KoreanClass101.com Blog

October is the autumn season in South Korea. The leaves on the mountains start to change, becoming red and yellow in hue, and viewing autumn leaves is one of the most popular activities in South Korea. There are also many October festivals and events held during this time that you won’t want to miss out on.

In this blog post, KoreanClass101 will explain to you about what to expect when you travel to South Korea, such as the weather, important public holidays, what to wear in October, and even where to see fall colors in South Korea. In addition, we’re going to introduce a number of October activities and events held in South Korea so that you can add these to your travel itinerary to maximize your trip.

Visiting South Korea in autumn will be fun and easy once you take this info to heart and put it to practice!

1. Everything You Need to Know about October in Korea

Weather is just one of those things that travelers check before visiting a country, and for good reason. This way, they know exactly what to expect when they arrive and what clothing to bring with them. In Korea, there are four seasons each year and each season has its own distinctive weather conditions. Below is the weather information, important public holidays, and autumn clothing ideas for South Korea in October.

1- October Weather in South Korea

Here’s some information about fall weather in South Korea in the main cities: Seoul, Daegu, Cheongju, Busan, and Jeju.

※ Reference: climate-data.org

Autumn usually starts in October in South Korea. The weather is warm during the day and becomes cold in the evening. Therefore, it’s important to understand that day-to-night temperature fluctuates significantly; for that reason, many Koreans catch a cold during this time. Make sure to wear many layers to avoid this fate yourself!

Autumn, especially in October, is the best season to travel to South Korea because of the autumn leaves and the autumn flowers covering entire mountains, making South Korea one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia—and one of the most beautiful.

2- October Public Holidays in South Korea

Here are two main public holidays in October:

October 3: 개천절 (gaecheonjeol) — “National Foundation Day”

October 9: 한글날 (hangeullal) — “Hangul Proclamation Day”

Because there are two public holidays in October in South Korea, there will be festivals and events held on these two days. On Hangul Day—which is the day that the Korean alphabet was created under 세종대왕 (“Sejong the Great”) during the Chosun Dynasty (1393 to 1910)—there will be a celebration ceremony around the statue of King Sejong, which is located near Gyeongbokgung (경복궁). You won’t want to miss out on this!

3- Autumn Fashion in South Korea

Since the day-to-night temperature fluctuates a lot in October, you need to pay more attention to your clothing. Layering your clothes is the key, and people carry a coat or a warm cardigan in their bag at all times. Wearing a pair of long boots or sandals isn’t recommended because of the temperature difference during the day and the night, so it’s recommended to wear an appropriate pair of shoes—one that can be worn comfortably regardless of the weather conditions you find yourself in.
Also, it occasionally rains, which results in sudden temperature drops; be sure to have an umbrella with you while traveling. If you don’t have one, just about all convenience stores sell transparent umbrellas, prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW.

2. Activities to do in Korea

1- Autumn Festivals

As mentioned previously, autumn is the best season in South Korea. During this time, many festivals are held at night, and you’ll be able to enjoy spending your time celebrating in the evening without feeling too hot or cold. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Korea during autumn:

• 서울밤도깨비야시장 (“Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market”)

This night market is definitely a must-visit market in South Korea because of the unique experience it offers. Bamdokkaebi Night Market is open from March 30 to October 28, 2018. The night market opens at night and disappears by morning, allowing many tourists to enjoy the true local lifestyle in a friendly atmosphere.

They sell traditional items, handmade products, and traditional Korean food, as well as organize many night events. Also, Bamdokkaebi Night Market is held at a number of locations in Seoul such as Yeouido (여의도), Banpo (반포), Cheonggyecheon (청계천), and so on. So check out their website, which is available in English, Chinese, and Japanese, to decide which market to explore.

• 부산불꽃축제 (“Busan Fireworks Festival”)

Busan Fireworks Festival is one of the biggest events held in Busan, and attracts many tourists from Korea and other countries. It’s a one-day event, on the 27th of October in 2018. The fireworks are done by the famous beach called Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장; map) in addition to many street performances and food stalls. To give you a clearer idea of what to expect, here’s an article from 2015 with beautiful pictures of the fireworks.

For more information about this festival, visit this website, which is also available in different languages including Japanese, French, Chinese, English, Spanish, German, and Thai.

• 하동북천 코스모스 메밀꽃 축제 (“Hadong Bukcheon Cosmos and Buckwheat Festival”)

While in Korea, you’ll be able to see a number of fields of cosmos flowers, colorfully decorating the area. Here in Bukcheon, there’s a famous Cosmos and Buckwheat festival held every year, attracting many people all around the world. This year, the festival is going to be held from the 21st of September to the 7th of October. You can check out this website for more information about this festival, and even check out some pictures from this festival so you’ll know what to expect.

• 민둥산억새꽃축제 (“Mindung Mountain Eulalia Festival”)

When you see a field of Chinese silver grass, Koreans know that it means the autumn is officially started in Korea. Can you imagine a place where an entire mountain is covered with Chinese silver grass? At Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산), you’ll be able to experience this. This festival starts on September 21 and ends on November 4. There are many activities that you can enjoy, such as climbing, photo competitions, and much more.

• Want to Know More Festivals and Events in October?

Check out “visitkorea” for more attractions. Simply click on a month and a date, and they’ll show you the list of 2018 festivals and events.

