Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
for Living
in Korea
for
Foreigners
한국생활 가이드북
*
The contents of this book are also available through
the multicultural family support portal site
(www.liveinkorea.go.kr)
C
o
n
t
e
II Foreign Resident Support Services
n
16 Foreigner Support Services
16 Korean Language Education
t
16 Education on Korean Culture and Life in Korea
17 ICT Education
s 17
17
18
Counseling
How to Use Foreigner Support Services
Foreign Resident Support Organizations
18 Multicultural Family Support Centers
20 Korea Migrants’ Center
21 Emergency Support Center for Migrant Women
22 Korea Immigration Service
23 Websites with Support for Multiple Languages
I
Introduction to the
Republic of Korea
8 General Information
8 Official Name of Country: Republic of Korea
8 Location and Area
8 National Flag
9 National Flower
9 Population
9 Economy
10 Administrative Districts
11 Climate
11 Spring
11 Summer
11 Fall
11 Winter
12 Currency
12 Festivals and Seasonal Events
12 Festivals
13 Holidays
Guidebook for Living in Korea
8
I Introduction to the Republic of Korea
5_Population
As of October 31, 2007, the total population of Korea is 50,087,307, including foreign
residents, making it the 24th most populated country of the 194 countries in the
world. Its population density is 490/㎢, which is the world’s 3rd highest.
6_Economy
As of 2008, Korea has the world’s 15th largest economy according to the World Bank,
and is a member of OECD. In 2007, Korea recorded a GDP of USD 887.4 billion, and
per capita GNI of USD 18,372. It exports automotives, ships, steel and IT goods.
9
Guidebook for Living in Korea
7_Administrative Districts
Korea consists of 16 self-governing regions.
The self-governing districts include one special
city, six metropolitan cities, eight provinces and
9
one special self-governing province. The self-
governing districts are divided into basic local 4
1
governments. 8
The special city consists of self-governing gus,
10
while the metropolitan cities consist of self-
11 14
governing cities and guns. As of December 6
2008, the special City and the six metropolitan
cities have a total of 69 self-governing gus. The 12
3
7
six metropolitan cities and eight provinces have 15
a total of 75 self-governing cities and 86 guns. 5 2
13
Seoul and its vicinities are commonly referred
as the “Capital area”, which includes the cities
of Incheon, Bucheon, Anyang, Seongnam,
Uijeongbu, Gwangmyeong, Siheung, Uiwang,
Gunpo, Gwacheon, Guri, Migeum, Gwangju,
16
Goyang and Hanam. 50% of the entire Korean
population resides in this area with 10 million
in Seoul, 2.5 million in Incheon and another 10
million in other cities of Gyeonggi-do.
Special Self-
Special City Metropolitan Cities Provinces
Governing District
8 Gyeonggi-do
2 Busan Metropolitan City
9 Gangwon-do
3 Daegu Metropolitan City
10 Chungcheongbuk-do 16 Jeju Special
4 Incheon Metropolitan City
1 Seoul 11 Chungcheongnam-do Self-
5 Gwangju Metropolitan City
Special City 12 Jeollabuk-do Governing
6 Daejeon Metropolitan City
13 Jeollanam-do Province
7 Ulsan Metropolitan City
14 Gyeongsangbuk-do
15 Gyeongsangnam-do
10
I Introduction to the Republic of Korea
2>> Climate
The climate of Korea is temperate, with four distinct seasons.
1_Spring
Spring is usually warm, though mornings and
evenings can be chilly from March to May.
Trees and flowers bloom. Winter clothes are
still needed in March. People tend to dress
lightly in April, and it sometimes gets very hot
in May.
2_Summer
From June to August, the weather is hot, with
temperatures ranging from 25 ℃ to 35 ℃ .
Heavy rainfalls, called Jangma, frequently
occur between late June and late July. A few
typhoons with heavy rain and wind visit the
country between August and September.
3_Fall
From September to November, temperatures
get colder, ranging from 10 ℃ to 25 ℃ . In
November it is almost as cold as it is in winter.
People prepare winter clothes and heaters in
advance. The autumn leaves are very beautiful.
4_Winter
In winter, the weather stays very cold, ranging
from -10℃ to 10℃ from December to February.
During this period, the weather seems to run
in a cycle of three very cold days followed by four less cold days. Snow and harsh
winds can be expected. Warm clothes and heaters are necessary until it gets a little
warmer in late February.
11
Guidebook for Living in Korea
3>>Currency
• The currency of Korea is KRW (Won, ₩).
• Exchange rate (as of September 2009) USD 1 = KRW 1,204 / EUR 1 = krw 1,766 /
JPY 100 = KRW 1,310
• Seollal (January 1)
- Meaning: First day of the new year
- Food: Rice cake soup, dumplings
- Characteristics: Wearing new clothes (seolbim),
new year’s greetings to adults, visiting ancestral
graves, and playing a game of yut
• Chuseok(August 15)
- Meaning: Harvest festival
- Food: The year’s new crops and fruits
- Characteristics: Ancestor-memorial services,
visiting ancestral graves, viewing the full moon,
enjoying a Korean circle dance
12
I Introduction to the Republic of Korea
2_Holidays
• Samil-jeol (Samil Independence Movement Day, March 1)
On this day in 1919, a nation-wide independence movement rose up against
Japanese colonialism.
• Seokga Tansil-il (Buddha’s Birthday, April 8 in the lunar calendar)
This is the day on which we celebrate the birth of Buddha.
• Eorini-nal (Children’s Day, May 5)
This is a day dedicated to the happiness and
welfare of all children.
• Hyeonchung-il (Memorial Day, June 6)
This is a day for honoring national heroes,
including those who died during the Korean War.
• Gwangbok-jeol (Independence Day, August 15)
On this day in 1945, Korea was liberated from
Japanese colonialism.
• Gaecheon-jeol (National Foundation Day,
October 3)
This is the day on which the Korean nation was
founded. The legend says that the son of the
heaven-king, Dangun came down from the sky
to build the nation about 5,000 years ago. In
Korean, Gaecheon-jeol means “the day on which
the sky opened.”
• Seongtan-jeol (Christmas, December 25)
This is the day on which we celebrate the birth of
Jesus Christ.
13
Guidebook
for Living
외국인을
in Korea
위한
for Foreigners
생활안내
II
F oreign Resident Support
Services
16 Foreigner Support Services
16 Korean Language Education
17 ICT Education
17 Counseling
16
II Introduction to the Republic of Korea
3_ICT Education
Most Korean households use PCs, and Korea has a highly advanced Internet network.
Users can obtain rich information using the Internet, and enjoy the convenience of various
online services, such as Internet banking and administrative services. Accordingly, many
organizations, including the Multicultural Family Support Centers and the Korea Migrants’
Center, operate ICT education programs to enable foreign residents to learn how to
search for information through the Internet, and how to use diverse applications.
4_Counseling
Counseling services aim to help foreign residents that
are experiencing difficulties in Korea, by providing
them with the advice that they need to solve their
problems. (Family affairs, labor, residence and law)
. Useful Information
17
Guidebook for Living in Korea
18
II Introduction to the Republic of Korea
19
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Program Descriptions
• Community events
Events • Educational events
• Cultural events
• Basic healthcare services for migrant workers who have difficulties visiting
Healthcare
small clinics due to language problems.
20
II Introduction to the Republic of Korea
Program Descriptions
• Primary counseling services for migrant victims of violence, provided in their mother languages
Counseling • Phone counseling service available for 365 days (1577-1366)
• Counseling services provided in eight languages
Collaborative • Emergency shelter services
Emergency • Collaboration with shelters for victims of domestic violence, sexual violence and human
Support trafficking
Services • Collaboration with healthcare, legal, prosecution and police services
• Living and legal information for successful settlement in the Korean society
Others
• Visiting counseling services provided by local centers
. Useful Information
• How To Use
- Visit the website (www.hikorea.go.kr)
- Sign up for membership
- Use the services, including e-service, reservations and My Page
22
II Introduction to the Republic of Korea
23
Guidebook
for Living
외국인을
in Korea
위한
for Foreigners
생활안내
III
esidence and
R
Naturalization
26 Residence of Foreigners
26 Confirmation of Passport and Visa Expiry Date
33 Extension of Stay
39 Denizenship
39 Qualification
40 Marriage Immigrants
41 Loss of Denizenship
42 Naturalization
42 Qualifications
42 Marriage Immigrants
Passport
Passports are identification documents containing the personal information of the passport
holders, including their nationality. Travelers are required to carry the passport, as they guarantee
the personal status of the passport holders and are used for diverse purposes.
26
III Residence and Naturalization
Korean Visa
①
②
27
Guidebook for Living in Korea
28
III Residence and Naturalization
30
III Residence and Naturalization
31
Guidebook for Living in Korea
• Reissuance of the certificate of alien registration : In the below cases, foreign residents
shall apply for reissuance of their certicate of alien registration at the competent Korea
Immigration Service within 14 days.
- When the certificate of alien registration is lost
- When the certificate of alien registration is worn-out
- When there is no room to mark information
- When there is any change of information (name, sex, date of birth or nationality)
Required Documents
! • Application for reissuance of the certificate of alien registration
• Letter specifying the reason for application (in the case of a lost card). (There is no
fixed form, and the letter should simply detail the circumstances that led to the loss
of the card)
• Color photo (3 cm X 4 cm)
• Service charge: KRW 10,000
• Return of Certificate of Alien Registration : You must return your certificate of alien
registration in the following cases.
Certificate of Korean
When you achieve Korean Within 14 days of becoming a Korean nationality acquisition
nationality citizen and certificate of foreign
nationality loss
32
III Residence and Naturalization
3_Extension of Stay
(1) Qualification and Period of Extension
If foreign residents intend to stay for a period longer than the permitted stay, they must
apply for an extension of stay during the period from two months before the expiry date to
the expiry date itself. The foreign resident will be fined if an application is made after the
expiry date.
While a foreign resident may submit an application for an extension of stay up until the
expiry date of the current stay, it is highly recommended to submit such applications in
advance, as foreign residents whose applications are not granted within the period of
permitted stay may become illegal immigrants.
33
Guidebook for Living in Korea
34
III Residence and Naturalization
(3) Approval
If the changes are permitted, the permit is
stamped on the passport, and information on
the permit is marked on the Foreign Resident
Card. If changes are not granted, the reason
for denial is provided to the applicant.
35
Guidebook for Living in Korea
(3) Approval
If the changes are permitted, the permit is stamped on the passport, and information on
the permit is marked on the certificate of alien registration. If changes are not granted,
the reason for denial is provided to the applicant.
36
III Residence and Naturalization
6_Reentry Permit
(1) Qualification and Period
If long-term foreign residents who stay for 90 days or longer intend to leave and reenter
Korea during their period of stay, they shall first obtain a reentry permit from the
competent office of the Korea Immigration Service.
• On the day of departure, foreign residents leaving Korea may purchase a single reentry
permit at the airport or the port, regardless of the competent office of the Korea
Immigration Service.
• If foreign residents leave Korea without first obtaining a reentry permit, or fail to reenter
during the reentry period, their existing status of stay will be invalidated.
(2) Type
• Single reentry permit: allows foreign residents to reenter Korea once in a year
• Multiple reentry permit: allows foreign residents to reenter Korea more than twice in
two years
37
Guidebook for Living in Korea
• Items to Be Reported
- Changes in name, sex, date of birth and nationality
- Changes in passport number, date of issuance and passport expiry date
- Changes in foreign resident’s organization, or name of the organization
38
III Residence and Naturalization
2>> Denizenship
Foreign residents who meet the following qualifications may apply for denizenship at the
competent office of the Korea Immigration Service by submitting the required documents
according to status of stay.
1_Qualification
① Foreign residents who have stayed in Korea for more than five years
② Spouses of Korean citizens, or underage children of Korean denizens
③ Foreign residents who have invested USD 0.5 million or more
④ Overseas Koreans
⑤ Chinese Koreans who were born in Korea
⑥ Doctoral degree holders in high-tech industries
⑦ Bachelor’s degree holders and license holders in high-tech industries
⑧ Experts in specific areas
⑨ Special contributors
⑩ Pension subscribers
39
Guidebook for Living in Korea
2_Marriage Immigrants
Marriage immigrants who meet the following qualifications may apply for denizenship by
applying for a permit for change of the status of stay, if they have stayed in Korea for two
or more years.
(1) Qualification
• Marriage immigrants who maintain marital relations with their Korean spouses
• Marriage immigrants whose Korean spouses are dead or missing according to the
adjudication of the Court
• Marriage immigrants who are divorced or separated from their Korean spouses, and
can prove that they are not responsible for the dissolution of the marriage
• Marriage immigrants who had children with Korean spouses and are raising underage
children, regardless of the marital status
40
III Residence and Naturalization
(3) Benefits
• Marriage immigrants do not have to give up their original nationality.
