This Guide For Expat Women in Korea has been updated as of February 2025.
Being abroad in a foreign country can be very daunting. You have to adapt to a new country, culture, society, and lifestyle.
So why listen to me compared to all the other bloggers out there? I lived in Japan and South Korea for almost a decade.
I am not your average tourist who stays for a month and thinks they’re experts. I speak the language and worked in Korean society. Before we dive in, I want to preface that I come from an American cultural perspective since I was born and raised in Chicago.
Living in South Korea is a unique experience. After all, I lived in the Land of the Morning Calm for almost six years. I’m your local expat travel expert, so be sure to save this guide. I update my blog frequently as I travel back and forth from Asia almost every year.
Some Hardships For Expat Women in Korea
Part of my mission as Gina Bear is to help women live their best lives by traveling and living abroad. I keep it real; therefore, it would be a lie to say you won’t have difficulties or culture shocks.
If there’s one thing I’ve been consistent with over the years, it’s this—just because Korea has low crime rates, you should NEVER allow this to lull you into a false sense of security. Shady shit can and does happen.
Issue of Consent
Men will grab your wrist in clubs and drag you to their tables with their friends. I’ve been groped coming out of the subway in Hongdae.
Korea isn’t unique in that regard. Because of Korea’s rampant misogynistic views, you will sometimes feel like you’re in 1925 instead of 2025. The dark side of dating in Korea will put into perspective some of the things myself and other women have encountered while on our quest for love.
Stereotyping
Korean people will automatically put you in a category. If you’ve studied sociology, you’d be lying if you said you don’t judge people, because we all do.
As an expat, you’re in this weird bubble of not being a tourist but not 100% a local either. However, your life will be easier if you try to assimilate or learn the Korean language.
If you’re white or can pass for it (like I can), people will treat you differently. If you’re a darker-skinned expat, people may act out in disgusting ways due to their ignorance.
Dating in Korea Will Be Hard… Or Easy
I hate to say this, but there is a difference between lighter and darker-colored expat women. OF COURSE, I’m not trying to generalize and say all Korean men.
If you’re lucky, you’ll find a good man who has studied, worked, or lived abroad. If you’re unlucky, you’ll score lots of dates, but men won’t want to commit because they have a fetish of “riding the white, black, brown, etc. horse.”
After getting what they want, they will promptly leave because they know Mom and Dad won’t approve of a foreigner in the family. If you’re interested in dating in Korea, I have some guides that can help you.
People Will Fuck With You… Because they can
Some Koreans know when it comes to the law, foreigners are at a disadvantage. I’ve heard stories of expat women being assaulted by Korean women and there was no justice.
Ajhummas have chased and cussed me out because my dog and peeing in the grass at a park. During the 2020 pandemic, I had many encounters with ignorant and racist people in Hanam shitty.
Limited Clothing Options
Good luck finding clothes if you wear anything over a US size 6. However, never fear because Gina Bear is here. Below, you’ll find a quick guide on where to go shopping in Seoul to make your expat life a hell of a lot easier.
Language Barrier
Korean is not an easy language to learn, and the biggest issue many expats have is speaking. Before you arrive, I recommend learning Hangul with this free cheat sheet.
Some Last Minute Thoughts For Expat Women in Korea….
Women have it really hard no matter where we are in the world. Remember to be kind instead of stomping on someone because your “unique experiences” are not so special.
And word of advice… Be careful what you write on the Expat Women in Korea Facebook group. There are a lot of entitled and miserable women who will be more than happy to drag you rather than help.
Where To Get Your Hair Done in Korea?
The only person I let touch my hair is Dean from The Days Hair Salon in Hongdae. If you’re blonde in Korea, Dean will do right by you and give you the color you desire. I’ve had the viral Korean scalp treatment and have even colored my hair with Dean.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal in Korea is super cheap and easy. It cost me $6.80 per session for my armpits and I am very happy with the results.
Eyelash Extensions
Getting eyelash extensions in Korea is cheap since there are many shops, and the quality is second to none. If you’re looking to get eyelash extensions, search 속눈썹 연장 in Korean.
I love getting eyelash extensions in Korea because 1) I’m lazy, and 2) I don’t want to wear makeup all the time. I’ve heard good things about The Nail Bar in Itaewon. (And the staff can speak some English due to location.) They offer extensions, manis, and pedis at their salon.
Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-ro 55na-gil, 6 한남동 용산구
Hours: 11am – 9pm
Phone: 010-6502-8549
Waxing
If you’re nervous and can’t speak Korean, I suggest going to The Green Turtle. Many American expats are customers.
Their staff speaks English, and because they’re a trusted and established business, their prices are on the high end.
I also highly suggest Mu Waxing near Cheonho Station.
Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, Itaewon-ro, 151 지하 1층
Hours: 10:30am – 8:30pm
Phone Number: 02-790-6059
LASEK/LASIK Vision Correction
Getting LASEK vision correction surgery in Korea was the best decision. I had an amazing experience at Glory Seoul Eye Clinic located in Gangnam. They’re foreigner-friendly and many of their staff speak English.
Shopping in Korea
I’m about to give away all of my secrets as to where I go shopping as a plus-size woman in Korea. Even if you’re not plus size, you’ll find a lot of things don’t fit a Western body quite right because our hips are bigger.
I also recommend joining the Plus Size & Beautiful in Korea Facebook group because ladies there sell their gently used apparel.
- American Eagle – This American casual-style retailer has locations in Seoul. They have clothing up to a US size large. In addition, since there are stores in Korea, you can shop online, and have it shipped to you.
- H&M – They carry shoes up to a European size 40-41. The only downside is that they are now only releasing petite-size clothes so if you’re tall like me (I stand at 170 or 5’7) then you’re kind of screwed.
- SPAO – Their previous collaborations include Card Captor Sakura, Harry Potter, Sailor Moon, and We Bare Bears. They take basics and jazz them up tastefully.
- Zara – There are many locations around Seoul as well. This European fashion giant carries bigger sizes.
Underground Shopping Malls
If you are tiny enough to fit in the clothes in Korea (lucky bitch), the underground shopping malls are a great place to get the trendiest clothes. Everything is free size, meaning a size six, and you’re not allowed to try it on.
Online Shopping For Clothes
The majority of my favorite pieces come from Amazon. I also take advantage of the fact shipping is free or cheap from American Eagle because they have stores in Korea. ASOS is a favorite for expat women in Korea because they offer international shipping.
What To Wear in Korea
The concept of Korean fashion is to be very demure, very mindful up top. Many Western tops are considered too low cut and sandalous in Korea, but you can wear your bottoms as short as you like.
Gina Bear’s advice?
Wear what you like and what fits with your body type because no matter what you wear, you will be sexualized because you have curves. If you’re interested, I have guides on what to wear in spring, summer, autumn, and winter in Korea.
Online Shopping For Food
The holy grail of food online shopping for expat women in Korea is GMarket and Coupang. I’ve ordered pumpkin puree and even Flamin Hot Cheetos.
Beauty
Korean beauty has made its mark on the world. After all, there is a piece of the pie for everyone in this multi-billion dollar industry. Here’s all my tips for expat women in Korea to find their perfect match.
Where to find a darker foundation in Korea?
Korea is notorious for two foundation shades. White and whiter. I wish I was joking, but alas…
In recent years, women have spoken up and have demanded more shade range, and SOME of the big Korean beauty brands have delivered including Etude House and TIRTIR. Here are a few retailers in Seoul that carry darker shades.
- Bobby Brown
- Fenty Beauty
- Sephora
- Mac Cosmetics
- TIRTIR
Drug Store Makeup
Olive Young is a great one-stop shop. They carry cheaper foreign brands as well as Korean ones. They carry a variety of lipsticks, eyeshadows, and some foreign hair care products.
Korean Makeup
There are so many brands to choose from in Korea and I’ve been in all the beauty shops at least once. To name a few: 3CE, Banila Co, Etude House, Holika Holika, Innisfree, Iope, It’s Skin, Missha, Nature Republic, Skin Food, Sulwhasoo, The Face Shop, and Tony Moly.
Skincare
Take it from someone who’s lived in many different places. Depending on the climate and diet, you need to change your skincare routine.
My favorite Korean skincare brands that I will rave about 24/7 are AHC and Glow Recipe.
Dermatologist
Skin is the largest organ on the human body. Dermatology clinics in Korea offer services such as lasers, botox, filler, peels, and even weight loss medication. Search for 피부과 in Korean, plus your location on Naver, and you can easily find the one closest to you.
