Languages:

Korean and English. There are also several Korean dialects spoken distributed primarily according to geographic regions with natural boundaries.

Cost of living: 

In Korea, houses and Condos are very expensive. Also, the system of paying rent or buying an apartment is very different. Generally, you must pay the full price of the flat up front, then the landlord lives off of the interest on that amount. That means you have to have a LOT of money to start. However, at the end of your stay, the full amount is returned.

            It is difficult to define accurately the cost of living in Korea other than to say for the most part it is a very economical country to live in.  Prices will fluctuate depending on which city you live in, or even which district within the city you visit.  In general however, the cost of living in Korea is quite reasonable and economical.
            The cost of living is not that high in Korea except Seoul. Seoul is the fifth most expensive city to live in the world. For one day in the rest of the country you are looking to spend at least 100,000 won or US$10.00. For that amount, you could get lunch, dinner, and the use of public transportation.

Visa and Work Permits:

The application process is fairly straightforward, but the rules surrounding it are very strict. Stays for 30 days or less do not require visas, but anything over requires pre-obtained visas from a Korean diplomat in the U.S. You must arrive with a work permit in hand, and only companies that employ international workers can issue such permits.

Job Searching: 

The jobs in Korea are not high in demand but in productivity. The most effective and common way to get a job in Korea is through personal recommendations and connections.
            Some of the professionals in high demand right now include information technology, stock market analysts, computer graphic specialists, anything Internet related, foreign market researchers, outsourcing specialists, and English teachers. Two of the top three industries of Korea’s future, biotechnology and nanotechnology, require engineers.
            In an interview be natural and modest about your accomplishments. Interviewers are also interested in a well rounded candidate, so it is not unusual for them to expect you to discuss your extracurricular activities and hobbies as well as your qualifications and skills. Also interviews in Korea come in three parts: a group interview, a presentation from the candidate, then finally an individual interview. Lastly, business dress is conservative and bright colors worn by women is highly discouraged. 

            Finally realize that Korean is one of the most homogenous countries in the world and that may affect your reception by some Korean firms, however being an American does help.

           
Cultural Differences in the Workplace:

  Confucian ethics still dominate the culture. There is great respect for age, parents and the employer; however in the last decade, hierarchy by ability has been slowly replacing hierarchy by age. Still Korean corporate culture is overall a vertical hierarchy which stems from a tradition of family owned businesses. It’s hard to build personal relationships in Korea, but once built, they last a long time.

            Korean’s work week consists of 44 hours because they generally work half-days on Saturday.

            Remember that Koreans use very few hand gestures and value personal space.

            Korean business culture also values saving face and as such you should never lose your cool. They also have a hard time saying no. Korean interpersonal relationships operate on the principle of harmony. As such it is important you understand the concept of Kibun. There is no literal translation but similar words include pride, face, mood, feelings and state of mind. Basically, this concept enters into every facet of Korean life, even business and it’s important to mind and maintain it. A manager’s Kibun is damaged if subordinates do not show proper respect. Likewise, an employees Kibun is damaged if an employer criticizes him/her in public.

Money, Banking & Insurance:

            Customs collects various duties and taxes at importation and there are no export taxes in Korea.

            The primary banks are Kookmin Bank, Hanil Bank, and Hana Bank.