• Marriage immigrants may maintain denizenship even when they divorce Korean
spouses.
• Marriage immigrants may vote in local elections, beginning three years after the date of
denizenship.
• Marriage immigrants do not have to apply for a reentry permit if they reenter Korea
within one year from the date of leave.
3_Loss of Denizenship
Denizened foreign residents may lose denizenship for the following reasons.
• Failure to reenter Korea within the permitted reentry period
• Committing a crime of rebellion or foreign troubles in accordance with the Criminal Law
• Committing a crime such as murder, burglary, drug trafficking, violation of the national
security law, rape, sexual violence and indecent assault
• Giving false information on the application for denizenship, or attempting to subvert the
application process in another manner
• Marriage to Korean spouse has been determined to be a marriage of convenience
• Entering Korea with a forged, modified, or transferred passport
※ A marriage of convenience is a marriage reported solely for immigration purposes, without the intention
of living in a married relationship with the spouse, and is subject to criminal punishment. Paying a service
charge to a marriage broker does not meet the condition of a marriage of convenience.
41
Guidebook for Living in Korea
3>> Naturalization
1_Qualification
Foreign residents who meet one of the following qualifications may apply for naturalization
at the competent office of the Korea Immigration Service.
• To ensure that the detailed qualifications are met, it is recommended to carefully
prepare documents after consulting with experts.
① Foreign residents who have lived in Korea for five or more years
② Foreign residents whose father or mother was a citizen of Korea or was born in
Korea, who were born in Korea and who have lived in Korea for three or more years
③ Foreign residents who are married to Korean citizens and have lived in Korea for two
or more years
④ Foreign residents whose father or mother is a citizen of Korea
※ Foreign residents whose father or mother was naturalized may apply for a special permit for
naturalization, regardless of age, marital status or period of stay in Korea.
2_Marriage Immigrants
(1) Qualification
• Marriage immigrants who entered Korea, were registered as foreign residents, and who
have legally stayed in Korea for two or more years
• Marriage immigrants who have been married to Korean citizens for three or more
years, and who have lived in Korea for one or more years
• Marriage immigrants who have failed to maintain normal marital relations for a reason
attributable to the Korean spouse, including death, disappearance and other reasons,
and who have stayed in Korea for two or more years
• Marriage immigrants who have had children with Korean spouses and who are raising
the underage children, or who will raise underage children
42
III Residence and Naturalization
43
Guidebook for Living in Korea
. Useful Information
• If a marriage immigrant is raising Korean children after divorcing a Korean spouse, the
marriage immigrant shall submit a certificate of family relations of Korean children, and
references proving that the marriage immigrant is raising children or is responsible for
raising children.
• Service charge: KRW 100,000
① Naturalization Permission
Applications for naturalization are only accepted at the offices of the Korea Immigration Service
that offer naturalization services. Your Korean spouse must accompany you to your local office.
44
III Residence and Naturalization
45
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Be sure not to lend your resident registration card, or tell your resident registration
! number to another person. Your resident registration information could be used to
implicate you in a crime.
• Reissuance of a Resident Registration Card : If you lose your resident registration card,
you may have it reissued at your eup, myeon, or dong office by preparing a photo (3x4cm)
of yourself taken within the previous six months.
• In the Event of Change in Residence : You must report your new residence to your new
eup, myeon, or dong office within 14 days.
If you do not report your new residence, your resident registration could be cancelled
! after an inspection.
46
III Residence and Naturalization
47
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Program Hours 100 Hours 100 Hours 100 Hours 100 Hours Exempt
General
Courses on Korean Society Education
(50 Hours)
Evaluation Marriage
29 or lower 30~49 - - 50~100
of Basic Immigrants
Understanding Other
29 or lower 30~49 50~69 70~89 90~100
(Grade) Immigrants
48
III Residence and Naturalization
Gumi Multicultural
Gyeongsangbuk- Family Support Center 314-3 Hyeonggok-dong, Gumi,
82-54-464-0545
do (Building Beautiful Gyeongsangbuk-do
Families)
Chinju National
Gyeongsangnam- University of Education 380 Sinan-dong, Jinju,
82-55-740-1209
do (Research Center of Gyeongsangnam-do
Multicultural Families)
Kangwon University, 1
Kangwon University
Gangwon-do 82-33-250-8137 Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon,
(Korean Culture Center)
Gangwon-do
49
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Your parents and relatives must apply at a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad for you
to invite them to Korea. Required documents and the number of guests you may invite will
differ based on the Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please consult with an agent at
a Korean Embassy or Consulate abroad.
50
III Residence and Naturalization
Me mo
Guidebook
for Living
외국인을
in Korea
위한
for Foreigners
생활안내
IV
Korean Culture and Life
54 Family Culture 90 How to Purchase and Use Goods
54 Characteristics of Korean Families 93 How to Save Money, and How to
55 Language Etiquette Use Banking Services
60 Important Days of Celebration for 97 Transportation in Korea
Families 97 Buses
64 Food 100 Subway
64 Food that Koreans Usually Eat 104 Taxis
65 Korean Food 105 Passenger Vehicles
71 Sauces 107 Trains
73 Housing Culture 110 Airlines
73 Housing Types, and Matters to be 112 Use of Public Administration
Attended to 112 Public Administrative Bodies
77 Electricity 112 Police Stations
78 Use of Water 113 Fire Stations
78 Use of Gas 113 Post Offices
80 Heating 114 Libraries
81 Telecommunications 115 Use of Convenience Facilities
86 Garbage Collection System 115 Barbershops
88 Consumption and Economic Life 115 Beauty Salons
88 Household Economy 115 Public Baths
Guidebook for Living in Korea
54
IV Korean Culture and Life
※If you are still facing difficulties, contact your nearest Multicultural Family Support Center
(☎1577-5432) or the Migrant Women’s Hotline 1366 Center (☎1577-1366).
2_Language Etiquette
“Title” is used when we call someone, and “Designation” is used when we speak of the
person. In Korea, we often use diverse titles or designations to call or refer to the same
person. Korean names and names in Chinese characters are mixed and used as titles and
designations. The use of an incorrect title or designation may give offense to others.
55
Guidebook for Living in Korea
✽ Family tree: Connecting lines are used to explain family relations. A horizontal line
indicates ties by marriage, while a vertical line refers to parent-children relationships.
You-siabeonim You-sieomeonim
Children-harabeoji Children-halmeoni
Father Mother
Elder brother Elder brother’s Elder sister Elder sister’s Youngersister Youngersister’s Youngerbrother Youngerbrother’s
wife Husband Husband wife
You-ajubeonim You-hyeongnim You-hyeongnim You-ajubeonim You-agassi You-seobangnim You-doryeonnim, You-dongseo
Children- Children- Children-gomo Children- Children- Children-gomobu seobangnim Children-
keunabeoji keuneomeoni gomobu gomo Children- sungmo
samchon
You-joka
Childen-eonni, obba, hyeong, nuna
You-yeobo, OO abba
Children-abeoji, abba
Husband You
Your children
56
IV Korean Culture and Life
(2) Titles and Designations Used by the Wife in Addressing the Husband’s
Family Tree
Designation (jiching)
Title
Relation Parents-in- Husband’s
(hoching) Husband Others Children
law family
Father-in-law abeonim abeonim abeonim abeonim siabeonim harabeoji
abeom, aebi,
yeobo yeobo abeom, nampyeon, abeoji,
Husband geusaram,
OOabba OOabba aebi geui, aeabba abba
geui
Sister’s seobangnim,
seobangnim seobangnim seobangnim gomobu gomobu
husband gomobu
Younger
dongseo dongseo dongseo dongseo dongseo jageuneomeonim
brother’s wife
57
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Brother Brother’s wife Elder sister Elder sister’s Younger sister Youngerister’s Younger Younger
husband husband brother brother’s wife
You-hyeongnim You-ajumeoni You- You-hyeongnim, You-cheoje You-dongseo You-cheonam You-cheonamdaek
Children- Children- cheohyeong dongseo Children-imo Children-imobu Children- Children-
oesamchon oesungmo Children-imo Children-imobu oesamchon oesungmo
You-joka
Children-eonni, obba, hyeong, nuna
You-yeobo, OO eomma
Children-eomeoni, eomma
Wife You
Your children
58
IV Korean Culture and Life
(3) Titles and Designations Used by the Husband in Addressing the Husband’s
Family Tree
Elder brother/
hyengnim/ hyengnim/ hyengnim/ hyengnim/ oesamchon,
younger cheonam
cheonam cheonam cheonam cheonam oesukbu
brother
Elder
ajumeoni cheonamdaek cheonamdaek cheonamdaek cheonamdaek oesukmo
brother’s wife
Younger cheonamdaek,
cheonamdaek cheonamdaek cheonamdaek cheonamdaek oesukmo
brother’s wife 00 oesukmo
Younger
dongseo, 0 dongseo, dongseo, dongseo, dongseo,
sister’s imobu
seobang 0 seobang 0 seobang 0 seobang 00 imobu
husband
59
Guidebook for Living in Korea
(1) Birth
• Baekil (One Hundredth Day): In Korea, the hundredth day following the birth of a child is
cause for a big celebration. Typical foods served at a hundredth day celebration include
steamed rice cakes, honey cakes made from red bean, and seaweed soup. The child is
dressed in new clothes to celebrate this special day.
• Dol (First Birthday): Relatives and friends are invited to the child’s first birthday party.
The child is dressed in a traditional Korean costume, known as hanbok. Traditionally,
a table is laid in celebration, with steamed rice cakes, honey cakes, fruits, thread, rice,
money, a pencil, and a book. The child selects an object from the table, and he or she is
given words of wisdom from his or her elders. Recently, some restaurants have begun
to offer a first birthday table preparation service.
60
IV Korean Culture and Life
. Useful Information
• Birthday: With regards to one’s elders, birthdays are referred to as saengshin. In Korea,
seaweed soup is cooked for breakfast on birthdays. Sometimes, relatives and friends
are invited to celebrate together. The invited guests prepare birthday gifts, or give money.
(2) Marriage
In Korea today, most weddings are performed in the modern instead of the traditional
style. Modern style weddings can be held in wedding halls, churches, or temples. During
the ceremony, the groom wears a suit, and the bride wears a dress. After the ceremony,
the bride and groom change into traditional Korean outfits for Paebaek* to the groom’s
parents.
✽ Paebaek: Special food prepared for the bride’s parents-in-law during the first visit
61
Guidebook for Living in Korea
(4) Funeral
The family wears mourning clothes and dresses the deceased in garments. In general,
the garments are prepared in advance for the elderly while they are alive. These garments
will differ depending on the household and the region. In some cases, the deceased is
dressed in hemp clothes, in black or white. Guests attending a munsang* should avoid
wearing bright colors, and dress in black or white. During munsang, you should pay your
respects and pray together with the family. Money is also offered to the family, as a means
of showing condolences.
62
IV Korean Culture and Life
(5) Ceremonies
Korean rituals help you to gain a sense of belonging and identity while remembering your
ancestors.
• Death Memorial Service: Performed on the night of the anniversary of a death. Usually
the service is performed for ancestors in the two preceding generations.
• Family Memorial Service: Performed at festivals such as the New Year’s Day, Hansik,
and Chuseok.
Comparison of Services
Order Three cups of wine and a memorial address One cup of wine
63
Guidebook for Living in Korea
2>> Food
1_Food that Koreans Usually Eat
Koreans enjoy sharing food with family and friends. Perhaps reflecting this enjoyment
of sharing, there is a tendency in Korean culture to prepare better food when there are
guests for the meal.
In general, Korean food consists of rice, soup, and side dishes. Similar to soup, various
hot stews are also popular, as well as side dishes such as vegetables, steamed foods,
hardboiled foods, roasted meat, stir-fried foods, and pan-fried foods. One of the main side
dishes is kimchi. As a substitute for rice, people will sometimes eat hot or cold noodles,
wheat flake soup, and rice cake.
. Useful Information
Drinking Water
You don’t need to worry about the drinking water in Korea. The tap water is quite drinkable. Still,
most Koreans use a water purifier, or boil water to make a weak tea, which they drink cool. The
first time you try the tap water, it may taste slightly strange, and in the worst case could cause a
stomachache. If such symptoms persist for several days, you are recommended to see a doctor.
Water is provided for free at restaurants and snack bars. Bottled water can be easily bought in any
store.
64
IV Korean Culture and Life
2_Korean Food
(1) Bap (Boiled Rice)
Korean rice is stickier than Southeast Asian rice. First
tries may be difficult to digest and could give you a
stomachache. Usually it takes a bout a week to get
used to Korean rice.
