Things Newcomers Need To Know To Live in Korea

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THINGS NEWCOMERS NEED TO KNOW
TO LIVE IN KOREA

THINGS NEWCOMERS
NEED TO KNOW
TO LIVE IN KOREA
Tings Newcomers Need to Know to Live in Korea

Tings Newcomers Need to Know to Live in Korea
-
2011 Edition
Copyright 2011
Published by
Korean Culture and Information Service
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
/
15 Hyojaro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Telephone 82-2-398-1914~20,
Fax 82-2-398-1882
/
All rights reserved
Printed in Seoul
/
For further information about Korea.
please visit:
www.korea.net
004 Korean Life and Culture 005 004 Korean Life and Culture 005
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2011 2

In this day and age, the world is shrinking into a single global village.
Beyond the borders of any individual country, competition for resources
and information is becoming more intense. Nationalism that only pursues
the benefts of one ethnic group or country is of necessity giving way to the
promotion of peaceful coexistence among all peoples.
In this new era, more and more people are coming to Korea from other
countries. Some are coming as tourists but many others to study or work. In
particular, the number of people from other countries who are immigrating
to Korea to marry Koreans is increasing every year. Tis phenomenon is
changing Korean culture, which in the past had emphasized homogeneity,
but now is being enriched by multiculturalism. In all, there are over one
million people who have come to reside in Korea from other countries.
It is not always easy to live in a foreign country. Tere are many things that
have to be adjusted to. Diferences range from language, food and customs
to taking public transportation, conducting everyday family business and
communicating with others.
Tis book provides information about the essential things that newcomers
will need to know to live in Korea. It includes a brief sketch of Korean
history and culture and advice on how best to adapt to daily life.
It is my hope this book will help all those who are living in Korea for the
frst time to adjust to their new life.
Seo Kangsoo
Director of the Korean Culture and Information Service
February 2011
Preface

01 _
02 _
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2 _
010
014
016
024
026
028
032
034
036
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044
048
052
054
056
060
062
064
068
072
080
082
086
088
090
092
094
096
100
102
106
108
114
006 Korea life and Culture
Korea at a Glance
Provinces & Cities of Korea
Korean History through Tales
Korean Life and Culture
01 _ Family
02 _ Family Events
03 _ Traditional Holidays
04 _ Wedding Ceremonies
05 _ Funerals and Jesa
06 _ General Etiquette
07 _ Etiquette Refected in Language
08 _ Table Manners
09 _ Food
10 _ Housing
Adapting to Daily Life
11 _ Finding Housing
12 _ Using Utilities
13 _ Using TV and Communication Systems
14 _ Disposal of Trash and Garbage
15 _ Economy
16 _ Where to Buy Things
17 _ Banks
18 _ Transportation
19 _ Drivers Licenses
20 _ Public Institutions
21 _ Amenities
22 _ Medical Facilities
23 _ National Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals
24 _ Educational System
25 _ Education for Foreign Nationals
26 _ Korean Language and Life Education
27 _ Cultural Facilities
28 _ Employment
29 _ Job Training
Appendix
1 _ Laws Foreign Nationals Should Know
2 _ Service Institutions for Foreign Nationals
Contents
010
014
016
024
026
028
032
034
036
038
042
044
048
052
054
056
060
062
064
068
072
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114

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1988
2002

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The Republic Of Korea is a small country
on the far eastern edge of Asia. Although
it ranks 109
th
in the world in terms of land
area, the country is a center of economic
activities, culture and arts in Asia. Korea
was colonized by Japan in the early 20
th

century and later had to endure the Korean
War (1950-53), but it has achieved amazing
economic growth in a short period, dubbed
the Miracle on the Han River.
Today, Korea is an industrial nation standing
tall on the world stage. Its semi-conductor,
automobile, shipbuilding, steel making
and IT industries have a leading edge in
world markets. It hosted the 1988 Seoul
Olympics and the 2002 Korea-Japan FIFA
World Cup. More recently, Korean dramas,
movies and music are attracting many
audiences in Asian countries, creating
what is being called the Korean Wave.
Koreas new standing in the international
community was highlighted in 2010 with
the nation becoming the frst Asian country
to chair the G20 and host the G20 Seoul
Summit.
Language /
Korean Alphabet (Han-geul) / ()
In 1443, King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch
of the Joseon Kingdom, made the unique Korean
alphabet (Han-geul), which people could learn
and use easily. Han-geul is very scientific and
systematic in structure. UNESCO recognized its
cultural value in 1997, listing Han-geul on the
Memory of the World Register. Han-geul consists
of 10 vowels and 14 consonants, which can be used
to represent every sound in Korean.
1443 4
.
.
1997
. 10 14
. 24
.
Consonants /

Vowels /

The Korean National Flag /
National fower /
Mugung-hwa /
The mugung-hwa (rose of Sharon) is said to
blossom eternally and never fade away. In Korea, it
has come to symbolize an unbreakable spirit.

.
.
Taegeukgi /
Depicted on the fag is a taeguek symbol, a circle
divided equally and in perfect balance. The upper,
red section, represents yang and the lower, blue
section, yin, an ancient symbol of the universe.
These two opposites express the dualism of
the cosmos. The central thought in the taegeuk
indicates that while there is movement within
the sphere of infinity, there is also balance and
harmony. The trigrams at the four corners also
carry the ideas of opposition and balance. They
represent heaven, earth, the sun or fire and the
moon or water. The white background symbolizes
the peace-loving spirit of the Korean people.

4 .
.
() () .
4 , , (), () .
National anthem /
Aegukga(A Song of Love of Country) /
The Aegukga was written to encourage Koreans
to love their country after it was colonized in the
early 1900s. Ahn Eaktay composed the music for
the national anthem in 1935.
1900

. 1935 .
g
ng
a ya eo yeo o yo u yu eu i
n
j
d
ch
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k
m
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s
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Name of Country /
Republic of Korea /
Korea /
South Korea /
Capital City /
Seoul /
Seoul frst became the capital at the beginning of
the Joseon Kingdom in 1392. The Bukhan, Surak
and Gwanak mountains surround Seoul while the
Han River flows through the middle of the city.
With a population of more than 10 million, Seoul
is the center of the economy, culture and politics
of the country. The city was the venue of the Asian
Games in 1986, the Seoul Olympics in 1988, the
FIFA World Cup in 2002 and the Seoul G20 Summit
in 2010.
1392 ,
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, . 1,000
, , . 1986
, 1988 , 2002 , 2010 G20
.
Major cities /
Busan /
With 3.6 million people, it is the 2
nd
largest city and
largest international port in Korea.
360 . . 1
.
Incheon /
With 2.7 million people, Incheon, located on the
northwest coast, is central to international logistics
with its harbors and international airport.
270 . .
.
Daegu /
With 2.5 million people, its major industry is
textiles and fashion rounded out with sports.
250 . . .
Daejeon /
With 1.5 million people, Daejeon is a core city
of central Korea, specializing in science and
technology research & development. It is also an
administrative city, with a government complex.
150 . .
. .
Ulsan /
With 1.1 million people, it is noted for shipbuilding,
automobiles, and other large scale industrial
complexes.
110 . ,
.
Gwangju /
With 1.4 million people, Gwangju is the central
city of the southwestern region and is famous for
culture and art.
140 . . .
Location /
The country is located in the southern half of the
Korean Peninsula in the northeast Asian continent,
neighboring Japan, China and Russia.
, , ,
.
Korea at a Glance

Korea /
Japan /
China /
Mongolia /
Vietnam/
Thailand /
Myanmar /
Economics /
Voting right / Voting right /
GDP(GrossDomesticProduct)
(GDP)
US$832.9 billion (2009),
15
th
largest GDPin the world
832.9 (2009)
Gross National Income
(GNI)
US$837.2 billion (2009)
837.2 (2009)
Percapitaincome

US$17,175 (2009)
17,175(2009)
Baekdu Mountain /
2,744 m
Halla Mountain /
1,950m
Jiri Mountain /
1,915m
Taebaek Mountain /
1,567m
Amnok River /
790 km
Nakdong River /
521.5 km
Duman River /
521 km
Han River /
281.7 km
Population /
Political system /
Korea has a presidential system. The president of
Korea is elected by direct popular vote and has a
single five-year term. The legislative, executive,
and judicial powers are independent of each other.
Through checks and balances, a concentration of
power is prevented and the freedoms and rights
of the people are protected. In addition, Korea has
local autonomy making it possible to balance the
development of each province in cooperation with
the local governments.
.
, 5 .

.
.
Voting right / Elections /
Universal suffrage for
citizens over the age of
19 (Korean age)
19
President : every 5 years
: 5
Lawmakers : every 4 years
: 4
Local governments :
every 4 years
: 4
(as of December, 2009 / 2009 12 )
49,773,145
total /
Males
24929939
Females
24B4320S
Foreigners
B70S3S
Religions /
Korea has religious freedom, and a number
of religious faiths coexist in Korea, including
Buddhi sm, Chri st i ani t y ( bot h Protestant
denominations and Catholicism), Islam and several
native religions.
. , , ,

.
Major mountains & rivers

Major industries /
semi-conductors, automobiles, shipbuilding, iron
& steel, mobile devices, home appliances and
chemical products.
, , , , , ,
Currency /
Won /
Weather /
Temperate with four distinct seasons.
.
Spring /
In spring, flowers blossom on mountains and
in fields, and its a little cold in the morning and
evening but warm in the day. In mid April, light
clothes are enough. Although the air is usually
fresh in spring, yellow dust from the north
sometimes flows onto the Korean Peninsula,
causing respiratory problems for many. When the
weather turns abruptly cold from time to time after
the flowers have begun to blossom, Koreans say
the cold is jealous of the fowers.
, ,
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. ,
.
, .
Summer /
In summer, the temperature usually ranges from
25
o
to 35
o
C (77
o
to 95
o
F), and its very hot and humid.
The rainy season is from June to July. In late
summer, typhoons sometimes hit the Peninsula,
accompanied by strong winds.
25 35
. 6 7
, .
.
Autumn /
In autumn, it begins to get cool but there are still
warm days. The temperature ranges from 10
o

to 25
o
C (50
o
to 77
o
F), and many days are sunny
with blue skies. Mountains and fields are filled
with colorful autumn leaves, which attract many
tourists.
10 25
. ,
.
Winter /
Winter can be very cold, and the temperature
sometimes falls below 10
o
C (14
o
F). It frequently
snows with chilly winds, making people wear thick,
warm clothes and turn the heaters on.
10
.
, .
014 Provinces and Cities of Korea 015 014 Provinces and Cities of Korea 015
The Republic of Korea consists of 16 regions: 1 special city (Seoul), 6 metropolitan
cities (Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Incheon, Gwangju and Ulsan); 1 special self-governing
province (Jeju-do) and 8 Provinces (Gangwon-do, Gyeonggi-do, Chungcheongbuk-do,
Chungcheongnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do and
Jeollanam-do)
JS J ) S
) B )
J )
Gyeonggi-do
Gangwon-do
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Chungcheongbuk-do
Chungcheongnam-do
Jeju-do (Island)
Ulleung-do (Island)
Dok-do (Island)
Jeollabuk-do
Jeollanam-do
Gyeongsangnam-do
Provinces and Cities of Korea

Seoul
Incheon
Daejeon
Gwangju
Ulsan
Daegu
Busan
016 Korean History through Tales 017 016 Korean History through Tales 017
5,000 .
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935,
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1392
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Cheomseongdae, built in the Silla Kingdom, is the oldest
stone observatory in the world

