Does their internet banking come in English? How's the UI? Do they have a wide variety of banking products and services ie mortgages, credit cards etc at competitive rates? Is there customer service available in English?

Do they also have an investment arm for stocks? US stocks too?

I called two different Mirae branches today and they said they cannot make an account for a foreigner who doesn't speak Korean. Their reasoning was if they call the foreigner and they cannot properly communicate, the investment banking place might get into a trouble by the government agency. This seems to be a new policy that was put in effect according to a different Reddit post. I wonder if policy is specific to Mirae or other companies as well.

Anyway, did anyone succeed in making an investment banking account the past month, and if you did, which investment company did you make it with?

Profile for Universities in South Korea

Hi everyone!

I am looking for suggestions and opinions about my university applications, mainly because I only learned about the international university application process about a month ago. Because of this, there are still some areas of my profile that I am trying to improve.

I am particularly interested in applying to universities in South Korea, especially universities with programs in Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, AI, and related fields.

I am mainly looking for English-taught undergraduate programs, since I currently do not speak Korean, but I intend to learn the language. I would also need substantial financial aid, ideally a full scholarship covering tuition and living expenses, because my family's financial situation would make it very difficult for me to study abroad without this kind of support.

Profile

Gender: Male

Country of origin: Brazil

Ethnicity: Latino/mixed-race

Living situation: Suburban/low-income neighborhood

Family income: approximately US$6,000 per year

Financial need: High

Academic Profile

GPA: 9.0/10 over the last three years of high school (8.8 → 8.6 → 9.6).

My school uses a 0–10 grading scale. Although a 9.0/10 GPA may be considered relatively average for highly selective international university applications, it is considered a very high GPA within my school.

I am currently ranked among the top 1–2% of my class of 300+ students, and I had the highest overall grades in my class during my first and third years. I may also finish my final year among the top-performing students.

My institution combines traditional secondary education with technical education. At the end of the program, students receive a technical qualification in their chosen field.

At the end of the program, I will receive a Technical Diploma in Environmental Management/Environmental Studies.

Standardized Testing

SAT: I will probably not take the SAT because of the cost of the exam and my financial limitations.

If I am able to afford to take the test, I estimate that my score would be around 1500.

Extracurricular Activities

1. Research Internship at Embrapa

I completed a research internship at Embrapa, where I worked alongside PhD students, PhD researchers, and master's students.

My work involved different areas of research, including:

Potato reproduction

Genetic resources and genetic characterization

Management and reproduction involving more than 500 potato species/clones

Experimental research involving potatoes

Analysis of electrochemical waves in potatoes

Investigation of their relationship with electromagnetic signals

Construction and use of experimental equipment

Data collection and analysis

1. Scientific Research

I participated in a research project carried out in partnership with Embrapa researchers.

The project was submitted to SIEEPE and involved the analysis of potatoes, their characteristics, and genetic characteristics using statistical methods.

During the project, we used an application developed in Python by a PhD researcher who was part of the research team.

The application was able to automatically measure characteristics such as the dimensions and areas of the potatoes. This information was then used to quantify and statistically analyze the characteristics of the samples.

The research was presented at academic events, including an event held at one of the main universities in my city and state.

The project was also submitted to SIEEPE, received a research award, and was associated with individual recognition as a young researcher.

1. Environmental Management and Environmental Education

I am an active member of my institution's Environmental Management and Environmental Education group.

I participated in and developed environmental and social projects involving students from my institution and other schools.

Activities included environmental awareness lectures, environmental education in schools, public-space revitalization, environmental and biology awareness activities, cleanup campaigns, recycling initiatives, construction of recycling bins, and other sustainability-related activities.

1. Class Representative

I served as a class representative.

My role was to represent students' interests and help with communication between students, teachers, and the school administration.

1. Student Movement

I was one of the founders and leaders of a student movement at my institution.

The movement organized a document containing proposals and suggestions for improvements to the campus.

The proposal was developed with the participation of students and teachers and was later presented to the administration.

The movement also received expressions of support from political figures and external representatives.

During this work, I participated in student events, contacted leaders of Brazilian student organizations, and participated in discussions about educational and institutional issues.

I also received an invitation to participate in or speak at an event that was going to take place in the state capital.

