Living in Seoul

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Living in Seoul

2015 Living in Seoul English Edition

Living in Seoul

Guide for Living in Seoul English Edition English

SEOUL GLOBAL CENTER | Tel_ 82-2-2075-4180 Fax_ 82-2-723-3205 http://global.seoul.go.kr

English Edition contents Immigration

08 Visa 09 Stay 14 Foreign Registration 16 Overseas Koreans 18 Re-entry Permission 19 Departure 20 Q&A

Transportation Accommodation

22 Using Public Transportation 38 Types of Accommodation 22 Subway 40 Types of Lease Contracts 25 Intra-city Buses 43 Real Estate Agents 27 Taxis 45 International Districts 29 Transit Cards 48 Purchase Procedures for Foreigners 30 Express Buses 49 Making the Move 31 Trains & Planes 51 Electricity 34 Q&A 51 Gas 52 Water Service 53 Q&A Garbage Disposal Communication Education Driving

56 Preparations for Garbage Collection & Banking 106 Education System 132 Driving in Seoul 57 General Waste 106 Educational Options 137 Penalty Points for Traffic Violations 57 Food Waste 66 Communication Facilities 107 Preschools 138 Penalty Points from Traffic Accidents 58 Recycling 71 Postal Services 108 Foreign Schools 139 Purchasing a Vehicle 59 Large Waste Matter 75 Telephone Services 114 Korean Language Education 144 Resident Prioritized Parking System 61 Recycling Centers and Flea Markets 78 Banking 116 Libraries & Book Stores 144 Rental Cars 63 Q&A 82 Q&A 119 Q&A 145 Motorcycles 146 Traffic Accidents 147 Q&A Employment Medical Services

86 Scope of Activities and Employment for Foreigners in Korea 122 Korean Medical System 86 Employment Procedures by Visa Status 123 Medical Services for Foreigners 89 Visa Statuses That Can Seek Employment With Approval 127 Medical Insurance 90 Labor Laws (Main Regulations) 129 Other Medical-related Information 94 Support Centers and Information Bureaus for Foreign Workers 130 Q&A 96 Four Social Insurance Programs 101 Recruiting and Employment Sites 102 Q&A 01

Leisure

150 Sports 156 Culture 161 Seoul Travel Administration 166 Shopping 176 International Marriage 171 Community 177 International Divorce 173 Q&A 179 Birth Report 179 Death Report 179 Seal Registration 180 Tax 183 Q&A Directory Immigration

212 Public Offices 220 Hospitals 221 Banks Visa 222 Culture and Tourism Stay 229 Media 230 Accommodation Foreign Registration 236 Libraries Overseas Koreans Re-entry Permission Departure Q&A 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

Visa Multiple entry visas 3_Visa issuance procedure 4_Visa-free entry An individual can enter the country two or An individual who falls under one of the needs to Any visitor who enters Korea more times within the term of the visa. Place of Visa Application & Issu- following conditions can enter the country have a visa whether his/her purpose of en- ance without a visa try is to work, travel or study. A visa is af- 2_Visa types according to The embassy or consulate of the Republic of ·Countries under visa waiver agreements fixed to the passport. Those who fall under Korea ·Designated visa-free entry one of the special cases specified in the Im- status of stay ·Frequent visitors migration Control Act are exempt from visa ※ Prior to visa issuance from a consulate over- ·Transit tourists bound for another country requirements. However, having a visa does Diplomacy/Official Mission Status seas, if necessary, an Immigration Office or a ·Japanese tourists/visitors not necessarily mean anyone with a visa can Diplomacy (A-1), Official Mission (A-2), branch of fice (only Sejong-ro, Ulsan, Donghae, ·Europe-bound Chinese transit tourists enter the Republic of Korea. In Korea, a visa Agreements (A-3) Sokcho Branches) can conduct a preliminary ·Those with special entry arrangements indicates a consul’s recommended action for inspection on the application of a foreigner entering Korea and a domestic inviter, and for Jeju Island a foreigner’s entry. Thus, during the entry in- Employment Visas issue a certificate for recognition of visa issu- ·Re-entry permit holders spection, if immigration officers find that a Temporary Employment (C-4), Professor ance (or Visa Issuance Confirmation Number). ·International treaty organization issued foreigner does not meet the requirements of (E-1), Foreign Language Teaching (E-2), The visa can be issued conveniently by sub- passport holder (LAISSEZ-PASSER) entry, the foreigner’s entry may be rejected Research (E-3), Technological Guidance mitting the ”Certificate of Visa Issuance” to ·APEC Business Travel Card holders at the discretion of the immigration officer. (E-4), Profession (E-5), Arts/Entertainment a consulate overseas. The valid term of the (Check applicable countries and free- (E-6), Specially Designated Activities (E-7), certificate is 3 months. entry qualifications on the following web- Non-professional Employment (E-9), Labor site: www.hikorea.go.kr) Aboard (E-10), Working Holiday (H-1), Documents to Submit Working Visa(H-2) ·Passport ·Visa issuance application Stay Non-profit & Short-term Stay Visas form Foreigners who intend to stay in Korea Temporary Press Coverage (C-1), Tempo- ·Required documents for should have a relevant status of stay for the rary Visiting(C-3) each status of stay (Detailed period and purpose of their stay. information can be checked Long-term Stay Visas at www.hikorea.go.kr) 1_Period of stay 1_Types of visas Culture/Arts (D-1), Study (D-2), Industrial ·Short-term stay: 90 days or less Visa Issuance Fee Training (D-3), General Training (D-4), Press ·Long-term stay: 91 days or more Single entry visas Coverage (D-5), Religious Work (D-6), ·Single entry visa (90 days or less): ·Permanent Residence: unlimited amount equivalent to $30, (91 days or Foreigners with long-term stay or perma- Only one entry is allowed within the term Supervisory Chairmanship (D-7), Business more): amount equivalent to $50 nent resident status should complete reg- of the visa (Single visas are valid for three Investment (D-8), Trade Management (D-9), · M ultiple entry visa : amount equivalent istration as a foreigner and/or Domestic months from the date of issue). Visit & Stay with Family (F-1), Residency (F-2), Family Dependency (F-3), Overseas to $80 Residency Report within 90 days of entry. Koreans (F-4), Marriage Immigration (F-6), ※ For inquiries about immigration-related information, Please call 1345 or visit www.hikorea.go.kr 8 Others (G-1) Living in Seoul 9 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

2_Scope of Activities and participate in other activities not related to country with a new visa or get permission Domestic Employment of or not permitted within their current status, for change of visa status, which allows such he/she must request permission to change the activities. Foreigners Staying in Korea status of his/her stay. As a general rule, he/she ·A foreigner with a single entry visa (the must depart and re-enter Korea with a new ·Foreigners are allowed to stay in Korea maximum period of stay: 90 days) is not al- status that corresponds to the desired qualifi- within the scope of their status and the lowed to participate in activities beyond the cation. However, if he/she meets the require- granted period of stay. Foreigners cannot current visa status. ments for the new status without having to be involved in any political activities unless ·If the foreigner’s working hours for the ac- depart Korea, a limited change of status can the law specifically permits their political tivities beyond status of stay are longer or be made upon passing a strict examination. participation. the salary is higher than the original workplace, the activities beyond status of stay ·Foreigners who wish to obtain employment 3_Extension of Stay Application Period in Korea should have a status which is eligi- are not allowed. A foreigner who intends to continue his/her Before starting the activities of the change of ble for employment. Foreigners are allowed ·When a foreigner wants to learn Korean at stay in Korea beyond the permitted period of stay qualification, a permission of change of to work only at workplaces that have been a foreign language institute or college, or stay should receive permission for the exten- visa status must be obtained from the Immi- reported to, or designated by, a local or dis- wants to receive education on traditional sion of their stay. gration Office. trict immigration office. Korean culture or art within the period of stay, the foreigner does not need permission ·To change the company of employment, Application Period How to Apply to Change Status of Stay for activities beyond status of stay. foreigners should get permission from their Application for an extension of stay is avail- The principal or the principal’s agent should jurisdictional immigration office prior to able from two months before the expiration submit the required documents to the Immi- Application for Permission for Ac- making the change. date of stay through the expiration date. gration Office of their jurisdiction. If an individual applies for permission for an tivities Beyond the Current Status Status of Stay allowing extension of stay after the expiration date, he/ 5_Activities Beyond the Given of Stay Employment she will be charged penalties. Status of Stay A foreigner should receive permission for ac- Temporary Employment (C-4), Professor tivities beyond the current status of stay prior ·When a foreigner staying in Korea intends (E-1), Foreign Language Teaching (E-2), How to Apply for Permission for to carrying out these activities. to carry out activities beyond his/her given Research (E-3), Technological Guidance Extension of Stay status of stay while maintaining the current (E-4), Journalism (E-5), Arts/Entertainment How to Apply for Permission for The principal or his/her agent should submit status of stay, he/she should get permission (E-6), Specially Designated Activities (E-7), required documents according to status of in advance. Activities Beyond the Current Training Employment (E-8), Nonprofes- stay to the Immigration Office of their juris- ·If activities beyond the status of stay be- Status of Stay sional Employment (E-9), Labor Aboard diction. (E-10), Residency (F-2), Overseas Koreans come the main purpose of stay, foreign- The principal or his/her agent should submit (F-4), Permanent Residency (F-5), Working 4_Changing Stay Status ers are not allowed to get involved in said the required documents according to status of Holiday (H-1), Working Visa (H-2), Mar- activities. Under these circumstances, the stay to the Immigration Office of their juris- When a foreigner staying in Korea wishes to riage Immigration (F-6) foreigner should leave Korea and enter the diction.

10 Living in Seoul 11 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

6_Change or Add a Company Individuals in violation of this requirement military stationed in Korea is granted one ·A foreigner who intends to stay in Korea of Employment are subject to penalties. A foreigner who is of the following visa statuses: Agreements for more than 91days obligated to obtain a status of stay can de- (A-3), Temporary Visitor (C-3), Visit ·An individual who gives up his/her Ko- A foreigner with status of stay for employ- part Korea without acquiring a status of stay &Stay with Family (F-1), Residency (F-2), rean nationality and gains a foreign na- ment in Korea who wishes to change or add within 30 days from the date when a cause Others (F-1). tionality a place of employment within the given sta- for granting of a status of stay occurs. ·A Korean-born child of a foreigner with tus of stay should obtain permission prior to ·A Korean-born foreigner who was born one of the following visa statuses Resi- changing or adding a company of employ- in Korea and intends to stay in Korea for How to Apply dency (F-2), Industrial Training (D-3) or ment. Please confirm with the Immigration more than 91 days from the date of receiv- The principal or principal’s agent should ap- Non-professional Employment (E-9) is Office for details to avoid any possible dis- ing residence status ply by submitting the required documents granted Visit & Stay with Family (F-1). advantages. ※ Exemption from Alien Registration for status of stay to the presiding Immigra- 7_Granting Status of Stay tion Office. Foreign Registration ·Individuals engaged in Diplomacy (A-1), Of- ficial Missions (A-2) and Agreements (A-3) The Criteria of Permission for and their families Granting of Status of Stay ·Citizens of Canada intending to stay in Korea for less than 6 months and fall under one of ·Korean-born children of foreign national the following statuses: Culture/Arts (D-1), Reli- parents who have one of the following visa gious Work (D-6), Visit & Stay with Family (F-1), statuses Diplomatic (A-1), Official Mission Family Dependency (F-3) and Others (G-1) (A-2), or Agreements (A-3) are granted the ·Individuals undertaking diplomatic, indus- same status of stay as their parents. trial, or other important duties for national ·A registered foreigner’s child who was According to the Immigration Control security, and their family members, and for- For those who have lost Korean nationality, eigners whose exemption is deemed neces- born in Korea is granted a family depen- Act, foreign registration is required for for- or foreigners who are born in Korea or those sary by the Minister of Justice. dency status of stay (F-3). eigners who intend to stay in Korea for more who stay in Korea without having a status of than 90 days after their arrival date. Children stay owing to other reasons, getting a new ·A child under the age of 20 of a foreigner of a registered foreigner in Korea can attend 2_Registration Period qualification of stay is called granting a sta- holding a permanent residence status of either Korean or foreign schools. In addition, ·Foreigners who intend to stay in Korea for tus of stay. Permission for granting a status stay (F-5) is granted a permanent residence registered foreigners can receive medical in- more than 90 days: within 90 days of entry of stay is affixed in the passport. status of stay (F-5). surance benefits. Immigration Control Act 27 ·Foreigners who received permission for ·The spouse of an individual with perma- obliges foreigners over the age of 17 staying status of stay or change of status: upon Application Period nent residence status of stay (F-5) who at- in Korea to carry an alien registration card receiving permission tained his/her spouse’s nationality and lost An individual eligible for application should at all times and present it when requested by Korean nationality is granted residence apply for a status of stay within 30 days from immigration officers or other public officers. 3_Registration Procedure the date when one of the aforementioned status of stay (F-2). Applicants should submit the following doc- causes takes place. ·A person who is discharged from the U.S. 1_Applicant uments to the Immigration Office or a branch

12 Living in Seoul 13 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

office of the jurisdiction concerned. foreigner should submit a Korean nation- Chairmanship (D-7), Business Investment Employer’s Declaration of Obligations ality verification certificate and give up the (D-8), Trade Management (D-9) changes ·Foreign registration application, passport, According to the Immigration Control Act, foreign nationality verification certificate. its name. a color photo (3 cm x 4cm), fee of 30,000 employers of foreigners or the heads of com- won and other required documents ac- ·Upon Death : panies offering foreigners industrial training Reporting Period cording to a status of stay The alien registration card should be re- should declare to the Immigration Office ·Foreign registration is valid for one year. turned within 14 days of the acknowledge- Within 14 days from the date when one of within 15 days of the date when they know Renewal must be done before the card ex- ment of death or within 30 days of death. A the previous causes takes place. The regis- about one of the following causes. For the in- piration date. medical report, inquest report, or other death tered foreigner in violation of this require- fringement of this obligation, penalties will verification documents should be submitted ment will be charged a penalty. be imposed on employers or the head of the 4_Returning Alien Registration Cards with the alien registration card [c3]. company. Reporting Method Under any of the following conditions, for- ※ Penalties will be imposed [c4] if alien regis- eigners should return their foreign registra- tration cards are not returned within the re- The principal or his/her agent should submit Conditions to Declare tion cards to the Immigration Office. quired periods. the required documents to the Immigration ·In the case of hiring, retirement or death of Office of the jurisdiction concerned. ·On the final departure date of a registered a foreign employee; or foreigner; or 5_Foreigners’ Reporting Obligations ·When a hired foreigner’s place of stay is Required Documents ·When a registered foreigner abandons his/ Reporting Obligations of Changes of uncertain; or her foreign citizenship and acquires Ko- ·Passport and alien registration card ·When important information in employ- rean nationality; or Particulars of Foreign Registration Card ·Application form of report on changes of ment contracts changes ·Upon the death of a registered foreigner A registered foreigner should report changes particulars of alien registration card : when the contract period, name or loca- of information on alien registration card to [c2]; or ·Documents verifying the changes tion of the company, or employer changes, a local immigration office of the jurisdiction when the company sends the employee to ·When a registered foreigner becomes ex- concerned in one of the following circum- another workplace, or when the foreign empt from foreign registration. Reporting Obligation of Change stances; employee violates Immigration Control of Place of Stay Return Period of Alien Registra- ·When the name, sex, date of birth or na- Act and/or other related regulations. tionality of a foreigner changes; or When a registered foreigner changes his/her tion Cards place of stay, the person should report it to ·When the passport number, date of issu- Reporting Obligations of Foreign the jurisdictional Immigration Office within ·Foreigners planning to leave the country ance or expiration date changes; or Students 14 days of the foreigner’s change in resi- for good should return their alien registra- ·When the organization of foreigners with dence. Penalties are imposed in breach of the For the efficient management of the increas- tion cards upon departure. one of the following visas Culture/Arts obligation. ing number of foreign and language students ·When a foreigner gains Korean nation- (D-1), Study (D-2), General Training in Korea, the reporting obligation of foreign ality, the person should return the alien (D-4) changes its name; or Required Documents students is imposed on the head of domestic registration card within 14 days of his/her universities or graduate schools, where the ·When the organization of foreigners under ·Passport and alien registration card acquisition of Korean nationality. When D-2 status foreign students study as well as one of the following visas Press Coverage ·Report form of change of place of residence returning the alien registration card, the (D-5), Religious Work (D-6), Supervisory on the head of university-affiliated language

14 Living in Seoul 15 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

institutes, where the General Training (D-4) who have attained permanent foreign resi- 90 days of entry. documents to the jurisdictional immigration status or Temporary Visiting (C-3) status for- dency status or lived in foreign countries to Those who received overseas Korean sta- office of his/her place of residence. eign students study the Korean language. acquire permanent foreign residency status. tus (F-4) or permission for change of status Koreans of foreign nationality are those who should report domestic residence upon re- Common Documents to be Sub- Reporting Period had a Korean nationality or their immediate ceiving permission. mitted If one of the following grounds for reporting descendents acquired foreign nationalities. ·Passport or foreigner entry permit and arises, foreign students must declare it within Those staying abroad temporarily are not 3_Benefits of Domestic copy of passport (page with photo) 15 days of that date, or they will be fined. considered overseas Koreans. Residence Reporting ·One photo (3.5 cm x 4.5cm) When reporting domestic residence, a residence report card for Koreans staying ·Fee: 30,000 won overseas and Koreans with foreign nationality will be issued to overseas Koreans. The Korean Nationals Residing Abroad Domestic Residence Card can be used as a ·Domestic residence report for Korean na- Resident Registration Card. According to tionals residing abroad the Overseas Koreans Act, overseas Koreans ·Basic registry who have reported domestic residence have the same rights as native Koreans with re- ·Family relation registry (for those required to verify family relation) 1_Overseas Koreans’ Report- gard to departure and entry, stay, real estate Grounds for Reporting transactions, financial transactions, foreign ·Certificate of cancellation of resident ing of Domestic Residence exchange transactions, medical insurance, registry (those born outside of Korea are ·When a foreign student admitted to a Domestic residence indicates a place where pension and indemnity payments for per- exempt) school or permitted to train does not regis- an individual stays with the purpose of resi- sons of distinguished service to the state ·Copy of permanent residency certificate of ter or is absent within the designated reg- dence for more than 30 days. Domestic Resi- and persons of distinguished service to in- residing country or other documents veri- istration period; or dence Reporting is optional. Thus, overseas dependence and their families. In addition, fying the long-term stay status attained ·When the overseas study or training period Koreans who want to benefit from Domestic overseas Koreans can depart and re-enter the is terminated for a foreign student because Residence Reporting are recommended to country without a re-entry permit within the Foreign Nationality Koreans of expulsion or withdrawal, or when the report their domestic residence. period of stay. Also, those who have reported ·Domestic residence report for foreign na- whereabouts of the student are unknown domestic residence are permitted employ- tional Koreans ment in most industrial field in Korea except 2_Report period ·Basic certificate of loss of Korean nation- simple labor and speculation. Overseas Koreans Domestic Residence Reporting is not man- ality (if removed after Jan. 1, 2008), certif- Overseas Koreans refer to Koreans re- datory, so there are no definite periods for icate of de-nationalization indicating loss siding in foreign countries. Overseas Ko- reporting. However, foreign nationality 4_Reporting Method of Korean nationality (if removed before reans include “Korean Nationals Residing Koreans who have not reported Domestic & Required Documents Jan. 1, 2008) or receipt for the report of Abroad” and “Foreign Nationality Koreans.” Residence and intend to stay for more than the loss of Korean nationality (issued by The principal should submit the required Korean nationals residing abroad are those 90 days should register as a foreigner within Korean embassy)

16 Living in Seoul 17 01 Immigration Living in Seoul English Edition

·A copy of overseas Korean visa (F-4) ·When the Korean national residing abroad Departure ※ Documents to be submitted may be added or acquires foreign nationality; or, reduced if a review process is needed. ·When the Korean national residing abroad In principle, foreigners with a valid passport returns to Korea permanently; or, can leave the country at his/her free will. 5_Residence Change Report ·When the overseas Korean dies in Korea However, any national leaving Korea should of Overseas Koreans [c5]; or, go through departure inspection conducted by the Immigration Bureau to prevent un- When an overseas Korean changes his or ·When the overseas Korean departs Korea lawful departure. When the immigration her residence, the person should report the without intention to re-enter the country officers find the departing individual suspi- ※ The above application documents to be sub- change to the si (city), gun (county) or gu within the term of stay with overseas Ko- cious of illegal acts, such as holding a forged mitted may be added or reduced when a re- (district) office or to the jurisdictional- im rean status visa or criminal conduct, the person may view process is needed. Detailed information migration office where the new place of ※ can be checked by calling the information Overseas Koreans who do not return their be detained. In special cases, the foreigner residence is located within 14 days from the residence report cards to the immigration center of the Foreigner Policy Headquarters may be deported regardless of his/her will. moving date. In violation of this rule, penal- office within 14 days of the aforementioned of the Korea Immigration Service at 1345 Foreigners departing after their granted pe- without an area code or by visiting the web- ties of less than 2 million won will be im- reason pay a penalty of up to 1 million won. site www.hikorea.go.kr. posed. riod of stay may leave the country after pre- Re-entry Permission scribed procedures at the Immigration Bu- Required Documents reau. When the foreigner permanently leaves As of December 1, 2010, a foreigner is the country, the person should return his/her for Residence Change Report exempt from re-entry permission if the per- alien registration card during the departure ·Passport and domestic residence report son’s period of stay outside of Korea is less inspection. A penalty is charged to the for- card than one year. However, it is required for the eigner in breach of this rule. ·Domestic residence change report person to receive re-entry permission from Nationals prohibited from departure may re- the immigration office if the period of stay ceive restrictions on residence and the scope 6_Return of Residence Report outside Korea is over one year. of their activities. Those who stay beyond the period of departure are subject to deportation Card of Overseas Koreans ※ This rule is not applied to G-1 visa holders in all cases. Those who have G-1 visa should or criminal punishment. Nationals who re- An overseas Korean should return his/her confirm with the Immigration Office. ceive prohibition notice of departure may ap- residence report card to an immigration of- peal the prohibition decision by submitting fice or a branch office under one of the fol- an application form to the Ministry of Justice lowing conditions. within 10 days of receiving the notice. ·When a Korean of a foreign nationality acquires Korean nationality; or, ·When the foreign nationality Korean loses qualifications for the status of stay as an overseas Korean; or,

18 Living in Seoul 19 01 Immigration 02 How many immigration offices are I have heard that foreigners must Q there in Seoul? How can I find an return their alien registration card immigration office within my juris- during a departure review at the diction? Q airport when departing Korea after the stay period is expired. However, There are two immigration offices in I lost my alien registration card A Seoul: one at Mokdong and a branch 2 days before departure. What office at Sejongno. should I do? A jurisdiction office is determined depend- In accordance with the Immigration ing on the address reported to the Korea A Control Act, foreigners who depart Immigration Service. Immigration affairs Korea after the expiration of their visa cannot be processed at an immigration office must return their alien registration card to outside of your jurisdiction, so you should check your jurisdiction immigration office a departure review officer. Foreigners who beforehand. do not return their cards will be fined less than 100,000 won. If they have lost their ※ Jurisdiction of Sejongnro Branch Immigration card before departure, they must get a new Office: Jongno-gu, Jung-gu, Eunpyeong-gu, Dongdaemun-gu, Jungnang-gu, Dobong-gu, card. Re-issuance will take 2-7 days. Transportation Seongbukgu, Gangbuk-gu, Nowon-gu My stay period will soon be expired, Q but I am not prepared to leave Ko- If a missionary with a visa for reli- rea. What is the maximum length gion who is undertaking religious in which I can extend my stay? Q activities wishes to work at a pri- Using Public Transportation vate foreign language institute, The maximum allowable time for does he/she need separate per- A extending the stay period for de- Subway (Seoul Metro) mission from immigration? parture is 30 days. Documents needed for Intra-city Buses extension are your air ticket with a specific If foreign language teaching is the departure date, alien registration card, and Taxis A major visa qualification for the stay passport. An application for the extension compared to the current stay qualification Transit Cards of stay is possible only before the expira- of religious activities, he/she must get a tion of the stay. Express Buses new visa as a foreign language instructor. However, if religious activities are the Trains & Planes major visa qualification, permission for additional activities of foreign language instruc- Q&A tion is needed and can be added to the visa. Information about the documents needed for the application of permission can be found on the website of the Immigration Office at www.hikorea.go.kr or by calling the immigration office of the jurisdiction concerned.

20 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

dition, adolescents get 150 won off plus 20% Using Public Transportation discount of the adult rate(basic fare: 720 won), and children get a 50% discount of the adult rate (basic fare: 450 won).

Transit Category One-time Ticket Card Adults 1,050 won 1,150 won The first digit refers to the line and the last two digits indicate the station number. For Adolescents 720 won 1,150 won example, Myeong-dong station is 424, Elementary 450 won 500 won meaning stop number 24 on line 4. School Students You might also notice that some of the subway trains and platform designs differ slight- ly as Seoul’s public transit system is run by One-time Transportation Card Seoul is one of the largest metropolises or bus during the hectic rush hours. three organizations: the Seoul Metropolitan Starting May in the world with a population of over Trains to regional cities have become a lot Subway Corporation, the Korean National 1, 2009, the ten million people. It is also one of the more convenient with the expansion of KTX Railroad and the Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Seoul Subway most densely populated cities in the world, since 2010. In addition to KTX, two major Transit Corporation. The subway operation system has and has an area of 605 square kilome- domestic airlines, as well as several other hours are from 5:30 a.m. to around midnight. stopped using ters. Due to the dense population, traffic smaller airlines, provide flights to numerous The estimated travel time between subway paper tickets and changed to a recyclable congestion is a serious problem in Seoul. regional cities on a daily basis. stations is about 2 to 3 minutes. The schedule one-time use transportation card. However, a systematic, advanced public can vary depending on the line, so remember ·When purchasing the one-time use trans- transportation system provides conve- Subway to make note of the schedule in advance. portation card, a deposit of 500 won is nience and helps alleviate this congestion. paid along with the fare. Various bus routes are available across the You will find that the subway is the most 1_Subway payment methods ·After getting off the subway, the 500 won de- city. At first, the bus routes can seem daunt- efficient way to get around the city. The Several ticket purchasing options are avail- posit can be refunded from “Deposit Refund” ing, but with a little experience and under- subway system has grown significantly over able for the Seoul Metro. For an adult fare, machines installed at each subway station. standing of the system, you may find that the years since the inauguration of line 1 in the basic fare of 1,050 won is charged for · The fee for using one-time transportation they are a very convenient means of trans- 1974. the first 10km, then an additional 100 won is card, 100 won, is added to the transporta- portation. Bus routes cover all corners of the With eleven lines connecting various parts of charged every 5km up to 40km. When using tion card fare. city, but the most efficient method of getting the city, Seoulites can often travel to their de- a transit card and exceeding 40km, an addi- around town is by Seoul Metro. Not only it sired destination without the use of buses or · Usable only for the subway. tional fare of 100 won is charged for every is cheap, but the average travel time between taxis. Seoul Metro is quite easy to use since ·One-time use transportation cards can be 10km. If a one-time ticket is used, 100 won stations is around 2 to 3 minutes. This is un- the lines are color-coded and each station is purchased at automated ticket machines at is added to the fare of the transit card. In ad- imaginable for commuters traveling by car labeled with a three-digit code. each subway station.

22 Living in Seoul 23 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

Commutation Ticket ment, shopping and other tourist destina- (Pangyo, Bundang) in the GyeongGi Prov- ·For those who commute by subway with- tions are located near this line. Lost and Found Centers ince. Each line on the Seoul Metro operates its out using buses, commutation tickets are · Line 3 (Orange) · Incheon Line 1 (Ultramarine) more beneficial. Commutation tickets can own lost and found center. The lost items The orange line connects the northwest are collected at the very last stop and Incheon line connects the northern and be purchased at subway station offices. area to the southeast area, perpendicularly brought to the corresponding lost and southern parts of Incheon city. When purchasing a commutation ticket, found center. If you lost an item on a sub- crossing the center of the city. 2,500 won of the ticket price should be way, do not panic. Make your way to the · Central Line (Turquoise) paid besides the fare. subway office or ticket window and give · Line 4 (Blue) the details about the item to the transit of- The central line connects the city center Commuters residing in the northeast or ficer who is on duty, such as the number with northeastern parts of Seoul. Tickets can be used 60 times for 30 days from the southwest areas of Seoul use line 4 to of the subway you left your belongings in. For Seoul- day of purchase. If possible, the officers will signal for the only reach central Seoul. (46,200 ※ Only usable in the lost item to be retrieved from the car. An- Intra-city Buses won) Seoul Metro Line No. 1-9 other method is to check one of the Lost and the Korea National · Line 5 (Purple) and Found Centers at following stops. Railroad Makes stops at Gimpo Airport and Yeoui- 1_Riding the Bus Tickets can be used do, the residential island on the Hangang Subway Crime Four types of buses cover routes connecting depending on fares by For distance in Wide Area River. Crimes such as sexual harassment or every corner of the city: Branch Route, Main distance Subway lines, Metro- pick-pocketing can be reported to the Route, Circulation Route and Metro Route. proportional politan Subway lines. · Line 6 (Brown) 112 police hotline. You can also make Bus routes can be the hardest to master for

Commutation Ticket Commutation (46,200 Commutation tickets the report in person at the correspond- won ~ are usable only for Connects the northwest to the northeast newcomers. 95,400 the subway (Wide ing subway station office or to one of 22 won) Area Subway lines and parts of Seoul, passing through central crime units with officers patrolling various However, once you get the hang of riding the Metropolitan Subway Seoul in the process. stops on the Seoul Metro. (Tel. 02-2218- bus, it may be easier for you to reach desti- lines). 0898) nations not easily accessible by subway. The ※ Subway commutation tickets cannot be used · Line 7 (Olive) for buses. busses travel in 5 to 15 minute intervals, but The olive line supplements line 4, con- the Hangang River) and Gangnam (south of may take longer in busier parts of the city. necting the southwest and northeast areas the Hangang River) areas, and operates an Schedules vary depending on the bus routes, 2_Subway Lines of the city. express train that can reach Gangnam from but most routes start at 4:30 a.m. with the last Gimpo Airport within 30 minutes. bus of the day making its round at 12 a.m. · Line 1 (Navy Blue) · Line 8 (Pink) One of the advantages of traveling on a bus · Bundang Line (Yellow) The line 1 is to connects the southwestern The shortest line, it was built to provide is that you can actually enjoy the sights and area with the northeast area of Seoul. commuters access to the southeast area. Bundang Line was created to accommo- sounds of various neighborhoods around Notable cultural and historical stops are date the growing population in this satellite Seoul. If you’re worried about traffic, it is · Line 2 (Green) on this line. city south of Gangnam. good to know that some bus routes do not get The only circular line of the Seoul Metro, as congested, as designated lanes, marked in · Line 9 (Gold) · New Bundang Line (Red) it crosses all the major stops around the blue, provide a free flow of bus traffic. heart of the city. Many of the entertain- This line connects the Gangseo (west of This line connects Gangnam and Seongnam However, the drawback to this is that it may

24 Living in Seoul 25 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

be difficult to find a position on a - mov routes are identified by a four-digit number- Seoul City Bus Fare ing bus full of commuters. The experience ing system: departure area + arrival area + Cash (won) Transit Card (won) gets a bit more interesting when you have double-digit serial number. Category to squeeze your way towards the rear exit. Adults Adolescents Children Adults Adolescents Children Main Route Bus 1,150 1,000 450 1,050 720 450 2_Bus Types Branch Route Bus 1,150 1,000 450 1,050 720 450 Metro Bus 1,950 1,800 1200 1,850 1,360 1,200 “Ilban” buses are sometimes referred to as · Yellow (Circulation Route) buses Circulation Bus 950 800 350 850 560 350 city buses, which are the most commonly Circulation buses accommodate various traf- seen type of bus in the city. “Ilban” buses fic demands. The yellow buses circles down- Maeul Bus 850 550 300 750 480 300 come in the colors of yellow, blue and green. town Seoul and make short stops at major ※ The standard distance for Metro buses is 30km, and the basic fare is applied for the first 30km. An additional fare 100 won is charged per 5km. Bus numbers indicate the area of departure tourist, shopping and business areas around and arrival plus another digit or two for bus the center of the city. Their routes are iden- identification. To access a bus route search tified by two-digit numbers: area number + engine and a Seoul Bus Map, visit http://bus. serial number. go.kr [K, E]

