Living in Korea
Living in Korea — practical guides for residents and long-term stayers: everyday systems, paperwork, local services and staying safe.
What the controller buttons do, how the bill is calculated, which settings save money, and what to do if you smell gas
With your own gas boiler, the bill is metered gas × heat factor × your supplier's rate per MJ, plus a basic charge and 10% VAT. When you go out, lower the setting rather than switching off, and in a freeze keep the power on.
The 15-minute free re-entry rule, which lines are left out, and where to go when the station is closed
Public toilets in Korea are free, and a subway station is the surest bet. In the Seoul area most lines let you tap out to use one and re-enter within 15 minutes at no cost, but AREX, Shinbundang and Incheon lines don't.
What to do with an empty cup, a bottle or a snack wrapper on the street, and how to sort trash before you leave a rental
On the street, finish or empty your drink, then look for a subway station or bus-stop bin, or carry the trash home. In a rental, follow the host's sorting, with general waste in the local prepaid bag.