2- Hiking and Mountain Climbing

You’ll be mesmerized by the fall colors emblazoning Korea in rich red, yellow, and orange hues. You can’t miss out on hiking in South Korea for some unforgettable scenery!
The 10 Best Mountains for Autumn Foliage in Korea

1 – 설악산 (“Seoraksan National Park”) — location

2 – 내장산 (“Naejangsan National Park”) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to Mid-November
• Autumn foliage images from Naejangsan National Park

3 – 대둔산 (Daedunsan) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to late November
• Autumn foliage images from Daedunsan

4 – 백양사 (Baegyangsa) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to mid-November
• The temple is located in the middle of 내장산 (“Naejang Mountain” — location)
• Autumn foliage images from Baegyangsa

5 – 용문사 (“Yongmunsa Temple”) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to mid-November
• The temple is located in the middle of 용문산 (“Yongmunsan Mountain” — location)
• Autumn foliage images from Yongmunsa Temple

6 – 오대산 (“Odaesan National Park”) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to early November
• Autumn foliage images from Odaesan National Park

7 – 설악산 (“Seoraksan National Park”) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Mid-October to early November
• Autumn foliage images from Seoraksan National Park

8 – 한라산 (Hallasan) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Late October to mid-November
• Autumn foliage images from Hallasan

9 북한산 (Bukhansan) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Late October to late November
• Autumn foliage images from Bukhansan

10 팔공산 (Palgongsan) — location

• Autumn foliage period: Late October to late November
• Autumn foliage images from Palgongsan

3- Beaches

Visiting beaches in South Korea may not be the most popular activity to do around this time of year, but you’ll still be able to enjoy spending time there since the summer holiday season is over and locals are now visiting mountains to enjoy the fall leaves. You can enjoy sunbathing during the day, as well as food by any of the outdoor restaurants around these beaches in South Korea. Check out “Famous Beaches in Korea” if you want to have a list of places to visit.

3. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You with Korean

In summary, we’ve looked at autumn temperatures and what to wear in South Korea. We also introduced a number of festivals and events that you can enjoy participating in, along with the famous mountain destinations for autumn foliage in South Korea. Beaches aren’t popular destinations in October, but you can definitely enjoy the quietness of the ocean in October, since October is the time when locals visit the colorful mountains instead.

Here are some vocabularies related to autumn and traveling. We also have many other lessons related to traveling to Korea, so you might want to check them out on our website as well.

Autumn Korean Vocabulary

• 코스모스 (koseumoseu) — “cosmos”
• 다람쥐 (daramjwi) — “squirrel”
• 도토리 (dotori) — “acorn”
• 억새 (eoksae) — “Chinese silver grass”
• 솔방울 (solbangul) — “conifer cone”
• 밤 (bam) — “chestnut”
• 감 (gam) — “persimmon”
• 은행나무 (eunhaengnamu) — “Maidenhair tree”
• 단풍잎 (danpungip) — “maple leaf”
• 가을 (gaeul) — “autumn”
• 고추잠자리 (gochujamjari) — “dragonfly”
• 허수아비 (heosuabi) — “scarecrow”
• 하늘 (haneul) — “sky”

Here’s another list of Must-know Autumn Vocabularies for you to improve your Korean vocabulary skills. Also, here are lists of phrases to memorize before traveling to South Korea. If they’re difficult to memorize, try to write some of the key phrases down in your notebook and show them to locals when you’re in South Korea.

• Top 30 Travel Phrases You Should Know
• Korean Vocabulary for Traveling (Part 1)
• Korean Vocabulary for Traveling (Part 2)

We hope you enjoy your trip to South Korea in October and that you’ll share your experience in the comment section.

Are you planning a trip in Korea during August and want to gather information about things to do in South Korea? We have great news for you! Korea has many summer festivals and events held in summer, especially in August! Also, each region holds different festivals that offer unique experiences for foreigners—try to determine what kind of festival you want to participate in.

For example, are you a big fan of listening to classical music in an open area? Are you looking for a good spot to get tanned while traveling in Korea? Or do you want to go wild and enjoy music while splashing water at other participants?

August is a vacation month in Korea, so there will be many festivals and events held in each region—so it’s definitely worth a visit to check out local events. You don’t need to worry about what to do in August. We have the answers for you.

1. Weather in South Korea in August

Korean weather has four seasons throughout the year. The weather is extremely cold during the winter and extremely humid and hot in summer. The summer season starts from late June to August, and there will be heavy rainy days as well. The rainy season usually starts during the second or third week of June, but not to worry, because it doesn’t last long and most of the time it ends before late June. However, typhoons in Japan can bring heavy rain and wind in Korea; therefore, there will be occasional heavy rain after the rainy season. It’s recommended to check the weather forecast to make sure that you’re prepared for unexpected rain.

Also, the summer temperature can go up to 38°C (104°F) during the summer, especially in August—so do expect to sweat a lot! Just to give you some idea of 평균 기온 (pyeonggyun gion) or “the average temperature” for some of the most popular cities in South Korea, we’ve created the list below:

Weather—Average Temperature in South Korea (August)

• 서울 (Seoul): 25.9°C (78.6°F)
• 대구 (Daegu): 26.5°C (79.7°F)
• 청주 (Cheongju) : 25.7°C (78.3°F)
• 부산 (Busan): 25.9°C (78.6°F)
• 제주 (Jeju): 26.3°C (79.3°F)

In addition, due to global warming, the temperature continues rising. Therefore, it’s recommended to research more on your own (e.g. current temperature) to understand the weather in August in South Korea. The good news is that air conditioning is on at every store in South Korea (if not, at least a number of electronic fans). So when you feel like you can’t walk anymore because of the heat, just enter any store and you should feel better soon!

