Feb 26, 2025
Your Essential Guide to Comfortable Living in Korea – Tips, Tricks, and Must-Know Rules for a Hassle-Free Stay!
Whether you're a student, an expat, or a digital nomad, settling into a new home in Korea can be both exciting and overwhelming. From heating systems to waste disposal rules, this guide will help you navigate your daily life with ease.
Here’s everything you need to know about living comfortably in your Shared Homies accommodation!
📌 Essential Contact Information
Save these important numbers in your phone right away!
🚔 Police: 112
🚑 Fire & Ambulance: 119
🏠 Shared Homies Manager: Contact for housing-related issues.
🔥 Heating & Cooling (Ondol - 온돌) Guide
Winter Survival (December - March) ❄️
Korea’s winter can be extremely cold, and keeping your heating system (Ondol – 온돌) on is essential.
✅ Key Tips:
Always keep the floor heating ON to prevent frozen pipes.
Recommended temperature setting: 20-23°C.
If temperatures drop below 0°C, let warm water drip from the tap to prevent pipe freezing.
💡 Pro Tip: Check this guide for thermostat instructions!
Summer Cooling 🌞
Korean summers are hot and humid, so cooling down is key!
✅ Cooling Tips:
Use air conditioning + fans for energy efficiency.
Control the aircon with the remote provided in your room.
🔥 Gas Stove & Washing Machine Usage
Gas Stove Safety
✅ Before Cooking: Turn the main gas valve near the stove clockwise to open.❌ After Cooking: Turn it counterclockwise to close. Always double-check!
How to Use the Washing Machine 🧺
Load your clothes.
Add detergent to the designated compartment.
Select the wash cycle using the dial.
Press start—a cycle takes about 1 hour.
Drying: Use the provided drying rack.
💡 Need a warm wash? Use a nearby coin laundry or contact your housing manager.
♻️ Waste & Recycling Rules in Korea
Korea has strict waste separation laws—following them will help you avoid fines!
🚮 Regular Waste (White Bags)
Used for general trash, wrappers, and bottles.
Buy at GS25 convenience stores.
💬 Korean phrase:
🛒 "이십 리터 쓰레기봉투 주세요." (20L trash bag, please.)
🥬 Food Waste (Yellow Bags)
Dispose of all food waste separately in orange bins outside the building.
💡 Pro Tip: Store in the freezer to avoid bad smells!
💬 Korean phrase:
🍽 "음식 쓰레기봉투 주세요." (Food waste bag, please.)
🔧 House Rules & Emergency Maintenance
🏡 House Rules
Keep shared spaces clean—respect your roommates!
Respect quiet hours, especially at night.
Report maintenance issues ASAP.
⚠️ Emergency Maintenance
If you experience any of these issues, contact your Shared Homies Manager immediately:
🚰 Water leaks
❄️ Heating system problems
🔌 Electrical issues
🦠 Mold growth
🌍 Must-Know Korean Phrases for Daily Life
English | Korean | Pronunciation |
Hello | 안녕하세요 | An-nyeong-ha-se-yo |
Thank you | 감사합니다 | Kam-sa-ham-ni-da |
Excuse me | 실례합니다 | Shil-lye-ham-ni-da |
Help, please | 도와주세요 | Do-wa-ju-se-yo |
📌 Save these phrases—they will be super helpful!
💡 Pro Tips for Living in Korea
💡 Make your stay easier with these life hacks:
📱 Download food delivery apps like Baemin or Coupang Eats.🚇 Get a T-Money card for public transportation.👥 Join local expat groups on social media for tips & events.🚖 Save your address in Korean to show taxi drivers.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Living in Korea is an exciting experience, but understanding the essentials—like heating, waste disposal, and emergency contacts—makes everything so much easier.
📌 Bookmark this guide & share it with your housemates!
Got any questions? Drop a comment or DM us! 💬✨