Severance Pay and Contract Renewal Bonus information

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Here’s a blog recap for the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops for 2024! We hosted 3 sessions of the Pyeongtaek Living Workshops, each session included 4 different workshop topics over the span of two weeks. Here is how they went. Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops Recap The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops were a fantastic opportunity for our community to dive deeper into practical topics essential for navigating life in Pyeongtaek. As a follow-up to the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course, the workshops focused on hands-on, interactive sessions where participants gained valuable insights into everyday life and culture in Korea. What We Covered Throughout the series, each workshop was designed to focus on a specific area of life in Pyeongtaek, offering both newcomers and long-time residents valuable knowledge. From understanding local transportation systems to navigating the healthcare landscape, the workshops were structured to give participants the tools they need to thrive in their daily lives. Workshops in Action The workshops allowed for more one-on-one interaction and hands-on learning. Participants engaged in practical activities, such as finding the information they needed in Naver, locating some bus timetables together, and setting their navigation preferences for cars. These activities ensured they left the workshops with a solid understanding of applying what they had learned in real-life scenarios. Additionally, in each workshop, we tested a variety of easy Korean meals for families! This turned out to be a highlight of each day as attendees discovered new affordable and easy-to-prepare Korean foods for their families. What Participants Said After attending the workshops, many participants shared how much they appreciated the practical skills they gained. “I can’t believe how much easier it is to find what I need now,” said one attendee. “The tips on simplifying errands and using Naver were a game-changer!” Looking Forward The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshops were a huge success, and we hope to continue offering these immersive, practical learning opportunities in the future. Check back in March or April of the New Year to learn about potential new Pyeongtaek Living 101 Workshop dates. Whether you’re just starting out in Korea or have been here for a while, these workshops provide a great chance to deepen your understanding of the local culture and systems. Stay tuned for more updates about our next events, and don’t forget to check out the full recap of the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course here! 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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Feeling pressured to use Naver Maps (네이버 지도) instead of Google Maps while living in or visiting South Korea? Many valid reasons exist for this pressure. Time to explore the differences between these two map systems that provide different levels of access to information in Korea. Culture Shock Around Map Apps in Korea During our research in satisfaction with integration into South Korean life, we found technology important. For example, we found that a low adaptation to technology may negatively impact life satisfaction. Conversely, those who reported a high level of life satisfaction reported they adapted to localized technologies. This correlation felt important. Therefore, South of Seoul volunteers compiled the following blog post. We want to support new arrivals’ understanding of how adapting to Naver Maps and letting go of Google Maps may be beneficial. Important Information Regarding Google Maps v. WAZE Google purchased WAZE in 2013. The WAZE headquarters exist in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. Originally, users could easily add information into WAZE and provide a great deal of user feedback. Additionally, Google left WAZE to manage their information on separate systems. However, in December of 2022, Google publicly announced they started merging Waze. This meant Google consolidated the Waze team. Google Maps and WAze now exist under the larger Geo division, which oversees Google Maps, Google Earth, and Street View. WAZE Access and Functionality Continue to Decline Additionally, the conflicts in Ukraine and other countries impacted how Google monitored WAZE. For example, Google adjusts the live update capabilities WAZE app or public pins in such regions at times. This change appears to have also occurred in South Korea when Google suspended real-time searches in South Korea. In short, as Google continues to merge WAZE and Google Maps, WAZE works less and less effectively in South Korea each month. Additional Reading Before we dig into information about Naver Maps and Google Maps we encourage you to also read our supplements blogs. We don’t want to gaslight you. You will face very real challenges adapting to localized technology solutions. Problems do exist and you need all the information to make that adaptation as smooth as possible. Ok, now lets get started with learning more about how Naver Maps compares to Google Maps in South Korea. Why Choose Naver Maps Over Google Maps? While Google Maps is popular worldwide, it has limited functionality in South Korea. This occurs due to government restrictions on mapping data based on Google Corps. refusal to protect privacy and information for Korean citizens and government facilities. As a result, Naver Maps is the go-to tool for locals and foreigners alike, providing more accurate directions, real-time data, and comprehensive local information. Key Features of Naver Maps v. Google Maps Naver Maps (네이버 지도) offers various features that enhance navigation, information discovery, and overall user experience in South Korea. Here’s a look at some of the most important features, with their Korean terminology, that make it a powerful tool for navigating South Korea. Many Naver Features Require You to Be A Legel Resident of South Korea If you are a tourist, live in Korea illegally, or hold SOFA-status without an FRC, you do not hold legal residency in South Korea. This could give you limited access to some of Naver Maps features. We have created a column called “Korean Phone/ID required” that provides limited insight into what Naver Maps features may experience restrictions. Feature Name Naver Term Naver MapsExperience Google Maps Comparison Korean Phone/IDRequired Place Search and Business Listings 장소 검색 및 비즈니스 목록 Google Maps offers business listings but lacks integration with local Naver Blog reviews, resulting in fewer local insights for Korean businesses. You basically just get tourist-focused information. Google Maps offers business listings but lacks integration with local Naver Blog reviews, resulting in fewer local insights for Korean businesses. You basically just get tourist focused information. No for viewing listings. No for saving listings. However, you do need a Naver ID. Yes for some detailed reviews and blog links. Navigation and Route Planning 길찾기 및 경로 계획 Provides driving directions, walking, and cycling routes with real-time traffic updates. Route options include eco-friendly and toll-free choices. Offers detailed and real-time public transit info for subways, buses, and trains with real-time updates (실시간 업데이트) on arrival times, delays, and platform details. No for route planning. Yes for saving custom routes. Public Transit Information 대중교통 정보 Google Maps Street View is limited in Korea, making Naver Maps’ comprehensive views more valuable for local exploration. Google Maps shows transit options but lacks the detailed schedules and real-time data that Naver Maps provides for Korean public