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From Visa to Community: The Real Hierarchy of Needs in Korea
October 3, 2025
The article presents the "Korea Survival Pyramid," a practical adaptation of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs specifically designed for expats in Korea. It emphasizes the importance of addressing essential needs in a structured manner, starting from legal documentation and visa applications, followed by connectivity, housing, obtaining a residence card, banking, language acquisition, and building social connections. The author highlights the significance of each layer in creating a stable life in Korea, ultimately leading to a fulfilling experience through community engagement and support for newcomers. The hidden eighth layer encourages giving back to the expat community, reinforcing connections and helping others navigate their own journeys in Korea.
VisaPersonal StoryKorea Guide
Live Music Underground Scene: Beyond K-Pop
September 26, 2025
The article explores Korea's live indie music scene, particularly in Seoul's Hongdae district, contrasting it with mainstream K-Pop culture. The author shares personal experiences attending small club performances, highlighting the intimate atmosphere, diverse music genres, and the supportive community among musicians and fans. Recommendations for favorite underground venues are provided, along with tips for newcomers. Overall, the piece emphasizes the raw, immediate connection to music found in these intimate settings, encouraging readers to explore beyond the mainstream.
K-PopCulturePersonal Story
Reached My Dream of Living in Korea, “What Now?!”
September 19, 2025
The article explores the author's journey of living in Korea after years of dreaming about it. Initially excited by the culture, the author shares how the dream evolved into a reality and led to the questioning of "What now?" after settling in. The narrative details the author's obsession with K-Pop, the challenges of moving, and the transition from being a visitor to a long-term resident. It emphasizes the importance of finding new challenges and meaningful pursuits as the novelty of living in Korea fades, encouraging others to navigate their own journeys and embrace personal growth. The author reflects on their mission to help others by sharing experiences and providing valuable resources for those facing similar challenges in Korea.
Personal StoryCulture
Korea's Global Talent Pursuit: Reality vs Rhetoric
September 5, 2025
The article discusses South Korea's immigration policies, highlighting a dichotomy in its approach to foreigners. While the country actively promotes tourism and recruits highly skilled workers through preferential visa policies, it maintains restrictive measures for ordinary professionals and mid-level workers. This creates a gap where recent graduates and service industry professionals face significant barriers to long-term residency. Despite government claims of wanting to attract global talent, systemic issues hinder many potential immigrants. Some positive changes are emerging, but a comprehensive reform is needed to better integrate a broader range of foreign residents into Korean society.
CulturePersonal Story
How to Stay Cool in Korea During Summer 😎🪭
August 29, 2025
This article provides tips on how to stay cool during the hot and humid summer in Korea. It contrasts Korean summers with those in Germany, highlighting the lack of insulation in Korean buildings and the challenges of living without air conditioning. Suggested strategies include visiting natural places like valleys and beaches, participating in water festivals, seeking refuge in air-conditioned cafes, using air conditioning wisely, and consuming traditional cooling foods like naengmyeon and bingsu. The author shares personal experiences and encourages readers to share their own tips for coping with the heat.
Korea GuideCulturePersonal Story
"I have to...": Phrases Every Korean Will Repeat Daily
August 22, 2025
The article explores common Korean phrases starting with "I have to..." (해야돼/해야 해) that reflect cultural values of diligence, self-improvement, and social awareness. These mantras, such as "I have to diet!" and "I have to make money!", are frequently repeated in daily life, revealing a collective consciousness and future-oriented thinking in Korean society. The phrases highlight societal pressures and the importance of self-improvement while also serving as reminders of cultural expectations. The conclusion encourages mindfulness about these expressions and invites reflection on their deeper meanings in personal and cultural contexts.
Culture
Work Hard, Play Hard, Rest… Nope:
August 15, 2025
