Working in Korea

  5 Must-Have Apps for Living in South Korea (2026 Guide) South Korea is one of the most digitally advanced countries, but interestingly, many global apps like Google Maps or Uber don't work the same way here. To navigate, eat, and communicate like a local, you need a specific set of Korean apps. Here are the top 5 essential apps you must install as soon as you land in Korea. 1. Naver Map (The Ultimate Navigator) Forget Google Maps. Due to security regulations, Google Maps lacks walking directions and real-time data in Korea. Naver Map is the gold standard for navigation. Why you need it: It provides precise walking paths, real-time bus/subway arrival times, and even tells you which subway car is closest to your transfer. How to use in English: Tap the three lines (Menu) → Settings (⚙️) → Language (언어) → Select English . 2. Kakao T (Taxis & More) Hailing a taxi on the street is becoming rare in Korea. Kakao T allows you to call a taxi to your exact location with just a few ...

 If you’re planning to navigate South Korea like a local, there is one item you absolutely cannot do without: the T-Money card . This rechargeable smart card is the backbone of Korea's public transportation system, making travel seamless, faster, and significantly cheaper. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from where to pick up your first card to mastering the famous "Transfer Discount." 1. Where to Purchase a T-Money Card You can find a T-Money card almost immediately after landing in Korea. Convenience Stores: This is the most common way. Visit any GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24 . You can find them at the airport and on nearly every street corner. Subway Stations: Every station has automated "Ticket Vending and Card Reload" machines. Look for the "Card Purchase" section. Cost: A basic card usually costs between 3,000 KRW and 4,000 KRW . Special "character" designs (like Kakao Friends or Line Friends) may cost 5,000 KRW or ...

  Note: This article was written by a professional with over 3 years of experience working in a Korean company. "For a better working environment, visiting on weekdays is much better than on weekends." Top 5 Coworking Spaces in Seoul: January 2026 Edition Seoul is a heaven for digital nomads and remote workers, offering some of the fastest internet speeds and most sophisticated office infrastructures in the world. Whether you are a freelancer or a business traveler, finding the right environment is key to productivity. Based on facilities, community, and location, here are the top 5 coworking spaces in Seoul as of January 2026. 1. Fastfive (Gangnam Branch) Fastfive is Korea's homegrown powerhouse in the shared office market. The Gangnam branch is particularly popular due to its prime location and networking opportunities. Location: Near Gangnam Station (Subway Line 2 & Shinbundang Line) Features: Trendy interior design, unlimited high-quality coffee and craft beer,...

  Climate Card vs. K-Pass: Which One Should You Use in Korea? (2026) If you are living in Seoul or commuting across the Gyeonggi province, transportation costs can add up quickly. Fortunately, Korea offers two major discount systems: the Climate Card (Gihoo-donghaeng Card) and the K-Pass . Choosing the right one can save you over 50,000 KRW per month. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide. 1. Climate Card (Seoul Exclusive) The Climate Card is a monthly pass that offers unlimited rides on subways and buses within Seoul for a fixed price. Price: 62,000 KRW (Bus + Subway) or 65,000 KRW (including Ttaereungyi city bikes). Coverage: Limited to Seoul city . If you get off at a station outside of Seoul (e.g., Incheon or Gyeonggi-do), you may have to pay extra. Best for: People who live and work within Seoul and use public transport at least 40 times a month. How to get it: You can buy a physical card at Seoul subway stations (cash only) or use a mobile version (Android o...