When I moved to Seoul from Ohio at 22, I thought I was ready. I had watched K-Dramas. I liked Kimchi. I had a dream. Reality hit me like a grandmother’s elbow on the subway.
I got kicked out of a spa for wearing a bikini. I got fined for throwing away a banana peel. I offended my boss at a dinner party. But I survived. Thanks to my mentor, Ssam (pronounced “Ssem,” meaning Teacher).
Welcome to Level 3. Here are the 10 Essential Cheat Codes for living in Korea, compiled from my years of mistakes. Consider this your starter pack.
1. Jimjilbang: The Naked Truth
- The Shock: You walk into a Korean spa (Jimjilbang) and everyone is naked.
- The Mistake: I tried to wear my bikini into the bath. An Ajumma blew a whistle at me. “Dirty!”
- Ssam’s Tip: Shed your shame. Being naked is normal here. And after the bath, you MUST drink Sikhye (Rice Drink) and eat Roasted Eggs. It’s the law.
2. Transport: Cash is King (For T-Money)
- The Mistake: Trying to recharge your subway card with a credit card.
- The Reality: You need a T-Money card for subways, buses, and taxis. But you can ONLY recharge it with CASH (Korean Won).
- Alice’s Tip: Always keep 10,000 KRW in your pocket. And don’t forget to “Tag Out” when you leave the bus, or you pay double.
3. Maps: Google is a Liar
- The Shock: Google Maps does not work well in Korea due to security laws. It will lead you into walls.
- The Solution: Download Naver Map or KakaoMap. They are the bible.
- Bonus: Use the Subway Korea app to find the “Fast Transfer” doors.
4. Food: The Holy Trinity of K-Chicken
- The Menu: Fried (Crispy), Yangnyeom (Spicy), Ganjang (Soy).
- The Cheat Code: Can’t decide? Yell “Ban-Ban” (Half-Half).
- Warning: If you are on a date, order “Sun-sal” (Boneless). Do not look like a caveman gnawing on bones.
5. BBQ Etiquette: Don’t Bite the Ssam
- The Rule: A lettuce wrap (Ssam) is a universe. You do not break the universe.
- The Action: Put meat, garlic, and sauce in the leaf. Wrap it up. Put the WHOLE thing in your mouth.
- Never: Bite it in half. The sauce will explode on your shirt, and Ssam will judge you.
6. Work: The Hoesik Survival
- The Context: Hoesik (Company Dinner) is not a party; it is work extension.
- The Sin: Never pour your own drink. It brings bad luck to your partner.
- The Golden Ratio: If the boss asks for Somaek, mix 30% Soju + 70% Beer.
7. Trash: The Calculus of Garbage
- The Confusion: You cannot just use black bags. You need specific Jongnyangje bags from the store.
- The Pig Test: If a pig can eat it (Banana peel), it is Food Waste (Yellow bag). If a pig cannot eat it (Chicken bone), it is General Waste (White bag).
8. Beauty: Sunscreen is Religion
- The Obsession: Koreans look young because they avoid the sun like vampires.
- The Routine: You don’t need 10 steps. You need a Double Cleanse (Oil + Foam) at night and SPF 50+ Sunscreen every morning.
- Emergency: Got a pimple? Buy a Pimple Patch at Olive Young. Don’t pop it.
9. Hiking: It’s Not a Walk
- The Reality: Hiking Bukhansan is a vertical stair-climbing workout. Do not wear Converse.
- The Goal: We hike to eat. After the pain, enjoy Makgeolli (Rice Wine) and Pajeon (Pancake) at the bottom.
10. Dating: The Contract
- The Trap: Dinner and movies for 3 months does not mean you are dating. That is just “Some.”
- The Law: Until someone says “Will you be my girlfriend?” (Gobaek), you are single.
Alice’s Bottom Line: Embrace the Chaos
Korea is fast, intense, and confusing. You will make mistakes. You will bow at the wrong time. You will accidentally eat spicy peppers. But that is part of the fun.
With these 10 cheat codes (and a little help from Ssam), you won’t just survive Seoul—you will own it.
Survival Hangul: The Essentials
- “도와주세요. (Do-wa-ju-se-yo.)”
- Meaning: “Please help me.”
- “이거 뭐예요? (I-geo mwo-ye-yo?)”
- Meaning: “What is this?” (Use for food, trash, everything).
- “감사합니다. (Gam-sa-ham-ni-da.)”
- Meaning: “Thank you.” (Use it often).