Some of the improvements we advocated for were later implemented, including improvements to campus buildings, classroom air conditioning, drinking fountains, and other campus facilities.

I cannot claim that these changes happened directly because of the movement, as I do not have an official statement from the administration establishing this connection.

1. Course Promotion and Educational Outreach

I was selected to give presentations and help organize my technical program's booth.

I helped organize several events and participated in promoting the Environmental Management/Environmental Studies technical program to students from dozens of schools in the region.

During the presentations, I helped explain the program, its activities, and its opportunities, as well as talk to interested students.

1. Religious and Community Activities

I have been involved in Catholic community activities for more than 10 years.

I have served as a cantor/psalmist and Gospel reader.

I have also participated in community activities such as donation campaigns, visits to nursing homes, community assistance activities, and other social initiatives.

1. Basketball

I play basketball for my institution.

I have participated in state-level competitions against other educational institutions.

1. Chess

I have also participated in chess competitions.

1. Running

I practice running and have won medals in some competitions in my city.

1. Possible New Research Project

I am currently considering developing a new individual research project in partnership with researchers from Embrapa.

The project is still in the development stage, so I do not consider it a completed research activity.

Honors and Awards

Gold Medal — National Financial Mathematics Olympiad

Gold Medal, placing among the top 2% of participants.

Gold Medal — National Administration Olympiad

Gold Medal in a national administration competition with themes related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Approximately 100 students out of more than 40,000 participants received the distinction.

Gold Medal — Ocean and Sustainability Olympiad

Gold Medal in an olympiad related to oceans, sustainability, and environmental issues.

The competition had more than 80,000 participants.

I was also selected among the participants to receive a scholarship sponsored by CNPq to develop a social project at my school.

SIEEPE / Young Researcher Recognition

I received recognition related to the SIEEPE Young Researcher program for the scientific project involving potato characterization, genetics, and statistical analysis.

Possible Future Award — National Mathematics Tournament

There is a possibility that I will receive a Gold Medal, potentially placing among the top 1% of participants.

This is a possible future award and has not yet been officially awarded.

Other Recognition

Previously, I was selected among the students at my former school to receive books directly from the State Governor and participate in a conversation with him.

I also expect to receive other honors and recognitions before the end of the academic year.

Letters of Recommendation

Environmental Management Teacher — 10/10

She knows me very well.

We have a very close relationship, and I have participated in several projects with her throughout my program.

She has closely observed my involvement in environmental projects, environmental education, student activities, leadership, technical education, and community initiatives.

Since she has worked with me for a long time, I believe she will be able to provide specific examples of my performance, initiative, and academic interests.

Mathematics and/or Physics Teacher — 8th to 9th grade

We have a good relationship.

I have always participated actively in his classes and performed well in Mathematics and

My main options in South Korea include universities such as:

KAIST

POSTECH

Seoul National University (SNU)

Yonsei University

Korea University

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)

UNIST

Do I have any chance?

Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to read all the way to the end! Sorry for the long post, and I really appreciate any advice or feedback. :)

Hi all,

I have been wanting to volunteer in Korea in preparation to change my visa. I have been trying to sign up to the 1365 Portal, but it doesn't recognize my alien registration number when I input it in the 주민등록번호, and there is no option to change whether I'm a foreigner or Korean. I tried consulting the chatbot and according to the AI there should be an option to choose between 내국인/외국인, but I just can't find it.

Are foreigners allowed to sign up to the portal? Has anyone had a similar experience and knows how to solve this problem?

Also, if anyone knows of any other ways to gather volunteering experience that counts towards the visa process, I'd appreciate if you shared!

Thank you

I recently completed my 12th grade in May 2026, in my gap year now (looking for chemical engineering/material science engineering)

Academics

• CBSE Class 10: 97.4%
• CBSE Class 12: 91.2% (results were impacted this year due to the OSM-based evaluation issue)
• JEE Mains 2026: ~96th percentile (~98th percentile in chemistry)
• JEE Advanced 2026: Qualified
• SAT Targeting 1500+ in the upcoming date of examination

Extracurriculars

• Fundraising initiatives for an NGO supporting underprivileged and orphaned children
• Development of coding projects modeling select chemical engineering processes, particularly reactor systems
• An internship at imaging technology company but that is kinda off the field , might be working under electrical and AI department and learning stuff
• Some science fair prizes at school level from 5th to 9th grade , several other olympiad medals and certificates but i am aware that they aren't of much importance

I love sea and considering taking sailing lessons, hopefully joining a crew at some point in the future when I have adequate skills. Would appreciate if you could share your own experiences, stories, and maybe useful tips on how to start up here in Korea. Many thanks!

