FAQ
Frequently asked questions
64 questions about life in Korea as an expat. Search by keyword or filter by topic.
โ๏ธ Arrival
How long do I have to register for an ARC?
You must apply within 90 days of your entry date. Don't wait until day 90, apply as soon as you have your visa and a fixed address in Korea. Processing takes 2โ3 weeks, and you'll need the ARC to open a bank account and get a local SIM card.
Read full guide: ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in KoreaCan I apply for an ARC before I have a permanent address?
You need a Korean address to register. If you're in temporary housing (goshiwon, Airbnb, or a friend's place), you can use that address temporarily. You must update the address at the immigration office if you move within 14 days of moving.
Read full guide: ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in KoreaWhat if I'm a student or on a working holiday visa?
The process is the same regardless of visa type, bring your visa documentation and a letter from your school or employer if applicable. D-2 (student) and H-1 (working holiday) visa holders must apply exactly like E-series visa holders.
Read full guide: ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in KoreaCan I apply online instead of going to the immigration office?
Some pre-registration is possible via Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr) to reduce wait times, but you must visit the immigration office in person to submit biometrics and original documents. Online-only ARC registration is not available.
Read full guide: ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in KoreaWhat do I do if my ARC is lost or stolen?
Report the loss to the nearest immigration office immediately and apply for a replacement ARC. Bring your passport, one photo, and the replacement fee (approximately โฉ30,000). You can also report loss to police first and bring the report to immigration.
Read full guide: ARC Registration Guide: How to Get Your Alien Registration Card in KoreaCan I open a Korean bank account without an ARC?
Some banks (notably KEB Hana and Shinhan) allow account opening with just a passport for short-term visa holders, but these are basic accounts with limited features. For full banking access, including online transfers, bill payments, and salary deposits, you need an ARC. Get your ARC first if possible.
Read full guide: How to Open a Korean Bank Account as a ForeignerWhich Korean bank is best for foreigners?
KEB Hana Bank is widely considered the most foreigner-friendly, with English-language app support and dedicated international banking branches. Woori Bank and Shinhan are good alternatives. IBK (Industrial Bank of Korea) is popular with foreign workers on E-series visas. Avoid KB Kookmin if your Korean is limited, their English support is weaker.
Read full guide: How to Open a Korean Bank Account as a ForeignerHow long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch, expect 30โ60 minutes. Bring all documents and arrive early, some branches have limited foreigner-service staff who work specific hours. Call ahead to confirm English support is available that day.
Read full guide: How to Open a Korean Bank Account as a ForeignerCan I do Korean banking in English?
KEB Hana's app (ํ๋์ํ (HanaOneQ)) has solid English support. Toss and Kakao Bank are Korean-only apps but have simple UIs. For ATMs, most major bank ATMs have English menus. For phone support in English, KEB Hana has a dedicated foreign customer line.
Read full guide: How to Open a Korean Bank Account as a ForeignerDo I need a Korean phone number to open an account?
Yes, most banks require a Korean phone number for OTP (one-time password) verification during account setup. Set up your SIM card before going to the bank. See our SIM card guide for how to do this.
Read full guide: How to Open a Korean Bank Account as a ForeignerCan I get a SIM card at the airport on arrival?
Yes. Incheon Airport has SIM card counters at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, open from early morning to late evening. You can buy prepaid tourist SIMs with your passport only, no ARC needed. These typically cost โฉ33,000โโฉ44,000 for 30 days of data, calls, and texts.
Read full guide: Korea SIM Card Guide: Phone Plans for ExpatsDo I need an ARC to get a monthly phone plan?
Yes. Monthly contracts (ํ๋ถ์๊ธ์ ) require ARC, Korean bank account, and sometimes employer verification. Prepaid plans (์ ๋ถ์๊ธ์ ) can be activated with just a passport.
Read full guide: Korea SIM Card Guide: Phone Plans for ExpatsWhat is name registration (๋ช ์) and why does it matter?
Korean law requires all SIM cards to be registered under the real name of the account holder. This is called ๋ช ์ (myong-ui). Your phone line is legally tied to your identity. If you use someone else's account, you're technically violating registration rules. Foreigners must register under their ARC or passport name exactly.
