●■●● Summary of Benefits & Precautions for Foreigners Living in Korea
▶ Korea has well-developed systems in public transportation, healthcare, internet, and public services, making it very convenient for foreigners to live here.
However, understanding cultural differences and rules in advance is the first step to ensuring a safe and comfortable life.
●●🟧 Safety Tips for Foreign Women
●✅ Catcalling Culture in Korea
→ Catcalling is rare in Korea and generally viewed negatively.
→ However, foreign women may still encounter uncomfortable situations in nightlife districts or late at night, such as being asked for photos or phone numbers.
✔ How to Respond
→ Firmly say, “I’m uncomfortable” or “Excuse me” to end most situations.
→ If the situation continues, immediately ask nearby Koreans or call the police (1330, 112) for help.
→ Korean society takes protection of women and vulnerable people seriously, so asking for help usually leads to quick action.
●●🟧 Watch Out for Overpricing Around Tourist Areas
●✅ Compared to the past, overcharging foreigners has mostly disappeared in Korea.
→ Still, in tourist spots like Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, or Jeju Island, you may occasionally encounter shops without price tags or taxis not using meters.
→ To avoid this, choose shops with visible prices and use taxi apps like Kakao Taxi for safety.
●●🟧 Legal and Crime-Related Precautions
(Very Important)
●✅ Even Minor Violations Can Bring Serious Consequences for Foreigners
→ While Korea is safe, even small violations can result in visa cancellation or deportation for foreigners.
→ Drunk driving, assault, theft, illegal work, and especially drug use (including marijuana) are strictly prohibited and severely punished.
→ In cases where misunderstandings occur, such as shoplifting accusations due to stress or distraction (e.g., menstrual cycle, adjusting to Korea), stay calm, explain the situation, and request an interpreter if needed.
●✅ Marijuana and Drug Use
→ All drug use, including marijuana, is strictly illegal in Korea.
→ Even simple possession or smoking can result in visa cancellation and deportation.
→ Even if it is legal in your home country, it is strictly forbidden in Korea—never carry or use it.
●✅ Smoking Regulations
→ Smoking under the age of 19 is illegal, with fines and possible criminal charges.
→ Most bus stops, parks, restaurants, cafes, and school areas are designated non-smoking zones, and violations can result in fines up to 100,000 KRW.
→ Street smoking is also regulated, so always use designated smoking booths.
●✅ Drinking Regulations & Alcohol-Related Issues
→ The legal drinking age in Korea is 19.
→ Drinking in public spaces such as schools, public transport, parks, or streets is restricted and may lead to complaints.
→ Drunk driving laws apply not only to cars but also to electric scooters and bicycles, and enforcement is very strict.
→ Violations can result in heavy fines, license suspension/cancellation, and for foreigners, even visa cancellation or deportation.
→ Causing trouble while drunk—such as fighting, yelling, or public disturbance—will lead to immediate police involvement and legal consequences.
●✅ Common Everyday Violations
→ Jaywalking: about 20,000 KRW fine
→ Smoking in non-smoking areas: up to 100,000 KRW fine
→ Littering, spitting out cigarette butts, or public urination: fines over 100,000 KRW, often enforced with CCTV
→ Disturbances on public transportation: police can be called and respond on the spot
📌 In summary:
→ Smoking is only allowed for those over 19, and there are many non-smoking zones.
→ Drinking is allowed from 19, but caution is needed in public places.
→ Drugs, including marijuana, are strictly prohibited.
→ Even small violations can cause major consequences for foreigners, including visa cancellation and deportation—so it’s safest to follow Korean laws carefully.
●●🟧 Never Lend or Borrow Money Between Friends
●✅ In Korean culture, lending or borrowing money between friends can damage relationships.
→ Even among foreign students in Korea, problems often arise when money is lent or borrowed.
→ For this reason, it’s best to politely refuse if someone asks for money.
→ Saying, “In my home country, we usually don’t lend money between friends” is one of the most effective ways to avoid misunderstandings.
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●■●● Common Personal Questions in Korean Culture
(Privacy is Less Emphasized)
●✅ Questions About Age
→ In Korea, age plays an important role in manners and relationships. That’s why it’s very common to be asked about your age when you first meet someone.