Amazing Beauty Experiences in Seoul
- Whoo Spa – This is a luxury skincare clinic that will leave you with the perfect Korean glass skin!
- DA Plastic Surgery – I used to suffer from hormonal acne. One session of the Acure laser repaired my pores and I haven’t had issues since.
- JW Plastic Surgery – Their dermatology clinic is one of my favorites and their vitamin IV drip leaves me always feeling rejuvenated. An aqua peel is a procedure where they clean out impurities from the skin and put hydration back into it.
Gym Memberships
As more and more Koreans are getting into physical fitness and releasing the importance of working out to boost immunity and a healthy lifestyle, the trend has followed suit.
- Cross Fit – Cross Fit is expensive in Korea. Expect to spend about 200,000 won per month.
- SpoAny Fitness – This is one of the most popular gyms in Korea and I’ve seen many of them all over Seoul and Gyeonggi. A six-month membership is about 120,000 won. It’s open 24/7 to accommodate your busy and changing schedule.
Women’s Health
We as women all have periods. It’s a natural part of life and luckily we live in the 21st century where we have access to all sorts of products to make our lives easier. We also have concerns like the gynecologist, sexual health, birth control, and other women’s issues.
Sanitary Products
Pads are the most common sanitary products in Korea. Many Korean women feel shy about using tampons and will shy away from the topic.
However, I have seen more tampon brands being sold at major supermarkets like Homeplus and Emart in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and other major cities in Korea. You can also find sanitary products at most convenience stores.
Menstrual Cup
I have friends who use them and rave about how useful they are. I haven’t seen them sold in Korea, but you can get a menstrual cup online.
Condoms
Condoms are sold in convenience stores, major grocery stores, and pharmacies in Korea. They’re sold at Emart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart.
STI Testing in Korea
STI tests are usually performed by your gynecologist. There’s also the option of a free STI/HIV test from KHAP.
It’s anonymous, but you must sign a waiver that your data may be used for the national health statistics.
The Contraceptive Pill
Contraception in South Korea aka birth control pills are called 피임약. The most popular birth control pill in Korea is called Mercilon (머시론).
It costs about 8,000 won. If you have a preferred brand from home, you should bring that so the pharmacist can help you find the closest match.
Emergency Contraception in Korea
Accidents happen. Sometimes a condom breaks or you are lost in the heat of passion and you wake up the next day with nothing but regret.
The morning-after pill is called 사후피임약 in Korean and you must obtain a physician’s note to get it. There is a one-pill and two-pill system. This pill can cost anywhere from 10,000 – 25,000 won.
Other Contraceptives
It’s your body, and I urge you to do your research. Before I left for Korea, I decided to get the Mirena IUD because taking pills was not a good fit for me.
I have also had my Mirena replaced in Korea, and it was an easy and seamless process.
- Copper IUD (150,000)
- Mirena IUD (200,000)
- Implant (300,000)
Also, many gynecological practices will require you to take an STI test before they implant the contraceptive into your body.
Abortion
Abortion in Korea is in a strange gray area where it’s not illegal but not legal either.
Depending on where you go, abortions can cost anywhere from 500,000 won to 800,000 won. They’re allowed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The Korean word for abortion is 낙태.
Women’s Hospital
When you find a good gynecologist, stay with them and never leave. I have walked out of a women’s health clinic or hospital crying in frustration.
If you want to find a gynecologist, search for 여성 병원 or 부인과 의사 plus your location on Naver.
As expat women in Korea, we also need to do a smear/pap test yearly (I cringe thinking about it too). It can cost about 100,000 won and the word for it is 자궁경부암검사.
Mental Health
I’ve been very open with my struggles with anxiety and depression. These are issues I suffered with before I left for Asia and I’ve been through some traumatic ass shit.
I’m not ashamed of what’s going on in my head because how I feel is valid. It’s okay to feel angry, hurt, anxious, depressed, or lost in a foreign country.
One of the best ways to access an English-speaking therapist with values that align with yours is through the Betterhelp platform.
If you’re not into virtual visits, check out these other professionals located in Korea. The link is to a Google Document with websites, phone numbers, and locations of English-speaking therapists throughout Korea.
I hope that you found this guide for expat women in Korea very useful. My mission here at Gina Bear’s Blog is to make sure you have the best experience living and traveling abroad. Be sure to bookmark this post as I will constantly be updating it on current information and more women’s issues.
This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!
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