New Arrival Information
Be kind to yourself and have grace for yourself when you first arrive in South Korea. Living in Korea as a foreigner isn't easy.
When you arrive in South Korea, you may find yourself scrambling to acclimate. That's ok, and that is normal. You are dealing with a new language, new culture, new customs, new foods, new co-workers, and oftentimes a new career. Culture shock is a very real and often painful experience. Taking the time to inform yourself about the world around you will couple perfectly with having grace for yourself and others.
South of Seoul volunteers empathize deeply with your struggle.
We have also struggled through that pain as well and our mission is to help minimize the struggle as much as possible. That's why South of Seoul volunteers put together this list of blogs that each shares something we wish we had known in the first three months of our arrival in South Korea. We recommend revisiting these blogs regularly over the first three months because each time you read them something new will stand out.Is there a blog you think we should have on this list?
Information you wish you had? Please leave a comment or message us at southofseoul@gmail.com and we will add it to our list of blogs to post.
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Comparison of Rental Systems Near US Military Bases
Did you know that there are two types of realtors in areas near the US Military bases in South Korea? In such areas, some realtors focus on US military-affiliated people while the majority focus on Korean residents. In the following blog post, we will provide a few areas of comparison between the realtors and rental systems used by US military v. Korean Residents. You may feel surprised by the differences. Additionally, at the end of the post, we will offer questions for each type of realtor. About Realtors Near US…
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About Pyeongtaek-si, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, Living in Pyeongtaek-si, Tourist and Traveler Welcome Packet, USA Military Welcome Packet
Pyeongtaek Living 101 Online Course: Integrating in Life in Korea
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…
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Discover Dalbang / Wolbang Short-Term Rentals in Korea
Looking for short-term rentals in South Korea? Maybe you want to ski for the season, spend a month at your favorite beach, or need a place to stay between work contracts. Consider renting a dalbangs (달방) / wolbang (월방) (these terms literally translate to monthly rental). You can rent a hotel, pension, or apartment for a short time with a less intense deposit than a regular apartment. About dalbangs (달방) / wolbang (월방) Dalbangs (달방) / wolbang (월방) exist as a popular type of monthly, short-term rentals in South Korea.…
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Obtaining Your Personal Customs Code In-Person
Do you need to register for your personal customs code to order from overseas vendors while living in South Korea? Have you tried to obtain your personal customs code online and experienced difficulties? Do you live in Pyeongtaek? If that’s the case, then you have the option of going to the Pyeongtaek Customs Office in Pyeongtaek Port area to obtain the code in person. What is the Personal Customs Code? The Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) is a 13-character alphanumeric identifier issued to individuals by the Korea Customs Service. It…
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Parking Ticket Alerts in Pyeongtaek
Did you know that Pyeongtaek City offers Parking Ticket Alerts via text message for some parking violations? If you register for the Parking Ticket Alerts, you will get a text message (in Korean) from the Pyeongtaek Parking Authority saying something to the effect of, “Move your care in the next (number of minutes) to avoid a ticket.” Keep reading to learn more. The Pyeongtaek-si government website provides the following information regarding ticket alerts. Notifications for Certain Infractions The Parking Ticket Alerts occur for certain types of parking issues such as…
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Get Comfortable in Pyeongtaek: Classes Starting Soon!
Do you live in Pyeongtaek? Would you like help learning more about the community? We recommend registering for a PIEF (Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation) Pyeongtaek Living 101 Courses available in 2024. This year’s curriculum is all new and heavily focused on the Pyeongtaek area. Who Should Register We recommend the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Courses for anyone who moved to South Korea in the last 24 months. The courses will have information for new arrivals and international residents who want to add depth to their experience. It’s perfect for both SOFA-status…
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About South Korean Health Care System, Health care self advocacy, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Resources, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health, US Military and Korean Health Care, Women's Health
Understanding Types of Mental Health Services in Korea
Psychiatry, therapy counseling, and life coaching are distinct yet often confused approaches to personal development and mental well-being. Navigating such distinctions among these terms and services can feel confusing if not frustrating, but you are not alone in that. To better understand these differences, we must grasp the fundamental definitions of each term. This blog post will provide a breakdown of each type of service (psychiatry, therapy, counseling, and life coaching) to enable you to understand and make informed decisions on your mental health options in Korea. Foreign Language Mental…
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Overview of Renting in Pyeongtaek
Looking for a home in or near Pyeongtaek-si? Understanding your rental options in the area of Pyeontaek may feel frustrating due to the different types of rental systems, competitive market, language barrier, cultural differences, and so much more. In this article, we will dig deeper into the rental systems in Pyeongtaek. This will include how the US Military impacts renting in the area. My Lens on Renting in Pyeongtaek I moved to Pyeongtaek in 2011 on an E2 Visa. Contracts for E2 teachers often provide the option to accept employer-provided…
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Managing Your Korean Credit Rating
If you plan to live in Korea for a long period, you may want to understand your Korean credit rating (Credit Score). Here are a few things you may need to know to put yourself in a good position to access credit like credit cards, car loans, or a house loan. About Credit Rating Systems Globally, credit rating systems vary significantly. You can’t expect any country’s credit system to work the same as yours. The systems might be based on different information, used for different types of transactions, and managed…
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Expat Guide to Navigating Credit Cards in Korea
As an international resident, building a life in South Korea can feel complicated, especially managing finances. So let’s learn about getting a credit card in Korea. The personal experiences in the following blog post include E and F-visa holders in South Korea. Getting a Credit Card May Feel Scary Learning a new financial system while dealing with hidden aspects of culture and a new language may feel unfair and frustrating. The following blog post combines information sourced from 1) financial institutions and 2) lived human experiences. We hope the information…
