Beginner in Game Development, Which Engine Should I Use? Comparison of Unity vs Unreal vs Godot (Focusing on Free Engines) Choosing a Game Engine: Know This First: 5 Key Q&A Q1. What is a Game Engine? Is it necessary to use one? A. Think of a game engine as a set of development tools that bundles essential functions required for making games, similar to a car engine. It includes features like rendering graphics on-screen ( Rendering ), physics effects for characters colliding with walls or jumping ( Physics Engine ), and playing background music or sound effects ( Audio System ). While it's possible to create a game from scratch without an engine, it requires an immense amount of time and effort, which is why most developers today use game engines, especially beginners! Q2. I want to start game development; are there any good free engines available? A. Yes,...
Living a Month in Korea: From Preparation to Accommodation, Budget, and Real Tips
Living in Korea for a Month: A Comprehensive Guide from Preparation to Accommodation, Budget, and Practical Tips
Before You Go: 5 Key Q&A for Living in Korea for a Month
Q1. Do I need a visa to stay in Korea for a month?
No, in most cases, you don't need one. Citizens of many countries can stay visa-free for up to 90 days by obtaining a 'K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)' for tourism or short visits. Living for a month falls within this range. However, the list of countries eligible for K-ETA changes frequently, so be sure to check the official site before your trip.
Q2. Do I need to go through complicated registration procedures like obtaining an Alien Registration Card (ARC)?
Short-term visitors staying for less than 90 days are not required to register as foreigners. This means you can live relatively freely for a month without complex administrative procedures. However, if you plan to stay longer than 91 days, then registration becomes mandatory.
Q3. How much should I budget for transportation?
Public transportation in Seoul is very convenient and relatively inexpensive. As of 2025, the basic fare for the metropolitan subway starts at 1,550 KRW when using a transportation card, and there are good transfer discounts with buses. Assuming you travel two to three times a day, budgeting around 70,000 to 80,000 KRW for a month should be sufficient.
Q4. What should I budget for accommodation for a month?
It really varies depending on your choice. If you want to save money, a 'goshiwon' with no deposit starts at around 300,000 KRW per month, which can be a great option. If you prefer a more comfortable private space, you might look for short-term rentals, studios, or Airbnb, but in that case, you may need to budget over 1,000,000 KRW per month.
Q5. How do I deal with internet and communication?
The easiest way is to purchase a 30-day prepaid eSIM or USIM at the airport or online. You can activate it immediately with just your passport, allowing you to use data freely. For example, a data unlimited plan from telecom companies like KT costs around 70,000 KRW.
The captivating phrase 'living for a month' excites us as it bridges 'travel' and 'everyday life.' Instead of just being passing tourists, we get to wake up in a city, use public transportation like locals, and create memories in our favorite neighborhood café. Especially a month in Seoul, where dynamic energy and diverse culture coexist, feels particularly special. However, to turn this dream into reality, some practical preparations are necessary. Today, we will thoroughly cover everything from A to Z about living in Seoul for a month, turning vague dreams into concrete plans.
Pre-departure Checklist: What Should You Prepare?
A successful month of living begins with thorough preparation. If you’ve booked your flight, the real journey starts now.
Entry Preparation: First, check if your nationality is eligible for K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) and apply in advance. Many unofficial agent websites target the fees, so make sure to use the official site. It's also good to have your accommodation address and return flight information ready to show during immigration.
Accommodation Selection: This is the most significant part of living for a month, so choose carefully. If cost is the priority, look for 'goshwons' or 'one-room accommodations.' If convenience is essential, consider fully furnished 'residences' or 'short-term rental studios.' For a unique experience, you might even consider a 'hanok stay.' Understanding the pros and cons of each type of accommodation and choosing based on your budget is crucial.
Communication and Payment: Once you arrive in Korea, having internet access is essential for finding your way and searching for information, right? Pre-booking a prepaid eSIM/USIM that you can pick up at the airport or activate via QR code will be very convenient. While using credit cards is generally easy, there may be foreign transaction fees, so check the policies of your card issuer in advance. It’s also a good idea to know the locations of currency exchange offices with low fees for when you need cash.