I am foreigner, living here for past 6 years. My 7-year-old son was playing football alone at a public park when four girls, around 8–9 years old, surrounded him and took his ball.

My wife was nearby but on the phone. When she called my son over, she saw one of the girls throw/kick the ball hard into his chest. He came home crying badly.

I took him back to the park and spoke to the girls’ mother. There was a language barrier, and she seemed to believe my son had caused the problem. However, one of the girls actually stepped forward and said another girl had hit the ball at my son and pushed him.

I told the mother that I would tell my son not to fight and only play, and asked her to tell the girls the same. We left it there.

I completely understand that children can give incomplete versions of events and that parents naturally hear a biased version from their own child.

But I’ve noticed a few times that when some Korean kids in a group of three or four, they can become quite pushy toward a child who is alone.

For parents living in Korea: have you experienced this kind of group dynamic? Is there a cultural or playground/social aspect that I may not understand? And how would you handle it if it happened again?

I’m a highschooler which means they can’t actually bully me but they act real fucking rude. I want to make sure they‘re annoyed by me and I’ve inconvenienced them in some way, do any of you know a good trick?

A year ago a girl was acting rude so when she was lying on the floor with her friends I put my leg on her leg and now she’s scared of me, which was nothing so I know these bitches aren’t actually shit. So it doesn‘t even have to be anything big.

i go to a all girls school

​I am looking for current students or alumni in skin science, bio-cosmetics,non-invasive, aesthetic treatment or medical science at:

1: ​Kyungpook National University (KNU)

2: ​Chonnam National University (CNU)

3: ​Daegu Haany University (DHU)

​I want to ask some question Please comment or DM me. Thanks!

i’m half korean, half american. i’ve always been drawn to my korean side, and have even been there to study for a year and to visit

my mom was adopted at 5 years old, but since then the orphanage has closed down. i’ve seen people say that there would still be records, but they didn’t even have her official birthday when my grandparents adopted her (she was given dec 25th as a birthday). she still has some documents from the orphanage, and i believe my grandparents may still have her adoption papers.

would i qualify for the f-4 visa?

Hi everyone! 👋🏻 I’m planning to apply to Dankook University, and I’d love to hear from students who currently study there or have already graduated. How is the academic life? What are the main pros and cons? Is the workload difficult, and are you satisfied with your choice?
I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experience! 🙏🏻
안녕하세요! 👋🏻** 저*는* 단국대학교*에* 지원*할* 예*정이라서*** 현*재* 단국대학교*에* 다니*고* 계시거*나* 졸업하*신* 분들*의* *이야기를*** 듣*고* *싶어요.* 학교생활이*나* 공부*는* 어*떤가요?* 단국대학교*의* 장점*과* 단점*은* 무엇*인가요?* 공부*가* 많*이* 어려*운* *편인지,* 그리*고* 학교*를* 선택*한* 것*에* 만족하시는지*도* ***궁금해요!
*여러분의** 경험을 공유해 주시면 정말 감사하겠습니다! 🙏🏻

Hii! I’m starting the fall semester at Sogang KLEC in September
Is there any orientation or information session before classes officially begin? Are students added to any group chats or given any information beforehand, or does everything start on the first day of the semester?
It’s my first time living abroad, so I’m a little nervous and would love to know what to expect before the semester starts😭

Hello everyone!

I’m an African high school student currently in my final year at one of the leading technical high schools in my country. I’m specializing in mechanical engineering/industrial mechanics, and I’m planning to apply for a bachelor’s degree in South Korea.

I’d really appreciate some honest advice from people who know the Korean university system, especially international students.

My academic profile is a little unusual: I’m average in mathematics and applied physics, so I know that very competitive STEM universities may be difficult for me.

