About

Korea Guide by WCS publishes practical, English-language guides about living in, visiting, studying, working, banking, paying taxes, and handling paperwork in South Korea.

Korea Guide by WCS is operated by Woochinso (WCS). WCS also develops the MOAI app, while this publication has a separate editorial purpose: practical English-language Korea guides.

Editorial responsibility belongs to Yoon Damin, the operator of WCS. Corrections and source updates are handled through the contact channel below.

Who writes this

Articles are published under WCS Editorial. We aim to add real value through detailed procedures, verified data, realistic cost comparisons, local context, and practical checklists for foreign residents and visitors.

How we research and fact-check

Each guide is researched against primary, authoritative sources — Korean government agencies, official immigration or tax pages, public notices, and reputable institutional sources — and is reviewed and dated before publishing. We link out to the primary sources so you can verify current figures yourself, and we update guides when rules or fees change.

Editorial independence

This site is independent and reader-supported through advertising. Some pages may contain affiliate links — we may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. Advertising and affiliate relationships never influence our guidance or comparisons. We do not guarantee outcomes; always confirm current requirements with the relevant authority or provider before acting.

This is general information, not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice. Corrections are welcome — see our Contact page.

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Send Money From Korea Abroad: Wise vs Banks & Limits (2026)

By WCS Last reviewed and updated: July 18, 2026 · Checked against official Korean government sources. Contents The two numbers that govern every outbound transfer Reporting thresholds and when documents kick in Your real options: bank vs Wise vs other apps Outbound limits and reporting thresholds (2026) Step-by-step: a clean outbound transfer Decision worksheet: pick your cheapest route Author's note: what actually slows transfers down Frequently asked questions Updates / Changelog Related posts Sources Outbound transfers from Korea are governed by transaction purpose, foreign-exchange status, and channel; they are not one universal annual ceiling. The Bank of Korea says certain remittances by foreigners or non-residents, such as donations under USD 50,000 per year, use a designated bank, while ORIS monitors document-free small-value remittances under USD 5,000 through participating institutions. Ask the designated bank how the rule applies to your purpose before sending. Th...
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Korea Visas for Foreigners: The Complete 2026 Hub

By WCS Last reviewed and updated: July 18, 2026 · Checked against official Korean government sources. Contents E-2: The Teaching Route Most People Start With E-7: The Skilled-Worker Status for Career Roles D-2: Studying as the Long Game F-6: The Marriage Visa F-3, F-2-7 Points, and F-5: The Long-Stay Tier Apostille: The Document Step Every Visa Shares After the Visa: Settling In Sources I have spent years watching friends, coworkers, and students try to decode Korea's visa system, and the single biggest mistake is treating it as one decision. It is not. It is a sequence: which visa gets you in, which residence status lets you stay, and which long-term track eventually frees you from sponsorship. This hub maps that whole journey so you can see where you are and where you are going. Each section summarizes one route and links to a detailed walkthrough where one exists. Start with the official Korea Immigration Service and Korea Visa Portal , but do not treat either landing pa...
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Korea F-5 Permanent Residency: 2026 Rules & F-2-7 Path

By WCS Last reviewed and updated: July 18, 2026 · Checked against official Korean government sources. Contents Table of Contents F-5 at a glance: what it gives you The income rule that trips everyone up: 2x vs 1x GNI The F-2-7 points pathway, step by step Residence-year and stay requirements Self-check worksheet: are you close? Documents, fees, and timeline Common rejection reasons Related guides Updates / changelog FAQ Sources Last verified: July 18, 2026. This is general information, not legal advice — visa categories, point tables, and income figures change yearly, so confirm your specific case with the Korea Immigration Service (1345) or a licensed administrative attorney before filing. F-5 is an indefinite residence status, not citizenship. Its employment scope is broad, but eligibility, residence history, income, integration, re-entry, and card rules depend on the F-5 subcategory and current immigration guidance. This guide covers one possible F-2-7-related route; it is n...
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