Read full guide: Korea SIM Card Guide: Phone Plans for ExpatsCan I use my home country phone in Korea?
Most modern unlocked phones work in Korea. Korean networks use LTE Band 1 (2100MHz) and 5G Band n78 (3500MHz). Check your phone's band compatibility. If your phone is carrier-locked, unlock it before arriving.
Read full guide: Korea SIM Card Guide: Phone Plans for ExpatsHow do I switch from a tourist SIM to a monthly plan?
Visit a carrier store with your ARC and Korean bank account details. You can port your existing number to the monthly plan using number portability (๋ฒํธ์ด๋). The tourist SIM number usually cannot be kept, you'll get a new Korean number.
Read full guide: Korea SIM Card Guide: Phone Plans for Expats๐ Rental system
When should my deposit be returned in Korea?
Your deposit must be returned on the day your lease ends and you hand back the keys, assuming you have given proper notice. The landlord does not have a grace period. If they need time because they're waiting for a new tenant's deposit, that's their problem, not yours.
Read full guide: How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in KoreaWhat can a Korean landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can deduct for damage the tenant caused beyond normal wear and tear, holes in walls, broken appliances, stains, missing fixtures. They cannot deduct for general ageing, fading paint, minor scuffs, or anything documented as pre-existing at move-in. Always document the unit condition on moving day.
Read full guide: How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in KoreaWhat should I do if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?
First, send a formal written demand (๋ด์ฉ์ฆ๋ช ) via certified mail. If they still refuse, file for tenancy registration (์์ฐจ๊ถ๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ช ๋ น) at the district court, this blocks the landlord from selling or mortgaging the property. For deposits under โฉ30M, use the small claims process (์์ก์ฌ๊ฑด์ฌํ). For larger amounts, consult the Korea Legal Aid Corporation.
Read full guide: How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in KoreaHow do I give notice to end my lease in Korea?
Under Korean tenancy law, you must give notice at least 2 months before the lease end date. If you don't give notice within the renewal window (2โ6 months before end date), the lease auto-renews for another 2 years. Send your notice in writing via KakaoTalk or certified mail and keep a record.
Read full guide: How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in KoreaCan I leave before my lease ends in Korea?
You can, but it requires the landlord's agreement. The standard approach is to find a replacement tenant, if the landlord accepts the new tenant, they release you from the lease and return your deposit when the new tenant pays theirs. Without the landlord's cooperation, early termination is legally complex.
Read full guide: How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back in KoreaWhat is jeonse (์ ์ธ)?
Jeonse is a Korean lease system where you pay a large lump-sum deposit (typically 50โ80% of the property's value) and live rent-free for the lease term (usually 2 years). The landlord uses your deposit as an interest-free loan. At the end of the lease, you get your full deposit back.
Read full guide: How Jeonse Works: the Risks to Know Before SigningIs jeonse safe?
Jeonse can be safe, but it carries real risks that catch many renters off guard, especially if you're new to Korea's housing system. The landlord may have existing mortgages that take priority over your deposit, the property value may fall below your deposit amount (gap jeonse risk), or the landlord may be unable to return the deposit. Always check the property's mortgage status at the registry office (๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ถ๋ฑ๋ณธ) before signing.
Read full guide: How Jeonse Works: the Risks to Know Before SigningHow much does jeonse cost in Seoul?
Jeonse deposits in Seoul typically range from โฉ200M (small studio in an outer district) to โฉ800M+ (larger apartment in Gangnam or Hannam). The deposit is usually 50โ80% of the apartment's market value.
Read full guide: How Jeonse Works: the Risks to Know Before SigningWhat happens if the landlord can't return my deposit?
If your landlord defaults on returning your deposit, you can file a legal claim (์์ฐจ๊ถ๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ช ๋ น) to register your tenancy on the property title and reclaim priority. However, recovery can take months or years. This is why deposit insurance (์ ์ธ๋ณด์ฆ๋ณดํ) from HUG or SGI is strongly recommended.
Read full guide: How Jeonse Works: the Risks to Know Before SigningDo I need to register my jeonse contract?