Cheukugi, a kind of rain gauge, was invented during
the reign of King Sejong the Great (r. 1418-1450), the
fourth king of the Joseon Kingdom.
4 . .
Korea has a long history of thousands of years, which
is commonly expressed as 5,000 years. With the arrival
of Bronze Age weapons and tools, walled-town states began
to develop in the region of present-day northeast China and
the Korean Peninsula. According to ancient documents, one
of the states, called Gojoseon (Old Joseon), was established
in 2333 BCE in the Daedong River basin. Gojoseon was headed by Dan-gun
Wanggeom (King Dan-gun). Dan-gun is revered as the founder of the Korean
nation. By the 4
th
century BCE, Gojoseon became the most advanced of these
walled states and proceeded to combine with other states scattered throughout the
region between the Daedong and Liao Rivers, forming a single large confederation.
In 108 BCE, Gojoseon was conquered by the Han Dynasty of ancient China.
After that, three strong kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla) appeared on the
Peninsula. The Baekje Kingdom (18 BCE-660 CE) brought Buddhism to Japan. The
Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) blossomed into a glorious culture over a period of
about 1,000 years. The Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE-668 CE), through courage and
valor, grew in strength and extended its vast boundaries.
In 676 AD, the Silla Kingdom unifed all the three kingdoms with the help of
Tang China. After unification, political stability made it possible for Buddhism to
prosper and a sophisticated art to blossom.
After the Goguryeo Kingdom collapsed, the people of Goguryeo had a difficult life
under various rulers until they were reunifed under Dae Jo-yeong, who founded the
state of Balhae, which grew strong, inheriting the spirit and culture of Goguryeo.
By 935, the Unified Silla Kingdom had become weak and was divided into three
states again. Wang Geon reunifed these three states under the Goryeo Kingdom (918-
1392). Goryeo accepted people from the Balhae Kingdom that had perished by then and
became widely known for overseas trade. The name Korea comes from Goryeo
During the Goryeo Kingdom, Buddhism prospered, and many invaluable
artistic works, such as celadon,
were created. Of special note,
movable metal type cast in 1234
during the Goryeo period precedes
Gutenbergs type by more than 200
years. The 80,000 woodblocks for
printing the Tripitaka Koreana are
registered on the UNESCO Cultural
Heritage list.
Korean History through Tales

Dolmen from the Paleolithic Era

Janggunchong (thought to be the tomb of King Jangsu of
Koreas Goguryeo Kingdom, nowlocated in Jilin, China)

When Goryeo collapsed, Yi Seong-gye founded
the Joseon Kingdom in 1392. It revised the political, economic
and social systems based on Neo-Confucianism. In particular,
according to the teachings of Confucius, they emphasized a spirit of loyalty to
country and flial piety, values that are still maintained today. King Sejong the Great,
the fourth monarch of the Joseon Kingdom, created the unique alphabet called
Han-geul, and greatly advanced agriculture, science, technology and music.
In 1592, the Joseon Kingdom faced a crisis due to Japanese invasions.
However, volunteer armies, known as righteous armies, were raised and fought
the Japanese army. Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598) built several Geobukseon
(turtle-shaped warships) and won great naval battles against Japan. In the Battle
of Myeongnyang, Admiral Yi defeated a Japanese feet of 133 warships with only
13 warships of his own. This is recorded as one of the three greatest naval battles
in the world. Admiral Yi is the most respected person in Korean history.
In the 18
th
century, practical studies grew greatly, resulting in technological
advancement in astronomy, medical science, agriculture, commerce and other
areas. In addition, the lower classes who had become affuent enjoyed Pansori (long,
solo epic song), Talchum (mask dance-dramas), novels in Han-geul (the Korean
alphabet) and music.
At the end of the 19
th
century, Japan and several other western
imperialist countries competed to gain control of Joseon. Japan robbed Joseon of its
sovereignty and colonized the country. The Koreans in exile founded the Provisional
Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai, China and organized an army to
fght for Korean independence. On August 15 1945, Japan surrendered to the Allied
Forces, and Korea was liberated.
Although librated, Korea was quickly divided into
North and South. The US Army was stationed
in the South and the Soviet Army in the North,
divided by the 38
th
parallel. On June 25, 1950,
the North invaded the South, starting the Korean
War. Many people died during the three years of
war and the country was completely ruined. The
people suffered terribly from poverty and hunger.
Korea was rebuilt from the ruins of war. Koreans
worked hard, and by the 1970s, the countrys
economy had grown remarkably, earning the title
The miracle on the Han River. In 1988, Korea
1592,
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(1545~1598)
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. 1988

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15
th
century sundial
15
The Korean drama Daejanggeum (Jewel
in the Palace) contributed to spreading
Hallyu, the Korean Wave, in Asia

King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the
Joseon Kingdom, reigned from1418 to 1450
4
Despite the ruins of the Korean War (1950-53),
Korea achieved amazing economic growth in a
short period. This has been dubbed the Miracle on
the Han River.
.
The 2002 FIFA World Cup in Seoul
2002
hosted the Seoul Olympics, and in 2002, co-hosted
the FIFA World Cup with Japan. The enthusiasm
of the Red Devils, who wore red t-shirts while
cheering for the Korean World Cup football team,
caught the attention of people around the world.
Since the 1990s, Korean pop music,
movies and dramas have been very popular in
Asia creating Hallyu (the Korean Wave). After
spreading out to China, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam,
Mongolia, the Philippines and Thailand, Korean pop culture can even be found in
Central America, Europe and Africa. A Korean drama Daejanggeum or Jewel in the
Palace was exported to 60 countries around the world. The actor and actress, Bae
Yong-joon and Choi Ji Woo, acting together in the drama Winter Sonata, became
top celebrities in Japan. Furthermore, young Korean singers enjoy
skyrocketing popularity in Southeast Asia and Japan. The movies Old
Boys and Secret Sunshine (Milyang) won awards at the Cannes Film
Festival, which attracts people from all over the world.
Korean artists are very active and have achieved much on
world stages. Jo Sumi, soprano; Chang Han-na, cellist; Kang Sue-
jin, ballerina; Chung Myung-whun, conductor; and Nam June Paik, video
artist, have all made Korea shine.
IIn addition, Korea has risen as a powerful country in sports. The country
reached the semifnals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup and was ranked eighth at
the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The Korean archery team improves on its world
record at every competition. The Korean short-track skating team has shown
at every recent winter Olympics that it is the strongest in the world.
Soccer player Park Ji-Sung, who is playing in the Premier
League in the United Kingdom; swimmer Park Tae-Hwan, who won gold
and silver medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics; fgure skater Kim Yuna
who won the gold at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics; Park Se-Ri and Shin Ji-
Ae, who have won LPGA tournaments; Yang Yong-Eun and Choi Kyung-Ju who have
won PGA tournaments; Park Chan-Ho, who is a major league baseball player in the
United States; and Jang Mi-Ran, who set a new world record in weightlifting: these
are Koreas best sports stars.
Korea is currently ranked in the top 15 in economy in terms of Gross National
Income. Furthermore, in 2010 Korea has shown itself as one of the worlds
economic leaders by holding a G20 Summit.
1990 (
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, 2010
, LPGA ,
PGA , ,

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13
, 2010 G20
.
Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo, famous
Hallyu stars

Artworks of Nam June Paik, an internationally renowned
video artist
.
Weightlifter Jang Mi-Ran has set newworld records
.
Figure skater KimYu-na
won the gold at the 2010
Vancouver Winter Olympics
2010
.
Korean Life and Culture

01 _
02 _
03 _
04 _
05 _
06 _
07 _
08 _
09 _
10 _
01 _ Family
02 _ Family Events
03 _ Traditional Holidays
04 _ Wedding Ceremonies
05 _ Funerals and Jesa
06 _ General Etiquette
07 _ Etiquette Refected in Language
08 _ Table Manners
09 _ Food
10 _ Housing

, .
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.

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.
These days, most Koreans live in nuclear families, with a husband and wife living with their unmarried children.
.
Korean families have traditional ly been
extended, with grandfather, grandmother,
parents, and children all living together. The
oldest man in the house was the head and
ruler of the household. Family members
usually followed him.
As Korea has changed from an agricultural
society into an industrial society, the extended
family had to give way to the nuclear family, with a husband and wife living
with their unmarried sons and daughters. However, the role of head of the
family is still important in Koreas family system, a carryover from the days of
large families. In addition, as it is infuenced by the large family tradition, Korea
emphasizes harmony among family members. Seniority and proper order among
family members are used to maintain Koreas family system. Korean people show
respect to their grandparents and senior relatives by being very polite in speech
and behavior.
Traditionally men have worked outside the home and women at home. But
as the number of working-women is increasing, men are naturally taking part in
housework. However, most Korean men still tend to think that house chores is
really the womans responsibility.
Koreans have traditionally maintained an extended family system.
.
01
Family

,
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. .

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.
.
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, .

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61 . 60
.
.
. 70
.
Koreans set a special table for their baby to celebrate the frst birthday or dol.
.
Te One-Hundredth Day Celebration
In Korea, when a baby is 100 days old, people
invite their relatives and friends and hold a feast
for them to celebrate the babys wellbeing. It is
the tradition to put rice, thread, and money on
the dining table to wish for the babys health
and long life. After the feast, the parents give
white rice cake to their guests to take home.
Te First Birthday
Relatives and friends gather for a feast to celebrate a babys
first birthday or Dol. They set the table for the baby
putting noodles, rice, a pencil, book, thread and money
on it and wait for the baby to grab one of those items.
If the baby grabs rice, they think she will be very
fortunate throughout life. If the baby grabs
money, he will be wealthy. If the baby grabs
thread or noodle, she will live long, and
if he grabs the book or pencil, the baby
will study hard or become a great
scholar.
Other Birthdays
Korean people usually eat miyeokguk
(seaweed soup) for breakfast on birthdays. Family or friends buy a birthday cake
or special food and throw a party. Te guests give gifs to the birthday person
and play games together.
Hoegap, Gohuiyeon 61
st
birthday, 70
th
birthday
Hoegap or hwan-gap is the 6o
th
birthday (although it is the 61
st
birthday
according to the way Koreans count it). In the past, few people lived that long,
so the 61
st
birthday was a big event to be celebrated by all the relatives and
friends. As people live longer now, the 61
st
birthday party is much simpler, but it
is still special. Although it depends on each familys situation, people ofen travel
and receive gifs on their 61
st
birthdays. Gohuiyeon is the 69
th
(70
th
) birthday
celebration with family and close friends.
When a baby is 100 days old, Koreans invite their
relatives and friends and hold a feast for themto
celebrate the babys wellbeing.
.
02

Family Events
.
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Koreans eat tteokguk (soup with sliced ovals of unsweetened
rice cakes in a clear beef broth) on Seollal or Lunar New
Years Day.

On Seollal or Lunar NewYears Day, Koreans hold ancestral memorial rites and sebae (make a deep bow) to older relatives.
.
Traditional holidays are celebrated with family
gatherings. People cook special food and play
games. Koreas traditional holidays are Seollal
or Lunar New Years Day; Daeboreum or the
First Full Moon of the New Year and Chuseok
or the Harvest Moon Festival. All traditional
holidays are based on the lunar calendar.
Lunar New Years Day
Te First Day of the First Month by the lunar calendar is a festive day, which
most Korean people feel is the real beginning of the New Year. On New Years
Day, people visit their hometown. They wear new clothes, hold ancestral
memorial rites and sebaeor make a deep bowto their older relatives, who
give them money. Families gather together and eat special foods and wish each
other well. Tey also play traditional games.
On Lunar New Years Day, people eat tteokguk (soup with sliced ovals of
unsweetened rice cakes in a clear beef broth). When they eat tteokguk on the
frst day of a new year, they say they are eating one more year. Other foods
prepared on New Years Day are jeon (foods prepared by dipping in four and
egg and then pan frying), japchae (a colorful dish made with glass noodles,
strips of beef and stir-fried vegetables), tteok (sweetened rice cakes) and namul
muchim (parboiled greens mixed with soy sauce and other seasonings).
Daeboreum First Full Moon Day of the Lunar Year
Korean people used to regard the first full moon of the year (January 15
according to the lunar calendar) as a big festival day signifying the start of
farming. People held some rituals to hope for a year of abundance. Tey also
enjoyed selling my heat (a game where people pretended to sell their heat for
the upcoming summer to others before sunrise on this day), viewing the frst
full moon, stepping on a bridge (as people step on a bridge, they feel as though
their legs are getting stronger) and fying kites.
On the first full moon day, people cook and eat
Bureom (nuts), Yakbap (sweet rice with nuts
and jujubes), Ogokbap (fve-grain rice), Mugeun
namul (sauted dried vegetables) and Bokssam (rice
wrapped in dried seaweed or various leaves. It is said
that bok (good luck) for the New Year is wrapped
up (ssam) and eaten.)
Food for Daeboreum