· Red (Metro Route) buses · Blue (Main Route) buses Red buses or express buses are the quickest These buses connect suburban areas to down- of the group for a wide area line since they town Seoul. Three types of blue buses exist: make fewer stops. These buses are the most the bendable bus, the CNG (compressed nat- comfortable and are designed to seat every Taxis 2_Mobeom taxis ural gas) bus with a lower platform and the passenger on the bus. Express buses come These taxis are black and 2000 cc or more. Taxis in Seoul are affordable and therefore regular CNG bus. The city of Seoul partly in various colors, and the main purpose is to Being considerably more comfortable, these a comfortable and convenient way to travel operates these buses, and they travel at higher provide commuters easier access to neighbor- luxury cabs also cost more. The basic fare is around the city. There are four types of taxis speeds and longer distances within the city. ing cities such as Ilsan, Bundang, Suji, Su- 5,000 won for the first 3 km with an increase in Seoul: white, silver, Seoul Orange, and Their routes are identified by a three-digit won, Anyang and Incheon. Express buses are of 200 won per 164m. number: departure area + arrival area + sin- labeled with a four-digit number on the front, black. White, silver, and Seoul Orange taxis gle-digit number. side and back. are ilban or regular taxis and black taxis are mobeom or luxury taxis. · Maeul buses Smaller community buses are used for short- 1_Ilban taxis · Green (Branch Route) buses er routes that often include residential areas. The basic fare for these taxis is 3,000 won Green buses are operated by private compa- Maeul buses are easy to spot due to their sig- for the first 2km with an increase of 100 won nies. These branch buses connect residential nificantly smaller size in comparison to other per 142m. Keep in mind that there is a 20% areas, subway lines and bus terminals. Their buses. fare hike from midnight to 4 a.m. 26 Living in Seoul 27 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

3_International Taxis 5 persons or less (including driver) 4_Call-van 1_Types of T-money Cards 1600cc~2000cc, Seoul Orange International taxis are Seoul’s officially des- Call-van is a taxi to carry freight. Call-van is ·General Card: It is a prepaid, rechargeable ignated foreign language service taxis for a newly established transportation business card. This is the most common type of T- foreigners who visit or live in Seoul. adopted by Korea. They offer a pickup and Money Card. delivery truck service business, with large International Taxi Service taxies such as the size of vans. ·Discount Card: The discount card works the same as a general card, but will au- ·Seoul manages the overall services, rang- tomatically apply the discounted fare for ing from the selection and training of driv- adolescents and children. Therefore it can ers to the operation of the fare system and only be used by adolescents and children. call center. Mobeom Taxi 5 persons or less (including driver) ·Credit Card: Some banks issue credit ·The service is organized by drivers and 2000cc or more, Black cards with a built in T-Money function. customer representatives who have It works on a postpaid basis, so it can be cleared strict exam of foreign language used as a transportation card with no need and training courses. The Transportation Concept of a to charge money in advance. The total fare ·Customized services, which include as- Taxi and a Call-Van is added to credit card balance at the end sistance for airport use, Seoul tours, and of the month. business, as well as guidance for Seoul ·Taxi: A passenger transporting business. It ·Card Usage and Inquiry: Homepage life, are provided for foreigners. provides services for transporting the bag- gage of passengers. www.t-money.co.kr ·More economical services are provided by applying a flat fare system to the distance ·Call-Van: A cargo transporting business. between Incheon International Airport and Big-size Taxi Its main service is transporting freight, but 2_Benefits of T-money Cards 6~9 persons (including driver) it also transports the owner of freight at the designated areas of Seoul. By purchasing a T-Money Card, users can 3000cc, Black the same time. ·By securing an information desk and the use subways faster and more conveniently designated platform at Incheon Internation- since it eliminates the need to purchase a al Airport and Gimpo Airport, more conve- Transit Cards ticket each time. You can charge T-money nient and safer services are provided. Unlike other existing memory cards, a T- cards at ticket windows. T-money cards can ·Each taxi is equipped with a card pay- money card is a non-contact type smart cards be linked with credit cards, and be automati- ment system; customers can pay the taxi with CPU mounted to so it can calculate in cally recharged in 10,000 won increments up fare with a credit card (Visa, Master, JCB, itself. A T-money transit card can be used to 50,000 won. Amex) or T-money. for all public transportation means including buses, subways, and taxis. 3_Fare System Types of International Taxis ※ Drivers wear a uniform and name tag, and have an authorization card. Depending on the destination, subway fares For more detailed information, visit www. range from 1,150 won to 1,650 won. Using Mid-size Taxi intltaxi.co.kr (K, E, J, C), Tel. 1644-2255 a T-Money card and a credit transportation

28 Living in Seoul 29 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

card is more convenient and saves 100 won 1_Bus terminal each ride. Transit cards can be purchased at Trains & Planes ticket windows or convenience stores (CU, Several options exist for those looking to MiniStop, GS25, 7-11, etc). travel to regional cities from Seoul. Al- though express buses are one option, it’s ·The bus system uses a single fare rate, but always better to use trains or flights for do- the subway system uses a distance-based mestic travel. fare rate. A combined fare system is applied when transferring. to travel around the country since the fare is ·Transfers can be made up to 4 times. relatively cheap but the routes are more diverse ·To get a transfer discount when transfer- than other means of transportation. There are You need to prepare and pre-check a few ring, be sure to tag the transit card on the four bus terminals in Seoul: Dong Seoul, Sang things before making your way to one of reader before getting off. Bong, Nambu and Seoul Terminal. You do the four bus terminals. It is imperative that not have to make reservations in advance to you find out which terminal offers routes to get tickets and since there is an abundance of the destination of your choice. For example, buses for each route, a little wait will get you not all terminals will offer routes to Mokpo, comfortably seated on the next bus. Jeollanamdo. The best way to search bus 1_Trains Express buses come in two types: ilban and schedules and make reservations is through Three types of trains exist in Korea: KTX, udeung. While udeung buses cost a little www.kobus.co.kr [K, E] or www.easyticket. Samaeul and Mugunghwa. Samaeul trains co.kr [K]. Although reservations are not are the next fastest way to travel, taking necessary, many commuters take trips to Seoulites to Busan in 4 1/2 hours. Samaeul their hometowns on major holidays or long ※ To get a transfer discount, the next leg of the trains stop at all major cities and were the trip must begin within 30 minutes after get- weekends. It is good to make reservations in fastest trains before the introduction of KTX. ting off the previous leg. (Between 21:00 to advance to avoid waiting in a crowded termi- These trains can be easily distinguished by 07:00 of next day, transfer time is extended nal. To make reservations by phone, call the to 1 hour). their blue, green and yellow color. Mugung- Express Bus Terminal(Gyeongbu Line) or ※ The transfer discount does not apply when hwa trains, named after the national flower boarding the same numbered bus route as the the Express Bus Terminal(Honam Line) at of Korea are the slowest of the group. Stand- one you just got off. (If you just got off bus num- 1588-6900[K]between 9:00 and 16:30. You ees are allowed. Mugunghwa trains are still ber 150 and you immediately board another may cancel reservations up to two days prior 150, you will not get a transfer discount.) widely used since they make many stops not ※ When transferring to a subway after leaving to the departure date, and all last minute can- serviced by KTX or Samaeul trains. www. more, they are more comfortable with a row of the subway, there is no transfer discount. cellations will result in a penalty. korail.com (K, E) single seats to the left and double seats on the Express Buses right. This provides much more leg room for those long rides. When planning a trip to regional cities, an express bus is also an excellent hassle-free way

30 Living in Seoul 31 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

32 Living in Seoul 33 02 Transportation Living in Seoul English Edition

2_Domestic Flights way to their ancestral hometowns for family gatherings. They are the equivalent to for children or adolescents, you should call I lost my wallet while using the pub- Two major airlines, Korean Air (KAL) and Q lic transportation system. Is there the hectic transportation schedules around the telephone number 1644-0088 or register Asiana Airlines, as well as several smaller any way I can find it? Christmas or Thanksgiving overseas. Try to at the homepage (http://www.t-money.co.kr) airlines, serve domestic flight routes. Gimpo avoid travel on major holidays and if it’s ab- within 10 days after the first use to get a con- In the case of the subway, there is Airport services all domestic flights. Domes- tinuous discount benefit. A fare which has solutely necessary, plan ahead and book your A a lost/found center designated for tic destinations include Gwangju, Gunsan, not received a discount by registering after tickets early. each subway line. To use the lost/found Daegu, Busan, Yangyang, Yeosu/Suncheon, 10 days is not refundable. When registering, center, knowing the subway line (and the Ulsan, Jeju, Jinju/Sacheon, Pohang and please use your children/adolescent’s alien Cheongju. registration number. Only one discount card time you rode it) will help facilitate the I would like to travel with my friends Visit http://www.airport.co.kr [K, E, J, C] for Q is allowed for the alien registration card of finding process. The operation hours are flight and terminal information in English. on the weekend by car. Can foreign- 07:00~22:00. ers rent a car for a short time? one person. While using a children’s card, if Domestic Airlines the child turns 13 years of age, an adolescent In the case of bus, there is a lost and found Different documents are required de- fare rate will be applied automatically. center at each bus company. The lost be- ·Korean Air kr.koreanair.com / 1588-2001 A pending on the rental car dealer. You longing can be found by tracing the bus ·Asiana Airlines can rent a car with an international driver’s www.flyasiana.com /1588-8000 number, riding time, and time you got off. license, Korean driver’s license, or valid Seoul Global Center will help you to find ·Jeju Air www.jejuair.net / 1599-1500 passport. In recent years, most rental car Q Are there any call taxis available to the bus company. ·Jin Air www.jinair.com / 1600-6200 dealers provide automobiles equipped with foreigners? In the case of taxis, taxis are classified ·Eastar Jet www.eastarjet.com / 1544-0080 a GPS. The fare rate may vary depending on car type and rental period, so contact the fol- Seoul provides the services of taxi into the private taxis and the union taxis ·Tway Air www.twayair.com / 1688-8686 lowing dealers for more information. A drivers and call center representa- in Korea. The lost/found centers are man- ·Air Busan www.airbusan.com / 1666-3060 aged accordingly. You can find your lost ·AJ Rent Car: www.ajrentacar.co.kr [K, E] tives who can speak foreign languages [E, Reservations can be made at airline branch C, J] 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so belongings via the properties registered on ·Kumho Hertz Rent-A-Car: offices and airports. that foreigners can have a more comfort- the websites of the Seoul Private Taxi As- www.ktkumhorent.com [K, E, C, J] The two major holidays in Korea are Chu- able life in Seoul. The International Call sociation (http://www. spta.or.kr), or the seok in September and the Lunar New Year Taxi (www.internationaltaxi.co.kr) Ser- Seoul Taxi Association (http://www.stj. in February when people often make their Is there any way children can get a vice is a reservation-based service that not or.kr). Q discount for the public transporta- only provides convenience, but also offers Seoul operates an integrated lost and tion when using a transportation observance of business VIP protocol, air- found center for citizens who use the pub- card? port pickup service, customized tours, and lic transportation system. The registered The T-money card is classified for a shopping guide service. There are me- lost properties, along with the photos, can A Children Use (age: 6~12), Adoles- tered fare systems and distance band fare be viewed at the homepage of the Integrat- cent Use (age: 13~18), and Adult Use (19 or systems. T-money card or credit card is ac- ed Lost and Found Center. older). After purchasing a transportation card ceptable for payment. http://www.seoul.go.kr/v2007/find.html

34 Living in Seoul 35 03

Types of Accommodation Types of Lease Contracts Real Estate Agents International Districts Purchase Procedures for Foreigners Making the Move Electricity Gas Water Service Q&A

Accommodation 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

2_Apartments (Flats) as well. One ‘pyeong’ is equivalent to approximately 3.3 square meters. Prices vary Apartments are the most popular housing depending on location and size of the apart- option among Koreans. Apartments are also ment complex. preferred by most other residents of Korea due to convenience. Basic utilities such as ※ To check the current market value for an apartment: http://land.seoul.go.kr water, gas and heating are well established. Nearly all complexes have facilities nearby and easy access to public transportation. Drawbacks to living in apartments include distracting levels of noise. Similar to the mass housing of apartments, there are row houses, apartment units in a private house, etc. Because the residents share the parking area of apartment buildings you may have parking difficulties due to the narrow parking spaces in the case of old apartments. Types of Accommodation 3_Officetels 1_Serviced residences near public transportation systems. Officetels originally referred to an office Serviced residences are furnished apartment ● Fraser Suites : Tel. 02-6262-8282 furnished with minimal residential facilities. buildings with hotel-like services for both short www.frasersuitesseoul.co.kr [K / E] Recently, they have been frequently used for and long-term visitors. Furniture or other facil- ● Han Suites : Tel. 02-2280-8000 residential purposes. They are preferred by ities needed for living are provided, and hotel- www.hansuites.com [K / E] unmarried workers and are designed to pro- like service is provided as well. These units are ● Oakwood Premier : Tel. 02-3466-7000 tect people’s privacy. They are also located usually two to three times bigger than your av- www.oakwoodpremier.co.kr [E] where easy access to public transportation erage hotel room and usually include kitchens. ● Somerset Palace : Tel. 02-6730-8888 is available. The rooms are furnished with Due to their lower cost, although a hotel-type www.somersetpalaceseoul.com [E] necessary furniture and amenities despite of front desk, business center, and community ● Vabien : Tel. 02-6399-0078 their compact room sizes. space, more and more visitors are choosing www.vabienseoul.com[K / E / J] serviced residences. For foreigners who do not ● DMC Ville : Tel. 02-380-4801 Price Range want to trouble themselves with unfamiliar www.dmcville.co.kr [K/ E/ J] 4_Private Houses rental systems in Korea, serviced residences The official unit of area for housing or of- ● S-TRENUE : Tel. 02-761-1888 Private houses are constructed on their own might be the right choice for them. These www.s-trenue.co.kr [K] fice spaces in Korea is the square meter. But sites for a household. Private houses are be- residences are also convenient since they are customarily, the unit ‘pyeong’ is still used coming harder to find in urban settings in

38 Living in Seoul 39 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

Korea. Private houses for foreigners can be even though they have to pay a considerable money deposit. The total amount of the de- commonly found in Itaewon, Ichondong and amount of money in advance. However, les- posit sum is negotiable with the landlord. In Pyeongchang-dong. sors are beginning to prefer Wolse lease type the case of conversion from jeonse to wolse, to Jeonse for diverse reasons. the criterion to estimate the monthly rental 5_One Room fee should be about 14% of the key money 2_Wolse deposit. (Monthly payment + deposit) Signing the lease Wolse requires renters to deposit an arranged amount of money with the landlord, How to conclude a lease contract with monthly rent paid on a specified date of ① Before signing the contract, be sure to check the right relations (debtor and creditor relation) about the target house. These days, real estate agencies are supposed to explain the state, the location, and the right relations Types of Lease Contracts of the target house to the tenants with sincer- One room units are of a similar type of hous- ity and accuracy. They must also present evi- dential documents such as a certified copy of ing to officetels except they are smaller than The contract forms officetels. One room units are a cost-saving real estate register to the tenants. Under law, for residential housing if a loss occurs to the tenant because the real alternative to officetels. Lots of them are lo- each month. There are three types of Wolse cated near universities. estate agent does not help the tenant check 1_Jeonse contracts. One is to simply pay monthly. An- these, the real estate agent must compensate (Key money deposit) other is to pay a deposit in advance, which for the loss. This makes it easy for the ten- 6_Hanoks is less than Jeonse, and pay a monthly rental Jeonse or key money deposit is a housing ants to verify the right relations of the target A hanok refers to traditional Korean style fee. You get the total amount of the deposit rental system specific to Korea. Instead of house. housing. Currently, the place where many money back when the lease period is over. paying monthly rent to a landlord, a large hanoks are preserved is the area of Jongno- The other one is to pay a specific sum of ② When you want to conclude the lease con- lump sum payment is deposited into the gu, Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village is a typi- money in advance, and some amount of tract after the right relations are ascertained, landlord’s bank account for the duration of cal area for the traditional houses. In recent money for the lease deducted from the paid discuss with the lessor all the details (includ- the contract. At the end of the contract, the days, more and more people are remodeling money every month, and you will get the re- ing the lease period, the standard to apply in deposited amount is returned to the renter. As hanoks by harmonizing the excellence of maining money back when the lease period case of termination before the expiry date of for lessors, they can make considerable prof- hanoks with life convenience. These remod- comes to an end. In general, most people the contract, etc.) and clearly enter what both its by utilizing the large sum of money paid eled homes have various modern amenities pay a deposit in advance, and pay a monthly parties agreed upon into the lease contract in advance by lessees. As for lessees, they to go along with the beauty of the traditional rental fee. In the case where the renter fails before drawing up the contract or signing or tend to prefer Jeonse type contracts because architecture. to make a monthly payment, the landlord has placing your seal on the contract. Then, each they will get the entire deposit back later the right to deduct the amount from the key party keeps one set of the contract respective-

40 Living in Seoul 41 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

ly. At the same time, because the real estate sales or exchanges is higher than for leases. period ends. In terms of wolse, even though contract assured by authorities. For this, the agent is supposed to issue the confirmed and Also, as for leases, the commission rate for a the tenant has vacated the premise the land- authority puts a confirmation seal on the con- explained details about the target house (the business residential building or an officetel lord has the right to enforce the monthly tract and enters the serial number of the fixed right relations, the state of the house and lo- classified as a commercial building is higher rental agreement until a new tenant moves date register into the contract. Getting a fixed cation, etc.) in writing to both lessor and les- than that of a house or apartment classified as in. date is important because it is a necessary re- see, the tenant should request the explanatory residential building. quirement of counter. Action to exercise the documents other than the lease contract, and Things to do after moving in right to obtain preferential satisfaction over keep them along with the contract. The lease period subordinated bondholders and other credi- ① You have to update the address on your The lease period is usually two years in order tors from the money into which the leased alien registration card with the address of the ③ In concluding the contract, the amount of to protect the lessee. However, when both house is converted. A fixed date gives you new house you moved in at the public ser- down payment and the date and the method contractors agree on a period of less than the right to repossess the key money deposit vice center of the local ward (gu) office or to pay the remainder are discussed and en- two years, the validity of the contract is also if the lease relation gets extinguished due to the Immigration Office within 14 days.. declared. the sell-out of the leased house by auction or If there is not a declaration of intention about ② Visit a Registry Office with your updated delinquency disposition. the contract renewal or the termination of alien registration card it and the lease con- the contract with two year lease period from tract to get a fixed date on the contract. The either lessor or lessee between six months fixed date is to make the existence of the lease and a month before the termination of the contract, the lease contract is considered to be renewed with the same conditions as the Real Estate Agents previous contract as of the date of the termination. 1_Commission Rate tered in the contract. Normally, about 10% If there is an agreement on a halfway termi- of the key money deposit will be paid for nation at the time of drawing up the contract, Commission Rate Chart (Commission for real estate agent in Seoul) a down payment and the remainder will actions will be taken according to the agree- [General Residences] be paid when moving in. At this time, the ment. However, without advanced agree- Category Transaction Amount (won) Commission Rate (%) Top Limit (won) amount of the commission for the real estate ment, disputes over compensation of loss in- Less than 50 million 0.6 250,000 agent and payment method will be discussed curred from contravention of contract often More than 50 million, 0.5 800,000 and agreed on. The commission for the real take place between the lessor and the lessee. Sales/ Exchange less than 200 million More than 200 million, estate agent varies a little depending on the The best resolution to the dispute is to mini- less than 600 million 0.4 - type of real estate transaction and the type of mize the mutual loss through smooth nego- the target object to mediate. In other words, tiation between the contractors. In case the Category Transaction Amount (won) Commission Rate (%) Top Limit (won) the commission rate changes depending on negotiation between the contractors breaks Less than 50 million 0.5 200,000 Lease, etc. excepting More than 50 million, whether it is a lease, sale, or exchange, and down on the halfway termination caused by less than 100 million 0.4 300,000 whether it is a residential building or com- the lessee, the lessor has the right to refuse to Sales/Exchange More than 100 million, 0.3 - mercial building. The commission rate for return the key money deposit until the lease less than 300 million

42 Living in Seoul 43 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

[Luxury Residences] [Other Real Estate Transactions] (Non-residential building/land, etc. Real estate) Category Object to deal Rate (%) Transaction Category Amount (won) Commission Rate Top Limit (%) Limit (won) Selling a house worthy of To be determined between client and agent Sales/Exchange 600 million or above within statutory commission limit of 0.9% Sales, exchange To be determined between No set standards N/A To be determined between client and agent and lease, etc. client and agent within limit of 0.9% Lease, etc. excepting Leasing a house at 300 within sales and exchange transaction Sales/Exchange million or above amount limit of 0.8% The commission for the real estate agent is calculated by applying the commission rate to paid by each contractor respectively when a the amount estimated by adding up the ini- Moving Tips contract is concluded. When a commission is tially paid deposit money to the amount equal calculated based on the top limit of commis- to ‘the monthly rental fee x 70’. When reviewing the content of the con- Why are there three copies of the con- sion rate exceeds the amount limit, you should tract, remember to check for the following: tract? pay only the amount limit. In case of wolse, 2_English-speaking Real the transaction amount, the criterion for cal- 1. Deposit and rent amount, payment When signing a contract at the realtor’s Estate Agents methods and commission amount paid office, you need to carefully review the culating the commission, is estimated by add- to the realtor. Also move-in date and du- contents of the contract and sign three ing up the initially paid deposit money to the As of December, 2013, there are 181 English ration of the contract should be checked copies. One copy is for you, the second for amount equal to ‘monthly rental fee x100’. speaking real estate agents in Seoul. thoroughly to avoid problems. the landlord and the last copy goes to the realtor. The realtor holds a copy to prevent When the estimated transaction amount is ※ Please refer to the directory for the list of li- 2. If both the landlord and the tenant come misunderstandings or arguments that may less than 50 million won, the commission is censed real estate agents. to an agreement on the terms of the con- arise in the future between the tenant and tract, both contractors draw one up and the landlord. In the case of either the land- keep one set of the contract respective- lord or the tenant loses their copy of the ly. Remember to have all the necessary contract, realtors can provide photocopies payment amounts ready beforehand as of their contract to either the tenant or the you will also need to pay the movers as landlord. well as other services on that day. 3. Take your alien registration card (or resi- How much do I deposit when signing the dence card) along with your contract to contract? the registry office for a fixed date. If you You need to prepare 10% of the entire de- get a fixed date on the contract, your posit sum when signing the contract. The rights can be protected in an unexpected remainder should be paid at the same time situation. Registering your move with the you move in the target house. When the district office provides some protection deposit money is paid and the contract is in case of unforeseen circumstances. signed, both the lessor and the lessee have 4. When you have taken all the aforemen- the duty to observe the terms and the con- tioned steps, it is important for you to ditions of the contract. report your new address to the district office’s public service center or the immigration office within 14 days.

44 Living in Seoul 45 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

International Districts 2_Hannam-dong (Yongsan-gu) 4_Sinchon-dong(Seodaemun-gu) Hannam-dong has a significant number of Located in the northwest area of Seoul, Seoul has several international districts. foreign diplomatic missions. Located near Seodaemun-gu is a popular residential area The following is a short list of some of the Itaewon, the district consists of two areas: among foreigners. Numerous universities in- prominent foreign communities in Seoul. The UN Village and an ordinary residential cluding Ewha Women’s University, Hongik district. You will notice a number of fancy University and Yonsei University are locat- 1_Itaewon (Yongsan-gu) villas or big Western-style houses in this ed in the district and, hence, many foreign Itaewon was and still continues to be the exclusive area. Hannam-dong is a primarily students and professors reside in the area. largest expatriate community in the country. residential area with many cultural and busi- Numerous officetels and onerooms in the Located near the Yongsan US military base, ness facilities located in nearby Itaewon. district are quite popular with the students such as Korea International Trade Associa- it is designated as a special tourist zone. Itae- and singles. This district is surrounded by tion (KITA), COEX, and Seoul Arts Center. won is famous for shopping, with a diverse 3_Ichon-dong (Yongsan-gu) mountains which allow for regular, conve- The area also boasts some of the most afflu- range of shops catering to the needs of the Ichon-dong is widely recognized as a pre- nient weekend hiking forays for residents of ent areas in Seoul containing pricey high-rise foreign community. The neighborhood also dominantly Japanese district. Ichon-dong the district. buildings and trendy fashion districts. Gang- boasts a large number of bars, clubs and res- was once home to embassy staffers and em- namgu is popular among Koreans because taurants. Suitable for its reputation as a mul- ployees of trading companies in the city. It’s 5_Pyeongchang-dong (Jongno-gu) of the convenient transportation to various ticultural region, Itaewon has a lot of foreign common to see authentic Japanese restau- /Seongbuk-dong (Seongbuk-gu) areas around the city and elite schools and specialty restaurants including American, rants in the area. It’s also quite common to Expensive villas and luxury houses line academies in the area. On the downside, the French, Pakistani, Indian, Egyptian, and see Japanese business signs in the area. With Pyeongchang-dong. Located on the hills and popularity of this district has lead to an in- Middle Eastern restaurants. Many foreign- Yongsan Park in close proximity, Ichon-dong surrounded by mountains with a scenic view crease in housing costs and hectic traffic. ers reside in the area. Itaewon is favored by is a unique and pleasant residential area. of the city, the area offers a quiet residential Furthermore, the large number of office many foreigners who work in Korea. atmosphere. Seongbuk-dong has a lot of cul- buildings and academies in the area has re- tural facilities. Art centers and galleries are sulted in a steady growth of foreign workers plentiful. However, it’s hard to find commer- and English instructors making Gangnam- cial businesses nearby. Public transportation gu their home away from home. The most is also limited with a few bus routes. famous residential area for foreigners in Seocho-gu (adjacent to Gangnam) is Seorae 6_Gangnam-gu / Seocho-gu Village in Banpodong. This area has a dense These two areas are the shopping and busi- population of French people and shows the ness hubs of Seoul. Numerous apartment uniqueness of things French. Of the many complexes, officetels and one room studios in neighborhoods in Seocho-gu, none stand out the district are popular with the single work- more than Seorae Village is located next to ing class population in the area. Gangnam Montmartre Park. has various cultural and business facilities

46 Living in Seoul 47 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

Registration at the district office. ·Non-residents must report their purchase ※ In case of delegation, the proxy notarized by a Purchase Procedures notary authority in home is needed. ※ Neces sary documents: Alien registration within 60 days to the land registration de- for Foreigners partment of their district office. card, registration application, documents The procedure for non-resident confirming the sale (i.e. written contract with ·Documents: sales contract, land register foreigners to acquire real estate Sign Contract a seal), registration certificate, application for registration, authentication documents ④ Apply for registration number. This num- (contracts, etc.), real estate register. ber is a mandatory requirement for real es- Sign tate registration. ※ In the case of using an agent, the agent Report Real Estate Acquisition needs a proxy signed by the delegating Non-resident individuals Report Real Estate Acquisition person. (foreign exchange transactions act) ·Register at local immigration office with Transfer of Ownership 2_Non-residing foreigners Real Estate Acquisition Certificate and copy of a passport Payment Non-residing foreigners include foreign corporations acquiring properties in Korea and Non-resident corporations Report to real estate register 1_Foreigners residing non-residents as outlined under the Foreign ·Register at real estate registration depart- (foreigner’s Land Acquisition act) in Korea Exchange Transactions Act. Non-residents ment of district office where the land is must adhere to the Foreigner’s Land Acqui- Foreigners residing in Korea include indi- located with Real estate Acquisition Cer- sition Act, Foreign Exchange Transactions Apply for registration number viduals purchasing properties for residential tificate and an Authentication document Act, and Real Property Registration Act. for land register purposes or a foreign corporation making a issued by home country The following are steps non-residents must purchase for the purpose of opening a branch follow when purchasing property in Korea. Using a proxy in Korea. Properties purchased for reasons Real estate registration specified above fall under the Foreigner’s ① Individuals sign a contract. ·Passport of agent, warrant issued by home Land Acquisition Act and the Real Property ② Register your money. Non-residents bring- authentication institution Registration Act. ing capital for real estate purchase must regis- ※ Before entering the country, prepare docu- Making the Move Foreigners residing in Korea are exempt ter the capital with a foreign exchange bank. ments which can be issued at home country. from the procedures outlined under the For- ·Documents: sales contract, surveying re- ⑤ Registration of Real Estate 1_Types of relocation services eign Exchange Transactions Act. Residents port, public land evaluation confirmation, Individuals and corporations must report or corporations purchasing properties must & storage services property register. change in ownership at a district office within register the acquired real estate property at 60 days of paying balance. The documents to When thinking about making a move in Ko- the appropriate district office within 60 days Individuals must report lease rights as well submit are the address certificate, the -reg rea, there are several types of relocation ser- of purchase (contract signing). The neces- and, after selling a property, capital to be sent istration certificate for registration of real vices available. sary documents include the sales contract out of Korea must be reported to the depar- estate, the application for registration, the ① Call van service and property registration certificate. Once ture bank. certificate of registration, the transcript of If you’re single and own a few possessions, the purchased property is registered, you ③ Real estate acquisition report after pay- the register, the document evidencing the a call van service may be the economically must complete the Transfer of Ownership ment (Foreigner’s Land Acquisition Act) ground of registration (sealed contract), etc. wise method of relocation.