Yes. Register your move-in (์ ์ ์ ๊ณ ) with the local government office within 14 days of moving in, and get a confirmed date stamp (ํ์ ์ผ์) on your contract. These two steps give you legal priority over other creditors if the landlord defaults. Note: legal protection (๋ํญ๋ ฅ) takes effect the day after you register, not the same day. Foreigners must also separately notify the immigration office (์ฒด๋ฅ์ง ๋ณ๊ฒฝ์ ๊ณ ) within 14 days.
Read full guide: How Jeonse Works: the Risks to Know Before SigningCan foreigners rent an apartment in Korea without an ARC?
It is very difficult. Most landlords and agents require an ARC (์ธ๊ตญ์ธ๋ฑ๋ก์ฆ) to sign a lease. If you're on a short-stay visa and don't have an ARC yet, some landlords will accept a passport plus proof of employment or enrollment, but these cases are rare. Apply for your ARC as soon as you arrive.
Read full guide: Korea Apartment Lease Documents Checklist for ForeignersWhat is the standard lease contract (ํ์ค์๋์ฐจ๊ณ์ฝ์) in Korea?
It's the government-issued template for residential leases, published by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Using it is strongly recommended, it includes standard clauses that protect both parties and is the form most courts recognise. Ask your agent to use this form.
Read full guide: Korea Apartment Lease Documents Checklist for ForeignersWhat is ๊ด๋ฆฌ๋น and what does it cover?
๊ด๋ฆฌ๋น is the monthly management fee charged by the building on top of your rent. It typically covers water, building maintenance, elevator, and shared-area cleaning. Electricity and sometimes gas are billed separately. Always ask for a breakdown before signing, ๊ด๋ฆฌ๋น can add โฉ50Kโโฉ200K to your monthly costs.
Read full guide: Korea Apartment Lease Documents Checklist for ForeignersDo I need a Korean guarantor to rent in Korea?
Not always, but some landlords require one for foreigners, particularly for larger jeonse deposits or apartment complexes. Many foreigner-friendly landlords and officetels do not require a guarantor. If you're asked for one, a foreigner-friendly agent can often negotiate this away or find a landlord who doesn't require it.
Read full guide: Korea Apartment Lease Documents Checklist for ForeignersHow do I get the ํ์ ์ผ์ stamp on my contract?
Bring your signed lease contract to your local district office (๊ตฌ์ฒญ), it's free and takes minutes. You can also do it online at www.iros.go.kr if you have a Korean digital certificate (๊ณต์ธ์ธ์ฆ์). Do it on the same day you do your ์ ์ ์ ๊ณ move-in registration.
Read full guide: Korea Apartment Lease Documents Checklist for ForeignersWhat is wolse (์์ธ)?
Wolse is Korea's standard monthly rent system. You pay a deposit (๋ณด์ฆ๊ธ) upfront, usually โฉ5M to โฉ50M for a studio, plus a fixed monthly rent. At the end of the lease, your deposit is returned in full. It's the most accessible option for foreigners who don't have hundreds of millions of won ready.
Read full guide: Wolse Explained: Korea's Monthly Rent System for ForeignersHow much is wolse rent in Seoul?
Monthly rent for a studio (์๋ฃธ) in popular expat areas ranges from โฉ600,000 to โฉ1,200,000. An officetel in Itaewon or Hannam-dong typically costs โฉ900,000โโฉ1,500,000/month. Gangnam is generally 20โ30% higher. These figures assume a typical deposit of โฉ10Mโโฉ20M.
Read full guide: Wolse Explained: Korea's Monthly Rent System for ForeignersWhat is the deposit in wolse, and do I get it back?
Yes, the wolse deposit (๋ณด์ฆ๊ธ) is fully refundable at the end of your lease, assuming no damages. It's not the same as a fee. The deposit is typically โฉ5Mโโฉ30M for a studio. A larger deposit usually means lower monthly rent, since the landlord uses the deposit as partial compensation.
Read full guide: Wolse Explained: Korea's Monthly Rent System for ForeignersIs wolse or jeonse better for foreigners?