03
Traditional Holidays

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Flying kites on Daeboreum/
Koreans bow to their ancestors at gravesites and hold
ancestral rites on Chuseok.
.
Chuseok Harvest Moon Festival
Chuseok is one of the most important holidays in Korea, celebrated on the
15th day of the Eighth Month by the lunar calendar. On that day, many
Korean people visit their hometowns. People hold ancestral rites in gratitude
for fnishing the years farming well and share with their neighbors and play
games.
On the morning of Chuseok, ancestral rites are held. Food from the new
harvest is prepared, including rice, songpyeon (half-moon shaped, flled rice
cakes), liquor, jeon (pan-fried foods) and three colored mixed greens, as well
as chestnuts, jujube, persimmon and pear. Afer the ancestral rite, people visit
the graves of their ancestors and cut the grass and clean around the burial
mound. Tey also hold a rite that includes ofering rice wine and bowing to
the ancestors.
Villagers often organize themselves into teams between villages or
neighborhoods and have a juldarigi (tug-of-war) while they enjoy farmers
band music and dancing. In Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province), women
perform a Ganggangsullae, holding hands and dancing in a circle while the
Chuseok moon rises.
Food for Daeboreum /
Bureom /
Nuts such as chestnut, pine nut and walnut that are eaten on this day to protect against boils
and abscesses
. .
Ogokbap /
Five-grain rice made with white rice, glutinous rice, barley, millet, sorghum or other grains plus
red beans
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Mugeun namul /
Dried vegetables such as radish, cucumber, zucchini, gourd, eggplant, mushrooms and
bracken are reconstituted in water and then sauted.
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Yakbap /
Soak glutinous rice in water and then steam in an earthenware steamer. Simmer honey or sugar,
sesame oil and jujube and strain through a sieve. Add this liquid to the steamed rice with soy
sauce, chestnut, jujube, cinnamon, dried persimmon and pine nuts and steam again.
,

T I P
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Hanbok(traditional Korean clothes) /

Hanbok, tradi ti onal Korean clothi ng, i s

di sti ncti ve i n desi gn. It exudes harmony
between straight lines and curves as well as
beautiful colors. It is made of such materials
as silk, ramie or hemp cloth. Traditionally, the
basic color for hanbok was white, but the colors
and materials varied depending on the season,
place and time. Today most hanbok are made of
colorful materials.
The hanbok consists of a jeogori (a short, loose
shirt-jacket for men or blouse for women with
long, full sleeves), baji (wide, baggy trousers,
tied at the ankle and waist) for men, chima (a
high-waisted full wrap-around skirt) for women
and a durumagi (a long overcoat). The usual
hanbok for men consists basically of a jeogori,
a jokki (vest) and magoja (outer jacket), which
is worn when going out. The usual hanbok for
women consists of jeogori and chima. A magoja
and durumagi are worn when going out. These
days, people wear hanbok for special days
such as traditional holidays, weddings, the
60
th
birthday celebrations, and the babys frst
birthday.
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T I P
In traditional Korean weddings, the bridegroom
puts on wedding clothes and goes to the brides
house for the wedding ceremony. But today,
this traditional wedding ceremony is almost
gone, and most Koreans have simpler weddings
with the bride wearing a white bridal dress and
the bridegroom a tuxedo as Korean society
increasingly follows Western culture.
Although most people use wedding halls, many people use temples or
churches. Afer the wedding ceremony, the bride changes into traditional Korean
clothes and holds a Pyebaek (a traditional ceremony held immediately following
the wedding ceremony when the new couple pays respect to the grooms family).
Pyebaek was traditionally the frst greeting a bride gave to her parents-in-
law. Te brides family prepares food for her parents-in-law, and she bows frst to
them and then to the bridegrooms older relatives one by one. Foods for Pyebaek
are usually jujube, chestnut, chicken, liquor, meat and tafy. Jujube and chestnuts
represent a wish for many children. Jujube symbolizes sons and chestnuts
daughters.
04
Wedding Ceremonies
Koreans use commercial wedding halls, Buddhist temples
or Christian churches for weddings.
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Pyebaek is a traditional ceremony held immediately
following the wedding ceremony when the newcouple pays
respect to the grooms family.
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How to set a jesa table /
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Candle /
Sinwi (ancestral tablet) /
Soup /
Bap (steamed rice) /
Meat /
Po (dried fsh) /
Buchim (pan-fried food) /
Namul (seasoned vegetables) /
Jogi (yellow corbina) /
Jujubes /
Chestnuts /
Persimmons /
Pears /
Apple /
Incense Burner /
Kettle /
Cup /
Bowl for ritual wine /
T I P
@
@
@
Funerals
Funerals in Korea are usually carried out
according to Confucian traditions. Te family
of the deceased send notices to their relatives
and acquaintances and prepare the funeral.
They dress the deceased in a shroud and
wear mourning clothes. Most people prepare
shrouds in advance while the deceased was
still alive. People wear hemp clothing or white or black clothes for mourning.
Te funeral is performed at diferent places, as determined by religious customs.
Funerals are held on the last day of a three-day mourning period. Both burial
and cremation are generally accepted.
When people come to offer condolences, black or white clothing are
recommended. Mourners make a deep formal bow twice in front of the picture
of the deceased and then the guest and the chief mourners make a deep formal
bow to each other. When its difficult to bow for religious reasons, the visitors
will pray for the deceased or the family. After expressing their sympathy,
people usually give money to help the family with funeral costs according to
their ability.
Jesa Ancestral Memorial Rites
Jesa is the ancestral rites in general for
remembering ancestors and deceased
parents for whi ch much food i s
prepared. Gijesa is memorial rites
performed on the anniversary of the
day of death, while charye is the rites
performed on traditional holidays
such as Lunar New Years Day or
Chuseok (Harvest Moon Festival).
Jesa is performed for up to two generations of deceased relatives. Te time for
jesa is from midnight on the date when the ancestor passed away to 1am. However,
these days, any time afer sunset is an acceptable time for jesa. Although preparation
and procedures for jesa vary depending on the region or family tradition, people
put bap (rice), tang (soup), namul (vegetables), jeon (pan-fried foods), chestnuts,
liquor, yakgwa (honey cookies), dasik (tea cookies), and fruit such as jujubes, dried
persimmons and pears.
Jesa is the word for ancestral memorial rite in general
performed for deceased parents and ancestors.
. .
05

Funerals and Jesa
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How to Make a Deep Formal Bow /

Bowing is started by putting one of your own hands on top of the other just below your waist;
this is called gongsu
( ) .
Mens Posture for Bowing /
1. While performing gongsu, with the left hand on the right hand, keep elbows and hands
horizontal at your abdomen,
2. Bend at the waist and put your hands on the foor, keeping your left hand on the right,
3. Kneel down on your left knee and then right knee. Put the top of the right foot over the sole of
the left foot and hold your heels apart and sit down on your heels,
4. Make sure your forehead touches the back of your hands by bending enough for your elbows to
touch the foor but keep your buttock down, and fnally
5. Lift your upper body up and then stand by lifting your right knee frst. Keep your feet together.
1. . .
2. .
3. .
.
4. .
.
5. . .
Womens Posture for Bowing /
1. While performing gongsu, with your right hand over your left hand, raise your hands to shoulder
level, lower your head slightly, keeping hands and elbows horizontal.
2. Keep your eyes down and the right hand over the left.
3. Kneel down on your left knee and then right knee. Put the top of the left foot over the sole of the
right foot and hold your heels apart and sit down on your heels,
4. Bend your upper body forward about 45, and fnally
5. Lift your upper body up and stand by lifting your right knee frst. Keep your feet together.
1. . .
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5. . .
T I P
Greetings
The traditional formal greeting in Korea
was a deep bow, down on the knees with the
forehead touching the back of the hands.
Nowadays, the deep formal bowing is rare in
daily life, but is still common as a gesture of
respect on traditional holidays such as Lunar
New Years day and Chuseok or during the
Pyebaek ceremony at weddings. People also bow to the deceased and chief
mourners at a funeral or during jesa.
Normally, people greet each other by bending at the waist and neck slightly
and saying Annyeong haseyo? or Annyeong hasimnikka? (Are you well?)
regardless of time and place. People say Ban-gap seumnida (Its nice to meet
you) the frst time they meet someone.
Etiquette toward Neighbors
When Koreans lived mostly in small communities, they were well acquainted
with all their neighbors. Tey showed respect to the elders in the neighborhood
the same as they would to their parents. These days, Koreans still greet their
elders politely every time they meet them. Tey always use honorifc words for
seniors.
Titles / Meanings /
Eoreusin
used for parents friends, friends parents or elderly persons

, ,
Seonsaengnim
usedforolderpeoplethespeakerrespectsandteachers

Hyeongnim, Hyeong,
Nunim
, ,
used by men for people a little older than the speaker

Seonbaenim, Seonbae
,
used for older people who graduated from the same school as the
speaker, or older co-workers
,
Name, Janae
,
used for close friends and younger people
10
TIJIe nIm
used as an honorifc after a persons title or name

- .
ChIIds name AhecnIm
chIIds name FcmecnIm
,
used for friends parents or acquaintances parents

,
. .
06
General Etiquette
Words to humble oneself /
Common form / Honorifc /
Na (I) / Jeo /
Uri (We) / Jeohui /
Father
Abeonim
Elder
brother
Si-
ajubeonim
Elder
brothers
wife

Hyeongnim
Eldersister
Hyeongnim
Elder
sisters
husband

Ajubeonim
Younger
brother
Seobangnim
Doryeonnim
Younger
brothers
wife

Dongseo
Younger
sister
Agassi
Younger
sisters
husband

Seobangnim
Mother
Eomeonim
Titles
Wife
Titles
Wife
Titles used by a wife for her in-laws /

Father
Jangineoreun
Elder
brother
Hyeongnim
Elder
brothers
wife

Ajumeoni
Eldersister
Cheohyeong
Elder
sisters
husband

Hyeongnim
Dongseo
,
Younger
brother
Cheonam
Younger
brothers
wife

Cheo-
namdaek
Younger
sister
Cheoje
Younger
sisters
husband

Dongseo
Titles
Husband
Titles
Husband
Mother
Jangmonim
Titles used by a husband for his in-laws /

Korean culture is steeped in Confucianism,
and one of values of Confucianism is a respect
for elders. This influences the etiquette when
meeting elders and also affects the language.
The Korean language is both complex and
versatile.
It has honorific words for elders and
normal words for friends or children. These
are the same between family members. A person says bap meogeora (come
eat) to friends or younger acquaintances at meals but says siksahaseyo or siksa
hasipsio (Please come and eat breakfast/lunch/dinner) to elders.
Honorifc words are used to show respect to others or to humble oneself.
For example, Seonsaengnim kkeseo malsseum hasimnida (Te teacher is now
speaking) is a case where the honorifc kkeseo follows seonsaengnim (teacher)
to show respect. But Je chaegimnida (It is my book) or Jega naeil deuriget-
seumnida (I will give it to you tomorrow) are cases in which the speaker uses
the word je (I or my) instead of nae, thus humbling him- or herself.
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Examples of honorifc words /
Common form / Honorifc /
Nai (Age) / Chunchu, Yeonse / ,
Bap (Meal) / Jinji /
Ireum (Name) / Seongham /
Meokda (Eat) / Japsuda /
Itda (Stay) / Gyesida /
Mal (Speaking) / Malsseum /
Sul (Liquor) / Yakju /
Jip (House) / Daek /
Apeuda (Sick) / Pyeonchanta /
07
Etiquette Refected in
Language

.
.
.
Titles
Mansterms
forhisin-laws

Titles used
by the couples children

Parent
Jangineoreun, Jangmonim
,
Oeharabeoji, Oehalmeoni
,
Wife
Yeobo, childs name +Eomma

, 00
Eomeoni, Eomma
,
Wifes older brother
Hyeongnim
Oesamchon
Older brothers wife

Ajumeoni
Oesungmo
Younger brother
Cheonam
Oesamchon, Oesukbu
,
Younger brothers wife

Cheonamdaek
Oesungmo
Elder sister
Cheohyeong
Imo
Elder sisters husband

Hyeongnim, Dongseo
Imobu
Younger sister
Cheoje
Imo
Younger sisters husband

Dongseo
Imobu
Members of large Korean families call their relatives by different names depending on their relationship.
.
Family Titles Vary According to the Relationship
Members of large Korean families call other members by diferent titles depending
on their relationship. Words or honorifics for relatives are very different and
complex depending on ones exact relationship, or position or situation. This can
result in discourtesy when certain words are misused.
Titles
Womans terms
for her in-laws

Titles used
by the couples children

Parent
Abeonim, Eomeonim
,
Harabeoji, Halmeoni
,
Husband
Yeobo, childs name-abba

, 00
Abeoji, Abba
,
Husbands elder brother
Si-ajubeonim
Keunabeoji
Elder brothers wife

Hyeongnim
Keuneomeonim
Husbands elder sister

Hyeongnim
Gomo
Elder sisters husband

Ajubeonim
Gomobu
Married younger brother

Seobangnim
Jageunabeoji
Younger brothers wife

Dongseo
Jageuneomeoni
Unmarried younger brother

Doryeonnim
Samchon
Younger sister
Agassi
Gomo
Younger sisters husband

Seobangnim
Gomobu
Due to Confucian infuence, Koreans are taught to respect their elders.

