An empty taxi may already be booked, an app’s “Standard” ride may carry a service fee, and a trip beyond Seoul’s boundary does not always qualify for an out-of-area surcharge. For foreign passengers, understanding those distinctions can make booking a taxi easier and help identify charges that need questioning. Taxi fares and regulations vary across Korea. The following guide focuses on Seoul. Look for the windshield signs. The one reading "빈차," or “bincha,” generally displayed in red, means tha

Foreign national workers in South Korea may have legal protections if they are dismissed, injured at work or pregnant. The rules depend in part on the size of the workplace and the type of protection involved. At workplaces with five or more regular employees, the Labor Standards Act prohibits employers from dismissing workers without justifiable cause. It also requires employers to notify a worker of the grounds for dismissal and the date it will take effect in writing. A dismissal is not made

Working in a foreign country can mean navigating unfamiliar laws and workplace rules. For foreign workers in Korea, one key question is whether they qualify as workers under Korean law — even if their contracts describe them as freelancers. This article looks at labor disputes in fields that employ many foreign workers and at court cases involving workers in Korea. The previous edition of this series covered the rules and procedures for foreign nationals working here. The Labor Standards Act’s p

Subway passengers may come across various hurdles: you might miss your stop, you're carrying a lot of luggage and require an elevator, or you need priority seating. In many cases, the subway system has you covered. Here are some tips for taking advantage of services that could be helpful when using Korea's expansive subway networks. Major cities across the country have free transfer systems, as mentioned in a previous edition of this series, but many subway stations in the Seoul metropolitan are

Seoul’s subway map can make a journey look straightforward. What it does not show is how long a transfer can take or how crowded a station may be when you arrive. For passengers navigating the capital region, knowing when to travel, where to change trains and when to use the airport railroad can make a trip easier. The Airport Railroad, known as AREX, connects Seoul Station with Gimpo and Incheon international airports. Its two services serve different needs. All-stop trains call at every statio

If you have a residence card and a Korean bank account or credit card, you can usually sign up for a long-term mobile plan. The harder question is which kind to choose. South Korea has three major network operators: SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus. They offer extensive retail networks, device financing, membership benefits and bundles linking mobile service with home internet and television. The alternative is a mobile virtual network operator, or MVNO. Known in Korean as “altteulpon,” or budget mob

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