48 Living in Seoul 49 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

② Standard relocation service 2_List of moving companies / You need to contact KEPCO when you Moving Tips Standard is the most affordable way to move Storage services have inquiries about electric charges, ac- and best suited for singles without much to cidents, subscriptions, etc. If you need further assistance, the friendly pack. When you make a reservation for using folks at Seoul Global Center (SGC) are always ※ Please refer to the directory for the list of the ·In order to protect the lower income group a vehicle, you should confirm if you need a available to lend a helping hand. Located companies of moving & storage services. as well as to promote energy conservation, moving service to move your belongings. If on the fifth floor of the Seoul Global Center Korea applies a progressive system to you prefer not to use a moving service, you Building, SGC offers help in all areas of life in 3_Professional cleaners electric charges, which increases the unit must deal with all your belongings by your- Seoul. Take the initiative and head on over to price successively as the usage increases. the SGC office or give them a call at Tel. 02- They provide cleaning services for the entire self as the most economical option although 2075-4180 or visit http://global.seoul.go.kr ※ Ko rea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) it could be rather inconvenient for you. ※ If you notice any furnishings or items in Tel. 123 ③ Complete relocation service need of repair, remember to include them http://www.kepco.co.kr/ (K, E) Complete relocation service sends movers in the lease agreement. When you con- and they do everything from packing, mov- clude the lease agreement, it is recommended that you include the details in the ing, and unpacking your belongings at your contract after having prior consultation new house. The movers pack, transport and with the lessor unpack all your belongings. This method is quite convenient considering you only have ※ Remember to take note of “No spirits days.” to organize your belongings and the movers What is a No spirits day? It is more of a long- will take care of everything else. Cleaning standing Korean myth than anything else, house on move-in day. As things can get hec- and extra services to make the entire mov- but certain days of the lunar calendar are tic and there’s a lot to cover, you might want considered to be free of evil spirits. Since ing process easier is also available at an extra more people may reserve these dates for to hire a helping hand to clean up the mess in cost. their move, you may have difficulties in find- your new place. They also provide cleaning ing a vehicle or workers. Check with your ser- services for blankets, sofas and carpets. vice provider for the specific dates. ※ Please refer to the directory (p. 194) for the Gas ④ Store-then-relocate service list of professional cleaners. Storage services are often provided by over- ·The gas types used in Seoul are city gas seas complete relocation movers. The ser- and LP gas. However, the city gas has vice provider will store your belongings in a Electricity been distributed to most Seoul areas and storage space until your designated moving very few regions use LP gas. ·The base voltage for domestic use in Ko- date. Storage services depend on the amount rea is 220V. Therefore, be sure to check ·In order to use the city gas, you need to and duration of your storage needs. the voltage before you use the electric contact the city gas company for your goods brought from abroad. residence for the subscription. An engi- neer visits you to install the gas from the ·The electricity service is provided by Ko- gas company on the day you want to start rea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). using the gas. When you move out, you

50 Living in Seoul 51 03 Accommodation Living in Seoul English Edition

also need to contact the gas company to ※ Office of Waterworks Seoul Metropolitan I concluded a wolse lease contract Is there a storage service around to remove gas from your residence. Government with the conditions of three million take care of my belongings while Tel. 120 Q Q ·The experts from the city gas company won deposit money and a monthly I make an overseas trip after the http://arisu.seoul.go.kr (K, E) should carry out the installing and the un- rental fee of one million won. How termination of my employment installing of the gas. much commission should I pay to contract? the real estate agent? ·You can find the city gas company for Local moving companies provide your residence at the homepage of Korea In case of wolse, the transaction A storage services. The fee varies de- City Gas Association. A amount for the calculation of the pending on the storage period, the size of ※ Korea City Gas Association: commission should be estimated by adding the packs, etc. You can also request a truck http://www.citygas.or.kr/ (K) up the deposit money to the amount equal to service to move your belongings. The cost of the monthly rental fee multiplied by 100. the storage service is about 60~80 thousand ※ In case that your residence uses LP gas, you need to contact a nearby gas company for So to speak, one million won × 100 + three won (2.5m x 2.5m) a month, and the cost of installation of the gas. million won = 103 million won. The com- a truck service depends on the moving dis- mission rate for transaction amounts from tance. 100 million to 300 million is 0.3%, the limit amount is 300 thousand won. The amount should be paid respectively by both the land- There is a drainage problem, and lord and the tenant. Q water overflows. So, it needs repairing. Do I have the right to ask Moving Tips the landlord for the repair? I want to terminate the contract PROTECT YOUR WATER PIPES FROM five months before the lease peri- When there is a problem with the FREEZING Q od ends. Do I have to pay any com- A basic facilities for life in the leased Prevention is better than cure! -so to house, the duty to repair lies with the lessor. Water Service avoid frozen water pipes this winter pensation to the landlord? However, if the problem is caused by the les- The water service of Seoul is managed and ·Fill the water meter case with insulat- You don’t have a legal duty to pay see’s negligence, the lessee has the duty to provided by the Office of Waterworks Seoul ing material (old clothing etc.). A a specific compensation to the les- repair. When the lessor does not repair it, the Metropolitan Government. The name of the ·During the severe midwinter seasons the water meter still may freeze even sor. However, according to custom, after a lessee can ask the lessor for reimbursement water service of Seoul is ‘Arisu’ and the wa- with the above procedure. Therefore consultation with the landlord, you need to for the repair. ter is high quality tap water to drink directly. when you leave your place and even find a new lessee to move in, and pay the The water bill is issued bimonthly and it in- when there is no need to use water, commission for the real estate agent for cludes charges for both the water service and turn on the faucet to let the water to the lessor. In the case of you failing to find sewage. You can find the charging system drip continuously to a tub below. If the water meter gets frozen call a new lessee, you still have to pay the les- and other related information at the homep- 120(DASAN CALL CENTER) or the Wa- sor until the lease period comes to an end. age of Office of Waterworks Seoul Metro- terworks office. politan Government.

52 Living in Seoul 53 04

Preparations for Garbage Collection General Waste Food Waste Recycling Large Waste Matter Small Waste Recycling Centers and Flea Markets Q&A

Garbage Disposal 04 Garbage Disposal Living in Seoul English Edition

Preparations 4_Types of garbage bags General Waste pose due to passing the expiration date, etc. ·General Waste: For general waste (semi- 2_Food waste classification for Garbage Collection transparent white plastic bags) 1_What is general waste? (Not allowed)Classification Sorted garbage collection is designed to levy ·Food Waste Only: Domestic and commer- Waste matter exclusive of food waste, reus- Hard shells such as shells of walnuts, a graded charge for the amount of waste you cial food waste (semi-transparent yellow able waste, and large waste matter such as chestnuts, peanuts, acorns, coconuts, disposed of. The system facilitates the dis- plastic bags) furniture. Fruits Fruits pineapples, peaches posal of recyclable waste and the reduction ·Recycling: Discharge in ordinary plain Seeds of drupes such as apricots, of general waste by using the Standard Plas- persimmons plastic bags 2_The standard plastic tic Garbage Bag. Meats Bones and feathers garbage bag Shells of clam, turban shell, abalone, 1_Penalty for violations ·Easily purchased at supermarkets Sea- Seafood, ark shell, sea squirt, oyster, food crawfish, lobster, etc ·Penalties ranging from 100,000won to ·Different districts use different bags Internal organs of globe fish 1,000,000won (depending on the local ·Different prices by districts district) will be levied for illegal disposal. Others Tea bags, grounds of herbal medicine ·If food waste is not separated from general 3_How to discharge waste, penalty rates for illegal disposal general waste will grow progressively higher. (Penalty rates apply differently for each local dis- ·Fill the garbage bags with a declared trict.) The price of volume-rate garbage bag amount; and tie the bag twice in the shape (in case of Seocho-gu) of a cross ≫ Double check the district specified on 2_Time for discharge and collection Selling Classification Capacity Price (won) the garbage bag (Different districts use ·Discharge day: You need to ask the district 5ℓ 100 different bags) (gu) office about the day because it varies For domestic use 10ℓ 190 ·Discharge waste after sunset before col- for each local district. (white) 20ℓ 370 lection day 3_How to discharge ·Discharge hours: From sunset to mid- 50ℓ 880 ≫ Ask district office for designated collec- separate food waste 20ℓ 400 night tion days For business use 50ℓ 990 ·General houses: Detached houses and (yellow) apartment housing units with under twen- 3_Collecting places 75ℓ 1,480 100ℓ 1,970 Food Waste ty (20) households ·In front of the gate (if residence is an indi- 50ℓ 1,360 ≫ Discharge the yellow plastic bag con- For workplace vidual home) 75ℓ 2,000 (green) 1_What is food waste? taining the food waste into a dedicated ·Outdoor receptacles for apartments 100ℓ 2,650 container (25ℓ) in front of the gate. be- Special bag 50 3,180 ·It refers to the remaining food waste gen- ※ You can easily find garbage disposal bags at (grunnybag) ℓ fore the designated collecting day. supermarkets and convenience stores. erated after cooking, leftovers, food to dis- ※ Price varies depending on the local district. ·Apartment house: Apartment housing with

56 Living in Seoul 57 04 Garbage Disposal Living in Seoul English Edition

more than twenty (20) households ·A penalty will follow on unlawful dis- Items Recyclable Items Non-recyclable Hems ≫ Discharge the plastic bag into a dedi- posal (e.g. Putting food waste in general Safety packages for household electrical cated collection container (120ℓ) estab- waste bags or mixed with general waste). Styrofoam appliances, etc., delivery containers for fresh fish Disposable dishes lished in the apartment complex. The penalty will increase with repeated of- or fruit, clean instant noodle containers ≫ Charge: The charge will be included in fenses. Items indicated as ‘PET’, ‘HIPE’, ‘LDPE’, ‘PP’, ‘PS’, Writing implements, buttons, sockets, toys, baby-walkers, Plastics the monthly apartment maintenance fees. ·You will be fined for not separating food ‘PVC’, or ‘OTHER’ telephones, disposable cameras, electric heaters ·Food waste is collected everyday waste from general waste (different pen- Milk cartons Milk cartons (except on Sundays). alty rates apply for each local district). Fluorescent Unbroken fluorescent lamps or bulbs Broken fluorescent lamps or bulbs ≫ 1st offense: 50,000 won Lamps The price of volume-rate food garbage bag ≫ 2nd offense: 100,000 won Plastic Bags Plastic Bags (white, black, etc.) Instant noodle packages, contaminated plastic bags (in case of Seodaemun-gu) ≫ 3rd offense: 200,000 won Dispose of batteries at the designated area indicated Battery - such as subway station buildings, local community Classification 2ℓ 3ℓ 5ℓ 10ℓ 20ℓ wastes centers, and schools. Selling Price 40 60 90 170 340 (won) ·Get rid of moisture and exclude objects 2_Methods of recycling Ex) furniture, electric home appliances, bed- such as vinyl, bones, and shells from the ding, office machines, air-conditioners, etc. food waste. ·Sort the waste by type and place in an ordinary plastic bag. You do not need to use ≫ Exclude toxic or stimulating matters 2_How to dispose such as the eggs of blowfish (intes- a standard garbage bag. tines), the peels of onions, and pepper ·Because the collecting day is different for of large waste matter paste. each building, you need to remember the ·By visiting dong office in person proper discharge day (from sunset to mid- Visit dong office and pay charges → night). Receive a certificate sticker → Attach the Recycling sticker to the waste and discharge 3_Recycling centers ·By Internet 1_Separate recycling waste by type ·For private residences: In front of the gate Visit the website of gu office → Pay of the building or designated place charges → Print the certificate sticker Items Recyclable Items Non-recyclable Items → Attach the sticker to the waste and Newspapers, books, notes, wrapping paper, corru- ·For apartment complexes: Designated Plastic coated paper bags, plastic coated Paper gated cardboard, paper bags, paper boxes, items indi- discharge paper cups place in apartment complex cated as ‘종이’ or ‘종이팩’ Beer bottles, liquor bottles, soda beverage Sheet glass, mirrors, heatproof tableware, milk-white 3_Disposal fees Glass Large Waste Matter bottles, items indicated as ‘유리’ bottles, cosmetic bottles, ceramic wares Depending on district, the disposal fee charged Beverage cans, spray cans, butane gas containers, alu- Paint containers, oil containers, or containers varies for the collection of large waste. Metal minum, stainless utensils, steel tools, iron wire, items 1_What is large waste matter? of noxious materials indicated as ‘철’ or ‘ 철사’ Waste that cannot fit into standard waste bags.

58 Living in Seoul 59 04 Garbage Disposal Living in Seoul English Edition

(In case of Yongsan-gu)

Items Size Fees(won) Items Size Fees(won) Items Size Fees(won) Recycling Centers and Over 10kg 5,000 Single 10,000 Two-wheeler (for adult) 4,000 Refrigerator Under 10kg 3,000 Single mattress 5,000 Bicycle Two-wheeler (for child) 3,000 Flea Markets Bed Over 42 inches 5,000 Double 15,000 Two-wheeler (for infant) 2,000 Television Over 25 inches 4,000 Double mattress 8,000 Baby carriage - 2,000 1_Foreigners’ Flea Market Under 25 inches 3,000 Single 2,000 Up to 30cm in height 1,000 Chair Pottery Over 10Kg 5,000 Seating more than 2 3,000 Washing machine More than 30cm in height 2,000 Under 10Kg 3,000 120cm 10,000 Washstand - 4,000 Display cabinet 80 pyeong (264.464m²) or greater 8,000 90cm 8,000 Air conditioner Baby-walker - 2,000 20 pyeong (66.116m²0) or greater 5,000 Hot blast heater Stationery case - 3,000 Up to 20 pyeong (66.116m²) 3,000 Shoe case Under 1m 3,000 Audio speaker Over 1m 3,000 More than 5 drawers 4,000 Small Waste (unit price) Under 1m 2,000 Chest Up to 4 drawers 2,000 Used cell phone and 32 different kinds of Heater A wall-hanging 2,000 Toilet bowl - 5,000 small electronic waste can be discarded with- Over 1m 4,000 Carpet Per 3.3058m² (1pyeong) 1,000 ·A flea market held for foreign sellers Gas stove & oven out a disposal fee. You can dispose small elec- Under 1m 2,000 Floor sheet Per 3.3058m² (1pyeong) 1,000 tronics with other recyclables. In the case of ·Held by the Seoul Global Center Electric fan For business (Large-size) 3,000 Clothes rack Floor rack 2,000 Electric fan used cell phones, you can take them to cell http: //global.seoul.go.kr [K, E, J, C, F) For domestic (Small-size) 2,000 Rice chest - 3,000 Tel: 02-2075-4180 Desk - 4,000 – 7,000 Wall clock - 1,000 phone sales agencies, local community ser- Smaller than the size of a desk glass 1,000 Toy car for baby - 2,000 vice centers, or 'Green boxes' located at Woori Broken glass Smaller than the size of a veranda window 2,000 Rocking horse for baby - 1,000 bank. 2_Ttukseom Beautiful Flea Bigger than the size of a veranda window 3,000 Swing for baby - 1,000 Market Duplicator more than 4 people Exempt Up to 50cm in width 2,000 ·Small electronics discard- 120 cm 15,000 Bags Wardrobe More than 50cm in length 3,000 able free of charge 90 cm 10,000 Up to 50cm in width and length 1,000 Living room Long sofa 5,000 Picture frame More than 50cm in width and length 3,000 Items furniture Short couch 2,000 More than 100cm in width and length 5,000 humidifier audio set air cleaner Dining table - 4,000 Cabinet - 4,000 water purifier oven range (height below 1m) cassette radio Short-legged Seating more than 4 3,000 Under 3 column 2,000 an iron electric fan drying machine dining table Seating less than 4 2,000 File cabinet Over 4 column 3,000 vacuum cleaner VTR/DVD telephone Sink 1 piece 3,000 Piano Regular 15,000 hair dryer outdoor air conditioner unit electric pad Double 7,000 Desk Organ - 4,000 electric heater microwave electric rice cooker For 1 4,000 Door leaf - 2,000 heating rice-container mixer/blender toaster Up to 2 shelves 2,000 Up to 1m in width and length 5,000 gas range desktop computer game controller ·A space for practicing reusing and sharing Bookcase More than 3 shelves 3,000 Aquarium More than 1m in width and length 9,000 multifunction computer computer keyboard notebook(laptop) by the direct participation of citizens More than 5 shelves 4,000 Up to 50cm in height 1,000 Mirror scanner printer clock/watch ·A sharing marketplace that donates more Dresser - 3,000 More than 50cm in height 2,000 modem facsimile than 20% of the sales amount

60 Living in Seoul 61 04 Garbage Disposal Living in Seoul English Edition

·Ttukseom Resort Station Square Cheonggyecheon Stream attracts not only Q How should I dispose of fluorescent ≫ Line 7, Ttukseom Resort Station, Exit 2 or 3 citizens but also tourists from both home lamps and batteries? There have been reported cases of in- http: //www.flea1004.com [K, E) and abroad. A dividuals who go through other’s gar- Tell: 02-732-9998 ·Transportation: 100M from exit 9 of Sin- In order to prevent environmental bage or stray cats going through the contents seol-dong Station A pollution by heavy metals, we need of the garbage bags looking for food. In your 3_Beautiful Store http: //pungmul.seoul.go.kr [K, E, C, J] your active cooperation in not discharging case, you will have to file a complaint at the ·Takes donations of new and used goods. Tel: 02-2238-2600 fluorescent lamps or batteries.They are toxic local district office by filling out an applica- Collects used articles for repair to resell at wastes of daily life. Every dong office has tion form and submitting evidence. low prices. 6_Itaewon Second-hand a separate bin for them, and the places that http: //beautifulstore.org [K, E] Furniture Street have large collections have separate bins for Tell: 02-3676-1009, 1577-1113 them, too. You can obtain information about My kid’s clothes do not fit him any- ·Used furniture formerly owned by for- the locations of separate bins for fluorescent Q more but are in very good condition. eigners can be purchased at low prices. lamps and batteries by contacting the local How I can donate these clothes? ·Located between Exits 3 and 4 of Itaewon dong office. Station, Line 6. To Use a collecting bin for old A clothes. Q I have a broken glass from my ·If you live in a detached house, you can desk. How should I dispose of it? use a collecting bin for old clothes, which is placed at the alley. If you live in an If the amount is not so much, you apartment building, you can use a collect- 4_The Salvation Army Thrift A can put it in a plastic bag for general ing bin for old clothes, which is placed Store waste. However, you have to wrap it thick next to the other bins for separating waste. enough with newspapers or the like be- In the case of the bins for old clothes, they ·Sells goods donated by individuals or fore putting it in the bag. If there is a large are placed by an organization of the handi- companies at low prices. amount, you have to purchase a special bag capped, and are not controlled by a district http: //www.nanumistore.org [K, E] 7_Recycling centers at a selling place, and break the glass down office. Tel: 02-365-7084, 1588-1327 ·Recycle City to small pieces before you dispose of it. (Inquiries for donation/sponsoring) www.rety.co.kr To donate to a local welfare center Tel: 1588-8425 ·If you want to donate to an organization I properly disposed of my garbage for children, please contact the social wel- 5_Seoul Folk Flea Market ·Recycling Center Association recently as I always do, but have fare department of the ward (gu) office be- ·A place where you can come across Ko- www.jungo.co.kr been fined. I think someone went cause it has a welfare center for children rean items at low prices, such as home through the trouble of opening the Q under its control. appliances, tourist gifts, local products, bag and going through the con- ethnic food, etc. tents. I feel like I’ve been unfairly To use an organization for donation fined for the actions of a garbage ·Please check Beautiful Store near you at ·The harmony of lively streets, tradi- picker. Can I make a complaint to www.beautifulstore.org tional scenery and customs as well as the someone? 62 Living in Seoul 63 05

Communication Facilities Postal Services Telephone Services Banking Q&A

Communication & Banking 05 Communication & Banking Living in Seoul English Edition

net services: KT olleh and SK Broadband, Communication Installation fees for a new contract Transfer to different gu Transfer within the same gu and LG U+. You can either sign up for ser- 30,000 Facilities vice by calling the registration numbers or (exempt if contract is set for longer than 1 year) 10,000 10,000 visiting websites of Internet service provid- 1_High speed Internet ers. An installation technician will be sent to your home. SK Broadband

Term of No One-year Two-year Three-year Forty-month Four-year To use Internet service, you need either Contract Contract contract contract contract contract contract wired equipment or wireless equipment for Service charge 33,000 32,010 31,350 29,700 28,050 27,390 wireless Internet. Initial cost for installment Installation fee in case of transfer indoor - Installation fee Installation fee for new contract - 30,000 is 30,000 won and monthly service charges 10,000 / Outdoor - 10,000 range from 25,500 to 30,000 won (VAT Addition of monthly Monthly 12,000 / IP excluded). However, service charges may dynamic IP vary depending on the Internet service pro- High speed Internet has spread rapidly in vider and Internet Plan. In general, contracts Korea, one of the world’s most Internet sav- vary from 1 year to 3 years. Discount rates period. A termination fee may be charged to bership or go to the PC bang during night- vy countries. High-speed Internet services are applied depending on the period of your compensate for the amount of the discount time hours, it is cheaper to use the Internet. are available in many homes. There are three contract. However, if you cancel your ser- you received over the length of your con- major companies offering high-speed Inter- vice before the end of the minimum contract tract. You will also have to pay rental fees for the modem and AP. Therefore, you must consider the length of your stay when you Provider URL Tel. sign the contract. 100 without area code (toll-free) KT olleh www.olleh.com mobile phone - with the area code+100 (fee charged) #2(English Consultation) 2_Internet cafes (PC bang) SK broadband www.skbroadand.com 106 (without area code) / 080-8282-106 You can easily find places where you can LG U+ www.uplus.co.kr 101(without area code) use the Internet in Seoul. These places are ※ Service charges - The basic charges consist of a monthly service charge, installation fee, and monthly called PC bang, a Korean word for Inter- fee for terminal. Also, discount rates depend on the duration of contract. net cafe and can include words such as ‘cyber’, ‘net’ and ‘internet plaza’ in their KT olleh Service charges and charges for terminal names. When you need to use the Internet to check your e-mail, surf the web, work on Three-year Two-year One-year Term of Contract No Contract Remarks or print documents, you can use your local contract contract contract Internet cafe. You can use the Internet at a Service Charge 25,500 27,000 28,500 30,000 Free of charge after reasonable price. Hourly rates are between Charges for terminal 3,000 4,500 5,500 8,000 three years 1,000 and 1,500won. If you have mem-

66 Living in Seoul 67 05 Communication & Banking Living in Seoul English Edition

3_Cable TV Satellite Broadcasting Provider URL Tel Cable TV is a method of communication that SkyLife www.skylife.co.kr [K, E] 1588-3002 combines broadcasting and telecommunica- tion and provides multi-channels related to Nasa Satellite www.nasasat.co.kr [K] 02-717-2256 a variety of specialized fields of broadcast- Seki satellite www.sekisat.co.kr [K, E] 02-2231-7989 ing. Depending on their needs, viewers can choose from many specialized channels, including movies, dramas, sports/games, i.e.) 2013 general service and equipment charges of SkyLife news/information, entertainment, regional 4_Satellite broadcasting Contract Normal rate Discount Set top box Installation Total access/TV guide, home shopping, children, Duration rate fee Satellite broadcasting re- music, hobby/living, culture/documentary, 3 years 13,000 10,000 free free 8,000 fers to broadcasting TV women/family, education /public access and * Installation charges will be paid only once when installed (VAT separately) programs and PCM (Pulse religion. In addition, viewers can watch not i.e.) 2013 general service and equipment charges for English programs of SkyLife Code Modulation) pro- only territorial broadcasting, but also over- grams using a BS (Broad- Contract Discount Installation seas satellite TV programs from America, Normal rate Set top box Total casting Satellite), which is Duration rate fee Japan, Australia, China and Europe. Recent- located 35,784km above the earth. Through 3 years 14,000 13,000 1,000 free 14,000 ly, cable TV providers have begun to offer satellite broadcasting, viewers can watch (VAT separately) internet service with internet-based phone channels from all over the world, which are service. not available on territorial broadcasting. You Card and remote controls. SkyLife’s staff ers who do not understand Korean. For this Foreigners who want to sign up for cable TV can also videotape your favorite programs will install this equipment. reason, Sky Touch should not be added to the service need to provide their names, contact and watch them later. SkyLife is a represen- Monthly rates vary depending on satellite service for foreigners with no understanding information, address, Alien Registration tative satellite TV provider in Korea. It is a TV providers, products and contract terms. of Korean. Card, and bank account information for au- multichannel digital satellite broadcast sta- In addition to the monthly rates, you need tomatic money transfer. (For money transfer tion that provides high definition pictures to pay for the receiver, antenna and instal- by giro, a copy of passport is required.) and high quality sound based on digital tech- lation. It is difficult to recommend a 3-year Required documents may be different for nology, hundreds of channels, simultaneous contract package, which is generally applied each cable service company, so you must broadcasting of the same quality programs to Korean people, since foreigners do not make inquiries at your local cable TV pro- throughout the nation, data broadcasting- usually reside in Korea for a long period (In vider. You can contact the Korean Cable TV services through interactive communica- case of cancellation of the 3-year contract, Association for phone numbers of each local tion and specialized audio channel services. large amount of termination fee is imposed). cable service provider. Foreigners can sign up for SkyLife services Therefore, a rate system that does not cause Tel. 02-735-6511 by calling SkyLife’s foreigner service center any penalty is recommended for foreigners. www.kcta.or.kr (Tel.1588-3002) or by writing e-mail (eng- Moreover, information (text) service like Rates differ between on services and you [email protected]). To watch satellite pro- Sky Touch, in which all menus are supported should pay for installation and equipment grams, you need an antenna, receiver, Smart in Korean, is meaningless to those foreign- additionally.

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5_Newspapers and magazines papers in Korea include the Joongang Daily, 6_Broadcast stations and radio postcards. You need to write down the zip Korea Times and Korea Herald. code when you send a letter or a package. Numerous newspapers and magazines can be Korea’s three major broadcast stations in- Post offices, DHL, Federal Express, UPS, found in Korea, ranging from newspapers is- clude KBS (Korean Broadcasting System), [Monthly English-language Magazines] Hanjin Shipping Company, and EMS pro- sued daily to weekly to monthly magazines. You MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation) Name of vide shipping services. can get newspapers or magazines through a one- company URL and SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System). Each year subscription, but you can also buy them at SEOUL www.seoulselection.com [E] broadcast station has broadened the scope of newsstands around bus stops or subway stations broadcasting through territorial broadcast- as well as 24-hour convenience stores and book- ELOQUENCE www.eloquence.co.kr [E] ing, radio programming, cable and satellite stores. Various media companies (including Groove www.groovekorea.com [E] programming, the Internet and DMB. In par- newspapers and magazines) update news and ticular, the development of Internet homep- 10 Magazine http://10magazine.asia/ information through their websites and in print. ages has enabled viewers to watch program They also offer English services. Although, Rocking http://roking-korea.com re-runs. In addition, more programs have in- readers need to pay for the offline media, they cluded viewers’ opinions or information on can view online information free of charge ex- [English-language Newspapers] the programs. Arirang TV is an English-lan- cept for some contents. English language news- guage broadcast station that provides news Shipping Company Name of DHL Korea company URL and information on Korea. All TV and radio programs of the broadcast station are avail- 1588-0001/www.dhl.co.kr [K, E] Joongang Daily http://joongangdaily.joins.com [E] able in English. AFN (1530 AM, 102.7 FM), Federal Express Korea Times www.koreatimes.co.kr [E] TBS eFM (101.3 FM) are 24-hour English 080-023-8000/www.fedex.com/kr_english [K, E]

Korea Herald www.koreaherald.co.kr [E] language radio stations. UPS 02-2022-1000 www.ups.com/contect/us/en/index.jsx [K, E]

Hanjin Shipping 1588-1612 (International Shipping) / [Korean-language Dailies] hanex.hanjin.co.kr [K] Name of Name of company URL company URL EMS Kookmin Ilbo www.kukinews.com [K] Hankook Ilbo www.hankooki.com [K] 1588-1300 / www.epost.go.kr [K, E] Kyunghyang www.khan.co.kr [K] Hankyoreh www.hani.co.kr [K] Donga Ilbo www.donga.com [K, E, J, C] Maeil Economy www.mk.co.kr [K, E] Munhwa Ilbo www.munhwa.com [K] Seoul Economy http://economy.hankooki.com [K] Postal Services 1_Domestic postal service www.yonhapnews.co.kr Seoul Newspaper www.seoul.co.kr [K] Yonhap News You can mail letters, postcards and small National zip code directories are available [K, E, J, C, S, F, A] Hankyung News- parcels by putting them in a mailbox on at post offices. You can use domestic postal Segye Ilbo www.segye.com [K] www.hankyung.com [K] papers the street or by visiting a post office in your services by writing down the recipient’s zip Chosun Ilbo www.chosun.com [K, E, J, C] Herald Business www.heraldbiz.com [K] neighborhood. You should go to the post of- code and attaching stamps for regular mail Joongang Ilbo www.joins.com [K] Financial News www.fnnews.com [K] fice when using nonstandard envelopes or or express mail. When you choose registered

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General Postage Rates numbers and costs of items. in the nation the next day after receiving Rates vary depending on the kind of mail the items (On holidays or in certain areas Category Content Weight Standard Mail Rates (won) up to 5g 270 and its weight (letter, postcard, air mail, including islands or mountainous areas, the Standard mail 5g~ 25g 300 printed stuff, package, etc.), so you need to delivery might be delayed for one or two check the information through the website of more days). You can also make a reservation General mail 25g~50g 320 the post office. up to 50g 390 Non-standard mail After sending your mail through EMS, air- Each 50g exceeding 50g 120 mail or registered mail, you can check the status of delivery through the foreigner ser- mail, you receive a receipt. Registered mail vice center for international mail in the post is more expensive than regular mail. Howev- 2_Overseas postal service office’s call center. er, the process of delivery of registered mail For overseas mail, a direct visit to a post When you call in Korea, use the following is recorded, so tracking service is available. office is mandatory. Express Mail Service number (Tel. 02-2108-0050~60). The hours of most post offices are 9 a.m. to provides the fastest and safest international 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, but some postal service that delivers urgent letters, If you’re calling from outside Korea, dial the fol- through the website of the door to-door de- post offices are open until 8 p.m., and even documents and packages. EMS is operated lowing number (Tel. 82-2-2108-0051~0059). livery company. For the post office door-to- on Saturdays. by the Korea Post under special agreements door delivery service, you can visit a post of- For more information on rates, fees, zip with reliable, overseas postal counterparts. 3_Door-to-door delivery fice and sign up for the service. Rates for the codes, compensation for damages, and so Before sending your mail, make sure to write Door-to-door delivery refers to a service door-to-door service vary depending on the forth, contact the following number. (Tel. down the address and names of senders and directly delivered to a recipient. It is more receiver’s area, the kind and size of the items 1588-1300) recipients, phone numbers and the contents, costly, but safer and faster than regular mail. and the number of items. You can verify this Because senders leave the receiver’s contact information on the website of the door-to- [Transmissible and Non-transmissible Items for Overseas Mail] information, it is less likely to lose the items door delivery company. Transmissible Items Division-restricted Items for delivery. With a call, an employee of a Items such as letters, documents, gifts and Cash and marketable Encashable items such as cash, postdated check, check, gift door-to-door delivery company visits your ·The post office door-to-door delivery ser- goods, which weigh up to 30kg, can be trans- securities certificates and etc place and delivers items (including docu- vice delivers the items the next day and missible. In some countries such as Australia, Perishable goods - Live fish, animal, dead animal, flowers and etc items sent to Jejudo by sea are delivered Philippines, Argentina, and Bangladesh, the ments, parcels and heavy goods) anywhere weight of transmissible items is limited to Electronics - Computer desktops, printers, monitors, laptops and etc in two days. 20kg and under. Fragile goods - Glasses and articles of glass, pots, ceramics, and etc [Door-to-Door Delivery Companies] - Official Communications Large furniture- Beds, wardrobes, desks, couches and etc - Commercial Papers (items which cannot be carried by one person) Name of company URL Tel. - Computer Data - Check Clearances Hanjin Transportation www.hanex.hanjin.co.kr (Korean) 1588-0011 - Business Samples Large goods - Bicycles, motorcycles, steel items and etc Korea Express www.doortodoor.co.kr (Korean) 1588-1255 - Magnetic Tape (items which cannot be carried by one person) KGB Logis www.kgbls.co.kr (Korean) 1577-4577 - Microfilm - Merchandise (some countries may prohibit ETC - Items difficult to be wrapped, possible to damage other items, Logen http://d2d.ilogen.com (Korean) 1588-9988 or exceed the value of 3,000,000 won each sending certain merchandise.) Post office www.parcel.epost.go.kr (Korean) 1588-1300 * An Item must be under 30kg and less than 160cm of width x length x height (maximum length of each side must be within 100cm) CJ GLS www.cjgls.co.kr (Korean, English, Chinese) 1588-5353

72 Living in Seoul 73 05 Communication & Banking Living in Seoul English Edition

(Ex) Basic rates for post office door-to-door delivery service (As of 2014 /2015) Telephone Services

Weight (size) up to 2kg up to 5kg up to 10kg up to 20kg up to 30kg (up to 60cm) (up to 80cm) (up to 120cm) (up to 140cm) (up to 160cm) 1_Pay phones Within the 4,000(won) 5,000(won) 6,000(won) 7,000(won) 8,000(won) same area Category Features – Only domestic calls are available Other areas 5,000(won) 6,000(won) 7,000(won) 8,000(won) 9,000(won) – Local calls, national calls and calls to mobile phones are available Phones operated Post office door-to-door Delivery to Jeju by coins – The rate for local calls is 70 won per three minutes, 70 won per 38 seconds from local calls to 6,000(won) 7,000(won) 8,000(won) 9,000(won) 11,000(won) by air mobile phone calls. – You need to dial the number after inserting coins. Delivery to Jeju 5,000(won) 6,000(won) 7,000(won) 8,000(won) 9,000(won) by sea(D+2days) – For this kind of phone, you may use phone cards, credit cards and IC cards. Phones operated – Local calls, national calls, calls to mobile phones and international calls are available. by phone cards – Phone cards are available in 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won denominations ·The size refers to the sum of the width, area are applied, respectively. – Phone cards are available for purchase at newsstands or convenience stores length, and height. If any of these exceed Phones operated – To use an international collect call service, press the emergency button and 00799 the standard, additional charges will ap- 4_Quick service by phone cards and coins – You can also use credit cards for this type of phone. ply. ※ When you make long-distance calls, insert coins or cards and then press the area code and phone numbers. Quick service is faster than door-to-door ·The same delivery area refers to si or do delivery service. Quick service delivers where receipt and delivery of items were items to the recipient within 24 hours by a 2_International calls made. Other areas and Jeju-do are not in- motorcycle or car. Many quick services are cluded in the same delivery areas. The available through the internet and operate When you make international calls, press the delivery areas are divided into nine areas 24 hours, all year round. You can pay for the number of the phone service provider, coun- (Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do / Busan, Ul- service through various payment methods try code, area code and phone number. san, Gyeongsangnam-do / Daejeon, Chun- such as cash, credit cards or money transfer. gcheongnam-do / Chungcheongbuk-do / Rates for quick service are different depend- Provider Number Gwangju, Jeollanam-do / Daegu, Gyeong- ing on the distance between the place of ori- sang buk-do / Jeollabuk-do / Gangwon-do gin and the place of receipt of the item, the Major area codes 001 / Jeju-do) type of items, and the weights of items. For KT Seoul (02) Gangwon-do (033) more information, visit websites of the quick ·For the Jeju area, receipt of delivery items Incheon (032) Gyeonggi-do (031) service companies in advance. LG Telecom 002 is made in Jeju-do and the rates of Jeju are Gwangju (062) Daejeon (042) applied to the delivery items sent to other Chungcheongbuk-do (043) Daegu (053) areas. For the items sent from other areas, Gyeongsangbuk-do (054) Chungcheongnam-do (041) Onse Telecom 00365 the rates are applied depending on the de- Busan (051) Gyeongsangnam-do (055) livery area. For other areas, the rates of the Jeollabuk-do (063) Ulsan (052) SK Telink 00700 same delivery area, other areas, and Jeju Jeju (064) Jeollanam-do (061)

