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Check out detailed tips and tricks, as well as information from our KGY Community for everyone who is considering going abroad.
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By Fabrina Fr***
Hello my name is Fabrina. I am a Media Design student at ROC in The Netherlands. I’ve interned at KGY for 5 months and would like to share some tips and advice that might help you prepare for your experience even more.
Moving from the flat landscapes of the Netherlands to the bustling cities of South Korea is an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, adventure. From navigating a completely different language to adjusting to Korea’s spicy cuisine (goodbye stroopwafels, hello kimchi!)The cultural shift can be both fascinating and challenging.This blog is here to help you avoid common mistakes, embrace the experience, and make your time in South Korea as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
If you’re someone who loves Dutch bread, sandwiches, or a simple breakfast with peanut butter, brace yourself. Bread in South Korea is different from what we’re used to back home. Most bread here is sweet, soft, and often loaded with cream, sugar, or odd fillings. While it’s fun to try Korean pastries, finding hearty brown bread or a decent sandwich can be a challenge.
Tip:
Look for international bakeries. The place I recommend is Paris Baguette. They sell small loaves of bread which is decent for if you live alone. It also tastes the way we know bread to taste so that makes it perfect. They have a variety of options depending on the store you visit. I personally go for brown Tijger bruin, and the bread I got from there was close enough. Make sure to store it in the fridge because unlike our Dutch bread mine started smelling like wine after 3 days. You can eat whatever you want for breakfast, it doesn’t have to be bread.
Cheese is also not that easy to find. If you want to eat bread with cheese I recommend going to a big supermarket like Emarkt and NoBrand. I like doing groceries once a month and the ones at IPark have cheese (I didn’t try the cheese).
The Netherlands is known for its rain, but South Korea’s climate is on another level. Summers are extremely hot and humid, while winters can be bitterly cold with heavy snowfall. If you’re moving in at the end of August , best believe summer is still in effect. Even in October the sun still made its warmth still made its appearance. Be prepared to sweat through everything you wear—especially if you’re not used to humidity.
Tip:
Pack light, breathable clothes for summer. You don’t have to stack on deodorant. Olive Young in Hongdae sells 200ml deodorant spray. If you prefer sticks they have that too and deo wipes that are super fresh. Don’t get the Dry Comfort one, it doesn't work. Invest in a good winter coat for the colder months. Buy it in October. That’s where I got mine on sale in the IPark shopping mall. Yongsan station. Don’t forget sunscreen—Korean summers can be harsh on your skin. But you can buy amazing sunscreens here too so you don’t have to stack up.For my melanated people I recommend these two.
-Perfect, lightweight, no white mask
-This one Heavier, feels nice in winter
Korean culture is built on respect, hierarchy, and traditions that may feel unfamiliar at first. For example, bowing is an important way to show respect, and age often determines how you interact with someone. Public spaces are clean and orderly, and you’ll rarely see someone eating or drinking on the street (I still did but keep it clean)—something we might not think twice about in the Netherlands.
Tip:
Be open to observing and learning. Simple gestures like bowing or using two hands (which is very easy to forget) when giving or receiving something can go a long way in making a good impression.
The spill: be aware that the bumping into you is true. It’s not just a TikTok thing. It can feel like they don’t have spatial awareness. Stand in line for the Metro, don’t go in when it’s crowded because the next stop more people will force themselves in. There is no unspoken rule for walking on the right side of the sidewalk. People can come from left and right and some won’t even move even if they see you coming.
In the Netherlands we used to holding the door for each other. If the person is two steps away yes you can but any farther then that I don’t recommend. Most will say thank you but don’t expect it. Old man might even use the other door. (Yes, yes that happened to me.)
5.The Language Barrier Is not that Real
If you don’t speak Korean, but live in a big city you will be fine. I did 5 months with 4 words. Yes, speaking the language will make a lot of stuff easier but you don’t have to stress if you don’t know that much.
If you can’t read Hangul, you will be fine too. NAVERmap is in English too.
While many young Koreans know some English, it’s not widely spoken outside tourist areas. From ordering food to asking for help, learning a few basic Korean phrases will make your life much easier.
Tip:
Use apps like Papago (better than Google Translate for Korean) and practice essential phrases like:
NAVER map for any transport. Get a strong portable charger so that if you don’t speak any Korean and nobody around you speaks English you don’t have to play charades. Always keep your charger with and without head on you. If your phone is empty but forgot your portable you can always find a socket somewhere.
GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven are everywhere, and they sell everything. Whether you need a quick meal, a late-night snack, or even skincare products, these stores will save you time and effort.
Tip:
Try the 삼각김밥 samgak-gimbap it’s like a Korean onigiri. CU is the best out of the 3 and 7/11 somehow always has the old man that doesn't want us in the store. Also if you don’t get enough fruit intake try one of their healthy shots. Just make sure to read what it is.
7.ARC
If you are here long enough that you have to get an Alien Registration Card, fear not. The Seoul immigration office is at your rescue. After filling in the online details you’ll get a text with your date. No they don’t do emails. Pick the office that is closest to you and apply before you turn into an illegal immigrant.
Tip:
Get a Korean phone number in Hongde next to the Samsung building 3rd/4th floor. Take your passport with you. Or do it before entering the country and pick it up at the airport. An actually sim not an ESIM. You need a number ESIM is data only.
Set an alarm for the day you need to go apply. Remember you are solely responsible for your ARC, don’t depend on nobody to remind you. The at office application is not complicated, just make sure you have your paperwork that you need in advance. Don’t worry if you make a mistake on the application form the person at the desk will help you.
Let’s say you forgot your date(yes, I’m speaking from experience) you can re-plan an appointment or walk in if there are no slots available within your 90 days.
Don’t read the reviews on google about the Seoul immigration office. Yes everyone has their own experience, but if you’re already nervous those people crying in the comments will make it seem worse when it’s not that at all.
It’s like sleeping on a brick. The floor feels softer. There is no sponge in the mattress… just springs. If you are someone who loves a soft bed I recommend getting a sleeping sack. The mattress consists of springs. It feels like what you would think prison feels like.
Tip:
Sleeping sack is something I wish I did. Better would be a mattress topper. If you decide to try the Korean brick bed, give it a week. If you slept badly, get the topper if you feel fine, even better.
Final Thoughts
Living in South Korea as a Dutchie is a unique experience full of contrasts, challenges, and memorable moments. While you might miss stroopwafels, brown bread, and home comforts, you’ll gain new favorites and appreciate the rich culture Korea has to offer. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and embrace every adventure—you’ll look back on it as one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
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