. Useful Information
65
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Dongtaejjigae Seolleongtang
66
IV Korean Culture and Life
(3) Gimchi
One of the most requisites to Koreans is gimchi (usually written as kimchi). It is excellent
in favor and nutritive value, and is easy to store. Radishes, Chinese cabbages, and
cucumbers are preserved with salt and prepared with Korean fish sauce and several
spices including red pepper powder, ginger and garlic. And then they are fermented in a
low temperature. As vegetables such as Chinese cabbages and radish cannot be raised in
the winter, people pickle vegetables for the winter called Gimjang between late November
and early December. When Gimjang gimchi is prepared, intimate friends help each other.
67
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Galbi Bulgogi
Saengseonhoe Saengseongui
68
IV Korean Culture and Life
(6) Snacks
• Lamyeon (Ramen): One of the most common snacks in Korea. You can prepare it within
minutes just by poring water and bring it to a boil. They have both spicy and mild ones.
Cup Lamyeon comes in a paper container where you can pour hot water and enjoy.
• Gimbap (Rice roll): Rice rolled in a sheet of dried seaweed. It is stuffed with yellow
pickled radish, ham, eggs and vegetables. If you don’t like to eat pork, ask the cook to
prepare yours without ham. Gimbap is cheap and quick to make, and makes feel full
soon.
• Guksu (Noodle): Noodle dishes such as noodle soup or sauce-mixed noodle
• Mandu (Dumpling): Dumpling filled with vegetables, tofu and usually pork. Mulmandu is
served in gravy and Tuigimmandu means fried dumpling.
• Ddeokboggi: Broiled dish of sliced rice cake, fish paste, vegetables, and seasoning
• Sundae (Sausage): Sausage with Chinese noodles and clotted blood of cattle stuffed in
pig intestine
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Strawberries Peaches
Apples Tangerines
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3_Sauces
• Maneul (Garlic)
It is usually hot, but it is less hot and sweet when roasted. Chop it up fine to use it as a
dressing material, and put it all to use it as a spice.
• Ganjang (Soy sauce)
It is a black liquid sauce made from beans. It is salty and used to season food. There are
two types of soy sauce: Gukganjang and Yangjoganjang. Gukganjang is used to season
soup or greens and Yangjoganjang is used as a dipping sauce for raw fish.
• Gochujang (Red pepper paste)
Spicy hot paste made of red pepper powder, fermented soybean and salt. It tastes nice as
delicate taste of fermented soybean, hot taste of red pepper powder, and salty taste of salt
are well harmonized.
• Doenjang (Bean paste)
It is made of beans and salt, and it is a sauce native to Korea. It is usually used to make
soup.
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• Seoltang (Sugar)
Sweet powder in either white, yellow or brown color.
• Sikcho (Vinegar)
Yellow and sour liquid. Its bottle looks very similar to cooking oil. Check the picture of an
apple or rice on the cover.
• Sogeum (Salt)
White powder that tastes salty. Make sure to see whether it is salt or sugar as they are
very similar.
• Jomiryo (Synthetic flavoring)
Flavoring powder. Most common is Miwon and Dasida. Miwon is white powder, and may
be confused with salt or sugar. Too much of flavoring ruins your food, and is not good for
your health.
• Sikyongyu (Cooking oil)
Yellowish liquid used to panfry or fry food. Its bottle has a picture of corn or bean on the
cover.
• Camgireum (Sesame oil)
Brownish liquid made of sesame.
• Aekjeot (Fish sauce)
Traditional sauce made of fish salted and fermented. There are Myeolchi (anchovy)
Aekjeot, and Kkanaria (sand lance) Aekjeot, etc. Kkanaria Aekjeot has the same flavor as
Thai or Vietnamese fish sauce.
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In Korea, there are detached houses, townhouses, apartments, and office-tels. Many
people prefer living in apartments in cities for the sake of convenience. Owning a house
is extremely meaningful for Koreans. Housing is very expensive in Korea, and the gap
between house prices in rural and urban areas is large.
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(5) Contract
• Contract Counterpart
A contract should be made only with the landlord concerned, and with no one else. Under
no circumstances should you make a contract or pay a deposit to someone who is not
the landlord, such as a current or prior tenant. If you make this type of arrangement, you
expose yourself to risk, as the landlord may not acknowledge your contract as valid, and
you may end up losing your deposit. When you make a contract with someone, be sure to
check that he or she is indeed the rightful owner of the building. You can confirm this by
referring to a copy of the register.
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• Register
Consulting a copy of the register before making a contract is as important as checking the
inside of the place by yourself. The register contains the address of the place, the name
of the landlord, and the floor space and structure, and also gives information regarding
whether the landlord owns the building outright or is paying a mortgage. A copy can be
issued at the registry office, or through the Internet.
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2_Electricity
(1) 220 Voltage
Most houses in Korea use 220-volt electricity. If you want to use a 110-volt appliance, you
will need a transformer to convert from 220 volts to 110 volts.
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3_Use of Water
In winter, there is the risk of water supply pipes freezing. The following are some
instructions that can help prevent this problem.
• Check whether or not there are water leakages in the container of the water meter, and
whether the water meter is protected with a heat insulation material (Styrofoam). Take
action immediately if there are problems.
• If the water meter is exposed, as in aisle-type apartments and townhouses, protect the
meter by covering the top with vinyl, or rolling it up with hot wires. Turn the tap on to let
a small quantity of water trickle if you are planning a long-term absence, or at night if
the temperature is very low.
• If the water meter is frozen, melt the ice with warm water at first, and then with hot
water, to prevent the glass cover of the meter from breaking.
4_Use of Gas
(1) Cooking Gas
Cooking gas fittings may cause an explosion when not used carefully. After every use,
make sure to check if the fire is extinguished and the safety valve is closed.
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5_Heating
(1) Boiler
There are many types of boilers and they may consume
briquettes, oil, LPG or LNG city gas. Briquettes are cheap
but should be checked on every several hour to maintain
the fire. Oil and LPG are expensive and need to be refilled
after several weeks. LNG city gas is cheap and guaranteed
for continuous supply through a pipe. It can be used for both
cooking and heating. A place with an LNG city gas is a little
more expensive than a place without it, but the place is worth
the money, considering how much you can save for your
heating fuel.
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6_Telecommunications
(1) Telephone
To get a phone line installed, call 100 from anywhere in the country and you will be
connected to a local telephone office. The voice instruction will come in Korean first and
later in English. If you are comfortable with either language, there is no need to bother to
go to the telephone office by yourself.
It is convenient to arrange the monthly charges to be automatically withdrawn from your
bank account. In case of a breakdown, call 100 to report the troubles.
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. Useful Information
Ad Calls/Ad Messages
Mobile users are frequently exposed to ad calls and ad messages. It is recommended to ignore
such calls and messages unless they are necessary. Calling back numbers out of curiosity may
lead to an unexpectedly large phone bill. In particular, answering adult ads or adult messages may
lead to massive financial damages.
. Useful Information
Area Codes
There are 16 area codes altogether. The area code of the destination you are calling should be
entered before the phone number you are about to call. Area codes are not needed for calls made
within the same area.
Area Codes
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! • Police report: Emergency button +112 • Fire report: Emergency button +119
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How to Call
! Enter access number > Enter card number > Enter country code + area code +
phone number
. Useful Information
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Garbage is separated by type and collected at certain days and times. It is important to
separate and package your garbage according to the guidelines in your district. Garbage
is usually collected early in the morning, so it is recommended to put your garbage out
after 10 pm the night before garbage day.
. Useful Information
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(3) Recyclables
Paper, glass, steel, plastic and fabric
are recyclables. Cans and plastic bottles
need to be dried and flattened before
discarding.
(4) Nonflammables
Shoes and chinaware are nonflammables. They
are separated in a bag for nonflammables.
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1_Household Economy
• Coins
KRW 10 (Ship Won) KRW 50 (Oh-Ship Won) KRW 100 (Baek Won) KRW 500 (Oh-Baek Won)
• Paper Money
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Consider what we can buy with KRW 1,000, KRW 5,000, KRW 10,000 and KRW 50,000.
Now, compare the value of Korean won with the currency of your mother country, and
compare the consumer prices in Korea.
. Useful Information
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If you shop without planning, it can lead to the purchase of unnecessary goods and
difficulties in financial management due to large expenditures. It is important to make a
plan before you go shopping.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores are open 24 hours, and sell a diverse
range of goods, including foods. As these stores are small, it’s
easy to find what we want. They can be useful when we need
to buy one or two products immediately.
Local Supermarkets
Supermarkets offer snacks, vegetables, meat and beverages,
and are easy to access since there are usually several in every
neighborhood.
We can often buy goods here at discounted prices (about 10%).
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Department Stores
Department Stores handle diverse types of items, including
clothing, foods, electronics, cosmetic products and jewelry. The
facilities and services are excellent and the quality of products
is superior, making the prices expensive. As Department Stores
frequently run sales, we can buy goods at discounted prices
during the sales period.
TV Home Shopping
With TV home shopping, we can place orders via phone while
watching advertisements on TV. Diverse items are available,
including clothing, foods, cosmetic goods, electronics and
insurance products. While home shopping can be convenient,
we need to be careful to prevent impulse buying.
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• Bank Hours
- Monday through Friday: 09:00~16:00
- Outside of Bank Hours: Use ATM located in a bank
lobby
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• Internet Banking
- Internet banking refers to banking services provided via the Internet.
- With internet banking, we can check account balances, check the history of deposits and
withdrawals, and make remittances using our own bank accounts.
- To use internet banking services, you need to receive a certified authentication certificate
issued by Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute, which you should
store on your own PC, and a special security card issued by your bank. For help, contact
your bank.
. Useful Information
Telebanking
You can also use banking services via phone. Like Internet banking, telebanking requires a PIN and
a security card. You can use the telebanking service more conveniently if you subscribe for Internet
banking and the telebanking services at the same time.
- Automatic withdrawal
You can arrange your bills to be paid directly from your bank account without bothering
yourself. Set a date for each bill when it will be charged from your account. You can
arrange it at your bank or by calling your service provider. Remember the withdrawal
date and leave enough money in your account at the date.
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• Remittance
- Have an account made in your home country by your family.
- Prepare the following information accurately: name of the recipient, address, phone
number, name of the bank, and his/her bank account number, and visit the foreign
exchange section at your bank and present your ID card to the teller.
- Keep the recipient of remittance.
. Useful Information
Safe Remittance
You can remit money most safely using public banking agencies such as banks and post offices.
Many people use private service providers (or brokers) rather than banks to make remittance.
Their service is faster and simpler, but you use the services at your own risk. Cases of brokers
disappearing with the remittance money are not rate. Once such an accident breaks out, there is no
way to get back your money. You are recommended not to use private service providers.
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1_Buses
There are city buses, distance buses and express buses. To use distance buses and
express buses, you will need to buy tickets in advance. Check the time of departure and
the destination before getting on a bus.
Fare Characteristic
※ Buses and fares differ by region. Please refer to the traffic information sites of individual cities and gus for
detailed information.
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. Useful Information
Blue Bus: Connects the suburban areas and Green Bus: Connects major subway stations
the Seoul downtown areas by traveling in and bus terminals in the Seoul downtown
the central bus lanes. areas.
Red Bus: Connects the Seoul downtown Yellow Bus: Travels the Seoul downtown
areas and neighboring cities for commuters. areas and stops at major railway stations,
commercial districts, tourist destinations
and shopping destinations.
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. Useful Information
Transfer System
The transfer system is applied to all areas where subways and transit vehicles are operated. The
discount program is applied when we transfer between buses, or from a bus to a subway or vice
versa.
For example, we need to pay KRW 1,000 when we get on a bus if we do not use the transfer system
and transfer to a bus with cash. However, we do not have to pay the additional fare when we
transfer to a bus or a subway and pay the fare with the transportation card, as long as our total
distance does not exceed 10 km. For each additional distance of 5 km, we need to pay an additional
fare of KRW 100. Discount programs may vary by region.
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2_Subway
Subway lines are operated in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Incheon.
There are nine subway lines and KNR lines in Seoul. Lines are numbered and color-coded
for ease of identification, and suburban areas of Seoul, satellite towns and stations of
transfer are clearly marked on the subway system map.
Subway trains run at 2.5 to 3 minute intervals in rush hours, and at 4 to 6 minute intervals
outside of the rush hours.
Adults (Age 20 and up) Basic Fare: KRW 900 for up to 10km
Students (Ages 14 ~ 19 ) Transportation card: 20% discount (Basic fare of KRW 720)
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. Useful Information
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Seoul
Seoul Metro, www.seoulmetro.co.kr
Seoul Metropolitan Rapid Transit Corporation, www.smrt.co.kr
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Busan
Busan Transportation
Corporation
www.humetro.busan.kr
Daegu
Daegu Metropolitan Transit
Corporation, www.dtro.or.kr
Gwangju
Gwangju Metropolitan Rapid Transit
Corporation, www.gwangjusubway.co.kr
Daejeon
Daejeon Metropolitan Express Transit
Corporation, www.djet.co.kr
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3_Taxis
Taxis are available 24 hours. They can be easily distinguished from regular cars by their
signs on top of the car roof. You can get a taxi at a taxi stand, or hail one on the street by
waving at one.
