Settling In — Tax, Healthcare, Saving Money & Travel
Everything you need for a smooth life in the UK: understanding tax codes, using the NHS, cutting living costs, and travelling Europe on a budget.
KRW amounts shown next to GBP prices use the ECB reference rate £1 = ₩2,003 as of 2 Apr 2026. They are reference figures only and may differ from your actual bank, card, or remittance rate.
Tax & Pay
Understanding Your Tax Code
- The most common tax code is 1257L — tax-free on the first £12,570 (approx. ₩25,181,481) per year
- If the wrong tax code is applied, you'll overpay tax — contact HMRC to get it corrected
- Working without an NI Number can trigger an Emergency Tax Code, which means way too much tax deducted from your pay
Reading Your Payslip
| Item | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Gross Pay | Total pay before deductions |
| Income Tax | Income tax deducted |
| National Insurance | NI contributions |
| Net Pay | What actually hits your bank account |
Getting a Tax Refund
- If you've overpaid tax, you can claim a refund
- At the end of the tax year, you'll receive a P45 (when you leave a job) or P60 (annual summary)
- When you leave the UK, you can apply for a refund using the P85 form
Healthcare (Using the NHS)
Booking a GP Appointment
- Urgent appointments — Call at 8 am sharp and hope for the best. It's a daily battle
- Non-urgent appointments — Book online or by phone. Expect a 2-4 week wait
- NHS App — Book GP appointments, check prescriptions, and manage your medical records
Getting Medication
- See your GP and get a prescription
- Pick up your medication at a pharmacy
- Prescription cost: £9.90 (approx. ₩19,833) per item in England (free in Scotland and Wales)
💡 팁
Pharmacists in the UK have broader prescribing powers than in many countries. If you can't get a GP appointment, try your local pharmacy for a consultation — they can prescribe for minor conditions.
Safety & Security
Overall Safety
The UK is generally a safe country, but it's fair to say street crime is more common than in some East Asian countries. In bigger cities (London, Manchester, Birmingham), you need to keep your wits about you.
Most Common Types of Crime
1. Phone Snatching
One of the most frequent crimes in London. Someone on an e-scooter or bike rides past and grabs the phone right out of your hand.
- Don't walk around staring at your phone — especially near the road
- When on a call, hold your phone in the hand furthest from the kerb
- Keep it in your bag or inside pocket
2. Pickpocketing
Common at tourist spots, on packed Tube trains, and at festivals or events.
- Keep your bag zipped and in front of you at all times
- Never put your wallet or phone in your back pocket
- Watch out for the grab-and-run just before Tube doors close
3. Knife Crime
A topic that frequently makes the UK news. It's mostly gang-related, and the chance of a random attack on a bystander is low — but be cautious in certain areas at night.
⚠️ If you get mugged
Don't resist. Hand over your phone or wallet. Stuff can be replaced — you can't. Your safety comes first.
Safety by Area
Every city has both good and rough neighbourhoods side by side. Always check the safety of an area before signing a lease.
- Police.uk Crime Map — Official crime statistics by area
- Google "[area name] crime rate"
- When room-hunting on SpareRoom, walk the route from the nearest station to the house at night before committing
London Reference Points
- Tourist-heavy areas (Westminster, Camden) — Watch for pickpockets
- Parts of South-East London (Lewisham, Croydon, parts of Hackney) — Relatively lower safety at night
- Anywhere — Avoid quiet, poorly lit streets after 11 pm
ℹ️ 참고
Safety can change from one block to the next. It's not that an entire borough is dangerous — it's usually specific streets or estates. Asking locals or your flatmates is the most reliable way to find out.
Night Safety Tips
- Don't wear earphones in both ears when walking alone — you need to hear what's happening around you
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets
- For taxis, use Uber or licensed black cabs only. Never get in an unlicensed minicab that approaches you on the street
- At clubs or pubs, never leave your drink unattended — drink spiking does happen
- If you're worried about getting home safely, use the Walk Safe app or share your live location with a friend
Emergency Numbers
| Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 999 | Police, fire, ambulance (emergencies) |
| 101 | Police non-emergency (e.g. reporting a theft) |
| 111 | NHS non-emergency medical advice |
| +82-2-3210-0404 | Korean Embassy in London (emergency line) |
💡 If you're a victim of crime
Even for minor theft (phone, wallet, etc.), report it by calling 101. You'll need a Police Reference Number for insurance claims or to block a stolen phone. You can also report online.
