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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Opening a Bank Account in South Korea
Looking to open a bank account in South Korea as an international resident? Here is what you need to know. If you are US military, please read this blog instead. About Banking In Korea Like banking systems around the world, Korean banking is designed for the people of South Korea and Korean social systems. Much like the United States does not allow foreign nationals to freely open bank accounts free of all restrictions, South Korea also has banking requirements for international residents. This blog post will talk about some (but not…
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August in South Korea, Education, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, July in South Korea, June in South Korea, Public Health, September in South Korea, SOS Seasonal Pyeongtaek Guide: Fall, SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Summer, US Military and Korean Health Care
Typhoon Preparedness in Korea
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…
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Gyeonggi-do Adventures, Korean Travel & Adventure, US Military Families in Korea, USA Military Welcome Packet
90+ Best Things to Do Near Pyeongtaek
Looking for the best things to do near Pyeongtaek? South of Seoul volunteers looked through posts in the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group and the Pyeongtaek Travelers group, then cross-referenced the information with Naver to compile the following lists. Jump straight to the List of Things do Do Near Pyeongtaek, or keep reading for additional information if you are new to Korea. Areas Near Pyeongtaek Each of the included administrative districts shares a border with Pyeongtaek. The list below includes activities in: Asan Dangjin Hwaseong Osan Anseong Cheonan Yongin Travel…
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Culture & Community, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, Fun & Entertainment, International Student Welcome Packet, USA Military Welcome Packet
Hobbies for Making Friends in Korea
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…
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Culture & Community, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, New Arrival Information, USA Military Welcome Packet
Guide for Making More Friends in Korea
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…
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Intro to Cross-Country Cycling in South Korea
You may find cycling cross-country in South Korea surprisingly doable with the proximity of towns, regular services, and extensive river bike paths. I personally think that South Korea may be one of the best places to do extended cycling trips since you can carry next to nothing and still ride for days easily. Let’s take a quick look at what riding in Korea may look like for you based on my experiences. Listen to the BlogCast Don’t want to read? Listen to the South of Seoul BlogCast which provides accessible…
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Korean Cycling Hand Signals
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Korean Q-Code Support Options
Are you having issues with the Korean Q-Code system? Looking for Korean Q-Code Support options? Korea requires incoming tourists to create a Q-code for entry into South Korea and it’s not easy for everyone to use for two reasons: 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…
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About South Korean Health Care System, Health care self advocacy, Medical & Health, New Arrival Information, Physical & Mental Wellness, Public Health, US Military and Korean Health Care
Navigating Healthcare in South Korea: Introducing the “Health and Wellness in Korea” Facebook Group
Have you ever needed to find a specific hostpial or clinic in Korea for a health challenge that you've faced, but didn't know where to go? Korea has a complex system of hospitals and clinics of which many medical services don't overlap. Finding trusted information on healthcare options can be difficult if you don't know where to look. To overcome these challenges in healthcare information access, SOS Public Health and Fedmedi collaborated to create the Health and Wellness in Korea Facebook Group.
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August in South Korea, Culture Shock Tips, Dining & Drinks, Education, July in South Korea, New Arrival Information, Pyeongtaek Restaurants, Restaurants and Bars, SOS South Korean Seasonal Guide: Summer
Business Summer Vacations in Korea
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…
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Income Comparison Foreign ESL Teachers in Korea v US Public School Teachers
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…
