Gimpo International Airport is located in the west of Seoul, south of the Hangang River. Gimpo International Airport is the second largest Airport in Korea. It was originally the largest and main international airport of Korea until 2001. In 2001 it was replaced [...]]]>

Gimpo International Airport is located in the west of Seoul, south of the Hangang River. Gimpo International Airport is the second largest Airport in Korea. It was originally the largest and main international airport of Korea until 2001. In 2001 it was replaced by the newly built Incheon International Airport. Since then Gimpo Airport primarily caters for domestic flights while serving a few international destinations such as Japan and China.

Gimpo International Airport was first built in 1939 by the Japanese Occupation Army to help them fight in the war. After Japan’s defeat and surrender, the airport was was run by the American army until it was then take over by the Korean government in 1954. In 2006 the airport was reconstructed and improved. A new complex called “Sky City” was added and also a cinema called “CGV Gimpo Airport“. Sky City offers a whole range of  leisure / cultural activities  which makes the stop over or time waiting for a flight go so quickly.

Transportation:

It is very easy to get to Gimpo Airport in Seoul.

There are now 3 lines that serve Gimpo International Airport. Line 5 and 9 stop at Gimpo International Airport station and are connected directly to the airport.

In 2010 the Arex Train line opened which can take you from Seoul station, Hongik (Hongdae) station and other stations directly to Gimpo Airport in 20 minutes. For more information about the AREX TRAIN visit our AREX TRAIN page.

Being close to Seoul, other options are available like Taxis and Buses.

Map of Gimpo International Airport:

T-Money in Korea is a smart card or device that is rechargeable. The T-Money card was implemented in July 2004 to ease the traffic flow at ticket gates in Seoul and other cities. T Money can be used to pay transportation fees or even make purchases in stores.

Benefits of T-Money:

The T-Money system offers [...]]]>

T Money Card Korea

T-Money in Korea is a smart card or device that is rechargeable. The T-Money card was implemented in July 2004 to ease the traffic flow at ticket gates in Seoul and other cities. T Money can be used to pay transportation fees or even make purchases in stores.

Benefits of T-Money:

The T-Money system offers a 100 won discount off the basic cash fare of the subway system and buses. Mornings and evenings can be hectic in Seoul when using the subway system and with T money it just got a little easier. There is no need to queue up to buy tickets. T Money can be used in most convenience stores to purchase items and even in some book shops. More and more stores are using the T-money system. T money can also be used on public payphones and on vending machines.

T-Money Phone Strap

Types of T money:

At first T Money came in card form, the same size as a credit card. This option is still available but a whole range of alternatives are available. You can find T-Money phones straps in the shapes of animals. Watches, rings and even MP3 players with T-money Chips are available. Some banks have ATM cards with the T Money chip. Visit this page to get find out how to get an ATM with T money chip.

Price of T money:

The basic T-money card can be bought for 3,000 won at train stations, most convenience stores and kiosks. Included in the price is a 500 won deposit that you will get back if you wish to return the card. If you wish to buy a T-Money phone strap prices start from 5,000 won.

How to use T- Money Korea:

T- Money is a touch chip system. When entering the ticket gates at the subway just swipe or touch your card off the T-money sensor. Your card can be in your bag or wallet as the sensor is very sensitive. The sensor is a square box with the T-Money logo on it and digital display for showing your balance. It is the same for taxis, buses and convenience stores. When entering and leaving the subway and buses you must swipe the card. In shops and taxis, inform the staff you wish to pay by T-Money and then touch your card off the T-Money sensor.

How to top-up / recharge T-money in Korea:

There are a few ways to recharge your T-Money card in Korea. To recharge your T-money card at the subway station you must use the T-money recharge machine located beside the ticket gates. Press the recharge button, insert your card and put in your money (pic below). If you try to leave the ticket gate but don’t have enough money left, don’t panic. There is always a recharge machine before the ticket gate exit and you can add money. If you have no money left on the bus you can recharge at the entrance of the bus or alternatively just get off the bus but you will be charged the maximum fare for that journey.

You can recharge you T-Money with up to 90,000 won. The minimun recharge is 1,000 won. When you are using the reload machines at the subway you can recharge using notes only. The recharge machine does not accept coins.