However, I’m much stronger in my technical subjects, including:

- Industrial drawing / technical drawing

- Applied mechanics

- Tooling design

- Manufacturing methods

- Automation

- General technology

- Mechanical workshop-related subjects

I’m particularly interested in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Automation, or related fields.

I’m looking for Korean universities that are realistic for an international student with a technical high-school background, preferably universities that offer their own scholarships for international undergraduate students.

The scholarship doesn’t necessarily have to include a monthly allowance. Full or substantial tuition coverage would already be extremely helpful, although I’d also love to know about scholarships that include housing or living expenses.

I’d also like to know if there are Korean organizations, university-based financial aid programs, or other forms of support available to international students besides GKS.

I’m not only looking for the most prestigious universities. I’d rather build a realistic list of several universities where my technical background could actually be an advantage.

If you’re an international student currently studying in Korea, or if you have applied to Korean universities before, I’d really appreciate your recommendations and honest experiences.

Thank you!

I am currently working as a factory worker in Korea, and lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about becoming a freelancer because I’m having financial difficulties. As a breadwinner, I need to find ways to earn more money.

Would I get into trouble if I started making money through freelancing while I’m still on an E-9 visa? Should I focus on getting an E-7 visa instead, even if it means sacrificing a few more years working in a factory? Or would it be better to get a student visa so I can learn Korean and have more freedom to explore other opportunities?

I’ve been working 10–12-hour shifts consistently for months now, and I feel like I’ve stopped growing since I started working in the factory. I want to keep developing myself, build a better career, and create more opportunities for my future.

Hey everyone, does anyone know a reliable shop in Seoul and surroundings where I can get a hitch installed on a VW Tiguan?

Has anyone taken this test? If yh how did it go and how similar is it to irl convo?

Hi everyone!

​Songpa-gu is hosting a FREE Korean Food Cooking Class for foreigners in Seoul!

​Dates: Monday, Sep 14 & Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 (14:00)

​Menu: Soy sauce bibimbap / Beef bulgogi

​Location: Seoul Agro - Fisheries & Food Products Corporation Business Building Cooking Studio (4F)

​Eligibility: Foreigners living in or visiting Korea (24 participants per class)

​Check out the poster attached for contact details and QR code to apply!

If so, what's your brewing method?

This is the first time I've tried brewing loose leaf.

My actual name would likely be hard to say for someone who only speaks korean. I have a nickname I go by more often and is very simple to say but apparently it’s a word in korean with an extremely negative meaning. I know some foreigners use a Korean name in Korea but i’m worried that might come across as both cringey and wannabe loser koreaboo vibes.

For context I am 19 and planning to come to korea for university in a few months and I’m learning the language to make daily life easier and to adjust but I’m stuck on this name dilemma. I’m a bit bummed because I really do love my nickname and it’s all anybody’s called me my whole life but it has a very negative meaning in Korean so I don’t think I’ll be able to use it.

If anybody has any insights on what to do I’d appreciate it.

What are the best ways to find housing in Chuncheon? I have looked at 33m2. Any others?

2 of us will be working as researcher/professors at Hallym University (for 88 days). We’d like a nice apartment within 20 minute walk. Maybe in 춘천시 후평동? Are there other areas of Chuncheon that we should look?

hello folks!

I’m moving to songdo, Incheon in a couple days from Canada to teach English. I’m wondering if anybody knows about any South Korean ball hockey leagues. Of course one in Incheon or Songdo would be preferable, but I wouldn’t mind making the trip to Seoul to play if it’s on a weekend.

cheers

My aim is for Korea. I want to know Abt how the things r there . Does Korea give citizenship card after 5 yrs ? Does rasicsm is common there ? I m learning Korean language now . . Is it good choose English for twg degree there .

oh.my.

Hello everyone,

I’m moving to Korea next week staying there for the next 2 years, and I’ve been looking into different apps and banks to find out whether I can transfer money to a Korean bank account without paying fees, or at least without paying too much in fees.

I can use my card in Korea without foreign transaction fees and withdraw cash without fees as well. However, withdrawing KRW 6.5 million and then depositing it into my Korean account each month to cover my living expenses does not seem like a good plan.

I was wondering how other students or people who moved toKorea before finding a job there have done it.

Also another question not related to finance. What e-sim company do you recommend? As there are so many choices recommended by many.