transportation. No for transit info. Yes for saving favorite transit points. Street View and 3D Maps 거리뷰 및 3D 지도 Street View and 3D maps offer detailed visuals of locations and landmarks, enabling users to familiarize themselves with destinations in advance. Users can read reviews and leave star ratings, linked to Naver Blogs for detailed customer feedback. No for accessing street view and 3D maps. User Reviews and Ratings 사용자 리뷰 및 평점 Naver Maps features local reviews that offer deeper insights into Korean businesses. Don’t get trapped in the tourist reviews. Google Maps has a review system, but Naver Maps features local reviews that offer deeper insights into Korean businesses. Don’t get trapped in the tourist reviews. No and Yes. You can leave reviews with a limited access Naver Account through Facebook sign-in. However, certain tools may be restricted. Multilingual Support 다국어 지원 English is available, though some features and reviews are only in Korean. Additional language options include Japanese and Chinese. However, the English version has many bugs. Google Maps offers broader multilingual support worldwide, but Naver Maps in Korea provides more localized content relevant to the area. We can’t stress how much more information is on Naver. No for language settings.Yes for account-based multilingual features. Parking and Gas Station Information 주차 및 주유소 정보 Displays parking locations and gas stations with availability and pricing details, ideal for navigating urban areas in Korea. If you use English Naver maps you still need to search fo these things using Korean. Google Maps includes similar parking and gas station info, but Naver Maps provides more accurate, localized data for drivers in South Korea. No for parking and gas station details. Food Delivery Integration 음식 배달 연동 Integrated with food delivery, allowing users to place orders directly through their system. Google Maps lacks direct integration with Korean delivery services, making Naver Maps the more convenient option for food ordering in South Korea. Yes for delivery orders. You need a Korean phone number, FRC, and bank account. Saving Places for Future Reference 장소 저장 Users can bookmark locations and organize them into folders for easy access. Ideal for planning regular visits or trip itineraries. Google Maps offers similar “Save” and “Lists” features, but Naver Maps provides better organization tailored for Korean navigation needs. No (Naver account is required) for saving and organizing places. You can use a Facebook Login for this. However, you may experience certain limitations. Making Reservations 예약 Users can make restaurant reservations, hotel reservations, and book services with real-time availability and confirmation. Google Maps allows booking through third-party apps. Naver Maps is integrated with local services like CatchTable for seamless reservations. Yes for reservations. You need a Korean phone number, FRC, and bank account. Viewing Menus 메뉴 Many restaurant listings include menus with images, prices, and links to Naver Blog reviews for food and pricing details. Google Maps also has menu features, but Naver Maps offers more comprehensive local menu info and user-uploaded food photos. We hate the menus in Naver Maps. No for viewing menus. Yes for user-generated content links. Convenience Facilities and Services 편의시설 및 서비스 Displays business listings have a section for convenience facilities such as Wi-Fi (와이파이), parking, restrooms, wheelchair access, pet-friendly options, and outdoor seating. Google Maps includes similar amenities info, however, Google’s prepackaged amenity options aren’t adjusted for Korean culture and often feel misleading. No for basic facility info. Yes for detailed service info linked to user profiles. A breakdown of some of Naver Maps most popular features compared to Google maps. Summary of Naver Maps Key Features Basically, international residents in South Korea love using a localized maps option for the following reasons: Comprehensive Local Data Naver Corp. excels in providing detailed and frequently updated local information that is specifically tailored to South Korea, surpassing Google Maps in accuracy and relevance within the region. Integration with Local Services Features like Naver Blog integration, direct reservation systems, and food delivery services make Naver Maps a more seamless tool for daily use in South Korea. Enhanced User Experience With features such as street view, 3D maps, and extensive user reviews linked to blogs, Naver Maps offers a richer and more immersive experience compared to Google Maps. Additional Features Exist We couldn’t possibly cover every features available in Naver Maps in one blog post. Please watch additional YouTube videos that may provide additional insight into tips and tricks for using Naver Maps during your time in South Korea. Map App Features Change Often Modern technology changes fast and often. You may get an update and the whole app works a little differently. To manage the stress try to stay present, try different buttons, ask for help, and laugh when you can. It’s always a learning experience. 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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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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Want to arrive in Korea ahead of the game? Take the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course before you arrive and then sign up for workshops once you are here. It’s a great way to make the most of your time living in South Korea. Keep reading to learn more about the online course for integration in Korea. Don’t Wait To Get Started: Everyone Welcome Are you planning to move to Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea, or have you recently arrived? The Pyeongtaek Living 101 online course is your key to a smooth and confident transition into your new life in Pyeongtaek. Pyeongtaek Living 101 partnered with South of Seoul in 2024 to create this exclusive course designed by local international residents with over 14 years of living in the area designing integration information for new residents. Therefore, the online course provides you with insider knowledge and practical tools to help you quickly feel at home. We aren’t saying it’s going to be fun (the material is pretty dry) but it is going to feel very important once you arrive. You will have the foundation to better understand all the new struggles that you face in building a life in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea. Why You Should Register Now What You’ll Gain: Is this Course Helpful for People NOT Living in Pyeongtaek?: Absolutely, almost everything in this course also applies to folks in every city across the country. Maybe the specific links to places won’t help, but the foundational information will improve your life. Watch the Following Video to See How to Use the Classroom Wondering how the classroom works? We’ve created an explainer video to walk you through how to take the course online. Ready to Start? It takes just two minutes to register for the class and start learning about your new life in Pyeongtaek-si – Sign in to the Google Classroom Today! Why This Course is Unique The Pyeongtaek Living 101 course offers localized information directly from experts and residents who know the community best. Developed in collaboration with the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) and South of Seoul volunteers, the curriculum is grounded in over a decade of research and real-life experiences from the international community in Pyeongtaek. This course provides practical advice and direct connections to local resources, making your transition to Pyeongtaek as smooth as possible. 