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Major country codes 4_Mobile phone Major country codes Major country codes Major country codes Major country codes charged by the telephone subscriber. Guam 1 + 671 Greece 30 South Africa 27 Norway 47 The number of mobile phone users in Ko- New Zealand 64 Netherlands 31 Germany 49 Taiwan 886 rea has significantly increased. Thus, mobile KT Olleh (www.olleh.com) Denmark 45 Romania 40 Russia 7 Libya 218 phone carriers have striven to attract for- 02-2190-1180 Macao 853 Malaysia 60 U.S.A 1 Myanmar 95 eigners by providing a variety of services In order to install a phone, the length of your Mexico 52 Bahrain 973 Bangladesh 880 Bulgaria 359 including cameras, video cameras and vid- stay must be at least 3 months. Venezuela 58 Brunei 673 Brazil 55 Belgium 32 eophones in addition to text messaging and LG U+ (www.lguplus.com) Saudi Arabia 966 Singapore 65 Sweden 46 Switzerland 41 call services. There are three major mobile 02-3416-7000 Spain 34 Saipan 1 + 670 Sri Lanka 94 Andorra 376 phone carriers in Korea: SK Telecom, KT Phone activation is possible even when there Ireland 353 Argentina 54 Italy 39 Egypt 20 olleh and LG Telecom. English is available is only one day left during your stay. How- Iraq 964 Iran 98 India 91 Japan 81 on the websites of the companies and you ever, you must buy the cellphone with a one Australia 61 Austria 43 United Kingdom 44 China 86 can check out details on different services or two year contract. Chile 56 Kuwait 965 Columbia 57 Canada 1 and rates. Foreigners, who want to use a mo- Thailand 66 Turkey 90 Pakistan 92 Portugal 351 bile phone service need document including You can pay for the service through various Poland 48 Finland 358 Philippines 63 France 33 passport and foreign registration card. When methods including money transfer, credit Hong Kong 852 Hungary 36 the foreigner’s agent intends to sign up for card, CD/ATM, GIRO, online payment, and the mobile phone service, he/she should online remittance. For example, when you make a call to New York, dial the numbers in the following order. International visit a mobile phone store with the agent’s call code (001) + country code (1) + area code (212) + phone no. (123-4567) ID card. 5_VoIP Internet phone

3_Telephone installation ser- a copy of his/her foreign registration card. Internet phone (VoIP: Voice over Internet vices The monthly basic charge is 5,200 won. In Protocol) is a service which is produced by addition to the monthly fee, you should pay voice and image transmission technology To install a telephone line in a home or an 60,000 won for sign up (including installa- software provides two-way data commu- office, call 100 without the area code. Once tion). nications in real time using a telephone or you call the number, the telephone company PC via connecting to the telephone network in the area of your residence will install a through Internet network access technology. phone line for you. There are two telephone Users can make domestic calls (local/toll landline companies, KT (www.olleh.com calls), international calls, and LM calls from or Call 100 without the area code), and SK SKT (www.tworld.co.kr) a general telephone to a mobile phone at low Broadband (www.skbroadband.com or Call 080-2525-011 cost by using this service. In Korea, there 106 for simple procedure subscription). You There are no restriction for phone activation is a rising trend in subscriptions of Internet can choose one in consideration of service but costs of cell phone may differ depending telephone services, while that of landline rates and service contents). For phone in- on the type of visa. You also have to apply for telephone subscriptions is gradually dimin- stallation, a foreigner needs a passport and a guarantee insurance. The security deposit is ishing. 76 Living in Seoul 77 05 Communication & Banking Living in Seoul English Edition

Banking A Korean having permanent residency in a foreign country In Korea, you can use various financial in- · Depending on the status of residence with- struments and services including deposits, in Korea, permanent representative desig- funds, and insurance products through a nation and the use of KRW account/foreign variety of financial institutions. For some currency account can be chosen. cases, however, the banking transactions of foreigners staying in Korea may be re- · A Korean having permanent residency in stricted under regulations, since relatively a foreign country can open an account as Features of VoIP internet phone strict domestic regulations are applied to all a native Korean. However, the difference financial transactions. For foreign exchange of the accounts between native Koreans ·A user can pay the same single rate for lo- According to foreigner classification transactions, especially, foreigners need to and Koreans having permanent residency cal and toll calls nationwide, and the rate of be careful about relevant regulations because Resident foreigner in a foreign country is that the withhold- call to mobile phones is cheaper than that some documents are required and maximum ing tax rate conforms to the tax agreement of a general landline telephone. ·A foreigner residing in Korea, who has transaction amounts and so forth are applied with the country concerned when interest declared one’s address within Korea or depending on transaction types. income is generated in Korea. ·When it is used along with the Internet, completed foreigner registration. a more stable service is offered, and high ·There is no difference from an account of According to transaction business quality calls similar to general phone calls a native Korean. are provided. Status of opening KRW account and/or Non-resident foreigner foreign currency account ·A user can simultaneously subscribe to ·A person who has foreign nationality and ·Koreans having permanent residency in this service with the Internet service. does not reside in Korea. Only currency a foreign country, resident foreigners and When the Internet is already installed, you exchanged through a foreign exchange non-resident foreigners can open both can subscribe to the VoIP Internet phone bank in Korea can be deposited and with- KRW account and foreign currency ac- service additionally from the service pro- drawn by sending or receiving from/to count. vider concerned. If you use the two services 1_Opening an account abroad. ·However, for non-resident foreigners, only together from the same service provider, the To open an account, foreigners are classified ·For the differences from native Koreans, transaction through bank tellers is pos- service charges can be discounted. either resident foreigners having an income a capital gains tax is imposed in the event sible. source within Korea or non-resident foreign- when a foreigner gets profit by selling VoIP Internet phone service pro- ers whose income source is abroad. For all fi- stocks. Moreover, the tax amount is decid- viders nancial transactions, you need to visit a bank ed under the tax rate agreed upon with the (due to the real name verification system) The service can be simultaneously offered country concerned when interest income with your ID (passport, alien registration by Internet providers. See Internet Service is generated. card, certificate of your residency). Providers.

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Tax rates depending on a resident for- of bank, and other pertinent information in restrictions. ·Buying KRW: When a foreigner wants to eigner and a non-resident foreigner English. When an American residing in Korea wants sell foreign currency (buy KRW), he/she to buy a new or additional domestic fund, can sell foreign currency up to the amount (Check limited tax rate, special case tax rate, 3_Exchange of money two documents (certificate of one’s address, carried into Korea. In the case of a non- and capital gains tax imposition) and non-resident foreigner judgment sheet resident foreigner staying in Korea tempo- ·Resident foreigner: Same withholding tax proving the person is not a resident foreign- rarily, foreign currency up to USD 10,000 rate as native Koreans is applied, and capi- er) should be submitted. Check tax affairs, can be exchanged into KRW. tal gains tax is not imposed. deriving from investment in funds, through ·Buying foreign currency: When a for- a consultant of a bank where a foreigner can ·Non-resident foreigner: Limited tax rate eigner wants to buy foreign currency, he/ invest in such a fund. (in case a tax agreement is in place) or she is allowed to sell within the income special case tax rate (in case no tax agree- generated within Korea or the foreign cur- ment is made) is applied and capital gains rency amount sold in Korea by the person. tax is imposed. When there is no foreign currency selling If you have a passport, you can easily ex- record in Korea, foreign currency can be 2_Transfer change foreign money or traveler’s checks bought up to USD 10,000 as travel ex- to Korean money at every foreign exchange When you want to send money overseas, you penses. In this case, the person must pos- bank in Korea or the change booths at the can transfer money at a bank. Through desig- sess a passport. The same principle applies airport. You can exchange up to $10,000 (for nated foreign exchange banks, you can trans- to overseas remittance. one entry) at a time. The foreign exchange fer up to $ 50,000 (remit + exchange) a year, For a resident-foreigner, 15.4% withhold- rates are not fixed and change depending on and if you have a document showing how the 5_Real Name Verification Act ing tax rate, which is imposed for interest economic factors. money was acquired, then you can transfer Since the real name verification system put income of native Koreans, is withheld for into effect in 1993, all financial transactions interest income generated through all fi- any amount within the range of income. 4_Investment Different banks have different fees and re- are possible through one’s real name veri- nancial transactions. Also, tax preferential strictions on transfers, so it is recommended A foreigner who wants fund trading in Korea fication. This system is applied to both na- treatment is not allowed for foreigners. to compare information at different banks. needs a fund investment method for market tive Koreans and foreigners. In the event of For a non-resident foreigner, the limited tax situation, fund and asset management, re- transactions through a representative, the ev- rate of the country where the person stays Required Documents strictions under the local laws, and tax affairs idence documents required by the real name is applied and the tax is also withheld when Passport, Alien Registration Card, certificate information. verification system should be submitted. interest income is generated. of earned income (when applicable) In particular, the following restrictions are Related Websites applied to fund subscription depending on Foreign Exchange Regulation When you transfer money to an overseas Yahoo Finance the nationality of the foreigner concerned: The following regulations are applied to for- bank account http://finance.yahoo.com/currency For an American, subscription of offshore eign tourists, foreign residents, and non-resi- It is convenient and fast to transfer money Korea Exchange Bank funds is impossible, regardless of residence dent foreigners in foreign exchange transac- through telegraphic transfer. For transfer, http://www.keb.co.kr/main/en/ in Korea. There are no restrictions for for- tions in Korea under the foreign exchange you need to write down the name of the re- Wooribank eigners with nationalities other than the U.S. regulations. cipient, address, account number, the name unless the fund concerned specially sets forth www.wooribank.com

80 Living in Seoul 81 05 Communication & Banking Living in Seoul English Edition

For More Information An annual membership fee is charged every year starting with the month of issuance. The certain period of time. After the promised pe- According to the Foreign Exchange The Exchange Rate ARS Service: Annual membership fee is divided into basic riod is over, the foreigner receives the money A Act and relevant regulations, a resi- Tel. 02-1544-3000(#3) / annual membership fee and affiliated service back with some interests. It varies depend- dent foreigner within Korea can send money Tel. 02-1588-3500(#3) fees (except for the family card and the cor- ing on banks, but if you put more than the up to KRW 50 million a year. When a for- minimum amount of money into your fixed eigner, who acquired a work permit, wants 6_Credit cards porate card). The basic annual membership fee is charged once a year regardless of the deposit, you will be eligible for a credit card. to remit more than KRW 50 million, his/her In this case, a certain ratio of the money you total income can be sent to the home country Qualification for Issuance number of cards you have. Affiliated service fees are charged for the different cards you deposit will be the monthly maximum limit if the employer presents an income tax pay- A credit card can be issued to only those who have. you can use with your credit card. ment certificate to the bank concerned. meet certain criteria set by a credit card com- In case of debit cards, the sum of money is pany. If you lack a good credit record, your instantly withdrawn from your account as I have purchased a product from request for issuance of a credit card may be you use the cards. However, if you use credit an online shopping mall operated rejected. Note some credit card companies cards, the balance of your fixed deposit ac- Q abroad. Can I get some informa- restrict issuance to foreigners. count will remain as it is. Instead, you will tion on the tax and delivery status receive the principal and interest upon clos- of the goods? How to Issue a Credit Card and ing the account, and you pay for your credit Before buying goods from online Required Documents card bills every month. A shopping mall, you need to check A foreigner who intends to get a credit card whether the goods are allowed into Korea needs to find out various benefits and- ser at the website of Korea Post (http://www. vices offered by credit card companies or Can I use a Korean brand mobile koreapost.go.kr) or not. If the goods are banks and can sign up for one through the Q phone in Korea, although I bought allowed, a tariff will not be imposed up to credit card company’s website or by visiting it in the U.S? KRW 150,000 including postage. When it a bank or an office of a credit card company. exceeds KRW 150,000 including postage, Required documents for the sign-up include Korea currently uses a CDMA and tax set forth by the Korea Customs Service an application form with your photo, a for- A 3G network, so it is technically possi- is imposed. The tariff varies depending on eign registration card, and document verify- ble to use a foreign phone in Korea, but only the types of goods, and it can be paid to the Is there anyway that a person who ing your income (proof of employment, tax in roaming mode. Due to the way Korean delivery person upon delivery. Books and does not meet the qualification for invoice, etc.). However, different banks or telecom systems works, foreign phones are equivalent are excluded from tariff imposi- Q credit card issuance, such as a stu- not allowed to be used under standard plans, credit card companies may require different/ dent, can use a credit card? tion. additional documents. or with Korean USIM cards. Check for more details at the website of Ko- If you open a one-year fixed deposit rea Customs Service (http://english.customs. Annual Membership Fee A account, then you can apply for a go.kr/). Annual membership fee is a fee charged for credit card with the fixed deposit as collat- Q What is the maximum amount the issuance of the credit card and various eral. Fixed deposit system means that a for- that a resident foreigner can remit services offered by the credit card company. eigner deposits a certain sum of money for a to his/her home country?

82 Living in Seoul 83 Employment

Scope of Activities and Employment for Foreigners in Korea Employment Procedures by Visa Status Visa Statuses That Can Seek Employ- ment With Approval Labor Laws (Main Regulations) Support Centers and Information Bu- reaus for Foreign Workers Four Social Insurance Programs Recruiting and Employment Sites Q&A 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

ing a clean bill of health and a document showing USA and Germany/Sweden/Denmark/Taiwan/ Employment Procedures the authenticity of the applicant’s diploma. Also Hong Kong/the Czech Republic/UK/Austria/ by Visa Status when registering after entering the country, the Hungary) that signed the MOU or Agreement on applicant must submit the health document for Tourism Employment, whose main purpose is 1_Short-term employment (C-4) employment that includes the result of a drug test tourism, but who are seeking employment for a Within 90 days working period issued by the Minister of Justice designated medi- short period of time to pay for travel expenses. This is the case that a foreigner temporarily en- cal institution. The sojourn period for the status is one year. gages in promotional activities, advertisement, 3_Residency (F-2) fashion model activities, lecture, speech, research, 7_Non-professional Employment Business Investment(D-8) visa holder who has technical guidance, etc. (E-9) invested 500,000 US dollars and lived continu- According to the Employment Permit System for 2_Specialized profession (E-1 ~ ously in Korea for 3 years or more, or a holder who has invested 300,000 US dollars or more Foreigners, after you agree to sign a labor con- E-7) and employed two or more Korean employees, tract, you must complete a pre-education course Specialized professions as stipulated by the Immi- or holder or holder’s spouse and minor children arranged by your country’s labor export institu- gration Office are as follows: Professor (E-1, five who invest in real estate (in Korea) can qualify tion. The employment period in Korea is 3 years years working period), Foreign Language Teach- for F-2 visa. The spouse of one with permanent and the period of labor contract can be concluded Scope of Activities and ing (E-2, two years working period), Research residence status, one with the status of refugee, or renewed according to ‘the agreement of both Employment for Foreign- (E-3, five years working period), Technological etc. can apply freely for a permanent position or a parties within the three years period of employers Guidance (E-4, five years working period), Pro- temporary position to make a living. ment activities’. Employees are not allowed to fession (E-5, five years working period), Arts/ bring family during the employment period. Ac- Foreigners are limited to the scope of activities Entertainment (E- 6, two years working period), 4_Overseas Koreans (F-4) cording to the re-employment system, if the em- and period of stay as stated in their visa. Not all Specially Designated Activities (E-7, three years One who used to have Korean nationality and ployer applies for reemployment within 7 days foreigners that are granted a status of sojourn in working period). There are seven in total and the took a foreign nationality or one who has parents before the expiration of the employment period, Korea can be employed in Korea. The status of the employee must remain employed without sojourn can be divided into “employment-al- applicant needs to possess the qualifications stat- or grandparents of a foreign nationality, either of leaving Korea for up to 1 year and 10 months for lowed qualification” and “employment-allowed ed in each status of sojourn. Certified doctors and whom used to have Korean nationality, can be and renewed only once (An employee who has disqualification.” nurses can obtain a permit to gain employment in granted overseas Korean status. Two years are Korea with the consent of an affairs minister. For permitted for them to receive employment in all already worked more than 1 month among the example, foreigners looking to work as a general fields except for simple labor and fraudulent acts. labor contract period). In principle, foreign work- Foreigner’s Status Allowing Employment practitioners in Korea must obtain a certificate by ers are supposed to work where employed first The status of sojourn permitting employ- taking a medical or pharmacist exam from the 5_Permanent Residency (F-5) after entry. However, the employees can change ment includes Short-term employment (C-4), The one with permanent residency status has no the working place based on the following reasons Specialized Profession (E-1~7), Non-profes- National Health Personnel Licensing Examina- sional Employment (E-9), Vessel Crew (E-10), tion Board. Applicants can only take the exam limitation on employment activities in Korea. by law. Working Holiday (H-1), Working Visit (H-2), after a thorough assessment by the members of ※ Reference: Causes for the Permitting of Shifting Residency (F-2), and Overseas Koreans (F-4), the board. 6_Working Holiday (H-1) Workplace (Article 25, Clause 1 of Foreigner Em- Marriage immigrant (F-6) under certain con- ployment Act, Article 30 of Enforcement Decree) ditions, and Permanent Residency (F-5), etc. An E-2 Applicants must submit a national crimi- This status is for those from countries (Australia, nal background check, a medical certificate show- Canada, Japan, New Zealand, France, Ireland,

86 Living in Seoul 87 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

quitting the previous workplace and must get registration at an Immigration Office within reemployed within three months from the ap- 90 days of entering Korea. In order for vis- plication date. In principle, for the granted pe- iting overseas Koreans to get employed by riod for employment activities (maximum of the ‘construction industry’, they have to get three years) after the first entry, the foreigner an Approval Certificate for Employment in can change workplace up to three times, and the Construction Industry issued after ap- when the period for employment activities is plying for the registration of employment extended due to reemployment, the foreigner in the construction industry and completing can change the workplace up to twice during employment education according to ‘the sys- the extended period. However, the cause of tem of the registration of employment in the shifting workplace where “in the case it is construction industry’ for visiting overseas 1. In case the employer tries to terminate the admitted that the foreign worker cannot con- Koreans. Without an Approval Certificate for labor contract during the contract period tinue to work at the workplace due to closure, Employment in the Construction Industry, under a justifiable cause or he or she fails termination, and other causes that the foreign they cannot get employed in the construction to renew the contract after the termination workers are not responsible for (item 2, clause industry effective since December 2009. of the labor contract university. A language student(D-4-1) must 1, article 25 of the law)”, it is not counted in have stayed at least 6 months since the date 2. In case it is admitted that the foreign the number of shifted workplaces. on which his/her visa status changed or the worker cannot continue to work at the Visa Statuses That Can Seek date of your entry. During the semester, from workplace due to closure, termination, or Employment with Approval 8_Working Visit (H-2) Monday to Friday, less than 20 hours per other causes that the foreign workers are You must complete an education/training Visas statuses other than ‘visa statuses that week,(person in master’s or doctorate pro- not responsible for course provided by an education institution can seek employment with approval’ grant gram less than 30 hours) up to 2 places only 3. In case the employment approval is can- designated by the Ministry of Employment foreigners’ status of sojourn only. Foreign- are possible. Holidays, Saturdays, Sundays celled or restricted to the workplace. and Labor. H-2 visa holders with successful ers who wish to obtain employment in Ko- and during vacation, there are no restriction completion of employment education must rea should have a status that is eligible for of hours or workplaces to have a part-time 4. In case it is hard to keep up the labor con- apply for employment-seeking status. After employment. job. (Language Studies students are possible tract on the basis of public perception due notifying their status as an employment seek- only after 6 months have passed from the to the different working conditions from er, they can seek employment on their own 1_Status of Study Abroad (D-2) entrance date.) It is also applied to one with the labor contract and the violation of terms or go through the Employment Sup- the status of family visitation(F-1) and the working conditions, etc. Foreign students studying in Korea are al- port Center. H-2 visa holders can only work status of dependent family(F-3) who wants lowed to have a part-time job during the se- 5. In case it is admitted that the foreign work- at places with a special employment possibil- to enter a university after graduating from a mester or vacation time which does not lie er is not suitable for working at the busi- ity certified designation given by the Minis- high school in Korea. However, engaging in beyond the scope of activity to study abroad. ness or workplace due to injuries, but can try of Employment and Labor. Furthermore, a high technology research center, business However, the foreign student should hold ei- work at other businesses or workplaces once gaining employment, an H-2 holder area of fraudulent acts, adult entertainment ther a college student visa(D-2) or a language must notify the Immigration Office within 14 establishments, etc. are not allowed. The foreign worker who wants to change student visa(D-4-1) and must be identified days of their new place of employment. You workplace should apply within a month after by Dept. of International students of each must remember to complete your foreigner

88 Living in Seoul 89 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

2_Status of family Visitation(F-1), All pregnant women are entitled to a leave of wage exceeds 1,350,000 won, the em- Dependent Family(F-3) absence to prepare for the birth of a child and ployer must pay the balance. also to recuperate after giving birth. ※ Regular wage: Refers to the fixed income prom- Either an F1 holder or an F3 holder, and, if A minimum of 45 days must be given before ised to the employee based on a set number one has certain qualifications for work per- and after birth totaling 90 paid days. The leave of hours as outlined under the contract agreed upon by both employer and employee. mit, the person is eligible to work through of absence starts approximately 45 days prior work permit of visa status such as Professor- to the expected day of birth and, if the birth Applying for maternity leave grant ship (E-1)~Special Occupation(E-7). is delayed, the employer must still provide at Employees who wish to receive a maternity least 45 days after the birth of the child in order leave grant need to prepare a maternity leave to allow the employee to recuperate. (However their husbands to take maternity leave. The confirmation document from the employer Labor Laws the leave may not be spent dividedly.) term of maternity leave for husbands is three along with an application for maternity leave (Main Regulations) Furthermore, if an employee is pregnant for days. A male employee must apply for ma- and submit it to the employment support 16 weeks or more and has an abortion or gives ternity leave within 30 days after his wife Foreigners residing in Korea are protected center supervising the applicant’s area of res- birth to a stillborn child, depending on the gives birth. under the same labor laws as Korean work- idence or the location of the enterprise. How- length of the pregnancy, the employer must If a company refuses to grant maternity leave ers. For more information on labor laws, reg- ever, it is important to note that application provide 30 to 90 days for leave of absence. or salary, the employer will be sentenced to ulations and information, visit www.molab. for a maternity leave grant past a 12-month go.kr [K, E]. up to 2 years imprisonment or fined up to Who’s eligible for maternity leave? 10,000,000 won. period will nullify the employee’s eligibility to receive the grant. 1_Maternity leave From 2008, companies are legally obligated to permit not only pregnant employees but Maternity leave paid period and What is maternity leave? amount 2_Child rearing leave ·For employees in companies receiving What is child-rearing leave? & Who preferential support, they can receive a 90-day grant covered by the employment is eligible for child-rearing leave? insurance. For those who work for large An employee who has a pre-school child enterprises, the grant will be covered by younger than 8 years old can take a leave for the employer for the first 60 days, and the child-rearing purpose up to a maximum of remaining 30 days will be covered by the one year. employment insurance. ·The maternity leave grant is to be calcu- How to apply for child-rearing leave lated at the regular wage amount from the ·Submit the child-rearing leave application date of leave, for a base period of 90 days. to the employer 30 days prior to the start However, the grant amount cannot exceed date of leave. 4,050,000won. ·If the employee cannot submit the applica- ·Thus, if the employee’s regular monthly tion at the arranged time, the employer is

90 Living in Seoul 91 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

able to decide his or her leave date within your reinstatement. (If the take home pay is grants due to the employer’s bankruptcy a confirmation of delayed payment and after 30 days from the day the employee sub- less than 500,000 won per month, the same or any other viable reasons is eligible for that, it’s possible to file a civil suit. If the em- mitted it. amount is paid). The child rearing leave that grants from the wage security fund. ployee does not get paid due to bankruptcy, was before December 31st, 2010 will be paid the government holds the right to claim pay- ·If the employee wishes to extend the pe- ·Wage Claim Security System process: Rec- in the amount of 500,000 per month. How- ments from the employer. riod of the leave, he or she must notify the ognition from the Ministry of Labor and ever, in the case when paternity leave is also employer 30 days prior to the last sched- confirmation of delayed payment → Appli- applied, only one of the employees will be uled day of the child rearing leave. Only cation for confirmation of bankruptcy etc. 4_Retirement grant able to receive the child rearing grant. one extension is allowed. (the employee) → Bankruptcy notification When the employment contract concludes by process period of 30 days, can be delayed the retirement or the death of an employee, How to apply for a child-rearing How to receive a child-rearing once Application for confirmation and ap- the employer must provide a certain amount leave grant leave grant plication for delayed payment → Confir- of payment that was collected. With the child-rearing leave for more than ·Foreign workers registered with the Im- mation results notice (to employee) and ·Eligibility 30 continuous days and the uninsured unit migration Office are protected by the same forwarding of delayed payment bill (Korea A worker employed for a year or more is period totaling more than 180 days, the Labor Standards Acts as Koreans. Illegal Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Ser- eligible for retirement grants. From Decem- employee can receive the grant. The child- aliens residing and working in Korea are vice) → Delayed payment deposited into ber 1st, 2010 workers who work in a work- rearing leave grant of the Employment Insur- protected by the same basic protection re- employee’s account → Government holds place with less than 4 people can receive ance Act is 40% of the employee’s monthly gardless of their standing with the Immigra- rights to claim payments from employer. retirement grants that are equivalent to the average wage (minimum 500,000 won; tion Office. date starting from 1st of December, 2010. maximum 1,000,000 won) per month, and 3_Wage payments ·Wage Claim Security System: A retired ·When is it possible to receive Retirement grant? the remaining 15% is paid after 6 months of ·The basic principle of wage payment is employee who left without any retirement If there is no agreement between the peo- that the employee should be paid in cash or ple concerned in the date for payment, the check, in entirety, at least once a month. grant must be given within 14 days of the ·According to the Labor Standards Act, retirement. Article 43, if an employer refuses to pay ·Interim severance pay his or her employees, he or she can be If there is a demand from the employee, the prosecuted and criminally charged with a retirement grant can be given in advance. sentence or up to 3 years and a maximum fine of 20,000,000 won. ·The amount of the grant: If the workplace has more than 5 workers, Overdue Wage Solution : severance pay shall be 30 days or more of The employee can present a petition or average wage for each year of consecutive charge the employer at the local labor au- service. However, workplaces with less thorities where the workplace is located. By than 4 workers, workdays from December the investigation, the employee will receive 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2012 is applied as 50 out of 100 in the case of work-

92 Living in Seoul 93 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

places with 5 workers and after the year Support Centers and 2_Migrant Workers’ Support Center 4_Seoul Bar Association 2013, 100% will be applied. ·Migrant Workers Centers help migrant Information Bureaus Service ·The prescription of Retirement Grant: workers and their families by providing Service Place hours Tel. for Foreign Workers Chinese-Korean Love 2nd Sunday If the worker does not use the right to re- temporary shelters and support services 02-872-9290 ceive the retirement grant within 3 years, in areas such as counseling, education and House 14:00~17:00 3rd Sunday 1_Seoul Global Center Jogyesa Temple 02-768-8500 the right expires. culture so that they can adapt to the Ko- 14:00~17:00 ※ rean society quickly. Seoul Korean-Chinese 4th Sunday E-9 Visa foreign workers receive take depar- 02-857-7257 ture expiration insurance money instead of the Church 14:00~17:00 retirement grant. Except when the insurance Name money is less than the legal retirement grant, of Support Center Tel. URL the employer must make up the difference. Gangdong Migrant Workers’ 02-478-2555~7 http://gdwow.or.kr Support Center Geumcheon Migrant Workers’ 02-868-5208 http://www.gmwc.or.kr Retirement grant calculation method Support Center ≫ Total period of labor: Seongdong Migrant Workers’ 02-2282-7974 http://www.smwc.or.kr Support Center

·Daily Living Consulting Team Seoul City Migrants Center 02-2632-9933 http://www.seoulmc.or.kr 5F, Seoul Global Center, 38 Jongno, Seongbuk Migrant Workers’ 02-911-2884 http://www.ewolgok.or.kr Jongno-gu, Seoul Support Center Yangcheon Migrant Workers’ 02-2643-7221 http://www.shinmok.or.kr Tel. 02-2075-4180 Support Center Eunpyeong Migrant Workers’ 02-388-6343 http://www.emwc.or.kr Support Center

e.g. April 30, 1998 ~ October 31, 2002 (4 years, 6 months and 28 days = 1,688 days) 3_Ministry of Labor ≫ Calculation of average salary three ·Overdue wages, wrongful dismissal, ques- months prior to retirement: tion & answer, etc. 3,600,000won (total wage amount over ·Ministry of Labor FAQ’s: three months) / 92 = 39,130 won http://minwon.molab.go.kr [K] ≫ Retirement grant = Avg. salary on daily ·Ministry of Labor General Helpline: basis 39,130 won × 30 days × 1,688 Tel. 1350, 1544-1350 days ÷ 365 days = 5,364,621won (Press #7 to speak to an English operator, press #8 to speak to a Chinese operator) ·Ministry of Labor English Site: http://english.molab.go.kr [E]

