How is it like to live in South Korea? This guide covers housing, food, transport, culture, and everyday life for foreign ESL teachers considering a move to Korea.
🏠 1. Housing
Most ESL teachers in Korea don’t have to worry about finding housing—it’s usually provided by the school. This is one of the biggest perks of teaching English in Korea. The apartments are typically small studios or officetels, furnished with basic items like a bed, fridge, washing machine, and maybe a rice cooker if you're lucky. You probably won't get to choose the location or size, but the convenience can't be overstated. Rent and deposit are covered, and utility bills are low unless you blast the heater all winter. No apartment-hunting stress. Just show up, get your key, and move in.
TIP: If you ever need to find your own place, ask a Korean staff member or use a local app like Zigbang (직방).
🍱 2. Food and Dining Culture
Korean cuisine is flavorful, spicy, and rice-based. Meals often include multiple side dishes (banchan) and are eaten with metal chopsticks. Popular dishes include kimchi stew, bulgogi, and fried chicken. ESL teachers love Korea’s cheap and fast delivery system, which even reaches remote areas. Vegetarians may struggle, but big cities offer more options now.
🚇 3. Transportation
Korea has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world. Subways are clean, safe, and punctual. Buses are cheap and widespread. Get a T-money card and you're set. Most signs and announcements are in English, so it's easy for newcomers to navigate. No need to own a car.
🏥 4. Healthcare and Insurance
As an ESL teacher, you're enrolled in the National Health Insurance program. You’ll pay monthly premiums, but doctor visits and prescriptions are extremely affordable. Clinics are everywhere, and many doctors speak basic English.
TIP: Bring someone bilingual if it’s your first visit or use a translation app.
💸 5. Cost of Living
Daily expenses are reasonable. A meal can cost $4–$7. Rent is covered, so you mostly spend on food, transport, and your phone plan. Convenience stores are everywhere. Seoul is pricier, but in general, you can save money on an ESL teacher’s salary.
🗣️ 6. Language
Most Koreans speak limited English, especially outside major cities. Learning basic Korean phrases helps a lot. Hangul (Korean alphabet) is easy to learn in a day or two and helps with signs and menus.
TIP: Use apps like Papago or Naver Dictionary for daily translations.
👩💼 7. Work and Labor Culture
ESL jobs vary, but expect punctuality, hierarchy, and clear expectations. Respect for seniority is big. Your school may have strict rules on dress code or behavior. Public schools offer stability, while hagwons can be more demanding. Flexibility is key.
🗂️ 8. Administration and Paperwork
Expect a lot of paperwork when you arrive: Alien Registration Card (ARC), bank account, SIM card, etc. Luckily, schools often assist with the process. Still, bring extra passport photos, apostilled documents, and patience.
👥 9. Social Culture and People
Koreans are polite, generous, and group-oriented. You’ll notice people bow, share food, and avoid confrontation. Age and status matter in conversation. As a foreigner, you may get curious looks—but usually in a friendly way.
📱 10. Digital Life
Korea is hyper-connected. You’ll use KakaoTalk for messaging, QR codes for payments, and apps for everything from banking to food delivery. Public Wi-Fi is everywhere. Life runs on your phone.
🏞️ 11. Leisure and Travel
Korea has amazing weekend trip options: mountains, beaches, temples, and big cities. KTX trains make cross-country travel easy. Hiking is super popular, and festivals run year-round. ESL teachers enjoy generous time off during national holidays.
TIP: Where to Travel in Korea?
- Jeju Island – For beaches, hiking, and volcanoes
- Gyeongju – A historical city with temples and ancient tombs
- Busan – Coastal city with beaches, seafood, and vibrant nightlife
- Seoraksan – Famous for hiking and autumn leaves
- Andong – Traditional culture and Hahoe Village
🕍 12. Religion and Diversity
Christianity and Buddhism are most common, but religious freedom is protected. While Korea is ethnically homogeneous, cities are becoming more diverse. Interracial couples are more common now, but cultural curiosity or awkward stares may still happen.
So, how is it like to live in South Korea? For ESL teachers, it’s affordable, safe, and culturally rich—with just enough quirks to keep things interesting. With housing covered and healthcare accessible, daily life becomes manageable fast. Learn a bit of Korean, stay open-minded, and you’ll likely have a rewarding and memorable experience in Korea.