Wolse is almost always the better starting point for foreigners. It requires far less upfront capital, is easier to exit, and is standard for short-to-medium stays (1โ2 years). Jeonse makes more sense only if you have โฉ200M+ available, plan to stay 2+ years, and have done thorough due diligence on the property.
Read full guide: Wolse Explained: Korea's Monthly Rent System for ForeignersDo I need to register a wolse contract?
Yes. Register your move-in (์ ์ ์ ๊ณ ) at the local district office within 14 days of moving in, and get a confirmed date stamp (ํ์ ์ผ์) on your contract. This gives your deposit legal priority if the landlord defaults, it applies to wolse just as much as jeonse.
Read full guide: Wolse Explained: Korea's Monthly Rent System for Foreigners๐ก๏ธ Scam prevention
What is the most common jeonse scam in Korea?
The most common scam is gap jeonse fraud (๊ฐญํฌ์ ์ฌ๊ธฐ), where a landlord buys a property using your deposit as most of the purchase price with minimal personal capital. If property values fall, they cannot repay your deposit. Always check the ๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ถ๋ฑ๋ณธ to confirm the property value significantly exceeds your deposit plus any existing mortgages.
Read full guide: How to Avoid Jeonse and Deposit Scams in KoreaHow do I check if a Korean property is safe to rent?
Request the ๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ถ๋ฑ๋ณธ (property registration document) from the landlord or pull it yourself at www.iros.go.kr for โฉ1,000. Check for existing mortgages and liens. The property's market value minus all existing debt should comfortably exceed your deposit. If the numbers are close, the risk is high.
Read full guide: How to Avoid Jeonse and Deposit Scams in KoreaWhat is jeonse deposit insurance and do I need it?
Jeonse deposit insurance (์ ์ธ๋ณด์ฆ๋ณดํ) from HUG or SGI guarantees your deposit will be returned even if the landlord defaults. The premium is typically 0.1โ0.4% of your deposit per year. For a โฉ300M deposit, that's โฉ300Kโโฉ1.2M/year, a reasonable cost to insure a large sum. It is strongly recommended for all jeonse contracts.
Read full guide: How to Avoid Jeonse and Deposit Scams in KoreaWhat should I do if a landlord refuses to show the ๋ฑ๊ธฐ๋ถ๋ฑ๋ณธ?
Walk away. There is no legitimate reason for a landlord to refuse this request. You can also pull the document yourself online at www.iros.go.kr or at any district office for โฉ1,000. If the landlord is pressuring you not to check, treat it as a scam signal.
Read full guide: How to Avoid Jeonse and Deposit Scams in KoreaCan foreigners buy jeonse deposit insurance in Korea?
Yes. Foreigners with a valid ARC (Alien Registration Card) can apply for jeonse deposit insurance through HUG (์ฃผํ๋์๋ณด์ฆ๊ณต์ฌ) or SGI Seoul Guarantee. Your lease must meet eligibility requirements (deposit amount, property type, and the landlord's property debt ratio).
Read full guide: How to Avoid Jeonse and Deposit Scams in Korea๐ฅ Healthcare
What do I do in a medical emergency in Korea?
Call 119 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room (์๊ธ์ค). Emergency rooms are open 24/7. Language assistance is not guaranteed in ERs outside major cities, bring a Korean-speaking friend or use a translation app. The 1339 Korea Health Hotline can advise on where to go and what to do.
Read full guide: Finding English-Speaking Doctors in KoreaDo I need a referral to see a specialist?
For NHIS to cover a specialist visit at a large hospital (์๊ธ์ข ํฉ๋ณ์ or ์ข ํฉ๋ณ์), you technically need a referral letter (์ง๋ฃ์๋ขฐ์) from a local clinic. Without one, you can still see a specialist but pay a higher patient fee. International clinics at major hospitals often bypass this requirement for foreign patients.
Read full guide: Finding English-Speaking Doctors in KoreaHow much does a doctor visit cost without insurance?
Without NHIS, a standard clinic visit costs approximately โฉ50,000โโฉ120,000 depending on the clinic type and treatment. International clinics at major hospitals charge โฉ100,000โโฉ300,000 for a consultation. With NHIS, you pay a copay of โฉ2,000โโฉ30,000 depending on the facility level.