94 Living in Seoul 95 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

Four Social Insurance Programs tion-covered countries. The agreement St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Sri is broadly divided into the “totalization Lanka, Jordan, Uganda, Indonesia, India, Zim- babwe, Cameroon, Kenya, Columbia, Congo, Insurance Legal Obligation Insurance Fee Organization agreement” and “contributions only agree- Thailand, Togo, Turkey, Trinidad and Tobago, Enterprise registrant: Half of 9% of the income ment”. Tunisia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Swiss, El Sal- Mandatory National vador, Kazakhstan. National (Other half should be paid by the employer) ※ Totalization insurance exemption agreement ※ There may be exceptions Pension Pension for foreigners based on the countries: Canada, U.S.A., Germany, Hunga- However in the case of Grenada, Barbados, laws of their home country Local registrant: 9% of income Service ry, France, Australia, Czech, Ireland, Belgium, Bhutan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jor- Poland, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Rumania, Austria, dan, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Congo, Thailand, Enterprise registrant: Half of 5.99%(2014) of the income Denmark, India, Spain Togo, the time period has to be longer than 1 (Other half should be paid by the employer) ※ Insurance exemption agreement countries: year of paying into the National Pension, for Mandatory National Health Venezuela should be longer than 2 years and Health Long-term insurance for the elders England, China, Netherlands, Japan, Italia, Insurance for Belize, it must be longer than 6 months in Insurance (Insurance fees x insurance fee rate (6.55%) Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Iran Corporation order to receive the lump-sum refund. Local registrant: Applied differently based on individual status of ·How to receive a refund: Optional ·Foreigners with E-9, H-2, E-8 can receive stay, properties, incomes and family constitutions. ※ Compensation-covered countries: (Canada, the National Pension lump-sum refund. Employ- Unemployment payments are made 50% by the Korean Labor U.S.A., Germany, Hungary, France, Australia, ment Optional user and 50% by the worker Welfare Czech, Ireland, Belgium, Poland, Slovakia, ·From August 29th, 2007 in case a foreign- Bulgaria, Rumania, Austria, Denmark) Insurance - In the case of other businesses, the employer must pay 100% Corporation er asks for lump-sum refund due to return- Foreigners from the countries to which the Industrial Fee rates can be changed according to visa types Korean Labor ing home, the lump-sum is paid only if Accident 100% paid by employer (Industrial accident insurance applies to F-2 and F-5 visa Welfare social security agreement or reciprocity is the departure is confirmed. (However, if a Insurance holders.) Corporation applied can also receive all the pensions the document such as a flight ticket shows the same as Koreans. Therefore if one dies, or departure plan within a month is submit- goes back to one’s country, or reaches age 60 ted, the application can be accepted before amount of premium from the employ- 1_National Pension before taking retirement pension, the survi- the departure. ers and the nation, the survivor pension vor pension, or the disability pension based ※ You can apply by proxy or by post personally to compensate for the income loss due to on the National Pension Act, can receive the for overseas residence reasons. In this case, the death of a main income earner, and the lump-sum refund. (*Except foreigners from different processes are required to confirm disability pension to compensate for the the authenticity of the applicant and the Ireland, Denmark and Spain) relationship between the applicant and the income loss due to the loss of long-term Foreigners who are not from these countries agent. working ability caused by diseases or ac- do not get the same treatment. Instead, it cidents. depends on whether the country has the law 2_Health Insurance ·Social security agreement providing the wage that is the amount of the Applying for health insurance in Korea is This agreement is to adjust for differences lump-sum refund or not and if it has the law, optional. However, as long as the foreigner ·Definition: One of the social security sys- of pension policies between countries, based on the reciprocity legislation, the re- is employed, it is not possible for the foreign tems that aims is to stabilize national life basically to provide advantages such as fund must be given. worker to cancel his or her health insurance. and improve national welfare by granting exemption of double registration, adding ※ The countries that have the law from Jan. 1, If a foreigner leaves Korea for more than a 2012: the old-age pension to compensate for the up to registration periods, equal treat- month, the National Health Insurance Cor- loss of earned income due to old age. It Ghana, Grenada, Malaysia, Vanuatu, Barba- ment, and guarantee of payment transfer dos, Venezuela, Bermuda, Belize, Bhutan, poration will have his or her health insurance secures the finances by receiving a certain for those who are citizens of compensa-

96 Living in Seoul 97 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

automatically canceled through a notice 3_Employment Insurance the employment support center, you need from the immigration office. The purpose of employment insurance is to to fill out and submit a seek employment application form and revenue and expen- ·Insurance fee + long-term insurance for provide insurance in case of unemployment diture qualification application form. In the the elders as well as to encourage safe hiring. Also, it case the unemployment assistance is grant- Insurance fees: average monthly income is enforced to actively combine with labor ed, one has to visit the employment support multiplied by insurance fee rate (5.99%) market policies such as the project for job center every 1~4 weeks to report that he/ Long-term insurance for the elders: insur- security and vocational capability. she is actively seeking re-employment and ance fee multiplied by insurance fee rate ·Eligibility and application: Employers get the unemployment status granted to re- (6.55%) with at least one employee can apply for ceive the unemployment grant. ※ Unemployment Grant The employee and employer will pay equal employment insurance. In addition, em- The grant will cease after the 12 month pe- portions (50% each) of the total calculated When a worker is unemployed, a grant is ployers can apply for employment insur- riod and once the unemployed individual amount. provided to help ease the financial woes and ance. (in effect since January 1, 2006) gains employment or a source of income, unemployed individual’s transition into his/ he/she must report immediately. ·Exceptions: Considering the business vol- her next job. Included in the unemployment ume and the characteristics of each indus- grant are a job seeking allowance and an al- ·Employment insurance homepage: try, the employment insurance is not ap- lowance to accelerate employment. www.ei.go.kr [K]. plied to the following businesses because One can easily calculate his or her unem- ·Unemployment grant calculations their workplace and the insured are con- ployment grant amount on the site. sidered to be difficult. » Job seeking allowance=50% of avg. income×daily payment. » Non-corporate businesses hiring four full- time workers or less (e.g. agriculture, for- » Maximum amount : 40,000 won per day ※ D-3, E-9, and H-2 visa holders who are en- » Minimum amount : 90% of minimum terprise registrants can apply for insurance estry, fishing industry, and hunting industry) exempt for long-term insurance for elders. wage×daily working hour(within 8 hours) » A construction that is done without a construction builder, home builder, elec- ·Grant period ·Health insurance coverage tricity constructor, information and com- According to one’s age at the time of un- » Medical treatment: Illness, preventing munications constructor, fire extinguish employment and the period insured, one injuries, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilita- equipment manufacturer or cultural assets can receive an unemployment grant from tion, birth, death, etc.. repairer. A construction that comes under a minimum of 90 days to a maximum of » Medical checks: To prevent illness and 4_Industrial accident the below category. 240 days. maintain good health, medical check up compensation insurance is provided once every two years. Non- ① The construction of the total construction ·Unemployment grant process amount reaches less than 20 million won. Industrial accident compensation insurance is office jobs (laborers) gets medical check In order to receive unemployment insur- ② a system that the nation is responsible for se- up on a yearly basis. The major repairing construction of a struc- ance, one needs to head to an employment ture with the total floor area of 200㎡ or less. support center with an identification card curing the livelihood of an injured, diseased, » Household service industries immediately upon being unemployed. At or deceased worker in job done and his/her family.

98 Living in Seoul 99 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

·Eligibility » In the event of death, the family may apply Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service Social Insurance Information System » Employers or corporations with at least for compensation and funeral costs. http://www.kcomwel.or.kr [K, E, C, J, V] www.4insure.or.kr [K, E] one employee Tel. 1588-0075 Tel. 02-2240-1155 ·Exemptions Contact Information for Major Employment Insurance www.ei.go.kr [K] » Agriculture, forestry, fishery and hunting Insurances Tel. 1350 industries with less than five employees National Pension Service KT (EDI) » Household service industries www.nps.or.kr [K.E,C] http://bips.bizmeka.com [K, E] Tel. 1355 » Business for which accident compensation Tel. 080-318-5306 is guaranteed under the Public Officials’ Pension Act, Veteran’s Pension Act, Sea- man Act, or the Private School Teachers Pension Act. ·Industrial accident application process » In order to be classified as an industrial accident compensation case, you must apply to the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation. The application must cover details from the applicant as well as an eye witness’s account National Health Insurance Corporation Recruiting and Employment Sites of the accident. The application form along www.nhis.or.kr [K, E] with the employer’s confirmation letter and Tel. 1577-1000 doctor’s opinion must also be submitted. Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service » Once Korea Labor Welfare Corporation www.hira.or.kr [K, E] receives the application form, a detailed Tel. 1644-2000 investigation is done with the individual, eye witness and employer for accuracy. Further documents and application forms may be requested by the officials from the Labor Welfare Corporation. Once a thorough investigation and paperwork are completed, the officials determine whether the individual can be classified as an industrial accident victim or not.

100 Living in Seoul 101 06 Employment Living in Seoul English Edition

1_English instructors in Korea Learn 4 Good I worked for a private university for should be regarded as an extension of employ- www.learn4good.com [E] ment. Therefore, the severance pay for the six ETIS (English Teachers in Seoul for Na- four years, and moved to another pri- Q vate university. The former workplace months should be paid. You can receive the full Top Head Hunter tive Speaker English Teachers) did not award the retirement pension sum of money by applying to your local Employ- www.topheadhunter.co.kr [K, E] » A site for native English speakers looking to me. Is there anyway to find out how ment and Labor Office. Tel. 02-555-7234 much pension I should be paid? for English-teaching positions in Korea. [email protected] » Homepage: http://etis.sen.go.kr [E] The Private School Teacher’s Pension is I have been teaching English at a » Email: [email protected] Unico Search A for the personnel of a private school. If hakwon (private educational insti- » Tel: 02-3999-009 [K] www.unicosearch.com [K, E] you apply for severance pay when you retire from Q tute) for nine months. The contract Tel. 02-551-2300 a school, the school will pay back the retirement states only ten days of unpaid va- Dave’s ESL cafe [email protected] pension that you paid. Also, in case you keep pay- cation. Will I not get any paid vaca- ing the pension after shifting to another private tion days? » The most actively used online commu- Adecco school, the Private School Teacher’s Pension can nity for English instructors. Also contains According to the Article 60, Clause 1 of www.adecco.co.kr [K] be successively applied. You can take a lump-sum job boards as well as discussion forums. A the Labor Standards Act (LSA), an em- Tel. 02-6000-3800 refund including the accumulated pension you » Homepage: www.eslcafe.com [E] paid earlier when you apply for the retirement pen- ployer is required to give 15 days of paid vacation [email protected] sion at retirement. If you paid the Private School to an employee who works more than 80% of a English Spectrum Teacher’s Pension for more than 20 years, you can year. However, an employee who has worked for » An online community for English receive it as a form of a pension. (Private School only nine months does not meet with the require- instructors in Korea. Also contains job Teacher’s Pension. Personal load 8.5%, Corporate ment for paid vacation days. boards. body 5.0%, Government 3.5%) The Korea Teach- Article 60, Clause 2 of the LSA states that an em- » Homepage: www.englishspectrum.com [E] ers Pension: 1588-4100, 02-769-4000 ployer must give employees one day of paid vacation each month if they have not missed any day for the full month even though the period of their 2_Recruiting and employment I worked for two years and six employment is less than one year. According to sites in Korea months as a native English teacher, this regulation, you are legally eligible for 9 days Q but I received only two years worth of paid vacation. Regardless of the clauses in your Job Korea of the severance pay. Am I eligible contract, if you have not missed any workday, www.jobkorea.co.kr[K] to be paid severance for the last six you have earned nine days of vacation and accord- 1588-9350 months? ingly, your employer should pay you the applicable amount of money for nine days of vacation. My Jobs Employees working for employers with more than five employees, each under www.myjobs.kr[E] A contract for more than 12 months, are eligible for Job teach World severance pay. Your severance pay, which is deter- www.jobteachworld.com [K/E] mined based on the number of years of employment, is calculated for the period of the first two WorknPlay years, but the six additional months you worked www.worknplay.co.kr [K/E]

102 Living in Seoul 103 07

Education System Educational Options Preschools Foreign Schools Korean Language Education Libraries & Book Stores Q&A

Education 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

Education System Educational Options for your children, such as Homeschool.com by the Franciscan Fathers of the Catholic and the US Distance Learning Association. Church. What is Korea’s 6·3·3·4 Educational System? Broadly speaking, if you have children in (www. usdla.org). In Korea, the general education follows these Korea, you have three options for their edu- ·Located at Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu ·Provides classes for ages 2 to senior kin- steps: 6 years of elementary school, 3 years cation. These are: 3_International school of middle school, 3 years of high school, dergarten 1. Local Korean schools Most foreigners eventually send their chil- and 4 years of university. There are also a ·Students accepted on a three-to-seven 2. Home schooling dren to one of international schools in Seoul. preschool education and 2-3 year college. week trial basis, depending on their age. 3. Foreign Schools English language international schools usu- Subsequently, there are the main branches ·Busing is provided ally follow American or, in some cases, Brit- of elementary school, middle school, and Each option has its own advantages. ish curricula. If you’ve got children with high school, as well as smaller specialized 3_Namsan International Kinder- special needs, be sure to check if the school schools and technical schools. Higher educa- 1_Local Korean school provides necessary services and facilities. garten tional institutes are also divided into colleges Foreigners are free to send their children to Tel: 02-2232-2451~2 / universities and graduate schools. There are Korean school. This is an option especially www.nik.or.kr [E] also other specialized colleges. for those children with sufficient Korean Preschools ·Located at Sindang-dong, Jung-gu language skills. Children lacking fluency 1_Early Childhood Learning Center ·Applicable Age: 2~7 years in Korean might find it difficult to adjust to ·Facilities: purpose built teaching areas Korean school. Korean schools are divided International School (ECLC) and outside play areas into public and private. Public elementary Tel. 02-795-8418 schools are free (except for school lunches, www.eclcseoul.com [E] for which you must pay). 4_ British International ECLC is an English-speaking, nondenomi- Private elementary schools tend to be much Kindergarten(BIK) national preschool for children ages 2 to 6 more expensive than their public counter- years. It currently has some 140 students 1) BIK Hannam parts, but at the middle and high-school from 25 countries. Tel. 02-790-9025 level, prices are comparable. Regardless, pri- www.englishedseoul.com [E] vate Korean schools are much cheaper than ·Follows the Montessori curriculum ·Located at Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu even the cheapest international school. ·Located at Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu ·Applicable Age : 2 ~ 7 years ·Busing is provided for students living in ·Supported by Orbital Education and fol- 2_Home schooling Itaewon-dong, Hannam-dong, Ichondong, lows the British curriculum These days, thanks to the Internet, home Seongbuk-dong and Gangnam. ·Facilities : art room, indoor activity room, schooling has become a real option for par- space for outdoor play, library, assembly ents, particularly for non-Korean speaking 2_Franciscan School hall families who don’t want to pay for an inter- Tel. 02-798-2195 2) BIK Cheongdam national school. If you’ve got the patience and http://www.franciscanfk.com [E] Tel. 02-597-9025 dedication, there are a number of websites This English-language preschool is run www.britishschool.co.kr [E] that will help you build structured curricula

106 Living in Seoul 107 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

·Located at Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu 1. Citizen of a foreign nation 4_Foreign schools in Seoul ·Provides education from kindergarten to · Applicable Age : 2 ~ 7 years 2. Permanent resident of a foreign na- (and its environs) elementary school with a capacity for 700 ·Facilities : a gym, library, indoor play space tion students 3. Korean citizen who has lived at Seoul Foreign School (SFS) ·The language of instruction is 100% Eng- least 3 years overseas Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul lish, and the ratio of students to teachers is 4. At least one parent is a citizen of a Tel. 02-330-3100 6 to 1. foreign country www.seoulforeign.org [E] ·Follows British curricula. 2_Required documents Seoul Foreign School (SFS) is one of the old- Korea International School est international schools in Korea, with a his- Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul You’ll probably want to bring some of these tory dating back to 1912, when it was founded Tel. 02-561-0509 documents with you from your home coun- by Methodist missionaries. www.kis.or.kr 5_Other international tries, as securing them from within Korea can preschool Programs be a time consuming process. Korea International School opened in 1999. The school follows an American Curriculum. ·Naturally enough, an application form, ob- Appletree Nursery tained from the school, along with recent ·Provides education for kindergarten, el- · Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu Tel. 02-502-0509 photos ementary, middle to high school students · Gaepo-dong, Gangnam-gu Tel. 02-423-0509 ·Official transcripts/report cards from previ- and the school follows an American cur- · Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Tel. 02-502-0509 ous schools riculum Itaewon Samsung Nursery ·Medical history and medical examination ·There is a branch school in Pangyo, Bundang Tel. 02-3785-2478 report ·Follows American curriculum for kinder- Rainbow School at Itaewon ·Standardized test scores Rainbow International School garten, elementary, middle and high schools Tel. 02-796-2776 ·Letters of recommendation (some schools Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul ·This school also has a British curriculum require recommendations from particular Tel. 02-571-2971 Hana Kindergarten at Pyeongchang- which follows the English National Pri- dong, Jongno-gu teachers) www. rischool.co mary Strategy and National Curriculum for Tel. 02-394-1152 Reception to Year 9 Rainbow International School was estab- British Kindergarten 3_Admission tests ·Facilities include a performing arts center lished by a Turkish in 2007. Tel. 02-597-9025 Some schools require admission tests. and a soccer field. ·Provides education for elementary to mid- ·If you’ve been attending a non-English Dulwich College Seoul dle school students through various sub- language school and are applying to an jects including science, math, English and Foreign Schools Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul English-language school, an English profi- social studies Tel. 02-3015-8500 1_General admission requirements ciency exam such as the IDEA Language ·Various extracurricular activities are avail- www.dulwich-seoul.kr For your child to be eligible to enter a foreign Proficiency Test may be required. able, such as Korean music, western music, school, he or she must meet at least one of the ·Students and/or parents interviews may be Dulwich College Seoul is a branch school taekwondo, and hapkido groups following requirements: required, depending on the school of Dulwich College London which was ·Offers a North American curriculum launched in 2010.

108 Living in Seoul 109 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

DWIGHT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SEOUL Korean history class from middle school’s tant to you, this might be the place for you. www.seoulacademy.net [E] SangAm-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 2nd grades to high school ·Accredited by the Western Association of Seoul Academy International School offers Tel. 02-6920-8600 School and Colleges (WASC). American-style kindergarten, elementary and www.dwight.or.kr[E] Yongsan International School (YISS) Hannam 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ·School has Bible classes and weekly ser- middle school classes for foreign students. The Dwight International School Seoul has Tel. 02-797-5104 vices (every Thursday). Music classes are The school enrolls 160 students and there are opened in Seoul in August 2012. Students www.yisseoul.org [E] also offered. ESL classes for students whose first language follow the Primary Years Program(from the A brand new campus is located in the heart of is not English. age of 3), the Middle Years Program and the Korea Kent Foreign School Yongsan. Yongsan International School has ·Extracurricular activities include classes in Diploma Program with emphasis placed on Guui-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul the best facilities of any international school music, art and Korean culture. global vision, personalized learning and ser- Tel. 02-2201-7091 in Korea ·Emphasis placed on learning about Korea. vice to the community (PYP-MYP-Diploma www.kkfs.org [E] This includes Korean language classes for Program) ·Offers American-style education for stu- Founded in 1993 as a high school, Korea Kent grades 1~8. ·Small class sizes dents from preschool to high school. Foreign School now offers US-style education ·Global network of schools (Dwight Family ·Facilities include 50 classrooms, two libraries, from kindergarten to high school students. Global Christian School of Schools) a 400-seat auditorium, two gyms, two out- Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ·International Baccalaureate curriculum for door playground areas, an indoor swimming ·18:1 student-to-teacher ratio in the class- Tel. 02-797-0234 pre-school, elementary, middle and high pool and a soccer field with artificial turf. room (Ratio will be varied depending on www.gcfskorea.org school students. electives). ·Brand new modern purpose built single ·Accredited by the Western Association of Founded in 1996, Global Christian School campus school for 560 students located in School and Colleges (WASC). seeks to provide an outstanding American- Digital Media City within easy commute of ·Enrollment is 300 students. style academic education in a stable, Christian downtown Seoul. ·Facilities include a computer lab, library, environment. cafeteria, PE areas and a play area. Lycee International Xavier ·Offers classes from, kindergarten to high- Gugi-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul school grade 12. Seoul Academy International School Tel. 02-396-7688 ·International student body from ten na- Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul www.xavier.sc.kr tions Centennial Christian School (CCS) Tel. 02-554-1690 Lycee International Xavier is a French interna- Yongsan 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Asia Pacific International School tional school which was established in 2002. Tel. 02-772-9275~6 Wolgye 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul www.ccslions.com [E] ·Coeducational classes in elementary, mid- Tel. 02-907-2747 dle and high school This school is, located on the slopes of Nam- apis.seoul.kr [K, E] ·Provides foreign language education such san Mountain in Yongsan. The school offers One of Seoul’s newest foreign schools, as English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish American style education from preschool to founded in 2007, Asia Pacific International ·Follows the official programs of French grade 12. As the name represents, it’s a Chris- School provides American-style education in National Education Ministry and adds a tian school. So if Christian values are impor- a loving Christian environment with the goal

110 Living in Seoul 111 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

of producing students for the coming Pacific Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Hanseong Chinese Elementary School ·Follows the curriculum of the Republic of Century. Tel. 02-792-0797 Myeongdong2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul China (Taiwan) education system. ·Extracurricular activities include classes on ·Emphasizes Asian language education as www.dsseoul.org [D, E] Tel. 02-776-3728 www.hanxiao.or.kr[C] Chinese calligraphy and painting. well, with Korean, Chinese and Japanese The Deutsche Schule Seoul (Seoul German classes available. School) founded in 1976, is Korea’s only Ger- The school building is an old pink building Yeongdeungpo Chinese Elementary School ·Students can take advantage of Korean ed- man-language school. It’s supported by the Ger- near the old Chinese Embassy in Myeong- Mullae-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul ucational system through class partnerships man government. dong, Hanseong Chinese Elementary School Tel. 02-2678-5939 with neighboring schools. ·Provides from the pre-school course to Ger- is one of Korea’s oldest ethnic Chinese www.yungxiao.or.kr ·Facilities include a main academic building, many’s high school graduation test (DIAP: schools. Yeongdeungpo Chinese Elementary School main auditorium, children’s playground, Deutsche Internationale Abiturprufung) course. was founded in August, 1999. athletic field, outdoor amphitheater, - gym ·Students must be competent in German. nasium, and a separate seasonal camp and ·Provides education for elementary school conference facility in Pocheon. students ·Follows the curriculum of the Taiwanese Lycee Francais de Seoul Ministry of Education in Chinese Banpo 4-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul Tel. 02-593-5444 Mongol School www.lfseoul.org [K, F, E] 388-8, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul The Lycee Francais de Seoul (Seoul French Tel. 02-3437-7078 School) is located at the heart of Seoul’s ·Provides Chinese language education to www.mongolschool.org French community in Banpo 4-dong. It is Chinese who are ethnic minority in Korea, Mongol School was founded in December, Seoul’s only government-established French although the school has grown increasingly 1999 with the support of Seoul Migrant Mis- language school. popular with Korean parents wanting their Japanese School in Seoul children to learn Chinese. sion Center. About 400 children of Mongol ·Accredited by the French Ministry of Edu- SangAm-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul ·Tuition at Chinese school is about 170,000- migrant workers have studied at Mongol cation and regulated by the National Agen- Tel. 02-308-2010 270,000 won per month. School and currently around 80 students are cy for French Education Abroad. www.sjshp.or.kr [J] enrolled. ·Enrolls about 390 students. From elemen- The Japanese School in Seoul, founded in Hanseong Chinese Middle and High School ·Besides Korean and Mongolian, compul- tary school, students must be competent in Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 1972, provides Japanese language education sory subjects such as English, math, Mon- French. Tel. 02-335-7027 to Seoul’s Japanese expatriate community. golian history and ethics are taught as well ·Has a kindergarten, elementary school, and http://scs.or.kr [C] as music, arts, science, taekwondo and IT. junior and high school. ·Offers classes from kindergarten to middle Located by Yonsei University, Hanseong Chi- ·Around 20 students are residing in two ·Upper school prepares students for the bac- school. nese Middle and High School provides qual- units of school dorms. calaureate. ·Follows the curriculum of the Japanese ity Chinese language education primarily to Ministry of Education, Korean language Chinese minority in Korea. Deutsche Schule Seoul classes are offered as well.

112 Living in Seoul 113 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

Korean Language Education Seoul National University Other Korean Language Schools Seoul Global Center and 7 Global Village Language Education Institute center Korea University Language and Learning Korean can make your stay in Ko- Tel. 02-880-5488 Seoul City Foreign Workers Center(7 Culture Center rea much more convenient and rewarding. http://lei.snu.ac.kr [K, E, J, C] places) Tel. 02-3290-2971 Tel. 02-2075-4180 ·Offers an assortment of course http://klcc.korea.ac.kr [K, E, C, J] 1_Korean language schools http://global.seoul.go.kr [K, E, C, J] programs,including a 10-week Regular If you are really serious about learning Ko- Konkuk University Foreign Program. (classes are four hours a day). Korea Foundation Volunteer Network rean, you are going to enroll in a Korean lan- Language Institute ·Tuition for the Regular Program is Tel. 02-2151-6500 guage school, a specialized Korean language Tel. 02-450-3075~6 1,500,000 won. http://volunteer.kf.or.kr [K] program attached to a university. http://kfli.konkuk.ac.kr [K, E, C, J] Yonsei University Korea Foundation Volunteer Network pro- Korean Language Institute Kyung Hee University Institute vides Korean language classes to help foreign Tel. 02-2123-8550~2, 2123-3464~5 of International Education residents in Korea to adjust to Korea and its www.yskli.com [K, E, J, C] Tel. 02-961-0081~2 culture easily. www.iie.ac.kr [K, E, J, C] ·Offers Regular, Evening, Professional, ·Classes divided into four levels (Hangul Summer special, and Short-term courses, Sookmyung Women’s University A & B, elementary, intermediate, and ad- as well as other programs. Lingua Express vanced classes). ·The Regular Program is a 10-week inten- Tel. 02-710-9165 ·Classes held every Monday, Wednesday, sive program. www.lingua-express.com [K, E] and Friday. ·Regular program tuition is 1,680,000won (textbook costs not included). HUFS Foreign Language Training and Testing Center Tel. 02-2173-2260 Sogang University Korean http://www.hufs.ac.kr/hufskorean [K, E, J, C] Language Education Center Tel. 02-705-8088~9 Hanyang University International http://klec.sogang.ac.kr [K, E, J, C] Language Institute ·Offers two Regular Courses (of 20 and 15 Tel. 02-2220-1663~6) http://www.hyili.hanyang.ac.kr [K, E, J, C] hours a week), Evening Courses and other 3_Private language academies courses. Ewha Language Center ·The three month, 20 hours a week Tel. 02-3277-3682 2_Free Korean language courses Private language academies are cheaper than http://elc.ewha.ac.kr [K, E, J, C] university programs, and a good option for Regular Course costs 1,610,000won (text- Some volunteer groups and civic organiza- working folk who need flexibility in their book costs and admission fee included). ·Offers Intensive, Regular, Short- Term tions, especially those dealing with migrant study hours. However, be sure to check out ·The school also has a very good free on- and Special Courses. laborers such as the Seoul Global Center, of- the academy before hand, as quality of classes line Korean course at http://korean.so- ·The 10 week, 20 hours a week Intensive fer free Korean classes. gang.ac.kr. Course costs 1,340,000won. tends to fluctuate from academy to academy.

114 Living in Seoul 115 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

Language Teaching Research Center and the public. ·Mokdong location: ·Mokdong location: Tel. 02-735-0039, 737-4641 Omokgyo Station (02-2062-8808) Omokgyo Station (02-2163-2251) www.ltrc.co.kr [K, E, J] Namsan Public Library ·Sadang Station location: www.kyobobook.co.kr [K] Tel. 02-754-7338 Sandang Station (02-3487-4747) Seoul Korean Language Academy www.namsanlib.go.kr [K, E, C, J] ※ Kyobo Bookstore is one of the main book- ·Sogang location: stores in Korea and offers the largest selec- Tel. 02-563-3226 Sogang University (02-703-6638) As the name represents, Namsan Library is tion of foreign literature and publications. www.seoul-kla.com [K, E, J, C] ·Sinchon location: located on the slopes of Namsan Mountain Sinchon Station (02-3145-2920) in Yongsan. It has a ton of resources avail- Youngpoong Bookstore Ganada Korean Language Institute ·Lotte Star City location: Konkuk Univer- able to readers, but the library is equally fa- Tel. 02-332-6003 ·Jongro location: Jonggak Station, Line 1, sity Station (02-2218-3050) mous for its great views of the Han River and www.ganadakorean.com [K, E, J, C] exit 5 or 6 (02-1544-9020) Seoul. It’s also a great place to stroll around ·Gangnam location: Gangnam Station www.bandinlunis.com [K] in spring and fall. (02-595-4700) ·Korea University location: Korea Univer- Seoul Selection Libraries & Book Stores 2_Book stores sity Station (02-927-0364) Anguk Station, Line 3, Exit 1 · Tel. 02-734-9565 Kyobo Bookstore Cheonho location: 1_Libraries Cheonho Station (02-2225-8977) www.seoulselection.com [E] National Library in Korea ·Gwanghwamun location: ·Mia location: Seoul Selection, near Gyeongbokgung Pal- Tel. 02-535-4142 Gwanghwamun Station, Line 5, exit 3 Mia Samgeori Station (02-2117-2880) ace, has a large collection of English lan- www.nl.go.kr [K, E, J] ·Gangnam location: Gangnam Station, ·Myeongdong location: guage books on Korea. Line 2, exit 6 or Shin Nonhyeon Station, Myeongdong Station (02-3738-4300) If it’s been published in Korea, it’s here. Lo- Line 9, exit 7 (02-1544-1900) www.ypbooks.co.kr [K] cated at Seocho-gu, near Banpo-ro, this is Ko- ·Jamsil location: rea’s largest library, with 7,480,000 volumes Jamsil Station (02-2140-8806) Bandi and Luni’s of literature (as of November 30, 2009). ·Coex location: Samsung Station, Line 2, National Assembly Library exit 5 or 6 (02-6002-6002) Tel. 02-788-4211 ·Jongro location: Jonggak Station, Line 1, www.nanet.go.kr [K, E] directly in front of exit 3 (02-2198-3000) Located next to the National Assembly Building in Yeouido, the National Assem- bly Library plays a similar role to that of the Library of Congress in the United States to quickly and accurately provide knowledge ·Seoul National University location: Seoul and information to lawmakers, organizations National University Station (02-880-1937) supporting lawmaking, state–run organiza- ·Yeongdeungpo location: tions, local communities, public institutions Yeongdeungpo Station (02-2678-3501) 116 Living in Seoul 117 07 Education Living in Seoul English Edition

What The Book British Council Korea A Nursery(Child-care Facilities) I would like to take regular uni- Itaewon Station, Line 6, Exit 3 (Tel. 02-3702-0600) versity/graduate school courses As the number of foreigners has been in- Tel. 02-797-2342 www.britishcouncil.org/korea.htm [K, E] Q about the Korean language and creasing every year, Seoul City is running 12 www.ko.whatthebook.com [K, E] culture. What kinds of scholarship Public information and Cultural Center multicultural, multiracial child-care facilities programs are available? Selling used and new books, What the Embassy of Japan Korea in areas where foreign residents are densely Book? (in Itaewon) is a good place to make populated. The facilities help children to adapt Many universities in Korea operate vari- (Tel. 02-765-3011) direct order the latest releases and has a large to the Korean society. ous scholarship programs for foreign stu- www.kr.emb-japan.go.kp [K, J] A online bookstore. dents. Most schools are assisting up to 30-100% You can find the multicultural, multiracial of tuition depending on the grade point average China Cultural Center in Seoul child-care facilities in the Seoul City childcare of students. Also, many government agencies in 3_Foreign cultural centers (Tel. 02-733-8307) portal site.(http://iseoul.seoul.go.kr) Korea is operating scholarship programs for for- www.cccseoul.org eign students, and they increases the number of Goethe-Institute Seoul district institution location number invited students. The Ministry of Education and (Tel. 02-754-9831) Latin American Cultural Center 1 Yongsan-gu Samuel 181-8, Itaewon Science Technology, the Ministry of Culture and www.goethe.de/ins/kr/seo [K, G] (Tel. 031-962-7171) 2 Yongsan-gu Gym Preschool 732-21, Hannam 2-dong Tourism, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and www.latina.or.kr [K, E] 3 Seongdong-gu Jeil 65-2, Doseon-dong Trade are currently offering scholarships for for- 4 Gwangjin-gu Eu-tteum 482-5, Jayang 3-dong eign students. For more detailed information, visit Istanbul Center 5 Seongbuk-gu Bethlehem 131-39, Seongbuk 1-dong the homepage of the National Institute for Interna- 6 Guro-gu Guro 716-13, Guro 2-dong (Tel. 02-3452-8182) tional Education: http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr/ 7 Guro-gu Dream 476-134, Guro 2-dong www.turkey.or.kr 8 Yeongdeungpo-gu Shinil 465-1, Shingil 1-dong 9 Yeongdeungpo-gu Daerim 2-dong 705, Daerim 2-dong French Cultural Center 10 Gangseo-gu Hanseong 839, Bangwha-dong Q Are there English-exclusive univer- (Tel. 02-317-8500) sity/graduate school courses? 11 Geumcheon-gu Geumju 881-25, Siheung-dong www.institutfrancais-seoul.com [K, F] 12 Gwanak-gu Nakseongdae 1646-6, Bongcheon-dong Nowadays, universities are interested in A globalizations. Thus, they teach 30% of Russia Culture Center their courses in English. The Underwood Division (Tel. 02-6262-8222) of Yonsei University, which is admitting only for- www.russiacenter.or.kr eign students, is the only such English-exclusive school in Korea. The ratio of English-exclusive Israel Cultural Center courses offered by graduate schools in Korea is (Tel. 02-525- 7446) higher than that of universities. www.iscc.co.kr Some universities are offering English-exclusive courses by having international colleges. In addi- Italian Cultural Institute in Seoul tion, each school is offering various programs for (Tel. 02-796-0634) foreign students, such as the exchange student sys- www.iicseoul.esteri.it [K, E, Italian] tem and semester programs.

