In Korea, a mobile number does more than keep you connected. It is often used to verify identity when accessing banking apps, delivery platforms, government websites and other online services. Short-term visitors can usually manage with international roaming, a travel eSIM, a prepaid SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi. You can also sign up for KakaoTalk with a mobile number issued outside Korea. Those staying longer, however, often need a Korean mobile line registered in their own name. Having a local num

Having a baby brings plenty of paperwork and expenses. For foreign residents in South Korea, available benefits depend on health insurance coverage, the parents’ immigration status, the child’s nationality and where the family lives. Here are the main programs to check before and after childbirth. Foreign residents enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service are generally eligible for the same pregnancy and childbirth medical benefits as Korean subscribers. Enrollment rules vary. Foreign e

Driving in a foreign country requires learning more than its traffic laws. In Korea, hazard lights, horns and even phone numbers left on dashboards carry meanings that may not be immediately obvious to newcomers. Here are some of the unwritten rules and practical habits to know before getting behind the wheel. What hazard lights mean when driving in Korea A quick double flash of hazard lights in Korea may mean “thank you,” “sorry” or “watch out.” The meaning depends on the situation. While traff

South Korea’s extensive public transportation network makes it possible for visitors to get by without a car. But for those who plan to drive — whether for travel, work or a longer stay — the rules depend largely on how long they will be in the country and where their current license was issued. Short-term visitors may be able to use an international driving permit, while longer-term residents can exchange a foreign license for a Korean one or apply for a Korean license from scratch. If you have

Travelers can bring certain controlled medications into South Korea for personal treatment, but they must obtain approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before entering the country. This can apply to some medicines commonly prescribed or sold over the counter overseas. South Korea strictly regulates narcotics, psychotropic substances and other controlled drugs, including some ingredients found in medicines widely used in other countries. One example is dextromethorphan, an ingredient

Bringing medication into South Korea may seem straightforward, particularly if it is something you have been prescribed or can easily buy in your home country. But some medications that are legal overseas are tightly regulated in Korea, while others may require a prescription, supporting documents or prior government approval before they can be brought into the country. Korea has strict regulations not only on illegal drugs, but also on state-approved medications containing controlled substances

Having a Korean passport does not necessarily mean a child's family is treated exactly the same as every other Korean household under government policy. In South Korea, children whose families fall under the legal definition of a “multicultural family” may be eligible for additional language, education and childcare support. Some protections extend further: Foreign children without legal immigration status can attend school, while certain children who are undocumented long-term may qualify for t

For foreign national parents living in South Korea, choosing a school for their children can involve unfamiliar rules, documents and terminology. Children can enter Korea’s public school system regardless of their nationality, immigration status or Korean-language ability. Unlike Korean families, however, foreign national parents generally have to initiate the enrollment process themselves. Elementary and middle school education is compulsory in Korea, and public schools do not charge tuition. F

Like in countries all over the world, Koreans have unique features concerning their style of living. These features are particularly on display at home, meaning it would be wise for a foreign visitor to know a thing or two about Korean homes before dropping in. From sharing food to sitting on the floor and, of course, taking off the shoes, here are some of the things Koreans do in the comfort of their own homes. While Koreans also use elevated furniture like chairs, sofas and beds, it is common

Heat and humidity make summer in Korea a trying time for people living here. Monsoon showers may be effective in bringing temperatures down, but torrential rain brings a whole range of new issues like flooding and dampness. It is advisable for residents to keep an eye on weather forecasts, as conditions can change throughout the day. Here are tips on how to get the latest weather information. The Korea Meteorological Administration provides weather outlooks for both the current moment and furthe