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Korea Festivals – 13 must-see festivals for foreigners

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Korea Festival

How much do you know about Korea festivals? Today, I’d like to introduce Korea’s fascinating festivals to foreigners living in Korea. Korea has unique festivals in each region throughout the four seasons, giving visitors an unforgettable experience. Having traveled around the world and experienced many festivals, I can tell you that these festivals are a great way to deepen your understanding of Korean culture and have fun. If you’re interested, you should definitely check them out and take part in them all. Let’s take a look at the top festivals for each month from January to December! This is part 24 in a series of articles in The Expat’s Complete Guide to Living in Korea.

1) Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Hwacheon Sancheon Trout Festival

If you want to experience Korea’s winter firsthand, we recommend the Pyeongchang Trout Festival and the Hwacheon Mountain Trout Festival. You can go fishing and catch trout and wild trout, which you can then cook and eat right away. The highlight of the festival is the hands-on programs like catching trout by hand. Even though it’s cold in the middle of winter, you’ll have a great time catching trout with your own hands.

2) Gyeongbokgung Palace Lunar New Year Folk Festival

In January, there are many folk festivals held around the Lunar New Year holiday. One of them is the Lunar New Year Folk Festival held at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. There are various events such as folk games, Korean music performances, and food markets, and foreign tourists especially love to experience a traditional wedding. It’s a truly exotic and special experience to get married in colorful wedding clothes.

3) Busan Chungwol Daeborum Moon Festival

Secondly, in February, folk beliefs and customs are preserved and festivals are held all over the country. At the Busan Jwondae Moon Festival, you can experience a large kite flying demonstration, a wish tunnel, photo zones (LED large full moon, LED cube chair, and life necklace), and try your hand at spirit mountain tug-of-war, wish writing, traditional folk games, and traditional craft making. Flying a kite with wishes tied to it high in the sky is a great way to fulfill your New Year’s wishes. Foreigners can also learn how to make a kite, so it’s a good idea to participate.

4) Korea Festival: Jinhae Cherry Blossom Gunhang Festival

From March to April, spring is in full bloom, and there are many spring flower festivals, including plum blossoms and cherry blossoms. Jinhae Gunhangje is the most famous. The cherry blossom tunnel that runs from Gyeonghwa Station to Yeojwacheon is spectacular, and at night, it is illuminated to create a dreamy atmosphere. It is a great festival for couples and families to go out. Of course, there are other cherry blossom festivals around the country, including Yeouido in Seoul, so it’s worth checking out your local festival.

5) Korea Festival: Jeonju Daeseokhapnori

Jeonju is home to many cultural festivals, including film festivals and international theater festivals. Among them, Daesaehaknori is widely known as a Joseon Dynasty folk festival. People of all ages dress up in beautiful hanbok and feel like they’ve traveled back in time. Foreigners can also try on hanbok, so be sure to join in! The festival is usually held from May to June.

6) Korea Festival: Everland Tulip Festival

May is the month of families, so it’s a popular time for family outings. On Children’s Day, there are many children’s festivals in each region. The Tulip Festival at Yongin Everland is a great family outing where you can enjoy colorful tulips in a European-style garden. The Everland Tulip Festival is held from March to June, so you can visit it at your leisure. There are other flower festivals held around the country during this time, and the Goyang International Flower Fair where roses are in full bloom is a must-see.

Korea Festival

7) Korea Festival: Lantern Festival

On Buddha Day, temples celebrate with lantern festivals, where people light lanterns at Buddha altars to pray for peace of mind. Usually held between April and May, it’s a wonderful festival that takes place around Gwanghwamun Square, Jogyesa Temple, and Bongunsa Temple in Seoul.

8) Korea Festival: Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is typically held in June, which is known as early summer. It is a festival where foreigners can enjoy various mud experiences such as mud massage and mud wrestling. It is fun to get covered in mud without worrying about pollution against the backdrop of the clear blue Boryeong sea. It is especially popular among foreigners. The 2024 Boryeong Mud Festival will be held from July 19 to August 4 at Daecheon Beach.

9) Korea Festival: Incheon Pentapot Rock Festival

During the summer season, there are many music festivals that are popular among foreigners, and the Incheon Pentapot Rock Festival is one of them. You can enjoy the festival until late at night and even go camping, which is a great way to beat the heat. The festival schedule changes slightly every year, so it is recommended to check the official website for information on the schedule and tickets before visiting.