118 Living in Seoul 119 07 Education 08 I have an elementary school child. Q I want to teach the kid extracur- Q Where can I find an indoor play- ricular activities in English. Is it ground? possible?

Yes, you can send your kid to a private 1. Never Land A educational institute or private tutor to get A www.kidsneverland.co.kr Korean Medical System education from Koreans who have an overseas Tel: 02-6083-2955/2953 educational background. To find a teacher for pri- Location: Subway Line 4, Sanggye Station, Exit 4, Medical Services vate music tutoring, the music department offices 5 Floor of Seyak Building at the Satgatbong Park for Foreigners of each university can recommend a teacher. Crossroad Medical Insurance Ballet 2. Bubble Story Child Cube www.fun-kids.co.kr Vaganova Ballet Academy Other Medical-related Tel: 02-3479-6040 www.vaganova.com/index.php [K] Information Location: Subway Line 3 and 7, Express Bus Termi- Location:Subway Line 5, Seodaemun Station, nal Station, 8th floor of Shinsegae Department Store Exit 1 or 2 Q&A

The Ballet Academy Tel: 02-2638-2618 www.theballet.co.kr [K] Location: Subway Line 1, Yeongdeungpo Station, Location: Subway Line 3, Apgujung Station, Exit 3 Exit 3, take an underground passage to get to the basement floor 2 of Yeoungdeungpo Times Square Piano lessons Tel: 02-772-3775 Yamaha Music School, in Samseongdong Location: Subway Line 2, Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, Medical COEX Convention Center, 3rd floor Exit 7, 7th floor of Lotte Department Store Address: 8F, Dongseong B/D, 158-9, Samseong- dong, Gangnam-gu 3. Little Bear Services Location: Subway Line 2, Samseong Station www.littlebearcafe.com Tel: 02-3467-3300 Tel: 02-564-4405, 4406 Location: Subway Line 3, Daechi Station, Exit 7, B121-124 of Daechi First Building

120 08 Medical Services Living in Seoul English Edition

Korean Medical System cannot receive medical insurance coverage You can make appointments by visiting or Medical Services and will have to pay the high medical costs. calling the hospital. Also, appointments are for Foreigners 1_Medical system Foreigners can use medical services from available through fax or the hospital website. international clinics in third-tier hospitals di- International SOS Korea Ltd. Various medical institutions in Korea, includ- rectly. However, it will cost more. 3_Paying for medical treatment ing private hospitals and clinics, general hos- International SOS Korea Ltd. provides med- For payment of medical costs, you need to go pitals, oriental hospitals and district operated ical assistance services and evacuation and First-tier medical facilities to the Administration office of the hospital. community/public health centers, provide high repatriation services for expatriates in Korea. These types of facilities include private hospi- Most hospitals take credit cards for payment. quality medical services through their medical Its trained doctors offer medical advice over tals and public health centers. First-tier medi- At some hospitals with international clinics, specialists and cutting-edge medical equip- the phone 24 hours and the service is avail- cal facilities have a limited number of medi- you can pay the medical fees through the in- ments. In Korea, we have advanced medical able in the following languages: English, cal departments and provide a comprehensive ternational clinics. In general, most general fields including ophthalmology, spine surgery, Japanese and French. However, the service medical service for treating and preventing hospitals can provide English receipts for dentistry, plastic surgery, heart surgery and in- is available only to members. early symptoms of diseases. any medical treatment performed. The medi- fertility treatment. cal expenses vary depending on whether you ·Tel: 02-3140-1700 (24 hours) With the rapidly increasing number of for- have insurance or not. If you have overseas ·Website: www.internationalsos.co.kr eigners visiting or residing in Korea, more Second-tier medical facilities health insurance, insurance coverage may medical facilities have opened international Second-tier medical facilities have medical 119 specialists, more than 4 medical departments, not be applied depending on the hospital. In clinics and have endeavored to provide medi- For emergency situations, call 119. When and provide medical services for both inpa- that case, you have to pay medical fees in ad- cal services that best meet foreigners’ medi- you call this number, your location is auto- tients and outpatients. In general, these types vance, and get an appropriate reimbursement cal needs and global standards. matically identified. The 119 rescue team of facilities have 30 to 500 beds. Emergency of medical fees later by making an insurance Korean medical facilities are categorized into will react quickly to meet the caller’s needs, treatment is available. payment request. three types by the number of medical depart- offering professional medical assistance such ments and the size of the medical facilities. To as sending an ambulance and taking patients use third tier hospitals, a patient needs a refer- Third-tier medical facilities to the nearest hospital. The 119 ambulance is ral letter from a first or second tier medical General hospitals or hospitals belonging to free of charge. When a foreigner calls 119, facility. If the patient goes directly to a third- medical schools are categorized as third-tier the staff in the situation room transfers the tier hospital without a referral letter, he/she medical facilities. These types of facilities call to a translator of the Korea National have medical specialists in all different medi- Tourism Organization (KNTO). cal departments, more than 500 hospital beds Through three way call with a translator and and offer specialized medical services for a staff member in the situation room, a for- emergencies. eign caller can effectively communicate his/ her needs and obtain assistance. 2_How to make medical appointments When using a mobile phone, press 119 with- To receive fast and convenient treatment, out an area code. When using 119 from a you have to make medical appointments in public phone, press the red color emergency advance. call button, and press 119. The caller’s loca-

122 Living in Seoul 123 08 Medical Services Living in Seoul English Edition

tion is also automatically identified when International Health Care Center : Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays) calling from a public phone. Tel : 02-2072-0505, 2890 Website : www.cmcseoul.or.kr You can visit the following website: Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (weekdays) www.119.go.kr [K] and report emergencies 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Saturday) online 24 hours a day by completing an ap- Website : www.snuh.org plication form in either Korean or English. Reporting emergencies is also possible Shinchon Severance Hospital: through mobile text messaging at 119 and Yonsei University International fax at 1544-9119. Health Care Center 134 Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) Gangnam Severance Hospital: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm (Saturday) Yonsei University International Chung-ang University Hospital Tel : 02- 2228-5800, 5810, 5814 Health Care Center Website : www.yuhs.or.kr 224-1, Heukseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (146-92 Dogok-dong) 712 Eonjuro, Tel : 02- 6299-1140 Gangnam-gu, Seoul Asan Medical Center Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays), Tel : 02-2019-3600 388-1 Pungnap-2dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weekdays) Tel : 02-3010-5001 Website : www.caumc.or.kr Website : http://gs.iseverance.com Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) Chung-ang University Yongsan Hospital 4_General hospitals with Website : www.amc.seoul.kr/ Hanyang University Medical Center 65-207 Hangangro-3ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul international clinics in Seoul Samsung Medical Center Tel : 02-748-9939 Tel : 02- 2290-9553 50 Irwon-dong, Gangnamgu, Seoul Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weekdays) Hours : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays) Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital Tel : 02- 3410-0200, 0026 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Saturday) Website : http://hmc.hanyang.ac.kr 62 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays) Website : http://yh.caumc.or.kr Seoul Website : http://www.samsunghospital.com Kyunghee University Medical Center International Health Care Center : Konkuk University Hospital 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Tel : 02-3779-2212, 02-3779-1188(Emer- Soonchunhyang University Hospital 4-12, Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul Tel : 02-958-1897, 9644, 9619 gency) (657 Hannam-dong) 22 Daesagwan-gil, Tel : 02-2030-8361~2 Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (weekdays) Consultation Hours : Mon~Fri 8:00~17:00 Yongsan-gu, Seoul Hours : 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Saturday) Website : www.cmcsungmo.or.kr/global/ Tel : 02-709-9158 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) Website : http://www.amc.seoul.kr eng/front Hours : 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weekdays) Website : http://www.kuh.ac.kr 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Saturday) Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital Seoul National University Hospital Website : www.schuh.ac.kr 505 Banpo-dong, Seochogu, Seoul 101Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul Tel : 02- 2258-5745~6

124 Living in Seoul 125 08 Medical Services Living in Seoul English Edition

Hours : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (weekdays) 5_Oriental Hospitals Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine Code Qualification 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Sunday) Differing from Western medicine, oriental 635, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul D-1 Cultural Arts Website : www.mwhospital.com medicine includes acupuncture and herbal Tel : 02-3218-2105, 02-3218-2167 D-2 Study Abroad treatment. Oriental medicine strengthens Hours : 9:00 a.m.~ 6:00 p.m. (excluding D-3 Industrial Training the immune system, relieves pain or symp- New Year and Chuseok holidays) D-4 General Training toms, recovers strength and normalizes me- Website : www.jaseng.co.kr [E, J, R] tabolism. Medical services for foreigners are Transportation : Apgujeong Station, D-5 Journalism available at the following oriental hospitals: Subway Line 3, Exit 2 D-6 Religious Affairs D-7 Intra-Company Transfer Kyung Hee University Medical Center 6_Medical Center for Foreign D-8 Corporate Investment 1, Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul Migrant Workers in Korea D-9 Trade Management Tel : 02-958-8114 Hours : 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays) National Medical Center Medical Insurance D-10 Job Seeking 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) E-1 Professorship 243 Uljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul 1_Medical Insurance Types and Website : www.khmc.or.kr [K, E, J, C] Tel : 02-2260-7472 E-2 Foreign Language Instructor Transportation : Hoegi Station (Subway Line Hours : 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (weekdays) Qualifications E-3 Research 1, Exit 1), at the last bus stop of Maeul Bus Website : http:www.nmc.or.kr National Health Insurance is divided into E-4 Technology Transfer No. 01 two categories: Employer–Sponsored Insur- E-5 Professional Employment Seoul Medical Center ance and Community Insurance. E-6 Arts & Performances 156, Sinnae-Rd, Jungnang-gu, Seoul Tel : 02-2276-7000 Employer-Sponsored Medical Insurance E-7 Special Occupation Hours : 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (weekdays) Refer to Chapter 6: Health Medical Insur- E-9 Non-Professional Employment 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (Saturday) ance (97p) E-10 Vessel Crew Website : http:www.seoulmc.or.kr Community Medical Insurance F-1 Family Visitation F-2 Residential Seoul Red Cross Hospital Applicable Qualifications for Commu- F-3 Dependent Family 164, Pyong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul nity Insurance Tel : 02-2002-8866 F-4 Overseas Koreans Hours : 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (weekdays) ▣ Foreign migrant workers who are regis- F-5 Permanent Residence 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) tered in accordance with Article 31 of the F-6 Marriage Immigration Immigration Law and who have the fol- Website : http:www.srch.or.kr H-2 Visiting Employment lowing qualifications: Foreign Migrant Worker Designated Clinic 137-22, Garibong-1dong, Guro-gu, Seoul Tel : 02-863-9966

126 Living in Seoul 127 08 Medical Services Living in Seoul English Edition

▣ Persons who have reported domestic resi- or the proof of residential status report, Insurance Rate depending on Other Medical-related dence in accordance with Article 6 of the the proof of leaving and entering Korea Residence Qualification Act on the Immigration and Legal Status (passport) and the details of income. Information of Overseas Koreans ·Foreigners: A copy of the Alien Registra- ▣ Foreigner with proven income (salary). tion Card or proof of foreigner registra- ≫ Monthly insurance rate Using pharmacies in Seoul Period of Qualification Acquisition tion, proof of leaving and entering Korea ·Monthly income × the insurance rate ap- ▣ Initial Acquisition (passport) and other documents needed plicable to employer at the time of reg- ·The day that exceeds 3 months after depending on each residence qualification istration. entering into Korea. But, in the case of ·Koreans with Foreign Nationality: A ※ Household which is below the average insur- overseas Koreans or foreigners who copy of the Alien Registration Card or ance rate → Average insurance rate applied have not resided in Korea for more than proof of foreigner registration, a copy ·In the case of Religious Work (D-6), 3 months, and who will definitely stay in of the domestic residence report or the 30% discount off insurance applied. Korea for longer than 3 months for rea- proof of domestic residence report, proof sons of studying or employment, the day of leaving and entering Korea (passport) ▣ Foreigners with no proven income that they entered Korea is applied. and a document required for each resi- (salary). There are many pharmacies throughout dence qualification ≫ Applicable Persons Seoul, so it should be easy to spot a pharma- ▣ In the case of people who have lost the ·Culture & art (D-1), study (D-2), gency with the Korean sign of “약” or “약국” in qualifications due to departing Korea, the ▣ Persons who are qualified by reasons of eral training (D-4), accompanied (F-3), your neighborhood. Korean pharmacies sell day that they enter into Korea is applied. studying/employment (Entry day required) Overseas Koreans (F-4). both prescribed and over-the-counter medi- ·Studying: D2 (Study) and foreign stu- ▣ In the case that people who have lost ≫ Average insurance rate imposed cations. Medicines that can be purchased at dents among overseas Koreans (Proof of qualifications due to delinquent insurance ·50% discount applied to foreign students pharmacies without a prescription include student identity required only for over- payment, the day they have lost the quali- (D-2) and general training(D-4). digestives, nutrients, vitamins, aminopyrine seas Koreans) fication is applicable. and some cold medicines. ※ Persons who are studying in university or 2_NHIC (National Health Insurance Medication including antibiotics, hormone graduate school (University and graduate drugs and painkillers for serious symptoms Reporting Procedure students are the same as people applicable Corporation) Branch Offices must be purchased with a prescription. How- ▣ Overseas Koreans and foreigners who to the community addition certificate) In Seoul, there are a total of 31 branch of- ever, prescriptions from other countries will wish to acquire a community insurance ·Employment: For Foreigners designated fices for managing the National Medical In- not be permitted. It is advised that foreigners qualification should submit the Commu- with the qualification D5, D7~D9, surance. To find the closest office, visit the inform their doctor and pharmacist if they nity Insurance Qualification Acquisition E1~E10, H2, and Overseas Koreans following website or make an inquiry call. have any allergies. In addition, for those who and Change Report Form attached to each (employment proof is required). ≫ Tel: 1577–1000, 02-390-2000 (English) were taking prescribed medication before of the following documents to the Nation- ·Other: Married immigrants (A copy of ≫ Website: www.nhic.or.kr [K, E] entering Korea, they should bring a suffi- al Health Insurance Corporation. the family census register and proof of cient supply and a copy of the prescription ·Overseas Koreans: One copy of all marriage is required) to make it convenient to continue taking the documents required for the imposition medication. of insurance payment, such as a copy of the Domestic Residence Certificate

128 Living in Seoul 129 08 Medical Services 09 Since I started living in Seoul, I have Q been suffering from stress due to cul- Q Can I purchase dental insurance tural differences. How can I get psycho- separately? therapy? Tooth decay treatment is covered by the The Medical Referral Service (MRS) of A National Health Insurance. False teeth A Seoul Global Center and 1339 (English, (dentures) or dental prostheses (including Chinese, and Japanese counseling available) prosthodontic materials and dental technician fees) will be able to refer you to medical organizations and such as artificial teeth (implant) are considered as professionals such as family counselors and psycho- care payment according to the insurance payment therapists who can speak English. In addition, Eun- policy, so they are not covered by insurance. No pyeong Hospital is operating a mental health clinic expenses related to examinations and treatments for foreigners and multicultural families. for dental prostheses and implants are covered by insurance. Recently, some private insurance companies in Korea have started to sell insurance products and detailed information is available from each in- I have a dog, but it is very sick. How surance company. Q can I find an animal doctor who can speak English? I would like to purchase communi- Driving In Seoul, there are several general animal Q ty insurance. How is the insurance A hospitals equipped with good diagnostic rate determined? systems and treatment equipments, as well as private animal clinics. · Residence qualification with proven 1. Seoul National University Hospital for Animals A income : For persons with D-3, D-5~9, http://vmth.snu.ac.kr E-1~10, H-2 qualification, an insurance Direction : Exit 3, Seoul National University Sta- rate equivalent to the employment insurance rate tion on Subway Line 2 is applied. (Monthly Income × employment Health Driving in Seoul Insurance Rate) + (Health Insurance amount × 2. Konkuk University Veterinary Medical Hospital Long-term Insurance Rate) Penalty Points for Traffic Violations http://vmth.konkuk.ac.kr Insurance Rate may be altered every year. Direction : Konkuk University Station on Subway Line 2 Penalty Points from Traffic Accidents 3. Cheong Hwa Animal Hospital ·Unproven Residence Qualification with Irregular http://www.cwhospital.com Income: the average insurance rate of the previous Purchasing a Vehicle Direction : Itaewon Station on Subway Line 6, Exit 3 year calculated from local Koreans is applied. For persons with a D-2(study) and D-4(general train- 4. Itaewon Veterinary Clinic Resident Prioritized Parking System ing) qualification, a 50% is off and for D-6(religion) http://www.vetmedic.co.kr a 30% is off discount of the total amount calculated Direction : Noksapyeong Station on Subway Line 6 Rental Cars from community insurance is applied. For overseas Koreans or foreigners with Korean na- Motorcycles tionality, an insurance rate equivalent to local Kore- ans is applied. However, if the calculated insurance Traffic Accidents rate is lower than the average community insurance rate of the previous year, the average insurance rate Q&A of the previous year for locals is applied.

130 09 Driving Living in Seoul English Edition

Nations under agreement of the Geneva Convention No. Nation No. Nation No. Nation No. Nation 1 Albania 25 Egypt 49 Madagascar 73 Senegal 2 Algeria 26 Fiji 50 Malawi 74 Serbia 3 Argentina 27 Finland 51 Malaysia 75 Sierra Leone 4 Australia 28 France 52 Mali 76 Singapore 5 Austria 29 Georgia 53 Malta 77 Slovakia 6 Bangladesh 30 Ghana 54 Monaco 78 South Africa 7 Barbados 31 Greece 55 Montenegro 79 Spain 8 Belgium 32 Guatemala 56 Morocco 80 Sri Lanka 9 Benin 33 Haiti 57 Namibia 81 Sweden 10 Botswana 34 Holy See 58 Netherlands 82 Syrian Arab Republic 11 Bulgaria 35 Hungary 59 New Zealand 83 Thailand 12 Cambodia 36 Iceland 60 Niger 84 Togo 13 Canada 37 India 61 Norway 85 Trinidad and Tobago 14 Central African Republic 38 Ireland 62 Papua New Guinea 86 Tunisia 15 Chile 39 Israel 63 Paraguay 87 Turkey 16 Congo 40 Italy 64 Peru 88 Uganda 17 Cote d’Ivoire 41 Jamaica 65 Philippines 89 United Arab Emirates 18 Cuba 42 Japan 66 Poland United Kingdom of Great Britain 90 19 Cypus 43 Jordan 67 Portugal and Northern Ireland 20 Czech Republic 44 Kyrgyzstan 68 Republic of Korea 91 United States of America 21 Democratic Republic of Congo 45 Lao People’s Democratic Republic 69 Romania 92 Venezuela 22 Denmark 46 Lebanon 70 Russia Federation 93 Zimbabwe ternational licenses from other nations under 23 Dominican Republic 47 Lesotho 71 Rwanda 94 Burkina Faso Driving in Seoul agreement of the Geneva Convention. Since 24 Ecuador 48 Luxembourg 72 San Marino 95 Nigeria Due to heavy traffic and a shortage of January of 2002, people with Nations under agreement of the Vienna Convention parking spaces driving in Seoul is not easy. international licenses, is- No. Nation No. Nation No. Nation No. Nation However, once you get used to it, busy roads sued by the nations un- 1 Albania 19 Estonia 37 Moldova 55 Slovakia can be seen as a dynamic aspect of Seoul. der agreement of the 2 Armenia 20 Finland 38 Monaco 56 Slovenia To drive in Seoul, drivers must get a driver’s Geneva Convention, 3 Austria 21 France 39 Mongolia 57 South Africa 4 Azerbaijan 22 Georgia 40 Montenegro 58 Sweden license approved by the Korean Govern- are allowed to drive in 5 Bahamas 23 Germany 41 Morocco 59 Switzerland ment. To do so, they should know admin- Korea. International licenses are valid until 6 Bahrain 24 Greece 42 Netherlands 60 Tajikistan 7 Belarus 25 Guyana 43 Niger The Former Yugoslav istrative information related to driving and the date of expiration. The term of validity 61 8 Belgium 26 Hungary 44 Norway Republic of Macedonia automobiles. is limited to one year and, upon expiration, 9 Bosnia and Herzegovina 27 Iran 45 Pakistan 62 Tunisia ※ Note: Even when driving motorcycles with the international license cannot be renewed. 10 Brazil 28 Israel 46 Peru 63 Turkmenistan 49cc less capacity, drivers should have a Tur- 11 Bulgaria 29 Italy 47 Philippines 64 Ukraine 12 Central African Republic 30 Kazakhstan 48 Poland 65 United Arab Emirates bine or Type 2 General Driving License. 13 Cote d’Ivoire 31 Kuwait 49 Romania 66 Uruguay 14 Croatia 32 Kyrgyzstan 50 Russia Federation 67 Uzbekistan 1_International drivers' licenses 15 Cuba 33 Latvia 51 San Marino 68 Zimbabwe 16 Czech Republic 34 Liberia 52 Senegal 69 Kenya Korea is under an agreement of the Geneva 17 Democratic Republic of Congo 35 Lithuania 53 Serbia 70 Portugal Convention. Thus, Korea acknowledges in- 18 Denmark 36 Luxembourg 54 Seychelles

132 Living in Seoul 133 09 Driving Living in Seoul English Edition

2_Exchanging foreign license to exchange foreign licenses for Korean li- Agency in Seoul Global Center (Tel. 02-2075- national license was not issued in Korea, censes are as follows: 4180 the address change cannot be made at this Foreigners from countries acknowledging location. ※ Information regarding driver’s licenses can Korean driver's license may exchange their ① Foreign license: be obtained from Seoul Global Center. For driver's license for a Korean driver's license. Applicants must hand in their foreign driv- those wishing to report a change of address When they exchange the license, they can be er’s license before being issued a Korean on their international license, but the inter- exempted from qualification tests except a license in exchange. The agency will keep physical exam. For a list of countries that ac- your foreign driver's license and when it’s Nations which recognize Korean driver’s license knowledge Korean driver’s licenses, visit the time for you to leave Korea, you can have New Zealand, Nepal, Taiwan, East Timor, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Road Traffic Authority Driver’s License Ex- your foreign driver’s license returned by sur- Vietnam, Bhutan, Brunei, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Australia, India, Indonesia, amination Office’s website (http://dl.koroad. rendering your Korean license and showing Asia (23) Japan, Cambodia, Kiribati , Taipei, Tonga, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, or.kr). your passport and airline ticket. Hong Kong Foreigners from countries which do not ac- Guatemala, Grenada, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Brazil, St. Lucia, knowledge Korean driver’s licenses are re- ② Embassy certificate or apostille Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis , Haiti, *Antigua and Barbuda, America (21) Ecuador, El Salvador, Uruguay Chile, Canada, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, USA quired to take written and physical exams. ③ Translated and notarized copy: (Maryland, Virginia, Washington, Massachusetts) Texas, Florida, Oregon, The written test for foreigners consists of Michigan, Idaho, Alabama, West Virginia, Iowa, Colorado, Georgia) Issue date, valid period, driver’s license 20-multiple choice questions available in Greece, Netherland, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Russia, Romania, Luxembourg, number, type, name, and birth date must be English, Chinese and Korean. There are a *Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Montenegro, Moldova, Belgium, Bosnia and Herze- included on the copy. govina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Spain, Slovakia, Iceland, few requirements for foreigners to apply for Europe (39) Ireland, Albania, the United Kingdom, Austria, Ukraine, Italy, Georgia, the Czech Re- their Korean license. ④ Passport public, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Portugal, Poland, France, Finland, Hungary First, you must be a resident in Korea. Those ⑤ Alien registration card or certificate Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Middle East (10) with a visitor’s visa or without a proper resi- of foreigner registration: Yemen, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Tunisia dence card cannot apply for a license. (those without a registration card must wait Ghana, Gabon, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Namibia, Nigeria, the Republic of South until they are issued one to proceed with Africa, Niger, *Lesotho, Rwanda, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Botswana, Burkina Faso, *Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Second, you must provide a full license. their application for a driver’s license Africa (39) Leone, Swaziland, Angola, *Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Equatorial Guinea, Those with temporary, provisional, proba- the Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Chad, Cameroon, *Cape Verde, Comoros, ⑥ Three photos (3cm x 4cm) tionary, permit, certificate, or motorcycle Côte d´Ivoire ·Physical examination fee: licenses cannot exchange it for a Korean ※ Austria regards holders of Korean license to drive issued since 97.1.1 as being exempt from test, 5,000won ~ 8,000won license. Those who does not have a proper approving them those who achieved license to drive in Austria. ·License production cost: 7,500won license must go through the process of ap- ※ Australia approves ones over 25years of age and New Zealand ones who have held license to drive ·Simple writing test (for those who have plying for a new license in Korea. at least for 2 years a foreign license issued from nations ※ *Nations are marked as ones where no Korean currently resides based on the statistical data of in which Korean license is not valid): Last but not least, those with licenses issued Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (11nations) 7,500won from a country other than their home country must provide proof of residency in that coun- ※ Foreigners can exchange their driver’s licenses for a Korean one at the Drivers’ License try for 90 days or more. Required documents

134 Living in Seoul 135 09 Driving Living in Seoul English Edition

3_Acquisition of a new driver’s license 4_Safe driving drivers should be familiar with the laws and Driver’s License Test Center regulations. In particular, drivers must pay After acquiring a driver’s license, drivers and Driving Schools attention to the penalty points that can lead Traffic Safety should be familiar with the traffic regula- to driver’s license cancellations or suspen- Training tions and follow safe driving rules. Penalty Driver’s License Test Center sions. Nationwide, 26 driver’s license test cen- points for each violation are presented in the Physical Test ters are operated by the Korean Govern- following table. Detailed information about ment. In Seoul, there are four test centers violations and fines can be obtained from the Admission at Gangnam, Gangseo, Dobong, and Seo- homepage of the Driver’s License Agency You can reapply for an for Written Test bu. For more detailed information, please (www.dla.go.kr). The laws and fines relat- exam from the day after visit the website ed to driving in Korea are similar to other the failure. prior to the written test, http://dl.koroad.or.kr or call 1577-1120. countries, but there are some differences, so Failure Written Test traffic safety training must Seoul Global Center also provides infor- Pass be completed mation about test centers in Seoul. Penalty Points for Traffic Violations

Penalty points for traffic violations Admission Driving Schools 1. Not renewing an expired license for over 1 year 110 points for Technical In Korea, applicants can take classes at You can reapply for Skill Test an exam from the day private driving schools (hakwon) in prepa- 2. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) (Alcohol level 0.05% or higher, less than 0.1%) 100 points after the failure. ration for the technical tests. After passing 3. Prosecution from assaulting a police officer 90 points Technical Failure a written test, applicants can take a tech- 4. Illegal parking Skill Test nical test immediately at a driving school (traffic obstruction by refusing organized or police officer’s movement order of 3 times) in order to obtain a driver’s license. One 5. Safe driving failure (dangerous driving or speed when refusing organized or police officer’s order of 3 times) Other Class Class 1&2 passed drawback of driving schools is that they 40points passed 6. Driving with disturbance within vehicle do not have enough instructors who can Issuance of Driver’s speak foreign languages fluently. 7. Refusing to appear in the summary court past 60 days from the final notice of court appear- License Permit ance or from the expiration date to pay the fine If you cannot find a driving school near your residence, call Seoul Global Center 8. Passage violation (Crossing center divider line) Admission (Tel. 02-2075-4180) for further informa- 9. Speed limit violation (40km/h over limit) You can reapply for an for Road Driving Test tion. 10. Railroad crossing violation exam from 3days passed 30 points after the failure. 11. Driving on the shoulder of highway Failure for Road Driving Test 12. Driving on bus designated/high occupancy vehicle lane 13. Failure to present driver’s license Pass 14. Violation of signals or directions 15. Speed limit violation (20km/h over 40km/h under limit) Issuance of 15 points Driver’s License 16. No passing violation 17. Mobile phone usage while driving violation ※ For more information,please visit http://dl.koroad.or.kr [K /E /C / J]. 136 Living in Seoul 137 09 Driving Living in Seoul English Edition

18. Driving recorder non equipped vehicle operation violation (for those who get permission to drive) 15 points Purchasing a Vehicle 19. Children’s school bus driver’s duty violation ·One ownership certificate 20. Passage violation (sidewalk or pedestrian crossing invading violation) 1_Registration (for those who cannot prove ownership 21. Lane changing violations (changing lanes on a no-change zone) with document 3 or 4) It is important to register your vehicle upon 22. Bus only lane violation ·Certificate of safety test purchase. The car manufacturer, dealer, etc., 23. Failure to secure safe distance (including lane change violations) (for safety tested vehicle) are required by law to register vehicles at the 24. No passing zone violation 10 points purchaser’s request. Driving a brand new 25. Pedestrian right-of-way violation (including stop line violation) vehicle without registration can result in a 26. Passenger safety violation (getting in and out of vehicles) sentence of up to 2 years of prison or a fine 27. Safe driving practice violations of up to 5,000,000 won. 28. Engaging in disputes or arguments on the road, interfering with surrounding traffic 29. School bus special protection violation Legal Basis Required Documents for Re-Registration Article 8 of the Automobile Management - Same documents as above, 1~7 Act, Article 18 of the Automobile Registra- Penalty Points from Traffic Accidents - One certificate of cancellation tion Statute, and Article 27 of the Automo- - One certificate of new automobile test Penalty points from traffic accidents bile Registration Regulation Per death 90 points When the victim dies within 72 hours of the Accident 2_Purchasing a used vehicle Information and Administration Office Per serious injury 15 points Injury that requires 3 weeks or longer of treatment ① Purchasing a used vehicle from an ac- Bodily damage Si/Do or Si/Gun/Gu (City/Province or City/ Injuries which need more than 5-day or less than 3-week treat- credited used vehicle dealer is safer in case Per light injury 5 points Township/District) ment problems related to quality or property rights Per injury 2 points Injuries which need less than 5-day treatment occur later. The reason is that, if a buyer pur- Required Documents for Registration chases a vehicle directly from an individual, of New or Imported Vehicle Failure to take the proper procedures after traffic accidents it is not easy to check the condition or the 1. Hit-and-run after property damage ·Certified copy of Alien Registration Card rights of the vehicle, and it is not easy to get 2. Failure to take the proper procedures (rescuing injured people, 15 points and passport etc) right after causing an accident and delayed voluntary compensation if problems are found after report ·Application for registration purchase. Failure to take the proper procedures after a. Voluntary report within 3 hours after the accident (12 hours in ·One vehicle certificate (for new vehicle) traffic accidents other areas) in districts of expressways and “gun” of Seoul and ② Before purchasing a vehicle, it is impor- 30 points ·One import declaration document or im- other Metropolitan Cities, and gun-districts (excluding “gun” in tant to check the overall performance of the provincial cities) where a police office is located. port certificate (for imported vehicle) b. Voluntary report within a deadline of 48 hours after accidents vehicle via a test drive. 60 points ·Proof of permission to drive the vehicle described in the above “a”. temporarily and temporary tag number ③ If a purchase decision is made after a

