Money Archives - Aclipse

Category: Money

03 Dec

How To Use Coupang, The Amazon Of Korea

When I first moved to Korea, one of the first parts of America that I specifically missed was Amazon. While Amazon does work in Korea, the shipping is much slower and slightly more expensive than in the States. While talking to my Korean friend about this, she said: “Have you tried Coupang yet?”

Coupang is the largest online retailer used in South Korea. Its biggest competitor is G Market. I thought that using a Korean online shop would be difficult since I am still learning Korean, but it was much easier than I thought! Today, I am going to be giving you a step-by-step guide on how to use the Amazon of South Korea: Coupang!

Get Your Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Just like many things in South Korea, an ARC is required to use services like Coupang. The reason for this is because your phone number, bank account, and ARC are all connected in South Korea. Once you have the physical ARC, you can open a bank account and open a phone plan. My school helped me throughout this process, so you have nothing to worry about! Check out our step-by-step guide here if you need it!

Download The Coupang App

Coupang can be found on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store on any recent smartphone. It will look something like this:

The first page that opens when you first start the app is a page that looks like this. You will click on the bottom option to register for a Coupang account. “회원가입” translates to “Sign Up.”

You will then need to fill out a page with your personal information. It will look something like this:

Once you submit this page, you will then need to verify your phone number. There are multiple ways to do this, but I find the easiest is clicking on SMS and verifying it through a text message code.

After you have verified that you are a real person, congratulations! You have officially created your Coupang account.

Start Shopping!

It’s now time for the best part: finding amazing deals with extremely fast shipping! Although Coupang is a Korean app, I have used English in the search bar and have had little to no issues finding what I need. I have purchased bedding, cleaning supplies, home gadgets, toiletries, and so much more with Coupang! On top of this, Coupang has something called, “Rocket Delivery.” Eligible items will be marked with a blue rocket graphic, and will arrive within 1 day or less!

Here is a screenshot of what a normal item page on Coupang will look like!

Once you have decided on what you wish to buy, it’s now time to input your home address.

TIP: If you don’t know how to read or write Korean, type in your home address on Papago and it will automatically translate it for you!

Most buildings have a front door with a password to enter the building. If this is the case, make sure to add the front door password into the delivery instructions! All of the blanks along with what should be written in them can be found here:

After that, all you need to do is hit the big, blue button at the bottom of the screen and you will be done! Coupang is an amazing resource to use when you can’t find an item in stores, or if you want to find good deals. This guide would have helped me A TON when I first found out about Coupang, so I hope it helps you too!

Gabe White, Marketing Assistant

Gabriel (Gabe) White is a soon to be English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.

12 Nov

CultureMoneyBy aclipse

Is There Tipping In Korea?

In the U.S. and other western countries, tipping culture is a big deal. There’s a lot of intricacy involving who you tip, when you tip, how much you tip, and more. Luckily, in South Korea, it’s completely different. In a full year of living in South Korea, I have not tipped a single person and have never been asked to do so! That’s because it’s not a part of Korean culture. In fact, not only is tipping not customary, it can even be considered rude. Some say that tipping in Korea suggests the consumer thinks the worker needs charity. The general rule is that service should be exceptional at all times, with no expectation of extra pay.

Obviously, the biggest benefit of the “no tipping” culture is the amount of money you save in every day life. No one tips in cabs, restaurants, bars, hair salons, moving companies, or any other service you receive. After living in a country where tipping is never expected or required, you begin to wonder why we do it in the first place! Say goodbye to those annoying iPads asking you to tip 20% everywhere you go!

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

That being said, Koreans do show gratitude in many other ways in every day life. There are still ways to be polite and make sure that you are being respectful without giving extra money. Here are a few ways to show your appreciation to service workers while living in South Korea.

Small Gifts

Small gifts. While service workers will never expect a tip, a small gift (Ex: canned coffee, tangerines, etc.) when someone goes above and beyond is a nice gesture. For example, if you feel like your realtor put in extra effort to show you a lot of apartments and find you a good deal, buying them a coffee is totally welcomed and appreciated!