Read full guide: Finding English-Speaking Doctors in KoreaAre Korean hospitals good?
Yes. Korea's major hospitals are world-class. Korea ranks highly in international healthcare quality assessments. Wait times for specialist appointments are shorter than in many Western countries. Medical equipment is modern. The main challenge for expats is language access, not quality of care.
Read full guide: Finding English-Speaking Doctors in KoreaWhat about mental health services in English?
English-speaking therapists and psychiatrists are available in Seoul but limited outside it. TELL Korea (02-763-9100) provides English-language counseling and a crisis hotline. Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, and Asan Medical Center have English-speaking psychiatrists.
Read full guide: Finding English-Speaking Doctors in KoreaDo I have to wait 6 months before getting health insurance in Korea?
For automatic enrollment, yes, foreigners on qualifying long-stay visas are automatically enrolled in NHIS after 6 months of continuous residence in Korea. However, employed foreigners are enrolled from day one through their employer. If you're self-employed or unemployed, voluntary early enrollment may be possible, contact NHIS directly.
Read full guide: Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide for ExpatsWhat does NHIS cover?
NHIS covers 60โ80% of the cost of most medical visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and prescription medications at enrolled clinics and hospitals. Medically necessary MRIs ordered by a doctor are typically covered; elective or screening MRIs are not. It does NOT cover most dental care, vision correction (glasses/contacts/LASIK), cosmetic procedures, ambulance fees, and some specialist referrals. Supplemental private insurance is recommended for these gaps.
Read full guide: Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide for ExpatsHow much are NHIS premiums?
For employed workers, the premium is approximately 7.09% of your monthly salary, split 50/50 between you and your employer, so you pay about 3.545%. For self-employed or unemployed persons, the premium is calculated differently based on income, assets, and household size. The minimum premium is around โฉ70,000โโฉ90,000/month.
Read full guide: Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide for ExpatsCan I see a doctor before my NHIS kicks in?
Yes, but you pay full price (๋น๊ธ์ฌ). Clinics must treat patients without insurance; they'll simply charge the uninsured rate. This is typically 3โ5x the insured rate. For non-urgent matters, wait if you can. For urgent care, go, most clinics are still affordable by international standards even uninsured.
Read full guide: Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide for ExpatsWhat if I leave Korea for a month? Does my insurance pause?
If you leave Korea for more than 30 consecutive days, your NHIS coverage may be suspended. You'll need to re-enroll or notify NHIS when you return. Extended absence rules are detailed on the NHIS website.
Read full guide: Korea National Health Insurance (NHIS) Guide for Expats๐ณ Money
Do I have to file Korean taxes as a foreigner?
If you earn income in Korea (salary, freelance, rental), yes, you must file Korean income tax. Your employer typically handles withholding throughout the year and does the year-end settlement (์ฐ๋ง์ ์ฐ) in JanuaryโFebruary. If you have additional income beyond employment (side work, rental income, investments), you must also file a separate comprehensive income tax return by May 31.
Read full guide: Tax Guide for Expats in KoreaWill I be taxed in both Korea and my home country?
Korea has tax treaties with over 90 countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most EU countries) specifically to prevent double taxation. In most cases, you'll pay tax in one country or the other, not both. Check your country's specific treaty terms, as the rules vary. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence, which creates additional complexity. US expats in Korea should consult a US-Korea tax specialist.
Read full guide: Tax Guide for Expats in KoreaWhat is the flat 19% rate for foreigners?
Eligible foreign employees can choose to pay a flat 19% tax rate on employment income instead of the progressive rate (6โ45%). This is advantageous for higher earners since the progressive rate reaches 35%+ at higher income levels. The eligibility period and conditions have changed over time, verify your current eligibility with your employer's HR or a Korean tax accountant. Most expats on E-2 (English teacher) or E-7 (specialist) visas are offered the flat rate choice at ์ฐ๋ง์ ์ฐ each year.
Read full guide: Tax Guide for Expats in KoreaWhat happens to my taxes if I leave Korea mid-year?
