Life in South Korea

Searching for an apartment or room in South Korea has its own peculiarities, and the approach that works in Ukraine does not always yield results here. Real estate agents, local online platforms, and recommendations from acquaintances play an important role here.

Where to look for housing

1. Real estate agencies (부동산, budongsan)

This is the most popular way to find housing. An agent accompanies you on viewings, helps you negotiate with the owner, and prepare the contract. The commission is usually 0.3–0.9 months' rent or up to 0.5% of the deposit.

2. Online platforms

• Zigbang (직방) — the largest service with photos, floor plans, and prices.
  
• Dabang (다방) — convenient search by map, filters, prices, and areas.
  
• Naver Real Estate — many offers from agencies, often with more complete information than on Zigbang.
• Facebook groups: Expats in Korea, Ukrainians in Korea — there you can find options from landlords without intermediaries.

3. Student dormitories and hostels

If you are here to study or on an exchange program, the university may provide dormitory accommodation for between 150 and 300 USD/month.

💡 Tip: If you are on a tight budget, look for goshiwon — small rooms with basic furniture (from $150/month), often with utilities included.

Documents required for renting

• Passport and visa/ARC (Alien Registration Card) — without these, it is difficult to sign an official contract. The ARC confirms your right to stay in the country.
  
• Bank account — for transferring the deposit and rent.
  
• Local phone number — for communicating with the landlord and registering on rental websites.
  
• Sometimes — proof of income or employment contract (especially for expensive apartments).

💡 Tip: If you don't have an ARC, ask around or find a landlord who is willing to work with foreigners with just a passport.

What to look for when choosing

• Condition of the apartment — especially check the plumbing, air conditioning, and heating (ondol).
• Deposit (보증금) — in Korea, it is often high (from $1,000 to tens of thousands), but you can negotiate a reduction by increasing the monthly rent.
  
• Additional expenses — utilities, heating, internet, maintenance fee.
• Contract term — usually 1–2 years, early departure may result in the loss of part of the deposit.
  
• Proximity to the subway — the distance to the station greatly affects the price and convenience.

How to negotiate with the landlord

• The size of the deposit is negotiable. The larger the deposit, the lower the monthly rent.
• If you are planning a long-term stay (one year or more), mention this — landlords often give a discount on rent.
  
• Ask if internet or part of the utilities can be included in the rent.

💡 Life hack: Bring a Korean-speaking friend or translator with you to avoid misunderstandings in the contract.

Scams and how to avoid them

• Prepayment without viewing — never transfer money before viewing the property in person and signing the contract.
  
• Fake photos — check the apartment yourself or request a video tour.
• Fake agencies — check the agent's license on the official website of the Korean Association of Realtors.

💡 If you are unsure about the wording in the contract or are asked to pay a “reservation fee” in advance without official guarantees, this is a red flag.

➡️ Legal assistance with checking the contract and rental terms is available at Visit Ukraine.

Food in South Korea is a unique cultural experience. Here you can find both traditional Korean dishes with lots of vegetables, rice, and fermented foods, as well as international cuisine. The cost of food depends on where you buy groceries and how often you eat out.

Groceries in supermarkets

• Large supermarket chains (E-Mart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus) — wide selection, but prices are slightly higher than in small shops or markets.
  
• Local convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) — open 24/7, convenient for snacks, but limited selection and higher prices.
• Traditional markets (Gwangjang Market in Seoul, Seomun Market in Daegu) are the best places to buy vegetables, fruits, seafood, and spices.

Average prices in supermarkets (KRW / USD):

• 10 kg of rice — 28,000 KRW (~21 USD)
  
• A liter of milk — 2,700 KRW (~2 USD)
• Chicken fillet 1 kg — 11,000 KRW (~8 USD)
  
• Eggs (30 pcs.) — 8,500 KRW (~6.3 USD)
  
• Bananas (1 kg) — 3,000 KRW (~2.2 USD)
• Kimchi (1 kg) — 8,000 KRW (~6 USD)

💡 Tip: Buy fruits and vegetables at markets — they are 1.5–2 times cheaper than in large supermarkets, especially in the evening.