Learn the Korean words you need to talk about summer from KoreanClass101.

2. Interesting Facts About Summer in Korea

You will notice that when you visit Korea in summer, Koreans carry an electronic handheld fan with them all the time. They’re not expensive at all and are easy to carry around.

Also, Koreans prefer to have pale skin during the summer, so they’ll wear sunscreen and sun-blocking clothing, and carry an umbrella. Many foreigners are bewildered when they see that Koreans use umbrellas and wear extra layers to block out the UV.

There’s another reason for this besides avoiding a tan—there are a lot of people who are allergic to the sun, resulting in skin rashes. Thus, it makes sense to cover themselves in order to avoid allergic reactions.

3. What to Wear in August

August is the hottest time of the year in South Korea and due to global warming, the temperature is rising significantly every year. If you’re not so sure what you need to wear during August in South Korea, here’s some advice for you.

1- Cover Yourself Up with Long Sleeves or Wear UV-Protection Clothes

In Korea, it’s easy to find UV-protection clothes since many Koreans value their skin and want to avoid getting tanned. You’ll see people wearing long slacks and long sleeves to reduce direct exposure as well. So if you sunburn easily, try to cover yourself up with some UV-protection clothes. Older people use umbrellas as well, and using an umbrella in summer is accepted in South Korea so don’t be afraid to try this yourself!

2- Wear Sunglasses and a Cap/Hat

You’ll definitely need to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes; you may want to wear a cap or a hat too. There are many stores in South Korea where you can purchase a fashionable hat or cap at a reasonable price, since they offer discount events frequently.

3- Socially Accepted Clothes in South Korea

Are you still not sure what to wear in South Korea? Typically, we wear flip-flops, shorts, T-shirts, tank tops, and much more! You’re free to wear anything you like. One thing that you need to be careful of in South Korea is that unlike other countries, you shouldn’t reveal too much chest. You’re free to wear anything in August, but if you’re planning to go to luxurious bars or restaurants, make sure to dress a bit more professional.

4. August Summer Festivals in Korea

There are many festivals held in August, and each region offers its unique experience— try to search in advance and plan your trip accordingly, including transportation. Be sure to check out a list of events and festivals held in Korea. Here a few summer festivals that you might find interesting.

1- 울릉도 오징어축제 (“Ulleungdo Squid Festival”)

• Date: August 6th, 2018 to August 8th, 2018
• Location: 경상북도 울릉군 울릉읍 저동리 48-11 (48-11, Jeodong-ri, Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, yeongsangbuk-do)

The Ulleungdo Squid Festival is held every year in August and it’s a fun event promoting its local produce: squid. The location is on a beautiful island called Ulleungdo, attracting hundreds and thousands of visitors every year. Festival events include catching squids with your bare hands, riding a boat around Ulleungdo island, and cooking delicious squid. Also, there will be a number of events for visitors such as fishing contests, catching mudfish with bare hands. If you don’t want to participate in these events, you can simply purchase the local produce and bring them to a restaurant. People will cook your squids for you and you can enjoy the local foods!

Since the festival is on Ulleungdo Island, you’ll need to check the ferry schedule. From Pohang Ferry Terminal to Ulleungdo Island is from nine-forty in the morning and from nine o’clock if you depart from Mukho Ferry Terminal. Make sure to check the ferry schedule that departs from Ulleungdo, since the ferry service may close early in the afternoon. For more information about the schedule, you can check the ferry’s company website.

2- 제천국제음악영화제 (“Jecheon International Film & Music”)

• Date: August 9th, 2018 to August 14th, 2018
• Location: 충청북도 제천시 의병대로18길 1 (1, Uibyeong-daero 18-gil, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do)

Are you a big fan of famous film music? 제천국제음악영화제 (jecheongukjeeumakyeonghwaje) is held every year in August. The main program shows different music-themed films and documentaries from around the world, featuring various popular musicians from Korea and other countries.

Here, you can enjoy the music in an open space. The theme of the festival is different every year, so we recommend you visit their official website (English version available) to check who’s playing on that day and to find additional events. Moreover, there’s much local dining, sightseeing, and accommodation available nearby, to enhance your experience of the JIMFF festival! The website is available in English and you can check out their past events, such as the 2017 festival.

3- 통영한산대첩축제 (“The Great Battle of Hansan Festival”)

• Date: August 10th, 2018 to August 14th, 2018
• Location: 경상남도 통영시 통영해안로 328 (328, Tongyeonghaean-ro, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do)

If you’re into history or simply want to learn Korean history, 통영한산대첩축제 (tongyeonghansandaecheopchukje) is a good festival to go to. You’ll learn more about “The Great Battle of Hansan” which is one of the most famous sea battles in history. Further, you’ll be able to see many historic events during this festival, such as events dedicated to Yi Sun-sin and a reenactment of the Turtle Ship. You can even check out the statue of Yi Sun-sin in 광화문 광장 (“Gwanghwamum Plaza”) in Seoul.

There are many more festivals in August, so do check them out online!

5. Beaches in South Korea

The first place that comes to mind when thinking about famous beaches in South Korea is Busan. Busan is located on the Southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula and is the second-most-populated city after Seoul. Many visitors and Koreans go to Busan for their summer vacations.