You must file a departure tax return (์ถ๊ตญ ์ ๋ฉ์ธ๊ด๋ฆฌ์ธ ์ ๊ณ ) before leaving Korea if you have taxable income for that year. Your employer should handle withholding up to your departure date, but if you have any unreported income (freelance, etc.), you must settle it before leaving. Leaving with unpaid taxes can cause complications re-entering Korea.
Read full guide: Tax Guide for Expats in KoreaIs my foreign income taxed in Korea?
If you are a Korean tax resident (present in Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year), Korea can tax your worldwide income, including income earned abroad. However, foreign tax credits under Korea's double taxation treaties typically offset this. Non-residents (under 183 days) are only taxed on Korean-source income.
Read full guide: Tax Guide for Expats in KoreaWho can claim the pension refund?
Any foreigner who contributed to the Korean National Pension for at least 1 month and is leaving Korea permanently (or does not meet the 10-year contribution requirement for a regular pension) can claim the lump-sum refund. Citizens of countries with bilateral social security agreements (like the US and Germany) may be exempt from contributing in the first place, see below.
Read full guide: Korea Pension Refund Guide: Claiming Your NPS Lump Sum When LeavingHow much will I get back?
You receive all the contributions you personally paid (not your employer's share) plus a small amount of interest. The employee contribution rate is 4.5% of your monthly salary. If you earned โฉ3,000,000/month for 2 years, your refund would be approximately โฉ3,000,000 ร 4.5% ร 24 months = โฉ3,240,000 plus interest.
Read full guide: Korea Pension Refund Guide: Claiming Your NPS Lump Sum When LeavingCan I apply from abroad?
Yes. You can apply online through the NPS website or via a Korean consulate/embassy in your home country. You do not need to be in Korea to claim the refund.
Read full guide: Korea Pension Refund Guide: Claiming Your NPS Lump Sum When LeavingHow long does the refund take?
Once your application is submitted and approved, the refund is typically paid within 2โ4 weeks to the bank account you designate. It can be a Korean bank account or, with additional documentation, an overseas bank account.
Read full guide: Korea Pension Refund Guide: Claiming Your NPS Lump Sum When LeavingIs my employer's contribution included in the refund?
No. The lump-sum refund only includes the employee's share of contributions (4.5%). Your employer's matching 4.5% remains with NPS. This is the main reason the lump-sum refund is less than your total pension contributions.
Read full guide: Korea Pension Refund Guide: Claiming Your NPS Lump Sum When Leaving๐๏ธ Daily life
Is it hard to make Korean friends as a foreigner?
Making casual Korean acquaintances is easy. Koreans are generally friendly and curious about foreigners. Deep, long-term friendships take more time and effort, partly due to language barriers and partly because Korean social culture is group-oriented. Language exchange meetups and regular attendance at shared-interest groups (sports, hiking, art) are the most reliable paths to genuine Korean friendships.
Read full guide: Finding Your Community as an Expat in KoreaAre there English-speaking communities outside Seoul?
Yes, but they're smaller. Busan has a solid expat community centered around Haeundae and Seomyeon. Daegu has a community largely built around the military base (Camp Walker) and English teachers. Jeju has a growing digital nomad/long-stay expat scene. Outside these areas, expect to put in more effort to find your people.
Read full guide: Finding Your Community as an Expat in KoreaWhat are the best apps for meeting people in Korea?
Meetup (meetup.com) for organized events; Naver Band for Korean-style group communities; Bumble BFF mode for platonic friendships; InterNations app for professional expat networking. Language exchange apps like Tandem and HelloTalk also lead to real-world meetups.
Read full guide: Finding Your Community as an Expat in KoreaAre there communities for specific types of expats (LGBTQ+, families, seniors)?
Yes. The LGBTQ+ community is centered around Itaewon's Homo Hill area (Usadan-ro) with dedicated bars and social groups. Families with children are often connected through international school parent networks. SIWA (Seoul International Women's Association) serves women expats broadly. Each major nationality also has its own social clubs.
Read full guide: Finding Your Community as an Expat in Korea