.
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. .
- , .
- .
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- .
- .
- .
- , .
- .
- .
Etiquette to remember when having a meal

Having a Meal with Your Elders /
- When you have a meal with your elders, let them sit away from the door.
- Sit up straight.
- Let them pick up their spoons and chopsticks frst, and try to keep pace with them.
- Wait until they get up from the table before you do.
- .
- .
- , .
- .
Arranging Food on the Table /
- Put rice on the left and soup on the right.
- Put cold or dry food on the left side of the table.
- Put kimchi in the middle of the back of the table.
- Put meat on the right, vegetables on the left.
- Put the spoon on the right of the soup bowl and chopsticks on the right of the spoon.
- , .
- , .
- .
- , .
- , .
T I P
Table manners in Korea are relatively simple.
Younger people wait until older people begin
eating. Overall table manners
are as follows:
- Do not lift up bowls of rice
or soup when you eat.
- Do not pick up food with
your hands.
- Do not hold the spoon and chopsticks at the same time.
When you use chopsticks, put the spoon on the table.
- Do not place the spoon or chopsticks on rice or soup bowl.
- Do not make loud noise when chewing.
- Do not clink spoon and chopsticks on dishes or containers.
- Do not move the food around in the side dishes or rice bowl with your spoon or
chopsticks. Do not pick things out of the food or shake the sauce off.
- Do not leave food on your spoon or chopsticks.
- Set the spoon and chopsticks down neatly after eating.
08
Table Manners
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Popular Korean foods, including rice and a side dish

Bibimbap /
Bibimbap is a distinct Korean food. It is rice mixed with greens, beef, sesame
oil, red pepper paste and garnishings. Jeonju Bibimbap is the most famous.
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Bulgogi /
Bulgogi, along with kimchi, is one of the most popular foods for foreign
nationals. It is thin slices of beef seasoned in a marinade of soy sauce,
garlic, green onion, sesame seed, sesame oil, and sugar; and then roasted.

.
.
T I P
As agriculture is advanced in Korea, various types
of rice and other cereals are grown and eaten.
Moreover, as the Peninsula is surrounded by
the sea on three sides, there is an abundance of
fish and other marine products. Many kinds of
fermented food such as salted seafood, kimchi and
soy sauce have been developed. A wide variety of
seasonings are used to favor food.
Cooked White Rice
Rice is the most basic staple in Korean cuisine, so much so that the term bab,
meaning steamed white rice, is synonymous with a meal in Korean. Barley,
beans and millet are sometimes added to rice, as well as chestnuts, potatoes,
greens, kimchi, meat and seafood.
Side Dishes
Side dishes are any kind of food eaten together with rice. There are also
dishes, such as guk or tang meaning soup and jjigae or jeon-gol meaning stew,
which are cooked by boiling meat, fsh or vegetables in a broth. Te names of
soups and stews are made up of the main ingredient plus the type of cooking
method. For instance, galbi+tang = galbitang (short rib soup), kimchi + jjigae =
kimchijjigae (kimchi stew), myeolchi + bokkeum= myeolchibokkeum (stir-fried
anchovies).
Other side dishes are muchim (seasoned), jjim (braised), jorim (boiled in a
sauce), gui (broiled), bokkeum (stir-fried), twigim (deep fried), jeon (pan fried)
and hoe (raw fsh or meat). Even dishes with the same ingredients have diferent
names depending on the cooking method, such as roasted fsh and braised fsh.
Bulgogi, one of Koreas best known foods, is roasted (gui).
Fermented foods
Korea has many traditional fermented foods, which include ingredients good
for health. The main fermented foods are kimchi, doenjang (soybean paste),
ganjang (soy sauce), gochujang (red pepper paste) and jeotgal (salted seafood).
Kimchi, the most well-known fermented food from Korea, is made by
salting napa cabbage and white radish and leaving it overnight before rinsing
them. Te cabbage is then mixed with red pepper powder, green onions, garlic,
ginger and salted sea food and lef to ferment. It has been proven that kimchi
can prevent cancer and strengthen the immune system, and this has recently
09
Food

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Yangnyeom (Seasonings) /
Seasonings are not only used to favor foods, but to reduce the strong fshy and animal-fat smell of
some foods. The Korean word yangnyeom means healthy ingredients, which act as medicine.
Korean yangnyeom includes green onion, garlic, dried red pepper powder, ginger, black pepper,
sugar, salt, powdered sesame seeds, sesame oil, vinegar and soy sauce.

. .
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.
T I P
Tteokbokki, a popular Korean snack

made kimchi more attractive in many countries. Tere are numerous kinds of
kimchi, including Pogi kimchi (whole napa cabbage kimchi), Chonggak kimchi
(whole young radish kimchi), baek kimchi (white napa cabbage kimchi), nabak
kimchi (radish and napa cabbage water kimchi), yeolmu kimchi (young radish
kimchi), dongchimi (winter white radish water kimchi), oi sobagi (stuffed
cucumber kimchi), gat kimchi (mustard leaf kimchi), kkaennip kimchi (perilla
leaf kimchi)
Doenjang (soybean paste) is a fermented food made by crushing meju
(fermented soybean paste blocks) that remain afer making ganjang (soy sauce).
It is known for its anticarcinogenic efects.
Eating between meals
Some foods are easily and quickly cooked and eaten mainly between meals
as snacks. These foods are tteokbokgi (stir-fried rice cake), ramyon (instant
noodles), mandu (Korean-style dumplings), gimbap (dried seaweed rolls) and
sundae (Korean-style sausage).
Seasonal foods and fruit
In Korea, there are many kinds of fruit and vegetables in every season. Tese
days, there are greenhouses throughout the country, which allows people to eat
fruit and vegetables any time during the year. However, sun-ripened fruit and
vegetables are much better.
Greens are picked in spring on the mountains or in felds and eaten raw
or parboiled and seasoned. Cherries and strawberries are among the spring
fruits in Korea. In summer, people often eat cold foods such as naengmyeon
(chilled buckwheat noodle soup) and fruit punch or nutritious hot foods such as
samgyetang (whole chicken soup with ginseng) or yukgaejang (hot spicy meat
stew). Korea produces many kinds of fruit such as peaches, watermelons, Korean
melons, and plums. In autumn, such healthy foods such as chu-eotang (loach
soup made with bean paste) are popular. Autumn fruit includes persimmon,
pears, apples, jujube, chestnuts and grapes. In winter, people eat rice with soup,
such as siraegiguk (soup made with cabbage and radish leaves that are dried and
then reconstituted in water) and manduguk (dumpling soup) along with stored
foods such as kimchi and several kinds of jangajji (vegetables pickled with soy
sauce) and seasoned dried vegetables. Mandarin oranges become available in the
winter.
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Hanok, traditional Korean houses

Apartments are a popular formof housing in Korea

Korean traditional houses, called hanok,
are built with materials mostly taken from
nature, including stone, wood and clay, and
are intended to harmonize with the natural
surroundings. In addition, people have added
other natural things to their homes, such as
applying hanji (traditional Korean mulberry
paper) on windows or doors.
Korea has four distinct seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. Tus
homes have an under-floor heating system called ondol for the winter, and
wooden-foor rooms called marubang, which are cool in summer.
In Korea, people have sat on the floor since long ago. Even after the
introduction of chairs from the West, people take of their shoes before entering
a home. Ideally, houses were built facing south, so that they are well ventilated
in summer and catch the sunlight in winter. Tere are various kinds of houses
in Korea, including chogajip (thatched houses), giwajip (tile-roofed houses) and
neowajip (shingle-roofed houses).
Nowadays, apartments, officetel (a single room that can be used as a
residence or office), row houses and villas (small apartment buildings) have
greatly increased. Housing in Korea is very expensive. Te capital area is densely
populated, and house prices are more expensive than in other areas.
10
Housing
What is Jipdeuri? /

?
A jipdeuri is a house-warming party. The guests, including friends,
relatives and colleagues, bring gifts such as laundry detergent or toilet
paper. Giving soap is a symbol of the hope that the person's assets
will increase like soap bubbles and giving toilet paper symbolizes the
wish that all the problems in the persons life will be easily solved like
unrolling the toilet paper.
,
. ( )
.

.
T I P
Adapting to Daily Life

11 _
12 _
13 _
14 _
15 _
16 _
17 _
18 _
19 _
20 _
21 _
22 _
23 _
24 _
25 _
26 _ ,
27 _
28 _
29 _
11 _ Finding Housing
12 _ Using Utilities
13 _ Using TV and Communication Systems
14 _ Disposal of Trash and Garbage
15 _ Economy
16 _ Where to Buy Things
17 _ Banks
18 _ Transportation
19 _ Driver's Licenses
20 _ Public Institutions
21 _ Amenities
22 _ Medical Facilities
23 _ National Health Insurance for Foreign Nationals
24 _ Educational System
25 _ Education for Foreign Nationals
26 _ Korean Language and Life Education
27 _ Cultural Facilities
28 _ Employment
29 _ Job Training
052 Adapting to Daily Life 053 052 Adapting to Daily Life 053
Things to be careful of /

1. First of all, visit the unit you wish to live in and check the appliances and surroundings.
2. Be sure to identify the landlord and make the contract with the landlord. If you make a contract
with someone other than the landlord, and the landlord doesnt acknowledge the contract, you
may not get your deposit back (usually a signifcant sum).
3. You can see a certifed copy of the property register to identify the landlord. You will see the
name of the landlord, the address, size and structure of the unit and the status of any debt on
the unit. You can get a certifed copy of the property register by visiting registry offces or on
their website.
4. At the time of contract, 10 percent of the total deposit is paid, with the remainder paid on the
day you move in. Be sure to get a receipt.
5. Check the list below before signing any contract.
- Check if the address of the property in the contract is identical to that of the certifed copy of the
property register;
- Make sure the amount of deposit is correct;
- Check that the dates for the down payment, any interimpayments and payment of the remainder are
correctly recorded;
- Make sure you understand the terms of the contract and everything else in the contract;
- Make sure the landlord has signed or stamped the contract him- or herself;
- There should be three copies of the contract made: one for you, one for the landlord and one for the
real estate agency. All should be stamped or signed.
6. After you move in, make sure to fll in the proper documentation to notify the dong offce that
you have moved in, and get a stamp saying Date confrmed on the contract, otherwise you
might not get your money back if there are any problems.
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There are several different ways to find a
place to live in Korea. Its possible to do so by
referring to local free newspapers such as the
Byeoruksijang (Flea Market). But in general,
real estate agencies are used. Real estate
agencies provide such services as preparation
of documents for a contract and confrmation
of procedural checklists for moving into a
home. When a client uses a real estate agency, he or she needs to pay a fee or
commission. Instead of buying a house or condo, it's also possible to lease.
Leases are divided into two types; one is called jeonse, requiring a large one-
time deposit and the other is wolse, monthly rent.
The large amount of money for jeonse is given to the unit owner for the
right to live there; it is returned to the tenant afer the contract expires. Wolse is
monthly rent paid to the unit owner, who ofen also requires a sizable deposit but
smaller than the jeonse deposit.
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11

Finding Housing
Generally, real estate agencies are reliable in Korea.
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220V . 110V
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LPG
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As cities in Korea are equipped with city gas systems,
most houses are supplied with natural gas.