You can call a taxi to pick you up at your location, and an extra fee of 1,000 won is typically
charged for this service. There are many call taxi dispatch operators in cities. Please ask a
Korean friend for the call service number.
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4_Passenger Vehicles
④ Paper test
40 multiple choice questions are given.
⑤ Application for Functional Test
Candidates who have passed the paper test or candidates who have previously failed the
practical test are qualified to take the functional test.
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⑥ Functional test
To take the test, candidates must complete diverse courses by directly driving cars in the driving
institutions.
※Before applying for the Class 1 Regular Test or the Class 2 Regular Test for the first time, candidates
are required to have completed three hours of functional practice.
⑦ Issuance of test driver’s license
A test driver’s license is issued to successful candidates who have passed the functional test, so
that they can complete the field driving practice.
⑧ Field driving practice
Candidates for the field driving test shall complete ten hours of field driving practice,
accompanied by persons who have held a full driver’s license for two or more years, after
obtaining the test driver’s license.
⑨ Application for field driving test
After completing ten hours of field driving practice, test driver’s license holders shall submit the
application for the field driving test, and the date and the time of test are assigned.
⑩ Field driving test
Candidates take the field driving test at the test center on the test date that is determined when
submitting their application for the field driving test.
⑪ Issuance of driver’s license
If the candidate passes the field driving test, they are granted a driver’s license (Class 1 Large,
Class 1 Regular, Class 1 Special, Class 2 Regular, Class 2 Small, Class 2 Motorcycle).
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5_Trains
Trains are very fast, and can take you to almost all major cities in Korea. They also are
well connected to buses and subways, enabling you to reach your final destination with
ease. The KTX (Korea Train Express) is fastest and the most expensive, followed by the
Saemaeul and the Mugunghwa.
(1) KTX
KTX tickets can be reserved through ticket boxes at stations, travel agencies, automatic
ticket issuance machines and the website (www.korail.com). Reservations and ticketing
services are available from 09:00 a.m. and reservations can be made from two months
to one hour before the time of departure. If the party making reservations is different
from the party who will use the train, the party making reservations is responsible for the
payment of the fare.
. Useful Information
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Sintalli
e
Munsan Lin
Dongducheon
chun Chuncheon
ong
Gye Gangneung
Uijeongbu Daeseongni
Neunggok
Cheongnyangni Donghae
Gujeolli
Seoul
Jun Wonju
gan Jeongseon
g Li
ne Dogye
Gwangmyeong Yeongwol
Tongri
Suwon Jecheon Taebaek
Dangyang
Cheongju
Pyeongtaek Punggi
ine
Yeongju
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Cheonan Mungyeong
on
gd
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Lin
on
Gaemun
Ye
Yesan uk Andong
e
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Jeomchon ng
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an
Gye
ong Gy
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Jan
Daejeon Lin
e
Daecheon
Nonsan Okcheon Pohang
Pangyo
Janghang Gimcheon Yeongcheon
Daegu
Gunsan Iksan
Gyeongju
Jeonju
Gimje
Jeo
Jeongeup Miryang
lla
Ulsan
e
Lin
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Samnangjin
e
Namwon
Hona
Masan
Changwon
Songjeongri Jinju
Jeonju ine Haenudae
on L
ngje
Gyeo Jinhae Busan
Hadong
Suncheon
Hwasun
Mokpo
Yeosu
Boseong
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6_Airlines
Traveling by air saves time when traveling long distances, but is more expensive
compared to other forms of transportation. Domestic airlines include Korean Airlines,
Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air, Eastar Air, and Jin Air. These airlines operate along the following
routes: Seoul/Incheon-Busan, Seoul/Incheon-Jeju, Seoul/Incheon-Daegu, Seoul-Ulsan,
Seoul-Gwangju, Seoul-Jinhae, Seoul-Gangneung, etc.
However, Jeju Air, Eastar Air, and Jin Air offer fewer routes.
Tickets can be purchased at airports, or booked in advance by phone, internet, or through
travel agencies.
International Airports
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Domestic Airports
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You can call 112 or visit a police station if you are a victim of
fraud, violence, or burglary, are involved in a traffic accident, or
witness an accident or crime. At public phones, simply press the
red emergency button and dial 112, or dial 112 without the local
code from a fixed line phone or a mobile phone.
When reporting a crime, you must do your best to accurately
report the address, the name and the contact information of the reporter (you) and
the detailed circumstances of the event. Giving information on the appearance,
characteristics, direction and method of the criminals’ flight may help.
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You can call 119 when there is a fire, when you have to take
someone to the hospital for emergency care, or when you
witness a similar situation. At public phones, simply press the
red emergency button and dial 119, or dial 119 without the
local code from a fixed line phone or a mobile phone.
When reporting a fire, you should describe the location, floor, type of fire and any useful
landmarks. When you have to take someone to the hospital, you will need to provide basic
information on the sick person. You should maintain contact with the service crew until
the 119 emergency team arrives, and respond to any emergency situations that may
occur.
4_Post Offices
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(2) EMS
EMS enables the prompt and safe delivery of letters, documents and goods up to 30 kg
to more than 130 countries across the world. Letters, documents, L/C, books, checks
of financial organizations, product samples, cassette tapes, video tapes and other
commodities may be delivered through EMS. For some countries, the package weight
is limited to 20 kg, including Australia, the Philippines, Argentina and Bangladesh. As
the delivery of certain items is prohibited in some countries, you are recommended to
investigate this before using the service.
5_Libraries
Libraries support the learning, cultural studies and continuing education of local residents
by providing access to diverse materials, including books and AV media. Most cities, guns
and gus operate libraries. Users can borrow the materials from the libraries for free, and
use diverse AV materials. For information on the nearest libraries, contact the offices of
your city, gun or gu.
. Useful Information
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1_Barbershops
A barbershop is called ‘Ibalso’ in Korean. A hair cut may cost from 5,000 won to 10,000
won, though some downtown barbershops are more expensive.
2_Beauty Salons
3_Public Baths
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The admission fee for Sauna and Jjimjilbang includes a rental fee for the steam rooms,
sleeping rooms and sports goods. Men will typically use the soap that is provided,
while most women will bring their own requirements, such as shampoo and lotions.
You must pay extra money to buy food, or to get a massage or beauty service. You can
also get the service for a cleaner to wash your body if you pay an extra charge.
- In the hot tub, a temperature of 43 to 45℃ is maintained, while the temperature in
steam rooms is between 70 and 100℃, and in sweating parlors is from 70 up to 130℃.
When properly used, hot baths and sweating can help you sweat out toxins, reduce
stress, and ease muscular pains.
. Useful Information
Public Baths
Korea has a well developed bathing culture. Every week or two, most people like to go to a public
bathhouse to relax in a hot tub and wash themselves.
Since people get entirely naked at a bathhouse, Koreans go to the baths together when they
become friends. This may feel uncomfortable for foreigners who are not used to bathing with their
colleagues or friends. Some foreigners insist on wearing clothes, even in the hot tub, which makes
the Koreans feel uncomfortable. Proper etiquette is important for ensuring the comfort of other at
the public baths, as many people must share the facility together. If it is uncomfortable for you, you
may want to wait and try it some other time.
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. Useful Information
Bathing in the Public Baths The following are some instructions in the use public baths.
① Take a shower and wash your hair before sitting in a hot tub.
② Stay in the tub for 5 to 10 minutes to sweat.
③ Take a seat outside the tub and scrub your body off with a bath towel.
④ Try some steam rooms or a cold tub if you want.
⑤ Take another shower before leaving.
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for Foreigners
V
Pregnancy and Childcare
120 Pregnancy and Childbirth
120 Recommended Checkups for Expecting Mothers
122 Public Health Centers that Provide Help for Pregnant Women
126 Vaccinations
The common checkups that an expecting mother should take for healthcare are listed as
follows. In addition to these, the obstetrician may require additional tests, depending on
the health of the expecting mother or the baby.
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II 외국인지원서비스
. Useful Information
Korean Prenatal Care Koreans have long believed that the behavior and mentality of the mother
during pregnancy affects the baby mentally, emotionally and physically. This approach to prenatal
care is called Tae-gyo. Traditionally, the pregnant mother should take caution in every action she
takes, refrain from foul thinking and harsh actions, and talk and act in a relaxed manner for the
birth of a healthy descendant. There are many limitations on what one can eat and how one should
think and act. From the perspective of an expecting female immigrant, advice on prenatal care from
the husband’s family may seem like an invasion of privacy, and may also be very stressful.
However, this stress may come from cultural differences, so it is useful to talk with each other and
build a better understanding.
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가이드북
✽ High-risk expecting mothers are young or older expecting mothers (less than 20 years and more
than 35 years old), expecting mothers with high-blood pressure, diabetes, or another illness,
and women who have previously given birth to immature infants or infants with congenital
anomalies. These expecting mothers require special care.
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II 외국인지원서비스
• A family with an income of less than 200% of the minimum cost of living
• Pregnant women, women up to 6 months after childbirth, women who are in
Eligible Subjects the nursing stage, and infants
• People who are suffering from anemia, underweight, poor growth, or
malnutrition
The Supplementary Nutrition Care service is only offered at selected public health
! centers. You are recommended to contact your local center to find out where the
service is available.
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가이드북
4_Giving Birth
Pregnant women can give birth at an OB/GYN office or a hospital. Women who have been
receiving care at a public care center also need to give birth at an OB/GYN hospital as well.
Preparations must be done before delivery so as to avoid any type of “panic situation.”
Two of the most common ways are natural childbirth and c-section.
For translation and interpretation services, contact the nearest Multicultural Family
! Support Center, health center, Korea Migrants’ Service and Emergency Support
Center for Migrant Women.
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II 외국인지원서비스
Children go through rapid physical development during infancy, and can easily contract
diseases due to a significant drop in the immunity acquired from their mother. During this
period, infants can obtain healthcare and essential vaccinations for free at public health
centers.
(1) Weight
3 kg at birth - 6 kg after 6 months, 9 kg after a year
(2) Height:
50 cm at birth, 75 cm after a year
4months can control head and can twist from side to side while lying down
can turn from back to stomach and can sustain weight with both arms
6months
while lying flat
9months crawls
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가이드북
. Useful Information
Infant conflict
In raising a child, you may experience conflict with family members due to differences in opinions
on child-rearing. These conflicts are common between parents-in-law and young couples. Talk
through the conflict with your parents-in-law.
Examples of conflicts
• Feed when the child is hungry. <> Feed at regular times.
• Feed a lot, even if the child becomes chubby. <> Always feed the correct amount.
• Carry child on your back if he or she cries. <> Carrying the child on your back brings bad habits.
• Feeding cold milk makes the intestines stronger. <> Cold food irritates the intestines.
2_Vaccinations
Vaccinations protect your baby from communicable diseases by developing the baby’s
immunity.
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II 외국인지원서비스
Once, once
Hepatitis A HepA additional (6~12 1~16 years
months after first)
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가이드북
Mandatory vaccinations are available for free at public health centers. Take your mother-
and child health diary (vaccination diary, infant diary) with you when you visit the health
center.
How to Apply
! • The government distributes a ‘Hepatitis B vaccination diary’ through gynecologists across
the nation. This diary contains coupons that can be used for vaccinations.
• Pregnant women can obtain this diary by submitting positive hepatitis B antigen
examination results.
• Pregnant women with hepatitis B can obtain a free vaccination for their child by submitting
this coupon to a medical center.
• Other Services
Additional service programs are offered, including infant health checkup*, infant
development checkup, dental checkup, eyesight checkup, baby massage classes, first aid
classes, and others. Each public health center runs different programs, so please consult
the health center in advance.
✽ Through infant health examinations, 6-month to 18-month old infants are given blood tests and
urinalyses.
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II 외국인지원서비스
1_Pre-Primary Education
(2) Kindergarten
• Kindergartens are offered to children between ages three and five.
• Opening hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For dual-income families, some
kindergartens are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Generally speaking, kindergartens do not teach classes offered at the primary school
level, such as Korean language arts, mathematics, physical education, music, and arts.
Kindergartens mainly offer fundamental education necessary for civic life.
• Public kindergartens charge 20,000 to 50,000 won per month. Private kindergartens
charge 180,000 to 250,000 per month.
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한국생활for Living in Korea
가이드북
Children under the age of five may go to day-care centers and kindergartens before
entering elementary school. If you want to send your child to a day-care center or a
kindergarten, you may qualify for a childcare or education subsidy depending on your
family income.
• Eligible Subjects
Your child must be under the age of five, and attend a childcare center. Applicants must
meet the eligibility criteria below.
