My first month in Korea - things nobody told me

It's been exactly one month since I landed at Incheon Airport and wow, what a ride it's been. I want to share some things that surprised me that nobody mentioned before I came.

1. Everything requires a Korean phone number. Seriously, you can't do ANYTHING without one. KakaoTalk, Naver, ordering food, even some ATMs require verification via Korean phone. Get a SIM card at the airport, don't wait.

2. The subway is incredible but confusing at first. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap immediately. Google Maps doesn't work well here for transit. The color-coded lines are a lifesaver once you get used to them.

3. Korean people are incredibly kind but the language barrier is real. Even in Seoul, many people don't speak English. Learn basic Korean phrases before you come - it makes a HUGE difference.

4. The food is amazing but adjust gradually. My stomach needed about 2 weeks to fully adjust to the spice levels. Start mild and work your way up. Also, convenience store food is legitimately good and cheap.

Despite the challenges, I absolutely love it here. Korea feels like home already. If you're thinking about coming, just do it!