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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Time to renew your E2 Visa for your ESL/EFL teaching job in South Korea. Let’s go! Many posts on the topic of Korean E2 visa renewal online leave out some critical details. We will add to the information to remove some of the fear and stress. Specifically, this post will look at how to apply online on the HiKorea website. Blog Written From Lived Experience Many volunteers came together to compare E2 visa renewal experiences. However, your experience may be different based on your own personal situation. So, you’ll need to read a variety of sources to find all of the information that applies to your E2 visa renewal situation. Where to Apply Online for an E2 Renewal The online portal for Korean Immigration is called HiKorea. The website provides information in Korean, English, and Chinese. Emotional Reality of Applying Online Honestly, it may feel even more stressful to do your Korean E2 visa renewal online than to go in person. We’d like to encourage you to go into the process, knowing that you may struggle. The online process may feel confusing and scary at first, the stress of managing life without complete clarity is high, and general mental health may feel impacted in ways you didn’t expect. The anxiety you feel is normal. In fact, most immigration experiences in Korean and around the world impact mental health in difficult ways. You are part of a huge community of people living outside what’s culturally comfortable and known. So, hang in there; you can do this. Talking with others about your feelings may help you manage them. Also, feel free to reach out to English-speaking mental health support services if needed. IF YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY FOR VACATION BEFORE IT FINISHES, IT AUTO-CANCELS YOUR APPLICATION! That’s right, even if immigration has received the application and it’s waiting to be processed, our renewal will auto-cancel the moment you pass through immigration. They also don’t send you a notification of this. Your current visa will not be affected, but you will have to re-apply when you get back from your holiday. So don’t go on holiday between when you apply online and it’s approved. When to Apply for E2 Renewal Korean immigration allows you to renew your visa up to 4 months before your visa expires. As of 2023 Korean immigration recommends that you apply at LEAST 2 months before your visa expires. However, you will need documents from your employer, such as your contract and the school business license, to submit your application for renewal. This means communicating with your co-teacher and Administrative Office Staff is essential. You can ask your school for your renewal contract in November for a March renewal date. You do this by talking with your co-teacher, and then they will talk to the next person who supports the process. Just to let you know, the school does not have to provide you with paperwork this early, so building relationships can help you get your paperwork done quickly. If they feel too busy, they can put this off until the very last minute. It’s important to know that the Administrative Office may ultimately control how quickly you get your necessary paperwork. Your principal, vice-principal, and co-teacher impact their speed very little. This means having a healthy and positive relationship with your school’s Administrative Office Staff may improve the rate at which you get your paperwork. Additionally, your school’s Administrative Office may request that you complete your required yearly physical needed for NHIS (National Health Insurance) before providing you with your Contract and the School Business License. This means proactively getting your physical can grease the wheels. Depending on where you go, this will cost between 35,000 krw to 120,000 krw. Considering all this, we would recommend that you build a comfortable and warm relationship with the school Administrative Office Staff. Do little things like giving a little present each time you renew your visa to help your paperwork seem more high priority each year. Say hello in the hallway and respond quickly to anything they request from you. It pays off over time. Required Documents The documents you need for your Korean E2 visa renewal online should be easy to gather. However, you will need to collect them from a few different places. This means you must plan ahead and ensure you get the paperwork you need on time. The English document list on HiKorea can feel confusing and may lack context. In fact, South of Seoul volunteers need to look at the Korean list of documents each year to remember precisely what the English list means. However, double-checking our work against the Korean system may be impossible for someone who doesn’t speak Korean. Therefore, South of Seoul Volunteers created a graphic showing the document list in Korean with English explanations so you can have references for understanding and systems for asking for help. For example, look at the following graphic to see what you may need to complete your online E2 Visa renewal (updated in January of 2023): You may notice that the graphic includes color coding. Black shows documents you need to supply yourself, orange shows documents provided by your school and blue shows documents from government offices. Passport You need a copy or image of your valid passport. A photo from your phone, with no flash and good light, work as long as you compress the file below 1,000 kb. You can also use a scanning app to do this. Work Contract You need to upload your full contract with all of the pages. This will become a problem when uploading your contract to HiKorea because you can only upload files 1,024kb or smaller. Most pdfs of your full contract will originally be about 6MB. So, you may need to use a pdf compressor online and split your pdf into two files and upload 1 file into the Contract upload area and the second part into the ETC upload area. School Business License Your school’s Administrative Office will be able to quickly print this for you. It’s only one page. Proof Of Residence You need to prove your housing situation in order to renew your E2 visa. Different teachers experience different types of housing while living in Korea. Therefore, you need to provide different types of documentation depending on your living situation: School-Provided Apartment: If you have an apartment provided by your school, you need to get your “Proof of Residence” paperwork from them. In Korean, this is called 체류지 입증서류. This document file may need to be compressed if over 1,024 kb. Free document online pdf compression services exist online. Living with Others: You may choose to share a house with others and contribute rent, but you do not hold the lease. In this case, the house owner or leaseholder provides you with a Confirmation of Residence/Accommodation or 거주/숙소제공 확인서 document that can be downloaded from HiKorea. This document file may need to be compressed if over 1,024 kb. Free document online pdf compression services exist online. Lease Holder: If you hold the lease to your apartment, you will provide immigration with a copy of the front and back of your lease. If your lease is more than 2 pages, just include the first and last page. This document file may need to be compressed if over 1,024 kb. Free document online pdf compression services exist online. Don’t see what you need in the list above, you can also find other forms used by HiKorea and Korean immigration regarding residence by clicking here. Foreigner Occupation and Annual Income Report You need to print this out and fill in the relevant information. The Foreigner Occupation and Annual Income Report Form is basically a form that allows immigration the right to look into your information. In Korea, the form may be called 외국인 직업 신고서 (January 2023). Additionally, as of 2023, the