- Parents with an accredited monthly income (Accredited monthly income denotes the
standard amount of household income accredited by the government) that is less than
70% of the average monthly income of households with infants are eligible.
※ Children of married immigrant women may be equally supported if they have Korean nationality.
- Disabled children who are under the age of 12, and who attend childcare centers rather
than elementary schools or special schools, may be provided the full amount of the
childcare allowance, regardless of the parents’ total income.
• Application Procedure
130
V Pregnancy and Childcare
II 외국인지원서비스
- Guardians (parents or other guardians) may submit the application form and
documentary evidence to their local city, county, or district office or eup, myeon, or dong
office.
- Required documents: documents showing employment and property relations
An eligible subject is given a Aisarang Card. Guardians can settle the childcare fee with
!
the card (Government subsidiary is given to the card account)
131
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한국생활for Living in Korea
가이드북
• Qualifications
Children aged five or younger who are attending kindergarten will qualify for the
government subsidy when the family meets the following standards.
- Households with income in the bottom 70%
- The subsidy for children aged five is flat, while support for children aged three and four
is graded according to age and income levels.
- 100% of kindergarten tuition is supported for disabled children, regardless of the income
levels of the parents.
• Amount of Support
Kindergarten subsidies may vary according to the age of the children and the type of
kindergarten attended.
① For children aged three or four
- The graded kindergarten subsidy is granted to children aged three and four whose
parents earn income in the bottom 70%, and the amount of subsidy may vary
according to the income levels of the parents.
- Beneficiaries of basic livelihood subsidy, children of low-income households headed
by a single mother, and children of parents whose average monthly income is within
the bottom 50% of households with pre-school children are qualified for a 100%
tuition subsidy for national and public kindergartens.
② For children aged five
- Children aged five of parents whose average monthly income is within the bottom 70%
of households with pre-school children are qualified for free kindergarten education
(low-income classes defined by law, and other low-income households with below-
average monthly income)
- Children aged five who do not attend kindergarten may reapply for free kindergarten
education (limited to applicants who submit a certificate of delay in kindergarten
enrollment)
- Children who will attend primary schools early (aged four) do not qualify for free
kindergarten education for children aged five.
132
V Pregnancy and Childcare
II 외국인지원서비스
• How to Apply
- The kindergarten subsidy is not given to parents, but it directly paid by the government
to the kindergartens attended by qualified children.
- Parents (supporters) shall submit the application for kindergarten subsidy and the
required documents (income certificate and financial documents) to the competent city
hall, gun office, gu office or community centers.
• Application Procedure
- How to Apply: Parents (supporters) shall submit the application for kindergarten subsidy
and required documents to the competent city hall, gun office, gu office or community
centers.
- Required Documents: income certificate and financial documents
133
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한국생활for Living in Korea
가이드북
Farmers or fishers whose children aged five or younger attend childcare centers or
kindergartens may apply for the childcare subsidy. If children do not attend childcare
centers or kindergartens, they may apply for a home childcare subsidy.
• Qualifications
The childcare subsidy for farmers and fishers is granted to persons who meet all of the
following conditions.
- Residents whose addresses are registered at fishing or agricultural villages, or who live
in semi-agricultural or semi-fishing villages.
- Households with farmlands with an area of less than 5 ha and children who are aged five
or younger, or children who are aged six and are not attending primary schools
- Parents or supporters of children with full-time jobs in the agricultural or fishing sectors
- Households whose annual income other than income from agricultural or fishing
activities is less than KRW 35 million
• Application Procedure
Qualified members of agricultural and fishing villages shall submit the application
approved by the village head or the head of the dong and two neighbors of the village to
the competent community center.
134
V Pregnancy and Childcare
II 외국인지원서비스
Me mo
Guidebook
for Living
외국인을
in Korea
위한
for Foreigners
생활안내
VI
Education of Children
138 Educational System of Korea
138 Overview of the Educational System of Korea
150 Electives
162 Scholarships
Guidebook for Living in Korea
The educational system of Korea consists of six grades of primary school, three grades
of middle school, three years of high school and four years of university (or two years
of college). The six-year curriculum of primary schools and the three-year curriculum
of middle schools are operated as mandatory education, and tuition is free during this
period.
A school year is divided into two semesters. After the spring semester ends, there is
about a month of summer vacation. After the fall semester ends, there are two months of
winter vacation and a year-end holiday before the new academic year begins. The spring
semester begins at the end of February or in early March, and the fall semester begins at
the end of August or in early September.
. Useful Information
International Schools
International schools provide educational services for the children of foreign residents in Korea and
the children of Korean citizens who have lived in a foreign country for a certain period of time. Most
of the international schools in Korea are located in the Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi areas. The
tuition of international schools is higher than that of regular schools, and students must meet the
requirements to be admitted to the schools. Many international schools require candidates to take
entrance examinations.
•Q
ualifications Students must meet at least one of the following requirements to be admitted to
an international school.
- Foreign resident - Foreign denizen
- Korean who has lived in foreign countries for three years or more
- Child whose father or mother is a foreigner
•R
equired documents In general, an application form, an academic transcript from the student’s
previous school and letters of recommendation are required to apply to an international school.
You should learn which documents are required in advance, as requirements may vary by school.
138
VI Education of Children
The primary school curriculum consists of a six-year program. Students age six and up
may attend primary school. Subjects in the curriculum can be divided into the categories
of Korean, Mathematics, Ethical Life, Wise Life (social studies and natural sciences)
and Fun Life (music, arts and P.E.). Primary education is provided as a mandatory, free
educational service. Parents may be penalized if they do not allow their child to attend
primary school.
139
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Preliminary
Enter school
summoning
For the curriculum and schedule of national and private elementary schools, please
! contact the schools directly or refer to their homepages, as it may differ between
schools.
140
VI Education of Children
Please deliberate carefully, as early and postponed admissions are both decisions that
! can be made solely by the parents, not by the school authorities.
- Additional admission: This term refers to the admission of a child who reached the age
of admission, but who was exempted or omitted due to special circumstances such as
illness, unavoidable cause (disappearance, missing, etc.), residing outside of Korea, or
being a child of Korean nationals living abroad.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Entering school can be both a joyful and a stressful event for a child. At home, parents
should encourage the child to become prepared for school life with a joyful heart.
• Clothing (Garment)
Dress the student in plain and casual clothing that will make his or her school life
comfortable, and send him/her to school.
• Backpack
The child’s backpack should not be too big, and should be easy for the child to wear on the
shoulder. It is better to prepare a backpack that is simple and neat, rather than one with
complex patterns or that is in fashion momentarily.
• Notebook
Prepare a notepad for 1st ~ 2nd graders. Prepare a home notice notebook and a general
book in advance, and follow the guideline of the classroom teacher regarding other
notebooks (Dictation notebook, home notice notebook, general book, etc.)
142
VI Education of Children
. Useful Information
143
Guidebook for Living in Korea
144
VI Education of Children
145
Guidebook for Living in Korea
146
VI Education of Children
147
Guidebook for Living in Korea
한국생활 가이드북
148
VI Education of Children
The middle school curriculum consists of a three-year program. Its subjects include
Korean, social studies, mathematics, science, technology and engineering, domestic
sciences, P.E., music, arts and foreign language (English). Students are assigned to attend
the nearest middle school to their home, and like primary school education, middle
school education is mandatory. Parents may be penalized if they do not allow their child to
attend middle school.
Ethics Individuals, Family, Neighbors and School, Society, Nation and People
149
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2_Electives
150
VI Education of Children
Advanced/
Advanced learning of 10 subjects within the all 102 hours
Extra
Electives schools common core education program (primarily
Academics
Academic allocated to
Electives Chinese, Computer, Environmental Studies,
elective courses
Courses Conversational Languages, Others
Community and Citizenship, Humanity, Environment,
Economy, Energy, Work Ethics, Health and
General Preservation, Safety, Sex Education, Consumer
Creative Academics Ethics, Career, Unification, Korean Cultural Identity, 34 hours
Electives International Relations, Marine Studies, IT and IT (1hr/wk)
Ethics, Others
Self-Driven Learning Skills, Individual Learning Activities, Small-
Learning Group Research, Field Studies, etc.
3_Extracurricular Activities
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
• Self-Development Activities
Actively participate in development activities to learn orders, raise a sense of teamwork,
and develop and foster unique hobbies and talents as foundation for realizing individual
identities.
• Community Services
Understand the true meaning of community services and actively participate in helping
others to grow a stronger sense of community and gain a sense of accomplishment and
the value of life.
• Events
Understand the significance of each event and actively participate to develop core qualities
as a member of the school and the community.
Activities Description
152
VI Education of Children
1) Eligibility: Local youth counseling centers are open to teenagers and parents who raise a
teenager.
2) How to Register: Available by phone or the Internet, or you may visit the center to register.
3) Open Hours and the Fee
• Open hours vary depending on the center. Generally, most support centers open from 9:00 a.m.
to 6 p.m.
• Open hours of teen counseling centers are flexible based on the circumstances of the district
and centers. Some centers open during the weekends.
• Most of the counseling services are free of charge for teens residing in the local district of the
centers. However, fees may be charged from some services such as psychological tests.
Available Programs
Category Description
Individual Teen issues (school, friends, juvenile delinquency), prevention of juvenile
Counseling delinquency, marriage relationships, family issues, etc.
Social relationships, effective communication skills, time management,
Group Counseling
study methods, etc.
Psychological Test Intelligent Quotient (I.Q) test, aptitude test, personality test, interest test, etc.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
. Useful Information
School Violence
School violence means every kind of physical, verbal, and mental violence intentionally forced by a
student or students upon other students in and out of school. Even a trivial comment or behavior
can be regarded as violence if a student finds it offensive.
(1) Schools
Report to the class teacher the case of school violence upon your child. The class teacher then
reports it to the School Violence Self-Government Council. The School Violence Self-Government
Council will investigate the case and take measures. The School Violence Protection Council aims
to prevent school violence, study countermeasures, protect the victimized student and punish the
offending student, and handle the dispute between the two.
154
VI Education of Children
155
Guidebook for Living in Korea
High school education is a three-year program. High schools are divided into general high
schools, vocational high schools, science high schools, and high schools with specific
programs. Students are able to enter science high schools and high schools with specific
programs by taking an entry exam. For other high schools, students will be assigned a
local high school depending on their residence based on a lottery system. High school
education is not compulsory, and as such students must pay for their own tuition. Tuition
differs depending on the district and the characteristic of the school, but it is generally
400,000 won for three months, except for Science Schools and High Schools with Specific
Programs.
Science high schools aim to identify gifted students at an early age and guide them
in developing their abilities. Those who have finished the curriculum of two years
Science High
or more at a science high school are given the right to apply for an undergraduate
Schools
program at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology or other
available colleges.
High schools with specific purposes include foreign language high schools, art
High Schools
high schools, and physical education high schools. High schools with specific
with Specific
purposes are open to all students with special talents in foreign language, music,
Purposes
art, athletics, or dance.
156
VI Education of Children
Financial support available for students varies by region, school and period.
• Required Documents
157
Guidebook for Living in Korea
• Duration of Discount
The discount period is one year. If beneficiaries no longer qualify due to a change in their
circumstances, they are excluded from the list of beneficiaries. Students who are exempt
from tuition payment by law may maintain their status as beneficiaries during the period
of school attendance.
158
VI Education of Children
Parents of qualified students submit the application for discounted tuition to homeroom
teachers
Schools host the meeting of the Committee of Student Guidance and Welfare to
deliberate and select beneficiaries
Parents (guardians) of qualified students fill in the application for discounted tuition and
submit the application to homeroom teachers, either in person or via mail. Homeroom
teachers verify the condition of applicants’ households, and make recommendations
to the Committee of Student Guidance and Welfare. Schools host the meeting of the
Committee of Student Guidance and Welfare to deliberate and select beneficiaries. If
necessary, the opinions of homeroom teachers may be reflected in the deliberation. All
applicants shall submit the required documents. If applicants are not able to submit the
documents due to financial difficulties, the documents may be replaced with a certificate
of verification written by homeroom teachers. Schools distribute application forms at the
beginning of each semester.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Meal Expenses
Free meals are provided to all students of
of Schools in N/A
schools in remote areas
Remote Areas
Meal Expenses of
Students of special schools N/A
Special Schools
160
VI Education of Children
Type Description
Broadcast & Correspondence Offer remote education through communication media, including TV,
College and Cyber Colleges radio, and computer
161
Guidebook for Living in Korea
2_Scholarships
Students must pay their own tuition. However, students may benefit from a range of
scholarships, which can be funded by the government or by the university or college. The
following are the ways in which students can be awarded a scholarship.
• Academic scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students with high GPAs
compared to other students in the same major or department. Students must study hard
to achieve high GPAs.
