Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Korea

After 12 years of living in South Korea, I’ve had my fair share of culture shock and eye-opening experiences. For those who have made the move and are living here, you know that moving to a new country can be exciting, scary, and stressful all wrapped into one! Beyond the everyday adjustments, settling into your new life around the installation and integrating into Korean society can take some effort and patience. Looking back, here are a few things I wish I had known before moving to South Korea—things that would have made my transition here much smoother.

Moving Abroad Comes with a Lot of Struggles

Growing up, my family moved between states more times than I can remember, so like most of our readers, I’m no stranger to change. However, I quickly realized that moving abroad is a completely different experience from moving around stateside. Not only is the language completely different, but so is the food and culture, which can take some time to adjust to. While I had some knowledge of these differences before coming to Korea, I wish I had fully accepted that things would still be difficult at times—and that is okay. 

The struggles don’t define your time in Korea; what matters is how you react to each tough situation. Rather than dwelling on the difficulties, you can choose to make your time in Korea memorable and fun, even when faced with challenges. Culture shock hit me more than once, but instead of letting it overwhelm me, I used those moments to learn, grow, and eventually fall in love with life here, maybe you can too.

Learning Korean Is a Game-Changer

You don’t have to become fluent in Korean, but learning basic phrases will make your life so much easier. Learning the language can help you build stronger relationships and make more friends because you are putting in the effort to learn the language. Koreans truly appreciate when foreigners try to speak their language, even if it’s just the basics. Knowing key phrases will make daily interactions—shopping, banking, ordering food—so much smoother. The earlier you start learning, the less frustration and confusion you’ll experience. Ultimately, making the effort to learn Korean will make your time here far more enjoyable. As someone who has been in Korea for 12 years and is now teaching Korean full-time, I really see the importance of starting to learn the language from the very beginning of your stay. Even if it is just a few words or phrases here and there, start now, not later! 

Social Norms Are Unspoken But Important

There are a lot of social norms in Korea that you’ll need to adjust to quickly. For example:

• Giving and receiving things with two hands is a sign of respect.

• Speaking loudly on public transportation is frowned upon.

• Taking off your shoes when entering a home is a must.

• Age hierarchy influences friendships and conversations.

Some of these customs make perfect sense, while others may take some getting used to. I’ve learned that it’s best to go with the flow and follow local customs when living in a foreign country—it makes life much easier.

Public Transportation Is Amazing (But Can Be Crowded)

I can say, without a doubt, that Korea’s public transportation system is one of the best in the world. As someone who has been to over 20 different countries, I have seen and experienced other transportation systems, but Korea’s is on a different level. The subway, buses, and trains are efficient, clean, and affordable! That being said, rush hour can be intense, and the crowds can feel overwhelming at times. Learning to navigate the subway system early on is a lifesaver, and using apps like Kakao Metro will help you get around in all the major cities in Korea. In addition to learning how to use buses and subways, if you enjoy traveling to different cities on the weekends, it's important to get familiar with the Korail app to check train times across Korea. While you're in Korea, I highly recommend taking advantage of all the travel opportunities available.

Life Without an ARC Can Be Frustrating

I originally came to Korea as an English teacher, which meant I had to get an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Not everyone on SOFA status needs one, but having an ARC makes life much easier.

Whether it’s paying for parking in parking lots that only accept Korean cards, enrolling your kids in daycare, traveling in and out of the country, or signing up for online services, having an ARC makes you feel more self-sufficient. The application process might be tedious, but it’s worth considering if you want a smoother experience in Korea.

Adjust Your Expectations for Restaurants in Korea

Even after all these years, one thing I still struggle with is the common no-modification rule at many restaurants. If I ask for a small change—like adding avocado to a sandwich—the answer is often a firm “NO.” It can be frustrating, especially when the ingredient is available and I’m willing to pay extra. This kind of rigidity was hard to accept at first, but I’ve learned to work around it. My best advice? Find restaurants you love where you won’t feel the need to ask for substitutions. Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse, so take the time to explore and discover your favorite dishes. Try as many foods as possible—you won’t know what you like until you try!

Final Thoughts

Moving to Korea is an incredible experience, and hopefully sharing these experiences will help your transition be much smoother. If you are here, embrace the culture, stay open-minded, and give yourself time to adjust. Korea has so much to offer, and with the right mindset, it can truly be an experience you’ll never forget.

If you are coming to Korea, living in Korea, or leaving soon, check out The DMZ to the SEA PCS Resource Guide.

If you are looking for a personal and interactive way to learn a new language and to gain a sense of “Boram/보람”, contact Bianca and join the Boram Community. 

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