Are you living in Korea or planning to move here—and wondering how to start a blog as a foreigner? Whether you want to share your experiences, build an online portfolio, or even monetize through AdSense or affiliate marketing, starting a blog in Korea is 100% possible (and rewarding!).
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started in 2025 👇
✅ 1. Decide Your Blog’s Purpose & Niche
First, ask yourself:
- Do you want to document your life in Korea?
- Focus on teaching English tips?
- Share travel guides or food reviews?
- Create content in Korean or English?
Tip: For monetization, niches like travel, education, tech, and finance work well.
🖥️ 2. Choose a Blogging Platform
Here are popular options in Korea (and globally):
| WordPress.org | Fully customizable, global-friendly | Needs separate hosting |
| Tistory | Popular in Korea, AdSense-friendly | Mostly Korean UI |
| Wix | Easy drag-and-drop builder | Limited flexibility long-term |
| Blogger | Google-backed, easy to set up | Basic design, fewer plugins |
| Brunch | Sleek design, good for essays | Requires Korean phone number for sign-up |
➡️ Recommendation: If you want to target both local and international readers, WordPress is the best choice for flexibility and SEO.
🌐 3. Set Up Hosting & Domain
If you’re using WordPress.org, you’ll need:
- ✅ A domain (e.g., myblogkorea.com)
- ✅ Web hosting (recommendations: Bluehost, SiteGround, or a local provider like Cafe24)
💡 TIP: Choose a domain that’s easy to remember, ideally with a keyword related to Korea if your blog is about life/travel here.
🛠️ 4. Customize Your Blog
- ✅ Pick a simple, clean theme (mobile-friendly!)
- ✅ Install essential plugins:
- SEO (Rank Math or Yoast SEO)
- Security (Wordfence)
- Backup (UpdraftPlus)
Don’t overcomplicate the design—readers value fast-loading and easy-to-navigate blogs.
✍️ 5. Start Writing Content
Here are some content ideas to kick things off:
- “How to Find an Apartment in Seoul”
- “Top 10 Korean Phrases for Travelers”
- “Guide to Korean SIM Cards”
- “Cost of Living in Korea: 2025 Update”
- “Cultural Shock Moments in Korea”
➡️ Pro Tip: Use SEO tools like Ubersuggest or Ahrefs to find low-competition keywords.
💸 6. Monetize Your Blog
Foreigners can monetize blogs in Korea if they have:
- ✅ A valid visa (e.g., E-2, F-series)
- ✅ A Korean bank account
- ✅ Proper tax registration
Popular options:
- Google AdSense (works well on WordPress & Tistory)
- Affiliate marketing (global networks like Amazon, or local like Coupang Partners)
- Sponsored posts & collaborations
🔐 7. Legal & Privacy Considerations
Korea has strict privacy and internet regulations. Make sure to:
- Add a Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
- Understand copyright rules (especially for images)
- Follow AdSense/affiliate guidelines
💡 If you plan to blog in Korean, be mindful of language accuracy—local readers appreciate effort and clarity.
🙌 Bonus Tips
- ✅ Join expat Facebook groups for traffic and networking
- ✅ Connect with local bloggers (great for collaborations)
- ✅ Use Naver & Kakao services if targeting Korean readers
- ✅ Be consistent! Google loves blogs that update regularly
🚀 Conclusion
Starting a blog in Korea as a foreigner is easier than ever, thanks to global platforms and open internet policies. Whether you're here for fun, business, or a bit of both, a well-run blog can become a powerful tool—for sharing your story and even earning passive income.