Using Two Hands To Receive Things

Give and accept things with two hands. In Korea, this is a polite way to go about a transaction. For example, when you pay for your meal at a restaurant, it’s a good idea to give them your card or cash using two hands. The waiter will likely return your card and hand you the receipt the same way. You can use two hands, or you can touch or grab your extended arm to show deference.

Say Thank You!

Say thank you in Korean. Generally, Koreans are very understanding that foreigners don’t speak Korean, but that doesn’t mean you should never speak it. Here’s how to say the most formal version of thank you in Korean: Gam-sa-ham-ni-da (감사합니다). And check out the video to hear a few other ways to say it, too!

Bowing

In Korea, it’s polite to bow to people older than you. As a foreigner, I always try to bow to service workers as well, especially because I’m not fluent in Korean and can’t properly express my thanks otherwise. If you’re worried that by not tipping you may appear rude, bowing is one way to show politeness that’s culturally acceptable, especially when coupled with saying thank you! Check out this video from the :52 second mark!

And that’s it! Now you know there is no tipping in Korea, and can show gratitude through respect and kindness instead!

English teacher posing on a bridge in Korea with Namsan Tower in the background

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

05 Jul

LifestyleMoneyBy aclipse

The Cost Of Living In Korea

Let me share a little about my own experience budgeting in South Korea as well as some quick facts about the cost of living.

My Experience

I try to live by the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of my income going towards essential living costs, 30% going towards wants, and the last 20% going into savings. Do I manage this each month? Before I answer that question, let me give you a glimpse at my lifestyle here in Korea.

I live in Gangnam, the richest neighborhood in Seoul, which means my rent is on the higher side for an individual living in Korea. It also means I have a really nice living space in one of the best locations in the city. I go out every weekend, eating and drinking at local and trendy restaurants, with my friends. I take public transit, but I never worry when I take taxis to work or elsewhere that I’m blowing my budget. At least once a month, I take a weekend trip to another part of Korea, which means my monthly budget includes train costs, additional accommodation costs, and miscellaneous travel expenses. I’ve gone on two international trips since moving here in August, which adds additional major costs to my budget.

To put simply, I’m living exactly how I hoped I would when I dreamed of living abroad: Spending money on travel when I’m not working, but still with enough money to enjoy my daily life with comfort and convenience.

But do I manage to put 20% of my income into savings each month? Emphatically, yes. I usually put about 20-30% of my income into savings each month, and to be frank, I haven’t been trying that hard. While that’s my personal choice, I think others who are more focused on their financial savings will find that they can save more than 30% if that’s a priority.

Quick Facts

Keep in mind, things are going to be different for everyone based on where you live, your salary, and what you like to spend money on. So far, I’ve just shared my personal experience, but here are some quick facts about the cost of living in South Korea to give you a better idea.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant: ₩10,000

Domestic beer: ₩3,000

Phone plan: ₩60,000

Gym membership: ₩65,000

Rent: ₩700,000

These numbers are from a website that gives an overview of cost of living in different countries. Of course, it’s different for everybody (for example, my phone plan is significantly cheaper than the number they list out), but it’s a good place to start to get an idea of the cost breakdown for South Korea. Check it out here!

English teacher standing in front of a mountain and Han River in South Korea

Diana Richtman, Marketing Assistant

28 Mar

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

Must-Join Facebook Groups In Korea

Must-Join Facebook Groups in Korea

Living abroad and navigating life in a new country and culture comes with its own set of challenges. Who is the best English-speaking doctor in your area? Where is the best place to buy new furniture? What nightlife events are happening this weekend? Fortunately, Facebook groups are a great resource for teachers in Korea looking for support, advice, and community. In this blog post, I will highlight some Facebook groups that I joined when I moved to Korea.

