Moving to Korea was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made — but it also came with a lot of surprises. I landed in Daegu in 2017, 20 years old, full of excitement… and very quickly realized that there were a ton of things I wish someone had told me beforehand.
Here’s a collection of the most unexpected (and sometimes funny) lessons I learned, based on real experience — from housing and immigration quirks to finding a job and navigating local systems.
One of the first surprises I had was around renting an apartment.
In Korea, you’ll typically be asked for a much higher deposit than in many other countries — even for monthly rental (월세) contracts. The deposit (보증금) can start around ₩3,000,000–₩10,000,000 (€2,000–€7,000) or more. And if you go for 전세, you put down a huge lump sum (₩20M to ₩100M+) and pay no rent at all.
The good news? Unlike in France or other countries where you might lose your deposit for not repainting a wall, in Korea you usually get the entire deposit back — as long as you didn’t damage the place.
Also: landlords often include a bed, washing machine, fridge, and more — and you can ask during the lease discussion.
📋 Just be sure everything is clearly written in the contract.
Korea’s subway and bus system is world-class: clean, punctual, cheap. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy for newcomers.
You’ll need a T-Money card to get around — it works on buses, subways, and even in some taxis and convenience stores.
But be aware: Google Maps is basically useless in Korea. Use KakaoMap or Naver Map instead — they’re much more reliable, and designed for Korean routes and addresses.
Also: not all buses display stops in English. In smaller cities, figuring out where to get off can be an adventure.
When I was on an H-1 working holiday visa, I found a job and wanted to switch to a professional visa.
Easy, right? Nope.
Immigration told me I had to go back to France — which was wrong.
In reality, I just had to leave Korea, re-enter as a tourist, and apply for the new visa from there.
And here’s the fun part:
I actually had to leave twice, because the first time I came back and gave up my ID card, the immigration officer re-admitted me as a resident… even though I had technically forfeited my visa.
So I was suddenly — and unknowingly — illegal.
So I left again. The first time I took the boat to Tsushima (Daemado). The second time, another boat to Fukuoka.
(Yes, boats. I was in Daegu and it was faster that way.)
🛳️ If you're ever in a similar situation, Japan is the quickest and easiest option for a quick visa reset — especially via Busan.
🌀 Bottom line? Immigration isn’t always consistent. Don’t rely on a single answer. Ask around, double-check online, and don’t be afraid to push back when something feels off.
Back in 2017, you couldn’t get a SIM card without a Korean ID, and that meant no food delivery, no online orders, no access to Kakao services — even some games were off-limits.
As of 2025, things are much better — more telecom providers offer SIM cards to foreigners on short-term stays. But if you plan to stay long, you’ll still want a number connected to your ARC (Alien Registration Card). It’s required for a lot of ID verifications on apps, government portals, and banking tools.
📱 Set it up early — it unlocks most of your daily life.
Many foreigners try LinkedIn to look for English-speaking jobs in Korea — and it can work, especially for international companies.
But if you want more options, you should definitely try local platforms:
💡 Tip: Build your resume in Korean or English, depending on the company. Some companies are open to foreigners — they just never thought to hire one. If your skills match, apply anyway. You’d be surprised.
Here’s a fun one: In Korea, there’s a system where if you spend using your registered card, you may be eligible for income tax deductions.
It’s designed to encourage transparency and reduce under-the-table cash payments. You can even get receipts for personal purchases that help reduce your tax base, especially if you're a salaried employee.
That said, this applies mostly to locals or residents with work visas — and you’ll want to use an income tax app or a Korean accountant to check how (and whether) you qualify. But yes — shopping can help your taxes.
You can get by in central Seoul — but elsewhere, most services are in Korean only.
Doctors, dentists, pharmacies, banks, government offices, immigration, couriers… the list goes on. Some apps and websites still don’t offer English versions. Even asking for help in person can be tough if you don’t know basic Korean.
🌱 Learn simple phrases early. Even if you're not fluent, people notice and appreciate the effort. It makes your life easier and opens doors.
In Korea, it’s normal for one person to pay for the whole table. Usually the oldest person or the inviter covers everything — and next time, someone else will return the gesture.
Restaurants often can’t split bills, even if you ask. If you try to divide the total, you’ll sometimes need to do it manually or pay one person back later.
💡 Don’t worry too much — just go with the flow. It’s not rude. It’s just how things work.
Living in Korea is full of learning curves — but that’s part of what makes it unforgettable. Most of these surprises became great stories (eventually), and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
If you're planning to move to Korea, I hope this gives you a clearer picture — and maybe saves you from some of the headaches I had.
And if you're already here and looking to meet new people, try Omeet — a free app to connect with locals, expats, and travelers who speak your language or share your interests. 🧡
