10 Essential Tips for Living in Korea for a Month: A Foreigner’s Guide Introduction

Living in Korea for a month can be an exciting and enriching experience. Whether you’re a student, a digital nomad, or just someone looking to immerse yourself in Korean culture, this guide is for you.

Based on insights from experienced travelers, we’ve compiled ten essential tips to help you navigate the costs, accommodation options, transportation, and food in Korea. Let’s dive in!

Budget Breakdown

1. Accommodation

Finding the right place to stay is crucial for a comfortable month-long stay in Korea. Here are some options and tips:

• Airbnb: Many visitors recommend Airbnb for its convenience and flexibility. You can find private apartments or shared spaces depending on your budget. Prices range from $600 to $1,200 per month¹.
• University Dormitories: If you’re a student, consider staying in university dormitories. They are often cheaper and provide a great opportunity to meet other students¹.
• Guesthouses and Hostels: For those on a tighter budget, guesthouses and hostels are a good option. Prices can be as low as $20 per night¹.

2. Transportation

Getting around Korea is relatively easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system. Here are some tips.
In particular, the Kakao subway app provides an exit number and alarm function upon arrival with just one entry of the departure and destination.

• T-Money Card: T-money cards are sold at convenience stores in the city as well as at airport convenience stores and subway stations. You can pay automatically when using buses, subways, and taxis with a single charge, especially when transferring on public transportation. Even if you travel a long distance within the city, it never costs more than $3 at most.

• Subway: The subway is the most efficient way to travel within cities like Seoul and Busan. A single ride costs around $1.30.

• Buses:: To make it easy to get to your destination through Naver Map or Kakao Map, we will guide you by estimating how to get to the bus stop, the time required, as well as the alarm function of the destination and the walking time of the final destination.

3. Food

• Street Food: Don’t miss out on street food! It’s cheap and offers a variety of options like tteokbokki, kimbap, and hotteok. Prices range from $1 to $5¹.
• Local Restaurants: Eating at local restaurants is affordable and gives you a taste of authentic Korean dishes. A meal typically costs around $5 to $10¹.
• Convenience Stores: Convenience stores like CU and GS25 offer a wide range of ready-to-eat meals and snacks at reasonable prices. If you turn on the Naver Map or Kakao Map app and enter ‘Convenience Store’ in the search box, you can easily find a nearby convenience store.

Accommodation Tips

4. Finding the Right Place

• Research: Use websites like Airbnb, Craigslist, and Facebook groups to find short-term rentals. Make sure to read reviews and check the location¹.
• Negotiate: Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price, especially if you’re staying for a month. Some hosts may offer discounts for longer stays¹.
• Location: Choose a location that is close to public transportation and amenities. Popular areas for expats include Itaewon, Hongdae, and Gangnam¹.

• Deposits: Be prepared to pay a deposit, especially for longer stays. Deposits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars¹.
• Utilities: Check if utilities are included in the rent. If not, budget an additional $50 to $100 per month for electricity, water, and internet¹.
• Furnishings: Most short-term rentals come fully furnished, but it’s always good to confirm with the host¹.

6. Navigating the City

• Subway Apps: Download subway apps like KakaoMetro or Naver Map to navigate the subway system easily¹.
• Bicycle Rentals: Consider renting a bicycle for short trips. Seoul has a bike-sharing program called Seoul Bike Ddareungi¹.
• Taxis: Taxis are relatively affordable, but make sure to use reputable taxi services like KakaoTaxi to avoid scams¹.

7. Traveling Between Cities

• KTX: The Korea Train Express (KTX) is the fastest way to travel between cities. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station¹.
• Express Buses: Express buses are a cheaper alternative to the KTX. They are comfortable and offer various routes across the country¹.
• Car Rentals: If you prefer driving, consider renting a car. Make sure to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and familiarize yourself with Korean traffic laws¹.

8. Must-Try Dishes

• Bibimbap: A mixed rice dish with vegetables, meat, and a spicy sauce. It’s a healthy and filling option¹.
• Samgyeopsal: Korean BBQ is a must-try experience. Grill your own meat and enjoy it with various side dishes¹.
• Kimchi: No Korean meal is complete without kimchi. Try different varieties to find your favorite¹.

9. Eating Out

• Street Markets: Visit street markets like Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market for a wide variety of food options¹.
• Cafes: Korea has a vibrant cafe culture. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a dessert at one of the many unique cafes¹.
• Delivery Apps: Use delivery apps like Baedal Minjok (Baemin) or Yogiyo to order food to your accommodation¹.

Living in Korea for a month can be an exciting and enriching experience. By following these tips and recommendations from fellow travelers, you can make the most of your stay without breaking the bank. From finding the right accommodation to navigating the transportation system and enjoying delicious food, this guide has you covered. Happy travels!

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need any further assistance or adjustments.