Every Expat in Korea

With nearly 100 thousand members, this is the go to Facebook group for navigating life in Korea. If you need advice on anything from finding the best deals on concert tickets to which ATM to use to avoid withdrawal fees, this group has you covered. Community members post and respond to questions daily. I joined this group the week I moved to Korea and have used it several times. This group helped me find a Korean tutor and I even found people that were going to the same EDM festival to meet up!

Buy and Sale Korea

Don’t let the grammatically incorrect group name fool you! This is the biggest and best Facebook group for buying and selling items while living in Korea. You can find advertisements for people reselling phones, bikes, clothing, computers, and even cars. I recently purchased an Apple watch secondhand from this group and had an excellent experience communicating with the seller. Once they posted the item in the mail and sent me a picture of the proof of shipping, I transferred the funds directly to their account and my watch arrived the same day.

Inked Korea

Korea has some of the world’s best tattoo artists and new studios are opening all the time. If you’re looking to commemorate your time living and teaching in Korea or just want to indulge your creativity and self-expression, check out this group for tattoo artist recommendations. You can also find detailed information about where to get a specific style of tattoo. The thing I like most about this group is that shops will post promotions so you can make sure you get the best possible rates for your new ink.

Restaurant Buzz Seoul

This Facebook group is one of the best places to find delicious places to eat across Seoul. From the best street food stalls to Michelin star dining experiences, this group has recommendations for all types of cuisine. Since the group comprises mainly of foreigners, this is a great way to find the best Western and International restaurants in your area. Once you request to join the group, you’ll have access to posts about new and upcoming restaurants and the staple must-eat locations. If you’re a foodie then this is the group for you!

Joining Facebook groups tailored to foreigners in Korea has helped me to transition more smoothly and improved my experience overall. From finding practical advice to making new social connections, Facebook groups offer a supportive community that will make your time in Korea that much better.

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

19 Mar

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

Sending Money Home From Korea

Overseas Remittance

A huge concern some people have before moving abroad is finances. A major question I had was how I would get money to my bank account in the States. There are a couple of different ways you can send money home, regardless of your home country. First, you can do an overseas remittance at your bank. If this option isn’t ideal for you, you can also download a 3rd party app that will allow you to send money abroad. In this guide, you’ll find helpful tips and tricks for navigating both methods when sending money home.

Using Your Korean Bank

In order to send money home directly from your Korean bank account, you’ll need to go in person to your bank. Most banks in Seoul and major cities have bank tellers who speak English, but I recommend asking a Korean friend to come with you if you’re in a small town. Once the remittance account is set up, you can easily send money home this way. There are really only two negatives to going directly through your Korean bank: First, there’s usually a fee associated with each transfer (I’ve seen anywhere between 8,000-20,000 won, which is about $6-15 USD). Second, it usually takes 1-2 days for the money to appear in your U.S. bank account. However, once you have it set up, this option is easy and can be done from your regular banking app!

Below are the basics of what information you need to have on hand when setting up a remittance account with your Korean bank. Most of the information for my bank account in the U.S. is easily accessible on my bank’s app, so look there first if you’re unsure about some of this information!

What you’ll need to give your Korean bank:

Your name
Address in Korea
Phone number in Korea
The recipient’s name
The recipient’s address
Their phone number
The international bank name
The bank address
The bank code
The account number

Apps For Sending Money

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of physically going into your bank in Korea to set up a remittance account, you can use an app for sending money home. After asking my friends who have used this option, there seem to be a few pros to this method: First, depending on the app you use, the fees associated with the transaction can be lower. Second, you can potentially get the money in your home bank account faster than by going through your Korean bank. Even if you initially set up overseas remittance with your bank, one of these apps is good to have on hand in case there is an emergency!

For most of these apps, you’ll need similar information to what your Korean bank will require for an overseas remittance. Some might differ or require more, but the setup process can be done entirely from the comfort of your phone. No in-person conversations necessary!

