Buong Road: Everyday Korea

Your Foreigner-Friendly Navigation Guide for Korea’s Best Map Apps 1. Why You Should Use Naver Map or Kakao Map in Korea Google Maps doesn't work well in Korea due to government restrictions. Instead, locals use Naver Map (네이버 지도) and Kakao Map (카카오맵) — both offer: Accurate public transit routes Real-time bus and subway tracking Walking and driving directions Restaurant and store reviews in Korean 💡 Both apps now include English interfaces , making them essential for foreigners. 2. How to Download and Switch to English Naver Map Download from the App Store or Google Play: “Naver Map” Open the app and tap the profile icon (top right) Go to Settings → Language Select English Kakao Map Download the app: “Kakao Map” Tap the menu (≡) → Settings (설정) Change language to English 📲 You may need to restart the app for the language setting to apply fully. 3. Searching for Places in English Naver Map accepts English input for major lo...

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Proper Waste Disposal with the Right Bags and Labels 1. Why You Need Special Trash Bags and Stickers in Korea In Korea, you can’t just use any garbage bag . Trash disposal is managed through a “pay-as-you-throw” system , using: Standard volume-based trash bags (종량제 봉투) Food waste bags (음식물 쓰레기 봉투) Recycling without bags (but must be sorted) Large item disposal stickers (폐기물 스티커) 🗑 If you use the wrong bag or skip the sticker, your trash won’t be collected — and you might get fined. 2. Where to Buy Official Trash Bags You can purchase them at: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) Supermarkets (Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus) Local corner shops When buying, ask for: 종량제 봉투 (jong-ryang-je bong-tu) = general waste bag 음식물 봉투 (eum-sik-mul bong-tu) = food waste bag Specify the district and size (e.g., Seoul 10L, Mapo-gu 20L) 🛍 Each district has its own design and pricing, so double-check your residential are...

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Getting Fast, Reliable Internet in Korea 1. Is It Easy to Get Internet at Home in Korea? Yes! Korea is known for its ultra-fast and affordable internet . Setting up Wi-Fi at home is simple — even for foreigners — as long as you have: A Korean address An ARC (Alien Registration Card) A Korean phone number (Optional) Korean bank account for monthly billing 📡 Expect speeds of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps with most standard plans. 2. Major Internet Providers in Korea The top three companies are: KT (Olleh) – Most reliable, widespread coverage SK Broadband – Great for bundle deals with mobile plans LG U+ – Often offers cheaper deals for students or new subscribers 🛜 All offer home Wi-Fi + IPTV bundles if you want TV as well. 3. How to Sign Up for Home Internet You can sign up: At a provider branch (bring ARC and phone number) Through a telecom agent (they often speak some English) Online – Some services have Englis...

A Foreigner-Friendly Guide to Accessing English-Speaking Medical and Dental Care 1. Is It Easy to Find English-Speaking Doctors in Korea? Yes — especially in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon . Korea has many GPs (general practitioners) and dentists who either speak English themselves or offer interpreter services. These clinics often cater to expats, students, diplomats, or tourists. 🩺 However, smaller local clinics may have limited English support, so it’s important to check in advance. 2. Best Ways to Search for English-Speaking Clinics Use the following platforms: Seoul Global Center (SGC) Website: https://global.seoul.go.kr Directory of English-speaking doctors and dentists HiDoc Korea Website: https://www.hidoc.co.kr Korean interface, but some doctors list English ability Google Maps / Naver Maps Search keywords like “English speaking doctor near me” or “영어 가능한 내과 / 치과” International clinics at major hospitals Severance ...

Everything You Need to Know About Korean Coin Laundromats (셀프 빨래방) 1. What Is a Self-Service Laundry in Korea? Self-service laundries, known as 셀프 빨래방 in Korean, are automated 24/7 laundromats where you can: Wash and dry clothes Use large-capacity machines for blankets or duvets Pay with coins, cards, or mobile apps 🧺 They’re perfect for students, travelers, and people living in one-room apartments without washers. 2. How to Find a Laundry Near You Use these apps or maps: Naver Map or Kakao Map : Search “셀프 빨래방” Common brands: LaundryGo (런드리고) BlueWash (블루워시) Washeria , Coin Wash , B&B Laundry 📍 Most laundromats are located near universities, officetels, and residential areas. 3. What to Bring Before You Go You’ll need: Your laundry (sorted by type/color) Detergent or pods (some machines auto-dispense; check signage) Coins or card (KRW 500, 1000 bills, or credit/debit card) Laundry bag (to carry clean clothes back) 💡 ...

Everything You Need to Know to Access and Use Online Banking in Korea 1. Can Foreigners Use Internet Banking in Korea? Yes! Once you open a Korean bank account, you can use internet and mobile banking services. But it’s not as simple as logging in with a password — Korean banks use multi-step security systems including: Digital certificates OTP (One-Time Password) generators Security apps 📲 You’ll also need a Korean phone number and Alien Registration Card (ARC) to register. 2. What You Need to Set Up Internet Banking To get started, you’ll need: A Korean bank account (e.g., KEB Hana, KB, Woori, Shinhan) Alien Registration Card (ARC) Korean mobile number linked to your account Public digital certificate (공동인증서) Optional: Security card or OTP device 💡 Ask your bank to help you set up “인터넷뱅킹” (internet banking) and “모바일뱅킹” (mobile banking) at the same time. 3. How to Register for Internet Banking (At the Bank) Visit a physical bank branch...