Sometimes you don’t want to lug your gear to and from the mountains or maybe you don’t want to fight over the expensive hourly rentals. If you have a Korean Foreigner Registration Card, you can rent lockers at Korean ski resorts for a few days or the season. This guide to long-term ski locker rentals will help you figure out if the lockers are right for you and how to rent them. Renting a Lockers at Ski Parks In South Korea, resorts offer both short-term and long-term gear locker rentals.…

Driving in a new country means relearning all kinds of systems, one of those systems is parking. We’ve put together this short guide to the types of public parking in Korea to help you find your way. About Korean Parking Facilities Like most countries around the world, Korea offers a variety of public and private parking types. Some are managed by local governments, and others are managed by private companies or organizations. Let’s look at the different types of public parking: City-Managed Parking Garages (공영주차장) City-Managed Managed On-Street Parking (노상주차장)…

Tourists and SOFA members! Did you know that many public parking garages in Korea may not accept payment via cash or international cards (debit/credit)? This means you can get unexpectedly trapped in a parking garage without an easy way out. Let’s talk about who this impacts and how to get around it. Read this to learn how to avoid getting trapped in a Korean parking garage. Basics of Paying for Public Parking in Korea Over the last five years, many (maybe even most) public parking garages across Korea went cashless.…

Looking for affordable options for dining in Korea? Then look no further than this guide to Hansik Buffets. Learn to live and budget like a local with these delicious cafeteria style restaurants for hard working and hungry people. Let’s go! Exploring everyday Korean buffets and the culture behind them If you’ve lived in Korea for a while, chances are you’ve seen a restaurant sign that says 한식뷔페 (Hansik Buffet). At first glance, they might look like small, no-frills restaurants. However, inside you’ll often find a bustling space full of home-cooked…

Adjusting to life in Pyeongtaek-si doesn’t have always feel overwhelming and confusing. Thanks to PIEF‘s and the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Program, you can access a full set of FREE resources in the Learning Portal that give you the tools, confidence, and guidance you need to thrive in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea. What is the PIEF Learning Portal The Pyeongtaek Living 101 Learning Portal by PIEF isn’t just a collection of random guides. It was carefully built using years of community research into “what people don’t know they don’t know” that empowers…

Looking for good deals on furniture for your home in South Korea? Need to shop on a budget? Worried about what your Korean friends might think if you have all used furniture? The following guide to used furniture in Korea will hopefully help you feel prepared to shop for deals until you drop. About Used Furniture In South Korea In the recent past, Koreans focused only on purchasing new furniture but that’s been changing. Lately, the wider Korean culture actually started a shift toward a used-furniture boom. Lets take a…

We often get questions about buying lumber in South Korea. Many international residents what to take up woodworking and don’t know how to get started. Here is your guide to buying wood in Korea for your hobbies. Buying Lumber in Korea Whether you’re a hobbyist building furniture or just trying to repair a bed frame, buying wood in South Korea might feel confusing at first. The process, materials, and store layout can differ greatly from what you may be used to in countries like the US or Canada. This guide…

Looking to cool off in the summer heat? Check out the best spots for gelato, ice cream, and yogurt ice cream in Pyeongtaek-si, South Korea. About Frozen Desserts in Korea South Korea is a dessert-lover’s paradise, and frozen treats are no exception. From convenience store classics to gourmet Italian-style gelato, there’s something for every taste and budget. If you’re looking for a cool treat, here’s a quick guide to understanding the difference between ice cream, gelato, and yogurt-based frozen desserts in Korea. Korean Ice Cream Culture Ice cream (아이스크림) can…