Other Things to Watch Out For
- Be aware of your surroundings when using an ATM at night — check no one is watching over your shoulder
- Cannabis smell — You'll catch a whiff of it on London streets fairly often. It's still illegal in the UK, but enforcement is lax in practice. Just don't get involved yourself
- Protests and strikes — Common in London. Usually peaceful, but steer clear of the area during large demonstrations
- Terror alerts — Extremely rare, but if you see an unattended bag at a station or airport, report it to staff. You'll see the "See It. Say It. Sorted." campaign everywhere
Saving Money on Living Costs
Cutting Food Costs
- Meal Deals — At Tesco, Boots, Sainsbury's, etc., grab a sandwich + drink + snack for £3-4 (approx. ₩6,010-₩8,013). The ultimate budget lunch
- Too Good To Go — An app that sells surplus food from restaurants and shops at a third of the price. A solid meal for £2-4 (approx. ₩4,007-₩8,013)
- Yellow Sticker Reductions — Supermarkets slap yellow discount stickers on items nearing their use-by date. Usually appears in the evening
- Loyalty Cards — Sign up for Sainsbury's Nectar and Tesco Clubcard early. They're free, many items have separate member prices, and the savings on grocery runs are genuinely noticeable
- Cook at Home — Stock up on basics from a Korean/Asian grocery store and cook for yourself. Eating out in the UK costs roughly 2-3x what it does in most Asian countries
Cutting Transport Costs
- Contactless — Daily and weekly caps make it more convenient than an Oyster card
- Travel Off-Peak — After 09:30 on weekdays, and all day on weekends/bank holidays
- Railcard — £30 (approx. ₩60,099)/year gets you 1/3 off train fares + 1/3 off Off-Peak Tube fares
Cutting Shopping Costs
- Vinted — Second-hand clothes marketplace. Great for picking up winter coats cheaply
- Facebook Marketplace — Second-hand furniture and appliances. Lifesaver when moving into a new flat
- Olio — Free app for neighbours to share surplus food and household items
- Primark — The cheapest high-street clothing shop. Good for basics: underwear, socks, plain tees
City Comparison Guide: London vs Manchester vs Edinburgh vs Bristol
When choosing where to settle, don't just ask which city is cheapest. On a working holiday, the better question is how living costs, job options, room-hunting difficulty, and travel access stack up together.
ℹ️ How to read this table
- Average room rent uses SpareRoom's
2026-01city averages - Estimated monthly cost is a realistic house-share budget for one person: room + transport + groceries + some eating out and leisure
- Room-hunting difficulty is a practical working holidaymaker view, so it shifts by season, budget, and neighbourhood
| City | Average Room Rent | Estimated Monthly Cost | Job Market Reality | Room-Hunting Difficulty | Travel Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £985 (approx. ₩1,973,251) | £1,500-1,900 (approx. ₩3,004,950-₩3,806,270) | Biggest range by far: office jobs, hospitality, retail, Korean community jobs | Very hard — good rooms often disappear within 1-2 days | Best — Eurostar, multiple airports, and the UK's main rail hub |
| Manchester | £691 (approx. ₩1,384,280) | £1,100-1,450 (approx. ₩2,203,630-₩2,904,785) | Strong spread across digital, media, logistics, and hospitality | Moderate — easier than London, but central areas still move quickly | Good — strong airport access and excellent base for the North |
| Edinburgh | £778 (approx. ₩1,558,567) | £1,200-1,500 (approx. ₩2,403,960-₩3,004,950) | Best for finance, tourism, and admin/office roles. More seasonal than London | Hard — smaller supply, and festival/university seasons make it tighter | Good — excellent for Scotland, decent European routes, but not London-level |
| Bristol | £737 (approx. ₩1,476,432) | £1,150-1,500 (approx. ₩2,303,795-₩3,004,950) | Stronger in tech, creative work, and aerospace, with steady hospitality demand | Hard — supply is not huge, so decent rooms go fast | Good — very handy for the South West and Wales, with solid budget-airline access |
In One Line
- London — Most expensive, but best if you want the widest job pool and the easiest Europe trips
- Manchester — The best balance of cost and opportunity for many working holidaymakers
- Edinburgh — High quality of life and great atmosphere, but housing is tighter and pricier than many people expect
- Bristol — A good South-of-England alternative if you want a creative, tech-leaning city without full London intensity
Who Each City Suits Best
- Choose London if your priority is landing work fast and keeping every job option open
- Choose Manchester if you want the strongest cost-to-opportunity balance
- Choose Edinburgh if walkability, scenery, and the Scotland experience matter more than sheer job volume
- Choose Bristol if you want a smaller South-of-England city with a strong creative and tech feel
💡 Practical rule of thumb
If you need to stabilise housing and work quickly in your first couple of months, London and Manchester are usually the safer bets. If lifestyle, pace, and access to nature matter more, Edinburgh and Bristol can be more satisfying despite the tighter housing market.