Eating out

• Inexpensive cafes and restaurants (식당) — a set meal (백반, pekpang) costs 7,000–10,000 KRW (~5–7 USD) and includes rice, soup, and several side dishes (banchan).
• Street food — tteokbokki, hot dogs, corn dogs, stuffed pancakes (호떡) — 2,000–5,000 KRW (~1.5–4 USD).
• Mid-range restaurants — a meal for one person will cost 12,000–20,000 KRW (~9–15 USD).
  
• Coffee in a coffee shop — 4,500–6,000 KRW (~3.3–4.5 USD), but you can find cheaper options in chains such as Mega Coffee.

💡 Tip: In university areas (such as Hongdae and Edae in Seoul), food is 20–30% cheaper due to competition.

Food delivery

In Korea, delivery is almost a cult. Popular apps: Baedal Minjok (배달의민족), Yogiyo (요기요), Coupang Eats. The minimum order is usually 10,000 KRW (~7.5 USD), delivery is 1,000–4,000 KRW.

How to save on food

• Buy discounted food sets at supermarkets after 9 p.m.
  
• Visit self-service cafes where you can add side dishes (banchan) for free.
  
• Choose the daily special at restaurants — it is 20–40% cheaper than the regular menu.

Public transportation in South Korea

South Korea is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and convenience of public transportation. The network includes subways, buses, high-speed trains, commuter trains, taxis, and even ferries. Even if you are visiting the country for the first time, it is quite easy to navigate the system — all announcements are duplicated in English, and mobile apps make route planning intuitive.

Metro

• Where it operates: Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon.
• Prices: The basic fare is 1,250 KRW (~0.95 USD) when paying with a T-money card for the first 10 km. For each additional 5 km, 100 KRW (~0.08 USD) is added.
• Features: carriages are equipped with Wi-Fi, chargers, and air conditioning. The metro can be crowded during rush hour.
• Good to know: Seoul has “women only” carriages in the evening and morning hours for added safety.

💡 Tip: download the KakaoMetro or Subway Korea app — they show train arrival times and the shortest route with transfers.

Buses

• City buses: from 1,200 to 2,300 KRW (~0.91–1.75 USD) depending on the color of the route (blue — inter-district, green — local, yellow — intra-district, red — express).
• Intercity: for example, Seoul → Busan (4–5 hours) costs from 24,000 KRW (~18 USD) in standard class to 45,000 KRW (~34 USD) in premium class.
  
• Payment: T-money or cash (cash is more expensive).
• Features: buses run on time, drivers are polite but do not wait for late passengers.

💡 Tip: intercity buses often have power outlets, USB chargers, and Wi-Fi, so you can work or watch movies on the go.

KTX and other trains

• KTX — high-speed trains (up to 300 km/h).
• Example: Seoul → Busan — 59,800 KRW (~45 USD) in standard class, 83,700 KRW (~63 USD) in first class.
• ITX, Mugunghwa — slower and cheaper options for traveling between cities.
  
• Features: comfortable seats, clean toilets, restaurant cars. It is better to book seats in advance.

💡 Tip: buy tickets through the official Korail website or app — there are sometimes discounts available.

Taxi

• Starting fare: 4,800 KRW (~3.6 USD) in Seoul, 4,300 KRW (~3.25 USD) in other regions.
• Price per 1 km: about 1,000 KRW (~0.76 USD).
  
• Payment: cash, card, or T-money.
  
• Special features: there is a higher fare in the evening (after 10:00 p.m.).

💡 Tip: use the KakaoTaxi or UT (Uber) apps — they make it easier to explain the route to the driver, especially if you don't speak Korean.

Ferries

South Korea has many islands that can only be reached by ferry (e.g., Jeju).

Seoul → Jeju (via Incheon): 30,000–60,000 KRW (~23–46 USD) depending on the class.

Your own car and car rental in South Korea

If you are unable to bring your own vehicle, it is convenient to rent a car in South Korea. This is a popular option for traveling around the country, especially if you want to visit places that are difficult to reach by public transport.

Car rental: terms and cost

The cost depends on the class of car, the duration of the rental, and the company:

• Economy class (Hyundai Avante, Kia Morning) — from 60,000 KRW/day (~45 USD)
• Mid-range (Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5) — 80,000–110,000 KRW/day (~60–85 USD)
• SUVs (Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento) — 120,000–180,000 KRW/day (~90–140 USD)
  
• Premium (Genesis G80, Mercedes-Benz E-Class) — from 200,000 KRW/day (~155 USD)

💡 Companies often offer discounts for weekly or monthly rentals.

