A Local’s Korea and Seoul

Hello and welcome to ‘A Local’s Korea and Seoul’ ! With the global rise in living costs, many of us are looking for ways to save money. In Korea, the most popular and effective way to cut expenses is through " Jung-go-georae " (second-hand trading) . Personally, I’ve furnished much of my home and bought electronics through these platforms. The best part? You can always resell items later, making it an incredibly sustainable way to live. Today, I’ll introduce you to the top 3 platforms you must know while living in Korea. 1. The Big 3 Platforms at a Glance Each platform has its own strengths. Here is a comparison to help you choose the right one for your needs. Platform Key Features Trading Range Best For Danggeun (Karrot) GPS-based, community-focused Local neighborhood Fast, face-to-face meetups Bunjang Trendy, safe payment system Nationwide K-pop goods, sneakers, fashion Joonggonara Largest inventory in Korea Nationwide Rare items, bulky furniture 2. Which App Should You Use...

Apartment complex in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do Welcome to ‘A Local’s Korea and Seoul’ ! With the global rise of Hallyu , I’ve noticed so many more people interested in making Korea their home. Moving to a new country is an exhilarating challenge! However, to make your transition smooth, there’s one crucial budget item you shouldn't overlook: Gwanlibi (관리비) , or monthly maintenance fees. If you only budget for your monthly rent, you might be in for a surprise when your first bill arrives. Let’s break down what this cost is and how much you should expect to pay. Most Seoulites Live in "Collective Housing" In Korean cities, most people live in apartments or " officetels " (studio-style buildings). According to 2020 statistics, about 43% of Seoul’s population lives in apartments , while only about 9% live in detached houses. This means that for most expats, the "apartment lifestyle" will be the reality. What is "Gwanlibi" (Maintenance Fee)? When you l...

Welcome to ‘A Local’s Korea and Seoul ’ ! If you’ve ever wondered what the actual healthcare experience is like for a local living in South Korea , you’re in the right place. Today, I’ll share my step-by-step experience of visiting a local clinic to get a prescription for my hypertension (high blood pressure) and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) medication. The Accessibility of Healthcare in Korea I stepped out of my house around 10:00 AM. It’s currently winter in Korea, so the air is quite chilly! My destination was a neighborhood internal medicine clinic ( Naekwa ), which is just a 5-minute walk away. In major Korean cities like Seoul, clinics are incredibly dense. In fact, within a 5-minute radius of my home, there are at least five different internal medicine clinics. You’ll often find clusters of medical practices near major intersections or busy streets. This "web" of neighborhood clinics makes it incredibly convenient to get medical care whenever you need it. You ca...