10) Korea Festival: Gwangju Kimchi Festival

The kimchi making experience at the Gwangju Kimchi Grand Festival is a highlight, with foreign participants having a lot of fun tossing and slicing cabbage. Don’t miss the chance to experience Korea’s most famous food, kimchi, for yourself. It’s usually held in November.

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11) Korea Festival: Fall Foliage Festival

One of the best ways to enjoy the peak of fall is at an autumn festival. Korea has four distinct seasons, so in the fall, all the mountains are covered in colorful leaves. Just like the spring flower festivals, autumn festivals offer a great way to enjoy the changing of the seasons. The most recommended festival is the Hwadam Forest Maple Festival.

With more than 400 types of maples, including gut maple, woolly maple, and Norway maple, covering the entire mountain, the autumnal scenery of Hwadam Forest is reminiscent of a watercolor painting. You can enjoy it at a leisurely pace on the gentle trails that are easy for all ages, or you can take the monorail for a convenient view. Advance reservations are required. There are other mountains throughout the country that are famous for their fall foliage, including Mount Naejangsan.

12) Korea Festival: Seoul World Fireworks Festival, Busan Fireworks Festival

The Seoul World Fireworks Festival is held near the Hanwha 63 building in Yeouido, and has grown to become one of the world’s leading fireworks festivals. The Busan Fireworks Festival is held near the Gwangalli Beach in Busan, and is held in October and November, respectively, and you can watch amazing fireworks accompanied by a variety of music.

13) Seoul Christmas Festival, Seoul Light Lantern Festival, Haeundae Light Festival in Busan

In December, there are plenty of festivals to get you in the Christmas spirit. The Seoul Christmas Festival is famous for its colorful lights and performances that light up the winter nights. For expats, it’s a bit of a hometown Christmas, perfect for a warm and romantic holiday celebration with family, friends, or your significant other.

Korea’s four seasonal festivals are a combination of colorful, traditional, and natural beauty that will satisfy your senses, so be sure to check out the festival schedule when you’re in Korea and join in the fun. You’ll find yourself shouting “Korea’s festivals are the best!” in the midst of all the excitement and fun, and we’re sure you’ll have a blissful time making special and valuable memories.

The Ultimate Guide to Korean Public Transportation for Foreigners

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Korean Public Transportation

Are you planning a trip to Korea? Traveling by Korean public transportation is the best way to enhance your travel experience. From buses to subways and taxis, Korean public transportation is fast and convenient. Plus, using public transportation saves you money and allows you to experience everyday life like a local. However, you might feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar public transportation system in a foreign country. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Let’s start the ultimate guide to mastering Korean public transportation for foreigners! This is part 24 in a series of articles in The Expat’s Complete Guide to Living in Korea.

Bus and Subway

Transportation Card, the Essential for Korean Public Transportation

To use buses and subways in Korea, you need a transportation card. You can pay in cash, but having a transportation card makes your journey much more convenient. The most common cards are T-money and Cashbee. You can easily purchase them at convenience stores, subway stations, or bus terminals. The card deposit is 4,000 won(Between 4,000 and 6,000 won, depending on card type), and you can charge the card with the amount you want. If your balance is low, you can recharge anytime. Don’t worry about any remaining balance; you can get a refund for the deposit and the remaining balance when you return the card after your trip.

Korean Public Transportation

There’s also a Daily Pass for foreigners. Called the Mpass, it’s a time-ticket transportation pass that allows you to ride up to 20 times per day on public transportation such as the Seoul Subway, Seoul Bus, and Incheon Airport Railroad. Prices by day are as follows

Mpass

Various Buses Differentiated by Colors, How to Ride Them?

When you stand at a bus stop, you’ll notice buses in different colors. Korean buses are color-coded according to their route types. First, remember the blue bus. It’s called a trunk bus and runs on major roads, covering long distances. Green buses are branch buses. They travel to smaller streets in neighborhoods compared to blue buses. Red buses are express buses connecting cities and towns over long distances. Yellow buses are circular buses that loop around key points. Just remembering the bus colors will make your travel much easier.

Korean Bus

Remember the boarding rules, too. Generally, you get on through the front door and get off through the rear door. Tap your transportation card when you board and press the bell when you want to get off. Easy, right?

