Why Pre-Arrival Orientation Matters When companies relocate employees to Korea, hotel accommodation provided by the employer is often limited. This short window can create stress for families who need to find housing, schools, and healthcare quickly. Without prior preparation, the process can feel overwhelming and rushed. Making the Most of the Business Trip That’s why many companies now...

One of the most frequently asked questions by expats and newcomers is:"Why are rental deposits in Korea so high?" Unlike many Western countries where small deposits and monthly rent are the norm, the Korean housing market operates with large security deposits, especially under the unique jeonse system. Here's why. The Jeonse System: Rent-Free Living with a Large Deposit In Korea, the jeonse...

How Housing Unlocks ARC, Phone, Internet, and More for Expats When relocating to South Korea, securing housing is not just about having a place to stay—it is the first step that enables everything else. Without a signed lease contract, it is difficult to proceed with essentials like applying for your Alien Registration Card (ARC), setting up your Korean phone number, home internet, or even opening a...

Top 7 Mistakes Expats Make When Renting an Apartment in Seoul (And How to Avoid Them) 1. Confusing Jeonse with Regular Deposit-Based Rent Many expats mistakenly assume that paying a high deposit with low monthly rent means they’ve secured a jeonse contract. In reality, jeonse is a uniquely Korean rental system where the tenant pays a lump-sum deposit—often 60% to 80% of the property's...

If you are a foreigner in South Korea, navigating the country’s vehicle rental, purchasing, and resale process may seem complex. However, with the right information, owning and managing a car in Korea can be smooth and hassle-free. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting, buying a used or new car, and selling your vehicle before leaving Korea. Renting a Car in South...

Living in South Korea as a foreigner can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when it comes to navigating daily life. Fortunately, there are several apps that can make everything from transportation to communication much easier. Here’s a list of essential apps that every expat should have while living in Korea. 1. KakaoTalk – The Ultimate Messaging App KakaoTalk is the most...

Relocating to South Korea is an exciting opportunity, whether for work, education, or personal growth. However, the transition comes with its own set of challenges. Proper planning and preparation can make a significant difference in settling into your new environment with ease. Orientation services are designed to help individuals and families familiarize themselves with their new surroundings even...

When looking for temporary housing, especially for a month or more, short-term rentals through real estate agencies often offer better value than Airbnb. While Airbnb can be convenient for very short stays, when it comes to longer stays, short-term rentals provide significant advantages in terms of cost, stability, and service. 1. Better Value for Longer Stays While Airbnb may seem cost-effective...

Introduction To understand the rental price trends in South Korea, it is crucial to first grasp thedynamics of property sale prices and the unique "jeonse" system. The jeonse systemand property sales market are closely interconnected, with both influencing the rentalmarket significantly. This analysis will examine the key elements of South Korea’sreal estate market and how factors such as the...

Obtaining a visa for Korea as a foreigner involves navigating a complex and often stringent process. One of the key challenges faced by many prospective visa applicants is the requirement to be outside Korea for the visa issuance. This stipulation means that individuals cannot obtain a new visa while in the country on a tourist visa, necessitating a return to their home country or another location outside...