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A day in the life of an expat in SeoulDo you have a lot of questions about the Real life in Koreain Seoul. Discover the depth of Korean culture through a day in the life of an expat living and working in Seoul.
We’ve all seen the colorful Seoul in K-dramas and travel vlogs, but what’s a day in the life of an expat actually like? From the subway commute to work, to lunch at a local cafe, to after-work drinks with coworkers. Here are some of the things you can’t experience in touristy everyday life Koreain action.
Characteristics of Korean Work Culture (Korean Work Culture)
South Korea’s workplace culture is characterized by the unique concepts of “nimchi” and “jung”. Shrewdness refers to the ability to recognize situations and act appropriately, while Jeong refers to the deep bonds between people. Understanding this cultural background is key to expat life in Seoulis the key to making it successful.
- 1. Morning Routine: How an Expat’s Day in Seoul Starts
- 2. Work life: Experience office culture
- 3. Lunchtime: Local eats and human connection
- 4. Evening activities: balancing company culture with personal time
- 5. Weekend life: Enjoy Seoul like a local
- 6. Cultural Adaptation: A Foreigner’s Real Life Experience in Korea
Preview the practical guide
In this article, we’ll provide you with the following practical information
- Actual business expressions and etiquette in the Korean workplace
- How to discover hidden spots where locals go to eat
- Etiquette for foreigners to know in drinking cultures
- Tips for living in Seoul like a local on the weekend
- Adaptation strategies to minimize culture shock
1. Morning Routine: How an Expat’s Day in Seoul Starts
Living in Seoul as an Expat‘s day starts around 7:00 am. Punctuality is important in Korean workplace culture, and most foreign workers quickly adapt to this.
Getting to work by subway
The Seoul Subway is a expat life Seoulis the most important mode of transportation in Seoul. Lines 2 and 9 are particularly busy during the 8am rush hour, with foreigners quietly looking at their phones or reading books alongside Koreans.
Subway Etiquette
In the Korean subway, it’s standard etiquette not to talk or eat loudly. While foreigners may feel awkward at first, the quiet atmosphere can make your morning commute less stressful.
Convenience store breakfast culture
One thing that surprises many foreign workers is how Koreans eat breakfast at convenience stores. The combination of triangular kimbap, cup noodles, and banana milk is now a living in Korea as a foreignerhas become an essential part of the experience.
- Popular menus: Tuna mayo triangles, pickled radish kimbap, hot Americano
- Average cost: 3,000 to 5,000 won (about $2.5 to $4)
- Save time: Quick meals in 5 minutes or less
2. Work Life: Experiencing Korean Office Culture as an Expat in Seoul
The workplace culture in South Korea is working in Korea expatIt’s a challenging and exciting experience for many, especially if you understand the unique Korean ‘seniority’ culture and ‘company life’.
Unique features of the Korean office
In Korean offices, age and seniority play an important role: even foreign employees are addressed as “senior” and “junior,” which has implications beyond a simple working relationship.
Examples of real-world work expressions
- “Good luck” – What coworkers say when they leave the office
- “I’ll go first” – What to say when you’re the first to leave the office
- “Go!” – Use to encourage coworkers
- “Thank you” – Say thank you after a job is done
The culture of pre- and post-lunch “noticing
Real Korea experienceThe most subtle part of the culture is the “nudge” culture. If the boss is still there when lunchtime rolls around, it’s hard to go first, and foreigners are often unsure how to behave in this situation.
Recently, however, many Korean companies have been trying to improve this culture and offer a more flexible atmosphere, especially for foreign employees.
3. Lunchtime: Local eats and human connection
Lunch breaks are everyday life Koreais the most important social time of the day. Over lunch, Korean office workers form human connections that go beyond the workplace.
Characteristics of Korean lunch culture
In Korea, eating alone is called “honbap,” and while it used to be considered awkward, it’s become a natural phenomenon in recent years. However, lunching with coworkers is still a Living in Seoul‘s core experience.
The democratization of lunch menu selection
In Korean workplaces, there’s a funny process when deciding what to have for lunch that starts with the question, “What do you want to eat?” and ends up with “anything.” Foreigners are initially baffled by this indirect way of decision-making, but gradually come to understand the thoughtfulness of Korean culture.
Popular lunch menus and price points
Seoul local guideHere are some can’t-miss office lunches from the world’s best lunch spots:
| Menu | Price points | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kimchi Jjigae Set Meal | 8,000~10,000 KRW | The most popular Korean menus |
| Bibimbap | 9,000~12,000 KRW | Healthy food preferences of foreigners |
| Tonkatsu | 10,000~13,000 KRW | Koreanized Japanese menus |
| Cold noodles | 9,000~14,000 KRW | Summer favorites |
Post-lunch culture at a cafe
After lunch, it’s common to take a break for an Americano at a nearby café, where you can have a casual conversation with your coworkers and de-stress from work.
4. Evening activities: balancing company culture with personal time
Korean drinking culture is characterized by expat life SeoulIt’s one of the most unique and important experiences of working in Korea. It’s a unique Korean culture of spending time with coworkers outside of work hours to build human connections.
The meaning and significance of meetings
In Korea, company dinners are more than just a meal; they’re a time to share personal stories and build teamwork that’s difficult to express in normal work relationships. Many foreigners feel obligated at first, but it’s a way to get to know your Korean coworkers.
