Hang : Korea Made Simple

Want to book a restaurant in Korea but worried about speaking Korean on the phone? You do not need perfect Korean. A few simple phrases for saying when you want to visit, how many people are coming, and whose name the reservation is under will handle most situations. The most useful phrase to remember is: 예약하고 싶어요. Easy pronunciation: ye-yak-ha-go shi-peo-yo Meaning: “I’d like to make a reservation.” For example, if you want a table for two at 7 p.m., you can say: 오늘 저녁 7시에 두 명 예약하고 싶어요. Oneul jeonyeok ilgop sie du myeong yeyakago sipeoyo. “I’d like to make a reservation for two at 7 p.m. tonight.” That sentence alone can get you surprisingly far. Here are the Korean restaurant reservation phrases that are actually useful when traveling or living in Korea. 1. Essential Korean Restaurant Reservation Phrases Start with short sentences. Restaurant staff are usually busy, especially during lunch and dinner, so simple Korean is often easier than trying to build a...

If you are moving to South Korea with children, one of the biggest decisions is whether to choose an international school or a regular Korean school . The short answer is simple: foreign children living in Korea can generally attend Korean public schools , while foreign schools and international-style schools may offer an easier English-language transition but usually cost much more. For many foreign families, the biggest differences come down to four things: language, tuition, admission eligibility, and future education plans . A Korean public school can be a good option for families staying in Korea long term, especially if the child can learn in Korean. An international or foreign school may be more comfortable for children who will later return to an English-speaking or international education system. However, the word international school can be confusing in Korea. Schools marketed in English may fall under different legal categories, so parents should always check the school...

If you want to experience a quieter, more local side of central Seoul, Seochon (서촌) is one of the easiest neighborhoods to explore on foot. Located just west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, the area combines traditional hanok houses, narrow residential lanes, small galleries, independent cafes, and Tongin Market (통인시장) . For a first visit, allow about 3 to 4 hours . A simple route is Gyeongbokgung Station → Tongin Market → Seochon's hanok alleys → cafe streets → optional Suseongdong Valley. You can easily combine the walk with Gyeongbokgung Palace on the same day. Seochon is especially good for travelers who enjoy photography, Korean street food, cafe hopping, and neighborhoods that still feel lived-in rather than designed only for tourists. 1. How to Get to Seochon and Plan the Walking Route The easiest starting point is Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역) on Seoul Subway Line 3 . For Tongin Market and the main Seochon streets, Exit 2 is convenient. According to Seoul's offici...

If you are moving to South Korea for work, study, or a long-term stay, one of the first practical questions you may have is: Do foreigners need health insurance in Korea? In many cases, yes. Foreign employees working at an eligible workplace are generally enrolled in Korea's National Health Insurance (NHI) through their employer. Many other registered foreign residents become subject to National Health Insurance after living in Korea for six months, although the starting date can be different for certain visa types, including students and some other residents. Once you are covered, you can use Korea's National Health Insurance at hospitals, local clinics, pharmacies, and for many medical tests and treatments. However, insurance does not mean that medical care is completely free. You normally pay part of the cost yourself. Quick answer: If you live in Korea long term, check your health insurance status soon after receiving your Residence Card. Employees are usually enrolled...

If you want to see a side of Seoul where old workshops, decades-old restaurants, hidden cafes, and lively night pubs all share the same narrow streets, spend an afternoon and evening in Euljiro (을지로) . For a first visit, start around Euljiro 3-ga Station , explore the industrial alleys and cafes in the afternoon, eat at a traditional Korean restaurant, and finish the evening around Euljiro Nogari Alley (을지로 노가리골목) . Three to five hours is enough for a relaxed visit. There is no admission fee for the neighborhood itself, and a realistic budget for food, coffee, and an evening drink is around ₩25,000 to ₩50,000 per person , depending on what you order. You may also hear Euljiro called “Hipjiro” . It is an informal nickname that combines Euljiro's older industrial character with the newer cafes, restaurants, bars, and creative spaces that have opened inside aging buildings. 1. How to Get to Euljiro and Where to Start The easiest starting point for this walking route is Eul...

Seongsu-dong is one of the best neighborhoods in Seoul for travelers looking for trendy cafés, Korean brand pop-up stores, K-beauty experiences, shopping, and an easy date course. For a first visit, start near Seongsu Station , explore the streets around Yeonmujang-gil , stop at a café or pop-up store, and finish your day with a walk through Seoul Forest . You do not need to plan every stop in advance. Part of the fun of Seongsu is discovering temporary stores, small design shops, cafés, and new brand spaces while walking. Because pop-up stores can open and close quickly, it is better to build your day around a few reliable areas and check current events shortly before your visit. Quick answer: Plan about 4–6 hours for a relaxed visit to Seongsu-dong. If you only want cafés and shopping, 3 hours may be enough. For a full date course with Seoul Forest and dinner, allow half a day or longer. 1. Where Should You Start in Seongsu-dong? For most first-time visitors, Seongsu Sta...

If you want to experience traditional Korean architecture without leaving central Seoul, Ikseon-dong Hanok Street (익선동 한옥거리) is one of the easiest neighborhoods to add to your itinerary. This compact maze of narrow alleys is filled with renovated hanok houses, cafés, restaurants, bakeries, small shops, and photogenic courtyards. It feels very different from a museum-style heritage site: the traditional buildings are still part of a lively commercial neighborhood. Ikseon-dong is especially easy to visit because it is only a short walk from Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station , served by Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5. The street itself does not require an admission ticket, so your main costs will be food, drinks, shopping, and transportation. Best for: cafés, Korean food, photography, couples, solo travelers, and first-time Seoul visitors Nearest subway: Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station Admission: Free Recommended time: About 2–4 hours Best time to visit: Late morning on weekdays for fewer crowds, ...