So you are finding information about Korea.
You’re in the right place.
Cause I am Korean, and I’m gonna answer all your questions.
honestly, and from a local’s point of view.
Question about korea 1. Is South Korea safe to travel?
If you wish to travel to other country, Safety is number one priority right?
First up, safety : South Korea is actually one of the safest countries in the world.
The stats back that up.
And I lived in Korea almost 30 years now, but I’ve never encountered a life-threatening situation.
So yes. It is very safe country.
But a lot of people worry about North Korea right?
Yes, Kim jung un and his army are right above us.
Time to time, they might test a missile or two just for an attention.
But! trust me bro.
Kim jung un is probably the one who wants war the least.
because war would be game over for him too.
And they KNOW, they wouldn’t win a war against USA.
Like most Korean men, I also served in the military — but that’s a whole story for another post.
Question about korea 2. Can I survive in Korea without speaking Korean?
Are you planning to visit or move to Korea?
Don’t worry, a lot of Koreans know how to speak English. (especially for young people)
Because our education systems always involves English course.
But maybe senior citizens might not able to speak or understand it.
Tho, when you travel or need a services etc.
you don’t have to worry too much.
There’s always an English options in most major stores or popular restaurants.
Of course, thanks to the large number of visitors and short distances, Japanese and Chinese options are also often available.
Spanish… not so much.
Most Koreans will try their best to help you if you reach out to them.
maybe not with the same vibe you’d find in Japan but still.
Tho, If you can speak even a little Korean, you’ll pleasantly surprise a lot of people.
Question about korea 3. What’s Korean Food Like?
Just like in every country, Korean food comes in all kinds of styles.
and each region has its own local specialties.
Of course, Korea isn’t all about Korean food.
You’ll find tons of restaurants serving dishes from all over the world.
But if there’s one thing most people associate with Korean food, it’s the spicy flavor. And honestly, that’s 100% true.
Korean love their food red and spicy – especially when compared to our neighbor Japan.
When you eat at a Korean restaurant, you will find A LOT of side dishes and this is good, because usually it is FREE!
And also, most of them are refillable.
Pretty damn good, isn’t it?
And another features of Korean food is they are really hot.
We tends to eat our food piping hot, and our drinks ice-cold.
There’s so much more to say about Korean food, but I’ll save that for another post.
Lastly, you can get anything, anytime, anywhere(not rural places tho) 24/7.
Cause we love fast delivery system, and Late-night restaurants.
You will definitely amazed by them.
Oh, and when you come to Busan, be sure to check out my favorite Gukbap place.
Question about korea 4. How Good Is Public Transport in Korea?
In my opinion, One of the biggest advantages of living in Korea is definitely the public transportation system.
Three words, — fast, clean, and cheap!
I think the subways are the easiest way to travel, tho if you are traveling very rural area, subway might not be there.
And there’s the Bus.
Local ones and also Long distance buses.
they are quite fast, and almost connected everywhere in Korea.
I recommend you to download the app called ‘Kakao bus’, and ‘Naver map’.
If you search for the location on Naver map, it will show you how to get there and how much time it will need.
And for the Kakao bus, you can find bus numbers and arriving time.
Lastly there are taxis, quite affordable in my opinion(cheaper than Japan).
Taxis are always take cards so don’t worry about it.
but beware for the bad taxi drivers, (not all of them but some people might go around the block a few times just to earn more money).
and you can also reserve taxi or call taxi from app like ‘Kakao Taxi’.
Oh, and if I were your shoes, I’d avoid rush hour.
Question about korea 5. What’s the Drinking Culture Like?
Ah… My favorite subject.
I’m pretty sure Koreans love drinking.
Well, at least I do.
some of the most iconic Korean alcohol includes Soju, Beer, and Makgeolli.
first of all, Soju.
It is about 12 – 14% ( 24 Proof ).
Not that strong, unlike vodka or whisky, right?
tho, you better be careful.
2 bottle of Soju, and I’m done for.
To be honest, taste isn’t exactly soju’s strong point.
I have to admit, I don’t like the taste either.
It’s kinda like watered down vodka I guess?
but somehow, It grew on me and I kinda like it now.
My favorite way to drink Soju is mixing it up with beer.
Beer is common drink in Korea too.
but not that tasty in my opinion.
I prefer other countries beer lol.
and Makgeollie is one of the most traditional drink in Korea.
It’s a rice wine.
and I recommend drinking Makgeollie when rainy days with korean pan cake on the side.
Korean loves overnight drinking, so you can stay all night long in the streets baby!
Question about korea 6. How Expensive Is It to Live in Korea?
If you’re planning to study in Korea, do a working-holiday, or even settle down long-term, you’re probably wonder : How much does it actually cost to live in Korea.
Frankly? I’m broke. Like, seriously broke.
And to be honest, I don’t know what kind of lifestyle you’re aiming for either.
So I can’t give you a perfectly accurate number.
But assuming you already have a place to stay, you can probably get by on around 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 KRW (roughly 750 to 1,100 USD) per month.
Question about korea 7. What’s the Weather Like in Korea?
Woah.
Korea’s weather.
Well I can sum it up in one sentence, and here we go.
If you wish to truly experience all four seasons, come to Korea lol.
You’ll get a freezing cold bone-dry winter, super humid and hot summer (I wish for longer autumn).
Of course, it varies depending on the region.
North side which is Seoul capital city of Korea is located, tends to be much colder than South side like Busan.
but the heating system of Korea houses are absolutely great!
I spent a winter in Hokkaido, Japan last year, and it was freezing INSIDE the house.