form appears to be simply called the Foreigner Occupation Report Form. Annual Income Report and Tax Form At your local tax office, you need to ask for your 소득금액증명원. At the tax office 세무서, they may want to clarify the dates you need the form. You want to have Papago ready to answer that question. Class Schedule (Hagwon Employees Only) If you work for an English Academy (Hagwon), you will also need to upload a class schedule provided by your employer. It may also be referred to as a School class chart (어학원 현황표). Common Issues Related to Paperwork The following issues commonly occur regarding paperwork for immigration. Make sure you give yourself the time to sort through changes and frustrations. Additional Immigration Forms You can find a list of common immigration forms here: HiKorea Immigration forms Converting Documents to Digital Files You will need to turn your documents into digital files. We recommend converting to pdf files since you need to compress the information very small to upload it. You create such digital files of your documents in a variety of ways: To find possible print or copy centers you can search 복사 in Naver Maps. You can also find many copy centers near Universities and City Halls. Benefits of Applying Online at HiKorea Applying for your Korean E2 Visa Extension/Renewal online has a variety of benefits. Drawbacks of Applying Online at HiKorea Of course, processing your visa paperwork online isn’t without frustration. The following issues may make filing online take a long time or make it feel impossible: Where to Apply for an E2 Visa Renewal on HiKorea Below you will find a basic explanation of how to get started on your Korean E2 Visa renewal online. Keep in mind, technology changes often so you may experience the app or website differently over time. The following represents a sample of what you may experience only: From the long list of possible actions, select Extension of stay for registered foreigners by clicking on the circle, then click on the box next to “I agree” and click next. You are now on your way to where you upload your documents. We have not included images of this area since we would need to screenshot our own private information. You can watch a video tutorial of the HiKorea E2 visa renewal process in the following YouTube video. Requests for Additional Information Pay close attention to any text messages you get from immigration. Sometimes Korean immigration will text you a request for additional information or for you to re-upload past documents. Such messages arrive in Korean, and you will need to use Papago to translate them. Sometimes the translations are terrible, and you need additional help; that’s when you call 1345. Questions and Clarification If you have questions about any part of the process when applying to renew your Korean E2 visa online at HiKorea, call the immigration hotline at 1345. Timeline for Online E2 Renewal Applications In our lived experience, we have found it takes around 4 weeks to fully process our Korean E2 visa renewal online. At least once, it took about 6 weeks due to an extreme backlog in work at immigration. We called immigration regularly during that time, and eventually, they told us, “If you haven’t heard from us yet, consider it a good thing.” They ended up approving the renewal only 1 day before the visa expired. Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US...

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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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Recently we posted Tips for Making Friends in Korea and we mentioned embracing your hobbies. Of course, that’s easier said than done. You’ve moved to a new country and language limitations may make accessing your hobby difficult. I want to help make it easier by connecting you with groups in Korea where you can search for connections. About the Following Hobby List Koreans absolutely love indulging in hobbies. The country is filled with clubs, academies, and groups for just about any hobby you can think of. Additionally, if you join something like a climbing gym the other climbers will likely want to engage with you and hang out after hours. Assuming of course, you act open to friendship. The following list does not even come close to touching on all the hobbies available. Just because a hobby isn’t on this list doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist in Korea. You can surf The following list of hobbies list is based on easy-to-access information. The hobbies included here have information available in English or online support groups that help you connect. Consider these your gateway to discovering many more wonderful things to do. South of Seoul volunteers love to support the development of hobby-based groups. If you don’t see something you love here, create a group focused on the hobby of your choice and let South of Seoul know! Tips for Joining a Hobby Community Online Of course, once you find a community, how you interact within that community may heavily impact your ability to find friends and support within that community. Remember, you likely joined such communities to make friends and find support. Since yo have a goal, you want to approach others in the groups with the same care and support that you seek to find in return. In order to find the support you seek within online groups, emotional labor may be required. In my 20 plus years of online community management, I’ve found that group members who do the following things have a higher success rate in building strong relationships within online communities: Read and Follow Group Rules Always read the group’s rules. I can tell you right now, group admins and moderators create those rules for a reason and we need you to go by them for a reason. Go Slow Remember that you are stepping into a community that already exists. Get a feel for the relationships that already exist, the patterns of communication the group values, and what information already exists in the group (search the group before asking questions). Give Back to the Community Many people join communities only to take. This quickly gets tiring for those involved with the group. Make sure that you are contributing to the community by commenting, sharing information that’s on topic, and communicating in a way that adds value to the community. Be a Safe Communicator Clearly articulate your needs and requests for information in a way that values other people’s time and effort. Remember that nobody knows where you live, what you value, or your current emotional needs. In other words, avoid asking things like “What’s the best place near me to get herbs.” Instead ask something like, “Where in eastern Pyeongtaek can I find oregano and Indian curry?” Demonstrate Gratitude Thank those that provide you with support and let folks know what you were able to accomplish with the help. Remember that group admins, moderators, and contributors volunteer their time to support you. Thanking them and letting them know how much their support helped helps fill their often heavily depleted emotional gas tanks. Home & Lifestyle When building a new life in Korea, ‘nesting’ may become a big part of feeling ‘at home’ in a new country and culture. It’s very natural to want to create a safe and comfortable home life where you can decompress after a stressful day. Food Learning to cook new foods or groups that focus on your dietary preferences can be a great way to build community. Have friends over to cook food together or throw a potluck. Food helps bring everyone together. Search your area for food-related groups like the ones below. Cafes The hunt for the best cafes can be a fun experience. You could even create some meetups or trips for exploring the best cafes. Craft Beer & Brewing Korea has two very awesome