→ Questions like “How old are you?” or “What’s your birth year and month?” may feel rude or awkward to foreigners, but they are quite normal in Korean culture.
●✅ Questions About Marriage or Relationships
→ In Korea, people often casually ask about your marital or dating status.
→ Questions like “Are you married?”, “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”, or “Why aren’t you married yet?” come from the cultural view that marriage is considered a key milestone in life.
●✅ Questions About Family and Parents’ Occupation
→ Questions such as “What do your parents do?”, “Do you have siblings?”, or “How many people are in your family?” are also common.
→ This comes from a cultural tendency to understand others through family background.
●✅ Questions About Salary or Finances
→ Once people become closer, they may casually ask about your salary, rent, or financial situation.
→ From a global perspective, these topics are very personal and sensitive, so foreigners may feel uncomfortable.
●●🟧 How to Respond Effectively to These Questions
→ If you feel uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to say so directly.
→ A polite smile and reply such as “That’s a bit personal, so I’d rather not answer” works well.
→ You can also say, “In my culture, that kind of question is considered impolite” to explain gently.
📌 The younger generation in Korea is becoming more aware that such personal questions may go against global manners.
→ If you feel awkward, you can lighten the mood by jokingly saying things like, “It’s a secret~” or “I’ll tell you once we’re closer.”
→ Keep in mind that in Korea, these questions are usually not meant to be offensive but rather a way of showing friendliness.
→ Sharing personal details is often seen as a sign of trust and closeness, so understanding this cultural difference can help you enjoy daily life in Korea with less discomfort.
●●🟧 Cultural Etiquette & Seasonal Living Tips in Korea
●✅ Basic Etiquette in Korea
→ At company dinners or gatherings, you may be offered drinks. It’s okay to politely say “No, thank you,” and it will usually be respected.
→ Sharing food is also a big part of Korean culture—rather than individual plates, dishes are often placed in the center and shared.
●✅ Religion and Holidays
→ Korea does not have a national religion, and many faiths coexist, including Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, and Islam. Religious freedom is respected, but it’s important to show consideration for others’ beliefs.
→ Lunar New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) are the two biggest holidays in Korea. During these times, many shops are closed, and highways and trains are extremely crowded. Foreign students should prepare daily necessities in advance.
●✅ Seasonal Tips
→ In summer, the rainy season and high humidity can cause mold, so it’s best to use a dehumidifier or air out your room often. Mosquitoes are also common, so keep mosquito repellent or electric mosquito devices handy.
→ Winters are very cold with frequent snow. You’ll need thick coats and warm gear. While Korean homes have great floor heating (ondol), the air can become dry—so using a humidifier is recommended.
→ In spring and autumn, fine dust (air pollution) can be a problem, so wearing a KF94 mask on dusty days is good for your health.
●●🟧 Language & Communication Tips
●✅ The Reality of English in Korea
→ While many signs and notices in Korea include English, everyday conversations may not go smoothly in English.
→ For daily life and administrative tasks, some Korean is often necessary. Having a translation app (Papago, Google Translate) is very helpful.
→ Learning basic Korean greetings and daily expressions will make life much easier.
●●🟧 Payments & Cost of Living
●✅ The Convenience of Card Payments
→ Most shops, restaurants, and public transportation in Korea accept cards, and cash use is becoming less common.
→ With an Alien Registration Card, foreigners can open a bank account and get a debit card, which can be used for almost everything.
→ Still, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for traditional markets or rural areas.
→ Many Korean students link their transportation cards and bank cards directly to their smartphones, so they rarely carry cash.
→ With a little preparation, foreigners can also live cashless just like locals.
●●🟧 Everyday Convenience Services
●✅ Online Shopping & Delivery
→ Korea has highly developed online shopping platforms like Coupang, Gmarket, and 11st, with very fast delivery services.
→ Even international students can use them easily once they have an Alien Registration Card and a bank account—most items arrive the next day.
●✅ Public Bicycle Services
→ Major cities such as Seoul (Ddareungi) and Busan (Tarangi) operate public bicycle rental systems.
