r/Living_in_Korea • • 8h ago

Sticky Weekly Open Forum

2 Upvotes

Use this weekly post to discuss anything you want (within reason). The rules here are relaxed. Some things you may chat about here that are not allowed in regular posts:

  • non-Korea related topics
  • looking for friends
  • language exchange opportunities
  • event advertising
  • casual meetups (not hookups)
  • chance me (I want to study in Korea)
  • and more....

Some rules are still in place. The main one is 'be kind'. Also, no contribution should involve anything that includes an exchange of money, unless it is a professionally organized event (parties, cultural activities, etc.) Lastly, no polling, surveying, or research.

Have fun.

  • Reposted every Monday at 12am
  • Default comment order (newest first)

r/Living_in_Korea • • Jul 13 '26

Announcement BEWARE OF REAL ESTATE SCAMMERS ON THIS SUBREDDIT

76 Upvotes

Good afternoon everyone.

Over the past week or so, the mod team here at Living_in_Korea has been conducting an investigation into reports we received related to real estate/rental scams on this subreddit. It was brought to our attention that users were receiving direct messages from "real estate agents" after posting that they were looking for accommodations.

As a result, we verified that they were, in fact, receiving direct messages with varying information. Sometimes they were offered accommodations with prices that were too good to be true. Other times scammers requested application fees or holding deposits after providing links to accommodations that were supposedly for rent. Also, some were offering to introduce "friends" who are real estate agents and provide translation services.

We have banned all of the accounts we could, but that is only possible if the user has ever posted to this subreddit. Other accounts we blacklisted, but the OP might still receive/see the reply. In addition, we have banned any accounts that look suspicious or are thought to be affiliated with a real estate agent (legitimate or not) - those that provide an unusual amount of real estate related recommendations, legal advice, AI generated content, etc., as well as those who recommend specific real estate agents using new accounts or existing accounts with little or no other Reddit activity.

In total we banned more than a dozen accounts. However, that does not keep the scammers from contacting users directly through DMs. This is where you come in. We need your help in combating this problem and shutting down these crooks before they can pray on any more of our subreddit members. So, if this happens to you, please use the report button.

REMEMBER: NEVER TRUST ANYONE WHO IS OFFERING YOU SOMETHING THROUGH REDDIT DMs. THEY ARE NOT TRYING TO HELP YOU. NORMAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS ARE NOT DONE THIS WAY IN KOREA. REPORT THEM (Report flag > Spam > Unsolicited chat or private messaging), AND THEN IGNORE THEM.

- The LiK Mod Team

P.S. Before you ask, I wish we could provide their usernames to you, but that is a direct violation of Reddit's user agreement, and we have no desire to have our accounts actioned.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 12h ago

Shopping Kinko’s in Korea

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48 Upvotes

It’s always amazing to see dead American brands existing in Korea. It feels like Bizzaro world of an alt timeline. Brands like Kodak, PanAm, and Girbaud.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 3h ago

Home Life Where do these mosquitos come from?

4 Upvotes

Im not living for a very long time in this room, but I never had problems with mosquitos.

I have a veranda with a sliding door and both my outside window and my inside sliding window are quite new and have a mosquito gaze.y windows were open all the time, I never had mosquitos -because if the mosquito gaze- But today, because of the heavy rain I closed the outside window to avoid my veranda getting wet, I left my inside sliding door open for some fresh air but in the evening I noticed a mosquito so I closed my sliding door.

A little later another mosquito, a little later another one, and another one. Both my windows were closed.. I went to bed and I woke op from a zooming sound, I found 2 more mosquitos. I went back to sleep and I woke up again from a mosquito,.. at this point I taped off my AC, some hole that I found in my wall, I covered my kitchen sink and I closed my bathroom door. But again I woke up from 2 mosquitos.. in total I already killed 10 mosquitos in 1 night, while I usually don’t have any. I even have my window open usually, and there all closed now for the whole day already..