craft beer focused communities that work together to create events and community for beer lovers! Join these groups for meetups and to learn how to brew your own beer! Gardening Gardening has the most chill of all the people. People who take the time to grow their own food often take the time to grow friendships as well. Gardening also gave me a way to connect with others in the agricultural area where I live. The slow food movement was awesome and I loved being a part of it. I even had the honor of speaking and presenting at the Aisa Gusto Slow Food Festival in 2013. Since there wasn’t support for ex-pat gardeners at the time, I co-founded the Expat Gardening in the ROK Facebook group. Of course, you don’t have to grow the garden yourself. You can just go pick fruit with friends as a bonding activity and then make jams, pies, etc. Board Games Board game groups are popular across South Korea and so are board game cafes. To find board game cafes in your area search 보드게임카페 and your city name in Korean. Board games cafes provide space and games to play with your friends. To connect with friends who love board games: join either a local board game group, start a local board game group, or join this national board game group and find some friends. Animal Rescue & Support South Korea has many different animal welfare and support groups to choose from. Such groups tend to be very popular with the international community in South Korea. Sports Exploring the many indoor sports and outdoor sports in South Korea can be a great way to support your mental health and build a fun community. Skateboarding, Inline Skating, and Roller Skating Do you love skateparks? Our skate-loving friends are dedicated and fantastic friends. We stay connected forever! Since there wasn’t a group, I started the Skate the ROK Facebook group to connect with other folks who love skating as much as we do. Please join our group and share your skating adventures! Hiking Hiking might be Korea’s national sport. In fact, if you aren’t hiking do you really live in Korea? There are easy and hard routes for everyone. Hiking communities also love to have meetups! Rock Climbing The Korean rock climbing community includes both indoor and outdoor activities and annual events to attend. You can find indoor climbing gyms near you by searching in Naver Maps using the term “클라임짐” and the name of your city in Korea. Additionally, you can join the following Facebook Communities. Cycling You might be surprised how many people loving cycling in South Korea. Join one of the following groups and meet others who share your love of bikes. Surfing Korea has surfing options on both the west and east coasts. Education and Learning Community Classes Taking local dance classes, art classes, or music classes gives you a chance to do something fun with others. Maybe you can get someone to take the class with you and maybe you meet other people while taking the classes. Often times the classes are not in English and it can be a fun way to face your fears of managing life in a foreign language environment. Korean Language Classes Language classes are a great place to expand your community past your own visa type. I took KIIP classes and met amazing people doing all sorts of different things in Korea. I’m still connected with many of them years later. Language Exchanges Korea has an almost endless number of language exchanges. These groups are often a way to meet new people and find a community to hang out with. In Pyeongtaek South of Seoul volunteers manage the South of Seoul Language and Culture Exchange which has many different language exchanges throughout the week. Travel Around Korea Of course, getting to know Korea can also be a great way to make friends and build community. Planning Trips Korea has a number of small tour operators that specialize in affordable trips for folks traveling alone or in small groups. These pre-planned adventures may provide a great opportunity to meet other like minded folks. You can also join a group like Pyeongtaek Travelers to talk about travel planning and maybe find travel partners. Camping Korea has many great camping opportunities. Camping is also a fantastic way to make friends. Other Posts You May Find Helpful If you found the Hobbies for Making Friends in Korea post helpful, you may also want to read the following posts: Tips for Making Friends in Korea 5 Tips for Conquering Culture Shock What to expect when you’re settling into a new culture All You Need to Know about Making Friends in Korea Lanae Rivers-Woods, MAITLanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert. Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities. Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea. Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea. When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains. www.southofseoul.net

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Have you recently moved to Korea for work or school and are you looking to build your community? Here are some of my personal tips for making friends in South Korea. Hold onto your hats because this isn’t short but it may be helpful. 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. My View of Friendship Like all my posts providing ‘advice’, I like to first share my experience with the topic being discussed. For example, much of my childhood was spent in isolation with only my family for most of the year. I also liked living very isolated, and I don’t have an intrinsic desire to have friends. Interestingly, such an extremely isolated life taught me the value of strong relationships and community. I saw that strong friendships provided added meaning and support in difficult times. Our rural community took care of each other even when we hated each other’s stupid faces. When I moved into society, I also learned the value of community when serving within a larger social system. So, even though I don’t often think, “I wish I had friends so I’m not lonely,” I do make friendship a priority. After my move to the city as a kid, I also learned the incredible amount of hard work and emotional labor it takes to create a community as an outsider within society. I couldn’t just expect to fit in or get invited to things. I had to study society and where I could fit into it. Great lessons for moving abroad. Additionally, since I would MUCH rather live alone than spend any amount of time around people that I don’t like, I have to be intentional about building community. I make building a community filled with people who share my values a priority even when I want to be alone. I see community as something very active that I build, foster, and maintain over time. Realities of Adult Friendships Also, let’s begin this post with some real talk about the realities of adult friendships. Yes, it’s easy to blame the difficulties related to developing friendships on a things like a new country or culture that’s not your own. The ‘other’ in our lives is always a great scapegoat for our own trauma. Also, there will be increased ‘cultural dissonance’ in a new country which makes building relationships feel especially overwhelming. That said, the truth is that finding adult friendships isn’t easy no matter where you live in the world. Even in your home country, if you move to a new city to start a new job it’s incredibly lonely. Just go on TikTok or Instagram for a hot minute, and you will find folks all over the world struggling to find meaningful relationships. In fact, my tips for making friends in South Korea are the same tips I used in my home country. That’s because of the following facts about adulthood friendships never change no matter where you live. Friendship and Community Changes with Time If you find yourself staying in South Korea, you will find that your relationships may ebb and flow