Something to keep in mind is that some beaches, especially in Busan, are going to be extremely crowded during the peak season, so try to avoid these areas or find less popular beaches. Alternatively, you can visit during the weekdays when everyone is at work. There are many nice beaches in South Korea besides those in Busan, as well.

1 – Famous Beaches in Korea

• 정동진 해변 (“Jeongdongjin Beach”)
• 을왕리해수욕장 (“Eurwangni Beach”)
• 협재해변 (“Hyeopjae Beach”)
• 구룡포해수욕장 (“Guryongpo Beach”)
• 명사십리해수욕장 (“Myeongsasimni Beach”)

And many more!

2 – Things You Need to Consider

Enjoy the Sun

If you love getting tanned, you can definitely enjoy the sun at any beach in South Korea. (“To get tanned” in Korean is 선탠 하다 [seontaen hada].) Also, there will be many beach umbrellas and a table for you to maximize your fun experience at the beach—and you can use them for free.

Do Not Take off Bikini

In some countries, women take off the top part of their bikini at the beach to enjoy sun tanning—but in Korea, it’s considered extremely inappropriate. Therefore, try not to take off your bikini while tanning at a beach. What kind of bikini you wear is completely up to you. August is the hottest part of the year in South Korea, so wearing revealing clothes such as short pants, tank tops, bikinis, and so on is socially accepted.

Avoid Weekend Trips to Beaches

Many people go to the beach over the weekend to enjoy their summer vacation. However, if you visit a famous beach area—for example, in Busan—you may not enjoy the experience because of the crowds. If you want to enjoy the quiet time and experience how it truly feels to be at a beach in South Korea, it’s strongly recommended to avoid peak time and to go to less popular beaches. There are a lot of beaches apart from those in Busan, so do your research and try to visit those too.

Do you know the essential summer vocabulary in Korean? Learn today for free!

6. Hiking in South Korea

The best time for hiking is spring and fall in South Korea. In spring, you’ll enjoy the beautiful mountains covered with cherry blossoms and other spring flowers; in fall, you’ll enjoy colorful foliage. Hiking in summer may not be a good idea due to the humidity, the heat, and some occasional unexpected rainy days.

If you don’t mind that, you can easily find a mountain nearby and enjoy hiking and looking at beautiful scenes in South Korea. The reason is that South Korea is a relatively small country, but roughly 70% of the land is mountains. This means that you can easily find a mountain to climb even in the busy city of Seoul! Since climbing a mountain in the summer isn’t a popular leisure for many Koreans, you may be able to enjoy the hiking experience more.

1- Famous Hiking Spots in Korea

• 한라산 (Mount Hallasan)
• 설악산 (MountSeoraksan)
• 북한산 (Mount Bukhansan)
• 태백산 (Mount Taebaeksan)
• 지리산 (Mount Jirisan)

2- Things You Need to Consider

What to Wear During August in South Korea – Hiking Outfit

Koreans are serious about hiking attire and the majority of them uses trekking poles, even on trails suitable for beginners. It’s not appropriate for women to wear something too revealing. For example, it’s okay to wear a tanktop or outdoor sports bra and tight leggings when hiking in America, but it’s not appropriate in Korea. So respect Korean culture and dress appropriately. If you’re not sure what to wear in August, try to search on Google Images to get some ideas.

Enjoy Korean Snacks

김밥 (Kimbap) is the most popular hiking snack in Korea, therefore you’ll see that many stores are selling pre-made kimbap for hikers near the trail entrance. Also, depending on the mountain, sometimes when you reach a viewpoint, you’ll see a person selling 컵누들 (keomnudeul) or “instant cup noodle,” 김밥 (gimbap), and some other Korean snacks such as 아이스크림 (aiseukeurim) which is “ice-cream.” Add extra fun by buying Korean snacks and enjoy them while looking at beautiful scenery.

Drones Are Not Allowed

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use your drone when hiking in South Korea. Many places prohibit using drones for safety reasons and you’ll be fined if you get caught using one. If you want to know if a place you’re visiting prohibits drone use, look out for signs that say 드론비행금지구역 (deuronbihaenggeumjiguyeok) or “drones prohibited area.” Alternatively, look out for signs with an image of a drone crossed out.

7. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You

You probably know a few famous places such as 서울 (Seoul), 부산 (Busan), and 제주 (Jeju); they’re definitely great places for sightseeing. Apart from these famous places, there are other places where you can enjoy blending in with the locals.

For example, have you heard of 대구 (Daegu) , 울산 (Ulsan), or 포항 (Pohang)? These places have a different vibe than Seoul, Busan, and Jeju. It’s worth the visit.

There are many great travel spots for you to explore in South Korea, so why not try to learn the top 10 travel destinations in Korea? KoreanClass101 has free study materials to help you learn Korean at your own pace. If you register to KoreanClass101, you’ll get the latest free resources to help you learn the fast and fun way. We have free vocab lessons and free PDF cheat sheets.

Enjoy your trip to Korea!

Learning a new language after childhood is one of the most difficult things we attempt to do. It gets even more difficult learning a foreign language, one that is very unfamiliar in your immediate world. However, for one reason or another, or just for fun, we still find ourselves trying to learn a new language at some point in life. To make the learning fun, simplified and interesting, we often look for various aids. Some of the most useful resources are applications which we use on our mobile devices or personal computers.

App developers have put too much in app stores, so sometimes it is quite difficult to single out the best apps for our learning needs – those with reliable lessons and affordable tuition rates if any are inclusive. Here are the best apps for an interesting language learning experience.

