How Foreigners Can Rent an Apartment in Korea — 2025 Housing Guide
Must-Know Facts Before Moving to Korea (2025 Guide)
🌍 Introduction: Korea Is Not Just K-Pop and Kimchi
When I landed at Incheon Airport, I thought I was ready. But day by day, I discovered small surprises—from banking rules to unexpected cultural habits. If you're moving to Korea in 2025, here’s what you really need to know before stepping into your new life. This isn’t the tourist guide—it’s the survival guide.
Table of Contents
🚶 Culture Shocks You’ll Encounter
- Age & Hierarchy Matter: How you speak and act changes based on age.
- Quiet Spaces: Talking loudly in restaurants or trains is frowned upon.
- Respect Rituals: A small bow goes a long way when greeting elders.
My first mistake? Saying “hi” casually to someone older—awkward silence followed. A respectful bow fixed it!
💳 Banking Isn’t Simple
- You need an ARC: No bank account without it.
- Online banking = security overload: Expect to install software and verify via phone.
- Limited English: Choose banks like KEB Hana or Woori for expat-friendly service.
Tip: Bring a Korean speaker with you if possible—especially when setting up your first account.
📱 SIM Cards & Internet Setup
- Prepaid SIMs: Easy at the airport but pricey long-term.
- Phone verification is everything: You’ll need it for banking, delivery, and even rentals.
- Home Internet: KT, SK, and LG offer fast service, but most contracts are 2–3 years.
Without mobile verification, I couldn’t even sign up for food delivery. It’s your digital ID in Korea.
📄 Must-Have Documents
- Passport + valid visa
- Alien Registration Card (apply within 90 days)
- Proof of residence (rental contract, utility bill, etc.)
- International driver’s license (optional, but useful)
Don’t forget: Keep digital copies of your ARC and visa info in your phone for easy access.
💵 Living Costs & How to Save
- Housing is your biggest cost: Consider goshiwons or share houses to start cheap.
- Lunch deals are everywhere: Affordable meals under ₩8,000 at local diners.
- Discount apps: Use apps like Danggeun Market or ZeroPay to save on daily needs.
My biggest savings came from secondhand deals—microwave, desk, even winter coats all on Danggeun.
💡 Pro Tips for Newcomers
- Get a T-Money card at the airport for public transport.
- Download Papago, Naver Map, and KakaoTalk right away.
- Start learning basic Korean phrases—especially for banking or post office visits.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Korea is amazing, but preparation makes it smoother.
You don’t have to know everything on day one, but knowing what to expect makes all the difference. From cultural norms to logistical must-dos, every small step helps you settle faster. Pack smart, stay open-minded, and let your Korean adventure begin the right way!
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