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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Types of Educational Jobs for Foreigners in Korea
Want to know more about the options for educators in South Korea? Let’s break down the different types of educational jobs available for foreigners in Korea, and how to apply. Education Jobs in South Korea A variety of educational jobs exist in South Korea for ESL/EFL educators. For example, positions exist in EFL/ESL education, international schools, and universities. However, the number of jobs available continues to decrease and salaries stagnate as South Korea’s childbirth rates decrease. Additionally, as South Korea becomes an increasingly popular place for ex-pats to stay long-term,…
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Intro to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet
South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers welcome you to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet. Our information applies to life that happens beyond the bases. How are the Welcome Articles Curated? SOS Volunteers associated with the US Military curate the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet for South of Seoul. The SOS Volunteers group information with the most important and immediate information showing first and then flowing into more lifestyle and community-focused information. Additionally: ***Jump to the US Military Virtual Welcome Packet*** How are the Welcome Articles Developed? SOS volunteers develop articles for…
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Korean vs American Kitchens
Have you considered Korean vs American kitchen expectations? Learn the differences and how to choose your new home.
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Best Phone Apps in Korea, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, New Arrival Information, USA Military Welcome Packet
Best Apps for Living in South Korea
Looking for the best apps for life in South Korea? Here is a list of our volunteers favorite apps. If we are missing one, tell us!
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ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, Fun & Entertainment, International Student Welcome Packet, March in South Korea, SOS Seasonal Guide: Spring
March in Korea is About Academia
Have you ever wondered why March is a quiet month in South Korea? Wondering why there isn’t a lot going on around the country? The quiet time exists because March is all about the start of the new academic year. Additionally, March marks a time of great change and turmoil for many in the international community. Let’s talk about it so that it feels easier to manage. About the Academic Year in South Korea South Korean schools start the academic year in March and complete the academic year in January.…
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Driving Tips, Education, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, Public & Private Transport
Getting Your Korean Driver’s License from Scratch
Hello, I am an English educator from the United States living in rural South Korea. Recently, I went through the testing process for my South Korean driver’s license at the Yongin Driving Center. I thought it might be helpful to share my story. I can only speak from my experience here, some testing sites might differ. Let’s go…. About Getting Your Korean Driver’s’ License as a US Citizen Since Driver’s Licenses in the United States are issued by state, each state has its own reciprocity agreement with South Korea regarding…
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Understanding Residency in South Korea
Would you like to better understand how becoming a South Korean resident allows you to integrate into South Korean governmental, social, and financial systems? In this blog post, South of Seoul volunteers attempt to break down the interlinked systems that create the foundation for a smooth and easy life as an international resident of South Korea. About South Korean Government Structure South Korea has a centralized democratic republic government divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This means that Korea’s governmental power, as a country, rests in the body of citizens…
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Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Korea during a pandemic: A family’s story
One military families experience moving to South Korea. Learn more about the PCS experience to from Hawai'i to Gyeonggido.
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Best of Pyeongtaek, Breweries, Pubs, & Craft Beer, Cafes and Bakeries, Dining & Drinks, Pyeongtaek Restaurants, Restaurants and Bars, USA Military Welcome Packet
Best of Pyeongtaek Poll 2021 Winners
What is the South of Seoul Best of Pyeongtaek Poll? South of Seoul is proud to host the 5th Annual Best of Pyeongtaek Poll in celebration of our delicious and delightful community. The South of Seoul volunteer organization has supported ex-pats living outside of Seoul since 2015. The South of Seoul (SOS) volunteers and manage multiple Facebook groups, the South of Seoul Facebook page, South of Seoul blog, and South of Seoul smartphone app. In 2021 the South of Seoul volunteers also launched the SOS Public Health which researches and distributes information to…
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Driving Tips, Education, ESL/EFL Educators Welcome Packet, International Student Welcome Packet, New Arrival Information, Public & Private Transport, Real Estate & Auto, Tips of Living Your Best Life, Tourist and Traveler Welcome Packet, USA Military Welcome Packet
Detailed Information Regarding the Korean Expressway and HiPass System
Unfamiliar with the Korean expressway and HiPass system? We’ve got your covered. Making the most of your stay in Korea means taking advantage of every opportunity to travel. For most trips that are over 2 hours away, OR when driving into Seoul, you may encounter at least one toll along the way. Setting up a HiPass system can make such trips less stressful and save you money. Here is what you need to know. About Korean Expressways Korean expressways are toll roads that crisscross South Korea. Korean Expressway Corporation manages the…