National and Public Holidays in Korea. Korea like most other countries follow the Gregorian calendar (Western Calender). In Korea there are 10 public holidays with days off and other holidays with no days off. During the official public holidays most offices and banks are closed. Shops and restaurants usually stay open as well as most [...]]]>

Flags at Korean War Memorial Museum

National and Public Holidays in Korea. Korea like most other countries follow the Gregorian calendar (Western Calender). In Korea there are 10 public holidays with days off and other holidays with no days off. During the official public holidays most offices and banks are closed. Shops and restaurants usually stay open as well as most museums. The museums will usually close the day after the holiday.

The two most important holidays in Korea are Seollal and Chuseok.

New Year’s Day (신정):
This day is a public holiday and is held on January the 1st. It is called Sinjeong in Korean.

Korean New Year’s Day (설날):
This holiday is called Seollal in Korean. It is held on the first day of the lunar calendar. This is the same system that is used in China. The holiday dates change each year and are held in January or February. The holidays are 3 days long. The holiday is a very family orientated time of year. Businesses are closed and people return to their hometowns to visit family.

Independence Movement Day (3.1절):
This is held on March 1st every year and celebrates the start of the movement against the Japanese on March 1st, 1919. The declaration of independence was first read at Tapgol Park in Seoul. Every year on this day they have a special ceromeny and read the declaration. This day is called Samiljeol in Korean.

Children’s Day (어린이날):
This day is called Orininal in Korean and is held to wish success for their children’s future. Usually parents dress their children up in nice clothes and take them out for the day to places like the zoo and parks. Children’s Day in Korea is held on May 5th.

Buddha’s Birthday (석가탄신일):
Buddha’s Birthday is called Seokgatansinil in Korea. It is celebrated in many Asian countries and held on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, usually April or May. In Korea many lotus lanterns are decorated on temples and on the streets.

Memorial Day (현충일):
Memorial Day in Korea is held on June the 6th every year. It is to commemorate men and woman who gave their lives for their country. There is a special ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery.

Liberation Day (광복절):
Liberation day is held on August the 15th ever year. It is called Gwangbokjeol in Korean. This day commemorates Korea’s Independence from Japan. Japan accepted and signed the allie’s terms of surrender and Korea gained it’s independence.

Chuseok (추석 Mid-Autumn Festival):
This is the most important holiday in Korea alongside Seollal. The holiday is held every year for 3 days on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in Mid or Late September or early October which is rare. The holiday is to celebrate a good harvest and most people return home and visit their parents or relatives.
2011: September 12
2012: September 30
2013: September 19
2014: September 8
2015: September 27
2016: September 15
2017: October 4
2018: September 24
The day before and after Chuseok are legal holidays in Korea.

National Foundation Day (개천절):
This day celebrates the first Korean state founded on the 3rd day of the 10th lunar month in 2333 B.C. National Foundation Day is called Gaecheonjeol in Korean.

Christmas Day (기독탄신일):
In South Korea christianity is one of the two major religions. The day is called Gidoktansinil or Seongtanjeol in Korean.

Special days in Korea:
These are not public holidays.

Labour Day:
Labour Day is held on May 1st. Although Labour Day is not a national holiday, banks and business establishments are closed and many people enjoy a day off.

Parent’s Day:
This is not a public holiday. People show their love and respect for their parents. Korea does not have a Father or Mother’s day so it is celebrated on Parent’s Day.

Constitution Day (제헌절):
Constitution Day is held every year on July 17th and is called Jeheonjeol in Korean. This day celebrates the day that the proclamation of the constitution of the Republic of Korea was made in 1948.

Armed Forces Day (국군 의 날):
This is not a national holiday or day off but is a National Flag Raising Day. This day recognise and honours the veterans of the military forces of the Republic of Korea

Hangul Day (한글날):
This day celebrates the invention of Hangul in 1443. Hangul is the Korean alphabet and many Koreans are proud of it. Hangul day is held on October 9th.

Opening a bank account for foreigners in Korea is a very simple process. You are even able to open a bank account on a tourist visa.

Today, I will explain the process of opening a bank account with Woori Bank and getting the Woori V Expat Check Card. The process is the same in every [...]]]>

Korean bank card and pass book

Opening a bank account for foreigners in Korea is a very simple process. You are even able to open a bank account on a tourist visa.

