before taking the written Korean driver’s license test as it will greatly reduce your frustration and likelihood of taking the exam twice. Items Needed for the Written Korean Driver’s License Test After getting your form and photos, head upstairs is the testing room (remember that this is specific to Yongin). When your name appears you will go into the testing room. Turn off your phone and sit at your assigned computer. You have an hour to take the test and it’s a 70% pass rate. That means you need to pass the test with a 70% score. Studying via the 운전면허 app I was able to pass on the Written Test on the first try. Resources for studying for the written Korean driver’s license test: Step 3: “In Course” Driving Test (fee: 18,500) 80% pass Driving Course Details I failed the In Course Driving Test on my first try even after studying for this test for 2 weeks by watching the videos. ***This is NOT a test for your driving skills, this is a test to see if you memorized the video for the test. It is IMPOSSIBLE to do this test without studying videos. At hagwons, they are expected to memorize this with the very specific steps needed to not lose points.**** This test is a computerized driving test in course. It has a small computer screen in thecar and you drive solo around this course. The purpose of the In Course Driving Test is to show that you understand how to use the blinkers, wipers turn on the car, etc. And driving skills like: stopping on a hill, 3point turn/parking, speed control zone (aka can you speed up and slow down according tosigns). Points are automatically deducted and announced to you when do not do exactly as the video recommended. The screen and voice commands are available in English. However, the staff will need to choose the English setting. Please tell the staff beforehand to make sure that you have the right language option for you. On paper, this test isn’t difficult. The test only covers the most basic skills, however, the key is learning what small things count as a minus point. PLEASE study the linked videos. This test is monitored by GPS and totally computerized so is VERY SENSITIVE and ruthless. Hurdles for Taking the “In Course” Driving Test Here is a quick list of the issues I had while taking this test. Hurdle 1: Small Points Count Many points can be taken off before you even start the car. You will hear a set of beeps after she says the command and only then complete the task in 5 seconds. Then you will hear a little chime showing you completed it. Easy ways to lose points such as: if you fail to turn the blinkers off 5 seconds afterthe command…..-5pts . If you complete the task said before she finishes the sentence and pauses….-5pts. This is a driving hagwons video and it was very very useful. I recommend taking notes for the beeps. This is all in Korean but the format is exactly the same. Another example video of the course but just for an idea of what it looks like outside the car. When you begin the test after turning on the car turn on the left signal light to tell the computer you are starting. THEN turn it off in 5 seconds or points are deducted. (small note…in my test, she said “ turn on the upper lights….then…..turn off the lights” I was confused as I call these high beams….you can also not pause between turning up to high beams and back down when you turn them off she will count it as a fail.) Hurdle 2: “T-parking” Important: You must complete ‘T-parking’ in 1 minute or it is an automatic fail. DO NOT DO THIS AS YOU WOULD DRIVE NORMALLY. I did and almost took too longlining up the doors. Hagwons teach ‘T-parking’ a specific way by lining up mirrors and turning the wheel. Using the trick to line up the mirror with to the parking lines helped. A final tip for this one, you need to pull the emergency brake. I did not find this mentioned in English. When you back up the car and pass the white line, automatically pull up the emergency brake until you hear a chime. Then you may start to exit the T-parking zone. Resources for studying for the T-parking: Hurdle 3: Express way zone This portion isn’t difficult, just make sure you maintain over 20km about 5 meters AFTERyou pass the sign.. then slow back down within 5 meters AFTER you pass the next slowdown sign. ( I failed at the end because I slowed down before the sign.) After you do the simulated ‘expressway’, turn on your RIGHT blinker to let the test know you’redone. Then it will announce if you passed or failed. The Next Step Step 4: Road Test (Fee: 25,000 won) 80% pass Road Test Details The ‘Road Test’ is the final part of the Korean Driver’s License exam process. This is when you get out on the road with a proctor in a car provided by the testing center. You do not take the driving exam in your own vehicle. The testing vehicle has been rigged with computers which help with the testing. This test might be taken alone or with another test-taker in the car. One of you will take the test on the drive away from the testing center...