What you need to rent a car

• Passport
  
• International driver's license (IDP) + Ukrainian driver's license
  
• Bank card for deposit (300,000–1,000,000 KRW depending on the class of car)
• Minimum driver age — 21 years old, driving experience — from 1 year

Popular companies

• Lotte Rent-a-Car — the largest network in the country, with many offices near airports
  
• AJ Rent-a-Car — affordable rates for long-term rentals
• Socar — rental service via a mobile app, per-minute and per-hour rentals
  
• KT Kumho Rent-a-Car — wide selection of mid-range and business class cars

Fuel and expenses

There are two main types of fuel in South Korea: gasoline (휘발유) and diesel (경유).

• Gasoline — 1,650–1,750 KRW/liter (~1.30–1.37 USD)
  
• Diesel — 1,450–1,550 KRW/liter (~1.14–1.21 USD)

Gas stations are often self-service, which is slightly cheaper.

Tips for drivers

• Parking in cities costs 1,000–2,000 KRW/hour (~0.80–1.55 USD), and more in tourist areas.
• Road signs are duplicated in English, but in rural areas, they may only be in Korean.
  
• Speed cameras are very common, and fines are high — exceeding the speed limit by 20 km/h will cost you 70,000 KRW (~55 USD).

South Korea has a modern and stable financial system that combines a strong network of traditional banks with a high level of digitalization. Cashless payments are the norm, and even small cafes accept bank cards or mobile payment services. Cash is used less frequently, but foreigners may still need it at the initial stage, especially in rural areas or local markets.

How to open an account

You can only open a bank account in South Korea in person, and the procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour.

To do this, you will need:

• Passport
• ARC (Alien Registration Card) — without it, opening an account is almost impossible
  
• Proof of address — rental agreement or utility bill
  
• Local phone number — required for verification in online banking
• Sometimes — a certificate from your place of work or study (especially when opening an account with higher limits)

💡 Most banks issue a debit card immediately upon opening an account. Credit cards are less common for foreigners, usually available after 6–12 months of residence in the country.

Popular banks

• KB Kookmin Bank — wide range of tariffs, mobile app with English interface
  
• Shinhan Bank — simple account opening process for foreigners
• Hana Bank — favorable conditions for international transfers
  
• Woori Bank — convenient for business accounts and currency transactions
  
• NH NongHyup Bank — often used in rural areas

ATMs and cash

ATMs are available in every city, in supermarkets, subways, and even in 7-Eleven.

• Fees: 1,000–3,000 KRW (~0.77–2.30 USD) for withdrawals at other banks
  
• Hours: Most ATMs are open 24 hours a day, but some are only open from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Tip: To avoid high fees, use your bank's ATMs.

Currency exchange

The best exchange rates are usually found at city exchange offices, especially in the Myeong-dong area (Seoul) or near large universities:

• 1 USD ≈ 1,300 KRW
  
• 1 EUR ≈ 1,450 KRW

The exchange rate at airports is less favorable, although exchange services are available around the clock.

Banking fees

• Account opening — free
  
• Card maintenance — 0–5,000 KRW/month (0–3.85 USD)
• International SWIFT transfer — 10,000–30,000 KRW (7.70–23 USD)
  
• Domestic transfers via mobile banking — free or up to 500 KRW (~0.38 USD)

Digital payments

South Korea is one of the world leaders in mobile payments. The most popular services are:

• KakaoPay — integrated into the KakaoTalk messenger
  
• Naver Pay — convenient for online shopping
  
• Toss — a universal payment app for bills, transfers, and investments

Practical tips

• Checkbooks are still used in South Korea and can even be issued to foreigners.
  
• It is convenient to set up automatic payments for utilities.
  
• When opening an account, check whether the international transaction feature is enabled — it is often disabled by default.

If you plan to live in South Korea for more than a few months, it is worth applying for an ARC and opening an account right away so that you can use all banking services, including online payments, online stores, and automatic transport payments.

