Guidebook for Living in Korea

Convenience stores are open 24 hours and sell a diverse range of goods, including food. Since convenience stores are small, it is easy to find what you want. They can be useful when you need to buy one or two things.

Conventional markets are full of vendors selling food, clothing, and commodities. Goods can be bought at cheap prices, and there is room for negotiation on price and quantity. Conventional markets are also a good way to witness the lives of Korean people and experience Korean culture.

Supermarkets usually sell snacks, vegetables, meat and beverages. They are conveniently located around the neighborhood.

Department Stores sell diverse items including clothing, food, electronics, cosmetics, and jewelry. The facilities, services, and the quality of goods sold at department stores are excellent, driving up the prices. They frequently hold sale events, so it is better to wait and use these event periods.

Like department stores, large discount stores offer diverse items including food, clothing, electronics and commodities. The quality of products is excellent, and the facilities and the services are good.

It is possible to order products shown on TV via telephone or Internet. Home shopping items include clothes, groceries, cosmetics, electronics, and even insurance. TV home shopping is very convenient, but it is easy to buy items you don’t really need.

Online shopping malls allow you to place orders and purchase a wide array of items. One of the drawbacks though, is the items may look different on the screen than in real life. It is advised to look very carefully or consult the sales agent.

Mobile banking is a service provided by a bank or other financial institution that allows its customers to conduct financial transactions remotely using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. It can be used on the move, which is advantageous in that it is not restricted by location compared to Internet banking.

Using public banking agencies such as banks and post offices is the safest way to remit money overseas. Many people use private service providers (or brokers) rather than banks to remit money. Even though these services are faster and simpler, you use these services at your own risk. Cases of brokers disappearing with the remittance money are not rare. In these cases, there is no way to get your money back; as such, it is highly recommended that you use public institutions to send money overseas.

Voice phishing is a fraudulent act in which false information is sent to people via phone or SMS in order to get them to send cash or a make a deposit to a scammer.