If you’re a foreigner in Korea, the SIM decision isn’t really about data speed. It’s about one question: “Will this phone number work for Korean online verification (PASS/SMS)?” Because once verification works, everything gets easier: Kakao/Naver accounts, delivery apps, memberships, tickets, and sometimes even banking flows. Official Links (Use These Only) KISA (official identity verification … Read more
If you’ve tried signing up for a Korean app, booking something online, or confirming your identity in Korea, you’ve probably seen a familiar error: “Verification failed” — or you never receive the code. This isn’t you “doing it wrong.” Korea’s system is built around mobile phone identity verification, and for foreigners the database details must … Read more
Most lease problems in Korea don’t happen because you “didn’t read.” They happen because the contract was missing one or two lines that should have been there—especially around deposit return timing, repairs, and early termination. This post is a practical checklist for foreigners signing a jeonse or wolse contract. I’ll show you the 15 clauses … Read more
If you rent in Korea (jeonse or wolse), you’ll hear two phrases nonstop: 전입신고 (move-in report) and 확정일자 (confirmed date / fixed date stamp). People often mix them up—or do one and forget the other. Here’s the clean way to think about it: 전입신고 helps establish your “tenant standing”, and 확정일자 helps establish your “priority” … Read more
If you rent in Korea (jeonse or wolse), you will hear the same advice again and again: “Check the registry.” People say it like it’s optional. It’s not. The registry is where you can spot mortgages, liens, seizures, and ownership issues—before you send a deposit. This post shows you exactly what to look for on … Read more
Jeonse and wolse can be totally fine in Korea—until you meet the wrong landlord or a “too good to be true” listing. The problem is not that scams are complicated. The problem is that scammers count on you skipping two or three checks that take 10 minutes. This guide is the no-drama checklist: what to … Read more
If you’re living in Korea, a local bank account isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s usually the key to everything else: phone plans, rent deposits, salary payments, online subscriptions, even simpler things like booking appointments without payment issues. But foreigners often run into the same wall: “We can’t open an account for you,” or “Only … Read more
Let’s clear up the confusion first: Korea does not recognize a magical “international driver’s license.” What you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your home country under the proper international conventions. If you’re planning to rent a car, drive a friend’s car, or even just “maybe drive,” this post will save you … Read more
If you’re living in Korea and plan to drive more than occasionally, getting a Korean driver’s license is one of those “worth it” errands. It makes car insurance and car ownership smoother, and it avoids the awkward situation of relying on short-term permissions when your stay becomes long-term. The confusing part is that foreigners usually … Read more
If you’re buying a used car in Korea, you’ll hit one non-negotiable rule fast: you usually need mandatory auto insurance before the ownership transfer can be processed. And if you’re a foreigner, the “simple” part is not the insurance itself—it’s getting through identity verification, license checks, and the first quote without wasting half a day … Read more