.
IIn order to use the electricity, gas and tap
water afer moving into a new house (or turn
them off before moving out), you need to
contact KEPCO, the gas company, and the
waterworks company online or by telephone.
Electricity and gas bills are issued every
month while water and sewage bills are issued
every two months. You can pay for these bills
at the bank or post of ce before the due dates, or you can opt to have the money
automatically withdrawn from your bank account.
Using Electricity
All home appliances in Korea use 220V, as that is the standard voltage. If any
home appliance uses 110V, a transformer is needed to convert the voltage.
If many electrical devices are used at the same time, a short-circuit
breaker may kick in, which results in electrical failure. In this case, turn of any
unnecessary electrical devices and lif the breaker up.
Using the Water and Sewage System
Korea has good water and sewage systems in every house. In many places, tap
water is clean enough to drink, but most people drink boiled or purifed water.
Many also drink bottled water.
Using Natural Gas
As cities in Korea are equipped with city gas systems, most houses are supplied
with gas, with consumers paying for what they use. City gas is used for heating
rooms and cooking. Farmhouses mostly use LPG for cooking and oil or
charcoal for heating, as most of them do not have city gas connections. LPG is
delivered to each farmhouse as ordered. If there is any abnormality with the gas,
stop using it immediately and ventilate the rooms by opening windows. Call the
nearest gas company immediately and do not use any open fame.
12

Using Utilities
Short circuit breaker

Gas valve

Electric transformer

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For any enquiries about telephone use, call 100.
100 .
Foreigners need to have an alien registration card in order
to purchase a mobile phone in Korea.
.
Telephone card
Korea has very advanced communication

systems and Internet facilities. People can
use the Internet, telephone and even mobile
phones everywhere.
Telephones
If you want to install a new telephone or
have problems with it, you can dial 100
everywhere in the country. Telephone bills can be paid at banks or by automatic
withdrawal from your bank account.
Mobile phones
Buying a mobile phone isnt easy for
non-Koreans. He or she must have an
Alien Registration Card with them and
must pay for the phone with cash. For
this reason, most foreign nationals rent
a mobile phone and use a prepaid phone
card, which can be used by entering the
card number into the mobile phone,
allowing them to use the balance on
t he card. Al t hough t here i snt any
subscription fee or other charges, calls
are a bit more expensive.
13

Using TV and
Communication
Systems
People can use the Internet, telephone and even mobile phones everywhere in Korea.
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Many foreigners buy prepaid telephone
cards or use prepaid phones.
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KBS, MBC, SBS TV, ,
(Sky Life) .
IPTV .
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Pay phones /

When you use pay phones on the street, you
need to insert coins or a telephone card. You
can purchase pay phone cards at convenience
stores or supermarkets.

.
.
Emergency Calls /
All pay phones have a red button for emergency
calls. Press the red button to report crime and
fre or for emergency assistance. Coins are not
needed.
Push the red button (emergency call) +112 to
report a crime, or push the red button + 119 for
fre, rescue or other emergencies.

. , ,
.
( )+112, +119
Collect Calls /
Those who dont have a pay phone card or coins can charge a call to the receiving party. Fees are
slightly higher than normal calls.
You can use this service by pushing the red button +1541 + phone number + #.
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+1541++# .
T I P
Pay phones /
Internet phones
Internet phones can be used to make phone calls online to computers or
telephones. They are especially inexpensive for overseas calls. They may be
ordered from the local cable or telecommunications company such as KT, SK
broadband, LG U+ or over the Internet.

Cable TV and Internet
Korea has three major terrestrial TV
stationsKBS, MBC and SBSas well
as cable TV, local cable broadcasting
relay operators, and satellite TV (Sky
Life). More recently, Internet-based
IPTV has also become available.
If you just want Internet, you will
have to contact one of the Internet
communication companies, which
charge diferent fees. You can also access the Internet at nearby PC rooms.

Satellite TV dish

Video telephone, which can be used through the Internet /
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You need to dispose recyclables separately fromother trash.
.
In Korea, you need to separate garbage and
recyclables, such as paper, plastic and cans,
from rubbish. Korea uses a volume rate when
charging for rubbish disposal; you pay for as
much rubbish as you throw away. There are
designated plastic bags for the disposal of
rubbish, which you can buy in local grocery
stores. Each neighborhood has a specific
location to dump rubbish, garbage and recyclables. Fines are charged to those
who violate the disposal system.
General rubbish
Put into the specifed waste bag and dispose.
Food waste
Drain liquid and put into a food waste bag or dump it in the food garbage bin.
Recyclables
Separate paper, glass, plastic and cans and put them in specifed locations. You
can reduce the volume of plastic or cans by washing and drying and fattening
them.
Infammable wastes
Put into specifed bags and dump at designated locations.
Large items such as home appliances and furniture
Notify the dong or village office and get a sticker issued and attach it on the
items. Te cost of the sticker depends on the size of
the item. In some provinces, people can buy stickers
at supermarkets.
Clothes, bedding or leather
Put into specifed boxes.
14

Disposal of
Trash and Garbage
Trash disposal bags for food waste (left) and for general rubbish (right)
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70 . 10,000~14,000
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Korean currency /

T I P
50,000 won bill

500 won coin
,
100 won coin
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50 won coin
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10 won coin
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10,000 won bill

5,000 won bill

1,000 won bill

Koreas gross national income is high, ranking
13th in the world. Although consumer prices
are less expensive compared to Europe, the
United States or Japan, they are a little higher
than Southeast Asian countries. While living
in Korea, you need to consider the value of
your currency and the price of goods in Korea.
Koreas currency, the won, comes in 10,
50, 100 and 500 won coins and 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won bills. You
can get checks for 100,000 won or higher at banks.
Consider the amount of Korean won you will need for various things: 1,000
won to take the bus; around 5,000 won and up for a meal out; 70 won to use
a pay phone and 6,000-9,000 won for the bus to and from Seoul and Incheon
International Airport.
Value of Korean currency /

Currency / Won /
United States US$ 1 / 1 1,133 Won / 1,133
Thailand 1 Baht / 1 37.78 Won / 37.78
Bangladesh 1 Taka / 1 16.06 Won / 16.06
Vietnam 100 Dong / 100 5.91 Won / 5.91
China 1 Yuan / 1 170.41 Won / 170.41
Pakistan 1 Rupee / 1 13.21 Won / 13.21
Philippine 1 Peso / 1 25.94 Won / 25.94
(As of Dec. 2010 / 2010 12 )
15
Economy
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Home shopping channel
TV
Online shopping mall

Tere are many places to buy things in Korea,
ranging from neighborhood supermarkets to
large-scale department stores, from traditional
markets to discount stores. You can purchase
whatever you want anywhere at almost anytime
Neighborhood supermarkets
In Korea, small food stores are also called
supermarkets or just super. They primarily sell groceries such as snacks,
ramyon, noodles, vegetables, meat and rice
Convenience stores
Tese stores are ofen open around the
clock. Tey sell some grocery items, as
well as books and magazines, at prices
a bit higher than supermarkets.
Big discount stores
You can buy clothes, groceries, home
appliances and other items. These
stores, including E-Mart, HomePlus
and LotteMart, are convenient for
buying a large number of goods for a
good price
Department stores
Tese have many kinds of goods such as clothes, groceries, cosmetics, jewelry,
brand-name products, home appliances and furniture of good quality. Prices are
rather expensive. From time to time, they hold discount sales.
TV Home shopping
It is possible to immediately order products by phone from companies on
TV home shopping channels. Books, clothes, shoes, bags, home appliances,
computers, cosmetics, insurance, food and all kinds of other things are available.
16

Where to Buy Tings
Convenience stores
Discount stores

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Traditional markets in Korea

Internet shopping malls
It is also possible to order all kinds of products online. You should be warned
that sometimes the photographs on the sites might be diferent from the real
products, and you need to be careful about giving companies your Resident
Registration Card number and credit information.
Traditional markets
People can buy groceries, including fresh vegetables and fish, clothes and
numerous other things in traditional markets. Prices are lower and sometimes
you can get additional things for free. These markets include market days in
rural areas, small neighborhood open-air markets in Seoul as well as the large
markets of Namdaemun (South Gate Market) and Dongdaemun (East Gate
Market) in Seoul.
Payments and Refunds /

Depending on where you shop, you can pay for goods with cash, checks, credit cards, debit cards
and gift cards. If you want to return something or get a refund, you have to do so within seven or 14
days after purchase. However, if you've already used the items or damaged them, you can't return
them or get a refund. When you return something, make sure to bring the receipt. If you have any
problems when you return something or ask for a refund, call the Korea Consumer Agency (02-
3460-3000, www.kca.go.kr) or Consumers Korea (02-739-5441, www.cacpk.org).
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(02-3460-3000, www.kca.go.kr) (02-739-
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Inside a bank /
Credit cards /
Banks in Korea are open from 9 am to 4 pm,
Monday to Friday. ATMs (often called 365
Corner) are open at each bank afer business
hours. When you wish to open a bank account,
go to the appropriate teller, and make sure you
have your passport, Resident Registration Card
and money for your initial deposit.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Deposits and withdrawals with a teller
Fill in the deposit or withdrawal form. Withdrawals require your signature and
PIN number.
Depositing and withdrawing money at ATMs
You can do this by bankbook or
bankcard. If you wish to use your
bankbook to deposit or withdraw
money from the ATM, notify a teller,
as they need to make some changes in
your bankbook to allow you to do so.
Withdrawing money with a bankbook
or bankcard requires a PIN number. If
the PIN number is entered incorrectly
3 times, you cant use the bankbook or
card. A fee is charged for the use of an
ATM that does not belong to your own
bank or if you use an ATM afer business
hours.
Internet banking
You can do your banking online, but you will need a digital authentication from
KFTC (Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute), which needs
to be saved on your computer. You also need a security card (sometimes called secret
card) issued by your bank.
Tele-banking
You will need a card with a unique pass code issued by your bank and a PIN number.
17

Banks
You can deposit or withdrawmoney with your bankbook or
bankcard fromATMmachines.

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Remittances (Sending money home)
If you want to transfer money to your home country, you need to get the
information about a bank account in your home country in the name of
someone in your family. Te receivers name, address, telephone number, name
of the receivers bank and account number need to be given. Go to the foreign
currency desk at the bank and show your Resident Registration Card.
Paying for Utilities
Utilities include electricity, gas and water. You can pay utility bills and your
residence tax at a bank or post ofce. If you pay for the bill at a bank, you can
choose one of the following methods:
Payment in person
You can pay for the bill by visiting a bank with the bill. Nowadays, people like to
use the automatic payment machine. You will need to have your bankbook.
Automatic Withdrawals
You can pay the bill by automatic withdrawal (money is automatically
transferred from your account to the utility company). You can apply for this
at the bank or by making a phone call to the utility bill issuer. Be sure you
have enough money in your bank account to pay the bill, or there will be an
additional charge for insufcient funds.
Automated utility payment machine


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City Buses in Seoul /

City buses are blue, green, red or yellow.
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Operate between Seoul and the suburbs.
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Go to nearby subway stations or bus terminals.
.
Express buses for commuters travel between downtown and
nearby cities.
.
Circulate in downtown Seoul, stopping at major railroad
stations, commercial areas, tourist attractions and shopping
areas.
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Blue buses /
Green buses /
Red buses /
Yellowbuses /
Transportation and highways are well developed
in Korea. Public transportation includes buses,
subway, taxis, trains, ships and airplanes. Of
course, many people prefer to use their own
cars, motorcycles, scooters, or bicycles.
If you want to drive a car in Korea, you
need a drivers license issued in Korea or an
international drivers license issued in your
own country.