Below are a few options for apps that allow you to send money overseas:

WireBarley: One of my closest friends here in Seoul uses WireBarley, and she can personally vouch for how user-friendly it is. Plus, she says this is a great option for people looking to avoid expensive fees!

Wise: If you need to send money to Korea rather than to your home country, I’ve heard this is a particularly good app to do it with. Wise is also another great option if you’re worried about fees.

SentBe: SentBe is another popular app for sending money overseas! Just be careful with this one. Although it’s fast and reliable, it also has a transaction limit for a single transfer.

It’s been amazing getting to travel the world and earn money doing a job I love. There’s no reason you won’t be able to save money each month when you live in Korea. Knowing I have plenty of options for sending money home has given me such peace of mind. I hope this article helps you have a better idea of how you’ll send money home, so you can focus more on the life-changing adventure ahead of you!

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

29 Feb

MoneyRelocationBy aclipse

A Guide to Opening Your Bank Account in Korea

Opening Your Bank Account

One of the important tasks you’ll need to take care of when you start your teaching job in Korea is setting up a bank account. When I first moved, I had a lot of questions and didn’t know where to begin. But I’ve got you covered! I was surprised at just how easy it was to get things set up, so long as I had the right documents! Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about opening your bank account in Korea that will make your time as a teacher a lot easier in the months ahead.

What Documents Will I Need?

First, keep in mind that document requirements can be updated at any time and may vary depending on the specific bank you apply at. While you can use this info as a general guide, I suggest that you have a friend or your school manager call ahead to ensure that you have everything you need when applying. Typically, you should prepare the following items:

A valid passport
A certificate of employment which you can get from your school
An Alien Registration Card (ARC) which is typically ready 4-6 weeks after you arrive in Korea

The bank may allow you to open your account using only your passport but it will depend on the location. In my experience, I opened my KEB Hana account with my passport and then went back to the bank a few weeks later to switch the account to my ARC when it was ready.

What Type Of Account Should I Open?

Korean banks offer a variety of account types but I recommend that you open a “Foreign Designated Account”. If you want to transfer your money abroad or use ATM services outside of Korea, you need to have foreign designated account. You should also keep in mind that there are limits on the amount you can transfer or withdraw per day based on your salary, so ask about this limit at the bank.

What If I Can’t Speak Korean?

Most banks have at least one English-speaking staff, especially at large branches in major cities like Seoul or Busan. If you’re in a smaller city, there is a chance that no one will be able to speak English fluently. If that’s the case, you may want to bring a Korean speaker with you or have one on the phone to help. You will probably be just fine without one, but it might make things smoother. If you don’t know anyone who can help you, try calling the Korea Tourism hotline by dialing 1330 or the Foreign Immigration hotline by dialing 1345. They may be able to help you translate during the account setup.

Which Bank Should I Choose?

In my experience, the most foreign friendly bank is KEB Hana Bank (하나은행). They have great English phone support and an easy to use English bank application. That being said, all large banks in Korea like Shinhan (신한은행), Woori (우라은행), KB (국민은행), and Citibank also have full foreigner support. It may depend branch to branch, but you will not encounter any issues opening a bank account!

Opening a bank account might seem daunting at first, but with the right information and a bit of preparation the process should be painless. Remember to gather all your necessary documents and before you know it you will be saving and spending in Korea with ease!

Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.

19 Jan

HousingMoneyRelocationBy aclipse

A Guide to Buying Furniture in Korea

Furnishing Your New Adventure

You’ve made the move to Korea and you’re ready to dive into the vibrant culture, amazing food and new adventures. An international move can present challenges and furnishing your apartment is likely at the top of your to do list. But where do you begin with finding the perfect furniture at a reasonable price? Let’s explore the best options to buying furniture in Korea.

Ikea in Seoul

If you’re a fan of Scandinavian design and budget-friendly options, the Ikea in Seoul is the first place to check out. Ikea is great for DIY furniture that suits small spaces and a modest budget. Weekdays are generally less crowded and allow for a more relaxed shopping experience. The store is located just outside of the city center and is easy to get to with public transportation. If you don’t want to visit the store, you can shop online and have your items delivered. And yes, they have Swedish meatballs!

