Skill: ivangdavila/seoul (version 1.0.0)

--- name: Seoul slug: seoul version: 1.0.0 homepage: https://clawic.com/skills/seoul description: Navigate Seoul as visitor, resident, tech worker, student, or entrepreneur with neighborhoods, transport, costs, visas, and local insights. metadata: {"clawdbot":{"emoji":"🏙️","requires":{"bins":[]},"os":["linux","darwin","win32"]}} --- ## When to Use User asks about Seoul for any purpose: visiting, moving, working, studying, or starting a business. Agent provides practical guidance with current data. ## Quick Reference | Topic | File | |-------|------| | **Visitors** | | | Attractions (must-see vs skip) | `visitor-attractions.md` | | Itineraries (1/3/7 days) | `visitor-itineraries.md` | | Where to stay | `visitor-lodging.md` | | Tips & day trips | `visitor-tips.md` | | **Neighborhoods** | | | Quick comparison | `neighborhoods-index.md` | | Gangnam, Seocho, Samsung | `neighborhoods-gangnam.md` | | Hongdae, Mapo, Yeonnam | `neighborhoods-hongdae.md` | | Itaewon, Hannam, Yongsan | `neighborhoods-itaewon.md` | | Jongno, Bukchon, Insadong | `neighborhoods-traditional.md` | | Choosing guide | `neighborhoods-choosing.md` | | **Food** | | | Overview & dining scene | `food-overview.md` | | Korean cuisine essentials | `food-korean.md` | | International & fine dining | `food-international.md` | | Best areas for dining | `food-areas.md` | | Dietary, alcohol, etiquette | `food-practical.md` | | **Practical** | | | Moving & settling | `resident.md` | | Transport (metro, buses, T-money) | `transport.md` | | Cost of living | `cost.md` | | Safety & laws | `safety.md` | | Weather & survival tips | `climate.md` | | Local services (banking, phone) | `local.md` | | **Career** | | | Tech industry & salaries | `tech.md` | | Business setup & regulations | `business.md` | | Visas (work, D-10, startup) | `visas.md` | | Startups & funding | `startup.md` | | **Lifestyle** | | | Culture & customs | `culture.md` | | Healthcare & insurance | `healthcare.md` | | Schools & education | `education.md` | | Expat lifestyle & social | `lifestyle.md` | | Driving & car ownership | `driving.md` | ## Core Rules ### 1. Identify User Context First - **Role**: Tourist, resident, tech worker, student, entrepreneur - **Timeline**: Short visit, planning to move, already there - Load relevant auxiliary file for details ### 2. Housing System (Unique to Korea) Korean rental system differs fundamentally from Western models: - **Jeonse (전세)**: Large deposit (50-80% of home value), no monthly rent - **Wolse (월세)**: Smaller deposit + monthly rent (closer to Western model) - **Banjiha (반지하)**: Semi-basement units — cheap but humidity issues - Deposits are refundable but require significant upfront capital See `cost.md` and `resident.md` for current requirements. ### 3. Cultural Context Korea has distinct social expectations: - **Hierarchy**: Age and seniority matter in all interactions - **Drinking culture**: Refusing drinks from seniors can be awkward - **Work culture**: Long hours common; "눈치" (nunchi) — reading social cues essential - **Confucian roots**: Respect for elders, education highly valued See `culture.md` for detailed guidance. ### 4. Weather Reality - **Summer (Jun-Aug)**: 25-35°C with monsoon season (장마) — high humidity, heavy rain - **Winter (Dec-Feb)**: -10 to 5°C — dry, cold, yellow dust (황사) from China - **Spring/Fall**: Best seasons (April-May, Sep-Oct) — mild and pleasant See `climate.md` for monthly breakdown and survival strategies. ### 5. Current Data (Feb 2026) | Item | Range | |------|-------| | Studio jeonse (Gangnam) | ₩150-250M (~$110K-185K deposit) | | Studio wolse (Gangnam) | ₩10M deposit + ₩800K-1.2M/month | | Studio wolse (Mapo/Hongdae) | ₩5M deposit + ₩600K-900K/month | | Senior SWE salary | ₩70-120M/year (~$52K-89K) | | Metro single ride | ₩1,400 (~$1) | | Dinner (Korean BBQ) | ₩15,000-25,000/person | | International school | ₩25-40M/year | ### 6. Cost Reality Seoul is moderately expensive with some surprises: - **Housing**: Jeonse requires huge capital; wolse more accessible - **Food**: Cheap Korean food ($5-8), expensive imports/Western - **Healthcare**: Excellent and affordable (national insurance) - **Transport**: Very cheap (metro + bus integrated) - **Hidden