1. Innovative Language 101

This app from Innovative Language Learning and it offers audio and video lessons and study tools for 34 languages including Korean, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, etc. This app is available on Android, from the App Store and on Kindle Fire. It is suitable for both newcomers to Korean and more seasoned speakers, and it is designed to get you speaking and using Korean from the very first lesson. This app gives you access to a multitude of audio and video lessons by trained teachers, as well as a variety of other resources. Best of all, the app is free!

Many who have tried the app have appreciated the way in which it is based on real language (i.e. the language that real natives speak) rather than rather stilted and unnatural textbook-speak.

2. Duolingo

This is one of the most incredible resources in language learning. It is a popular point of comparison while exploring other apps. Any time you mention another app, someone will ask you, Is it as good as Duolingo?’ The app boasts over a hundred million downloads in app stores. It is free and blends gaming features with your learning experience.

This app is not popular just for the sake of it. Its courses are developed by native speakers in every language it teaches, hence making it a reliable tutor. Another reason to fall in love with this app is that it does not assume you’re a native English speaker if you’re not. If your first language is not English, you can still comfortably make use of this incredible resource for second language learning. You will also enjoy the app on your device since it maximizes your touchscreen features such as drag and drop. In the app, you will find 81 courses which are well-structured, interesting, friendly to the mind and easy to learn. The lessons offer a good balance between vocabulary and grammar in the languages.

3. Memrise

This app can be described in two words, meme game.’ Possibly, that’s where it got its name from. This app focuses on vocabulary learning, and it found a way to make the lessons more fun than formal. It has an extensive collection of popular instructive sources and widely used vocabulary.

To make learning enjoyable, the app makes witty use of the learned words. The courses are spiced with memes whose primary function is to enhance memory of the learned vocabulary. The fun bit is, these memes are created by users and you too can add yours to the bank! The more active you are, the more you rise in the users’ ladder.

This app is one of the few in the market which is user-centered. You can get in to learn as much as you want, and you can also participate in enlightening others. However, be careful with it – some fellow users may mislead you. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for interactive language learning, just join the Memrise community.

4. WordPower Korean

This app is dedicated to learners of the Korean language. If you’re looking to learn the basics in Korean, then all you need is this app and a little curiosity. It teaches the most basic words and phrases – those that are used on a daily basis in Korea. It has about 2000 phrases and words which are used in various aspects of daily life such as weather, shopping, travel and many other places.

The app is ideal for a person looking to learn basic Korean language – one who may be visiting or moving to the place, or just curious to learn some Korean. But if you want to learn other Korean aspects such as grammar and proficiency, you will need more resources.

5. Busuu

This is undisputedly one of the most serious teachers of language you’ll come across out there. It features 12 languages in full courses. For full access to all resources, you should prepare to part with $17 per month. The app is keen on teaching language right from the basics – starting with individual words and short dialogues, it advances all the way to complex bits of a language.

The lessons are topically organized and are accompanied by audio versions which will teach you the native pronunciation of words and phrases. In addition, this is one app that is considerate of the reason for learning – for people planning to visit places where the target language is spoken, the app has a designated mini “travel course” which teaches the basics of a language. This incredible course also provides a platform where you can engage native speakers for an enhanced learning experience. In the desktop version, you can even live-chat with them. Bottomline, if you are looking for a dedicated language teacher, Busuu is waiting for you.

6. Livemocha

Well, this is what I’d refer to as an electronic class.’ Livemocha has all the features of a typical learning scenario – it just happens in-app. It features premium membership at a fee. To begin with, the app covers over 35 languages. It has separate learning places for reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The lessons are structured so that they expose you to new material before assessing your understanding by asking you to apply the learned content. Lesson credits are awarded to learners who are willing to become virtual tutors to fellow learners by reviewing their work. It also allows you to interact with other learners and native speakers.

For a personalized learning experience, you may join a virtual lesson or book a private tutor for online sessions. This app is an incredible place to interact with native speakers for a great learning experience. If you are generous enough, it’s a place for you to deliver to others as much as you receive. In any case, that’s the best way to learn.

7. Daily Dose of Language

This is also from KoreanClass101, and it’s available on Android, from the App Store and on Kindle Fire. This app provides fun and easy lessons for free every day for various languages. As all language learners know, the best strategy for learning anything, and particularly a language, is to do a little every day. That is why ‘Daily Dose’ is so useful. It gives you a mini lesson a day from which you can learn new phrases and words, and it will not overwhelm you, so you will retain much of your daily dose.

This is another free app, and it will allow you to feel like you are making progress everyday in your language skills. However, if you want, you can have access to the full library of 365 lessons, so you can peruse them at your leisure.

Conclusion

Apps are ideal for learning in the modern world. They enable you to learn without having to peruse loads of books or taking down notes. Since they are accessible at any time, you should make it a personal responsibility to learn a new language anywhere, any time. If you are passionate enough, technology will always be a great resource for you. Learn a new language and stand out from the crowd. Don’t be among the multitudes who only know two or three local languages.

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Annabelle is part of the Content and Community team at SmileTutor, sharing valuable content to their own community and beyond.

Korea has its own customs, traditions, and rules for manners, just like your own country does. Some of these customs are completely fine in your country, but are considered offensive in Korea. These fascinating differences are necessary to learn before your visit to Korea.