From Line 1 to Line 9, Mastering the Convenient Subway System

There’s an easy way to navigate Seoul’s complex subway system. Seoul has subway lines from Line 1 to Line 9. Each line has a designated color and number, making it easy to visually distinguish them. Look for the subway map at the station. It’s written in multiple languages, so you can easily find your destination even in unfamiliar places. No more worries about getting lost! The announcements inside the train also inform you of the next station and transfer points. They provide information not only in Korean but also in English, Chinese, and Japanese, so you won’t miss a thing. Enjoy your journey comfortably inside the train.

Korean Subway

Taxi

How to Safely and Smartly Take a Taxi

Are there places hard to reach by bus or subway? In that case, taking a taxi is the best choice. Korean taxis are divided into orange, white, and gray. In Seoul, orange taxis are the most common. When you take a taxi, make sure to check the meter. Korea doesn’t have a negotiated fare system. The base fare is 3,800 won, and there’s a late-night surcharge. Keep in mind that additional charges apply if there’s traffic congestion.

Know the safety rules for taxis, too. Fastening your seatbelt is a must! Tell the driver your exact destination, and ask them to take main roads if possible. You can also pay by card, so no worries if you don’t have cash.

Conveniently Call a Taxi with Kakao T Taxi App

Is it hard to hail a taxi on the street? Try using the Kakao T Taxi smartphone application. Kakao T Taxi is a taxi-hailing app serviced by Kakao. Just input your pickup location and destination, and it matches you with the nearest available taxi. It also shows you the driver’s information and estimated fare in advance, giving you extra peace of mind. No more worries about getting lost in unfamiliar places. Move around comfortably and safely with Kakao T Taxi.

Kakao T

Tips for Using Public Transportation

No More Worries about Finding Your Way with Kakao Map and Naver Map

Is finding your way in an unfamiliar city daunting? In Korea, there are reliable navigation companions. They are Kakao Map and Naver Map. With these apps, you can go anywhere using public transportation. Just input your destination, and they’ll show you the fastest public transportation route from your starting point to your destination. They provide accurate arrival times by reflecting real-time traffic information. Put aside your worries about getting lost. Just follow the app’s guidance.

Naver Map Kakao Map

Enjoying Korea Travel Freely with Public Transportation

You’ve learned the know-how of Korean public transportation, from buses and subways to taxis. Remember, you can move freely anywhere with a single transportation card. The color-coded buses and smart subway system will double the joy of your travel. Don’t forget the safe and convenient ways to use taxis. When you’re stuck finding your way, turn on Kakao Map and Naver Map. Now, unfamiliar streets won’t frighten you, right?

Move around freely with Korean public transportation and savor the charm of traveling. From busy morning commute scenes to vibrant streets, you can glimpse locals’ daily lives through buses and subways. Explore places you want to visit freely by taxi. The exciting journey that public transportation offers will be a memorable experience with no regrets. We’re rooting for you to have a wonderful trip to Korea!

Opening a TossBank Contactless Bank Account for Foreigners in Korea (2 of 2)

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Opening a TossBank Non-Face-to-Face Bank Account for Foreigners

Is it possible for Contactless Bank Account for Foreigners in Korea? The answer is yes, with TossBank. Opening a bank account is one of the many challenges that come with starting a new life in Korea, and for expats and expatriates, the language barrier and complicated procedures can make it even more challenging. However, TossBank has stood out from the crowd by offering a non-face-to-face bank account opening service that is accessible to foreigners. This is the second in a series of articles in the Complete Guide to Living in Korea for Expats 24, and the second related article in the series, Opening a bank account: starting your financial journey in Korea.

Opening Process: TossBank Contactless Bank Account for Foreigners in Korea

With its user-friendly interface and streamlined process, TossBank makes it easy for foreign users to open a bank account. Just download the Toss app, follow the instructions and go through the signup process, and opening a bank account will be a breeze.

Download the Toss app

Download the Toss app on your smartphone. You can find it by searching for “Toss” in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. TossBank exists as a menu within the Toss app, so if you’re looking forward to opening a bank account with TossBank, start by installing the Toss app.

Preparation for opening a TossBank bank account

To open a TossBank account, all you need is a cell phone in your name in Korea, a foreigner’s registration card (or residence permit if you’re an overseas resident), and your passport, and there’s a step where you have to take a photo of yourself for verification, so if you’re a foreigner, you can open a bank account without any difficulty.