Episode: 'Sara,' the Digital Nomad’s Preparation Process
Freelancer Sara, who planned to work remotely in Seoul for a month, began her preparations two weeks before departure. "The most important thing for me was accommodation. I needed a quiet space to work, so I carefully read reviews to check the soundproofing and reserved a residence. I also pre-booked an unlimited data eSIM, so I could activate it immediately with a QR code as soon as I landed at the airport. This way, I could find my accommodation without getting lost."
There are various types of accommodations; what are their characteristics?
In-depth Exploration 1: Korea's Unique Housing Culture, Goshiwon and Jeonse
When searching for short-term accommodation in Seoul, you'll likely come across the unfamiliar terms 'goshwon' and 'jeonse.' These keywords showcase Korea's unique housing culture.
Goshiwon (or One-room Tel) was originally small rooms for students preparing for exams. Although they are very tiny spaces (3-7㎡) that can barely fit a desk and a bed, they boast incredible value with prices ranging from 300,000 to 600,000 KRW per month, often with little to no deposit and many offering free meals or kimchi. For short-term visitors looking for affordable accommodations without a deposit, this can be a very attractive option. However, you should be aware that soundproofing is poor, and you'll have to share bathrooms and kitchens.
Jeonse is a unique rental system in Korea that is almost unheard of worldwide. Instead of paying monthly rent, you provide a large lump sum (50-80% of the house price) as a deposit to the landlord for 1-2 years, and at the end of the contract, you receive that money back. The landlord can invest or deposit that money in a bank to earn a profit. For foreigners, gathering such a large deposit can be practically difficult, which is why most month-long travelers opt for 'monthly rent' or other short-term rental options with little or no deposit.
In-depth Exploration 2: Tips to Fully Utilize Seoul's Public Transportation System
Seoul's public transportation is arguably among the best in the world. At its core is the 'integrated transfer discount system.' When using a transportation card (like T-money), you don’t have to pay the basic fare again when transferring between subways and buses; instead, you pay based on the total distance traveled. This allows you to explore Seoul at a very low cost.
A tip for travelers is to develop the habit of 'tagging out' when getting off. If you don’t tag your transportation card when getting off the bus, the next time you board, the transfer discount won’t apply, and you’ll be charged the basic fare again. Additionally, using map apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map allows you to check not only the fastest routes but also real-time arrival information for buses, significantly reducing time spent on the road. With just these two tips, you can become a transportation expert in Seoul.
Episode: 'Maria,' the Exchange Student’s Struggle with Trash Separation
Maria, an exchange student from Spain, was most surprised by how to dispose of trash in Korea. "You have to separate food waste, plastic, vinyl, and paper, and regular trash has to go in the expensive 'pay-as-you-throw bags' sold at local stores. It was all so complicated!" She made a few mistakes at first and got scolded by the security guard, but now she has become a master of waste separation. "It’s a bit of a hassle, but since I see it as part of Korea’s culture of caring for the environment, I’ve gotten used to it."
Realistic Pros and Cons and Unexpected Variables (FAQ)
Q. What is the biggest advantage of living for a month?
Undoubtedly, it’s the 'convenience of movement' and the 'variety of housing options.' Thanks to affordable and dense public transportation, you can go anywhere without a car, and having options like goshiwon with no deposit is a significant advantage for short-term residents.
Q. Are there any inconveniences or challenges that might not be obvious?
Yes, there are a few realistic barriers. The previously mentioned 'pay-as-you-throw' system and complex waste separation rules are areas where many foreigners struggle initially. Additionally, even if you want to find a regular studio, the culture of large deposits and landlords who are reluctant to contract short-term can make it challenging.
Q. What other unexpected variables should I be aware of?
Noise issues in goshiwons or city studios can significantly impact your quality of life. It's wise to check the soundproofing before signing a contract. Additionally, costs like public transportation fares can suddenly change due to policy adjustments, so it’s good to make a habit of checking the latest information right before your departure.
Author Information: The content of this article has been compiled from official guidelines from government agencies such as the K-ETA official site, Seoul City, and the National Health Insurance Service, as well as related materials from telecom companies, media, and the Korea Tourism Organization, providing practical information for those planning to live in Korea for a month from an objective perspective.
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