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Side Quests In series
Small opportunities, events and tips for international residents in Korea
#expat life
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Side Quests In series
Small opportunities, events and tips for international residents in Korea
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Feeling lonely in Seoul? Try a convenience store for the mind
Seoul is operating 19 community spaces where foreign residents and other citizens experiencing loneliness can talk with others, assess their emotional well-being and receive information about counseling and support services. Called Seoul Maeum Convenience Stores, the facilities are not retail stores but informal spaces designed for people seeking emotional support or social connection. “Maeum” means mind or heart in Korean. Visitors can take a self-assessment on loneliness, speak with staff or p
Aug. 3, 2026 - 11:07:18
Make 'wakppu ball,' make Korean friends
The Seoul Global Center is inviting international students in Seoul to make "wakppu ball," or wax balls, with local participants as part of a cultural exchange program. Wax balls are a trending stress-relief toy in Korea made by coating a soft, squeezable ball with a thin layer of wax, which users then crack by squeezing. The program includes not only a wax ball-making session but also icebreaker games designed to help participants get to know one another, encouraging natural networking and cult
July 28, 2026 - 20:02:08
Report bad taxi experiences in Seoul
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is encouraging international visitors to report poor experiences with taxi services, as part of efforts to improve the city's tourism environment. According to the Seoul Foreign Resident Center, foreign visitors who experience problems such as overcharging, drivers refusing to use the meter or other unfair practices can file complaints online. Reports may also be submitted for service refusals without a valid reason or other inconveniences encountered during a t
July 28, 2026 - 17:34:12
Learn how to protect your invention in Korea
The Seoul Global Center is accepting applications for an introductory course on South Korea’s intellectual property system for foreign residents interested in starting a business. The two-day course will be held Aug. 25-26 and consist of six sessions covering how inventions are developed, how ideas are turned into patent applications and how intellectual property rights can be protected. The program will take place at the Seoul Global Center in Jongno-gu, central Seoul. Classes will run for abou
July 22, 2026 - 16:44:25
Free career support program for foreign nationals
The Seoul Global Center is accepting applications for a free career support program designed to help international residents find jobs in South Korea. The two-day program, titled “Seoul Global Career Survival,” will be held Aug. 22-23 at the center in Jongno-gu, central Seoul. Up to 30 international residents seeking employment in Korea will be selected. Participants will receive career mentoring from professionals in their desired fields, feedback on resumes and portfolios, elevator-pitch train
July 22, 2026 - 15:03:13
Got thoughts on banking in Korea? KB wants to hear them
KB Kookmin Bank is recruiting foreign residents in Korea to join its new customer panel, the “KB Global Star Supporters.” The program is designed for foreign customers to test banking products and services, share their experiences and suggest ways to make them easier to use. Around 20 participants will be selected. Applicants must live in Korea, currently use KB Kookmin Bank products or services and be able to communicate in Korean. The supporters will take part in the program for about three mo
July 15, 2026 - 16:47:29
Gwangju seeks int'l student performers for busking event
The Gwangju Busking World Cup is inviting international students in Korea to perform in a special busking program on Oct. 8. The 2026 International Student Busking program, organized by the Gwangju Dong-gu Culture and Tourism Foundation, will take place at the May 18 Democracy Square in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City. The program is open to international students currently enrolled at or taking a leave of absence from a university in Korea. They can apply individually or as part of a team. Korean
July 14, 2026 - 14:38:14
Seoul extends honorary citizenship nomination period
Seoul has extended the nomination period for its honorary citizenship to July 24, inviting residents and organizations to recommend foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to the city. Launched in 1958, the Honorary Citizenship of Seoul program recognizes foreign nationals who have helped raise the city’s profile in areas including the economy, culture, education and welfare. A total of 968 people from 100 countries have received the honor. Honorary citizens may serve as advise
July 14, 2026 - 14:18:59
FC Seoul offers foreign fans discounted tickets, free beer
FC Seoul is inviting international fans to its K League 1 home match against Ulsan HD with discounted tickets and a complimentary cup of draft beer, the club said Tuesday. The match will kick off at 7:30 p.m. on July 26 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Foreign nationals can buy tickets for either the general admission section or the supporters’ section for 11,000 won ($7), compared with the regular on-site price of 20,000 won. The promotion also includes one complimentary cup of draft beer. Individua
July 14, 2026 - 14:04:51
How to avoid used car scams on Karrot
Buying a used car through a secondhand marketplace can be convenient, but foreign residents in Korea should be careful before sending money or agreeing to a deal. The Seoul Foreign Resident Portal recently posted a warning about used car scams on Karrot, the local secondhand marketplace app, after reports of fraud linked to used-car transactions. Common scams include fake listings for cars that do not exist, rental cars or vehicles owned by someone else being sold as private cars, and third-part
July 8, 2026 - 16:13:28
Free legal seminar on workplace sexual harassment
Foreign residents in Korea can join a free legal seminar on workplace sexual harassment, sexual violence and related legal protections later this month. The seminar, titled “Understanding workplace sexual harassment, sexual violence and related laws in Korea,” will be held July 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Yeoksam 1-dong Community Service Center in southern Seoul. The session is designed for foreign residents who want to better understand what counts as workplace sexual harassment in Korea, what
July 8, 2026 - 11:39:28
Checkmate your weekend in Suwon
Chess may be played quietly, but every match is a small battle of patience, focus and nerve. For foreign residents who like strategy games and want to test their skills, Suwon has a tournament coming up. The KT Suwon Branch International Chess Tournament will be held on Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at KT Suwon Branch in Jangan-gu, Suwon. The tournament is open to KT customers, with foreigners living in Korea also welcome, according to the event poster. A separate notice says the event is for for
July 6, 2026 - 14:22:39
How to enjoy Seoul's attractions for free
The Seoul Gangdong Foreign Resident Center is seeking foreign nationals to join “Seoul Itda Supporters,” a volunteer program that invites participants to explore the city’s attractions and create informative content in their native languages. The supporters will share tips on living and traveling in Seoul to help newcomers enjoy the city more easily, the center said Monday. The program will run from July through November. Participants will receive support for activity expenses, a certificate for
June 30, 2026 - 08:50:03
Want to stay in Korea? Seoul can help
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is accepting applications from international students for a 30-day program designed to help them build careers and settle in the city. The program, titled “30 Days in Seoul,” will run from July 13 to Aug. 28. Participants will receive practical guidance on everyday life in Korea, including how to sign an employment contract, find rental housing, and connect with local residents. The program also offers career preparation courses, including resume and self-introd
June 30, 2026 - 08:49:56
Beat the summer heat the Korean way – with chicken soup
As Chobok, the first of Korea’s three traditional dog days of summer, approaches, the Seoul Foreign Resident Center is inviting foreign residents to learn how to make dak hanmari, a hearty chicken hot pot widely enjoyed as a summertime energy booster. The dish, made with a whole chicken, potatoes, garlic, green onions and other vegetables simmered in a rich broth, is considered one of Korea’s classic nourishing foods, traditionally believed to help cope with the summer heat. Participants will al
June 29, 2026 - 12:04:12