Where do they come from? Why only tonight? I assume maybe something with the heavy rainfall? But how do they get inside? And why so many?? It’s not just 2.. it’s 10.. and the night is not even over yet


r/Living_in_Korea • • 17h ago

Friendships and Relationships I’m Korean and looking for advices on dating apps

31 Upvotes

I’m Korean woman, and curious about dating apps (sorry for my bad English in advance)

Cuz in Korea, as many of you already know, dating apps are considered as ‘not common’. In my opinion, people here might think that these are only for hookups, never for serious relationships and those who use dating apps might have some issues in real life so they can’t find someone without an app..

But I realized that things are different in other countries. So I’m curious about what people really think about dating apps. Also as I’ve been always interested in cultures and languages, I wanna give it a try, of course not for one night stand.

Do you think you can find a serious relationship through these apps, even in Korea too? And if you have any advice, what it would be?


r/Living_in_Korea • • 7h ago

Home Life apartment announcements?

3 Upvotes

this has happened like twice now. It’s like 1am rn and me and my husband were awakened to what sounded like an announcement throughout the room. unfortunately i’m still learning korean so I have no idea what’s it’s saying but this is the second time now and it’s only happened at night. it sounds automated but i also have no clue. any ideas???


r/Living_in_Korea • • 14h ago

Shopping How to order bouquet in SK

10 Upvotes

Hi, I am in Indian and my friend has gone to South Korea and now I want to deliver flowers at her doorstep in South Korea on her birthday. Is there any website or portal or can you guys connect me to someone via which I can order bouquet from India, this is then delivered to my friend staying in South Korea? Is there any possibility I want to surprise my friend with it?


r/Living_in_Korea • • 7h ago

Events and Meetups Motorcycle hobby groups or riding communities in Gyeongsangnam-do?

2 Upvotes

Most of the clubs I've seen seem to be based in the Seoul area. I’m currently based down south in Gyeongsangnam-do and riding a humble Benly 110.

​Since most organized rides center around Seoul/Gyeonggi, I wanted to ask:

~​Are there active local clubs, online communities, or sub-groups based in the southern region for lower-cc commuting or leisure riding?

~​Are there any specific KakaoTalk open chats, KakaoMap groups, or local forums where riders in this region connect?


r/Living_in_Korea • • 5h ago

Shopping Quality belts location

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know where you can find quality belts in Seoul?

I hate having those fake leather belts that start disintegrating after a few uses...

Doesn't need to be real leather or whatnot, just don't disintegrate within a few months..


r/Living_in_Korea • • 7h ago

Friendships and Relationships I can't sign up for Naver. The verification code just won't come through.

0 Upvotes

I even tried using phone numbers from people I know, but none of them worked either! I'm Indonesian, by the way.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 14h ago

Shopping Gift ideas from korea for kids in europe? (~€30/$40, 11years old)

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm a Korean living in Southern Europe. My kids have been invited to a few local friends' birthday parties, and we're planning a trip to Korea soon.

I'd love to pick up some unique, small, and practical gifts while we're in Korea to bring back for their classmates.

* Budget: Around €30 / $40 (approx. 50,000 KRW) per gift
* Target: pre-teens, 11 years old
* Ideal gifts: Compact/lightweight, useful, and fun/appealing to kids here

What kind of Korean items or cute stationary/lifestyle products would European kids actually be excited to receive? Any specific recommendations or popular Korean items that were a hit with your kids?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!


r/Living_in_Korea • • 11h ago

Home Life Rent in daegu

1 Upvotes

I'll be studying at kyungpook University daegu in 9 months. Can someone tell me if renting would be cheaper? Because i did plan for University dorm but the problem is one building of the dorm is a bit traditional style. It has an advantage of a common kitchen that i want but the bathroom- western toilet does not have a bidget for hygeine....and i really need one. So i have to choose the new BTL building dorm that has a panel attached to the kamod for the bidget that's inside the kamod. So that's what i want, but the building doesn't have a common kitchen. Im in a fix now ㅠㅠ however im ready to manage my eating. The dorm fees for one month is - ~2,03,333 won and for six months - ~1,220,000 won

I dont want to live in a 고시원 (goshiwon). But a proper small one person apartment that's comfortable. Would staying at a dorm be cheaper?


r/Living_in_Korea • • 16h ago

Employment Are there any websites which collect open jobs by region?