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Unfamiliar with the Korean expressway and HiPass system? We’ve got your covered. Making the most of your stay in Korea means taking advantage of every opportunity to travel.  For most trips that are over 2 hours away, OR when driving into Seoul, you may encounter at least one toll along the way. Setting up a HiPass system can make such trips less stressful and save you money. Here is what you need to know. About Korean Expressways Korean expressways are toll roads that crisscross South Korea. Korean Expressway Corporation manages the expressways in South Korea. The program began in 1968 and now manages over 4,000km of roadways. Using Korean expressways can save you hours of drive time. Taking the expressway from Pyeongtaek to Sokcho can take as little as 3.5 hours while a non-express way trip could take 8-12 hours. Learning about the Korean Expressways before jumping on the road can greatly reduce your stress and improve your travel experience. We recommend reading this blog and then watching the following video to help put the content into context. Korean Expressway Toll Gates A driver passes through two toll gates on a Korean expressway. The first gate marks the beginning of the toll fee and the second gate marks the end of the toll fee. Drivers usually pay Korean expressway tolls upon exiting the expressway. However, there are some unique areas that do charge upon entering a small stretch of expressway. Such unique situations tend to occur in areas surrounding Seoul. About Korean Expressway Tolls Korean expressway toll fees are calculated according to the following criteria: Korean expressway toll fees should be paid using either a Korean debit card with a transportation function (you need to set up the transportation function at your bank), cash, or a Hi-Pass card. Some (but maybe not all) expressway toll booths accept cash. To keep life simple, South of Seoul encourages drivers to get HiPass. The Hi-Pass system allows drivers to pay tolls without having to stop at toll booths. As of 2020, over 50% of Korean drivers use a HiPass card. Kakao Maps and Naver Maps tell you your estimated toll fee when they route your journey. If you use either of these apps to route your trip you should not be surprised by toll fees. Make sure the expressway toll fees reflected in your Naver Map or Kakao Map apps are correct by customizing your app to reflect your information. Below you can see that the user has a small car using an alternate fuel and has HiPass installed. Such detail will ensure that their estimated tolls reflect their individual situation. Pro-Tip: If you drive a 경차 (lightweight vehicle) you get a 50% discount on expressway toll fees. Such vehicles include cars such as the Matiz, Morning, Spark, and Ray. Pro-Tip: HiPass users may get a discount for using a HiPass depending on the time of day and highway. Hi-Pass discounts vary between 5% to 50% depending on the situation. About HiPass Lanes for HiPass Holders A driver must choose between HiPass and Non-HiPass lanes at both the entrance and exit of their journey. As previously mentioned in this blog post, a driver passes through two toll gates on a Korean expressway and their lane choices need to match their payment options. If you have your information added to Kakao or Naver map apps, these apps may help guide you to the correct lane at each toll gate. About HiPass On-Board Units To use such HiPass lanes the driver must have both an On-Board Unit (OBU) which is installed at the front of the vehicle, and a Hi-Pass card that is inserted into the OBU. If a person only has a HiPass card they can not use the HiPass lanes as the lane needs an OBU to read the card from a distance. The OBU, sometimes marketed as a “Hi-Pass device” or ETC unit (Electronic Toll Collection), is produced by a variety of manufacturers.  You can find OBUs in a variety of locations such as: The OBU devices come in many different shapes, sizes, styles, and price ranges. Some need to be wired into the vehicle while others run off of solar power. Special Announcement for US Military: Purchasing a HiPass on Camp Humphreys At Camp Humphreys, you may purchase an OBU and Hi-Pass in the Main PX Exchange BLDG 5700.  