Today, I will explain the process of opening a bank account with Woori Bank and getting the Woori V Expat Check Card. The process is the same in every bank.
Before you visit the bank you should make sure you have as much information as possible such as your passport, alien registration card (not needed if you have passport), student card and your address in Korean.

You do not need to know Korean when opening a bank account but it helps to understand some of the basics. When you enter the bank you should pick up the form for opening a bank account and fill it out. If you are having trouble a member of the staff should be able to help you out. In every bank you can always find one person who can speak basic English.

On the form you will have to fill out your address in Korean, name, job or school and passport number or alien card number. You must write down your name exactly as it is on your passport.
When you have finished writing down all your details give the form to the staff and they will give you a number. You will then have to wait while they process the form, usually about 15 minutes but it depends on how busy they are. They will issue you your new bank card and passbook on the spot. They will ask you to check to make sure all the details are correct.

What you receive is a Woori V Expat Check Card and Pass Book / Bank Book.
The card can be used overseas as it has the Cirrus logo and it can also be used as a debit card. That means that you can pay for things in the shops using your card. Some of the cards also offer T-money so you can pay for transportation. The bank book can be used for withdrawing or depositing money into your account from your ATM. It is a good way of keeping track of your money as every time you use it you current balance will be updated in the bank book.

There is no charge to open the bank account and no minimum deposit needed. This is the same at most banks however some may ask for a small minimum deposit.

Banking for foreigners in Korea.

The major banks in Korea are the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB), Woori Bank, KB Bank, Shinhan Bank and Citibank. Most banks have a currency exchange section and ATMs that can be used to withdraw money from an international card.

The currency in Korea is the called the South Korean won. [...]]]>

Sticker on ATM machines for International Cards

Banking for foreigners in Korea.

The major banks in Korea are the Korea Exchange Bank (KEB), Woori Bank, KB Bank, Shinhan Bank and Citibank. Most banks have a currency exchange section and ATMs that can be used to withdraw money from an international card.

The currency in Korea is the called the South Korean won. For more information and pictures, click here. When travelling to Korea on holiday it is always recommended to bring some cash with you. There are many currency exchange banks at Incheon Airport and scattered around Seoul and other cities.

To take money out at an ATM machine it must have a sign located above or on the ATM machine that says international cards, cirrus, visa etc(see right picture). Use the ATMS located inside the banks. Before you leave for Korea it is best to check with your bank to see if your card can be used to withdraw money in Korea. Cards with the Cirrus or Maestro logo will work in Korea.

Opening a bank account in Korea:

Opening a bank account is a very straight forward process in Korea. You can open a bank account on a tourist visa. However if you open an account with a tourist visa you will have very limited banking options. If you have a working visa, student visa etc it is very easy to open an account. To find out how to open a bank account in Korea, visit our Bank Account Page.

Banking Hours in Korea:

Banks in Korea are open from 9am until 4pm. The lobby area is usually open from 8am until 10pm but this changes depending on the bank and location. Some banks run a special service where they are open at the weekends or 24 hours a day.

Using the ATM machines in Korea:

Nearly all ATM machines have English. If you are using a foreign card you must look for an ATM machine that has a logo or sticker saying “Global ATM”. They are usually only to be found in the bank lobby or tourist areas. Most ATM machines turn off for the night usually after 10 pm so it is best to take out enough money at the start of the night.

Exchanging Money in Korea:

Most banks have a foreign currency exchange service and to change money all you need is one form of i.d. A passport or alien registration card is best. Go to the currency exchange section and take a ticket or go to the counter. There is nearly always someone who can speak English. The whole thing should take less than 5 minutes.

There are two categories of tax in Korea which are broken up into many different sections. There is National Tax and Local Tax.  National taxes are divided into
internal taxes, customs duties and three earmarked taxes. The local taxes include
province taxes and city and county taxes. Like many other countries filing taxes [...]]]>

10,000 won bills

There are two categories of tax in Korea which are broken up into many different sections. There is National Tax and Local Tax.  National taxes are divided into
internal taxes, customs duties and three earmarked taxes. The local taxes include
province taxes and city and county taxes. Like many other countries filing taxes can be difficult but thankfully most of the documents are published in English.

