Is tuition illegal in Korea?

Yes, private tutoring in South Korea has complex legal restrictions, especially for foreigners on certain visas (like E-2), where it's technically illegal but common, while for Koreans, it's heavily regulated (e.g., closing times, fee caps), though still a massive, thriving industry (hagwons). Legally, F-visa holders (permanent, spouse, etc.) have more freedom to tutor privately than E-visa teachers, and students themselves are generally barred from tutoring, but enforcement varies, leading to widespread "shadow education".

Is tuition banned in Korea?

Private Tutoring

Teaching private classes in Korea (tutoring English to students 1-on-1) is technically illegal. Under Korean law, a foreign teacher on an E2 work visa can only work for a single employer (i.e. the school you signed the contract with).

Is there a death penalty in Korea?

South Korea has not carried out any executions since December 1997. The last former president condemned to capital punishment later had his sentence reduced to life imprisonment.

What is the 52 hour rule in Korea?

South Korea's 52-hour rule is a labor law capping total weekly work hours at 52 (40 standard + 12 overtime) to combat chronic overwork and improve work-life balance, phased in for companies by size since 2018, though some exemptions and ongoing debates exist, particularly for smaller firms and specific industries. 

What is not allowed into South Korea?

South Korea prohibits items like narcotics, obscene materials, counterfeit currency, and weapons (guns, swords, explosives), while heavily restricting animal/plant products, endangered species items, and large amounts of cash (over $10,000 USD), requiring permits or declarations for these, plus needing permits for certain medicines or CITES-listed items like ivory. Always declare high-value items or large currency amounts to avoid penalties.
 

The Dark Side of Korea’s Education Obsession

What is the Cinderella rule in Korea?

South Korea's "Cinderella Law," or Shutdown Law, was a 2011 regulation that blocked children under 16 from playing online games between midnight and 6 AM to curb addiction and promote sleep, but it was controversial, often bypassed, and ultimately abolished in August 2021, replaced by a system focusing on parental controls to respect youth rights and allow for more flexible home education. 

How many hours of sleep do Koreans get?

' That shows just how lightly Korean society treats sleep,” said Shin, who is also president of the Korean Society of Sleep Research (KSSM). According to a 224 KSSM report on sleep habits, Koreans sleep for an average of six hours and 58 minutes, which is 18 percent less than the OECD average.

Is Sunday a working day in Korea?

A total of 118 days off will be available for South Korean workers throughout the year, including Saturdays and 70 so-called “red days” -- public holidays and Sundays -- marked in red ink on standard Korean calendars, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration's official calendary.

What is the 3 day rule in Korea?

The "3 date rule" in Korean dating is an unofficial guideline where after about three dates, there's an expectation to become an official couple, moving from the "something" (sseom) phase to exclusivity, often marked by declaring love and starting couple rituals like matching rings or outfits. While traditionally strong, the speed of this transition can vary, with some younger Koreans adapting it, but the general idea of a quick commitment after a few meetings remains a notable part of the culture, contrasting with slower Western dating.
 

What is the number one cause of death in South Korea?

The leading causes of death in South Korea are consistently cancer (malignant neoplasms) and heart disease, with suicide also being a major issue, especially among younger demographics where it can even surpass cancer in specific age groups like those in their 40s. Other top causes include pneumonia, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, and Alzheimer's, reflecting an aging population and rising chronic conditions. 

Which country has no death penalty?

DENMARK abolished the death penalty for all crimes. LUXEMBOURG, NICARAGUA, and NORWAY abolished the death penalty for all crimes. BRAZIL, FIJI, and PERU abolished the death penalty for ordinary crimes.

Is euthanasia allowed in Korea?

Currently, passive euthanasia is legal in South Korea but is limited to the terminally ill with no chance of recovery. Other forms of assisted dying, including assisted suicide or active euthanasia, are not legal.

Does the school kiss exist in Korea?

The Korean Independent School of Seoul from XO, Kitty might be fictional — if you're asking "is KISS real?" unfortunately the answer is no — but it was practically real for the stars of the show.

Is it cheaper to live in South Korea or the USA?

Generally, living in South Korea can be cheaper than the USA, especially for dining out and public transport, but costs vary significantly by city; Seoul can rival major US cities in rent, while groceries (especially imported) can be pricier in Korea, though affordable local food and delivery are huge savings. South Korea often offers better value for daily life and transit, while housing in smaller Korean cities is far cheaper than in comparable US areas, but rent in Seoul is high, notes Reddit users. 

What can $50,000 won buy in Korea?

With 50,000 KRW (around $34 USD as of early 2026), you can enjoy several days of budget meals (like convenience store bentos or street food), numerous bus/subway rides, or buy many cute stationery items, cosmetics, or snacks; it's enough for about 10 simple restaurant meals, 5 movie tickets plus popcorn, or a good haul of beauty products at places like Olive Young, but it won't cover high-end electronics or fancy dinners. 

Is Christmas a holiday in Korea?

The day of Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries. To celebrate the festive season, Christmas trees and lights can be seen all over Korea.

Is Seoul a 24-hour city?

A 24-hour city, Seoul has an intense work-hard, play-hard culture. The booming metropolis fuses tradition and modernity.

Why do South Koreans work so much?

Koreans work such long hours, among other reasons, because of the Korean industrial system and nighttime culture. South Korea's corporate culture resembles that of Japan–hierarchical and with significant subcontracting, both factors increasing working hours.

Do Korean couples sleep in the same bed?

The culture constantly confirms that the two partners are sexually attracted to each by confessing their love and publicly showing their love, such as by kissing in public.” The couple's bedroom is “exclusively” for them, and even infants typically sleep separately, he noted.

What grade is a 17 year old in Korea?

A 17-year-old in Korea is typically in 11th grade (Junior year) or 12th grade (Senior year) of high school, depending on their birth month and when they started school, generally completing high school at 18 or 19 years old, according to the standard international age system.
 

What time should K go to bed?

If your school or work schedule requires you or your child to be up between 5:00 and 7:00 a.m., these are the suggested bedtimes: School-age children should go to bed between 8:00 and 9:00 p.m. Teens should try to go to bed between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. Adults should try to go to sleep between 10:00 and 11:00 p.m.

Do Koreans accept US dollars?

US dollars aren't widely accepted in South Korea.

What can 1000 won buy in Korea?

For 1,000 KRW (roughly $0.70 USD), you can buy small street food snacks like peanut bread or a cup of tteokbokki, a bottle of water, several inexpensive items at a Daiso dollar-store, or a single convenience store coffee, though it's a small amount for larger purchases like full meals or transportation. 

Is 10k won a lot in Korea?

10,000 won (about $7-$8 USD) isn't a huge amount, but it's substantial enough for a good meal, several coffees, or many small items at a convenience store (like 10 cups of ramen), making it a useful everyday amount for budget-conscious buying, though not enough for luxury or major purchases in expensive areas like Seoul.