with time. You will have periods when your community is small and times when it’s huge. It’s important to stay emotionally flexible and in the moment. Personally, I have my core group of friends in Korea that I’ve known for over a decade and then I have friends that rotate every 3-5 years. It’s ok that some friends come and go. That’s very healthy and normal. I’m sure that if you think back to your life at home, your core relationships changed pretty often. Maybe your longest relationship was 2-3 years because of changes in school, work, or family life. Jobs Make Friendships Hard Finding the time around work to make friends can be challenging. After work you want to sleep or watch Netflix, not put emotional energy into meeting new people. Money Makes Friendships Hard As an adult, sometimes it’s hard to find friendships that fit into your financial goals. You may find that some people simply cost too much to be friends with. Communication with New People is Hard It’s mentally and emotionally exhausting to build new connections. Each time we change friend groups it’s hard to uncover ‘hidden culture’ or differences in how we use language. It’s exhausting to stay present and aware of our words and personally accountable for our behavior. We all want to be able to just relax. About My Experience Making Friends in South Korea When I moved to South Korea in 2011 the online commentary promised me solitude, loneliness, and isolation. It sounded like my dream come true, and I chose Korea to be alone. South Korea seemed to have all the benefits of living in a society (like public transportation and not having to kill my own food) with the social isolation that I love. I could not have been more excited to move to a country where making friends would be next to impossible. I was like a kid at Christmas. However, I failed miserably at being alone from the start. How I Failed At Being Lonely I actively avoided making friends in South Korea. I didn’t race to foreigner meetups, language exchanges, or bar crawls. In fact, I wasn’t even friendly to people on the street or co-workers, and I didn’t join Facebook groups (which is funny to think about now). I literally looked up how people made friends in South Korea and, then, avoided those things. In fact, I was so against making friends I once met a chatty girl from California on the street in 2011 and immediately told her, “You don’t have to be nice and talk to me.” When she said we needed to be “best friends,” I replied, “I have enough friends.” Despite all this, she said, “No, we will be best friends. Give me your phone number.” I said, “Are you going to call me? Because if you are going to call me, you can’t have my number.” She said something like, “Just take my number then, in case of an emergency.” Well, a few weeks later, there was an emergency. This begins my advice for building a community in South Korea. 1. Show Up California girl (Norma Jean or NJ for short) and I did become BFFs because she showed up. Remember how I took her phone number? Well, I ended up in the hospital with multiple kinds of pneumonia in both lungs after a wild solo trip to one of Korea’s most remote islands during a typhoon. While in the hospital, I had no local friends and family, and I desperately needed somebody to show up. My Korean co-teachers visited me in the hospital on rotation during working hours, but eventually, the Korean co-teachers all had to go home for the day. When evening hit, I needed something from my home, so I contacted the head foreign teacher at my school (the only phone number I had for a foreign co-worker). She lived about a block from the hospital and my house. I asked for help but she didn’t feel like leaving her house. The only other phone number I had was NJ’s. I sucked it up and messaged her. NJ showed up within 30 minutes with everything I needed from my house and sat with me through the evening. When she was getting up to leave I said, “Thank you for helping me even though I told you I had enough friends.” She looked at me and said, “If someone far from home needs help, you show up.” She also said something like, “Now, you don’t have a choice. We are best friends.” If anyone needs you and it’s serious (even if they annoy you to high heaven), show up. Maybe you won’t end up besties like NJ and I, but you did the right thing for your community. Building community isn’t convenient. You show up when someone needs you. It’s like the golden rule of immigrant life. 2. Try Things You Think You Hate This leads me straight into my next piece of advice, show up for people and try stuff you think you hate. The first time I went to Mudfest I was VERY vocal about the fact that Mudfest was below me, and I NEVER wanted to do it. However, my friends were going to support other friends, and it was a personal request that I attend. To be clear, I hate everything about the concept of Mudfest. I hate the giant crowds. Lots of drunk folks in one spot piss me off. I hate being super dirty. It’s too noisy. It’s too expensive to rent a room. I hate staying up late. The whole concept of Mudfest is deplorable to me. Every time I see a Mudfest advertisement, I throw up a little in my mouth. That said, I have loved every Mudfest I have attended. The festival is the absolute best, and I lose my mind with pure delight. When I tell you that I had the best time ever, it would be an understatement. I am up ALL night, covered in all the mud, running around like an idiot. I’m not the only introvert that responds this way to Mudfest. Every non-social person I’ve taken there against their will didn’t want to leave. It’s weird. I can’t begin to list all the things I HATE doing in other countries that I LOVE doing in Korea. It’s happened so often that now if I see something that I HATE, I immediately go try it. The same activities managed in different ways in different cultures may create very different experiences. Additionally, that Mudfest trip became the foundation for some decade-long friendships. We stepped outside our comfort zones and showed up to something together. The bonding was immense. People I never thought I could be friends with became decades-long besties that day. 3. Eat Together Living abroad means that you do many of life’s daily chores alone, especially cooking and eating. After our Mudfest adventures together, I recommended to my new community that we start sharing dinners together in the following ways: ‘Family Dinners’ Family dinners have always been one of my favorite community activities. We would plan who would host dinner, assign ingredients, and help each other cook at each other’s homes to share in the work. It was so fun that we started doing it almost every night. When we all didn’t feel like cooking, we ate out together. Food Swaps Family dinners eventually turned into food swaps. At food swaps, we met with people from all over Korea for a potluck and swapped homemade items like beer, pasta, bagels, and more. Once again, some of my best friends for life came from these events. We ate like royalty and built long-lasting relationships. Holidays Holiday potlucks also became a big part of life. Nothing brings immigrants together like a potluck on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ramadan, or another hometown holiday. We’ve packed 30 people into a studio apartment for a holiday dinner. NJ even made the turkey one year in a toaster oven, and I baked Christmas cookies in a cardboard box on a cooktop. Amazing memories and a lifelong love for others came from these events. 4. Create Space In Your Life Build a life that has space for friendship and community. Everything I’ve mentioned thus far takes planning, time, and energy. To do that you need to have space in your life. You may have to give up something to make the community happen. Sometimes people will say, “I can’t make...