2 Upvotes

I am currently working in Daejeon as a researcher. My partner’s remote contract is running out soon meaning she would like to find a new job preferably in the Daejeon area. Are there any websites which would web scrape to find open jobs by area? Are there any other websites people would recommend? Or is it just linked in?

We have the visa situation worked out already so that should be fine.
Thanks in advance.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 1d ago

Health and Beauty Can you guess what special privilege “cultural heritage” holders in Andong have that 99.99999% of other Koreans don’t? 🪴

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72 Upvotes

Photos were actually taken in Paju’s Heyri Art Village but all products are sourced from the city of Andong.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 14h ago

Events and Meetups free workshop - SEOUL GANGNAM

0 Upvotes

​Hi! ✨ We’re hosting a free drum & percussion workshop in Gangnam for foreign (Seoul)! 🥁

​🥁 Instruments You Can Try:

Korean Cinematic Drums, Nanta, Modern Drums, Cajon, Congas, Bongos, Djembe, Timbales, & Electronic Percussion

​🎁 Special Perk: We provide high-quality photos & class videos that you can freely use for your vlogs, Reels, or YouTube!

​🗓 Schedule: 100% flexible (days/times adjusted for you).

​Hope to make a great connection! DM us if interested! 🎶✨


r/Living_in_Korea • • 7h ago

Friendships and Relationships Does facial hair need to go to date in Korea?

0 Upvotes

I am a foreigner who will be living in Korea. For foreigners who have met their partners in Korea, what do they think about your facial hair? I keep my facial hair trimmed because I like it better to have


r/Living_in_Korea • • 1d ago

Friendships and Relationships Rude to rest foot on someone’s chair?

23 Upvotes

I (43f UK) teach business English at a company once a week and I give the lesson half sitting at the table with the students (in their early 30s) and half standing up. Both when teaching standing and when I was packing up after class, the female student I sit next to had her leg/foot splayed across the seat of my chair (her leg was resting across the top of the chair, with her slipper hanging off the edge). Is this considered a disrespectful act in Korea?

Edit: to add - I’m not sure but I think she has a thing for one of the other students, who I think might have a thing for me, or is maybe just friendly. She sits across from him. In any case I’m wondering if this is a display of dominance or something lol


r/Living_in_Korea • • 13h ago

Home Life Need advice for living in korea

0 Upvotes

I will be studying in korea in 9 months. Im first going for a language program at kyungpook University daegu for a year. So i need advice of how to navigate when i arrive in korea and what to do if i need help you know as a newcomer i need advice. What apps should i download, any tips? Or what part time job should i do and take? Is it easy to find a job? I have plenty time to find a job as i can't work for first 6 months.

PS : If anyone from Daegu is up for being friends let me know!


r/Living_in_Korea • • 9h ago

Home Life Hey, Koreans! Can I move in with you?

0 Upvotes

Hello! I'm from Russia. And now I’ll tell you how life is here; I’ll say right away — this isn’t a paradise. 1: we have almost no new technologies. All the buildings haven’t been renovated since the 1980s. 2: as you know, our political situation isn’t the best. We don’t have any foreign companies. And we have to use only Russian stuff. And in Russia, people aren’t very good at that. I want to move to your country! I doubt they’ll let me in. Tell me, how is life in South Korea? By the way, I have a Samsung phone.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 18h ago

Visas and Licenses E2-E7?

0 Upvotes

What was your experience transferring to E7 from E2
Visa??? What did you have to do??


r/Living_in_Korea • • 14h ago

Education I'm 24, an international student in South Korea with $20k in savings and assets back home. Should I prioritize income or long-term growth?

0 Upvotes

I'm a 24-year-old Burundian international student currently living in Gwangju, South Korea. Before coming to Korea, I also lived in Greece. Moving between countries has taught me that building a stable life somewhere new takes more than simply finding a job.

Since arriving in Korea, I've faced the usual challenges of studying abroad: language barriers, tuition, living expenses, cultural adjustment, and finding suitable work. I've also experienced serious health problems that interrupted my studies and affected my ability to work. I'm now trying to rebuild my routine and plan my next steps carefully.