Parks & Outdoor Life
One of the best things about living in the UK is that well-maintained parks are everywhere. Every neighbourhood has a spacious, green park, and almost all of them are free.
Major London Parks
| Park | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hyde Park | Central London. Walking, jogging, boating on the Serpentine |
| Regent's Park | Famous rose gardens. Open-air theatre in summer |
| Richmond Park | London's largest park — wild deer roam freely |
| Hampstead Heath | Hilltop views over the city skyline. Natural bathing ponds |
| Victoria Park | East London's favourite green space. Weekend markets |
Making the Most of Parks
- Weekend picnics — Grab something from the supermarket and spend the afternoon in the park. That's the British way
- Parkrun — Every Saturday at 9 am, free 5K runs in parks across the country. Just register and show up. Great way to meet people
- Outdoor exercise — Most parks have free outdoor gym equipment
- Summer evenings — In the UK summer (June-August), it doesn't get dark until around 9 pm. Post-work evenings in the park are one of the best parts of the working holiday experience
💡 What makes UK parks special
You can sit or lie on the grass freely in UK parks. There's almost none of the "Keep off the grass" signs you might be used to — so on a sunny day, the parks fill up like beaches.
Gyms
The gym system in the UK is quite different from many Asian countries. There's no hard-sell personal training bundled in — it's a straightforward monthly subscription model.
Chain Comparison
| Chain | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| PureGym | £20-30 (approx. ₩40,066-₩60,099) | Most locations nationwide. 24/7. No contract |
| The Gym Group | £17-25 (approx. ₩34,056-₩50,083) | Similar to PureGym. 24/7. No contract |
| JD Gyms | £20-25 (approx. ₩40,066-₩50,083) | Decent facilities. Some locations have a pool |
| Better (council-run) | £25-45 (approx. ₩50,083-₩90,149) | Local authority-run. Often includes pool & group classes |
| David Lloyd | £80-130 (approx. ₩160,264-₩260,429) | Premium. Pool, tennis, spa included |
| Virgin Active | £50-100 (approx. ₩100,165-₩200,330) | Premium. Strong group class offering |
Saving Money on Gym Memberships
- Budget chains are your friend — PureGym and The Gym Group offer the best value. Roughly comparable to gyms back home (around $40-80/month)
- Watch for joining fees — Sign up during a promo and you'll often pay £0 (approx. ₩0) joining fee
- No Contract options — Most budget chains let you join and cancel monthly. Perfect for working holidaymakers
- Student/Off-Peak rates — Off-Peak memberships (daytime-only access) are £5-10 (approx. ₩10,017-₩20,033) cheaper
- Corporate discounts — Your employer might offer a gym discount. Worth asking HR
How UK Gyms Differ
- No aggressive PT upselling — You might get offered a free PT consultation when you join, but a simple "No thanks" is the end of it
- 24-hour access — Budget chains like PureGym and The Gym Group are mostly open round the clock
- App-based entry — You get in via QR code or PIN. Many don't even have a front desk
- Peak hours — Weekday evenings 5-8 pm are the busiest. Early mornings are quieter
- No towels provided — Most budget gyms don't supply towels. Bring your own
- Wipe down your equipment — Use the spray and paper towels provided after every machine. It's basic gym etiquette here
Exercise Options Outside the Gym
- Parkrun — Every Saturday at 9 am, free 5K runs in parks nationwide
- ClassPass — Monthly subscription to access various boutique studios (yoga, Pilates, boxing, etc.)
- Outdoor gym equipment in parks — Free to use in most parks
- Home workouts — Plenty of people work out at home. Popular UK YouTube channel: Joe Wicks (The Body Coach)
💡 Before joining a budget chain
Facilities vary a lot between locations, even within the same chain. Before signing up, try a Day Pass (usually £5-7 (approx. ₩10,017-₩14,023)) to check it out in person. PureGym lets you buy Day Passes through their app.
Travelling Europe
One of the biggest perks of a UK working holiday is how easy it is to get to Europe.