→ They’re easy to use with a transportation card or mobile app, making them very convenient for students.
●●🟧 Housing & Digital Door Locks
●✅ The Popularity of Digital Door Locks
→ Most homes in Korea use digital door locks with keypads instead of traditional keys.
→ This means you don’t have to carry keys everywhere, making daily life more convenient.
→ Security is also stronger, and many foreigners say this is one of their favorite aspects of living in Korea.
●●🟧 Things in Korea That Feel Freer or
More Convenient
●✅ Safety of Going Out at Night
→ In some European or American cities, going out late at night can be dangerous, but in Korea, public safety is strong enough that you can walk around relatively safely even at dawn.
→ Many women also feel comfortable using the subway, buses, or convenience stores alone during late-night hours.
●✅ No Restrictions on Alcohol Sales Hours
→ In the U.S. or Europe, alcohol sales are often restricted to certain hours, but in Korea, you can buy alcohol 24/7 at convenience stores.
→ As long as you are 19 or older, you are free to purchase alcohol anytime.
●✅ Various Smoking Areas
→ While there are many non-smoking zones, designated smoking booths and smoking-friendly spaces are set up throughout the city, which can feel more convenient for smokers.
●✅ Late-night Transportation & Delivery Culture
→ In many U.S. and European cities, it’s hard to find a taxi or bus late at night. In Korea, however, late-night buses, extended subway hours, KakaoTaxi, and 24-hour delivery services make it easy to stay active even at night.
●●🟧 Unique Aspects of Korean Daily Life
for Foreigners
●✅ Strict Recycling & Garbage Disposal Rules
→ Korea has very strict waste disposal regulations. You must use official trash bags and separate food waste, plastics, paper, cans, and glass.
→ Many foreigners find this confusing at first, but if you don’t follow the rules, fines can be imposed, so caution is necessary.
●✅ Noise-sensitive Housing Culture
→ In apartment and studio living environments, Koreans are very sensitive to noise between neighbors.
→ Playing loud music or having noisy gatherings at night often leads to complaints or even police involvement.
→ In Korea, the idea of “my home is only my private space” is weaker; instead, there is a strong sense of “home as a shared space with neighbors.”
●✅ CCTV & Public Safety
→ Korea is one of the countries with the highest density of CCTV cameras.
→ Thanks to this, public safety is strong, crime rates are low, and foreigners can live with peace of mind.
●✅ Convenient Parcel Delivery & Lockers
→ Parcels in Korea are safely delivered to apartment entrances, convenience stores, or unmanned lockers.
→ With minimal risk of loss and 24-hour pickup, this system is especially convenient for international students.
●✅ Korea’s Unique 24-hour Culture Spaces
→ Korea has unique 24-hour spaces such as PC rooms, karaoke rooms, and jjimjilbang (Korean saunas).
→ They are affordable and fun, offering experiences that are hard to find in other countries.
●●🟧 Prepare for Your Study Abroad in Korea
with BP Korea
●✅ To smoothly begin your student life in Korea
→ You need accurate visa procedures and reliable local support.
📌 BP Korea provides various visa services through the official website.
→ You can easily check services, apply online, and make payments without hassle.
👉 Official Website: https://bridgeplankorea.com/ (Click here to go directly)
→ We will reply quickly and provide you with full support.
●●🟧 Related Guides for International Students
in Korea
●✅ Learn practical ways to manage living expenses and tuition in Korea — check our full International Student Cost Guide
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/international-student-money-transfer-korea.html
●✅ Unsure what to wear through the year? Read our guide on seasonal outfits and climate tips in Korea (2025 Edition)
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/what-to-wear-in-korea-spring-summer-autumn-winter-2025.html
●✅ Looking for work opportunities? Explore the most popular part-time and full-time jobs for foreigners in Korea
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/jobs-in-korea-for-foreigners.html
●✅ Before moving, learn how to choose housing and dormitory options for students in Korea
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/study-in-korea-housing.html
📌 These guides cover everything about student life in Korea — from housing and tuition to jobs, daily life, and visa support.