National tax  is comprised of many different types of taxes. Two categories of National Tax is direct tax and indirect tax. Direct tax: income tax, corporate tax etc. Indirect tax: is comprised of Value Added Tax, Stamp Tax, Liquor and Tobacco Tax etc

Local tax is comprised of Acquisition Tax, Registration Tax, Leisure, Tax Inhabitant Tax, Property Tax, Automobile Tax amongst things

Value Added Tax (VAT) is called 부가세 (Bugase) in Korean and is classed under National Tax. The VAT rate in Korea is 10% and is always included in the price on products that you buy in shops.

For more information and documents about tax in Korea visit the Official site for Tax in Korea.

First of all before you start your search for an apartment in Korea, the size of apartments in Korea are measured in Pyeong. Pyeong is a Korean measurement system that has been used for a long time. The Korean government enacted a new law in 2007 that will replaced the use of pyeong to square [...]]]>

Apartments in Korea

First of all before you start your search for an apartment in Korea, the size of apartments in Korea are measured in Pyeong. Pyeong is a Korean measurement system that has been used for a long time. The Korean government enacted a new law in 2007 that will replaced the use of pyeong to square meters in official documents however all real estate agents and apartment agencies use Pyeong. One pyeong is 3.3 sq. meters = 35 sq. feet. The average size apartment would be about 10 to 15 pyeong.

In Korea, apartment building usually have more than 15 floors. The size of the apartment depends on the price and location. The closer you get to the city the smaller and more expensive the apartment becomes. Apartments have a kitchen and living room usually shared, a toilet / bathroom and one or two rooms. Again this is only a rough guide as there are thousands of different style apartments in Korea.

How to go about getting an apartment:

The best way is to search the Internet or visit a real estate agent in person. When you find an apartment, enquire about it and pay a visit. If you are happy with the apartment, it is time to negotiate rent and make a contract. When renting an apartment,  Deposit / Key Money is needed. This can be anywhere from 1,000,000 won to 50,000,000 won generally about 10,000,000 won. This will be refunded after you move out. Some owners will let you pay a smaller deposit but at a higher monthly rental fee.

Next is Wolse (월세) this is the monthly rent cost and will be negotiated with the owner.

Some owners will need a guarantor (보증인 Bojeungin). This person should be someone close to you who has a stable job and income. Sometimes your school or company will act as your guarantor. If you should fail to pay monthly rents, damage your aprtment or flee, your guarantor will be held responsible. Being someones guarantor in Korea is a big thing and only close friends should be asked.

The benefits of getting an apartment in Korea:

You will have a lot more privacy in an apartment than living in an officetel, Hasuk Jip or Goshiwon. You will have a lot of space to move around and even bring some friends over for parties. If there are any problems with something in your apartment or neighbours, you have the management to take care of these things. Usually on the first floor of the apartment will be some restaurants and shops. Apartments are usually located near train stations, shopping centres and schools etc.

Drawbacks of getting an apartment in Korea:

There is usually a very high deposit, key money and fees when renting an apartment. You must sign contracts for 1 or 2 years which ties you down to one area. On top of the rent there will be management fees and utilities such as gas, water and electricity. Sometimes you may hear your neighbour next door or live beside a neighbour with kids who play and scream everyday.

All apartments are unfurnished, however some come with refrigerators and microwaves.

If you have anymore questions send us an email or leave a comment below.

Goshiwon, Hasuk jip and one rooms / officetels are very similar types of accommodation in Korea. I will start off by explaining Goshiwon.

Goshiwon:
Goshiwon (고시원) is usually a very small room rented monthly by students or workers. Goshiwon is very similar to dormitory lifestyle. Everybody has there own room and the bathroom and [...]]]>

Goshiwon in Korea

Goshiwon, Hasuk jip and one rooms / officetels are very similar types of accommodation in Korea. I will start off by explaining Goshiwon.