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Would you like to see an income comparison foreign ESL teachers in Korea v US public school teachers? Let’s dig into how the money may shake out after basic expenses. We will look at the entry-level income v. expenses. Comparison of Salary and Expenses To understand the difference in income between entry-level teachers in the United States and entry-level foreign public school teachers in South Korea you need to compare not only salaries but also basic life expenses. Nothing listed below should be considered a guarantee or a promise. The numbers quoted in this blog are rough estimates based on national data and lived experiences which provide a point of reference for what could be possible. To estimate the income and expenses for Foreign ESL Teachers in Korea, South of Seoul volunteers used the EPIK contract for entry-level income. Next, SOS volunteers compared their basic expenses over the last 10 years to create an average list of basic expenses. Remember, each teacher comes to Korea with their own culture and value system. Expenses may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle choices, area of residence in Korea, and the support you receive from your community. To estimate the income and expenses for US Public School Teachers, South of Seoul volunteers used national averages found on Google. Since income and expenses vary by state, school district, and community support these numbers may not be accurate for every lived experience. Annual Base Salary An entry-level teacher in the United States has a base salary more than double that of an entry-level foreign public school ESL teacher in South Korea. However, looks can be deceiving. Let’s look at how the numbers breakdown after considering the cost of basic expenses: Korea (KRW)(First Year Public School contract) United States (USD)(Average First Year Teacher Salary) Annual Entry Level Salary 25,200,000 KRW(19,357.71 USD) 41,500 USD(54,668,153 KRW) Monthly Salary 2,100,000 3,458.00 Pension/SSI (110,920) (211.00) Federal Tax (41,630) (263.00) State / Local Tax (4,160) (146.00) Health Insurance (87,370) (250.00) Long-term care/Disability/ Medicaid (10,720) (52.00) Total Deductions (245,800) (922.00) Monthly Income 1,854,200 2,536.00 Rent Free (845.00) Gas (30,000) (63.00) Electric (55,000) (115.00) Trash (10,000) (30.00) Water & Sewer Free (66.00) Unlimited 5G Internet (15,000) (56.00) Cable TV (15,000) (79.00) Unlimited Data Phone (68,000) (80.00) Transportation (Work commute only) (250,000) (subway/ bus) (581.00) (insurance, gas, NO car payment) After Basic Expenses 1,411,200 KRW(1,074.53 USD) 621.00 USD(818,648 KRW) Annual: Public School Re-signing Bonus 1,700,000 none Annual: Completed Contract Bonus(1 months salary) 2,100,000 none Annual Salary After Basic Expenses 20,734,400 KRW(15,787.84 USD) 7,452.00 USD(9,816,556.07 KRW) Annual Salary After Basic Expenses Foreign EFL teachers may make more than their US public school counterparts after considering expenses. As you can see in the table above, after paying basic living expenses and considering the annual bonuses for foreign ESL public school teachers in South Korea, such teachers have 15,787.84 USD annually to support their lifestyle. On the other hand, US teachers have 7, 452.00 USD annually to support their lifestyle. 2022 Comparison of Additional Costs Of course, there are many other costs associated with living a balanced and happy life. Let’s look at some common expenses that teachers in both countries may encounter each month. Korea (KRW) United States (USD) Average Cost of Dining Out (Per Person) 12,000 MealNo TippingTax included12,000 total 18.00 meal3.60 tip1.44 tax23.04 Total Monthly Groceries(One Person) 300,000 350.00 Average Hospital Visit 8,000 Unknown Flu/Cold Medication Costs 6,000 Unknown Average ER Visit w Insurance 150,000 2,168.00 Average Hotel Daily Rate(Single Room) 53,000 125.00 Average Cost of Childbirth 1,200,000 13,000 Woman’s Haircut 20,000 (Cut, Wash, Style)No Tip20,000 Total 60.00 (Cut)12.00 Tip72.00 total Gel-manicure 65,000No Tip65,000 Total 65.0013.00 Tip78.00 Total Movie Tickets 9,000 12.00 2025 Comparison of Additional Costs (Common monthly or per-use lifestyle expenses for single teachers. Using ₩1,428 = $1 USD, October 2025 average). Category Korea (KRW → USD) United States (USD) Notes / Sources (2025) Average Cost of Dining Out (per person) ₩ 12,000 (≈ $8.40) – No tipping, tax included $18.00 meal + $3.60 tip + $1.44 tax = $23.04 total Numbeo Seoul / U.S. mid-range restaurant meal Monthly Groceries (one person) ₩ 350,000 (≈ $245) $450.00 Korea – KOSIS 2025 avg. food at home; U.S. – BLS CPI food index Average Hospital Visit (general clinic) ₩ 10,000 – ₩ 15,000 (≈ $7 – $10.50) $150 – $200 (copay or self-pay clinic) Korean NHIS copay range; U.S. doctor visit out-of-pocket per KFF Flu/Cold Medication (OTC pharmacy) ₩ 6,000 (≈ $4.20) $10 – $15 Similar product (acetaminophen + antihistamine) Average ER Visit (with insurance) ₩ 150,000 (≈ $105) $2,300 KFF 2024–25 average ER visit out-of-pocket Average Hotel Daily Rate (single room) ₩ 70,000 (≈ $49) $140.00 Mid-range 3-star, Seoul vs U.S. national avg. (STR 2025) Average Cost of Childbirth (hospital delivery) ₩ 2,000,000 (≈ $1,400) $14,000 Korea – NHIS-covered 2-night stay; U.S. – vaginal delivery with insurance (KFF 2025) Woman’s Haircut (cut, wash, style) ₩ 25,000 (≈ $17.50) No tip $65.00 + $13.00 tip = $78.00 Korea – Seoul avg.; U.S. – BLS / salon chain data Gel Manicure ₩ 70,000 (≈ $49) No tip $70.00 + $14.00 tip = $84.00 Seoul vs U.S. salon