Korea Guide by LACHAhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/2026-09-23T00:00:00+09:00LACHA (라쿠카라차)https://lacha.co.krKorean Language School (D-4) vs. Undergraduate and Graduate Programs (D-2) — Period of Stay, Part-Time Work, and Extension Rules All Differhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-language-school-vs-degree/2026-09-23T00:00:00+09:002026-09-23T00:00:00+09:00A university-affiliated Korean language school (D-4) and a regular undergraduate or graduate program (D-2) both get called studying in Korea, but the period of stay, how much part-time work you're allowed, and what the extension review looks at are all different. We've laid it out with sources, from the legal definitions to the financial-capacity standards, the three different attendance rates, and the path from D-4 to D-2. Residence guidelines change often, so check again with 1345 and the international office of the university you're applying to before you apply.What a Year of Studying in Korea Actually Costs — Tuition, Dorms, Health Insurance, and Visa Fees in One Tablehttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-study-abroad-total-cost/2026-09-22T00:00:00+09:002026-09-22T00:00:00+09:00The only number your admissions office gives you is tuition, so the full-year total (dormitory fees, health insurance premiums, and residence fees combined) isn't written down anywhere. We put the 2026 published tuition averages, the posted dormitory fees at three universities, the 79,320 KRW monthly health insurance premium for international students, and the immigration fees into one table and calculated an annual range. We also separate why the financial-capability threshold used in visa screening is a different number from what you actually spend. Amounts change by university, department, and room type, so confirm them in the admissions guidelines and residence hall notices of the university you're applying to.Left Something in a Taxi, Subway, or Bus in Korea — Each Has Its Own Number to Call, and the Countdown Starts at 7 Dayshttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/lost-item-korea-transport/2026-09-19T00:00:00+09:002026-09-19T00:00:00+09:00In Korea, items found inside a vehicle go first to the company that runs it, not to the police. For taxis it's how you paid, for the subway it's which company runs the line, and for buses it's the route number that decides whether you can get your things back. We've compiled the first contact for each mode, the three deadlines (7 days, 6 months, 3 months), and the sticking points foreigners hit when reclaiming items with their ID, based on official sources as of 2026-09. Phone numbers and hours change often, so check each agency's official channel again before you head out.AREX Airport Railroad: Express vs. All-Stop Ticket & How to Buy — Incheon Airport ↔ Seoul Station Complete Guidehttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/arex-express-vs-all-stop-ticket/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-16T00:00:00+09:00From Incheon Airport to central Seoul, the AREX Airport Railroad's Express and All-Stop trains differ completely in fare, travel time, and booking method. This guide explains, as of 2026, how foreigners can buy tickets without a Korean card or phone, compares the 13,000 won Express with the 5,350 won All-Stop train, and covers what to do when payment gets blocked.Busan Transportation Guide for Foreign Visitors — From Gimhae Airport to Metro, City Buses & Taxishttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/busan-city-transport-guide/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-24T00:00:00+09:00From arriving at Gimhae Airport to getting around Busan, we've compiled official fare and transfer rules for the light rail, airport limousine, metro, city buses, and taxis. Includes workarounds for buying tickets with foreign cards and late-night taxi surcharge structures—double-check fares and schedules on official Busan city and Busan Transportation Corporation channels before your trip.Cheapest Way to Busan (KTX·Bus·Flight Comparison) — Foreigner's Guidehttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/cheapest-way-to-busan/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-17T00:00:00+09:00Compare high-speed trains, express buses, and flights to find the cheapest way from Seoul to Busan. Reflects the September 1, 2026 KTX·SRT merger. Detailed breakdown of actual fares (June 2026), booking without a Korean bank account or phone number, and hidden costs.Destination Transport Guide — Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam to Busanhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/destination-transport-myeongdong-hongdae-gangnam/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-18T00:00:00+09:00Which is faster and cheaper to Busan from Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Gangnam — high-speed train, express bus, or flight? Station access, foreign card payment tips, and the September 2026 KTX-SRT merger explained. Fares and travel times as of June 2026.Changing Workplaces on an E-9 Visa — Deadlines, Job-Seeker Registration, and What You Can't Afford to Misshttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/e9-workplace-change-korea/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-17T00:00:00+09:00We cover the grounds that qualify for an E-9 workplace change, the 1-month application and 3-month re-employment deadlines, the limits on how many times and within which zone you can move, how to get through the job-seeking period, and what to do when an employer tries to block your transfer. The rules change often, so always re-check with EPS (eps.go.kr) and your local Employment Center.First Day in Korea Setup: SIM, Payments, and Getting Aroundhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/first-day-in-korea-airport-setup/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-18T00:00:00+09:00A step-by-step guide to setting up your SIM, payment methods, and transport all at once at the airport on your first day in Korea. It walks foreigners through what to do first, right after arriving at Incheon Airport, in order.Your First Month in Korea: The Essential Setup Checklist — A Complete Guide for Foreigners Settling Inhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/first-month-in-korea-checklist/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-18T00:00:00+09:00Not