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.
Car Insurance Mileage Refunds in South Korea: Photo Submission Deadlines and How to Claim After Policy Expiration
Can you claim a car insurance mileage refund after your policy expires? Check Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and Hana Insurance photo submission deadlines, how to photograph your odometer (ODO), the difference between initial and final readings, and the refund settlement process in South Korea.
Hi-Pass Unpaid Tolls Not Showing Up the Same Day? Why Records Are Delayed and How to Check
Learn why unpaid Hi-Pass tolls in South Korea may not appear in online searches on the day of travel, how to verify transactions through toll offices or customer service, where to pay outstanding tolls, and when additional toll charges may apply.
Google Play Subscription Canceled but No Refund in 2026? How the 48-Hour Refund Rule Works
Learn why canceling a Google Play subscription does not automatically trigger a refund in 2026, how to request a refund within 48 hours, when to contact the app developer after 48 hours, how to check your order history, and how long refund reviews take.
Moving Out After Automatic Renewal of a Jeonse Lease in South Korea: Do You Have to Stay Two Years, and When Is Your Deposit Returned?
In South Korea, tenants whose jeonse leases have been tacitly renewed can terminate the agreement without completing the additional two-year term. Learn how to calculate the three-month notice period, when the landlord must return the deposit, and what to check about a court-ordered leasehold registration before moving out.
2026 Power Bank Carry-On Rules in South Korea: Two 20,000mAh Batteries Allowed, but Does 30,000mAh Require Airline Approval?
Starting April 20, 2026, South Korea's aviation rules limit passengers to two power banks per person. Learn how to calculate Wh for 20,000mAh and 30,000mAh batteries, when airline approval is required, and the restrictions on checked baggage and in-flight charging.
South Korea Retirement Pension Fixed Deposit Maturity: Default Option Rules and the 4-Week Plus 2-Week Timeline
Learn why fixed deposits in South Korean retirement pension accounts are no longer automatically renewed at maturity, how the default investment option applies after a four-week waiting period and a further two weeks following notification, what happens to funds held as cash-equivalent assets, and how to issue investment instructions and verify completed purchases.
South Korea's 2026 Meal Allowance Tax Exemption: Does Free Company Cafeteria Lunch Affect the KRW 200,000 Limit?
In South Korea, the 2026 tax exemption for meal allowances of up to KRW 200,000 per month depends on whether the employer provides meals. Learn how free cafeteria lunches, meal vouchers, separate cash allowances, and payroll classifications affect income tax treatment.
2026 Year-End Tax Settlement in South Korea: How Employees Who Resigned Can Claim a Tax Refund in May 2027
If you left your job in South Korea during 2026 and were not reemployed by year-end, you may be able to claim deductions omitted from your final payroll tax settlement by filing a comprehensive income tax return in May 2027. A refund is not guaranteed. You must compare the income tax already paid with your final tax liability after applying eligible deductions.
South Korea's Health Insurance Continuation After Retirement: Why the First Premium Due Date Matters
In South Korea, applications for continued health insurance coverage after retirement are not due within two months of leaving a job. The deadline is calculated from the payment due date of the first premium billed under regional health insurance. As of October 21, 2026, individuals who maintained employee-insured status for a combined period of at least one year during the 18 months before retirement may qualify. Coverage can continue for up to 36 months from the day after employment ends.
Can You Wash Sneakers in a Washing Machine? Cleaning and Drying Guide for Mesh, Canvas, Leather, and Suede
Learn whether sneakers can go in a washing machine based on materials such as mesh, canvas, leather, and suede. This guide covers hand-washing steps, when a laundry bag may be appropriate, air-drying methods, and precautions when choosing cleaning products.
How to File Korean Indemnity Health Insurance Claims Through Naver and Toss in 2026: Only 47.7% of Medical Institutions Connected
Since October 7, 2026, users in South Korea have been able to complete indemnity health insurance claims directly within Naver Map, Naver Pay, and Toss without switching to the Silson24 website. However, only 47.7% of medical institutions were connected to the electronic claims system as of September 28, 2026. Patients should check whether their hospital or pharmacy participates before filing.
Korea MVNO Number Porting Hours: Why Self-Activation Is Restricted After 8 PM and on Sundays
Learn why mobile number porting through Korean MVNOs may be restricted after 8 PM and on Sundays. Compare The One Mobile's self-activation hours for number transfers and new subscriptions, weekend exceptions, and what to check when activation fails.
2026 South Korea Income Tax Interim Payment: The 30% Estimated Tax Filing Rule and Installment Payment Calculations
If your 2026 interim comprehensive income tax bill in South Korea is difficult to pay, check whether you qualify for estimated tax filing or installment payments. A significant decline in first-half income may qualify you for recalculation under the statutory 30% threshold, while tax exceeding KRW 10 million may be paid partly in installments. The filing and payment deadline is Monday, November 30, 2026.
2026 Korea Real Estate Agent Exam Refund Deadline: October 21 — How Much Can Applicants for Both Exam Stages Get Back?
The 50% refund period for South Korea's 37th Licensed Real Estate Agent Examination in 2026 ends on October 21 at 23:59:59. Find out the refund amounts for Stage 1, Stage 2, and combined applications, along with the rules for additional registration, partial cancellations, and special refunds.
2027 CSAT Fee Refund: 60% Back for Early Admission, Illness or Other Eligible Absences by November 27
Students who miss all sections of South Korea's 2027 CSAT due to final acceptance through early university admission, illness or another approved reason may receive a 60% exam fee refund. Applications are accepted November 23–27, 2026, with refunds ranging from KRW 22,200 to KRW 28,200. Check the required documents, eligibility conditions and exclusions.
2026 Korea Engineer Practical Exam Round 3: October 24 Start Date, Individual Exam Dates and Result Announcements
South Korea's third regular Engineer practical examination in 2026 runs from October 24 to November 13. Learn how to check your assigned exam date and test center on Q-Net, and why final results are announced on either December 11 or December 18 depending on the qualification.
South Korea's November 2026 Health Insurance Premium Increase: How to Tell Additional Payments From Refunds
If your South Korean national health insurance premium rises in November 2026, first determine whether the change reflects newly updated income and property data or a reconciliation of previously adjusted premiums. Self-employed and other regionally insured subscribers, along with employees paying additional premiums on non-salary income, are among those who should check. Reconciliation may result in either an additional payment or a refund.
How to Prevent Static Electricity in Winter Clothes: Humidity, Sweaters, Fabrics, and Laundry Tips
A humidifier alone may not eliminate static electricity in winter clothing. Learn how to manage indoor relative humidity within the 30–50% range and reduce static buildup caused by friction between sweaters, synthetic fabrics, clothing linings, and laundry.
Onnuri Gift Certificate Discounts: 7% Now, Up to 10% Under South Korea's 2027 Reform Plan
As of October 2026, South Korea's digital Onnuri Gift Certificates offer a standard 7% purchase discount. A reform planned for 2027 would introduce combined benefits of up to 10% at traditional markets, 8% in non-capital-region neighborhood shopping districts, and 5% in the Seoul metropolitan area. Here is how purchase discounts and spending-based rebates differ, including eligibility conditions and important uncertainties.
Missed Your 2026 National Health Screening in South Korea? How to Apply in 2027 and Check the Costs
If you missed your 2026 national health screening in South Korea, you may apply in 2027 through the previous-year non-attendee application service. Learn whether additional fees apply, how to apply through the National Health Insurance Service website, mobile app, or visual ARS, and the special procedures for employees covered by workplace health insurance.