avg. 2025 Movie Ticket (adult) ₩ 13,000 (≈ $9.10) $12.00 CGV / AMC ticket averages Monthly Public Transit Pass ₩ 65,000 (≈ $45.50) $70.00 Seoul Climate Card vs U.S. metro/bus pass avg. Monthly Gym Membership ₩ 60,000 (≈ $42.00) $55.00 KoreaFit avg. vs Statista 2025 Monthly Streaming Subscription (Netflix Standard) ₩ 13,500 (≈ $9.50) $15.50 Netflix pricing 2025 Average Coffee (Americano / drip) ₩ 5,000 (≈ $3.50) $5.50 Franchise coffee shop avg. (Starbucks, Twosome Place) Summary of Key Differences Hidden Financial Costs in Korea As a foreign person first moving to South Korea, you find that you experience some hidden expenses you didn’t expect. If not managed, such costs may mean you struggle to save money while living abroad. Such surprise expenses that aren’t included in the income comparison of foreign ESL teachers in Korea v US public school teachers may include: Tickets Home Many educators fly home during school vacations to spend time with family. Costs for tickets home could range from 500-3,500 USD depending on where your family lives and what time of year you will travel. Excessive Use of Heat or AirCon When you first arrive in South Korea you may use an excessive amount of electricity or gas since you are not used to managing your utility costs. Living Space Having a small living space may lead to spending more money on socializing outside of the home. You may have a smaller apartment in South Korea than you would be living in the United States depending on the city you live in. Many, if not most, ESL teachers in South Korea live in studio apartments for the first few years until they can afford their own place with their own deposit. Establishing a New Home Many teachers may arrive in Korea and have a small apartment furnished with the basics for survival. However, many educators will still want to create a home that meets their specific cultural needs which may require acquiring many new items. How extensive or expensive this ‘nesting’ behavior costs depends on the person. Imported Foods If you want to eat only foreign foods at home you will be paying an absolute premium for groceries. If you don’t adjust to Korean veggies, meat cuts, and snacks it can increase your grocery bill by an estimated 40-60%. Drinking and Eating Out Imported beverages and international meals cost far more than eating Korean food and drinking Korean booze. Choosing to maintain a diet of western food may negatively impact your finances. However, if you eat Korean food in South Korea eating out can be cheaper and easier than cooking at home. Many single people living in South Korea do not bother with cooking at home because of this. English Service If you only want to work with businesses that cater to English-speaking foreigners, you will pay a premium for this service and need to travel to different cities. The fact service delivered in a foreign language costs more shouldn’t be a surprise since providing service in multiple languages increases the cost of staffing, training, graphic design, website development, etc. Clothing Due to size and fashion limitations, foreigners may need to buy clothing from specialty stores or online stores with additional shipping. Housing Deposits If you would like to find your own home rather than the free housing provided by your employer, you may need a housing deposit. In South Korea, housing deposits often start at 5 million won and go up from there. Expect to pay at least 1 year of rent as a deposit and a monthly fee. Hidden Emotional Costs in Korea In addition to the financial costs of living abroad, you may also want to consider the emotional costs of living in Korea. The emotional labor required to live in a new culture often turns into higher financial costs since many individuals may try to fill an emotional void with food, shopping, and travel. Let’s look at some of the emotional labor you will be managing when you move to another country: Feeling Displaced Moving cultures may mean feeling like an outsider or displaced. It takes time to develop the experiences, knowledge, and context to feel ‘part’ of a new society and culture. The impact of feeling displaced may be more difficult for some to manage. Limited Support System When you first arrive in South Korea you arrive with no local support system. You will need to build a friend group from the ground up. This takes a great deal of personal fortitude. Distance from Family For those who come from close-knit families, it can be tough to develop the emotional autonomy to feel at home in a new country. You may miss weddings, funerals, birthdays, and holidays with the people that matter most. Loss of Status When you move to a new country you may lose access to a certain level of social status or privilege from your home culture. This loss of status and privilege may feel overwhelming and challenging for those who have not navigated such issues in the past. South Korea does have English-speaking mental health organizations in Pyeongtaek, Incheon, and Seoul. However, other areas of the country may have less access to mental health support. South of Seoul Educator Welcome Packet After reviewing the Income Comparison Foreign ESL Teachers in Korea v US Public School Teachers, maybe you remain interested in teaching in South Korea. Explore the virtual welcome packet we created for new teachers and professors in South Korea. Our virtual welcome packets address the steps to residency and provide resources for new educators. 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. 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