Table of Contents

1. Korean Dining Etiquettes
2. Basic Korean Drinking Etiquette
3. Asking Someone’s Age in Korea
4. Place Setting Rules for Dining in Korea
5. Don’t Write Names in Red in Korea
6. Never Sit in Priority Seats in Korea
7. Take Your Shoes Off at Home in Korea
8. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn More Korean

Today, KoreanClass101 is going to explain to you seven important Korean etiquettes in detail so that you can avoid making these mistakes while in Korea! Also, keep in mind that Koreans are not afraid of calling you out on behavior they find offensive, which is where our vocabulary learning will come in handy.

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #1 : Korean Dining Etiquettes

1- Do: Wait Until Elders Start Eating Their Food

In Korea, you cannot start eating until the elders grab the chopsticks and start eating their own meal. The order of eating has to be according to age. For example, if you are sitting with your grandfather, parents, parents’ friends, and your younger sister at a dining table, the order should be :

Korean Vocabulary List

1. 할아버지 (harabeoji) – “grandfather”
2. 부모님 (bumonim) – “your parents”
3. 부모님의 친구 (bumonimui chingu) – “parents’ friends”
4. 나 자신 (Na chashin) – “myself”
5. 여동생 (yeodongsaeng) – “younger sister”

2- Do: Chew with Your Mouth Closed and Try to Hide the Bones

Try not to make noise when you chew your food in South Korea. It is considered rude if you do make any noise when chewing, so try to chew with your mouth closed.

Also keep in mind that Koreans eat grilled fish, marinated chicken, and so on. It is advised that if you have bones, you hide them by wrapping them in some tissue or placing them under the rice bowl.

Korean Vocabulary List

1. 생선 가시 (saengseon gasi) – “fish bone”
2. 생선 가시를 발라내다 (saengseon gasireul ballanaeda) – “debone a fish”
3. 우리 밥 먹을 때 조용히 먹자. (uri bam meogeul ttae joyonghi meokja.) – “Let’s just eat quietly.”

3- Do Not: Leave the Table Until You Are Done with the Meal

If you need to go to the 화장실 (hwajangsil) “bathroom”, try to go before sitting at the dining table; it is considered rude to leave the table while eating. However, if you really need to leave the table for some urgent reason, the best way is to politely explain the situation to the eldest person.

Also note that it’s considered rude to place your elbow on the table as well, especially if you are dining with the elders or someone who is older than you.

4- Are You the Youngest Person in a Group? Rules to Remember

Here are a couple of important rules in the Korean table manner that you need to remember if you are the youngest person in a group:

When you go to a restaurant or prepare the dinner at home with your Korean homestay family, you are expected to prepare 수저 (sujeo) “spoon and a pair of chopsticks”, as well as other amenities such as water.

Also, you may need to grill the meats for elders or those of higher status when you go to a restaurant with other colleagues. However, this is not mandatory as the task of grilling the meats for everyone depends on who sits closest to the barbecue grill.

Have you started studying Korean lately and want to improve your listening skills?
Listening Comprehension for Absolute Beginners

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #2: Basic Drinking Etiquette

1- Do: Make Sure Everyone’s Glass is Full

If you are the youngest, check to see if others’ glasses are empty, as it is rude to allow anyone to have an empty glass. Fill up the person’s glass first who is older or of higher status than you, by politely saying 한 잔 더 받으세요 (han jan deo badeuseyo) “Let me refill your glass.”

There are a couple of South Korean basic drinking etiquettes that will prove helpful when you go drinking with colleagues, friends, or elders in the future. Firstly, you need to hold the bottle and shot glasses with two hands when someone pours 막걸리 (makgeolli) “rice wine” or 소주 (soju) “Korean distilled liquor” for you. Also, it is polite to turn away from elders while you drink.

2- Do Not: Pour Your Own Drink

In Korea, it is considered rude to pour your own shot. Therefore, wait until someone offers to pour for you; this will usually be done by the youngest person. Sometimes, however, older or higher-status people may offer to pour for you. This usually means that the person wants to establish a great relationship with you, especially if the person is your boss or someone whom you cannot usually interact with in daily life. So, if he or she offers to pour you an alcoholic drink, accept it. If you refuse firmly, it may greatly harm the atmosphere. If you do not want to drink alcohol, just leave the glass as it is and order a different drink, or politely say 죄송하지만, 저는 술을 한 방울도 못 마십니다 (Joesonghajiman, jeoneun sureul han banguldo mon masimnida), “I am sorry, but I don’t drink even a drop.”

Do you want to learn Korean alphabet? Click here to learn Hangul: Hana Hana Hangul

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #3: Asking Someone’s Age

1- It is Very Normal to Ask Someone’s Age

It’s absolutely normal to ask someone’s age in South Korea, so don’t get offended if you’re asked. Seeing as it is rude to ask someone’s age in most Western countries, this is a great example of etiquette differences between countries.

Koreans ask your age in order to determine what kind of language they need to use when talking with you. For example, if you meet someone in class for the first time, you would ask 몇 년생이세요? (myeot nyeonsaengiseyo) “What year were you born?” or 나이가 어떻게 되세요? (nai-ga eotteoke doeseyo) “How old are you?”. Then, if he or she is older than you, you need to start using formal language and show respect to him or her.

On the other hand, if a person is younger than you, you can speak casually with them, whereas he or she must speak to you in formal language.

Did you know that international and Korean age are different?