About HiPass Cards for HiPass On-Board Units There are three types of HiPass cards. Depending on your Korean visa type and bank account situation, you can choose between: About Re-fillable HiPass Cards Re-fillable HiPass cards do not require a Korean bank account or Korea FRC. You can purchase re-fillable HiPass cards at the following locations: Once you have a card and device, it may need to be registered and the form looks something like the following as of 2021: To register for the Hi-Pass you will need your Korean vehicle registration, driver’s license, and possibly a registration fee depending on the situation. Re-fillable Hi-Pass Plus cards can be re-filled/re-charged at a variety of locations including About Auto Loading (자동충전) HiPass Cards In order to use an auto-loading HiPass card, you will need to have a Korean FRC, a Korean smartphone under your name, and a Korean Bank account linked to your FRC and smartphone. Once the auto charging card has been activated and linked to a Korean bank account, a pre-determined amount is automatically added to the card each month. You can set up your auto-loading HiPass card on the HiPass website. You can purchase an Auto Charge HiPass card at the following locations: Pro-Tip: Not every bank may allow international residents to use an auto-loading card. About Auto-Charging HiPass Cards Auto-charging HiPass cards are connected to Korean credit cards. HiPass automatically charges for the fees used each month. The cards do not need to be loaded since you pay as you go. It may be more complicated for international residents in Korea to obtain. Credit cards are only available for certain visas, with certain job types, etc. However, a number of South of Seoul volunteers on different visa types have credit cards through Hana Bank that offer an auto-charging HiPass card option. Pro-Tip: Banks may confuse a request to set up an auto-loading card with a request for an auto-charging card. Recognizing HiPass Lanes Many entry and exit gates will clearly label the Hi-Pass lane in bright blue. These lanes are designated for cars with a Hi-Pass OBU (onboard unit) and Hi-Pass card. Not all HiPass lanes have the same speed limit. Notice, the speed limit for going through the HiPass gate has been painted on the road over the blue line. All other vehicles are expected to use the other lanes.  Some entry and exit gates will have additional lanes for large work vehicles. These lanes often have large yellow frames but this may not be the case. Common HiPass Errors Experienced by Foreigners It’s common to experience one or all of the following challenges as a new user of the Korean expressway systems. Don’t panic, the system was not designed to be a burden. You will be ok and it is unlikely you will experience untenable financial consequences. Error 1: Passing Through A HiPass Gate Without HiPass If you accidentally run a HiPass lane and the siren goes off, don’t panic. Remember the place you entered and tell the attendant when you exit the tollway. Here are the options that you have. As of 2020, the Korean Expressway Corporation does not charge a ticket for making mistakes on toll roads, they simply charge you the price of the toll (so don’t panic). Solution A: Pay at the toll when you leave In our experience, we took note of the name of my entry gate and briefly explained our mistake to the toll agent, who made a quick phone call, then told me the amount I had to pay. It was a hassle-free exchange that took less than a minute. The price I was charged was also the same as the price listed on Naver. Another great reason for using Naver, it lists toll fees for your route. If you need help communicating with the toll booth attendant use 1330. Solution B: Wait for the HiPass Bill in the Mail If you accidentally go through a Hi-Pass lane without an OBU, then you will likely be mailed a traffic ticket. If you go through the entry gate and forget to grab a ticket or if the ticket doesn’t print, don’t fret. The toll agent at the exit gate will calculate your toll at the next booth.  How to Pay Your HiPass Bill If you get a HiPass bill in the mail you can pay the bill 1) at your Korean bank or 2) at a HiPass office, or 3) Korean bank transfer via ATM or smartphone. We always recommend having a Korean bank account to help make such situations as stress-free as possible. If you accidentally forget to pay your expressway toll fee bill, they do not charge excessive penalties. In fact, there are often no late fee penalties. Just get it paid as soon as you can. Error 2: Passing Through a Non-HiPass Gate with a HiPass Card If you have a HiPass reader and accidentally pass through a cash gate, do not worry. Simply remove your HiPass card from your HiPass Reader and give it to the cashier. You do not need to pay with a card or cash, just hand them your Hi-Pass card Error 3: Hi-Pass Card Has No Money If you have a re-fillable or auto-loading card you may accidentally take a trip without enough money on your card, don’t panic. Solution A: Pay as you exit If you realize your mistake upon entering the expressway you can simply pay at the toll gate with your Korean debit card with a transportation function (you need to set up the transportation function at your bank) or cash. Solution B: Wait for the bill If you realize your mistake up exciting the expressway just wait for the bill in the mail and go get your card filled. Avoiding Korean Expressways and HiPass System If you are not fond of using the Korean Expressway and HiPass system, both Naver Map and Kakao Map apps allow users to set trip preferences including routes that don’t use tollways. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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South of Seoul takes a deep dive into the South Korean government systems and uses a case study based on recent research surrounding issues experienced within the US Military community. The following information is sourced from Korean government civics classes, interviews with 1339, interviews with the Ministry of Foreign affairs, and personal interviews with US Military personnel regarding their experiences. About COVID-19 Procedures Across Korea Interpretation Federal policy and implementation of procedures related to Korean Federal COVID-19 policy vary across South Korea. Such variations in local policy and procedures may occur because Korean Federal Government issues general, vaguely worded COVID-19 policies and then allow local government offices the right and freedom to interpret and implement such vague COVID-19 policies as they see fit for their individual populations. (This is also true about other Federal policies in Korea). Allowing local governments the freedom to interpret the broad Federal COVID-19 policies provides small and large local governments the important flexibility they need to meet the needs of their communities. When living as a resident in Korea, such freedom and flexibility help create a comfortable local living environment for those living in rural areas as ‘restrictions’ are not as heavily enforced as in highly populated areas such as Seoul. However, such flexibility can also cause issues – especially related to issues surrounding foreign populations. Let’s look at how such a system may impact the US Military personnel. Federal COVID-19 Policy v. Local COVID-19 Procedures For international residents and US military living in South Korea under the SOFA agreement, such variations in policy and procedure can cause great stress and frustration. Such stress comes from factors such as: The Federal Government regulations often get translated to other languages while local policy and procedures do not. (This creates misunderstandings in how international residents understand local procedures.) Lack of an understanding of how Federal policy becomes implemented locally. Lack of awareness of the KCDA (Center for Disease Control) hotline 1339 which offers English langauge support related to COVID-19 policy at the federal level) Lack of foreign language support at local government offices (some small governments don’t have the resources to provide equitable access to non-Korean speakers) Lack of an awarenss related to how to advocate for clarity related to local COVID-19 rules (many international residents do not take Korean civics courses to understand how to interact with local government) Case Study: US Military Living Under the SOFA Agreement Use of Form 49 Those associated with the US military currently struggle with the above issues in relation to From 49 (Confirmation of vaccination form). As previously mentioned in other South of Seoul blog articles, many of those associated with the US Military do not live in Korea as residents. They live in Korea under SOFA which means they are in Korea but not integrated into Korean social systems and thus carry a special Form 49 to verify their foreign vaccinations. Possible Impact of Federal Policy v. Local Procedures on Form 49 Acceptance In theory, Form 49 allows US Military personnel and families to live in Korea without registering in the Korean social systems (interview with 1339). Such an agreement to use Form 49 sounds exciting! It sounds like the US military living in Korea under the SOFA agreement will now have no issues moving about the country if they are vaccinated. It seems like showing the form to any business in Korea should solve all vaccine-related issues. However, that has not been the case. US military personnel using Form 49 have been turned away from businesses across South Korea (first-person reports gathered through community interviews). Such issues related to the acceptance of Form 49 may come from the issue that Federal agreements do not necessarily translate into the local adaptation of associated procedures (interview with 1339). Since each local government office across Korea should create local rules related to Form 49, different local governments (who may not have US military-related people live in an area) may put different levels of effort into promoting Form 49 to businesses. Frankly speaking, some local governments with limited cash and staff may not implement any procedures or distribute any information to businesses related to From 49 (interview with 1339). That would be their choice. Possible Impact of Internal Korean Federal Policy v. Public Korean Federal Policy Additionally, the Korean Federal government created the policy related to Form 49 for the US Military as a special agreement related to SOFA. Such a situation means that policy related to Form 49 does not exist publically (interview with 1339). That means you can not look up the policy online