Introduction
When you've never been to Korea but only consume content through, dramas, K-pop and also short form content, you might get an image of a highly developed, open minded, international operating country. Some of it is true but some of them don't really reflect the reality yet! Let's explore some of the things that might surprise you about korea.
English Is Not Widely Available
If your picture of Korea comes from K-dramas or airport billboards, you might expect smooth English everywhere. The reality is different. Many people study English for tests like TOEIC, but they do not use it in daily conversation and often feel shy about speaking. Menus are often only in Korean, even in popular areas, and staff may not feel comfortable switching to English. Simple phrases, a good translation app, and photos of dishes will help a lot. Do not assume English will carry you through the day.
Paperwork And The Immigration Office
Government offices are built for Korean speakers. The immigration office generally communicates only in Korean, and forms are written that way too. If you can, bring a Korean friend or hire a helper for your first visit. Having the right documents in the right order matters more than long explanations. A little prep will save you a lot of stress.
ARC And The Magic Unlock
Your Alien Registration Card is the key that opens most doors. With an ARC, suddenly you can get normal phone plans, easier banking, some online payments, and smoother delivery setup. Many services will not even start without it. Until you have the ARC, expect limits, extra deposits, or workarounds. After you get it, a lot of everyday tasks become normal very fast.
The Korean Phone Number Problem
A local phone number is not just nice to have. It is required all over the place. Apps, delivery, reservations, and many websites ask for a Korean number for verification. Prepaid SIMs work for short stays, but for anything long term, a proper plan plus your ARC will make life much easier. Once your number is active, accounts, logins, and deliveries finally start to click.
Websites And Apps
Korea is famous for fast internet, but you may be surprised by how busy and confusing some websites feel. Pages are packed with buttons, pop-ups, and extra steps. Usability is not always the priority. Many services also expect you to use specific browsers or install helper apps. Be patient, try the mobile app if the website fights you, and remember that Naver and Kakao services often work better than global ones.
Banking And All The Extra Steps
Banking can feel like a mini boss fight. Expect multiple security apps, digital certificates, and sometimes a physical OTP device to generate codes. Online payments may fail without a local card or the exact combo of apps they want. Plan a quiet hour to set everything up at the branch and on your phone. Once you pass the first setup, day-to-day use gets easier, but the first week can be rough.
Eating Out Without The Awkwardness
Restaurants work a bit differently. You usually pay at the counter when you are done, not to the waiter at the table. There is no tipping, and staff may refuse if you try. If you need help, you call the server over with a simple “jeo-gi-yo” or press a call button on the table. Water and side dishes are often self-serve and free to refill. It is fast, simple, and very practical once you get the flow.
Safety You Can Feel
One of the nicest surprises is how safe everyday life feels. People leave laptops on cafe tables to use the bathroom. Phones sit on chargers while their owners chat with friends. Of course, use common sense, but the general trust level is high, and it changes how you move through the city. It is a big relief compared to many places.
Transportation
Public transport is excellent, but traffic culture can be intense. Some bus and taxi drivers brake hard, speed up fast, and cut lanes like they trained on Mario Kart. Hold on, press the stop button early, and expect sudden stops. On the subway, you will notice everyone on their phone, from teenagers to grandparents. Cars are quiet, people mind their own world, and announcements are clear but often only partly in English. It is smooth once you learn the lines, but do not expect anyone to make eye contact or chat.
Conclusion
While social media and K-dramas portray Korea as a fully globalized wonderland, the reality comes with more nuance. The country's rapid development and international popularity have certainly brought modern conveniences and global recognition, but many everyday aspects of Korean life remain deeply rooted in local systems and traditions.
Social media feeds might show perfectly synchronized K-pop choreography and sleek cafés, but they rarely capture the initial confusion of figuring out how to pay at restaurants or the challenge of navigating websites that weren't designed with foreigners in mind. These small cultural differences aren't downsides - they're simply part of the authentic Korean experience that makes living here unique.
The contrast between expectations and reality doesn't diminish Korea's appeal. In fact, discovering these surprising aspects can be one of the most rewarding parts of actually living here rather than just consuming content about it. As you adapt and learn, these initial surprises transform from challenges into the very things that make your Korean experience genuine and meaningful.
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
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The blog published by Kim Ninja (Huy-Kim Nguyen) is available for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice on any subject matter.