• Scholarships for students in need of financial support: All universities or colleges offer
these scholarships. To apply, the student or the parent must visit the student’s academic
advisor or an employee at the financial aid office, and disclose their financial situation.
. Useful Information
• Life of a Primary School Student (in four languages: English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese)
• Life of a Middle School Student (in four languages: English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese)
• Life of a High School Student (in four languages: English, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese)
162
VI Education of Children
Me mo
Guidebook
for Living
in Korea
for Foreigners
VII
Health and Healthcare
166 National Health Insurance 176 Public Health Centers
166 Overview of National Health 176 Medical Examination and
Insurance Treatment
166 Foreign residents who are required 177 Customized Home Visit
to subscribe to the national health Medical Care Service
insurance 178 Free Mental Healthcare
167 How to Register Service
167 Benefits 179 First Aids
168 Payment of Insurance Premium
168 Counseling and Inquiries
169 Medical Allowance System
169 Qualifications
170 Fees to Be Charged to Recipients
171 Medical Institutions
171 Types of Medical Institutions
172 Major Services and Major Diseases
173 How to Use Medical Services
174 Coping with Emergency Situations
175 Pharmacy
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Foreign residents who are registered and work at businesses where employee subscriber
schemes are applied, or foreign residents who are appointed as public officers and teachers,
are granted the status of employee subscribers. Foreign residents who are registered and
who are not categorized as employee subscribers may gain the status of local subscribers
upon request. Foreign residents who have stayed in Korea for three or more months may
subscribe to the national health insurance. Foreign residents or overseas Koreans who have
not stayed in Korea may subscribe to the national health insurance if there is a clear reason
for a stay of more than three months, such as studies or employment.
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VII Health and Healthcare
3_How to Register
(3) When Both the Husband and the Married Immigrant Woman Are
Unemployed
• Self-employed or day workers that are not employed by a company may apply
independently at a local office of the National Health Insurance Corporation.
• Submit the application form along with your alien registration card at the nearest local
office of the National Health Insurance Corporation. Married immigrant women may
apply without being accompanied by their husbands.
4_Benefits
• Insured people will be provided with medical treatment at hospitals, clinics, and
oriental medicine clinics at a moderate price. A small fee will be charged for medical
examinations and treatment.
• Insured people will be provided with medical checkups. The number of checkups
provided will differ depending on age. Most insured people have a medical checkup
every other year.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Note: If the status of spouses is verified, regardless of the status of stay, the
! subscribers may join the household of Korean citizens and pay monthly premiums
based on the same premium criteria as those applied to Korean citizens.
For detailed information on premiums, qualifications and benefits of the national health
insurance, visit the website of the National Health Insurance Corporation or call 1577-
1000 (for English information, call 02-390-2000).
168
VII Health and Healthcare
The Medical Allowance System provides financial support for those who have difficulty
paying for medical treatment. When a person who is qualified for this assistance
undergoes medical treatment due to disease, injury or childbirth, the government pays
the fee to the hospital or clinic.
1_Qualifications
• Recipients of National Basic Livelihood Security are eligible for the medical allowance.
• Married, divorced, or widowed immigrants raising a child with Korean nationality are
eligible to be recipients of medical allowance.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Recipients will be charged a portion of the medical expenses when using medical
institutions.
※ Please consult with an agent at the Social Welfare Division at your local eup/myeon/dong office for further
information.
170
VII Health and Healthcare
Primary Secondary
• In general, patients are treated at primary medical institutions. With the exception of
emergency and hemophiliac patients, patients must be referred by a doctor at a primary
medical institution in order to be treated at a specialized general hospital.
• There are a large number of oriental medicine clinics in Korea. These clinics provide a
range of medical services, including acupuncture, moxa cautery, and herbal medicine.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Clinic Field
Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases not requiring surgery:
Internal Medicine Esophagus, stomach, lungs, heart, blood vessels, blood pressure, diabetes and
others
Deals with the care and treatment of infants and children under 18: Care of
Pediatrics
premature babies, treatment of children’s diseases, allergies and others
Obstetrics & Deals with pregnancy and childbirth, and the treatment of disorders affecting
Gynecology the female reproductive organs
Dermatology Deals with skin conditions including acne, hives and hair loss
Otorhinolaryngology Deals with diseases related with the ears, nose and throat
Treats decayed teeth, and performs teeth straightening, dental prosthesis, and
Dentistry
scaling
Emergency
Deals with the diagnosis and treatment of emergency patients
Medicine
Deals with acupuncture, herbal medicines and other medical practices that
Oriental Medicine
originated in Asia
172
VII Health and Healthcare
Present your health insurance card at the front desk and wait to be called
Ask the doctor any questions you have regarding his or her instructions
After the examination by the doctor, pay the bill and receive your prescription
Go to the secondary medical institution the appointment (be sure to arrive slightly early!)
and submit the reference from a doctor at a primary medical institution
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
• Emergency medicine and painkillers for colds and flu may be useful if you keep them at
home.
• If you call ☎119, an ambulance will come and bring you to the nearest hospital. You will
be treated in the emergency room. If you need to be hospitalized for surgery or medical
examination, you will have to wait to be assigned a hospital room. Once a room is
assigned, you must follow hospitalization procedures.
. Useful Information
174
VII Health and Healthcare
5_Pharmacy
In Korea, you need a prescription issued by a medical doctor to purchase most medicines.
However, the following basic medicines can be purchased without a prescription, and
are available at any pharmacy: medicines for cold symptoms, digestive aids, medicines
to relieve fever, pain-killers and ointments. Pharmacies also sell insecticides, sanitary
napkins, energy drinks, and condoms, all of which can be purchased without prescription.
First-aid Kit
A first-aid kit should be prepared at home for emergency use. When pharmacies are closed, there
is no way to get necessary medicines. It is particularly important for those who live far from a
hospital to prepare a first-aid kit. A first-aid kit should include the followings:
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Public health centers are government-funded centers that aim to help members of the
public to maintain and manage their health. The medical treatments provided include
vaccinations, treatment for chronic illnesses, physical examinations, treatment for
injuries, dental treatment, and oriental medical treatment. Medical treatments are offered
here at a less expensive fee than at regular medical institutions.
Classification Contents
Medical
High blood pressure, diabetes, chronic diseases, physical
Examination
examinations, physical treatment
and Treatment
Oriental Medical
Acupuncture, moxa cautery, herbal medication
Treatment
Dental examination and consultation, dental health, cavity
Dental Treatment
treatment, tooth extraction, etc.
176
VII Health and Healthcare
Public health centers also offer home medical care. A staff member from a local public
health center can visit your house to provide medical treatment, or connect you with a
suitable medical institution.
(1) Qualifications
• Local residents who have health problems among beneficiaries of the National Basic
Livelihood Security System, and the poor
• The elderly (above 65 years of age) are given priority for treatment.
(2) Benefits
• Health management for stroke victims and patients suffering from high blood pressure,
diabetes, cancer, dementia, or mental illness
• Family health management for chronic illness, disability, and accidents
• Health management for pregnant women, and healthy development guidance for infants
• Health education and consultation, and regular home visit health care service
• Education in good practices for health improvement
Diagnosis Visit by
Selection as
of health a staff
beneficiary
problem member
• Apply as a beneficiary at the Visiting Health Care Division of a local public health center.
• A staff member will assess the health of the applicant, and determine whether the
applicant needs to visit medical care service.
• Recipients will be visited at regular intervals based on the degree of illness.
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Mental Health Centers are public health organizations that prevent mental illness,
diagnose patients with mental illnesses, provide counseling and rehabilitation services,
manage cases, and provide education and PR services for mental health improvement.
Patients who have difficulties due to depression, mental health disorders and/or drug
addiction may seek counseling services and help from the nearest Mental Health Center.
(1) Qualifications
• The program for the registration and management of patients with mental illnesses is
available to patients with mental illnesses and their families.
• The program for the prevention of mental illness is available to all residents.
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VII Health and Healthcare
Immediate and proper treatment in the event of an accident can help to reduce pain and
avoid worsening the situation. After first aid treatment, call 119 (Emergency Rescue) or a
nearby hospital for specialized and comprehensive care.
(3) Nosebleed
Tilt head forward and low, and as the blood flows out of your nose, hold the
lower part of your nose bone. Do not speak, swallow your saliva, or cough.
Go to see a doctor if you are still bleeding after ten minutes. Even after the
bleeding stops, hold your head low for a while and carefully wash your face
with warm water. Avoid any physical contact with the damaged part.
(4) Burns
In the event of a serious burn or a burn covering a wide area, dress the
wound with sterilized gauze and go immediately to a hospital. While you are
waiting to see a doctor, observe your breathing pattern. For small burns,
remove the clothes around the affected area, cutting them with scissors if
necessary to avoid contact with the burn, and cool the wound for at least 20
minutes using cold running water.
Do not rub your wound or break the blisters. Apply Vaseline or an antibiotic
ointment to protect the wound. Position the wounded part higher than your
heart to reduce pain.
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(7) Suffocation
In the event of suffocation, the patient can hardly breathe and his/her face
gets pale with eyes protruded. Bring the patient to an airy place to help
breathing and let him/her a rest. Even if the patient is not conscious, it is
recommended to let the patient lie on his/her face as long as he/she is
breathing. If the patient cannot breathe try artificial respiration immediately
and move the patient to a hospital for further treatment.
180
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Me mo
181
Guidebook
for Living
in Korea
for Foreigners
VIII
Social Security System
184 Basic Livelihood Security 194 Self-Support Services
System 194 Qualifications
188 Benefits
The government provides low-income citizens with basic livelihood grants, housing
subsidies, educational subsidies and medical aid to guarantee the basic livelihood security
of citizens. Foreign residents may also apply for these benefits in accordance with the
related laws.
1_Qualifications
Foreign residents shall not apply for the basic livelihood security system, but their Korean
families may gain the status of recipients if they meet the relevant qualifications, including
the recognized household income* level and the number of supporting family members.
However, marriage immigrants who are married to Korean citizens (including when there
has been divorce or death of the Korean spouse) and who are raising underage Korean
children may become beneficiaries of the basic livelihood security system and receive
government subsidies, provided that they meet the recognized household income and the
qualifications for supporting family members.
✽ Recognized household income : Household income plus properties shall be lower than the
minimum cost of living
✽ Minimum Cost of Living : Minimum cost of living for a healthy and cultural life. This cost is
determined and announced annually by the government, and may vary according to the number
of family members.
Amount (KRW
490,845 835,763 1,081,186 1,326,609 1,572,031 1,817,454
/Month)
※ Minimum cost of living for households with seven or more members: an additional KRW 245,423 per member
(7-Member Households: KRW 2,062,877)
184
VIII Social Security System
2_Types of Aid
Amount
of basic Recognized
livelihood Amount of
income of Housing aid
aid per cash aid
household
household
Ceiling of housing aid and housing aid in cash for 2009 (Unit: KRW/ Month)
※ Households with seven or more members: an additional KRW 245,423 per member (7-Member Households:
KRW 2,062,877)
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3_How to Apply
Government
Submit
official examines
application form Result
applicant’s
to eup/myeon/ informed
income and
dong office
property
. Useful Information
186
VIII Social Security System
Under the national pension system operated by the government, citizens are required to
pay premiums to prepare for their senior years, unexpected disabilities and death, and
pensions are provided to beneficiaries or their families so that they can lead stable lives in
the event of an emergency.
1_Qualifications
Like native Koreans, foreign residents in Korea are required to subscribe to the national
pension system. Foreign residents between the ages of 18 and 60 who work at businesses
subscribing to the national pension system gain the status of company subscribers, while
other foreign residents gain the status of local subscribers. If the laws of their mother
countries do not apply similar laws to Korean citizens, the foreign residents shall be
excluded from the requirement to subscribe. If there are treaties on social security signed
by Korea and the mother countries of foreign residents, the related rules shall be applied
to the foreign residents.
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2_Amount of Pension
• Employees and employers of businesses each pay 4.5% of the employee’s monthly
income into the pension.
• Local subscribers (business owners) pay 9% of the reported (actual) monthly income.
3_Benefits
• If a foreign resident meets the qualifications for benefits, including age, disability and
death, they shall be paid a similar amount of pension as a native Korean.
• Pension for Seniors If subscribers have subscribed to the pension for ten or more years
and turn 60 years old, the monthly pension shall be paid for the rest of their lives. However,
starting in 2013 the eligible age of beneficiaries is delayed by one year, every five years. This
means that in the year 2033, subscribers must be 65 years old to get the benefits.
• Pension for Disability If subscribers have disabilities due to diseases or injury that
occurred during the period of subscription, the disability pension is given to Class 1, Class
2 and Class 3, and the lump-sum compensation is given to Class 4.
• Pension for Surviving Family If subscribers die while subscribing to the pension or
receiving the pension, a monthly pension shall be given to surviving family members who
are in the same household.