Do you know how to say “Where are you from?” in Korean? Learn key Korean phrases on KoreanClass101 for free

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #4: Place Setting Rules for Dining

Did you know that there is a number of place setting rules for dining in Korea? For example, a spoon and a set of chopsticks should be placed next to the rice bowl, on the right-hand side. Also, a spoon stays to the left while chopsticks stay to the right.

Stew (such as Kimchi stew) is usually placed in the middle so that everyone can share the soup together, surrounded by many different kinds of side dishes such as: 김치 (Kimchi – a Korean dish of spicy pickled cabbage) and 야채 (yachae – vegetables).

Typically, 고기반찬 (gogibanchan) “meat side dishes” stay on the right-hand side and 야채반찬 (yachaebanchan) “vegetable side dishes” stay on the left-hand side of the dining table.

In summary:

• Right-hand side: Warm and hot dishes, watery food, meat dishes, and so on
• Left-hand side: Cold dishes and dry foods, vegetable dishes, and so on

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #5: Don’t Write Names in Red!

Did you know that it is considered extremely offensive to write someone’s name in red ink? Writing a person’s name in red ink means that he or she is deceased, and if he or she is still alive, it means that the person who wrote your name wishes that you were dead. 빨간 잉크 (ppalgan ingkeu) “red ink” was used in the past to write a deceased person’s name. So it should go without saying that you shouldn’t write your friend’s name down in red ink!

Learn these top 10 phrases in Korean and amaze your Korean friends

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #6: Never Sit in Priority Seats

When riding on buses or subways, you should avoid sitting in the priority seats; they are for the handicapped, the elderly, and pregnant women. You can easily identify them because there is a label that says 노약자석 (noyakjaseok) “For the handicapped, the elderly, and pregnant women” above the seating area, depicting the profiles of the three groups. It is important not to take these seats even if they are empty.

This is what you are going to see at priority seats: 장애인, 노약자, 임산부, 영유아 동반자 좌석입니다 (jangaein, noyakja, imsanbu, yeongyua dongbanja jwaseogipnida) “Seats for the handicapped, weak, pregnant women or accompanied with baby.” Also, you will frequently hear announcements such as 노약자석에 앉지 마세요 (noyakjaseoge anjji maseyo) “Please don’t sit on priority seats” to let everyone know that these seats need to remain available at all times.

Do’s and Don’ts in Korea #7: Take Your Shoes Off at Home

In Korea, you will always find a 신발장 (sinbaljang) “shoes shelf,” or an area where Koreans keep their shoes. For example, if you are at a 레스토랑 (reseutorang) “restaurant” where you sit on the floor at a low table, you will need to take off your shoes beforehand. Also, when you enter someone’s house, you must take off your shoes and leave them at the entrance.

How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn More Korean

In summary, we introduced seven important Korean etiquettes and relevant Korean vocabularies for you to remember! KoreanClass101 has many study materials that you can download for free. Also, have you come across any Korean words that you don’t know? Look them up on KoreanClass101 dictionary with free audio for you to practice pronunciation! We are here to help you improve your Korean, so feel free to use our website anytime. You can learn more Korean etiquettes, along with polite ways to speak Korean, on KoreanClass101. Check out our Culture Classes and Business Korean Series!

Thank you and have a great day!

Due to Korean Dramas and Kpop influences, the number of foreigners traveling to Korea or living in Korea has doubled in the last decade. This means that more and more foreigners come to Korea to learn its culture, language, customs and so on. Traveling to Korea certainly helps you understand Korea and also helps you expand your perspective.

However, it’s important to understand the difference between traveling and moving abroad. Travelers’ main concerns may be where to stay throughout the trip, or where to shop or to eat in Seoul. But for foreigners who want to live in Korea, one of the main concerns may be the cost of living in Korea. I am sure that you are reading this blog because you have been considering moving to Korea and you want to gather as much information as you can.

Table of Contents

1. Cost of Renting an Apartment or a House in Korea
2. Cost of Food in Korea
3. Cost of Entertainment in Korea
4. Cost of Transportation in Korea
5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn more Korean

Don’t worry, KoreanClass101 will look into the living costs, such as renting an apartment, purchasing food, enjoying entertainment etc, in Korea, focusing on Seoul. Also, KoreanClass101 will share some tips on how you can save some money while living in Korea, like locals do, so that you can apply these tips once you start living in Seoul, Korea. We will share some useful Korean phrases and words for you to learn from this article so please keep reading!

1. Cost of Renting an Apartment or a House in Korea

If you are going to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher in Korea, you do not need to worry about accommodations, as the company will cover all the expenses including the utility fees. However if you need to find your own place to stay, there are some important things that you need to understand about renting an apartment in Korea.

Firstly, depending on where you want to live, your rent will be different. For example, if you want to live in Gangnam, Hongdae or any other main district in Seoul, the rent is going to be extremely expensive in comparison to other areas far from the main districts.

Secondly, Koreans usually search for an apartment to rent through a real estate agent. Koreans believe that it is the safest way to find an apartment and usually the real estate agent will take care of all the work including negotiating with the landlord and reading through the contract for you. If you want to lower the apartment rent, you may want to increase the default deposit. Usually, if you increase the deposit by 10,000,000 KRW, you may be able to lower the rent by 50,000 KRW. Also, sometimes you will notice that the water utility fee is included in the rent. This is certainly negotiable as well. The real estate agent will negotiate this with the landlord on your behalf, and there is no guarantee as it’s really up to the landlord to decide. Also, if you find a house then you will need to pay approximately 10% of your rent to the real estate agent. Koreans also use a number of apps or websites to save on the agency fee, which are 다방 (dabangapp), 직방 (Zigbang), 피터팬의 좋은방 구하기 (peterpanz) and so on.