Carrot Market

Carrot Market (당근) is a popular reselling app where locals sell everything from furniture to clothes and electronics. New listings are posted daily and you can search for amazing deals on pre-loved furniture in your area. Not only will you save money, but you can often find unique items that match with your personal style. The app is in Korean but is easy to navigate and has English search capabilities.

Facebook Finds

Facebook is one of the first places I always check when searching for furniture items. Groups, such as “Expat Furniture Seoul” or “Korea Furniture Exchange,” are gold mines as many teachers leaving the country often sell their furniture at reduced prices or even give it away for free. Make sure to check the groups often as new items are popping up daily!

Modern-House

Modern-House is famous in Korea for their wide variety of furniture at a reasonable price. They are a one-stop shop where you can buy everything you need to make your space feel cozy and put together. Their furniture has a clean, minimalist style and would suit most interior design styles. The online shop is easy to navigate and they often run sales on things like kitchen goods and linens.

Furnishing a new space is never a small task, but between the in store and online options you will be sure to find pieces that fit your needs and transform your space. Before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to take measurements of your space and read all product descriptions to ensure you’re making the right choices. Happy furniture hunting!

17 Dec

FoodHealthLifestyleMoneyRelocationBy aclipse

5 Reasons Why I Prefer Living In Korea

Here are the top 5 reasons Why I Prefer Living in Korea!

1. Transportation (High Tech Bus Stops)

Korea is often ranked one of the best public transportation systems on the planet. Let’s start with the buses, which can take you anywhere you want in major cities as well as across the country. In the winter, Korea has heated bus stop seats as well as heated waiting room areas at some locations. Not only that but some bus stops provide free phone charging stations, and all buses have public Wi-Fi. The bus system is convenient and affordable for anyone looking to get around quickly and comfortable. This is one of the main reasons I prefer living in Korea over the States.

The subway is fast, safe, and easy to use. All signs and announcements are made in both Korean as well as English. If you want to leave your city and explore another part of Korea, there are regular trains for the stop-and-smell-the roses type of passenger as well as the KTX bullet trains for those looking to get places fast. All of the options are affordable and give you the opportunity to view the beautiful Korean countryside.

2. Online Banking (Sending Money)

Forget Venmo and PayPal. In Korea, you can make easy and safe bank transfers online with your bank. This means you can pay people and businesses as well as receive funds in seconds. No more waiting 2-3 days to see funds show up in your bank account. In Korea, you can have your money instantly. (By the way, they’ve been doing it this way for almost 20 years! For better context, they never used a paper checking system.)

3. Public Safety (No Theft Or Guns)

With strict gun laws, it’s difficult to gain access to weapons in Korea. Between this and Korea’s CCTV coverage, South Korea is an extremely safe country to live in. When compared with other industrialized countries, South Korea has a very low crime rate, and in 2021, they saw their lowest crime rate in ten years. You may not realize it until you are here, but living in Korea made me realize how much unnecessary stress I frequently dealt with worrying about keeping myself and my belongings safe.

4. Cheap Meals (Delicious & Healthy, too!)

The cost of a delicious, nutritious meal in Korea can be as cheap as ₩7,000, which is roughly $5.50 USD. Not only is eating out affordable, but there are plenty of delicious foods to try from. Korea has everything from bibimbap and tteokbokki to pizza and burgers. Oh, and a huge bonus you probably didn’t think was even a possibility. There is NO TIPPING in Korea! Whether you dine out or take a cab, tipping is not a part of the culture. It is a huge savings and makes life so much easier.

5. Skin Care (The Mecca for All Your Needs)

Koreans love skin care. With a huge market for it, you can find the exact right combination of products for your skin type. Due to its popularity, there’s a wide variety of options, and they are relatively affordable in comparison to American brands. In addition, Korea has many great spa options if pampering is your favorite method of self-care. And it’s not just for us girls! Men all across the world are starting to take better care of their skin, and Korea has all the products you can think of.