Goshiwon:
Goshiwon (고시원) is usually a very small room rented monthly by students or workers. Goshiwon is very similar to dormitory lifestyle. Everybody has there own room and the bathroom and kitchen are shared. The room is very basic and small. Usually included in the room is wireless Internet, a TV, a bed and a desk. Goshiwons can be found on the Internet, links below but all in Korean. Goshiwons are usually in the city centre or located near universities and train stations. They are usually on the 4th or 5th floor of a building and the 1st few floors are usually businesses of some type or apartments. Goshiwons can be loud if they are located in a party area or beside a bar, restaurant or phone shop. The price rage is anywhere from 200,000 ~ 600,000 won which might include a private toilet or shower if you’re lucky. Usually Goshiwons are clean however there is a reason why some of the rooms are so cheap. Nearly every Goshiwon has a kitchen with basic appliances and free rice, kimchi and seaweed. If you are fortunate you might get some free noodles as well.

Hasuk Jip:
Hasuk Jip (하숙집) is very similar to Goshiwon. The rooms are private and small but the kitchen and bathroom are shared. The main difference between Goshiwon and a Hasuk Jip is that with the Hasuk Jip you are provided with two meals a day. Usually the Ajumma (Korean Lady) lives in the same building or nearby and cooks two meals a day usually breakfast and dinner. Some places even do your laundry for you. Hasuk Jips can be found on the Internet however the best way to find them is to go out and look for the HASUK JIP sign (하숙집). You can find it in student area like Sinchon and Hyehwa. Most of the Hasuk Jips are run by elderly ladies who don’t have any websites or advertise at all which makes them cheaper than the rest but you have to search to find them.

One Room / OfficeTel:
An officetel (오피스텔) or one room in Korea is a single room apartment with a toilet / shower and kitchen. The rent is quite reasonable ranging from 300,000 – 600,000 per month but there is a huge deposit and real estate agent’s fees to be paid. The one room /  officetel is great if you plan to stay for a long time in Korea. Most people don’t have money for a deposit or are only studying for a semester in a different city. In this case the Hasuk Jip or goshiwon are a better match.
For an officetel or one room in Korea the deposit is can be anywhere from 1,000,000 won up to 10,000,000 won. You will always get the deposit back when you leave if you have kept the place in reasonable condition. If not, the damage will be deducted from your deposit. With officetels and one rooms you will usually have to pay a monthly management fee , water, gas and electricity bills.

Links to Goshiwon websites.

http://www.goshipages.com/ – Search for accommodation in Korea in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

All websites below are in Korean.
http://www.gosi1.net/
http://www.gosione.net/
http://www.gosiwon4u.net/

Link to Officetel website:
http://www.officetel114.co.kr/article/index.asp?kind=oneroom

If you have any questions please leave a comment below:

Korea is becoming a popular place to further education and have the experience of a lifetime or to study some Korean. There are over 45,000 foreigners studying in Korea every year. The majority are on D-4 visas and studying Korean in university or at a language school. Others are participating in university exchange programs, on [...]]]>

Ewha Womans University

Korea is becoming a popular place to further education and have the experience of a lifetime or to study some Korean. There are over 45,000 foreigners studying in Korea every year. The majority are on D-4 visas and studying Korean in university or at a language school. Others are participating in university exchange programs, on scholarships or obtaining a masters degree or PHD.

People who wish to attend a university and study need the D-2 visa (D-4 if you wish to study Korean). Here is a guide on how to get the D-4 visa. The D-2 visa procedure is quite similar to that of the D-4 visa.

In Korea the beginning of the school year starts in March. This is usually a good thing as it gives western students time to prepare for the big move to Korea after they finish their course. For people who wish to attend a language school or university language course the programs usually run at intervals of 3 months. The first course usually starts in Feb / March and the next in June / July and so on. You can join at anytime.

For more information about studying in Korea check out this Study in Korea site run by the government.

If you are curious as to what a university in Korea looks like or what to expect, check out my visit to Sogang University, Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University.

For most foreigners working in Korea, teaching is the best job. The pay is high and the hours are reasonable. There is a constant demand for native English language teachers in Korea and anyone with a degree can start teaching. I will explain more about this below.

If you don’t have a degree, are fed [...]]]>

Seoul Tower

For most foreigners working in Korea, teaching is the best job. The pay is high and the hours are reasonable. There is a constant demand for native English language teachers in Korea and anyone with a degree can start teaching. I will explain more about this below.