Apply to open a bank account with TossBank

The entire bank account opening process consists of installing the TOSS app, going through the mobile phone identity verification process, agreeing to the TOSS app terms and conditions, entering various personal information, entering a passbook password, verifying your ID (alien registration card), and taking a photo to verify your identity (non-face-to-face).

After installing the app and choosing to sign up, you’ll be asked to enter basic personal information and upload a photo of your Alien Registration Card to complete the signup process. The process is painless, so just follow the instructions in the app and fill in the required information as you go.

Take a photo for contactless authentication

After you’ve finalized the basic signup process, you’ll be asked to take a working photo to verify yourself, albeit in a non-face-to-face environment. You’ll need to turn your head this way and that, rather than taking a headshot, so follow the app’s instructions for this too. Take note that taking a photo with your ears visible is a tip for better facial recognition. At the end of the process, you’ll receive a message that your photo has been verified and you’re basically done.

toss bank verification

If you get an error that the name you signed up for Toss is not the same as the name you signed up with

Once the identity verification process is complete, your bank account will be activated and you’ll be able to access a variety of financial services through the TossBank app. However, sometimes, if the name you registered during the signup process is different from the name taken from the identity verification, you may be locked out with an error saying that your name is not the same as the name you registered with Toss. Don’t panic, just check your name in the settings of the Toss app to make sure it’s correct, and that it’s case-sensitive – for example, if it’s in lowercase, change it to uppercase, and you’ll be fine.

What to do after opening a TossBank bank account

  • Language support: The TossBank app is available in Korea, so you may need to have a basic understanding of the language. It’s a good idea to get help from people in Korea around you or use a translation app if necessary.
  • Customer support: If you run into any issues while opening your bank account, you can get help through TossBank’s customer support center. This is also contactless, so you can use it like a chat.

Opening a bank account in Korea as a foreigner can be simpler than you think, and TossBank is a great option to make the process even easier. With the right preparation and understanding, you should be able to start your financial life in Korea without any hassle.

Tips for living in Korea: Understanding electricity, water, gas, heating, and garbage

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living in Korea

If you’ve decided to live in Korea as a foreigner, and have signed a lease for an apartment, office building, or multi-family house, you’ve just started living in Korea. To help you get started, I’d like to share with you the basics of Korean residential utilities (electricity, water, gas, and heating) and explain how to dispose of household waste in Korea. I hope this article will give you a basic understanding of the differences between Korea and your own country, as there are some similarities and some completely different systems. This article is part of a series of 24 articles in the Complete Guide to Living in Korea for Foreigners.

Using Korean electricity: 220V

The voltage of most Korean electrical condensers is 220V, so the plugs for Korean electronics are shaped to fit the 220V voltage, with an 11-character shape. It looks similar to the EU plug, but it is slightly larger than the EU plug. If you have an EU plug, be careful because it can easily fall out, and it is recommended to use an adapter if possible. If your electronics from your home country support 220V, you can use electricity by simply plugging in the Korean plug.

living in Korea

However, if your electronics are 110V only, such as in Japan, you will need a transformer to step down the capacitor from 220V to 110V, otherwise your electronics may be damaged by the high voltage.

한국 전기 사용 - 트렌스

Using Korean Electricity: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters

Every home with multiple occupants has a safety device called a ground fault circuit interrupter that protects against fires caused by electricity. If too much electricity is being used or if there is a problem with the flow of electricity, the switch will automatically flip down and cut off the electricity supply. If this device isn’t working properly, it can create a dangerous situation, so when you get a new room, you should make sure that the ground fault circuit interrupter is in good working order. It’s easy to check. Simply press the test button (red for ground fault only, green for electricity) on the circuit breaker.

If the switch drops down, it’s good, otherwise it’s bad. As a side note, power outages are rare in South Korea, except for the occasional typhoon or other huge natural disaster, so if your home loses power, you can check to see if your circuit breaker is down. If it’s down, you can force it back up and the power will come back on, but if it’s down again, you’ll need to find out what’s causing the outage and eliminate it. Usually, it’s something more than an appliance, so unplugging the suspect can be a simple fix.