sure where to start in your first month in Korea? Here's a step-by-step 2026 checklist covering mobile, transport, payments, alien registration, and opening a bank account — including how to get by during the gap before your ARC arrives.Guide to Getting To/From Gimpo, Jeju & Other Domestic Airports (2026 Update)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/gimpo-airport-transport/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-19T00:00:00+09:00Every way to get from domestic airports like Gimpo and Jeju into the city (subway, airport bus, taxi), plus Incheon↔Gimpo transfers and payment methods, explained for foreign travelers. A step-by-step guide covering fares, travel times, and app flows.Late-Night Arrival at Incheon Airport — How to Get to Seoul by Arrival Time, and the Pre-Dawn Payment Traphttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/incheon-airport-late-night-arrival/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-27T00:00:00+09:00The last Airport Railroad trains toward Seoul are the Express at 22:48 (T1) and 22:40 (T2), and the all-stop trains to Seoul Station at 23:38 (T1) and 23:32 (T2) — and the very last train of the night doesn't go all the way to Seoul Station. We've sorted out what's still running and what's already shut down based on the time you actually reach the arrivals floor, and traced exactly where a traveler with only a foreign card gets stuck trying to buy a ticket in the middle of the night, all based on official guidance. Please double-check times and fares on official channels before you go.Arriving at Incheon Airport Late at Night — Night Buses That Still Run After the Last Train, and What They Actually Costhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/incheon-airport-late-night-arrival-transport/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-02T00:00:00+09:00Incheon Airport night buses cover 4 routes toward Seoul (N6000, N6002, N6701, N6703) plus 10 routes toward Gyeonggi, departing from Terminal 1 between around 23:40 and 04:50. The same route leaves Terminal 2 about 20 minutes earlier, and late at night most staffed ticket counters are closed, so you'll need the self-service kiosks. Please re-check fares and times with Incheon International Airport Corporation's official info before you travel.Incheon Airport Special Assistance — the Priority Lane Is for 'Departures' Only, and Power Wheelchairs Require a Korean Guarantor (2026)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/incheon-airport-special-assistance/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-02T00:00:00+09:00Incheon Airport's priority lane is limited to departure convenience in both the Korean and English notices, and foreigners can't rent a power wheelchair on their own. Here are the seven eligible categories and required proof, the airline "passenger requiring medical assistance" track that works without a welfare card, and what actually works on the arrivals floor — all based on official guidance. Please double-check hours and phone numbers before you travel.4 Ways to Get from Incheon Airport to Downtown Seoul, Compared (2026 Update)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/incheon-airport-to-seoul-options/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-19T00:00:00+09:00A comparison of the 4 ways to get from Incheon Airport to downtown Seoul — the airport railroad, limousine bus, taxi, and all-stop train — covering fares, travel time, and whether foreign cards are accepted. Tailored for arriving foreign travelers as of June 2026.What is K-Tour PASS? — Korea's Government-Backed Transit Benefits Pass for Foreign Visitorshttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/k-tour-pass-guide/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-07T00:00:00+09:00Everything you need to know about the K-Tour PASS, a government-supported tourism pass being developed by the Korea Tourism Organization. Get up to 40,000 KRW in benefits including free direct train from the airport, 18,000 KRW off Busan-bound trains and buses, plus how to book transit and recharge transit cards in Korea as a foreigner — updated for 2026.Kakao T Isn't Just a Taxi App — Trains, Intercity Buses, Flights, Bikes: Every Feature Has Its Own Payment Barrierhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/kakao-t-beyond-taxi-foreigner/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-02T00:00:00+09:00Kakao T trains can only be paid for with a Kakao Pay card according to the official FAQ, while the bike service in the same app explicitly opens the door to four overseas card networks. Here's where trains, intercity buses, flights, and bikes each hit a wall, plus the fact that "express bus" never appears in the official guide text and what license you need for kickboards — all based on official documents. App policies change, so double-check right before you use it.Korail+ (formerly KorailTalk) Foreigner Issues & Alternatives — Updated for 2026 Sept Integrationhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korail-app-foreigner-problem/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-20T00:00:00+09:00KorailTalk became 'Korail+' on August 3, 2026, and KTX·SRT merged on September 1. What changed in terms of the name, booking steps, and fares—and are the English interface limitations and overseas card 3D Secure problems still there? We break it down. Since the app was just redesigned, please double-check with official Korail guidance for current screens.Kids' Fares Don't Discount Automatically — Age Registration and Why Child/Youth Rules Differ by Transporthttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-child-youth-transit-fare/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-02T00:00:00+09:00Even if you buy a child transit card, adult fares get deducted until you register the age — and under the terms, that difference is not refunded. Registration needs only three things: card number, CVC, and date of birth, and foreign children are covered too. We've laid out how age thresholds and free-infant limits differ across the subway, rail, AREX, and express buses, straight from the official terms — but always re-check fares and rules with each operator before you travel.EPS (Employment Permit System) Overview — From E-9 Visa Application to Arrival and Settlement (2026)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-eps-employment-permit/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-21T00:00:00+09:00A step-by-step overview of Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) and the E-9 visa. From the EPS-TOPIK, sending countries, employment contract, and Certificate for Confirmation of Visa Issuance through to alien registration after arrival, see the official process at a glance. (As of 2026-06)How to Get from Seoul to Regional Cities — Gyeongju, Jeonju, Gangneung, Yeosu, Andong: KTX vs. Express Bus Comparisonhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-regional-cities-train-bus-access/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-24T00:00:00+09:00A practical comparison of which Seoul station to depart from and whether KTX or express bus is actually faster and cheaper when traveling from Seoul to Gyeongju, Jeonju, Gangneung, Yeosu, and Andong, based on August 2026 fares and travel times. KTX fares on high-speed lines dropped by an average of 10% with the September 1 KTX-SRT merger, so check the current fare through official KORAIL channels before booking.Worked Overtime but Only Got Your Base Hourly Rate? How Korea's 52-Hour Week and Overtime, Night, and Holiday Premiums Workhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/korea-working-hours-overtime-pay-foreigner/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-10T00:00:00+09:00We start with the statutory limits of 40 hours a week and 8 hours a day (Labor Standards Act Article 50), then walk through the 12-hour extension cap (Article 53(1)) and the overtime, night, and holiday premiums (Article 56), each with its article number. We also cover the extra extension for workplaces under 30 employees that expired on December 31, 2022, the January 22, 2024 change in how cap violations are judged, and the boundaries of the comprehensive wage guideline that took effect on April 9, 2026. Because the answer changes with workplace size and industry, please confirm your own case at ☎1350.KTX Seat Classes, Discounts & Refund Rules Explained (2026 Update)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/ktx-seat-class-refund/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-24T00:00:00+09:00Compare KTX Standard, First Class, and Superior cars — seat width, service, and fares — plus a foreigner discount (KORAIL PASS) and a refund penalty table, all in one place. Includes before/after-departure fees and what to do when an overseas card payment fails.KTX·SRT Integration Complete Guide — 10% Fare Cut from September 1, 2026, SRT Becomes KTX-Sancheonhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/ktx-srt-integration-2026/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-08-24T00:00:00+09:00Starting September 1, 2026, SRT merges into KTX with an average 10% fare cut on high-speed rail. All bookings move to the Korail+ app. We've covered the before-and-after fares and how tickets purchased in August will be handled—double-check official channels right before you book.Real Case: A 5-Day Seoul + Busan Transport & Travel Itinerary (Route & Fare Guide for Foreign Travelers)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/real-case-seoul-busan-5days/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-25T00:00:00+09:00A real route for foreigners without a Korean bank account or phone to cover 2 days in Seoul, a KTX transfer, and 2 days in Busan within 5 days. Step-by-step coverage of KTX fares and travel times, subway transit cards, and what to do if a payment gets blocked.Seoul → Busan KTX: Complete Guide to Booking, Fares & Travel Time (For Foreigners)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/seoul-to-busan-ktx/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-25T00:00:00+09:00Complete guide for foreigners traveling Seoul to Busan by KTX: how to book, fares (around 54,400 KRW one-way), travel time (fastest 2 hrs 17 min), station locations, and solutions for overseas card payment issues. Updated September 2026.SRT vs KTX — From September 1, 2026, SRT Merges into KTXhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/srt-vs-ktx-foreigner/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-26T00:00:00+09:00The SRT you are looking for merges into KTX-Sancheon on September 1, 2026, and the name disappears. Booking consolidates into Korail+ alone. Here is how to pick between the departure stations that stay split (Suseo vs Seoul/Yongsan), and how foreigners can book and pay with an overseas-issued card.When a Taxi Won't Take You in Korea — How to Report Ride Refusal, Starting With Just the Plate Numberhttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/taxi-refusal-korea-what-to-do/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-09-18T00:00:00+09:00What law applies and where to report when a taxi refuses to take you in Korea. The provision behind it is Article 16(1)1 of the Taxi Development Act, and there are separate criteria that tell the seven legitimate grounds for refusal apart from an unlawful refusal. We cover how an administrative fine and a penalty on the driver's qualification come as two separate penalties, the required details including the plate number, and the routes for reporting without Korean. Counters and hours can change, so check again on each agency's official channels before you report.What Works Without an ARC (Alien Registration Card) in Korea — and What Doesn'thttps://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/what-works-without-arc-korea/2026-09-18T00:00:00+09:002026-07-27T00:00:00+09:00When you've just arrived in Korea and don't have your Alien Registration Card (ARC) yet, here's what works and what gets blocked — transport, payments, telecom, banking, and online identity verification, broken down item by item with the latest procedures as of June 2026.How to Book Chuseok & Seollal Holiday Train Tickets — Surviving Korea's Booking Wars (Foreigner's Guide)https://lacha.co.kr/korea-guide/en/chuseok-seollal-train-booking/2026-09-17T00:00:00+09:002026-08-06T00:00:00+09:00Why KTX tickets vanish instantly during Chuseok & Seollal, how the 2026 Korail-SR merger (Korail+, KTX-Sancheon) changes booking routes, how to check advance reservation schedules, and what to do after sold-out: cancellation hunting, standing tickets, seat+standing combos, express bus & flight alternatives — all explained at foreigner eye-level. Always confirm dates & policies with official Korail announcements.