Diana Richtman is a writer and ESL teacher living in Seoul, South Korea. Originally from Savannah, Georgia in the United States, Diana holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in English & Women’s Studies. After receiving her TEFL certification, Diana moved to South Korea where she works at one of Creverse’s April Institutes. When Diana isn’t working, she loves exploring Korea, drinking warm cups of tea, and scaring away her friends with her karaoke performances.

24 Nov

CultureLifestyleMoneyBy aclipse

A Night Out in Korea

A Night Out

The nightlife in Seoul is such a site to see. The lights, music, and overall ambience accentuates this liveliness like no other. A night out is all about cutting loose and being spontaneous, but I am here to give you some pointers on how to do a night out in Korea right.

Transportation

First things first, you’ve gotta figure out how you’re going to appear at your destination. The subway can always get you to the location of your choice, but keep in mind they normally stop running at midnight. If you are a party animal like me, you can dance until the sun rises, and catch the subway back home at 5:30am when they start operating again. Buses usually run until around midnight. Depending on your location, there are some late night buses but they tend to take about an hour + to arrive at stops (so I wouldn’t rely on this!). There is no “last call” in Korea. Nightlife goes until everyone decides to leave!

Alternatively, you can always order a taxi using the kakaoT mobile application. Yes, it is an English friendly app. There will be tons of taxi options to choose from when ordering, but be sure to click “General Request.” This is the most reasonably priced option. The cost depends on the amount of kilometers traveled. For some perspective, a 20-minute ride would cost me around 15,000 KRW or $11.48 USD ($1=1,306 KRW).

I wouldn’t recommend biking and drinking, but a one-way trip to your destination could be a good option to save money and get some “steps in!” Seoul has public bikes that are accessible to anyone and can be found almost everywhere. All you have to do is download the Seoul Bike application, authenticate your identity (it takes about 2 minutes), and purchase a pass. Be sure to check out more information about Seoul Bikes.

Hot Party Spots

Seoul is enormous, and its nightlife is expansive. You are bound to find some place intriguing and acclimate to. If you didn’t already know where the major party spots are, Itaewon and Hongdae are your answers. Both places are filled with tons of bars/clubs, and foreigners of all ages. The countless memories and friends I’ve made in these places are incredible.

A big perk about going out are the drink prices. My first night out with the gals, I thought I spent my entire paycheck with the amount of drinks I ordered. When in reality, I only spent about $60 USD. In Korea, cocktails are about 10,000 KRW or $7.65 ($1=1,306 KRW), beer’s are sold at 7,000 KRW or $5.36 ($1=1,306 KRW), and shots can range anywhere between 8,000-15,000 KRW or $6.12 – $11.48 ($1=1,306 KRW). After finding out this information, it’s no wonder why alcohol is so popular. I took the liberty of attaching this article on drinking in South Korea that goes into depth with the culture. Check it out!

In a Nutshell

A night out in Korea is such a fun experience. You’re going to see some crazy things, become that social butterfly from within, and meet some really cool/interesting humans. Have fun, be safe, and don’t forget to follow my tips. I hope your first drink in Seoul is the best one yet!

Amber Ochoa is from Los Angeles, USA, and just recently moved to South Korea in May. She studied Biochemistry as an undergraduate. After graduation, she began venturing out and embracing her love for adventure. She finds that “nothing holds greater power in our life than the unknown.” One night while applying to random jobs on Indeed, she came across an English teaching position in Seoul, Korea. Flash forward, she is now teaching at CDI, Mokdong branch. She claims that Creverse found her and ended up becoming a blessing in disguise. Amber says giving knowledge to students & inspiring them for higher achievements in life is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

13 Nov

LifestyleMoneyRelocationBy aclipse

Cell Phones In Korea

When traveling abroad it seems like it’s just you and your cell phone against the world. You need it for navigation, transportation, translation, and so much more. It is essential to have a phone plan upon your arrival to Korea. There are a couple of options to consider and I am here to tell you all about cell phones in Korea!