누전 차단기

Using Korean water

Although South Korea is designated as a water-scarce country, clean tap water is available everywhere in the country. However, there is a slight caveat when using the water supply during the winter months. South Korea’s winters can get below freezing, so it’s not uncommon for water pipes to freeze in colder regions, leaving you without water. In this case, one life hack is to turn the faucet on slightly and let the water run 24 hours a day to prevent freezing.

Of course, in very cold areas, I would also check the inside of the meter box for leaks and insulation (Styrofoam). Also, if the meter box is directly exposed to the outside, such as in a corridor apartment or villa, I would put plastic on the outside protective cover or wrap a heating wire around it to prevent freezing, but as a foreigner, it may be difficult to manage this, so you just have to live with it.

However, if your tap water suddenly stops running in the middle of winter, it is most likely caused by freezing, so you should thaw the water meter by using lukewarm water at first and gradually using hot water to prevent the glass from bursting, and refer to how to use tap water.

동파한 수도 계량기

Using Korean gas

In recent years, Korean kitchens have become increasingly popular for cooking with electricity, such as induction or electric stoves, but the most common cooking appliance in Korean homes is the gas stove. These stoves are usually LPG gas stoves or city gas stoves, which are fueled by an independent gas cylinder. These stoves require an external gas supply, so you turn the gas valve in the middle and then turn the ignition switch on the stove to light it. Usually, these valves are open (i.e., LPG is supplied) when they are in line with the hose supplying the gas.

가스 렌지

Korean Heating

With four distinct seasons in South Korea, and temperatures dropping below freezing in the winter, heating your home becomes a critical facility for survival. While many countries, such as the United States and Europe, choose to heat their homes with radiators, boilers are the most common method of heating in Korea. Boilers heat the floor of your home, and if you’re a foreigner experiencing Korean boiler life, you’ll probably think it’s warmer than any other heating system.

There are three types of boilers: oil boilers that use oil (kerosene), gas boilers that use LPG gas, and city gas boilers that use city gas. Of course, there are still a few homes that use briquettes as raw materials.

도시가스보일러

For foreigners, the most convenient boiler to use is a city gas boiler, which is likely to be installed in Seoul, the Seoul metropolitan area, and large cities in the provinces. In rural areas where city gas is not installed, oil and LPG gas boilers are used, but they have the disadvantages of having separate containers for oil and LPG gas outside the house, having to order fuel whenever it runs out, and being relatively expensive.

Disposing of household waste in Korea

One of the last things you need to know about living in Korea as a foreigner is how to dispose of your garbage. Just as you can be fined for littering on the street, there are rules for disposing of trash at home. First of all, when you throw away your trash, you must put it in a bag designated for each type (general trash, food waste, recyclables, etc.) and put it in a designated place. If you don’t follow these rules, your trash won’t be picked up, and you’ll have to pay a fine.

General trash
Garbage that can be incinerated is usually called general waste, and everything else, except for food waste and recyclables, is classified as general waste and placed in special garbage bags. You can buy trash bags at your local supermarket or discount store. Depending on where you live, the color of the garbage bags may differ from the color of the bags for food waste, so be sure to check before purchasing. Garbage bags are available for 1,2,5,10,20,30,50,60,75,100 liters, depending on the capacity. For the average household, a 10- or 20-liter bag is usually adequate.

As a foreigner, the most important thing to keep in mind is that trash bags vary by region. If you’ve moved to a new city, keep in mind that you can’t use your old trash bags.

Food waste
Drain your food and put it in a special bag for food waste or, depending on where you live, in a food collection bin.

Recycling
Recyclable items such as paper, bottles, scrap metal, cans, plastic, plastic bags, and plastic should be separated into recycling bins instead of being thrown in the trash. These bins are located in the same area as your regular trash, so be sure to check your local trash drop-off location and don’t mix them in with your regular trash.

Bulky waste
For bulky trash, like unwanted furniture or electronics, you can buy stickers from your local community center and place them outside your home. The price of the sticker varies depending on the type and volume of the item, and in some areas, stickers are sold at designated locations (such as supermarkets). If you live in an apartment building, you can also ask the management office to do it for you for a fee.

Understanding living in Korea

In this article, we’ve shared various tips for living in Korea from a foreigner’s perspective. It’s very basic, but it’s good to know the basics, so if you’re planning to live in Korea for an extended period of time, I hope you’ll read it.