• Lump-Sum Return A lump-sum pension is not given to foreign residents, but a lump-sum
amount plus interest is given to foreign residents in the following cases when they leave
Korea, die, or turn 60 years of age.
① The laws of their mother countries allow the payment of lump-sum pension to Korean
citizens ② Treaties for social security signed by Korea and their mother countries have
related provisions ③ Foreign residents have the status of E-8, E-9 and H-2
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VIII Social Security System
For detailed information, visit the branch office of the National Pension Service or call
! 1355. Website of the National Pension Service (http://www.nps.or.k)
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The aid aims to provide low-income citizens who have difficulties in maintaining a
basic livelihood due to a sudden critical illness, death, leave, imprisonment, job loss
and business closing of income earners, through necessary welfare services such as
livelihood aid and medical aid.
Foreign residents may apply for emergency welfare aid if they meet the qualifications.
1_Qualifications
190
VIII Social Security System
On-site
Ask for
examination Post
support and
and advanced examination
report
suppor
Mayors, governors
of gun or heads of
gu offices Post Eligibility
handover review
• In the event of an emergency, call the competent departments of offices of cities, guns
or gus, or the Call Center of the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs (☎129).
• Public officers in charge will conduct a field investigation, provide aid, and then review
the eligibility again. If applicants are not qualified, the aid is suspended, and shall be
returned.
• If emergency situations do not end after the emergency welfare program is completed,
beneficiaries may be transferred to the related national aid systems or private welfare
programs.
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• Income below 150% of the minimum cost of living (4-member households: KRW
1,990,000)
Basic livelihood aid: below 100% of the minimum cost of living (4-member households:
KRW 1,320,000)
• Properties Large cities (KRW 135,000,000), small and medium-sized cities (KRW
85,000,000), rural areas (KRW 72,500,000)
• Monetary Assets below KRW 3 million (as of February 6, 2009)
4_Types of Aid
Basic livelihood aid, medical aid, educational aid, housing aid, aid for the use of social
welfare facilities and other aid (fuel costs, power bills, childbirth aid and funeral aid)
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VIII Social Security System
If your family consists of two members including yourself and has a monthly income of
less than 830,000 won, you are eligible for emergency welfare support. A government
official will determine your eligibility after examining your situation, including your
income, property, and the circumstances of the emergency. Contact the nearest town/
myeon/dong office or the Health & Welfare Call Center (☎129) to consult with an agent.
As there is no interpretation service provided, you will need to find your own interpreter if
you cannot communicate in Korean. You can also use the interpretation service provided
by the multicultural family support centers. If you are granted emergency welfare support,
you will be given living costs and funeral expenses.
If you have Korean nationality or are raising a child with Korean nationality, even if you
are divorced, you may qualify for emergency welfare support. A government official will
determine your eligibility after examining your situation, including your income, property,
and the circumstances of the emergency. Contact the nearest town/myeon/dong office
or the Health & Welfare Call Center (☎129) and consult with an agent. As there is no
interpretation service provided, you will need to find your own interpreter if you cannot
communicate in Korean. You can also use the interpretation service provided by the
multicultural family support centers.
If you have Korean nationality or are raising a child with Korean nationality, you may
qualify for emergency welfare support. A government official will determine your
eligibility. If you are eligible, you will be financially supported and provided with shelter.
Contact the nearest town/myeon/dong office or the Health & Welfare Call Center (☎129)
for further information.
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If you have difficulty finding a job, there are a number of self-support services that can
open up job opportunities.
1_Qualifications
You may qualify for the self-support services if you qualify in all three cases listed below:
• If your accredited income is less than 120% of the minimum cost of living (the total of
you and your husband’s income and property, as estimated by the government)
• If you have an underage child, even if you don’t have Korean nationality
• If you are capable of working
2_Working Conditions
194
VIII Social Security System
3_How to Apply
Submit Government
application at official examines Result
eup/myeon/dong applicant’s informed
office eligibility
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
In recent years, the number of single-parent families has been increasing due to divorce,
death and financial difficulties. The government has developed and operated diverse
support programs for the stability and self-support of single-parent families.
1_Types of Services
Item Descriptions
• A low-income single parent, who is the head of their family, and their children
Qualifications under age 18, who are being raised by them (recognized amount of income: below
130% of the minimum cost of living, excluding beneficiaries of basic livelihood aid)
• Childcare Support: Monthly support of KRW 50,000 for children under age 12
Support • Tuition Support for High School Students: 100% of admission fees and tuition for
children attending high schools
196
VIII Social Security System
2009 (KRW/
1,086,490 1,405,540 1,724,590 2,043,640 2,362,690
Month)
※ Seven or more members: an additional KRW 319,050 per member (7-Member Households: KRW 2,681,740)
2_How to Apply
• Fill out and submit the welfare beneficiary security application form at the nearest town/
myoen/dong office.
• A government official will inform you whether you are eligible as a recipient.
Q I have been abandoned by my husband. I don’t know how I’m going to live my
life. Is there any way I can get help?
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in Korea
for Foreigners
IX
Employment and Labor
200 Employment and Vocational Training
200 Employment
204 Vocational Training
206 Major Issues Related to Labor
206 Social Insurance
206 Overview of the Labor Standards Law
208 Labor Standards
210 Salary
211 Employment Insurance
211 Unemployment Benefits
213 Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance
213 Industrial Accidents
215 Basic Safety Rules
216 Safety Signs
217 Maternity Leave and Childcare Leave
217 Maternity Leave
218 Stillbirth and Miscarriage Leave
219 Childcare Leave
Guidebook for Living in Korea
1_Employment
Foreign residents may be employed according to the type of visa that they hold. Marriage
immigrants who entered Korea with F-13 or F-21 visas are allowed to be employed in
Korea.
※ To check your visa status, contact Hi Korea (www.hikorea.go.kr, 1345).
Your first step before seeking employment should be to discuss the need for employment, type of work
desired and usage of salary with your family members.
Classification Description
These agencies offer job opportunities and job training especially for
Women Resources
women. Most of the available programs are free, but some charge a small
Development Centers
fee.
200
IX Employment and Labor
Multicultural Family These centers offer job opportunities and cultural programs for
Support Center multicultural families.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Counselors of Job Centers will visit businesses with applicants if applicants have
! difficulties visiting companies.
• Job Center (jobcenter.work.go.kr)
• Women’s Resource Development Center (www.vocation.or.kr)
. Useful Information
For interpretation services, you can visit the Korea Migrants’ Center or the Korea International
Labour Foundation, or make a call to the organization.
202
IX Employment and Labor
Service
Tel Operating Hours Supported Languages
Organization
203
Guidebook for Living in Korea
2_Vocational Training
Vocational training enables job seekers to develop important vocational skills. The
employment insurance system operates job training and vocational training programs to
increase the social participation of women.
(1) Qualifications for Vocational Training under the Employment Insurance Program
• People who have lost their jobs, low-income business owners, beneficiaries of job
aid and beneficiaries of basic livelihood aid are qualified for vocational training under
employment insurance.
• Marriage immigrants with Korean nationality may apply to the vocational training
program.
• Marriage immigrants who have subscribed to employment insurance and who are not
Korean citizens may access the Training programs for the currently unemployed.
(2) How to Apply for and Use the Vocational Training Programs
Submit Application
Attend Vocational Receive
for Vocational
Training and Recommendation of
Training Programs to
Receive Allowance Vocational Training
Vocational Training
for Trainees Organizations
Organizations
204
IX Employment and Labor
Types of
Description Qualification Allowances
Training
Training for
Training for Applicants who have not subscribed to employment Transportation expenses
the newly
employment insurance and meal expenses
unemployed
Training for Transportation expenses,
Training for re- Applicants who have subscribed to employment
the existing meal expenses and
employment insurance
unemployed allowances for rehabilitation
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
All companies have policies and regulations. These include policies on working hours,
designated breaks, safety, and sanitary conditions. You are recommended to learn these
policies when you find a job.
1_Social Insurance
• When married immigrant women with Korean nationality are employed, they are
automatically signed up for social insurance programs (national pension, health
insurance, employment insurance).
• Married immigrant women without Korean nationality may choose whether or not they
wish to apply for social insurance, but are generally encouraged to do so.
• Insurance fees are deducted from the worker’s salary and transferred to the Korean
Institute for Social Insurance.
The Labor Standards Law was enacted to guarantee and improve the basic livelihood of
workers, and to promote the balanced development of the national economy by setting
the standards for labor terms.
206
IX Employment and Labor
• Salaries are to be paid directly on the fixed date, in full and in cash. The salaries shall be
paid at least once a month, and in a regular manner.
• Additional salary may be paid to employees who work overtime, at nights and on
holidays.
• Employees who have worked one year or more may apply for retirement benefits.
• Employees may present a petition to the competent local offices of labor and the
department of labor supervision if employers fail to pay salaries and retirement benefits,
employees became victims of violence from employers or managers, or if employees
are forced to work overtime against their will. (Labor Counseling Center ☎1350, 1544-
1350)
Due diligence
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
(5) Layoff
The Labor Standards Law stipulates that the layoff of employees shall take effect only
when there are reasonable causes. Causes are categorized into the following three types.
• Personal reasons
• Behavioral reasons
• Emergency need for business operation
3_Labor Standards
208
IX Employment and Labor
(2) Breaks
• A thirty-minute break is given for every 4 hours of work, and a 1 hour break is given for
every 8 hours of work.
• Employees are free to use their breaks as they wish, but they will be unpaid during this
period.
(4) Shifts
• Companies that require production facilities to be run for 24 hours divide their
employees into two or three teams to work in shifts.
• Some factories make arrangements whereby their employees rotate day and night
shifts on a weekly basis.
• Others group their employees into shifts on a permanent basis.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
4_Salary
Type Description
• This refers to the minimum amount of money that the government requires
employers to pay to employees.
Guaranteed
• All corporations must comply. The guaranteed minimum wage for 2009 was
Minimum Income
4,000 won per hour, 32,000 won per day, and will be 4,110 won per hour,
32,880 won per day in 2010.
• Only employees working in accordance the Labor Standard Act will qualify for
retirement allowance.
• There is no retirement allowance granted to employees who work less than
Retirement
15 hours per week.
Allowance
• Retirement allowance is limited to companies with more than five employees.
• Employees who have been with a company for more than a year are to be
granted an annual bonus, equivalent to at least 30 days of pay.
210
IX Employment and Labor
1_Unemployment Benefits
If employees lose their jobs, employment insurance provides benefits for a certain period
of time to help them overcome their financial instability and seize the opportunity for
reemployment.
• Unemployment benefits are not compensation for unemployment or the return of the
payment of employment insurance premiums.
• Unemployment benefits are incentives to encourage active reemployment activities.
• The unemployed shall not apply for unemployment benefits 12 months after the date of
retirement.
(1) Qualifications
Persons who meet all qualifications below may apply for unemployment benefits
• Employees who have served at companies that subscribed to employment insurance for
six or more months
• Employees who have been forced to quit
• Unemployed people who are making active efforts for reemployment
(Unemployed people who have voluntarily quit their job or been fired by causing damage
to the workplace shall not apply for unemployment benefits.)
. Useful Information
Qualifications
Married immigrant women with Korean nationality are automatically registered for the
unemployment insurance once they are employed. Those without Korean nationality may choose
whether to apply for the unemployment insurance. However, those who work less than 60 hours
per month (15 hours per week) are disqualified from application.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Age and Duration of Less than 1 Year ~ 3 Years ~ 5 Years ~ Longer than
Subscription 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 10 Years
50 ~ and the Disabled 90 days 150 days 180 days 210 days 240 days
Immediately report to your local job center with your identification card
(alien registration card) once you lose your employment status.
Visit the job center for unemployment confirmation on the date specified on your
application.
During the approval period, you should report your efforts to find new
employment (submitting resumes, interview appointments with companies,
etc.) to the employment support center.
212
IX Employment and Labor
1_Industrial Accidents
(2) Qualifications
Businesses or employees of businesses where the Law for Compensation and Protection
from Industrial Accidents is applicable may apply for compensation in the event of injury,
diseases, disability or death during the services.
Issuance
Transfer to
Accident of Medical
Hospital
Certificate
Preparation
Review of Course
Submission to of the Initial
of Accident, Injury
the Service Application for
or Illness
Medical Care
Notification of
Decision (Applicants,
Medical Advice Deliberation and
Businesses
(If necessary) Decision and Medical
Organizations)
214
IX Employment and Labor
Item Description
Cash compensations paid to medical organizations until employees
Compensation for Leave
are healthy, if employees are injured or sick due to the services
Compensation given instead of salary for the protection of the basic
Compensation for Medical
livelihood of employees who have not been employed due to medical
Care
care, and their families
Compensation provided according to the level of remaining disability
Compensation for Disability
caused by industrial accidents
Compensation for Surviving Compensation given to surviving families, and funeral supported for
Families and Funerals basic livelihood of surviving families in case of death of employees
The first step for the prevention of industrial accidents is to frequently clean the workplace
and the surrounding passages, and neatly arrange all objects. Passages must be kept
clear, and floors should be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are not slippery. The
following are basic safety rules that apply to every workplace.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
3_Safety Signs
Caution:
Do Not Use Do Not Board Off Limits Caution: Leakage
Inflammable
216
IX Employment and Labor
If employees are pregnant, they may apply for pre-birth or post-birth maternity leave.
