News & practical guides
English editions of our Korean articles. Each article links to its original; Korean laws, services and eligibility rules retain their original context.
Korea’s Fertility Treatment Leave: Will Leave Taken Before November 27 Count Toward the New Four Paid Days?
Starting November 27, 2026, South Korea will expand paid fertility treatment leave from two days to four days per year, while retaining the six-day annual leave entitlement. This article explains how leave taken before the effective date counts toward the new four-day paid allowance, how many paid days remain, whether previously unpaid leave qualifies for retroactive wages, and what employees should check with their employers.
Why Does Frost Keep Building Up in Your Freezer? Check the Door Gasket and Seals First
Repeated frost buildup in your freezer may be caused by moisture entering when the door opens or by a poorly sealed door gasket. Learn how to distinguish normal frost from signs of a malfunction, remove frost safely, and prevent it from returning.
Window Condensation at 50% Humidity: Why Only Certain Windows Get Wet
Why does condensation form on windows even when indoor humidity is 50%? The cause lies in the difference between the dew point and the glass surface temperature. Learn how to distinguish insufficient ventilation from window insulation problems by examining where condensation forms, how often it returns, and the condition of double-glazed windows.
Online Shopping Returns for Defective or Incorrect Items: Who Pays Return Shipping?
If an item purchased online arrives damaged or differs from what was ordered, the return is treated differently from a change-of-mind return. When the seller fails to fulfill the contract as agreed, the seller is generally responsible for return shipping costs. For goods that differ from their descriptions, advertisements, or contractual terms, consumers must exercise their right to withdraw from the purchase within three months of delivery and within 30 days of discovering, or being able to discover, the discrepancy. The standard seven-day return period does not apply in the same way to these cases.
Galaxy Watch Sleep Tracking Not Working? How to Fix Missing Sleep Records and Sleep Scores
If your Galaxy Watch fails to record sleep or Samsung Health does not display sleep data, check watch placement, battery level, Battery Saver mode, and device synchronization. Learn how to troubleshoot missing sleep scores and understand the updated requirements for Sleep Coaching.
Galaxy Battery Draining Fast After One UI 9 Update? 5 Things to Check Before a Factory Reset
If your Galaxy phone is experiencing rapid battery drain or overheating after the One UI 9 update, start by checking app battery usage, background synchronization, and network conditions. This guide explains what to investigate before performing a factory reset and when to seek help from a Samsung service center.
Winter Clothing Static Electricity: Does a Humidifier Help? Solutions for Knits, Puffer Jackets, and Fleece
Static electricity when removing winter clothing cannot be eliminated simply by running a humidifier. Learn how indoor relative humidity and the fiber composition of knits, puffer jackets, and fleece affect static buildup, along with practical humidity management tips to prevent condensation.
2026 Kimjang Season in Korea: Regional Kimchi-Making Dates from November to January
The estimated best dates for making kimjang kimchi in 2026 vary by region: November 30 in Seoul, November 27 in Suwon, December 2 in Daejeon, December 13 in Gwangju, and January 2, 2027, in Busan. Learn how to use regional temperature forecasts to plan salted cabbage deliveries and choose the right kimchi-making date.
Can You Refrigerate Kimjang Kimchi Immediately? When 1–2 Days of Fermentation Is Recommended
Learn whether freshly made kimjang kimchi can go straight into a kimchi refrigerator, when to ferment it for 1–2 days at approximately 8–10°C, how to determine when to switch to cold storage, and how to manage storage temperatures and containers for long-term preservation.
Damaged Suitcase Wheel After Leaving the Airport: Domestic vs. International Baggage Claim Deadlines
Discover how to report a broken suitcase wheel after leaving the airport in South Korea. Learn the immediate notification rules for domestic flights, the seven-day written notice deadline for international flights, compensation conditions, and the evidence needed to file a baggage damage claim.
Korean Air Fuel Surcharges Rise in November 2026: Save KRW 45,500 One-Way to New York by Ticketing October 31
Korean Air is increasing its international fuel surcharges in November 2026. Compare October 31 and November 1 ticketing rates for New York, London, Japan, and Southeast Asia, and learn how round-trip charges, ticketing dates, and post-purchase adjustments work.
2026–2027 Flu Vaccination for Children in South Korea: One or Two Doses If Your Child Had One Last Year?
For the 2026–2027 flu season in South Korea, children may need one or two influenza vaccine doses depending on their total vaccination history. Learn whether children under age 9 who received one dose last year need two doses this season, the minimum four-week interval, free vaccination dates, and how to check previous vaccination records.
2026 South Korea National Health Screening Deadline: What If Year-End Appointments Are Full? December 31 and Carryover Applications
South Korea's 2026 National Health Screening Program generally requires eligible individuals to complete their screenings by December 31. Learn how to find alternative screening centers when year-end appointments are fully booked, how to apply in 2027 for screenings missed in 2026, and what additional procedures apply to employees covered by workplace-based National Health Insurance.
Ending a Renewed Jeonse Lease Early in South Korea: When Does the 3-Month Termination Rule Apply?
Can tenants terminate a renewed South Korean jeonse lease early if they signed a new agreement without increasing the deposit? Learn how mutually agreed renewals differ from renewals under the statutory lease renewal right, how the three-month termination period is calculated, and what to do if the landlord delays returning the deposit.
2026 Naejangsan Autumn Foliage Traffic Restrictions: Where to Catch the Free Shuttle on October 31 and When Does It Stop Running?
Planning to visit Naejangsan National Park on October 31, 2026? Learn about vehicle access restrictions, free shuttle bus operating hours between Naejangho Parking Lot and Wolryeonggyo Bridge, and the reservation requirements for the Seoraebong hiking trail.
2026 AFPK Exam Cancellation and Refund Guide: How Much Will You Get Back After November 13 at 6 PM?
For South Korea's 95th AFPK certification exam in 2026, cancellations made by November 13 at 6 PM qualify for a full refund. From that point until November 18 at 6 PM, the refund drops to 50%: KRW 33,000 for both modules or KRW 19,800 for a single module. Learn about module changes, refund processing times, and special refund exceptions.
2026 Annual Leave Use Promotion Deadline: Can Employees Still Receive Unused Leave Pay After an Email Notice?
October 31, 2026 is the second-notice deadline for South Korea's statutory annual leave use promotion procedure when leave expires on December 31. Learn whether an email notice can eliminate unused annual leave compensation, including written notice requirements, first-stage reminders, electronic approval systems, and working on employer-designated leave days.
2026 Korea Regional Travel Cashback: Are Hotel Stays Eligible? Up to KRW 100,000 or KRW 140,000
Learn whether accommodation costs qualify for South Korea's 2026 Regional Travel Support Program, including 50% cashback for general travelers and 70% for young adults, maximum refunds of KRW 100,000 and KRW 140,000, participating destinations, advance application requirements, and the April 30, 2027 redemption deadline.
Switching Phones with a Korean MVNO eSIM: Can You Reuse the QR Code? KRW 2,750 Reissue Fee and Activation Steps
Learn whether you can reuse an existing eSIM QR code when switching phones with a Korean mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), when the KRW 2,750 reissue fee applies, and how to transfer your service by checking the new phone's IMEI and EID, activating the eSIM, and safely resetting your old device.
Apple Unveils Its First Touchscreen MacBook Pro: OLED Display, M5 Chips, Pricing and Release Date
Apple has unveiled the first MacBook Pro with a touchscreen, featuring a Tandem OLED PROLED XDR display and M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Explore the key features, November 6 release date in South Korea, and model pricing starting at KRW 4.79 million.