The article explores Korea's culture of relentless work and minimal rest, highlighting the consequences of this mindset, such as high burnout rates and mental health issues. It contrasts the traditional view of rest as laziness with the emerging concept of work-life balance, particularly among younger Koreans who are beginning to prioritize personal fulfillment over status. The author reflects on their own experiences with rest and emphasizes the importance of finding balance in a society that often equates busyness with success. Signs of change are noted, with some companies adopting more flexible work cultures, suggesting a potential shift in societal values regarding work and relaxation.
CulturePersonal Story
🍜 Food Homesickness: Missing Food Back Home When Living Abroad
August 8, 2025
Before moving to Korea, I thought I could live on Korean BBQ, Bibimbab, Korean Fried Chicken every day! Now after more than three years here, the absence of certain comfort foods has become increasingly noticeable. It becomes more noticiable whenever you go visit your home country after a while and think to yourself “How could I survive without this dish for so long?!”
CulturePersonal Story
🇰🇷 “Why Do You Live In Korea?” - Koreans Wonder Why Foreigners Live Here
August 1, 2025
As a foreigner in Korea, I often get this question from Koreans:"Why do you live in Korea?!" My simple answer is "I came to Korea for the love of K-Pop group, TWICE," but the full story goes deeper. When I first arrived, I immediately felt a deep connection to the country. In fact, my journey of settling in Korea has been a careful preparation spanning more than 15 years, made up of many small steps.
CulturePersonal Story
📊 What Visa Applicants Really Struggle With In Korea?! Over 500 Applicants Answered
July 25, 2025
This document presents an analysis of over 500 responses from individuals interested in Korea's Working Holiday program. It highlights key market insights, motivations for participation, cultural interests, and challenges faced by applicants. The findings show strong preferences for Seoul as the primary destination, with significant interest in Korean food and cultural experiences. Challenges such as employment, visa processes, and language barriers create business opportunities for support services. The analysis suggests a growing market for specialized services catering to both short-term and long-term needs of Working Holiday participants, indicating a robust demand for comprehensive support in navigating their experiences in Korea.
Korea GuideVisa
🎙️ Interview with Jay: How Enkostay is Helping Foreigners Live in Korea
July 18, 2025
The interview with Jay, the CEO of Enkostay, highlights the challenges foreigners face when moving to Korea, such as finding housing, navigating the immigration system, and combating social isolation. Enkostay aims to be more than just a rental platform by offering assistance with long-term housing, legal documentation for immigration, and opportunities to connect with local communities through their EnkoPlay events. Jay shares his personal journey and the mission behind Enkostay, which seeks to transform the foreigner experience in Korea by providing comprehensive support and fostering a sense of belonging.
Korea GuideStartupPersonal Story
🇰🇷 🏡 Renting in Korea Just Got Easier! Find Housing with Enkostay!
July 4, 2025
This page provides a comprehensive guide on renting apartments in Korea through Enkostay, a platform designed to simplify the rental process for foreigners. It highlights the challenges foreigners face, such as high deposits and language barriers, and explains how Enkostay offers a hassle-free alternative with no deposit required, English-speaking support, and furnished rooms. The guide outlines the booking process in eight steps, from browsing listings to check-in, and emphasizes the platform's user-friendly approach, making it easier for newcomers to settle in Korea. Additionally, it mentions the benefits of Enkostay's services, including a welcome kit and community events for residents.
Korea GuideVisaDigital NomadWorking Holiday

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From Visa to Community: The Real Hierarchy of Needs in Korea

Live Music Underground Scene: Beyond K-Pop

Reached My Dream of Living in Korea, “What Now?!”

Korea's Global Talent Pursuit: Reality vs Rhetoric

How to Stay Cool in Korea During Summer 😎🪭

"I have to...": Phrases Every Korean Will Repeat Daily

Work Hard, Play Hard, Rest… Nope:

🍜 Food Homesickness: Missing Food Back Home When Living Abroad

🇰🇷 “Why Do You Live In Korea?” - Koreans Wonder Why Foreigners Live Here

📊 What Visa Applicants Really Struggle With In Korea?! Over 500 Applicants Answered

🎙️ Interview with Jay: How Enkostay is Helping Foreigners Live in Korea

🇰🇷 🏡 Renting in Korea Just Got Easier! Find Housing with Enkostay!