List of Korean words for renting an apartment in South Korea:

1. 월세 (wolse) – “monthly rent”
2. 관리비 (gwanribi) – “maintenance fee”
3. 수도요금 (sudoyogeum) – “water bill”
4. 전기요금 (jeongiyogeum) – “electricity bill”
5. 계약서 (gyeyakseo) – “contract”

Do you want to become fluent in reading Korean?
Learn the Korean Alphabet, Hangul, from A to Z!

2. Cost of Food in Korea

It is relatively cheap to eat out or do grocery shopping in South Korea. For example, a carton of milk costs around 2,500 KRW and the price of snacks and sweets usually start from 1,000 KRW. Also, the majority of supermarkets offer special discounts such as 1+1 events or coupon events. So look out for these signs when you go to a supermarket. In addition, a good thing about doing grocery shopping at supermarkets such as major wholesale stores like emart, Home plus and some local supermarkets, is that some supermarkets offer free delivery if you purchase over a certain amount.

Regarding eating out in South Korea, dishes usually cost from 7,000 KRW if you go to an inexpensive restaurant. Just to give you some hints about the cost of food in Korea, a McDonalds meal usually costs from 6,000 KRW and beers cost from 3,000 KRW. Waiters and waitresses often can speak English if you go to the city area, but if you are living outside the main districts, you will need to order food in Korean. If you learn a few phrases and order food at a restaurant, using honorific Korean, Koreans will appreciate you for trying to speak Korean.

List of Korean words for food:

1. 닭 가슴살 (dalg gaseumsal) – “chicken breast”
2. 사과 (sagwa) – “apple”
3. 바나나 (banana) – “banana”
4. 감자 (gamja) – “potato”
5. 소주 (sojoo) – a Korean alcoholic drink typically made from rice or sweet potatoes.

Click here to learn more Korean essential vocabulary for fruits and vegetables!

3. Cost of Entertainment in Korea

The cost of entertainment in South Korea really depends on what you want to do as a hobby or for pleasure. For now, let’s focus on movies. If you purchase movie tickets at the counter, the tickets cost usually around 12,000 KRW, without any snacks or drinks. The price of the ticket becomes more expensive based on the type of movie. For a 3D or IMAX film, expect to pay a lot more.

But don’t worry, there are many ways to enjoy the entertainment without spending a fortune. Here are some tips on what locals do to receive some discounts on their movie tickets.

1) Try to purchase a movie ticket online as tickets are usually around 7,500 KRW online. Also, try to sign up to receive more discounts, ranging from 10% to 30%.
2) If you are an active SNS user, many South Korean companies offer free movie tickets or drinks if you share their contents on your SNS pages.
3) Look out for special discounts offered by different cinemas, such as 조조할인 (jojohal-in), 심야할인(sim-ya-hal-in), 무비데이 (mubidei) and so on.

List of Korean words for entertainment:

1. 영화 (yeonghwa) – “movie”
2. 티켓 (tikes) – “ticket(s)”
3. 조조할인 (jojohal-in) – discount tickets offered to customers who come to the cinema early in the morning
4. 무비데이 (mubidei) – Every Wednesday is called “movie day,” and you will receive some discount on the movie tickets.
5. 심야할인 (sim-ya-hal-in) – discount tickets offered to customers who come to the cinema late at night

Do you want to challenge yourself by memorizing 100 essential Korean words?
Click here to access Korean Core 100 Word List for free!

4. Cost of Transportation

Transportation in South Korea is extremely convenient and cheap. You will need to purchase a T-Money card, which is a prepaid rechargeable touch-and-go transportation card. You can purchase this card at the ticket machine inside the subway. If you can apply for a credit card in Korea, you can also apply for a card that offers discounts for people who use transportation often. You can consult your bank if you are interested. When you scan your transportation card at a subway station, usually it costs 1,250 KRW for an adult and 720 KRW for a child (with the transportation card). For buses in South Korea, the price differs, from 1,200 KRW to 2,500 KRW, depending on the company and time of the day. Regarding the cost of taxis in Seoul, 일반 (Ilban – “regular taxis”) start from 3,000 KRW and 모범 (mobeom – “deluxe taxis,” black with a yellow top )cost from 5,000 KRW. If you catch a taxi late at night, there will be a late night surcharge.

List of Korean words for transportation:

1. 대중교통 (daejung-gyotong) – “public transport”
2. 버스 (beoseu) – “bus(es)”
3. 지하철 (jihacheol) – “subway(s)”
4. 택시 (taegsi) – “taxi(s)”

What should we watch in Korea? Learn how to express your intentions!

5. How KoreanClass101 Can Help You Learn more Korean

In summary, we looked at different areas’ of cost of living in South Korea, focusing only on Seoul. The price range may vary depending on which area you go to, therefore it’s important to compare the prices and do a little bit of research in order to save some money while you are in Korea.

Regardless of how cheap or expensive it is to live in South Korea, it’s important to study the language before. If you understand Korean language, it will be a lot easier for you to navigate around in South Korea.

If you have more questions about Korea (apart from cost of living in Korea) why not visit our KoreanClass101 forum? You can get a lot of advice from Koreans or foreigners living in Korea. Also KoreanClass101 has many Korean resources where you can access many study materials for free, so sign up for KoreanClass101 today to receive a free trial!

Good luck 🙂