Buses
City buses
City buses are numbered and follow set
routes. Check the route map before you get
on. Bus stops are located all over the city.
There are three types of city buses:
general buses, seat buses and village
buses. General buses are available all around
the city. Seat buses stop only at major bus
stops allowing a quicker arrival at their destination. Village buses circulate
around a certain neighborhood, sometimes going through narrow roads where
general buses cant.
18
Transportation
Using the City Buses /

- Pay the bus fare with cash, credit card or transportation card.
- Touch your transportation card to the card reader on the bus. The bus fare is withdrawn from
your card.
- You can buy transportation cards at stores near the bus stop. Cards can be charged in units of 1,000
won up to a maximum of 90,000 won.
- There is a discount of 100 won when using the transportation card instead of cash. There is also
a substantial discount when you transfer to subway or another bus.
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Transportation cards

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You can catch a bus to other cities or the provinces at the Express Bus Terminal.
.
Intercity Buses and Express Buses
People take intercity buses or express
buses to go from city to city. There
are often different terminals for the
two types of bus. Intercity-buses take
longer as they go via several cities
whereas express buses are non-stop,
and reach their destinations in less
time.
There are three kinds of express
buses: general express, premium and midnight buses. Premium buses have wider
seats and single seats for passenger comfort and charge higher fares than general
express buses. The time they take to go from one place to another is about the
same time. Midnight buses are for those who need to travel at night to another city.
Passengers need to buy bus tickets from the departure station before getting on the
bus.
* Refer to www.kobus.co.kr or www.gbus.co.kr for more detailed information such as timetables and
reservations.
* (www.kobus.co.kr)
(www.gbus.co.kr) .
.
What Is the Transfer Service? / ?
The transfer service is a discount fare depending on distance when people transfer from bus to
bus, bus to subway or subway to bus. This service is available only with a transportation card.
When passengers use cash to take the bus, they have to pay the full fare with every transfer. But
if passengers use a transportation card, they do not pay extra for transfers within a 10 km area.
And if the total distance exceeds 10 km, passengers will be charged only 100 won for every 5 km.
Be sure to touch your transportation card to the card reader by the exit doors, and wait for a single
beep. This service is available on all subway routes and the discount varies outside of Seoul.
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When using intercity-buses or express buses,
passengers need to buy a ticket at the bus station
before getting on the bus.
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Subway /
Te Subway
Subway service is available in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Gwangju and
Daejon. Te subway in Seoul has nine routes. Some subway routes connect with
metropolitan electric railway system, which goes from the suburbs of Seoul to
satellite cities in Gyeonggi-do.
Service runs from 5:30 a.m. to midnight with 2.5-3 minute intervals during
rush hour and 4-5 minute intervals at other times.
Taxis
Although taxis are expensive, they
are convenient for those who are not
familiar with the city, or when other
transportation is not available.
Taxis are easy to locate due to
the colored lamp on the roof and are
available around the clock. People
flag down taxis on the street or wait
at a taxi stand. An empty taxi runs a
red Empty sign (in Korean) on its
windshield for people to see.
There are three types of taxi:
general taxis, deluxe taxis and large
taxis (call vans). Taxi fare is a basic
rate plus distance (based on the meter)
and time. The basic rate for taxis is
Using the Subway /

- The basic fare is 1,000 won cash or 900 won with transportation cards. When using cash,
passengers need to buy a ticket in advance from ticket machines installed at each station before
getting on the subway. You can also use a credit card.
- Transportation cards enable passengers to receive transfer discounts. Passengers can buy or
recharge transportation cards from ticket machines.
- All instructions are available in Korean and English. In addition, Korean and English
announcements are made in the subway at each stop and Japanese and Chinese at specifed
stops.
- 1,000, 900.
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Call van /
General taxi /
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, 2,200~2,400. 9
4,500.
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Train /
Incheon International Airport /
Port of Incheon /
2,200-2,400 won, varying by province. Te basic rate for premium taxis or large
taxis (with capacity of up to nine passengers) is 4,500 won. Taxi fares can be
paid with a credit card or cash when the passengers get out.
Trains, Airplanes and Ships
Trains
As almost all major cities in Korea have train stations, its a convenient way to
travel quickly between cities. Trains include KTX (high-speed trains) as well
as the Saemaeul and Mugungwha trains. Te KTX, which began operations in
2004, travels fast and stops at a limited number of stations. It is more expensive
than other trains. Mugungwha is relatively slow and stops at a larger number
of stations, but is the cheapest. Saemaeul costs less than KTX but more than
Mugungwha. Train tickets can be purchased at train stations, online at www.
korail.com, or from travel agencies, and can be bought in advance.
Airplanes
Korea has nine international airports, including Incheon, Jeju and Gimpo, and
seven domestic airports, making air travel convenient. Domestic airlines include
the big airlines, KAL and Asiana, and budget airlines such as Jeju Airlines,
Eastar Jet, Jin Air and Air Busan. Airplane tickets can be bought at airports or
from airlines and travel agencies online or by telephone.
Ships
Travel to islands is possible by ship. It is recommended that you check the
weather information from the ship company before purchasing a ticket, as ship
travel is dependent on weather conditions.
Scooters and Motocycles /

In Korea, scooters and motorcycles with an engine displacement of even
less than 50cc require a drivers license. If the driver does not wear
a helmet, drives without a license or violates traffic laws, he or she
will be fned the same as drivers of cars as they are all classifed as
automobiles in Korea.
50CC .
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.
T I P
Testing procedures for a driver's license

1. Complete traffc safety education
Traffc safety education takes place in the traffc safety education center at drivers license test
sites or at driver training institutions.
2. Complete physical examination and written test
Available languages : English, Chinese and Vietnamese Required items when taking the written
test: Application form (with three photos), a marker for computer paper and an ID card
3. Test on a driving course after passing the written test
Necessary Documents : Application form, Resident Registration Card (or other document
proving your identity)
4. After passing the test on the driving course, a learners permit is issued to complete 10 hours of
road training.
5. Complete the road test.
6. Notifcation of pass or fail
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4. 10 .
5. .
6.
*
Multicultural family support centers and police stations can help foreigners or married
immigrants to acquire a driver's license for free. For detailed information, contact your
local Multicultural Family Support Center or police station or driver's license examination
offce.
* .
, .
www.dla.go.kr 1577-1120
T I P
To drive a car in Korea,
people need a drivers
license or an international
drivers license from their
own country.
Internati onal drivers
licenses are valid for a period
of one year. Those who have drivers licenses
from their own countries need to submit an original copy of the license, a
certifed translation of the license, certifcation from the embassy, their passport,
Alien Registration Card, certifcation of immigration and three colored photos
to the drivers license examination of ce to be exempted from some of the tests
to acquire a domestic drivers license.
Its difficult for those staying less than 90 days to get a Korean drivers
license.
,
.
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. 90
.
19
Driver's Licenses
To drive a car, you need to obtain a drivers license in Korea or obtain an international driver's license in your home country.
, .
Drivers licenses
How to make an emergency phone call in Korea

Calling 112 / 112
- After pushing the red emergency button on a pay phone, dial 112.
- For regular or mobile phones, dial 112 without any prefx number.
- When you call, you will need to give your name, address and phone number as well as what kind
of situation you are reporting and when it happened.
- 112 .
- 112 .
- , , , .
Calling 119 / 119
- After pushing the red emergency call button on a pay phone, dial 119.
- For regular or mobile phones, dial 119 without any prefx number.
- Give the location and foor of the house on fre or where the injured person is and explain the
nearby buildings with as much detail as you can while staying on the line with the operator until
the 119 team arrives.
- 119 .
- 119 .
- , . ,
, 119 .
T I P
Local Community Center /
Administrative Organizations
Government administrative organizations
for civil affairs include eup (town), myeon
(township), and dong (ward) of ces, city hall,
gun (county) and gu (metropolitan district)
of ces.
These organizations work on health and
welfare for residents, improvement of living
conditions, garbage collection, management of public facilities and issuance of
various certifcates. Eup, myeon and dong of ces also run computer training,
traditional culture and English classes.
Many of them now issue various certificates and other civil application
forms at unmanned machines in subway stations or online at www.egov.go.kr,
making visits to the of ce unnecessary.
Police Stations (Dial 112)
If youve had a traf c accident or are a victim of violence, robbery or fraud, you
can visit a police of ce or call 112.
Fire Stations (Dial 119)
For emergencies, like injury or fre or when someone needs to go to the hospital
immediately, call 119. Te 119 rescue team will arrive within fve to 10 minutes.
Post Of ces
Post offices handle domestic and overseas mail and also offer some financial
services like a bank. International premium postal services (EMS, express mail
service) are available for quick overseas delivery. Post of ces also provide door-
to-door courier service. Call 1588-1300 for postal services and 1588-1900 for
fnancial services.
20

Public Institutions
International Express Mail /

International Express Mail /

- For speed and safety, international express mail is available for letters, documents or other
items to 130 countries around the world.
- Generally, the weight limit of parcels is 30kg, while some countries (such as Australia,
thePhilippines, Argentina and Bangladesh) have limits of 20kg.
- As some countries may have restrictions on some goods, check in advance.
- , 130 .
- 30kg , , , , 20kg .
- .
Sending International Express Mail /
- Fill out the EMS form (picture of form).
- Costs depend on country and weight. Refer to the post offce website, www.koreapost.go.kr for
costs or call 1588-1300.
- To change a Korean address into English, click instructions for zip codes at www.koreapost.go.kr
and write dong, myeon and eup and click English address next to the zip code.
- English is recommended for the receivers name and address, but Japanese or Chinese is also
allowed for goods to Japan or China. Be sure to write the country name in English.
- Write the zip code above the country name.
- Fill in information about the item or items being sent.
- Fields marked with are for the post offce staff.
- After you fll in the form, pay the postage. You will receive a receipt.
- If you wish to receive a text message notifcation, write your mobile phone number.

- EMS
- . www.koreapost.go.kr 1588-
1300 .
- www.koreapost.go.kr , ,
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(www.egov.go.kr)
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. 119 5
10 .

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(EMS, express
mail service) .
.
1588-1300,
1588-1900 .
Police station /
Fire station /
Post offce /

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In local welfare centers or culture and sport centers, you can exercise, take music or dancing lessons, or learn baking and
other hobbies. / .
Local Welfare Centers and Culture Centers
Korea has welfare centers and cultural facilities
in each neighborhood. In big cities, there are
also culture and sport centers, where you can
exercise, take music or dancing lessons, or take
classes in baking or other hobbies.
Sport Facilities
Exercise equipment and sport facilities can be found in most neighborhood
parks in Korea, and you will ofen fnd people stretching or playing badminton.
Many local culture centers and welfare centers are also equipped with sport
facilities.
Bathing Facilities
Public bathhouses are quite popular in
Korea. People go to soak in hot water
and scrub their bodies. Korean-style
bathing is well known for being good
for skin and bathhouses have attracted
some foreign tourists. Koreans undress
before getting into the baths and are
sometimes surprised to see foreigners
getting in with swimwear. Bathhouses usually have bath tubs, saunas, jjimjilbang
(dry saunas) and showers as well as rooms to rest in, where people can take a nap.
Barbershops
Barbershops, where men can have a haircut and shave, have rotating red, blue
and white signs. Downtown barbershops in large cities are somewhat expensive.
Beauty Parlors
Women can get a shampoo and
haircut or a permanent or have their
hair dyed in beauty parlors, as well as
have their nails manicured and facial
makeup applied. Although beauty
parlors were originally intended for
women, many men use them these
days too. Fees vary by shop, and according to the service provided.
21
Amenities
Inside a beauty parlor /
Inside a public bath /

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In Case of Emergency /

- When accidents or injury occur, or if you are seriously ill, call 119.
- For the public health & welfare call center, dial 129 (Area code+129
on mobile phones).
- For the emergency medical information center, dial 1339.
- 119
- 129( +129)
- 1339
T I P
Public Health Center /
Hospitals: Clinics and General Hospitals
There are two kinds of medical institutions in
Korea. Primary health care organizations include
neighborhood clinics, public health centers and
small hospitals for common ailments such as the
fu and digestion-related conditions. Specialized
or university hospitals (general hospitals) are
secondary care organizations that attend to more
severe conditions or conduct precise medical examinations.
If, afer visiting a clinic or public health center, you are referred to a larger
hospital, you need to submit your medical records from the previous institution
and the referral from your doctor to receive insurance benefts. However, you
will automatically receive insurance benefits for emergencies (baby delivery,
hemophilia, or other emergencies) or if you have to see a dentist or family
doctor, or go to rehabilitation clinic.

Oriental Medicine Clinics
Koreas unique traditional medicine is highly advanced. Almost every
neighborhood has an Oriental medicine clinic where people can receive
medicine or treatment such as acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping.
Public Health Centers
Public health centers are state-run public medical institutions. Vaccinations,
treatment for chronic diseases, medical examinations, physical therapy, dental
care and Oriental medicine are available here at a cost much less than at private
medical institutions.
Pharmacies
In Korea, i ts prohi bi t ed t o get
many medicines without a doctors
prescription. However, basic things
such as cold medicine, medicine for
upset stomachs, fever medicines,
painkillers and ointments are available
without a prescription. Other things
such as insecticides, sanitary napkins
for women, supplementary beverages and condoms are also available at
pharmacies.
22
Medical Facilities
Pharmacy /

,
.