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performance check, a performance check istration Department of the city, or district Required Documents for Registration vehicles exceeding passenger space for ten record of the respective vehicle can be re- (or gu) under the jurisdiction of the previous Transfer of Used Vehicle persons are prohibited from importation. quested from the dealer. Because the details owner’s domicile. If there are unpaid vehicle ·One certificate of used vehicle transfer of a performance inspection are recorded on taxes or fines imposed because of a violation (for purchase) the performance check record, based on this that occurred while operating the vehicle, ·Certificate of seal impression and legal seal record, a buyer can get free repairs or claim transferring ownership to the name of the from previous owner. (For purchases only, compensation for defects that may occur buyer is not possible until unpaid fines are you should write down that the usage of within the period guaranteed by the dealer paid in full. the certificate is for delivery reasons, and after purchasing the vehicle. Vehicle Registration Transfer provide your name and resident registra- ④ In the case of a used vehicle, if defects tion number) If you satisfy the conditions ·Vehicles must have been used for at least If you purchase a used vehicle from a car occur within 30 days from the transfer date described below, you won’t need them. three months prior to departure date. dealer, most of the time the dealer applies of the vehicle or within the mileage of ※ If a car dealer or car auction owner made a ·Registered under the applicant’s own for the registration for you. However, you 2,000km, a buyer can demand free repairs or deal or acted on a recommendation; or name. Must provide vehicle registration can do it yourself. If you don’t apply for a claim compensation regarding the respective ※ If the transferor and the transferee make a and insurance documents as proof. registration transfer, then the previous owner direct deal, and the transferor confirms at ·Taxes and Tariffs: 2,000cc or more condition check items. the Gu (District) office that the car has been can do the job. You must register your used transferred personally. (34.24%), 800cc – 2,000cc (26.52%), 800 ⑤ If a buyer purchases a used vehicle from a vehicle within a specified period of time (15 cc or less (18.8%). registered dealer, a vehicle transfer registra- days for purchase, 20 days for donation, 3 ·One certificate of presentation ·For vehicle and emission inspection information, visit the Korea Transportation tion becomes easy because the dealer does a months for inheritance, 15 days for others) or (for donation) Safety Authority. (www.kotsa.or.kr / Tel. vehicle transfer registration for the buyer or you can be fined up to 500,000 won. ·One car registration (except when the pre- 1577-0990) provides all related documents to the buyer. vious owner applied for it for you) ·For more information on gas and noise However, if purchasing a used vehicle from Legal Basis 3_Cars imported emission visit the National Institute of En- an individual, a buyer must obtain docu- Article 12, Paragraph 1 of the Automobile vironmental Research. ments needed for a transfer registration, such Management Act, Article 27, Paragraph 1 as part of moving cargo (http://tprc.nier.go.kr / Tel. 032-560-7653) as an original copy of the vehicle registration of the Automobile Registration Statute, and Foreigners entering Korea with the intent to reside for at least a year, or those accompa- card and a certificate of the owner’s -regis Article 33, Paragraph 1 of the Automobile 4_Change of address nying a family member and planning a stay tered seal (for an ownership transfer registra- Registration Regulation A change of address requires an applica- for at least 6 months are eligible. tion) from the individual. tion by you to alter your registration. Those Information and Administration Office ·Must be recognized by customs as part of Additionally, before paying for the purchase, who fail to register their new address within Si/Gun/Gu (City/Township/District) the moving cargo 15 days of their move will be fined up to a buyer should check whether the vehicle is ·The vehicle must be a small-to medium– 300,000 won. under seizure due to unpaid fines or taxes sized vehicle. Small vehicles and sedans concerning the vehicle to the Traffic Admin- are ideal. Trucks, mobile homes and other

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Legal Basis CHARTIS riod. 20,000 won will be charged after and hicle ownership is needed additionally. up to 30 days after the valid term. From that Article 11 of the Automobile Management 1544-2792 Act, Article 22 Paragraph 1 of the Auto- www.aiggeneral.co.kr Required documents mobile Registration Statute, and Article 29 - Certificate of vehicle registration Paragraph 1 of the Automobile Registration Green Non-life Insurance - A copy of the vehicle’s original registration Regulation 1544-2792, 1644-0114 issued within the last three days www.green-direct.com - A certificate of ownership with the owner’s Information and Administration Office seal impression LIG Insurance - Alien registration card Si/Gun/Gu (City/Township/District) 1544-0114 www.lginsure.com point on, an additional 10,000 won will be Vehicle disposal procedure Required Documents charged every three days. The maximum It takes 5-10 minutes for disposing of a ve- ·One copy of car registration Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance penalty is 300,000 won. However, if there hicle at a junkyard. After disposing of the ·One document (if the car is kept for busi- 1588-5114 is an inevitable reason that you cannot get vehicle at a registered junkyard, a vehicle ness, then you will need a certificate -re www.samsungfire.com a regular vehicle test during the period, you disposal acceptance certificate is issued. garding the changes of the business, ac- can apply for deferment of the test. You can cording to the Transport Service Act) to Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance get regular vehicle tests from the Road Traf- ※ If using unauthorized junkyards, a vehicle 1588-5656 disposal acceptance certificate cannot be is- certify the purposes of address alteration fic Authority or from private repair centers sued. If any problems occur, the liability will (contents of changed address) www,hi.co.kr authorized by the Road Traffic Authority. be on vehicle owners, so using registered ·Two registration number plates (for In addition, vehicles registered in certain ar- junkyards is highly recommended. changes of registration number) Hanwha General Insurance Co. eas (which are specified by the law) must re- 1566-8000 ceive exhaust emission close inspection test. 5_Automobile insurance www.hwgeneralins.co.kr The areas are designated by executive orders To own and operate a vehicle in Korea, auto- among areas with populations of 500,000 or mobile insurance is required. 6_Automobile Test more or the air pollution control areas. The All drivers are required by the Automobile validity term and method of tests, and penal- Information about insurance com- Management Act to take regular vehicle ty fine imposed on missing tests are the same panies which sell automobile in- maintenance. In case of non-business purpose as regular tests. surance to foreigners vehicles, this test should be completed every two years during the period between the initial 7_Disposal vehicle registration day and the fourth year. Vehicle owners with a proper identification Regular tests should be completed within card and vehicle registration card can dis- 31 days before and after the expiration of pose vehicles at any of the auto junkyards the valid. It is recommended to be aware of registered nationwide. If using a proxy (ve- the term of validity. The penalty fine starts hicle disposal agency) and not the registered to accumulate after your initial 30 day pe- junkyard, a registered seal certificate of ve-

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When vehicle disposal is not pos- Selection criteria 1. Drivers must be over 21 years of age in the downtown area of Seoul. There are 2. Must have more than 1 year’s driving ex- motorcycle enthusiasts who like to go for sible for vehicles ① Distance between residence and a parking perience rides on weekends, but the majority of rid- block applied ·Under mortgage settlement or under sei- 3. Must be a holder of a valid driver’s license ers in Seoul prefer motorcycles for economic ② Number of vehicles applied per house- zure (Korean or International) reasons and convenience. hold ›› Disposable if interested parties submit a 4. For international driver’s license holders, If you are interested in purchasing a motor- ③ Engine displacement revocation certificate and a seal impres- must possess a valid passport cycle, there are a few things you must keep ④ Years of residence sion certificate. in mind. If the motorcycle engine is over ⑤ Special added points If you meet those requirements, visit the fol- ›› Disposable if the Vehicle Registration 125cc, you must obtain a class 2 Korean lowing websites which provides more de- Office submits a vehicle disposal- re ·The selection system first assigns appli- license. In other words, even if you have tailed information in English. quest. cants who obtain high total points from a driver’s license you will need to obtain a ·Not disposable if registration details such the five selection criteria. class 2 license. However, if the engine is less AVIS as vehicle identification number are - dif ·Resident prioritized parking system varies than 125cc either a class 1 or class 2 license 1544-1600 ferent from the contents on the original depending on each gu district, so appli- would be sufficient. http://www.avis.co.kr vehicle registration record. cants should carefully check before they It is also important to remember that motor- apply. Kumho rent-a-car cycles are not allowed on highways in Ko- rea. If you plan on traveling long distances or Resident Prioritized 02-1588-1230 passing on various expressways in Seoul to Parking System Rental Cars http://www.ktkumhorent.com commute, automobiles is a best choice. Resident prioritized parking areas is a Although you may have a license, you system of giving parking priority to the resi- might not want to purchase a vehicle in Ko- 1_Getting your license dents of an area by marking parking blocks rea. However, you still might want to make Those who need to obtain a Korean driver’s on roads or the land managed by public or- good use of your license to travel around Ko- license or those interested in riding motor- ganizations. The resident prioritized parking rea or to make business trips. Most car rental cycles with 125cc or larger engines need to areas are managed by public agencies, and companies offer rentals to foreigners with obtain a class 2 Korean license. residents must pay certain fees. proper driver’s licenses. Other than the age limit (18 years of age or However, there are a few restrictions. Qualifications ·Residents who have vehicles registered in Motorcycles a neighboring area Motorcycles are affordable and easy way ·Residents who commute via a company to maneuver around the congested streets vehicle among the residents of an area of Seoul. There are also a large number of ·People who want to use a parking space motorcycles on the streets of Seoul. Most of because their workplace is close to a re- the riders are students who prefer scooters spective area for transportation and couriers who are often seen around the business districts, especially

144 Living in Seoul 145 09 Driving Living in Seoul English Edition

older), the procedure for obtaining a license provides free-of-charge translation services I have received a Korean driver’s ·Fatal Accident at Blood Alcohol Level remains the same for that of motorcycles and in 17 languages. It is good to mention those license in exchange for a Chinese 0.26%~0.35% or 0.05% or more: Criminal automobiles. 17 languages driver’s license. Now, I need to visit Q charge (imprisonment), and imprisonment pen- China. When I receive back my Chi- alty of less than two years in case of accident 2_Motorcycle registration nese driver’s license, do I have to return my Korean driver’s license? ·Refusal to Sobriety Tests: Criminal charge. If (50cc or more) no accident occurred, monetary penalty corre- In Seoul, the Traffic Administration Office You do not need to return your Kore- sponding to a blood alcohol level and the sus- closest to your residence will process your A an driver’s license when you receive pension of license will be imposed. driving test application. back your Chinese driver’s license. That is, you can receive back your Chinese license Documents to be submitted and still use your Korean driver’s license ·One document attesting to the current ad- during the effective period in Korea (Ad- Q I would like to dispose of my vehicle. dress of the applicant. ministrative procedure in accordance with What procedure should I follow? a mutual agreement). To receive back your ※ Two-wheeled motor vehicles of less than 50cc which are manufactured or sold from Chinese license, required documents include To dispose of a vehicle, you need to January 1, 2011 are subject to the Motor Ve- air tickets or vessel tickets proving a depar- A find the nearest junkyard. If you can- hicle Safety Standard. People who use such ture plan, passport, alien registration card and not move your vehicle, your junkyard will vehicles must report the details to the mayor, governor or head of the respective city, gun Korean driver’s license. You need to go to the provide a towing service. If you have un- or district (gu). National Driver’s License Corporation where paid taxes or fines, the junkyard will let you you returned your Chinese driver’s license. know. After disposing of your vehicle, the Traffic Accidents junkyard will issue a vehicle disposal accep- Driving in Seoul can be difficult as there While driving drunk, I went through tance certificate. You need to apply for the are many aggressive drivers out there. You Q a blood test, and 0.05% blood alco- cancellation of vehicle should, without a doubt, obtain auto insur- hol level was detected. Would I be ance to avoid complications. In the case of punished for that? an accident, you can start by contacting your The drunk driving criteria is as fol- I’d like to ride a motorcycle from insurance company for help. The English- Q Seoul to Busan. Can I drive on the A lows: speaking employee will be able to provide highways? fast and efficient service to ease your wor- ·Blood alcohol level 0.05%~0.09%: Monetary ries. penalty of 500,000~1,000,000 won, 100-day You may not drive a motorcycle on If you need translation or further assistance, license suspension, and 100 penalty points im- A the highways. Korean traffic laws posed contact Seoul Global Center (02-2075- prohibit motorcycles on expressways or 4180). In the case of foreigners who cannot ·Blood alcohol level 0.1% or more: Monetary highways (Article 63, Road Traffic Act). speak languages assisted by the Seoul Glob- penalty of 1,000,000 or more, and license re- Thus, traveling on national roads instead is al Center, contact BBB (1588-5644). BBB vocation recommended.

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Sports Culture Seoul Travel Shopping Community Q&A

Leisure

Living in Seoul 149 10 Leisure Living in Seoul English Edition

Districts, four districts operate tennis courts. Hangang which is beautifully decorated with Korea is a mountainous country so people Sports seasonal plants such as reeds, saw grasses, can enjoy many mountain sports. The most ※ Parking Lot Available and cosmos flowers. recognized and popular winter sport is ski- » Minimum 30 Minuets: 1000 Won Once a day: 10,000 ing. The most cost-effective way to enjoy Monthly pass card: 50,000 Won Mangwon District Tennis Court skiing is purchasing a season pass. A pass » Operation Days: Mon ~ Sat (Free of charge on Mangwon Information Center allows members access to both lifts and ac- Sunday and Holidays) Tel: 02-3780-0601 commodation at discounted rates. » April~October: 09:00~23:00 The tennis court is located at the northern Nov ~ March: 09:00~21:00 edge of the river between Wonhyo Bridge Konjiam Resort and Sungsan Bridge, adjacent to Mapo-gu. 278, Docheok-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gwangnaru District Tennis Court The grass field that formed along the river- Gyeonggi-do, Korea 1_Tennis Tel: 02-3780-0501 side provides a wide open resting space and Tel. (02) 3777-2100 Located between Gangdong Bridge and walking trails. www.konjiamresort.co.kr [K, E] There are many tennis courts in Seoul. How- Jamshil Railway Bridge ever, some tennis courts are open to regis- Gwangnaru Hangang Park has the most- 2_Skiing Bears Town Resort tered members only. Apartment residents well preserved natural environment of the 27, Geumgang-ro 2536beon-gil, Naechon- can use tennis courts within apartment com- Hangang River. There is a sandbank and a myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea plexes. large colony of reeds that has been naturally Tel. (031) 540-5000 formed by the deposit of earth and sand, www.bearstown.com [K, E] Dong Seoul Tennis Courts which are deposited in from the upstream of Tel. 02-406-4781~2 the Hangang River. Seoul Resort http://dongseoultennis.com [E] San 37-18, Hopyeong-dong, Namyangju-si, Located in Macheon-dong, Songpagu Ttukseom District Tennis Court Gyeonggi-do, Korea This spacious facility offers hourly rates as Tel: 02-3780-0521 Tel. (031) 592-9400 well as monthly membership rates. On-site Even before the construction of Hangang facilities include locker rooms, night lights Park, this district was famous as a riverside Yangji Pine Resort and a spacious parking lot. amusement park. Citizens can enjoy various 34-1, Namgok-ri, Yangji-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si water sports, such as water skiing, motor Tel. (031) 338-2001 Hangang Citizen Park Tennis Court boating and wind surfing. www.pineresort.com [K, E, J, C] (Tel. 02-120) http://hangang.seoul.go.kr [K] Ichon District Tennis Court Jisan Forest Resort As part of the Hangang Comprehensive De- Tel: 02-3780-0551 San 28-1, Haewol-ri, Majang-myeon, Ichoen-si velopment Project, Seoul City constructed Ichon Hangang Park is located between Jun- Tel. (031) 644-1200 this tennis court along Hangang River to grangcheon Bridge and Wonhyo Bridge. www.jisanresort.co.kr [K, E, C, J] provide sports and recreation space for citi- Citizens enjoy jogging or taking a walk along zens. Among the 12 Hangang Citizen Park

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Star Hill Resort www.e-high1.com [K, E, J, C] 4_Taekwondo training program, self defense program and Gyukpa (breaking) program, which is de- 96, Meokgat-ro, Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Foreigners will immediately think of Tae- Oak Valley Snow Park signed as a onetime experience class. (Res- Gyeonggi-do, Korea kwondo when they think of Korean sports. 58, Gohan 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, ervations must be made at least a day in ad- Tel. (02) 2233-5311 Trying Taekwondo at its very birthplace www.starhillresort.com [K] Gangwon-do, Korea/ Tel. (033) 730-3500 vance, and the fee is 20,000 won per hour.) www.oakvalley.co.kr [K, E] might be a good idea. Elysian Gangchon 5_Taekkyon 29-1, Baekyang-ri, Namsan-myeong-dong, O2 Resort Taebaek P.O.Box, Taebaek-si, Gangwon- Taekkyon is a Korean traditional martial art, Chuncheon-si/ Tel. (033) 260-2000 that has been registered as a UNESCO living www.elysian.co.kr [K] do, Korea/ Tel. (033) 580-7000 www.o2resort.com [K, E, J, C] cultural heritage in 2011 and the only martial Daemyung Vivaldi Park art which has been designated as the Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 76. Some people 1290-14, Palbong-ri, Seo-myeon, Hong- 3_Horse riding tend to misconstrue that Taekkyon is an old cheon-gun/ Tel. 1588-4888 As in other countries, equestrianism is not form of Taekwondo, or that Taekkyon and www.daemyungresort.com/vp [K, E, J, C] a sport enjoyed by the masses. However, Taekwondo use similar techniques, but they with a growing number of riding enthusi- are totally different from each other. Taekkyon Yongpyeong Resort asts, the number of riding facilities is on the is a bare-hand martial art that was developed 715, Olympic-ro, Daegwanryeong-myeon, rise. Seoul Race Park has a widely known by Korean ancestors in primitive ages. The Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea facility which is enjoyed by sport fans and principle of the technique is not to simply Tel. 1588-0009 enjoyed by fans of the sport. wound or kill the opponent, but to bring them www.yongpyong.co.kr [K, E] down by kicking or tripping the or weak spots Welihilli park Kukiwon of the opponent. Taekkyon strictly prohibits 451, Gowon-ro, Dunnae-myeon, Hoengseong- (World Taekwondo Headquarters) harming the opponent. gun, Gangwon-do, Korea Experience Taekwondo Program Tel. 1544-8833 Tel. 02-567-4988 Taekkyon Korea www.welihillipark.com [E, K, J, C] www.kukkiwon.or.kr [K, E] (World Taekkyon Headquarters) Tel. 02-413-2707 Phoenix Park Kukiwon is the mecca of Taekwondo train- Seoul Race Park www.taekkyonkorea.com 174, Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, ing. If Judo has its Kodokan,Taekwondo has Tel. 1566-3333 Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea Kukiwon, the world’s best came to Kukiwon www. kra.co.kr [K] Korea Taekkyon Federation Tel. 02-554-0600 to advance their skills. As the “headquar- www.phoenixpark.co.kr [K, E, C, J] ters” of the sport, Kukiwon offers affordable Tel. 02-516-2707 Horseback Riding Training Center lessons at Gyeonghuigung (Sungjungjeon www.taekkyon.or.kr 107, Gyeongmagongwon-daero, Gwa- courtyard) six times a week, excluding Mon- High 1 Resort cheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea days. Each lesson is an hour and thirty-five 399, Gohan 7-gil, Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Tel. (02) 463-8565 Gangwon-do, Korea/ Tel. 1588-7789 minutes long. This program offers a basic

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6_Jogging/ In-line Skating / 7_Fitness clubs / Swimming Bicycle roads Koreans put effort to loose weight in light Parks in Seoul are great for jogging. Perhaps of the new “well-being” trend, thanks to the courses lining the grounds of the Han River number of Koreans conscious of health has are popular and well paved. Hangang Park risen. While there are plenty of ways to get in Ichon District has an In-line Skating Plaza some outdoor physical activity within the (Tel. 02-790- 6385). city, the busy schedules of many do not al- The length of bicycle roads near the Han low for much adventure. River measures 36.9 km from Gaehwa-dong, As such, fitness centers are the most viable Gangseo-gu to Amsa-dong, Gangdonggu. option for busy people. Most fitness centers The asphalt and concrete-covered roads are in Korea offer monthly and quarterly mem- designated for bicycle riders. Riders can bership plans. Some offer six month plans freely enjoy the view and ride in comfort and even annual plans. The benefit of sign- without traffic. Furthermore, riders can use ing up for a longer period is a significant are available along with fitness lessons and 8_Booking sports facilities discount in membership fee. Some high- activities such as swimming, basketball, the Hangang Park sports facilities, popular Booking sports facilities is available in Eng- end fitness clubs offer golf course access yoga, badminton and kendo (Japanese fenc- tourist destinations and culturally significant lish on the website http://yeyak.seoul.go.kr and other benefits as part of a membership ing). Other than weight training, the Olym- places, as bicycle courses. [K, E]. In addition to sport facilities, reserva- package. Fitness centers have lockers and pic Park Sports Center offers various fitness/ tions for lectures or venue rental are avail- shower stalls. Some places have hardwood sports lessons. able. To book online, alien registration card yoga rooms and swimming pools and offer is required. lessons as part of the package. Hangang Park Swimming Pool http://hangang.seoul.go.kr [K, E] 9_Sporting season A total of six outdoor swimming pools at the Korea is a great place to check out some Hangang Park grounds are open to the public professional sporting events as various pro annually during the summer months in the leagues are available. The quality of facili- following locations: Gwangnaru, Jamsil, ties and sports in general has been improv- Jamwon, Yeouido, Ttukseom and Mangwon. ing since the '88 Olympics and 2002 World Admission is 3,000won for children aged 4~12 and 5,000won for adults aged 19 and over. Facilities selling swimming goods such Olympic Park Sports Center as goggles and bathing suits are also available, making it an ideal place to spend an af- www.sosfo.or.kr [K] ternoon in the sun with the family in the city. As a complete sports facility, a total of 38 types and 59 various weight and cardio machines

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Cup. Unlike most North American or Euro- play here. There’s something to enjoy dur- Seoul Arts Center pean sporting events, tickets to a pro sporting each of the four seasons as basketball, www.sac.or.kr ing event in Korea are cheap. The quality of baseball, volleyball, soccer and other profes- Tel. 02-580-1300 [ K, E, J, C] games is fairly good as well, because many sional leagues provide fun and excitement all foreign athletes and Korean athletes with ex- year round. Sejong Center for Performing Arts perience abroad are increasingly recruited to www.sejongpac.or.kr Venue Website Tel. Subway station Tel. 02-399-1114~7 [ K, E] Sangam World Cup Stadium World Cup Stadium Soccer Season : Mid-March www.seoulworldcupst.or.kr [K,E] 02-2128-2000 Station Line 6, The National Theater of Korea to Early November Exit 1 or 2 www.ntok.go.kr Facility Control Sports Complex Tel. 02-2280-4114 [ K, E] Jamsil Baseball Stadium http://stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ Jamsil Sports Complex Baseball Season : March to 02-2202-3834 movements has been noted by fans around October guide_01_03.html [K] Station line 2 Baseball Match the world. As such, many nonverbal per- Info. 1644-0211 Musicals Korean musicals have been experiencing a formances involving boys are continually Jamsil Gymnasium http://stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ Jamsil Sports Complex Basketball Season : Novem- 02-2240-8809 rapid growth. A musical theater, the Char- produced. It is especially popular among for- ber to April guide_01_04.html [K] Station line 2 lotte Theater, was founded for the sole pur- eigners because without a working knowl- Jamsil Sports Complex edge of Korean, they can still easily enjoy Volleyball Pro Season: De- http://stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ Jamsil Sports Complex pose of providing quality musical perfor- 02-2240-8746 cember to April (University: guide_01_04.html [K] Station line 2 mances to Koreans and foreigners alike. the shows. Spring) Olympic Park www.sosfo.or.kr/olpark [K] 02-410-1114 Olympic Park, line 5 2_Movies Gymnasium 2 Traditional Cultural Performances Traditional Korean performances are at their There are several small and large movie the- best when performers and members of the aters in Seoul. The list below shows the representative multiplex cinemas in Seoul. formers. For those events involving local arti- audience interact to create an entertaining Culture est, subtitles in various languages are provided and lively show. Therefore, traditional musi- ·CGV for the foreigners in attendance. cal performances or non-verbal performanc- Tel. 1544-0070 1_Performances es require stage setups that are quite different www.cgv.co.kr [K] Historical records show that drinking, singing from those of Western form. ·Mega Box and just letting loose and having fun have al- Seoul City Online Performance Tel. 1544-0600 ways been a part of Korean culture. This might Reservation Service Non-verbal Performances www.megabox.co.kr [K] help to explain the Korean love for the cultural www.visitseoul.net [K, E, C, J] Those playing a significant role in height- ·Lotte Cinema arts. Various venues exist in Seoul and they are This is the one-stop online reservation sys- ening national prestige are boys. As b-boys mainly used to host large scale performances tem for foreigners to browse, book and pay have been gaining notoriety by sweeping Tel. 1544-8855 and events. Some of the annual events and fes- for tickets for performances and movies. international competitions, the popular- www.lottecinema.co.kr [K] tivals include world renowned artists and per- International cards can be used as well. ity of their dynamic and spectacular dance

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·Cinus 3_Libraries quarter’s art and traditional knot-tying art. in Seoul. Tel. 1544-0070 Check Samcheonggak’s website for more www.visitseoul.net [K, E, J, C] Each district of Seoul City operates public www.cinus.co.kr [K] information. libraries. There are the National Library of Hangang Yeouido Spring Flower Most theaters show foreign films with - Ko Korea, the National Assembly Library, and Templestay Festival rean subtitles, while some theaters show the Municipal Library in Seoul. At public Tel. 02-2011-1972 The entire area of Yeouiseo-ro, Yeouido- Korean films with English subtitles. The fol- libraries, citizens can get information easily www.templestay.com [K, E, C, J] dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul lowing is a list of theaters screening Korean and reserve books via on-line conveniently. Those interested in Buddhism should par- Tel. 02-2670-3114 films with English subtitles. ※ Refer to the directory to get the list of libraries. ticipate in a temple stay in Korea. As the www.ydp.go.kr ·Multi-language booking site: name of the program suggests, participants It is a festival which signals the start of the www.visitseoul.net 4_Traditional art lessons will stay at a temple varying in length from spring with full bloom flowers that create a spirit of harmony. Traditional art lessons including Korean art, overnight to ten days. Various programs are Korea Foundation Cultural Center available gearing around Zen meditation, tea industrial arts, Korean music and traditional Seoul Fringe Festival Tel. 02-2151-6520 arts are available for foreigners. Those who ceremony, calligraphy and traditional lantern www.kfcenter.or.kr/english [K, E] www.seoulfringefestival.net have interest in traditional art should take the making. This is an excellent opportunity for Korean and foreign films from the past are 564-35, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, time to gain a deeper understanding of Ko- foreigners to gain a deeper understanding of screened on a weekly basis, free of charge. A The entire area of Hongdae University, rean culture through various lessons offered a religion deeply entrenched in Korean cul- topic is chosen each week and films are cho- Tel. 02-325-8150 in the city. ture and history. (Service in Japanese, Chi- sen by the organizers accordingly. Although nese, French, and English is available.) Seoul Fringe Festival is an independent art you won’t be able to view any new releases, Samcheonggak Educational Program festival. it’s a great way to catch up on some classics Tel. 02-765-3700 5_Festivals in Seoul Seoul Wow Book Festival and take a tour of the cultural center and its www.samcheonggak.co.kr [K, E, J] 411-19, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul events. The Korea Foundation Cultural Cen- Samcheonggak offers one-day and extended Tel. 02-336-1584~5 ter is located near Line 2 Euljiro 1(il)-ga Sta- lectures on traditional Korean art. The im- www.wowbookfest.org. tion, exit 3. pressive curriculum includes Korean classi- It is a cultural festival where you can enjoy cal music, tea ceremony, traditional women’s Goethe Institute Seoul various cultural activities along with a vari- Tel. 02-754-9831-3 ety of books. www.goethe.de/seoul [K, G] This German cultural center is located within a 10 minute walk from the Namsan Hilton Hotel. The cultural center’s library offers various books and DVDs for rental, and a DVD viewing facility is available in an open space of the library where one can easily enjoy one of the films from the library’s collection. Seoul is a city that’s hopping year round with festivities. The following is a list of festivals

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Gandong Prehistoric Culture Festival www.bulnori.com www.hiseoulfest.org lanterns both aesthetically pleasing and his- Prehistoric Residential Site, Amsa-dong, The night skies above the Hangang River Hi Seoul Festival is a seasonal, cultural fes- torically significant festival Gangdong-gu, Seoul Park are ablaze with color as the Seoul Inter- tival that is held by the Seoul Metropolitan Tel. 02-480-1410 national Fireworks Festival gets under way. Government. As the Seoul’s landmark festi- Seoul Travel http://culture.gangdong.go.kr val, it brings Seoulites and foreigners togeth- It is a local cultural event where you can ex- er and presents a wide range of colorful and perience the daily lives of the ancestors. interesting events.

Seoul Lantern Festival Namsangol Hanok Village Seoul http://bldg.naver.com/seoullantern/ Dano Festival It is a festival held along the Cheonggyecheon 84-1, Pil-dong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul with a different theme every year. You can Tel. 02-2266-6923 Seoul Drum Festival enjoy various kinds of lanterns that are re- http://hanokmaeul.seoul.go.kr Special Stage of Seoul Forest, lated to the theme alongside the stream. Jayang3(sam)-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul It is a festival that falls on May 5th in Lunar The capital city, the heart and soul of Korea, Tel. 02-757-2121 calendar which presents reenactments of a Lantern Festival plays an important role in many aspects. Ap- www.seouldrum.go.kr wide range of traditional folk events. Bongchuk Committee, 45, Gyeonji-dong, proximately a quarter of the entire Korean It is a drum festival that truly touches audi- Jongno-gu, Seoul population is concentrated in Seoul and, as ences’ hearts through percussion. Hi Seoul Festival Tel. 02-2011-1744~7 such, it plays the central role of all things www.llf.or.kr including economics and culture. Tourist It is a festival that displays a wide range of information on destinations in downtown Seoul as well as its surrounding areas can be found on the official tourism website, www. visitseoul.net [K, E, J, C].

