Living in Korea

Rules for foreign nationals living in Korea — housing and deposits, residence and visa status, driving, and other everyday rules.

Foreign driving license in Korea: driving on it vs. exchanging itWhen you can drive in Korea on an international permit or foreign license, and when to exchange it for a Korean one, with the test-exemption rules.
Changing your workplace on an E-7 or E-9 visa: report, permission, and the E-9 change limitHow an E-7 holder reports a workplace change under the Immigration Act, how an E-9 worker applies for a sector transfer under the Act on the Employment of Foreign Workers, and the 3-times/2-times change limit that applies only to E-9.
Landlord won't return your deposit? The leasehold registration order (임차권등기명령), step by stepWhat happens legally when a lease ends but the deposit isn't repaid, and how to use a leasehold registration order to lock in your opposing power and preferential repayment right before you move out.
Lease renewal in Korea: silent renewal, your one-time renewal request, and the 5% capHow a Korean housing lease renews if nobody says anything, how to use your one-time renewal request against a landlord's refusal, and why any rent or deposit increase on renewal is capped at 5%.
National Pension lump-sum refund for foreigners: who actually qualifiesWhen a National Pension lump-sum refund is paid under Article 77, why most foreign insured persons are excluded from it under Article 126(5), and the three exceptions that restore eligibility.
Jeonse and wolse deposits: move-in registration, 확정일자, and how your deposit is protectedHow resident registration and a fixed date (확정일자) create legal protection for your jeonse or wolse deposit, the small-deposit priority repayment table by region, and what to do if your landlord won't return your deposit when the lease ends.
Drunk driving in Korea: the 0.03% threshold and the penalty tableWhat blood alcohol level counts as drunk driving in Korea, the prison and fine ranges under the Road Traffic Act, and what happens to your license.

Not legal advice. See the editorial policy.