. ,
.
2
.

,
. F-1~2 F-5
.
.
*
,
. .
Qualifying for National Health Insurance
(for foreign nationals)

- Only those with an Alien Registration Card are allowed to apply for National Health Insurance.
- Those who are working for an eligible company, public servants and teachers are automatically
insured with the National Health Insurance plan.
- Those who are not insured through their company can subscribe to National Health Insurance
individually by submitting their Alien Registration Card and an application form to the National
Health Insurance Corporation, but only after having resided in Korea for three months or more.
- Foreign nationals who are able to prove they will stay in Korea for more than three months for
study or employment can also apply, even though they have not yet been in Korea for three
months.
- If a person is already covered by the National Health Insurance through their workplace, his or
her spouse is automatically covered if they are declared as dependents on their tax return.
- .
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Koreas national health insurance system enables people
to use medical institutions at a discount by paying a certain
amount of money every month according to income.
.
Koreas National Health Insurance system
enables people to use medical institutions at a
discount by paying a certain amount of money
every month according to income. Eligible
foreign nationals can also enroll in National
Health Insurance for the same benefits.
Besides enjoying signifcant discounts, people
on Koreas National Health Insurance can also
have a free medical examination every two years.
Paying Premiums for National Health Insurance
People covered through their workplace
Insurance premiums are deducted from the monthly salary.

People insured individually
A bill for the insurance premium is issued every month and the subscriber pays
for it at bank or post office. Foreign nationals with F-1, F2 and F-5 visas are
charged the same amount as Koreans. People who are married to Koreans are
charged the same fee as Koreans regardless of the type of visa they hold.
* If a person who is married to a Korean has a child born with Korean nationality and cannot
pay insurance premiums due to fnancial diffculty, the Government of Korea will pay.
23

National Health Insurance
for Foreign Nationals
A national health insurance card is given to everyone who subscribes to Koreas national health insurance
system.

6, 3, 3, 4( 2 3)
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A middle school class / A university graduation ceremony /
Koreas educational system consists of six years
of elementary school, three years of middle
school, three years of high school and four
years of university or two or three years at a
junior college. Elementary school and middle
school are mandatory and free.
In Korea, the school year starts in early
March and ends at the end of February the
following year. Te school year is divided into two semesters. Afer the frst semester
is fnished, students have a months summer vacation and afer the second semester
(which starts at the end of August or early September) students have approximately
two months of winter vacation before the new school year begins.
Koreas educational institutions include kindergartens, elementary schools,
middle schools, high schools, junior colleges and universities as well as graduate
schools.
Kindergartens are for children under the age of 6 before they enter
elementary school. People ofen send their children to nursery schools as well,
before they enter kindergarten.
Children enter elementary school when they are seven years old.
Elementary school is mandatory and free and covers six years. Middle school
covers three years. It is also mandatory. Parents who do not send their children
to middle school may face punishment. Students enter high school afer middle
school, which is not mandatory and requires payment of tuition.
Many students enter university after they graduate from high school.
Higher education is divided into two-year colleges and four-year universities.
Students can enter graduate school afer fnishing university, and can obtain a
masters degree or PhD with a minimum of two years of course work for each
and submission of a thesis for the masters or a dissertation for the PhD.
24
Educational System
Children enter elementary school when they are 7 years old. / 7 .

.
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30% ,
.
www.studyinkorea.go.kr
.
Seoul Foreign School /
Children of foreign nationals are allowed
to enter Korean schools by submitting their
certification of immigration or their Alien
Registration Card to the school. Offices of
Education in each city and province provide
school admission consulting for foreign
workers with children in Korea. Foreigner
nationals can consult with the center for
admission consultations regarding procedures for transfers, determination of
school grade, and information on adapting to school life and making friends in
Korean schools.
Admission requirements vary somewhat from university to university in
Korea. Every university runs a Korean language program, so language barriers
will be less of a problem. Universities in Korea run regular degree programs for
foreign students, exchange student programs for sister universities overseas, and
regular courses and Korean language classes during vacations.
Universities focusing more on preparing students for a globalized world
teach 30 percent of their courses in English and in some cases 100 percent afer
establishing an international department.
For information regarding studying in Korea and language training, refer to
www.studyinkorea.go.kr.
25

Education for
Foreign Nationals
Schools for Foreign Nationals /

- SInternational schools are for the children of foreign nationals living in Korea and children of
those who have returned to Korea after living abroad for a certain period. Tuition is higher than
at regular schools.
- Children of those who have foreign citizenship or permanent residency, or who have at least
one parent who is a foreign citizen and Koreans who were abroad for more than three years can
attend the international schools.
- Depending on the school, documents for admission include application forms, transcripts from
previous schools and a letter of recommendation.
- For more information regarding each school, refer to www.investkorea.org
- .
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- www.investkorea.org .
T I P
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171 ( 1577-5432)
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www.fpcp.or.kr

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www.koreanfolk.co.kr

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www.hahoe.or.kr
1999
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130
.
Andong Hahoe Folk Village

A man making bamboo crafts at a hanok in Yongin Korean
Folk Village.

When foreign wives want to learn Korean or
about the culture, they can call the women's
welfare department at city halls or local
government offices where they are living.
Tese places have free classes to help women
from abroad learn Korean etiquette, culture,
customs and other things. If the prospective
students cannot attend classes, teachers may
visit their homes twice a week. Multi-Cultural Family Support Centers (Tel:
1577-5432) all over the country provide many programs, including Korean
language classes, multi-cultural society classes, family education, consulting and
direct training for multi-cultural families.

Korean Language Institutions for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals can learn Korean at various institutions. Online training is
also available. Tere are several Korean language institutions run by universities.
Education Institutions / Website /
Multi-Cultural Family e-Learning Campaign
e-
e-campaign.kdu.edu
Korean Language Globalization Foundation
www.glokorean.org
Foundation for Korean Nationals Abroad
study.korean.net
Korean Language Education Center for Immigrants
www.migrantskorean.org
*
For more detailed information regarding the Korean language institutions, refer to www.
investkorea.org
* www.investkorea.org .
Where to Experience Korean Traditional Culture
Hanok Village at Namsan-gol www.fpcp.or.kr
Namsan-gol is a place in which hanok (Korean traditional houses) have been
restored and people can appreciate their beauty. Classes in intangible cultural
assets include brush painting of sagunja (the Four Gentlemen: Japanese
apricot, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo), etiquette, the tea ceremony and
traditional handicrafs.
Yongin Korean Folk Village www.koreanfolk.co.kr
Tis village has reconstructed many facets of late Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910)
life so tourists can see them all in one setting. Farm houses, houses for ordinary
people, district offices, lecture halls, Oriental medicine clinics, blacksmiths
26
,
Korean Language and
Life Education
www.nagan.or.kr
. ,
, , .
yangdong.invil.org

. 150
15, ,

.
www.kfr.or.kr
.
www.woorii.co.kr
,
.
www.koreaculture.or.kr
, , ,
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www.withc.org

.
Thatched-roof house at Naganeupseong Folk Village /
Yangdong Folk Village

Children enjoying a folk game.

forges, markets and even a noblemans house with 99 rooms have all been built
to show the characteristics of diferent regions.
Andong Hahoe Folk Village www.hahoe.or.kr
This is a yangban (noblemens) village, which has become more popular since
Queen Elizabeth II of England visited in 1999. In this village, a Confucian lifestyle
has been preserved since the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). One hundred and
thirty traditional houses for Neo-Confucian scholars, lecture halls and even the
thatched-roof houses of the lower classes can be seen.
Nagan Folk Village www.nagan. or.kr
This village is famous as the setting for the drama Daejanggeum (Jewel in
the Palace). Local residents currently live in thatched-roof houses. There are
several opportunities to experience culture frsthand, such as making thatched
handicrafs or weaving, and visiting a blacksmiths forge and the lecture hall.
Yangdong Folk Village yangdong.invil.org
This village is where tourists can see the Confucian culture of the Gyeongju
region during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). One hundred and fifty old
traditional houses and 15 pavilions, monument pavilions and ganghakdang
(lecture halls) have been preserved or recreated.

Institute of Korean Traditional Food www.kfr.or.kr
Tis institute is intended to carry on the heritage of traditional Korean food.
Korean and foreign visitors can taste a variety of traditional Korean foods here
and attend cooking classes.
The School of Korean Traditional Culture www.woorii.co.kr
Children can play folk games, learn traditional music and take part in other
activities.
Korea Traditional Culture Center www.koreaculture.or.kr
Visitors can learn about traditional food culture and the tea ceremony, try on
traditional clothing and experience samulnori (percussion music derived from
traditional Korean music and played by a quartet).
With Community www.withc.org
Migrant workers can experience traditional Korean culture here.
. , , ,
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| www.museum.go.kr
| www.moca.go.kr
| www.nl.go.kr
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10
. 9~10
.
Movie theater
The National Library of Korea
Facilities for Performances

Korea has performance theaters and general-
purpose halls. Halls for music concerts,
plays, musicals, operas and dance as well
as exhibitions, events and seminars include
The National Theater of Korea, the Sejong
Center for the Performing Arts and art and
performance centers in each city and province.
Teaters that are for performing arts only include culture and art centers in each
local district.
Museums, Art Galleries and Libraries
Each province as well as Seoul has unique art galleries and museums. Libraries
exist in all provinces and schools.
National Museum of Korea, Yongsan-gu, Seoula | www.museum.go.kr
National Museum of Contemporary Art, Gwacheon City, Korea | www.moca.go.kr
The National Library of Korea, Seocho-gu, Seoul | www.nl.go.kr
Culture Centers
Culture centers exist in each city, gun (county) and gu (metropolitan district).
Tese ofer classes in various facets of culture, hold cultural events, collect and
maintain local historical data and act as centers of local cultural activities.
Movie Teaters
Recently, many multiplex movie theaters with about 10 large screens have been
built. People have a variety of flms to choose from at one place. Movies mostly
start from 9 or 10 am. Discounts are ofen available for morning shows.
27
Cultural Facilities
The National Museumof Korea
Each local district has a culture and art center or a theater

for performing arts.
.

, .
.
.

. (C-4), (E-1), (E-2),
(E-3), (E-4), (E-5), (E-6), (E-7),
(E-9), (E-10), (H-1), (H-2).
(F-13, F-2-1) .
(www.hikorea.
go.kr, 1345) .

www.work.go.kr/jobcenter
, .
.
. ,
.
.
. .
In order for foreign nationals to be employed in Korea, they need to have an appropriate visa.
.
Recently, the number of job seekers from
foreign countries has been increasing, and
many foreign nationals look for jobs after
studying in Korea or marrying a Korean.
Qualifcations for foreign nationals who want
to be legally employed in Korea are specified
in the Korean Immigration Control Act. Job
training may be given to married immigrants
to help them learn technological skills necessary for obtaining a job.
In order for foreign nationals to be employed in Korea, they need to
qualify for a work visa. Types of visas for employment include short-term
employment (C-4), professors (E-1), foreign language instructor (E-2), research
(E-3), technology transfer (E-4), professional employment (E-5), arts and
performances (E-6), special occupations (E-7), non-professional employment
(E-9), members of vessel crews (E-10), working holidays (H-1) and working
visit (H-2). Married immigrants who enter Korea with an F-13 or F-2-1 visa are
qualifed for employment as well
Refer to the general information center for foreign nationals at www.
hikorea.go.kr. (Dial 1345 without prefix number) for detailed information
regarding employment in Korea.

Employment Agencies
Job Centers www.work.go.kr/jobcenter
Tese are free agencies supported by the Government and located nationwide.
These centers help job seekers find suitable work and give them information
about job opportunities. In addition, the centers arrange interviews for job
seekers with companies until they fnd employment. If there are any problems
for job seekers in visiting places of potential employment, the Center staf can
take them there.
Job Information Center
These free agencies, supported by each city and county, provide information
about job opportunities. Job seekers are informed about companies near their
residence. Refer to websites for cities and counties.
Womens Human Resource Development Center www.vocation.or.kr
Tis center is for women only and provides job training and information about
job opportunities. Some programs are free, while others are available for a fee.
28
Employment
www.vocation.or.kr
.
.
www.migrantok.org
.
liveinkorea.mogef.go.kr
- ,
.

