I’ve been living in Korea for almost five years now, but I rarely get the chance to drive. Public transportation is convenient, taxis are relatively affordable, and living in Seoul, I never really felt the need to own a car. So exchanging my German driver’s license for a Korean one was never a priority.
Quinn is Vietnamese American and has lived in Korea for more than ten years. She has been an English teacher on a remote Korean island, worked at a startup, taught English again, opened a vegan bakery in the middle of COVID, expanded it into a restaurant, created a sharing community with more than 16,000 members, and eventually closed a perfectly working restaurant to start all over again with Mona.
I often hear foreigners say that they have a hard time making Korean friends. They meet people at work, university, language exchanges, hobbies, or events, but somehow it can still feel difficult to become part of a Korean friend group. But maybe part of the problem is not that Koreans don’t want to make friends with foreigners. Maybe friendship and friend circles are simply defined differently from what you are used to in your own country.
The article explains why starting a business in Korea as a foreigner is often not the best first choice, highlighting challenges such as language barriers, complex administration, visa pressures, and cultural differences, and advises having revenue, a network, and a clear visa plan before launching.
A concise guide for foreigners in Korea detailing which emergency or help numbers to call for various situations—fire, medical, police, travel assistance, immigration, city services, lost items, and home issues.
South Korea has made its Digital Nomad Visa permanent, extending the maximum stay to three years and lowering income requirements, especially for younger applicants and those living outside the Seoul capital area, while maintaining core eligibility criteria such as remote work for a foreign employer and health insurance.
The article reflects on Korea’s homeownership culture, exploring how high prices, debt, jeonse changes, and social pressures affect decisions to buy, rent, or use other housing options, and argues that flexibility and personal lifestyle should guide the choice between ownership and renting.
A personal essay reflecting on the evolving meaning of “go back to your country,” exploring identity, integration, belonging, and the freedom to choose where to build a life across Germany, Vietnam, and Korea.
A concise guide on preparing for a long‑term move to Korea, covering visa research, document preparation, flight tickets, digital organization, temporary accommodation, SIM cards, payment options, essential packing, and first‑week necessities.
A personal story about maintaining and building friendships while living abroad, emphasizing low‑maintenance communication, intentional meet‑ups, and the importance of small, meaningful touches to keep relationships strong despite distance.
The page provides a guide on obtaining the 소득금액증명서 (Income Amount Certificate) in Korea, essential for visa extensions and proving reported income. It outlines the process for issuing the certificate online via HomeTax or GOV.KR, as well as in-person at a tax office, and includes important details on required documents and timing.
This article discusses the emotional journey of moving abroad as an only child, focusing on the author's experience relocating to Korea. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with parents and friends through regular communication and visits. The author reflects on how the move felt less like a permanent departure and more like a continuation of life, thanks to the support and reassurance from their parents. Overall, the narrative highlights that moving abroad doesn't have to mean leaving family behind, but rather can be seen as an extension of home.