They may also apply for childcare leave within one year from the date of childbirth.
1_Maternity Leave
(1) Qualifications
• While childcare leave is available to parents of adopted children, only pregnant women
or new mothers may apply for pre-birth and post-birth maternity leave.
• Female employees may apply for leave regardless of their type of employment contract,
in accordance with the Labor Standards Law.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Required Documents
! • From the company: Certificate of maternity leave (miscarriage/stillbirth), pay stubs,
a copy of an employment contract
• From the Ministry of Labor web site or a job center: Application form for a maternity
leave allowance grant
(1) Qualifications
• Stillbirth and miscarriage leave is applied only to women who experience spontaneous
abortions after 16 weeks of pregnancy, and the duration of leave may vary according to
the number of weeks of pregnancy.
• In accordance with the Labor Standards Law, a female employee who is employed by
a business with one or more employees may apply for leave, regardless of her type of
employment contract (regular workers and part-time workers).
218
IX Employment and Labor
(4) How to Apply for Allowances for Stillbirth and Miscarriage Leave
Employees who intend to apply for allowances for stillbirth and miscarriage leave may
submit the certificate of the stillbirth and miscarriage leave issued by their employers,
the application for stillbirth and miscarriage leave, and the medical certificate proving the
stillbirth or miscarriage after 16 weeks of pregnancy to the competent Job Center of the
applicants’ address or workplaces.
3_Childcare Leave
Employees with a baby less than 3 years of age can apply for childcare leave for a year.
(1) Qualifications
• Employees who have stayed with a company for more than a year, who are a parent of a
baby less than 3 years of age can apply.
• Childcare leave is guaranteed to prevent employees from quitting the job due to
childcare and let them carry out the household tasks and company’s work in harmony.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
220
IX Employment and Labor
Me mo
221
Guidebook
for Living
in Korea
for Foreigners
X
Enjoy Korea!
224 Cultural Spaces of Korea
225 Tourist Destinations
225 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Korea has many cultural spaces similar to those of other countries, such as movie
theaters, but also features some unique spots, like video rooms and cartoon rooms.
Movie Theater
The first showings at most movie theaters start at 9 or 10 a.m., and tickets
are sold at a discounted price. You can enjoy a midnight showing on
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Recently, the number of large multiplex
theaters with 10 screens or more has been increasing, making it possible
to choose from a wide range of titles when you get to the theater.
Video/Audio Room
You can select a DVD or CD, and watch/listen to it in a private room,
at a lower price than a movie theater.
Singing Room
Here, you can rent a room to sing favorite songs with your friends,
accompanied by a backing track. There are many foreign songs and
Korean songs to choose from.
PC Room
Here, you can use PCs to play games, email, search the worldwide
web, and prepare documents after paying a fee. It is easy to find PC
rooms. The fee is usually 1,000 to 1,500 won per hour.
224
X Enjoy Korea!
Korea has a lot of historic and cultural heritages proving its ancient history as well as its
beautiful landscape. Some heritages like Changdeok Palace and Suwon Hwaseong are
designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and promoted globally.
Jongmyo
Jongno-gu, Seoul, Designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1995
The royal shrine is the emotional anchor of the country and the
symbolic monument that justifies the ground of the royal family.
Ancestral tablets (small wooden plates where names of the late
ancestors are written) of Kings and Queens of the Joseon Period are
kept in the shrine. Since it was burnt during the Japanese Invasion
in Imjin Year and restored in 1608, Jongmyo has been maintained
through multiple times of expansion and renovations.
※ Exit No. 8 and Exit No. 11, Jongno3-ga Station, Subway Line 1, 3 and 5
Haeinsa Janggyeongpanjeon
Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, Designated as UNESCO World
Heritage in 1995
Haeinsa Janggyeongpanjeon is the place where over 80,000 sheets
of Goryeo Daejanggyeongpan, which are the world cultural heritage
made in the 13th century, are kept. It is the world’s only building to
store Daejanggyeongpan. Although Goryeo Daejanggyeongpan made
of woods is vulnerable to moist and worms, not a single sheet has
been damaged or twisted for over 750 years.
※ Haeinsa IC of 88 Olympic Expressway → 14km north from National
Road No. 1033 bound for Gayasan (Mt.) (Haeinsa)
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Suwon Hwaseong
Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1997
King Jeongjo built Suwon Hwaseong when he moved the grave of his
father, Sado Seja, to Suwon. It was built with new technology and new
materials including Geojunggi and Nongno. Hwaseong served as the
military defense facility and the commercial facility, and has been
highly recognized as one of the best oriental castles with its practical
structure.
※ Bus No. 7000 and No. 7700 at Suwon Subway Station (Line No. 1) and
Sadang Station (Line No. 4)
Changdeok Palace
Jongno-gu, Seoul, Designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 1997)
Changdeok Palace is the place where kings of the Joseon dynasty
have served for 258 years, the longest period of time, from the term of
Gwanghaegun of 1610 to 1868 when King Gojong renovated Gyeongbok
Palace. Better known as Huwon or Biwon, Changdeok Palace shows
the well-preserved landscaping of the Joseon period.
※ Anguk Station (Subway Line No. 3), closed on Mondays
226
X Enjoy Korea!
227
Guidebook for Living in Korea
2_National Parks
The following parks offer historic sites and spectacular scenery in Korean. They are
maintained and managed under national law. Many tourists visit the parks during their
visit to Korea.
228
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229
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230
X Enjoy Korea!
231
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Gungnamji Gungnamji is the Historic Site No. 135, and also called
Maraebangjuk. It is the nation’s oldest artificial reserve, and located at
Dongnam-ri, Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. It is located
about 1km south from Buyeo-eup, and there are foundation stone in the
east and old tiles surrounding the reserve. There is an octagon-shaped
well with three stages of marbles near the reserve, whose water is still
being used as drinking water.
※ 15 minutes’ walk from Buyeo Bus Terminal
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233
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Maisan Stone Tower Maisan (Mt.) has the world’s only couple
of peaks. Sutmai (667m) and Ammai (673m) with aqueous rocks are
harmonized with each other. Over 80 stone towers built by Gap-Yong
Lee are famous. Those towers are said to be built by Mr. Lee in the late
1800’s, and they never collapse in heavy storms.
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235
Guidebook for Living in Korea
Jikjisa (Temple) Jikjisa has the beautiful landscape with old pines,
clean water flowing through deep valleys and autumn leaves. There is
Birojeon (so-called thousand buddas’ temple) where one thousand baby
Buddha are located, as well as Iljumun with 1000 year-old arrowroot
and bush clover pillars, Daewungjeon that represents the architecture
of the Joseon period and Seokjoyaksa Yeoraejwasang (Treasure No. 319)
built in the united Shilla period.
※ Take Bus No. 11 at Gimcheon Bus Terminal, and walk for 20 minutes
from the final destination of Bus No. 11
236
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237
Guidebook for Living in Korea
238
X Enjoy Korea!
For detailed information on tourist destinations in Korea, visit the website of Korea
Tourism Organization (www.visitkorea.or.kr) or call 1330 (local code + 1330 from outside
Seoul or mobile phones). The website of Korea Tourism Organization supports search
by theme, and is provided in multiple languages including English, Japanese, Chinese,
German, French, Spanish, Russian and Thai.
For detailed information on local tourist sites, visit the websites of local governments.
Busan
www.busan.go.kr Chungcheongbuk-do www.cb21.net
Metropolitan City
Daegu
www.daegu.go.kr Chungcheongnam-do www.chungnam.net
Metropolitan City
Incheon
www.incheon.go.kr Jeollanam-do www.jeonnam.go.kr
Metropolitan City
Gwangju
www.gwangju.go.kr Jeollabuk-do www.jeonbuk.go.kr
Metropolitan City
Daejeon
www.metro.daejeon.kr Gyeongsangbuk-do www.gyeongbuk.go.kr
Metropolitan City
Ulsan
www.ulsan.go.kr Gyeongsangnam-do www.gsnd.net
Metropolitan City
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Agricultural Museum
www.museum.nonghyup.com ☎02-2080-5727
Through the excavation and preservation of agricultural relics, and
research of agriculture, you can learn more about our ancestors’
wisdom and traditional culture.
240
X Enjoy Korea!
Aerospace Museum
www.aerospacemuseum.or.kr ☎02-300-0466
The 21st century is opening new doors to the field of aerospace
engineering. Interesting information on the aerospace industry,
aircraft operation, and fighter planes is available.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Railroad Museum
info.korail.com ☎031-461-3610
Located in Gyeonggi Uiwang, this museum has an outdoor exhibition
ground for different train models and related equipment
※ If you wish to visit other museums in your region, please refer to www.emuseum.go.kr, which is run by the
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. More information on various museums is available.
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5_Theme Parks
Everland
www.everland.com
Located in Gyeonggi Yongin, Everland is Korea’s largest theme park
that offers various amusement rides, a themed zoo, and a safari. Try
surfing on the artificial waves at the famous water-park, Caribbean
Bay.
Seorak Waterpia
www.seorakwaterpia.com
Seorak Waterpia is a hot-spring park located in Gangwon Sokcho. You
can enjoy water activities and hot springs all year round.
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
Tongdo Fantasia
www.fantasia.co.kr
Located in Gyeongnam Yangsan, Tongdo Fantasia provides amusement
rides, water and snow activities, and various events.
244
X Enjoy Korea!
• Itaewon (Seoul)
Itaewon is the best-known district for foreigners, and
includes many foreign embassies, a mosque, and restaurants
that serve dishes from foreign countries. The restaurants are
located along the street that runs from Hangangjin Subway
Station, Subway Line No. 6, to Noksapyeong Subway Station,
Subway Line No. 6.
- European Restaurants: Italian, French, Switzerland and German cuisine
- Asian Restaurants: Pakistani, Thai, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Korean
cuisine
- Latin American Restaurants: Mexican cuisine
For locations and detailed information of each restaurant, visit www.iteawon.go.kr/food/
index.asp (in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese)
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Guidebook for Living in Korea
• China Town (Incheon) Incheon China Town is a place where Korean culture and Chinese
culture is mixed. Following a massive influx of Chinese immigrants when Incheon Port
opened its doors to foreigners in 1883, the history and the culture of the Town have been
well preserved. The only China Town in Korea, Incheon China Town has been designated
as a special tourism zone, and has more than 500 full-time Chinese residents. Its official
website is www.ichinatown.or.kr/index.asp (in Korean and Chinese).
Incheon China Town is accessible from Incheon Subway Station, Subway Line No. 1.
246
X Enjoy Korea!
• Russian Street (Busan) Choryang Foreign Shopping Street is located opposite to Busan
Station, and is called Choryang Texas Street. The street has been used by Russians for
economic activities since the early 90s, when Russian crews would visit the Street to buy
and sell daily commodities.
The Street is accessible from Exit No. 5, Busan Subway Station.
247
Reference
250 Multicultural Family Support Centers ☎1577-5432
250
List of Major Organizations
Center Contact
251
Center Contact
252
List of Major Organizations
Center Contact
253
Center Contact
254
List of Major Organizations
Suwon 031-257-1841
1577-1366
Daejeon 042-488-2979
Local Centers
Gwangju 062-367-1577
Busan 051-508-1366
255
4>> Korea Immigration Service ☎1345
Name of Office Address Service Areas
Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon Areas
Seoul Immigration 121 Mokdong-no, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul Special City; Anyang, Gwacheon, Seongnam,
Service Seoul Hanam and Gwangmyeong of Gyeonggi-do
Gangwon Areas
256
List of Major Organizations
257
Guidebook
for Living
in Korea
for
Foreigners
한국생활 가이드북
Publisher
Korean Government
Planning
The Central Office for Multicultural Family Support Centers
Images
Provided by Korea Culture Organization
Designed by
The Seven Partners
Translated by
Enkoline (English and Russian)
References
Guidelines for a Happy Life in Korea (2007, Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs)
Cultural Guidebook for Immigrant Workers (2005, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Guidebook for School Life for Students of Primary, Middle and High Schools (three volumes,
2009, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Chungcheongbuk Provincial Office of
Education)
Happy Dream Happy Start (2009, Korea Immigration Service of Ministry of Justice)
※ This book was published under the sponsorship of Ministry for Health,
Welfare and Family Affairs, Ministry of Public Administration and Security and
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
※ All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.
258