💡 If you are unsure which bank is right for you or do not understand the requirements for opening an account, consult a lawyer.

➡️ Financial advice is available at Visit Ukraine.

South Korea is one of the world leaders in internet speed and mobile technology development. 4G LTE and 5G coverage is available almost everywhere, and in cities, there is free Wi-Fi in the metro, cafes, libraries, and public places.

Mobile communications

There are three main operators in the country:

• SK Telecom — largest coverage, high 5G speed, convenient packages for foreigners
  
• KT (Korea Telecom) — stable service in cities and villages, often chosen by tourists
• LG U+ — affordable mobile internet rates, popular among young people

The cost of communication depends on the tariff and operator:

• Prepaid with 10–15 GB of internet — 40,000–60,000 KRW (~31–46 USD) per month
• Contract rates (postpaid) with unlimited internet — 65,000–90,000 KRW (~50–70 USD) per month
  
• Tourist SIM cards for 5–30 days — from 25,000 KRW (~19 USD)

💡 An ARC (Alien Registration Card) is required to sign a contract, while a passport is sufficient for prepaid plans.

Top-up and payment

You can top up your balance:

• At convenient stores (7-Eleven, GS25, CU)
  
• Via the operator's mobile app
  
• Online with a bank card

Home internet

Korea is known for its super-fast home internet — in large cities, the average speed exceeds 500 Mbit/s, and 1 Gbit/s packages are standard.

Major providers:

• KT Olleh
  
• SK Broadband
• LG U+

Connection and subscription fees:

• 500 Mbps — 25,000–35,000 KRW (~19–27 USD) per month
  
• 1 Gbit/s — 35,000–45,000 KRW (~27–35 USD) per month
• Promotions often include a free Wi-Fi router or a discount when signing up for an “internet + mobile” package

💡 Contracts are usually for 2–3 years, but shorter terms are possible for foreigners at a higher monthly rate.

Tips

• If you plan to stay in Korea for less than 3 months, it is cheaper to get a prepaid SIM card or a tourist package
  
• For home internet, a deposit (100,000–200,000 KRW, ~77–155 USD) is sometimes required for foreigners without a long-term visa.
• Free Wi-Fi from providers KT, SK, and LG is often available in the metro and public buildings.

The education system in South Korea is considered one of the strongest in the world, with a high level of discipline, modern technology, and a clear structure of the educational process. Great attention is paid to both academic knowledge and teaching children respect for their elders, teamwork, and perseverance.

Kindergartens and preschool education

Preschool education covers children from 3 to 5 years old. There are several types of kindergartens:

• State and municipal — run by the government, costing 150,000–300,000 KRW (~115–230 USD) per month, with meals usually included in the price.
• Private — prices start at 400,000 KRW (~310 USD) and above, often with in-depth English or creative arts programs.
  
• International preschools — English-language programs, costing from 600,000 KRW (~460 USD) per month.

💡 Tip: In Seoul and other large cities, places in good kindergartens fill up quickly, so it is worth applying several months in advance.

School education

Schools are divided into public, private, and international.

• Elementary school — 6 years (from age 7)
  
• Middle school — 3 years
  
• High school — 3 years

Public schools are free for residents, but foreigners must have an ARC (Alien Registration Card). The cost of school uniforms, textbooks, field trips, and extracurricular activities can range from 200,000–400,000 KRW (~155–310 USD) per year.

Private schools charge from KRW 500,000 (~USD 385) per month and above, offering better facilities and smaller classes.

International schools

International education is the choice of many foreigners, as the programs meet US, UK, or IB (International Baccalaureate) standards.

• Cost — from $20,000 per year
  
• Languages of instruction: English, French, German, Japanese
  
• Advantage — the ability to seamlessly transfer your child to a school in another country with the same program

The waiting list for admission can be up to a year, so it is worth submitting documents in advance.

What documents are required to enroll a child?

To enroll a child in a kindergarten or school in South Korea, you will usually need:

• The child's passport and ARC (foreign registration card).
• Proof of residence — a lease agreement or other document.
• Vaccination certificate and medical certificate.
• Documents confirming previous education (for school) — report card or certificate.
• A photo of the child and a completed application form signed by the parents.