If you don’t have a degree, are fed up with teaching or looking for something new, your job options will be few and far between. Some foreign students get jobs at a restaurant or bar but the pay can be as low as 4,000 won an hour. Some people try to get some modelling gigs, TV appearances, staff at a promotional event or even voice overs for games and shows. These pay quite well however it is forbidden under most visas including the E2 and H1 (Working Holiday Visa) visa. Other possible lines of work would be in import / export.  South Korea produces many high end electronic items and cars. If you could find small shops or businesses outside Korea who are looking to import items from Korea you could help source and ship the items and get paid quite well.

Some websites for looking for a job in Korea:
http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/
http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/
http://www.worknplay.co.kr/
Here are some common questions that users of ExploringKorea.com have asked:

Do you need to know how to talk Korean to be a English teacher in Korea?

No. When teaching English in Korea you don’t need to use Korean. You teach in English and the other teachers or the principal will use English.

Do I need to be certified or have some English teaching experience?
No. All you need is a degree in ANYTHING and be a native speaker of English.

Where can I teach English?
Nearly all teaching jobs in Korea are at a hagwon, primary / secondary school or a university. A hagwon is usually a small language school that is open early in the morning till late in the evening. The age of the students can range from just 3 or 4 up to people in their 80′s.
Primary or Secondary school is a good job to have as it has reasonable hours usually 9 – 4, decent pay and regular holidays. The best job to land for any English teacher in Korea is at a university. The pay is excellent, the working hours are low and there are plenty of holidays and days off including a long paid summer and winter vacation.
Some teachers teach private lessons in their free time and can earn up 50,000 won an hour. The pay is great and you can set your own hours however this is illegal and anyone who is caught teaching private lessons will be deported for visa violations.

Where are the jobs?
Seoul and Busan have a huge population and a high demand for teachers. Other areas in Korea also have demands for teachers but on a smaller level. You can teach anywhere you want in Korea. Nearly every town and city is looking for an English teacher. You have to decide which lifestyle would be better for you.

Is it hard to learn Korean?
Honestly this depends on the person. I have met people who lived in Korea for 1 year and could speak great Korean and others who have lived here for years and can speak none. The Korean alphabet (Hangul) is quite easy to learn. Don’t listen to what others say. If you spend one day concentrating and writing down the characters you could easily learn it in a day. The major problem that English speakers have with Korean is the grammar. It is very different from English and will take months to get a grip of it and to use it naturally.

What is the pay like in Korea?
For English teachers pay is from 1,800,000 won up to 3,000,000 won. Most schools rent an apartment for you or if you wish to find your own they give you rent allowance, usually about 400,000 won.

Can I save money in Korea?
Again this depends on the person. It is easy to party and drink away your monthly salary in a couple of nights. If you are smart with your money you could easily save 1,000,000 won plus a month. By smart I mean making your breakfast, luch and dinner on weekdays which will cost about 200,000 won a month. By only heading out at the weekends and staying clear of foreigner hangouts and bars can you save money. Stick to the street vendors or small local restaurants. Start drinking Soju. A bottle in a super market is only 1,000 won and two of these will keep you happy all night long. Don’t buy the most expensive smart phone you can buy. Use the subway / buses and use taxis sparingly.
If you follow these basic ideas you will be able to save 1,000,000 won and have money left over to do some sightseeing or enjoy a hobby.

Are there many foreigners in Korea?
Yes, there are over 1,000,000 foreigners in Korea which accounts for 2% of the total population. The majority of foreginers are from China (480,000) and Korean- Chinese people (380,000). There are 118,000 Americans in Korea most of whom are English teachers or work for the U.S army. Other big groups in Korea are the Vietnamese, Filipinos, Thai, Japanese and many other Asian countries.

What are Korean people like?
Having worked and travelled in Korea I have found the Korean people to be very friendly and helpful. Whenever I was lost or confused in a restaurant they were happy to help. Koreans are very proud of their culture and history and will jump at any chance to tell you facts or stories about Korea. When you meet Koreans for the first time they will ask you how old you are. Do not be offended. In Korea age and seniority play a very important role in how people interact with each other. There is a formal language and customs used when communicating with elders and juniors are expected to follow and obey their elders.

If you have any more questions leave a comment below.