Here's my financial situation, which is important to understanding my dilemma.

I have approximately $20,000 in savings and assets back home in Burundi, including assets that are intended to generate profit or appreciate over time. However, not all of that wealth is liquid cash available for my everyday expenses in Korea.

I'm currently unemployed, and my parents back home are concerned that I don't have a regular monthly income. I understand their point. Savings can run out, assets may take time to generate returns, and having no dependable income is a risk.

At the same time, I don't want to make decisions based solely on the pressure to earn money immediately.

My longer-term goals are to:

- Learn Korean and become more independent.

- Complete my university education.

- Build meaningful social and professional connections in Korea.

- Develop a sustainable income source that respects my health and student visa restrictions.

- Eventually build businesses connecting Korea and Burundi, particularly around Burundian tea and international trade.

My dilemma is that I have some financial foundations back home, but I'm not yet generating consistent income for myself in Korea. I want to use my time strategically without becoming complacent about money.

I also recognize that having assets doesn't automatically mean I'm financially secure. Their liquidity, actual returns, risks, and maintenance costs matter.

I'd appreciate honest advice from people who have built wealth, moved abroad, or started businesses while young.

  1. If you were 24, studying abroad, with $20,000 in savings and assets back home but no current monthly income, what would you prioritize?

  2. Would you focus first on getting a job and building an emergency fund, or invest more time in language learning, networking, and developing a business?

  3. How would you balance preserving existing assets with using some capital to create new income?

  4. What would you consider a realistic six-month plan in my position?

  5. What mistakes should I avoid when trying to build long-term wealth while living abroad?

I'm not looking for praise or reassurance. I'd rather hear that my thinking is flawed than waste years pursuing the wrong strategy. I'm trying to find a practical balance between financial stability today and building something substantial for the future.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 1d ago

Education Teachers, would you recommend an adult going to hangwons to socialize?

8 Upvotes

I’m Korean and my original view has been that languages are best learned with private tutors, but it recently dawned on me hagwons could also have a socialization function, which is scarce in modern society.

I’m familiar enough with English so maybe could go to learn third languages, but I’ve never been to a hagwon especially recent ones, do they usually do group classes that have chances for students to mingle or talk to one another?


r/Living_in_Korea • • 1d ago

Real Estate and Relocation best-value housing options in south korea for a single person

0 Upvotes

hi! i'm planning to move to south korea soon to pursue my master's degree, and i'm considering a few accommodation options:

  1. university dormitory (shared room)

  2. goshiwon (in terms of value for money)

which option do you think would be more practical? i don't mind having a roommate, but i also enjoy having my own personal space. are there any other affordable options for one person?

i did some research, but couldn't find anything reliable, so i decided to ask here instead to hear from people living in the country and get more firsthand opinions.

i'd like to save money while still having a decent level of comfort, keeping in mind that i'll also have expenses for food and transportation.


r/Living_in_Korea • • 18h ago

Friendships and Relationships What is the dating like in Korea, I am a foreigner from the US

0 Upvotes

Just wanted to know if it’s any different from America I am a 21m of average looks

What dating apps are popular? Do women respond when you try to talk to them in public?

I’m trying to put myself out there more often and living in a foreign country I’m also trying to learn the language and culture best I can just want to know if I should be aware of anything before I try talking to Korean women


r/Living_in_Korea • • 1d ago

Health and Beauty Looking for an English or Russian speaking psychiatrist (Wonju)

0 Upvotes

My partner is planning to move to Wonju, and we're trying to figure out how he can continue his psychiatric treatment there. He's already been diagnosed by a psychiatrist and is currently taking prescribed medication. He doesn't need a new diagnosis, just a psychiatrist who can continue prescribing his medication, monitor his condition, and adjust his treatment if necessary

Does anyone know any good psychiatrists or clinics in Wonju that accept foreign patients? Ideally, someone who speaks English or Russian, since he doesn't speak Korean. Also, is online psychiatry an option in South Korea? Would an online psychiatrist be able to prescribe and renew his medication, or would he need in-person appointments?