Hagwons and additional classes

Hagwons (학원) are private educational centers specializing in exam preparation, foreign languages, mathematics, music, and sports.

• Cost: 300,000–800,000 KRW (~230–615 USD) per month depending on the subject and prestige of the institution.
  
• Some hagwons are open until 10:00 p.m., which is common for the local system.

Tips for foreign parents

• If your child does not speak Korean, consider international schools or hagwons with English-speaking teachers.
  
• To enroll in a public school, you will often need proof of residence (a rental agreement or utility bill in your name).
• In Korea, there is fierce competition for places in prestigious schools, even among public schools, so the area you live in can affect the quality of education.

South Korea has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in Asia, with high-quality medical equipment, well-trained doctors, and quick access to services. For foreigners, healthcare can be both affordable and quite expensive, depending on whether you have medical insurance.

Public and private healthcare

South Korea has a National Health Insurance (NHI) system that covers a significant portion of healthcare costs. Foreigners with a residence card (ARC) can enroll in the NHI after six months of residence.

• Contribution to the NHI: on average, 120,000–150,000 KRW (~92–115 USD) per month for one person.
  
• Coverage: 50–80% of the cost of consultations, tests, and hospitalization.

Private clinics and hospitals provide services without queues and with an individual approach, but the cost without insurance can be significant.

Cost of medical services without insurance

• Consultation with a general practitioner: 20,000–40,000 KRW (~15–30 USD)
• Consultation with a specialist: 50,000–100,000 KRW (~38–77 USD)
  
• Day in a private room: 150,000–300,000 KRW (~115–230 USD)
• Dentistry (filling): 80,000–150,000 KRW (~62–115 USD)

💡 There are international clinics with English-speaking staff in Seoul and other large cities (e.g., Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center).

Private medical insurance

• Insurance for a 10-day trip costs from $15 per person.
  
• Coverage should be at least $30,000, especially if you are planning an active vacation.

You can purchase a medical insurance policy online in a few minutes through Visit Ukraine and receive confirmation by email immediately after payment.

Pharmacies and medicines

Pharmacies (약국) are mainly open from 09:00 to 20:00, with some open 24 hours a day in large cities.

• Cold medicine: 5,000–10,000 KRW (~3.8–7.7 USD)
• Antibiotics are only available with a prescription.
  
• Most packages contain medication for 2–3 days — this is a feature of the Korean system.

Tips for Ukrainians

• Keep all receipts and medical documents — this will help you get reimbursed by your insurance company.
• If you don't speak Korean, download the Papago or Google Translate app to communicate with doctors.
  
• In case of emergency, call 119 (ambulance).

Language and communication

The official language of South Korea is Korean, and although you can find English-speaking staff in tourist areas, knowledge of English is often limited in everyday life. To help you adapt, it is worth learning some basic phrases and the Hangul alphabet — this will make your life much easier. Free Korean courses for foreigners are offered at integration centers and some universities. Online platforms such as Talk To Me In Korean or the Duolingo app will help you get started.

Fines and rules

South Korea is known for its strict adherence to rules. The most common fines are:

• Crossing the road in a prohibited place: 30,000 KRW (~23 USD)
  
• Smoking in prohibited places: 100,000 KRW (~77 USD)
• Littering: from 50,000 KRW (~38 USD)
  
• Speeding: from 70,000 KRW (~54 USD)

Surveillance cameras and patrols operate around the clock, and the video recording system even works on public transport.

Culture and lifestyle

Korean society combines tradition with high technology. Respect local customs: take off your shoes in restaurants if there is tatami flooring, use both hands when accepting or handing over items, and do not talk loudly on public transport.

Everyday services are well developed: food delivery operates around the clock, and popular apps such as Coupang and Baedal Minjok allow you to order everything from groceries to household appliances with same-day delivery.

Integration and Ukrainian communities

A large number of Ukrainians live in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. There are active communities on Facebook and KakaoTalk that help with finding work, housing, and legal issues. Adaptation is easier if you participate in local events, visit cultural festivals, and take courses from the very beginning.

✅ Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in South Korea

• Medical insurance covering treatment in Korea
  
• Tickets for transportation
  
• Legal advice on residence and work
  
• More about obtaining a residence permit and citizenship