costs**: Key money (보증금), maintenance fees (관리비) ### 7. Transit Excellence Unlike car-centric cities, Seoul has world-class public transit: - **Metro**: 23 lines, 700+ stations, covers entire metropolitan area - **Buses**: Comprehensive network, color-coded by distance - **T-money card**: Essential — works on all transport, convenience stores - **KTX**: High-speed rail to other cities (Busan: 2.5 hours) - **Taxis**: Cheap by Western standards, Kakao T app for ride-hailing Most residents don't need cars. See `transport.md`. ### 8. Neighborhood Matching | Profile | Best Areas | |---------|------------| | Young professionals | Gangnam, Seocho, Yeoksam | | Creatives & nightlife | Hongdae, Yeonnam-dong, Itaewon | | Families (Korean schools) | Apgujeong, Bundang, Songpa | | Families (International schools) | Hannam, Yongsan, Pangyo | | Budget-conscious | Sinchon, Noryangjin, outer Mapo | | Traditional vibes | Bukchon, Samcheong-dong, Jongno | | Tech workers | Pangyo (Korea's Silicon Valley), Gangnam | ## Visa Overview Korea has multiple pathways for foreigners: - **E-7**: Skilled worker visa (employer sponsorship required) - **E-7-1**: IT specialist visa (points-based, easier) - **D-10**: Job-seeking visa (up to 2 years) - **D-8**: Corporate investment visa (startup founders) - **F-2-7**: Points-based residency (long-term) - **F-5**: Permanent residency (after 5+ years) - **K-ETA**: Visa-free entry for most Western countries (tourism) See `visas.md` for current requirements and processes. ## Tech Industry Context Seoul + Pangyo form Korea's tech hub: - **Chaebols**: Samsung, LG, SK, Hyundai — stable but rigid - **Naver/Kakao**: Internet giants, more startup-like culture - **Startups**: Growing ecosystem, especially fintech and gaming - **Work culture**: Long hours, hierarchy, but changing in tech - **English**: Limited outside international companies Salaries lower than US/Europe but: - Lower taxes (income tax ~15-20% typical) - National health insurance (3-4% of salary) - Lower cost of living for daily expenses See `tech.md` for detailed comparison and job hunting strategies. ## Seoul-Specific Traps - **Jeonse scams** — Always use certified real estate agents (공인중개사). Verify ownership. - **No tipping** — Tipping is not expected and can be awkward. - **Cash still matters** — Many small shops don't take foreign cards. Get Korean bank account. - **Apartment numbering** — Buildings count ground floor as 1F. "5th floor" = 6th floor Western. - **Age calculation** — Korea uses "Korean age" (+1-2 years). Being phased out but still used socially. - **Sunday closures** — Some traditional markets and restaurants close Sundays. - **Phone addiction** — Everyone uses KakaoTalk. No Kakao = social isolation. - **Noise complaints** — Apartments have thin walls. Neighbor conflicts common. - **Yellow dust season** — March-May, check air quality (미세먼지) before going out. - **Work dinner expectations** — Declining 회식 (hweshik) can hurt career. Know when it's optional. ## Legal Awareness Key laws visitors/residents must know: - **Drugs**: Zero tolerance. Cannabis = prison. Even prior use detected = deportation. - **Photography**: Illegal to photograph people without consent (strict enforcement) - **Noise**: Noise after 10 PM can result in fines - **Alcohol**: Legal at 19 (Korean age). Public drinking is legal. - **Smoking**: Banned in most public places. Designated areas only. - **National Service**: Korean male citizens must serve ~18 months military - **Defamation**: Truth is NOT a defense. Accurate criticism can be prosecuted. See `safety.md` for comprehensive legal guidance. ## Related Skills Install with `clawhub install <slug>` if user confirms: - `dubai` — Similar city guide for Dubai with neighborhoods, visas, and expat life - `korean` — Learn Korean language with structured lessons and practice - `travel` — Plan trips with itineraries, packing lists, and logistics - `food` — Explore cuisines, recipes, and dining recommendations - `money` — Personal finance, budgeting, and expense tracking ## Feedback - If useful: `clawhub star seoul` - Stay updated: `clawhub sync`


Security scan verdicts — ClawScan: clean | static analysis: clean | VirusTotal: clean | SkillSpector: suspicious (MEDIUM)