Get a SIM Card

Before arriving in South Korea, it is best to switch from your current mobile provider to the South Korea SIM card provider. A SIM card allows you to utilize your mobile device to receive calls, send messages, or connect to mobile internet services. SIM cards are relatively cheap. The cost depends on how many days you would like the card to be activated. You can purchase these cards almost anywhere, including upon arrival at the Incheon airport in Korea. Just remember to have your passport on hand as it will be necessary to purchase a SIM card as a foreigner in Korea.

eSIM

There are two main types of Korean SIM cards you will encounter, the traditional SIM card and the eSIM. The eSIM functions as a regular SIM, but you are not actually inserting anything into your phone. Because you don’t have to physically pick it up, the eSIM is extremely convenient. All you have to do is sign up online, scan a QR code, then BAM! You’re connected to the world. Be sure to click this link to read more on how to access an eSIM.

Do not worry about how well a SIM card will work. According to GSMarena, Korea’s LTE coverage is the highest in the world. Some of the top rated Korean SIM cards include eSIM Korea, Trazy, Klook, EG, and Woori Mobile. These cards are only meant to keep you afloat until you receive your Alien Registration Card, or ARC. Once you receive your ARC, you will be able to register for a permanent Korean number and phone plan.

Setting Up a Phone Plan

There are several phone companies to consider when applying for a phone plan. A few major ones include KT, SKT, and LG U+. It is best to stick with these big phone companies as a foreigner, because you are less likely to get scammed.

I was able to acquire a Korean phone number with LG U+ and paid about 30,000 KRW a month for a basic phone plan. The entire process was painless. The LG U+ employee and I both used Papago to communicate. I simply chose the plan I wanted, displayed my passport and ARC, paid the man, and was on my way out within 20 minutes.

International Plans

Most US phone companies allow you to purchase an international service while you travel abroad. For an additional $50.00 USD a month, I was able to use my normal cellular data plan of 15 GB. Upon arrival, I was on a T-Mobile family plan with a displeasing phone balance. Because of this, I was unable to discontinue my payments.

Take it from me, pay your remaining phone balance & get off the family plan before arriving. I was paying for two phones, which felt very unnecessary when the only person in the world who ever tried contacting me, was my mother. Now, you might be asking yourself “Why did she continue to pay for both phones when you only need one?” The answer is, Korean bank accounts. In order to access direct deposit, receive/transfer money, you will need your own Korean number on file.

The Big Picture

I hope my personal experience and information have brought you a sense of clarity. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a phone when living abroad. Be sure to plan accordingly, but most importantly, enjoy the adventure. Safe travels!

Money

Category: Money

Get Your Alien Registration Card (ARC)

Download The Coupang App

Start Shopping!

Other Ways to Show Appreciation

Small Gifts

Using Two Hands To Receive Things

Say Thank You!

Bowing

My Experience

Quick Facts

Must-Join Facebook Groups in Korea

Overseas Remittance

Using Your Korean Bank

Apps For Sending Money

Opening Your Bank Account

What Documents Will I Need?

What Type Of Account Should I Open?

What If I Can’t Speak Korean?

Which Bank Should I Choose?

Furnishing Your New Adventure

Ikea in Seoul

Carrot Market

Facebook Finds

Modern-House

1. Transportation (High Tech Bus Stops)

2. Online Banking (Sending Money)

3. Public Safety (No Theft Or Guns)

4. Cheap Meals (Delicious & Healthy, too!)

5. Skin Care (The Mecca for All Your Needs)

A Night Out

Transportation

Hot Party Spots

In a Nutshell

Cell Phones In Korea

Get a SIM Card

eSIM

Setting Up a Phone Plan

International Plans

The Big Picture

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