and it is not shared publically. When South of Seoul asked for a copy of such a policy we were told it was not publically accessible and only passed around internally (interview with 1339). When asked how we could prove such a policy regarding From 49 exists, the KCDA said that people can call 1339 to confirm the policy (interview with 1339). Possible Lack of Business Access to Information Related to Form 49 What such a situation could mean is that many Korean businesses may not be aware of the agreement to accept Form 49 as Confirmation of COVID-19 Vaccination exists. Since businesses cannot access the policy related to 49, said businesses may struggle to believe an agreement to accept Form 49 exists if local governments have not issued a statement regarding Form 49. Additionally, many foreign and locally owned businesses interviewed by South of Seoul did not know they could call the KCDA directly at 1339 to confirm policy related to Form 49. Possible Differences in Quality Related to Using Form 49 v. a Korean FRC The issue of From 49 causes great stress for many US military-associated peoples during an already difficult time. Under the current situation, equitable awareness of From 49 across Korea will likely take time as each local government or business slowly adapts. US Military personnel with locally registered vaccines and/or FRC numbers may feel more relaxed and comfortable living in Korean society during COVID-19. This does not mean South of Seoul is telling US Military personnel to get FRCs or register their foreign vaccines in Korea. We simply wish to provide insight into a current struggle faced in our community and how it may or may not impact people in our community. Activity duty military should speak to their command regarding how to handle such issues. Contact the Local Government Office to Understand Local COVID-19 Information The Form 49 Case Study demonstrates the need for international residents to advocate for their needs at the local as well as federal levels. In order to do this, we all need to know where our local government offices exist. In areas of the country with large populations (Suwon, Daejeon, etc) such local government offices are called ‘Gu offices’ (구). You can find such offices for your area on Naver. Smaller administrative areas (such as Pyeongtaek-si) do not have enough people to have a ‘Gu office’. Therefore, in smaller cities such as Pyeontaek the City Hall or the smaller eup, myeon, or ri (-읍, -면, -리) offices should be contacted. The administrative offices for towns ending in eup (-읍), myeon (-면), or ri (-리) are called 행정북지센터. City Hall Locations with Pyeongtaek-si In Pyeongtaek we recommend starting with City Hall locations if you have specific questions related to COVID-19 rules in Pyeongtaek. Remember that such information does not necessarily apply to Cheonan, Asan, Osan, Anseong, or Hwaseong. Advocating for the Needs of International Residents in Korea During COVID-19 Although South of Seoul used a situation experienced by the US military as a case study to understand issues related Korean government, the relationship between Federal Korean COVID-19 policy and local governments impacts all international residents in complicated ways. As a group, international residents should be empowered with the civic knowledge needed to advocate for their needs and strive for the equitable implementation of COVID-19 policy in all areas of South Korea. Disclaimers South of Seoul gathers information through personal interviews, reading government policies, and newspaper articles. All information should be verified and cross-checked in your local area. South of Seoul does not represent either the South Korean government or the governments of our multi-national volunteer team. South of Seoul welcomes clarification on information as we understand language differences and cultural differences may muddy detailed understanding of complicated situations. South of Seoul finds many benefits in how the South Korean federal and local governments manage COVID-19 policies. The case study contained in this blog article documents a situation that may exist and the possible causes for such a situation. Even strong systems may cause issues that may need to be addressed after reviewing outcomes. Related Articles If this article contained information you found helpful, you may also want to read the following blog articles: Special Blog: 1339 Verification of US Military Vaccine Paperwork US Military: Getting Your Foreign Registration Card (FRC) in South Korea US Military: Connect to Life in Korea with Your FRC (aka ARC) South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Many of our multinational community members living in South Korea have been wondering about how to register their overseas COVID vaccines in Korea. This blog provides some information on how to register an overseas vaccination in Korea and who is eligible to.

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