Seoul World Fireworks Festival The whole area of Seoul, including Hangang 43, Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeongpo-gu, Seoul Park (Yeoui, Banpo, Ttukseom, Nanji) and (Hangang Citizen Park Yeouido District) Gwanghwamun Plaza. Tel. 02-729-1728 Tel. 02-3290-7154

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Seoul City Tour Bus www.nfm.go.kr [K, E, J, C] development of contemporary art, and offers are all located at north of the Hangang River 63-1, Taepyeong-ro 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul The National Folk Museum is located on various publication activities and author- (Gangbuk) and placed relatively close to Tel. 02-777-6090 the Gyeongbokgung grounds in Jongno. The assistance programs. each other, touring the four royal palaces is www.seoulcitybus.com visit to the folk museum is a nice way to fin- Seoul Museum of Art is operating Buk Seoul a great way to discover the history of Seoul. You can reach most destinations by hopping ish the tour after you stroll around the palace Museum as public art complex, Nam Seoul Furthermore, City Hall, Gwanghwamun and on the Seoul city tour bus. This circulation grounds. The main purpose of the museum General Art Museum specialized in architec- Insa-dong are all nearby ,so tourists can eas- bus will take you to tourist destinations in is to research, collect and exhibit aspects ture, design, and crafts, Nanji Creation Stu- ily enjoy plenty of activities before or after Seoul, from traditional royal palaces to shop- of traditional Korean culture. The beautiful dio as the Author Resident Program, and the the tour of the palaces. Jongmyo is another ping districts within one day. landscape architecture provides a nice place Annex of Gyeonghuigung Palace. site worth visiting. It is a place where the an- for a stroll. cestors of the royal families are enshrined. National Museum of Korea Seoul Museum of History You will notice the tranquility and serenity Tel. 02-2077-9000 Tel. 02-120 in contrast to the noisy downtown area of its www.museum.go.kr [K, E, J, C, F, Russian, www.museum.seoul.kr [K, E, J, C] surroundings. German, Vietnamese, Spanish, Thai] The museum is located in the premises of Gyeonghuigung Palace of Jongno-gu. On Palace URL & Tel. www.royalpalace.go.kr the first floor, there are the Exhibition Plan- Gyeongbokgung 02-3700-3900 ning Office, the Donated Artifact Exhibition www.cdg.go.kr Changdeokgung Hall, and the Museum Shop. On the third 02-762-8261 floor, there is an exhibition about Seoul, www.deoksugung.go.kr Deoksugung which is displayed according to four themes, 02-771-9951 such as Old Seoul, the Life of Seoul People, http://cgg.cha.go.kr Changgyeonggung The Culture of Seoulites, and the Develop- 02-762-4868 http://jm.cha.go.kr ment of Seoul. The effects of exhibition are Jongmyo increased by using various tools, such as 02-765-0195 The location, at Yongsan-dong, makes it easy actual artifacts, models, and dioramic pan- for Seoulite to easily access to the museum. els. In addition, the museum is operating an Namsan Park The National Museum of Korea is appreci- Seoul Museum of Art information search corner for visitors to see Tel. 02-3783-5900 the contents of exhibition comprehensively http://parks.seoul.go.kr [K, E, C, J] ated by visitors and residents alike because Tel. 02-2124-8800 via the touch museum and multi-media The city that is now Seoul, during the Joseon of its extensive collection of artifacts from http://sema.seoul.go.kr [K, E, J, C] which utilize videos and experience space Dynasty, is north of the river since Namsan ancient to modern times. Furthermore, vari- Located in Seosomun-dong, Seoul Museum where visitors can operate old tools. (South Mountain) is located in south of the ous special exhibitions and performances are of Art systematically collects and preserves city, it was given its name. As the city began always in store. Check their website for on- art works, and holds various exhibitions and Major Royal Palaces to grow over time, Namsan is now the cen- going and upcoming events/exhibitions. educational lectures for the general public. It Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Chang- tral region of the city. was established to contribute to the develop- gyeonggung and Deoksugung are major National Folk Museum ment of art culture. In addition, the museum royal palaces from the Joseon era. Since they Tel. 02-3704-3114 conducts research and investigations for the

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to beat the chaos of rush hour. Hangang Park this park was created in order to commemo- duces the image of the old Street of the Six runs along the river and ferries, water skiing rate the 1988 Olympics held in Seoul. The Ministries, serves as a representative square and other water activities make it a great place site was restored thanks to the Mongchon of Korea, provides a space for citizens to to enjoy summer days. Fortress Restoration Project. Various leisure participate in culture, creates an urban plaza, facilities such as the Seoul Olympics Mu- and connects the area to the nearby Cheong- World Cup Park seum of Art, the Mongchon Fortress History gyecheon Stream. The square is 34m wide Tel: 02-300-5500 Museum, a plaza, and various Olympic sta- and 740m long and features statues of King http://worldcuppark.seoul.go.kr [K, E, C, J] diums now surround the fortress walls. The Sejong, Admiral Yi Sun-shin, and Seoul’s Located on the west side of Seoul, Nanjido trails at Olympic Park are particularly beau- mascot the Haechi, a mythical character of Visitors are recommended to take the cable Landfill was transformed for the 2002 World tiful, as it is one of the five great sculpture Korean folklore. The square also contains car from Myeongdong up to the Namsan area. Cup and to commemorate a new millennium. parks in the world. the “Fountain 12.23” and the Waterways of N Seoul Tower, Namsan Hanok 3,471,090m² of land was transformed into a History. Village, a walkway and National Theater. large scale ecological park to create the space. Seoul Forest According to seasons, there is also a flower The number of attractions clustered on the Located near several branches of the Hangang Tel: 02-460-2905 carpet or ice skating rink, as well as various grounds of Namsan. River, the park achieves harmony between http://parks.seoul.go.kr/[K, E, C, J] cultural exhibitions for citizens to enjoy. both nature and man-made space. The area is Seoul Forest is a nature park located in Seong- Hangang Park divided between Peace Park, Sky Park, Noeul su-dong and covers an area of 1,200,000m² Tel. 02-120 [Day]/ 02-3780-0777 [Night]) Park, and Nanjicheon Park. The area that was once a royal hunting forest http://hangang.seoul.go.kr [K] became Seoul’s first water purification plant Seoul Dream Forest Park in 1908, and later used for both racecourse Tel: 02-2289-4001~5 and golf facilities. Now, it has been trans- http://dreamforest.seoul.go.kr [K] formed into a park with a dense canopy of Containing one of the most beautiful views in trees and a lake, where citizens can breathe northern Seoul, the Byeok-oh Mountain, the the fresh air offered by nature. Seoul Dream Forest offers residents of Seoul Seoul Plaza a place to enjoy a break with forest walk path- Gwanghwamun Plaza Tel: 02-120 ways and various other entertainment facili- Tel: 02-120 http://plaza.seoul.go.kr [K] ties, such as : Changnyeong Wigung Jaesa, an http://square.sisul.or.kr/ [K] Hangang is often the first notable landmark in The area where Seoul Plaza is located in front ancestral shrine, Wolyeongji Pond, a large Gwanghwamun Plaza opened on August 1, Seoul that visitors will notice. The river that of City Hall was originally a traffic square, public plaza, gardens, and the Dream Forest 2009, located on the old site of the Street of stretches from East to West, with the high wa- but was widely used as a space for various Art gallery and Art Center. the Six Ministries or Yukjogeori. Once a 16 ter volume and the width of the river crossing meetings, demonstrations and events dur- lane thoroughfare, Gwanghwamun Square is the central area of Seoul is quite impressive. ing the June 10th Student Uprising in 1987 Olympic Park located in the midst of a ten lane boulevard Seoul City has been hard at work to utilize the and again during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Tel: 02-410-1111 and is now a space for citizens to take a break Han River to its fullest potential. Their latest Due to that, after the end of the World Cup in www.kspo.or.kr [K, E] and relax. The square serves many functions: plan involves affordable water taxis that pro- 2002, a plan was made to renovate the area Originally, the site of Mongchon Fortress, restores the history of Gwanghwamun, repro- vide a solution for the busy commuters trying and remove the roads. Seoul Plaza reopened

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in May 2004 to provide a space for various Shopping some nice cozy coffee shops along the way, Insa-dong cultural, leisure, and art events. providing great places to rest. Galleria De- If you are in search of traditional items, Insa- partment Store near Rodeo Street contains dong is the place for you! Neckties with tra- Samsung Children’s Museum 1_Department stores some of the priciest goods around. ditional patterns, modernized hanbok sewn Tel. 02-2143-3600 Contain brand-name goods and are a great ·Directions: Apgujeong Station, line 3, exit from the national flag, Insadong has - any http://kids.samsungfoundation.org [K, E] way to shop since all the necessary goods are 2 and walk up straight in the opposite di- thing and everything related to the country This museum was constructed to cater to gathered in one place for your shopping con- rection of the exit. and its traditions. Koreans also visit this area children under 12 years of age, so it provides venience. Introduce various cultural content Try to visit some of nice shops and bou- in search of antique goods and traditional tea various experiences to children. All informa- by operating the cultural center, and provide tiques on the street that leads to Cheong- shops. tion is provided in Korean, but many exhibi- differentiated services depending on the dam Station, line 7. ·Directions: Take Anguk Station, line 3, exit tions are for direct experiences, so foreign grade of membership. 6 and walk down until you reach Crown children can enjoy experiences without any Myeong-dong Bakery. Make a left and you are now on difficulties. The museum is located near Exit This area has become a mainstay on the list Insa-dong Cultural Street, which leads to 8 of Jamsil Station of Subway Line No.2. of tourist destinations. It’s home to a num- Jongno 2(i)-ga rotary. From Jonggak Sta- However, it is not easy to find, so the tele- ber of shops and boutiques that offer hip and tion, line 1, exit 3, walk straight until you phone number of the museum may be useful trendy threads at affordable prices. Milliore reachTapgol Park and then make a left. to note. and Avatar are large shopping malls that can provide shoppers with hours of fun. COEX Aquarium ·Directions: Myeongdong Station, line 4, ex- Tel. 02-6002-6200 its 6, 7 will lead you to the busy streets of www.coexaqua.co.kr [K, E] Myeong-dong. The underground walkway is There are a total of 500 species of marine 2_Street shopping connected to Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, line 2. organisms in 6 halls organized by theme. If you’re the type of person who gets a kick Sharks attract the most attention. Unfortu- out of wandering the hectic streets full of Samcheong-dong nately, all the information is provided only vendors offering clothes, accessories and The area running parallel to the rear of in Korean. To get to the aquarium, use exits. shoes at discounted prices in search of a Gyeongbokgung is known as Samcheong- Itaewon dong. If you think this area is full of tradi- 5 or 6 of Samseong Station of Subway Line gem, Korea is the place to be. Various areas This is the most multicultural place in the tional garments and clothes, you are way off! 2, and follow the signs in COEX. offer something distinctly unique, so it’s fun country. Itaewon offers some of the best Modern and hip fashion designers with their to pick and choose an area and start shop- authentic ethnic food in Seoul. However, own unique styles can be found here. ping. there’s more to Itaewon than great food. It ·Directions: Take Gyeongbokgung Station, offers Korean antiques and sports uniforms line 3, exit 5 and follow the palace stone- Apgujeong-dong at low prices. People come from all over the wall until you reach a street of shops and An excellent place to view Korea’s lead- city to this interesting neighborhood for the restaurants. ing fashion. Apgujeong offers luxury brand customized jerseys. shops, popular overseas brand shops and ·Directions: Take Itaewon Station, line 6 even used luxury goods shops. There are

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and any exit will lead you to the streets of large fashion shopping mall offers options Kwangjang Market ly hours of the day. It is not merely a whole- Itaewon. for young, trendy shoppers. Located near Tel. 02-2267-0291~2 sale market. Visitors can buy fresh seafood Hoehyeon Station, line 4. www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr [K] and enjoy a dish of raw fish served up fresh Hongdae A wholesale market containing traditional on the spot. Noryangjin Station, line 1. Hongdae is an abbreviation of Hongik Uni- Dongdaemun Market hanbok, modern wares and fabrics is a versity, but the area near Hongik University Tel. 02-2262-0114 world-renowned wholesale market and it is Nakwon Arcade is often called Hongdae or Hongdae-ap (the www.dongdaemunsc.co.kr [K] very popular to visitors. If you’re interested Tel. 02-742-4020 front). Hongdae is mostly visited by young- When it was established in the early 20th in purchasing a traditional Korean costume, www.enakwon.com [K] sters since the area is full of quirky cafes, century, the market was a traditional out- this is a great place to start. Jongno 5(o)-ga Nakwon Arcade is home to various shops small sized galleries, clothing, fashion item door market containing fish, fruits and other Station, line 1. selling musical instruments. Located near shops along with live cafes and clubs. A flea goods. Nowadays, Dongdaemun is known as Insa-dong, a trip inside will reveal a world market opens every Saturday and you can the place to shop for trendy clothes at afford- Bangsan Market of guitars, pianos, saxophones and drum sets purchase creative items that young artists able rates. Cheongdaemun, Doota, Migliore Tel. 02-2266-8765 among others. You can also find used instru- made. Another attraction of Hongdae is a and other buildings/ shopping centers con- www.bangsanmarket.net [K] ments, amps, and repair and rental shops. clubbing culture where a variety of dances tain hundreds of booths per floor. A dizzying If you want to make something, you should Get off at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station, line 5, and music coexist. Hongdae Club Day is an array of booths offering various selections is take a trip to Bangsan Market. This market exit 5 and walk in the direction of SC First event in Hongdae on the last Friday of every available. Located near Dongdaemun Sta- offers everything from wrapping paper to Bank. month. A Club Day ticket offers access to a tion, line 1, and Dongdaemun Stadium Sta- kitchen utensils and design supplies. Euljiro number of different clubs in the area. tion, line 2. 4(sa)-ga Station, line 2. Yongsan Electronics Market ·Directions : Hongik University Station, line 2 Garden5 Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale 3_Markets Tel. 02-2047-4019 Market www.garden5.com [K, E, J, C] Tel. 02-814-2211~2 Namdaemun Market Garden5 is a one-stop cultural special zone, www.susansijang.co.kr [K] Tel. 02-991-7718 where there are total of 6,000 stores, in- The biggest fisheries wholesale market in www.indm.net [K, E, J] cluding shopping malls, multiplex cinemas, Korea. Various marine products from all Also known as Dokkebi Market (goblin bookstores, exhibition halls, spa facilities, over the country are brought to this market market), Namdaemun has retained most of production facilities, basic industrial mate- and distributed after biddings during the ear- its original looks throughout the years. The rial sales facilities, logistics facilities, and Tel. 02-2150-5000 same can’t be said for Dongdaemun market. assistance facilities. The building is divided www.yongsan.co.kr [K] The shabby and rundown looking buildings into three categories: specialized shopping The Yongsan Electronics Market is an enor- might deter you from venturing in, but these area, logistics complex, and revitalization mous wholesale electronics market. There buildings contain high-tech electronics at un- complex. The specialized shopping area has are more than 3,000 stores situated in this beatable prices. Another part of the market a total of 8,300 stores, and it is divided into area, with a number of large shopping malls contains imported food. Taking a cue from three blocks: Garden5 Life, Garden5 Works, such as Jeonja Land, Najin Sangga (Shopping the modern Dongdaemun market, Mesa, a and Garden5 Tool. Mall), Seonin Sangga, Wonhyo Sangga,

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Computer Domae Sangga (Wholesale Shop- just about all the goods you can think of re- Community A club opens to all French nationals. They ping Mall) and the Gwangwang Bus Termi- lating to daily living. host annual events, and members are issued nal. Shoppers will find all their electronics Le Petit Echotier free of charge. needs at prices 15 ~ 30% cheaper than at re- 1_International groups tailers. The satisfactory level of customers is Australian and New Zealand Seoul International Association of Korea (ANZA) high since the market provides various ser- Women’s Association [SIWA] vices such as consumer protection service. www.anzakorea.com [E] http://www.siwapage.com [E] Get off at Yongsan Station, line 1, Exit 3 or Hosts a monthly Coffee Morning meetings Sinyongsan Station Line 4, exit 4. Membership is open to all foreign women at the Hyatt Hotel. Hosts various events regardless of nationality. SIWA is known for throughout the year including the Melbourne their annual charity/fundraising events. 4_Mega marts Cup Ball. E-Mart American Women’s Club (AWC) Kim’s Club British Association of Seoul (BASS) Tel.02-380-1234 Tel. 02-749-3554 Tel. 02-440-0998 www.britishseoul.com [E] http://emart.shinsegae.com [K] http://www.awckorea.org [E] www.htstore.co.kr [K] Membership is open to both males and fe- A huge supermarket run by Shinsegae De- Primarily for American citizens, associate This chain of 7 marts originally started as a males and monthly meetings are held at the partment Store. There are 28 locations memberships are given to those of other supermarket. Seoul Club. Coffee Morning meetings are throughout the city that provide all the goods nationalities. This club maintains close ties held in homes of members on a rotating ba- necessary for daily living from food to bicy- Home Plus and provides aid to newcomers through a sis. cles. Tel. 02-3459-8000 monthly Coffee Morning meeting. http://corporate.homeplus.co.kr [K] German Club Overseas Chinese A large wholesale mart run by Samsung Women’s Club (OCWC) www.deutscherclubseoul.com Tesco. There are 15 locations in the city. http://ocwckr.spaces.live.com [C] Hosts monthly Coffee Morning meetings as well as trips and events throughout the year. Costco [email protected] Overseas Chinese Women’s Club is a Chi- Tel. 02-2630-2600 Korea Contract Bridge League nese Women’s association with a 20-year www.costco.co.kr [K, E] www.kcbl.org/bbs/clubs-e.php [K] history. The club consists of Chinese with There are three Korean branches in Seoul. This club is for Koreans and foreigners who various nationalities such as American, Brit- Lotte Mart This wholesaler contains ample amounts of are interested in playing bridge together. ish, and Hong Kong. Foreigners who can Tel. 1577-2500 imported goods and requires membership. speak Chinese can join the club. www.lottemart.com [K] Club Italia A chain run by the Lotte Corporation. There Association des Francophones de www.clubitalia.or.kr [I, K, E] are 12 locations throughout the city. It has Coree (AFC) Club Italia members gather every Sunday at www.afc-online.org [F] the Franciscan School, located at Hannam- 170 Living in Seoul 171 10 Leisure Living in Seoul English Edition

dong. This club is not limited to Italians so There are various clubs organized by people who are interested can join. Q Are there any public parks that permit barbecue grilling? A foreigners for various activities such 2_Volunteer work as soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey, hik- You can barbecue at Nanji Camping ing, fencing, and dance. Other club activities Volunteer work is the best and quick way A Site, Yangjae-dong Citizen’s forest, with local residents, such as beat box, rac- to understand and love Korea. The love and and Jungrang Camping Forest. To make a ing, scuba diving, paragliding, and knitting understanding shared among people regard- reservation, visit the websites http://www. are also available. Seoul Global Center can less of race and nationality can lead to truly nanjicamping.co.kr (Nanji Camping Site), search related information for you. special relationships. or http://parks.seoul.go.kr (Yangjae-dong Citizen’s forest / Jungrang Camping Forest). Seoul Global Center Q I would like to have dogs or cats. Tel. 02-2075-4180 Are there any administrative re- http://global.seoul.go.kr [K, E, J, C, F] Q Are there any volunteer activities porting procedures I should follow? Seoul Global Center is recruiting Korean that foreigners can participate in? Legally, citizens are not allowed to and foreigner volunteers. It is running activi- A have pet animals at apartment build- ties via various social activities and cultural If it is for non-profit purpose, foreign- ings or multi-family housing without the A ers can participate in volunteer activi- exchange programs in order to provide vol- approval of the housing management. How- ties. There are Seoul Global Center (http:// unteer work and to increase the interest and ever, as many households keep pet animals global.seoul.go.kr) and other non-profit -or understanding of different cultures for for- at home, people do not raise an issue. How- ganizations that need the volunteer work of eigners and Koreans. ever, you need to be careful so that animals foreigners. may not threaten neighbors or make them In addition, the Global Village Center, to- Seoul Volunteer Center uncomfortable. When pet animals leave gether with local residents, often visit nurs- your neighborhood, you are required to at- Tel. 02-776-8473 ing homes and child centers as part of vol- tach an identification tag, which contains http://volunteer.seoul.go.kr unteer work. There are other organizations, your name, address, and contact numbers, to such as Korea Animal Welfare Association your pet. Upon violation, you will be fined (http://www.animals.or.kr), Korea Green 100,000~300,000 won. When you walk with Foundation (www.greenfund.org), and your pet, you are required to take safety pre- Seoul City Volunteer Center (http://volunteer. cautions such as using a leash for your pet, seoul.go.kr) in which you can participate. or bringing a tool to pick up the excrement of your animal immediately. Upon violation, you will be fined 50,000~150,000 won. To How can I find clubs where I can Q prevent infectious disease, you are required share hobbies? to inoculate your animal regularly.

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International Marriage International Divorce Birth Report Death Report Seal Registration TAX Q&A

Administration 11 Administration Living in Seoul English Edition

·Koreans: The Korean spouse does not lose Required documents 3. Marriage Report Form (Signatures of the International Marriage Korean nationality. The acquisition of for- respective parties of marriage and two 1. Foreign spouse’s original and translated refers to a marital eign spouse’s nationality will be determined adult witnesses) International marriage affidavit of eligibility for marriage relationship between a man and a woman of in accordance with the law of the respective (cf. In the case of a Chinese national, an origi- 4. Identification cards of the respective par- different nationalities. For an international nation. nal and a translated copy of non marriage ties of marriage in attendance marriage to be legally and validly estab- ·Foreigners: A foreign spouse who is mar- certificate) ※ A method of reporting to the nation where a lished in the Republic of Korea, both parties ried to a Korean spouse cannot obtain Ko- ※ The required documents differ by countries ; foreign spouse belongs can checked at the must satisfy the requirements of marriage set rean nationality immediately. A Marriage therefore it is important to go to the District respective embassy or consulate. forth by their respective countries of nation- Immigration(F-6) visa will be issued to the office beforehand. ※ Marriage should be reported to a respective ality, and report their marriage to the relevant foreign spouse. After residing in Korea for a 2. Marriage Report Form (Signatures of the government office (district office) of Korea authorities, so that such fact will be recorded specified period of time and having certain as well as to a respective government office respective parties of marriage and two (embassy) of a foreign spouse’s nation. in the family relation register. Regarding a qualifications, a naturalization qualification adult witnesses) legal relationship after marriage, the same will be provided. ※ If not reported within three months without 3. The identification cards of the respective justifiable reason, a fine of 50,000 won or laws of the couple’s respective countries, the less will be imposed. parties of marriage required. same law of habitual residence of the couple, (Foreigners must bring passport and Alien and the law of the location closest to the Registration Card) Reporting marriage between two couple will be applied in principle in due or- foreigners der, unless otherwise specified in the Private International Law. A marriage between foreigners with the same nationality should follow the laws of the nation of the respective parties. However, marriage between people with different nationalities should compare the laws of the re- Marriage between foreigners spective nations. In general, law of the hus- Nationality will be determined in accordance band nation is applied. Detailed information with the law of the respective country. can be checked at the embassy or consulate Detailed information can be obtained from When reporting to a foreign country first of the respective nation. the respective embassy or consulate. 1. Certificate of Marriage (A registered certificate issued by an organization with the International Divorce ※ The place of habitual residence: A location authority of the nation which carries out where a life is sustained for a certain period 2_Procedure of marriage report the marriage, and a translated copy of the of time in actuality Reporting a marriage between certificate) 1_Nationality after a Korean spouse and a foreign spouse 2. A notarized nationality certificate of the respective foreign party (Family Relation an international marriage Marriage report method : Korean government office (district office) Register, Birth Certificate, Copy of Pass- Marriage between Koreans and Foreigners port, Identification Card, etc) 176 Living in Seoul 177 11 Administration Living in Seoul English Edition

International divorce refers to a divorce Law. Accordingly, when reporting a divorce building or land where the death occurred which has a foreign element, such as a di- upon a divorce judgment by foreign law, a Birth Report must submit a death report to the immigra- vorce between a Korean and a foreigner in certificate of divorce decision and a certifi- tion office or a branch immigration office Korea, a divorce between foreigners in Ko- cate of confirmation as well as a translated under the jurisdiction of the residence along rea, a divorce between a Korean and a for- copy of each certificate must be attached. with a medical report, or an autopsy report, eigner in a foreign country, and a divorce and other documents proving report of death ▣ Article 217 of the Civil Procedure Act between Koreans in a foreign country. attached to the deceased’s alien registra- (The Effectiveness of Foreign Judgment) An international divorce is granted either by tion card, within 14 days from knowing of The confirmation judgment by the foreign an agreement between the respective spouses the death or within 30 days from the date of court is effective when satisfying the condi- or upon a court decision. death. tions of each item: When transporting the body to the respec- 1_International divorce 1. The judgment must be recognized by the Interna- tive nation, contact must be made with the by agreement tional Court Jurisdiction of the respective foreign respective embassy. court according to the principle of the International When cremating the body, the original cop- The Private International Law indicates that Court jurisdiction in accordance with the law or ies of a death report, an autopsy report, and a ① the same law of the couple’s respective treaty of Korea For children of foreigners who are born death confirmation certificate are needed. country, and the law of the location closest 2. If a defendant who lost a case has received in Korea, the parents must submit a birth For detailed information, contact the Seoul to the couple, ② the same law of habitual a letter of summons or an equivalent letter certificate to the respective embassy. A pass- Global Center (02-2075-4180). residence of the couple, ③ the law of the and a notice of date or an order in accor- port must be obtained for the children after location closest to the couple is the law ap- dance with a legitimate method at reason- birth, and an application for a visa must be Seal Registration plicable to divorce, and it must be applied ably enough time needed for defense (ex- submitted to the immigration office within in order. Accordingly, if there is a consent cluding cases by delivery of public notice 30 days after birth. When applying for a visa, 1_What is a registered seal? divorce system in a respective country, a di- or by other similar delivery methods), or alien registration cards of parents, a birth A registered seal (or Eengam in Korean) is vorce by agreement will be granted. In addi- has responded to a legal action even if a certificate issued by the respective embassy, a special seal registered beforehand to an tion, the Private International Law states that letter of summon was not received photos (2 copies), and a fee of 50,000 won administrative office to check the integrity if a party of a divorce is a Korean national 3. Recognizing the effectiveness of the de- are needed (Depending on the visa, required of a respective party. In Korea, a with a habitual residence in Korea, the Ko- cision must not violate with customs or documents may vary). rean Law should be applied. In that case, a other social orders of Korea Detailed information can be obtained by divorce by agreement can be reported in ac- calling 1345 at the Call Center for providing cordance with the Korean law. 4. A mutual guarantee must exist comprehensive information to foreigners. ※ Detailed information can be received via a 2_International divorce upon free legal consultation offered by the Seoul Global Center. (Tel: 02-2075-4180) Death Report court decision Upon the death of a registered foreigner, A divorce decision by the foreign court is also a respective spouse, parents, person speci- effective in Korea under a condition specified by Clause 1 of Article 89 of the Immi- fied by Article 217 of the Civil Procedure gration Law, or the owner or manager of the 178 Living in Seoul 179 11 Administration Living in Seoul English Edition

registered seal is required for legal affairs Korean resident abroad who has reported Tax information provided online at the National Tax Service’s such as a property right when contracting residential registration in Korea, both alien website www.yesone.go.kr Wage and salary income earners and real estate, assignment of right, or lawsuit. registration card and passport are needed. year-end tax settlement Foreigners who have an alien registration If the duration of stay on the identifica- card can get a certificate of a registered seal tion card has expired, the certificate of the At each month that you are paid, your em- after registering a seal in accordance with the registered seal cannot be issued. After ex- ployer must withhold and pay income taxes Immigration Law. tending the duration of stay, the certificate at an amount as shown on the Simplified Tax can be issued. Withholding Table at the district tax office. 2_Registration of Seal The year-end tax settlement should be com- Tax pleted by the withholding agent by the time New registration of your salary for February is paid. Once the Taxes in Korea are comprised of income tax, When registering a seal for the first time, the year-end tax settlement is completed, the corporate tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, value Global income tax filing respective person must personally go to the withholding agent should issue a ‘Receipt added tax, tariff, residence tax, and automo- If you have wage and salary income only, concerning district office (which has jurisdic- for Wage and Salary Income Tax Withhold- bile tax. The relevant tax organizations are your income tax liability will be settled tion over the alien registration card) with his/ ing’ by the end of February. If you retire the National Tax Service (Income tax, cor- through the year-end settlement by your her alien registration card, passport and seal during the year, the year-end tax settlement porate tax and inheritance tax) and the Tax withholding agent. If you have income other to be registered. When making a registered should be finalized in the month that you Collection Division of the Seoul Metropoli- than wage and salary income (for example, seal, the English name on the alien registra- receive your final payment while the - with tan Government. For more information, visit ‘other income’ such as television perfor- tion card is used. However, a Korean seal holding agent should issue the Receipt for the websites of these organizations. mance fees or other business income that Wage and Salary Income Tax Withholding in is acceptable. If it is difficult to include full you receive as an independent contractor), the following month of the month in which name, the last name must be included, and you are subject to file global income tax for National Tax Service you retire. When a greater amount was with- the first name can be abbreviated. The size both incomes at the appropriate district tax www.nts.go.kr [K, E, C] held than what you owe (which is your ‘final of the seal must not exceed 7mm wide and office by the end of May next year. Tel.126 [K], 1588-0560 [E] tax liability’) your employer (‘withhold- 30mm long. Overseas Koreans with a resi- If you missed the year-end tax settlement, ing agent’) must refund the difference to dent registration card (permanent resident) provided that your income source is only Tax Collection Division of the you. Conversely, if it turns out that a lesser must go to the dong office of the domicile. from salary, or if you missed income deduc- amount had been withheld, then additional Seoul Metropolitan Government tion, special deduction, or summing up of withholding will be made to cover the dif- Application for the issuance http://etax.seoul.go.kr [K, E] your income from two different companies ference. This whole process is ‘the year-end of a registered seal certificate Tel. 120 [K, E, C, J, Mongolian, Vietnamese] in the same calendar year, then you can final- tax settlement’. Please check with your em- ize your income tax in May of the following ·When applying for the issuance in person: ployer about our tax payable/refund. At the year by submitting documentary evidence to An identification card of the applicant end of January of the following year, you the competent district tax office. (Alien Registration Card or Resident Reg- must submit income tax exemption applica- However, if your income source is only from istration Card), passport, and a registered tion and documentary evidence of income salary, you do not need to file your income seal are needed. In case of a foreigner, only tax exemption (receipts) to the company. tax for your withholding agent does so. If an identification card of an applicant(Alien Documents of income tax exemption can be Registration Card) is needed. In case of a you already paid more income tax than you

180 Living in Seoul 181 11 Administration Living in Seoul English Edition

have to, you can get your tax return after resident country (i.e. IRS in US or National Customs office will check the purchased goods I am American and my wife is from filing global income return. The tax return Tax Agency in Japan). Exemption qualifica- and the certificate for verifying exportation of Q Thailand. We want to divorce in dates are July 1 for national taxes and Au- tion varies by treaty. the goods. 3. Then, please submit the con- Korea. I would like to know about gust 20 for local taxes. firmed ‘Certificate of Selling Goods for- Over divorce procedures in Korea. ※ Please check the tax treaty at www.nts.go.kr seas Visitor for Submission’ to refund counter → Resources → Tax Law/Treaty → Tax → Treaty. Special tax incentives for foreign workers or mail it to the duty free shop at the mailbox If foreign couples want to divorce located in the place of departure. A in Korea, the case can be processed According to Tax Incentive and Limitation VAT refund for foreign tourists If you put the confirmed Certificate of Sell- only by the Seoul Family Court. In the case Law [Special Cases of Taxation for Foreign ing Goods for Overseas Visitor for Submis- of an agreement divorce, please visit the Workers], foreign workers earning wage sion into the mailbox, the duty free shop Seoul Family Court (02-530-2475). If re- and salary income for working in Korea will give you a refund within 20 days from spective parties filed an agreement divorce are eligible for 15% flat tax rate application the date of receiving the copy of the Certifi- in person at the court, the court will issue a until December 31, 2012 by submitting the cate of Selling Goods. certificate 1-3 weeks later. When submitting flat rate application form to the withholding the certificate to a district office, the divorce agent or the competent district tax office at is reported. The following documents must the time of the year-end tax settlement or be submitted to a district office: global income tax filing. Required Documents: ※ Wage & Salary income x 15% = Calculated Foreign tourists may receive refund for the Passport, Marriage Certificate (English, Tax amount amount of the VAT on the relevant goods Korean Copies), Alien Registration Card, that they bought from a duty free shop if the Agreement Divorce Application Form (ob- Exemption for Teacher (Professor) goods are to be taken outside of Korea. In Q How can I get an international mar- tainable at the court), Family Relation Reg- A resident of a country that signed a tax order to claim a refund on VAT, you must riage certificate? ister, three copies of Divorce Application treaty with Korea who was invited by a present your identification (passport, etc.) Form (available at a district office or court), university or other recognized educational before purchasing goods which cost at least Two witnesses, and a copy of a document institution in Korea for the purpose of teach- 30,000 won from ‘duty free shop’ designated Depending on the time of a marriage, proving foreign residence (a copy of the resi- ing or engaging in research at a university or at the district tax office and depart Korea A an administrative government agency dent registration) other recognized educational institution for a within 3 months of the purchase. The pro- is determined. If a marriage was held be- period not expected to exceed 2 years his/her cedure for refund claim is as follows: 1. In tween January 1, 1956 and January 31, 1995, If a divorce agreement has not been made, income from personal services for teaching case of purchasing goods at a duty-free shop, the Seoul City Dasan Plaza issues the inter- an attorney must be appointed. Seoul Global or research at such university or educational you will be issued two copies of Certificate national marriage certificate. If a marriage Center or the Korea Legal Aid Corporation institution is exempt from tax by Korea for of Selling Goods for Overseas Visitor (one was held after February 1, 1995, the civil provides free legal consultation services. a period not exceeding 2 years from the date to submit to the customs office and another service offices of a city, gun, or district issues of your arrival in Korea. to retain) to you. 2. At the port of departure, an international marriage certificate. If you qualify for that, you may request tax please present the purchased goods and the When filling out the application form, the refund to your withholding agent (income Certificate of Selling Goods for Overseas English names, birthdates, and marriage re- payer) by submitting the resident certificate Visitor to customs office, and get a stamp on port date of the groom and bride at the time issued by the competent authorities of your the certificate. of the marriage report must be used.

182 Living in Seoul 183 11 Administration 12 My husband of American nation- I am Irish, and gave birth to a child ality passed away two weeks ago. Q in Korea. What procedures should I Q Can I report the death and hold an take when reporting the birth? American style funeral in Korea?

You must obtain a birth certificate Upon death, you must contact the re- A from the hospital and report the birth A spective embassy with a death certifi- to your embassy. After reporting the birth, cate issued by the hospital. The embassy will you must obtain a passport for the baby. Af- provide information regarding companies Public Offices ter obtaining the passport, you should apply that can perform a funeral or transport the for a visa and an alien registration card for body to the respective country. Hospitals the baby within 30 days of birth. Banks Culture and Tourism Media Accommodation Libraries