.
| global.seoul.go.kr
| www.jobnet.go.kr
| www.work.go.kr
| know.work.go.kr

Korea Migrants Center www.migrantok.org
This civil organization helps foreign
employees in solving various problems.
Multi-Cultural Family Support Center
liveinkorea.mogef.go.kr
It provides various things such as
information about job opportunities
and cultural programs.
Internet Job Sites
As most employment agencies for
married immigrants have their own
websites, you can search at home as well.
Seoul Global Center | global.seoul.go.kr
Job Net | www.jobnet.go.kr
Work Net | www.work.go.kr
Korea Job Information System | know.work.go.kr

There are many organizations and centers, which provide
information, consultation or interpretation services for
non-Korean workers in Korea.
,
.

. ,
, ,
, , .

(jobcenter.work.go.kr),
( 1544-1350),
(www.hrd.go.kr)
.
(www.vocation.or.kr),

.

.
,
.

.
.
.
Married immigrants who have Korean citizenship can
apply for job training.
.
Te Korean Government provides job training
so immigrants can learn new technological
skills. Jobs include forklif operation, welding,
computer repair, car maintenance, driving
and cooking. People who want job training
can apply at the Job Support Center (www.
work.go.kr/jobcenter), the call center at the
Ministry of Labor (Tel: 1544-1350) and the Job
Training Information Network (www.hrd.go.kr) sponsored by the Ministry of
Employment and Labor. Married female immigrants can receive job training at
the Womens Human Resource Development Center (www.vocation.or.kr) and
the Womens Center. You will have to pay for some services, but others are free.
Requirements for Applying for Job Training
Married immigrants need to have Korean citizenship.
Married immigrants who do not have Korean citizenship can access
Unemployed Workers Training, which is divided into two categories; the frst
one is for those who have unemployment insurance. Te second is for all the
rest of the applicants.

Applying for Job Training
Visit a job support center and apply for employment. Apply for job training afer you
are guided to a job training institute. Trainees can be reimbursed for transportation
costs and meals and receive an allowance when they have job training.
29
Job Training
The Korean Government provides job training for immigrants so that they can learn newtechnological skills.
.
108 Laws Foreign Nationals Should Know 109 108 Laws Foreign Nationals Should Know 109

.
.
.
90 90
. , 59
, .

. .
, ,
( 1345).

. .

.
.

.
- (C-2) (D-8)
- (D-4) (D-2)
- (F-2)
1

Appendix 1
Laws Foreign Nationals Should Know
Entry into the Republic of Korea
People who want to enter the Republic of Korea need to carry a valid passport
and visa issued by the Ministry of Justice. While in the country, be sure to check
the expiration dates of your passport and visa to avoid any difculties stemming
from overstaying your period of sojourn. Make sure to carry your passport with
you, as it will be necessary for various purposes.
Alien Registration
Tose who intend to stay in the Republic of Korea for more than 90 days have to
register as an alien within 90 days. If the period of stay is, for example, 59 days
in your passport, then you must apply for extension before the 59 days pass. If a
person is granted permission to stay or has changed their status, he or she has to
register as an alien as soon as his or her status has changed. To receive an Alien
Registration Card, refer to local immigration ofces (Tel: 1345).
Extending Period of Stay
Foreign nationals who need to stay in Korea beyond the period of authorized
stay have to extend their period of stay. If they apply for an extension of the
period afer it has expired, they will be fned. Although its possible to submit
an application form on the day before the period of stay expires, it may not be
granted, which would make your stay illegal. Therefore, applying in advance
is recommended. Application forms for extension are available at local
immigration ofces or branches.
Changing Visa Status
Foreign nationals who want to change their visa status need permission from
the local immigration ofce.
- Foreign nationals with short-term business visas (C-2) who want to invest in Korea
(D-8)
- Foreign nationals who have fnished language training (D-4) and want to study in
Korea (D-2)
- Foreign nationals who wish to change their visa after marrying a Korean (F-2)


90 (90 )

.
- (D-2) (S-3)
- (D-6) (E-1)
90
.

.
.
(F-2-1)
. ,
3 .

.

.
- 5
-
- 50
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Other Activities Outside Visa Status
If foreign nationals staying for more than 90 days (people with 90-day short-
term visas excepted) want to participate in activities that their present visa status
does not allow, they need to get permission to engage in those activities.
- Foreign students (D-2) want to have a part time job (S-3) while they continue to
study
- Missionaries engaged in religious activities (D-6) want to teach students at a
university (E-1)
Permission for Re-Entry
Foreign nationals staying in Korea for more than 90 days who wish to leave
Korea and return within their period of sojourn need a re-entry permit from the
local immigration ofce before leaving. Single re-entry permits can be obtained
the same day a person leaves Korea at the airport or harbor of departure
regardless of where they are staying. If a person exits the country without a re-
entry permit or doesn't enter within the period allowed for re-entry, the existing
visa will be nullifed. Be careful!
Foreign spouses of Koreans (on F-2-1 visas) are allowed multiple re-entry within
the period of their visa. However, if the F-2-1 visa holder is in the midst of
divorce proceedings where the period of stay is extended by 3 months at a time,
only a single re-entry permit will be issued. A foreign national who exits the
country afer obtaining a re-entry permit but fails to re-enter the country can
apply for an extension of the re-entry permit at a Korean embassy or consulate.
Acquiring Permanent Residence
Te following people have a right to apply for permanent residence:
- A person who has stayed in Korea for more than fve years
- A foreign national married to a Korean. A spouse and underage children of a
person who has permanent residence
- Foreign nationals who have invested more than US$500,000
- Koreans who are citizens of another country and meet certain requirements
- Chinese who were born and are living in Korea
- A person with a PhD in cutting-edge technologies
2 ,
,
,

.

.
- 5
- 3

- 2
-
-
.
-
-
2 ,
3 1 ,
, ,
2 ,

.

- Holders of bachelor's degrees with certifcation in cutting-edge technologies
- Those with abilities in specifc needed areas
- A person of special merit
- Benefciary of a pension
- Foreign nationals who come to Korea to marry
A foreign national married to a Korean can acquire permanent resident
status by applying for a change in status if he or she 1) has lived in Korea for
more than two years, 2) survives a Korean spouse who has died or is judged
missing by a court of law, 3) is divorced or living apart from the Korean spouse
and has proven that he or she is not responsible for the situation (divorce or
living separately) and 4) is responsible for underage children from the marriage.
Acquiring Citizenship
The following people can apply for Korean citizenship at local immigration
ofces with the required documents.
- People who have lived in Korea for more than fve years
- Korean-born foreigners who have lived in Korea for three years or longer may
apply for citizenship if their mother or father used to be Korean citizens or had
been born in Korea.
- A foreign national married to a Korean and staying in Korea for more than two
years
- A person whose father or mother is Korean
- Children whose father or mother is naturalized can apply for special naturalization
regardless of their age, marital status or the period of stay in Korea.
- People who have made a special contribution to the Republic of Korea
- People who immigrate to Korea for the purpose of marriage
Other people who are qualifed for Korean citizenship include people who
have entered Korea, registered as aliens and stayed legally for more than two
years; foreign nationals married to a Korean for more than three years and who
have stayed in Korea for more than one year; widows or widowers of Korean
spouses (or those whose Korean spouse has been declared missing) who live
in Korea; and foreign nationals who are responsible for raising the underage
children born of a marriage to a Korean national.
114 Service Institutions for Foreign Nationals 115 114 Service Institutions for Foreign Nationals 115

www,hIkorea,go,kr
, , , ,
. , , , 4 , ,
, .

1345

www,ImmIgratIon,go,kr
,
.

www,g4t,go,kr
, , (F-1)
, ,
,
, .

1345
, ,
.

1544-u544

www,mIgrantok,org
, , , , , ,
, , , ,
.
( 1~7), 1644-0644, 02-6900-8000
.

1577-5432

IIveInkorea,moget,go,kr

171 . ,
, , , ,
. , (
) .
2

Hi Korea www.hikorea.go.kr
HiKorea is a government on-line service center for foreign nationals. It
provides such services as immigration, civil applications, labor, consulting, and
information for daily life. It is run in four languages (Korean, English, Japanese
and Chinese). Foreign nationals can make appointments to visit the ofce, get
permission for re-entry, and even extend online their period of stay.
Immigration Ofces Call 1345 www.immigration.go.kr
The most important duties of the Immigration Office are to issue Alien
Registration Cards and permission to stay. It also provides education and
information for immigrants.
Single Portal Service Providing General Support for Foreign Nationals
www.g4f.go.kr
Various services are provided, such as re-entry permits, extension of short-
term stay, permission for extension of the period of stay for people with F-1
visas whose parents were born in Korea, permission for extension of stay for
a registered foreign national intending to depart Korea in the near future, and
documents regarding foreign employees who have left their worksite without
notice as well as other information.
In addition, the service can introduce online business partners to promote
investment by foreigners. Public administrative organizations may also share
information about foreign nationals.
General Information Center for Foreign Nationals Call 1345
Consulting services are provided for such things as language, daily life and law,
visas and citizenship and many other problems foreigners may have.
Foreign Employee Support Center of Korea
A civic organization for helping solve various problems foreign employees may face
Call 1644-0644 www.migrantok.org
It provides consultation on such topics as unpaid wages, changing jobs,
Appendix 2
Service Institutions for Foreign Nationals

1577-1355

www,wm1355,or,kr
, ,
. 365 24 .
, , ,
. , , , , ,
, .
Multilingual Support Websites /
Organizations
website
Description
Korea Net
korea.net
Offcial website of the Republic of Korea

KBS Worlds News
KBS
world.kbs.co.kr
Multilingual news, current affairs, culture and TV
shows
, ,
Immigrant
Broadcasting
www.mntv.net
Multilingual news, Korean language for everyday
use
,
Multi-cultural
family e-Learning
e-
ecamp.kdu.edu
Korean language instruction
Mangonet
www.mangonet.kr
Online community for immigrants about marriage,
education, health and jobs
, , ,
Salad TV
TV
saladtv.kr
Internet broadcasting for foreign nationals,
multi-cultural families and overseas residents
, ,
Korea Tourism
Organization
www.visitkorea.or.kr
Information on travel and festivals in Korea

Service Institutions for Foreign Nationals

immigration, industrial accidents, medical services and welfare, international
marriage, fraud and violence, training in Korean, computers or taekwondo, law
and safety, and adjusting to life in Korea.
Call 1644-0644 on Sundays (1 pm-7 pm) and business days. Call (02) 6900-8000
on Saturdays.
Multi-Cultural Family Support Center
Call 1577-5432 liveinkorea.mogef.go.kr
Established to support immigrants with issues of marriage and living in
Korea, there are 171 branch of ces of the center nationwide. Various services
are provided, such as Korean language education for multi-cultural families,
information on understanding multi-cultural family culture, family education,
consulting, employment, starting up businesses, and translation. It also ofers
bilingual programs and Korean language courses for children.
Emergency Support Center for Migrant Women
Call 1577-1366 www.wm1366.or.kr
This is an emergency consulting center to be used when female immigrants
sufer domestic violence, sexual harassment or forced prostitution, and can be
used for immediate protection. It is available around the clock, seven days a
week.
Female immigrants can seek help when they face difficulties or need
information or assistance with legal problems such as citizenship or visas.
Assistance is provided by other female immigrants, who are dedicated
consultants, and is now available in 10 languages, including Korean, English,
Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese, Mongolian and Tagalog.
How to get to Seoul from Incheon International Airport


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Tings Newcomers Need to Know to Live in Korea

Provinces and Cities of Korea

Hanbok, tradi ti onal Korean clothi ng, i s

used for parents friends, friends parents or elderly persons

used as an honorifc after a persons title or name

Titles used by a wife for her in-laws /

Titles used by a husband for his in-laws /

Yeobo, childs name +Eomma

Older brothers wife

Elder sisters husband

Younger sisters husband

Yeobo, childs name-abba

Elder brothers wife

Husbands elder sister

Elder sisters husband

Married younger brother

Younger brothers wife

Unmarried younger brother

Younger sisters husband

Due to Confucian infuence, Koreans are taught to respect their elders.

Korea has very advanced communication

International Express Mail /

The National Library of Korea

Facilities for Performances

Each local district has a culture and art center or a theater

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