A guide to dinner party etiquette
- Get a drink: Receive with two hands, turn sideways and drink
- How to toast: For younger or junior people, position the glass down
- Pour a drink: Pour first when you see an empty glass
- Conversation topics: Talk about personal things like hobbies and family rather than work.
Primary, secondary, and tertiary cultures
Real Korea experienceis the “chaesu” culture. The first usually leads to a meat or Korean restaurant, the second to karaoke or pocha, and the third to a bar or karaoke bar.
It can be difficult for foreigners to adjust to these back-to-back meetings, but it’s important to not push yourself and to be honest about your limitations. Most Korean coworkers are understanding and considerate of foreigners’ cultural differences.
The importance of carving out personal time
Participating in a social culture while still finding time for personal time is a key part of the living in Korea as a foreigneris an important survival strategy. A good rule of thumb is to balance your personal time with participation in 1-2 meetings per week.
Many expats end their day after work by taking a walk in Han River Park or reading a book at a local cafe. This personal time is essential to de-stress and recharge your energy in Korea.
5. Weekend life: Enjoy Seoul like a local
Weekends are Seoul local guideis the most important part of the program. It’s a chance to experience authentic Korean culture in the everyday spaces of locals, not tourist attractions.
Shopping at your local farmers’ market
Seoul’s traditional markets everyday life Koreais the place where you can experience it most vividly. A Guide to Conquering Seoul’s Traditional Marketsfor more information.
- Square Market: Home of bedbug tteok and drug gimbap
- Telemarketplace: Trendy markets with a younger demographic
- Tongin Market: A market known for its bento cafes
Chicken and beer at Han River Park
The “chimac” culture of enjoying chicken and beer on the Han River is one of the most popular among foreigners. real Korea experience Yeouido and Ttukseom Hangang Park are particularly popular.
Jjimjilbang experience
The 24-hour jjimjilbang is a unique part of Korean culture. Foreigners are often baffled at first, but it’s an important experience to understand Korean leisure culture. Korea Tourism Organizationfor more information.
6. Cultural Adaptation: A Foreigner’s Real Life Experience in Korea
Living in Korea as a foreignerThe most important thing is to understand and accept cultural differences – mutual understanding and respect are key, rather than perfect adaptation.
Language challenges and overcoming them
Learning Korean is a expat life Seoulis one of the biggest challenges. However, once you master the basic expressions you use in your daily work, life becomes much easier.
Practical Korean expressions
- Tasks: “I’ll check”, “I understand”, “I’m sorry”
- Routine: “Hello”, “Thank you”, “Excuse me”
- Restaurant: “I’ll order”, “Please pay”, “It’s delicious”
Strategies for overcoming culture shock
Getting over the initial culture shock is a necessary process for all expats. The Complete Guide to Korean Culture Shockfor more advice.
The most important thing is to observe and understand rather than judge. It takes time to fully understand the “jung” and “nuance” of Korean culture, but the human connections you make along the way are invaluable.
Essential Information for Foreigners Living in Korea
The first thing you need to know when living or traveling in South Korea is how to use public transportation! From how to navigate the subway and buses to how to use your T-money card, check out our complete guide to public transportation for foreigners.
From T-money cards to subway maps, here’s everything you need to know about public transportation in Korea!
Conclusion: The Real Korean Life Beyond Tourism
Living in Seoul as an Expatis not just about living, it’s about cultural growth. From a quiet subway ride to work to a heart-to-heart conversation at the office, every moment is a valuable experience in understanding Korean culture.
These are the everyday moments that tourist guidebooks don’t tell you about. real Korea experienceis a true value. Living in Korea as a foreigner is a unique opportunity to build bridges between two cultures, to share and learn from different perspectives.
Key Points for Success in Korea
- An open mind: Curiosity and respect for other cultures
- Patience: Adaptation is a natural process that takes time
- Willingness to communicate: Authenticity across language barriers
- A sense of balance: Embracing Korean culture and maintaining your identity
Every day in Seoul is a new discovery, and it’s the small joys of everyday life that make the living in Korea as a foreigner‘s real appeal and value.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the most difficult part of Seoul for foreigners to adjust to?
The most challenging part is the “know-it-all” culture and hierarchy in the workplace. There are unspoken rules about when to leave the office and how to express your opinions. However, most Korean coworkers understand the cultural differences and try to be helpful. The key is to be observant and ask questions.
Can I live in Seoul if I don’t speak Korean?
While you can get by with the basics, learning Korean will greatly improve your quality of life, especially when it comes to communicating at work and building relationships with locals. While there are plenty of app translators and English signs, it’s still a good idea to learn simple greetings and business phrases.
Are dinner parties mandatory or is it okay to decline?
Dinners aren’t mandatory, but they’re important for teamwork and building relationships. You don’t have to participate every time, but doing so occasionally can bring you closer to your coworkers. Declining for personal or health reasons is completely understandable.
What’s the best way to make foreign friends in Seoul?
Expat communities, language exchange groups, and hobby clubs are good options, especially in the Hongdae, Itaewon, and Gangnam neighborhoods, which have cafes and bars where expats often gather. Online, you can find a variety of meetups through Facebook groups and meetup apps.
How do I enroll in Korean health insurance?
Foreigners are also eligible for Korean National Health Insurance. If you’re an employee, your company will automatically enroll you, but if you’re self-employed or a student, you’ll need to apply yourself. Enrollment greatly reduces the burden of medical expenses, and you’re covered at most hospitals.