Transport Options Compared
| Mode | Popular Routes | Journey Time | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eurostar | London to Paris | 2h 15m | £39+ (approx. ₩78,129+) | Book early for the best fares |
| Eurostar | London to Brussels | 2h | £39+ (approx. ₩78,129+) | Departs from St Pancras |
| Budget airlines | Ryanair, easyJet, etc. | 1-3h | £15+ (approx. ₩30,050+) | Check baggage rules carefully |
| FlixBus | Long-distance across Europe | Varies | Cheapest option | When you've got time to spare |
London Airport Access
| Airport | Getting There | Travel Time | Main Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathrow | Elizabeth Line | ~40 min | Major carriers |
| Gatwick | Gatwick Express | 30 min | easyJet |
| Stansted | Stansted Express | 47 min | Ryanair |
| Luton | Train + shuttle | 1h+ | Wizz Air |
💡 Factor in airport transfer costs
A cheap flight from Stansted or Luton might not be so cheap once you add the cost and time of getting there. Sometimes Gatwick or Heathrow works out better overall.
Recommended Destinations
- Weekend trips — Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam (Eurostar day trip or one-nighter)
- Bank Holiday breaks — Barcelona, Lisbon, Prague, Budapest
- Extended trips — Use an Interrail Pass to loop around Europe while your visa allows
Travel Planning Tips
- Comparing flights: Skyscanner, Google Flights
- Accommodation: Hostelworld (hostels), Airbnb
- EU roaming: The UK is no longer part of EU free roaming post-Brexit. Check with your provider or buy a separate eSIM
- Travel insurance: Strongly recommended for any trips to Europe
Visiting Home
It's common to fly back to your home country for a short visit during your working holiday. A bit of planning goes a long way.
Things Worth Doing While You're Back
💡 Flight tips
Direct flights to East Asia are typically £400-600 (approx. ₩801,320-₩1,201,980) ($500-750) return in low season (Jan-Mar, Oct-Nov). Indirect flights via a connecting hub can drop to £300-500 (approx. ₩600,990-₩1,001,650) ($375-625). Use Skyscanner's flexible date search to find the best deals.
UK Souvenirs — What to Bring Back
Popular gifts from the UK that people back home tend to love.
| Souvenir | Price Range | Where to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortbread (Walkers) | £3-8 (approx. ₩6,010-₩16,026) | Supermarkets, M&S | Classic British butter biscuits. Tin boxes make great gifts |
| Tea (Yorkshire Tea, Twinings) | £3-6 (approx. ₩6,010-₩12,020) | Supermarkets | Can't go wrong with British tea. Light and compact for bulk buying |
| Fortnum & Mason tea/jam | £10-30 (approx. ₩20,033-₩60,099) | Fortnum & Mason (Piccadilly) | Premium gift option. Beautiful packaging |
| Cadbury chocolate | £1-5 (approx. ₩2,003-₩10,017) | Supermarkets | Dairy Milk, Roses tins. Easy, crowd-pleasing gift |
| Whittard hot chocolate/tea | £5-15 (approx. ₩10,017-₩30,050) | Whittard stores | Great packaging and flavours |
| M&S biscuits/snacks | £3-10 (approx. ₩6,010-₩20,033) | M&S | Tin biscuit sets are always a hit |
| Scotch whisky | £15-50 (approx. ₩30,050-₩100,165) | Supermarkets, airport duty-free | Duty-free is cheapest. Perfect for whisky lovers |
| Jo Malone hand cream/perfume | £20-70 (approx. ₩40,066-₩140,231) | Jo Malone stores, airport duty-free | Typically £10-20 (approx. ₩20,033-₩40,066) cheaper than overseas prices |
| British tote bags/mugs | £5-15 (approx. ₩10,017-₩30,050) | Souvenir shops, museum gift shops | The British Museum and V&A shops have great options |
Brands That Are Noticeably Cheaper in the UK
| Brand | Category | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortnum & Mason | Tea, jam, biscuits, hampers | £10-100+ (approx. ₩20,033-₩200,330+) | Piccadilly flagship. Gift packaging is unbeatable. Often half the overseas retail price |
| Barbour | Waxed jackets, outerwear | £100-300 (approx. ₩200,330-₩600,990) | 40-60% cheaper than overseas prices. Even cheaper at outlets like Bicester Village |
| Jo Malone | Perfume, hand cream, candles | £20-120 (approx. ₩40,066-₩240,396) | £10-30 (approx. ₩20,033-₩60,099) cheaper than overseas. Additional savings at duty-free |
| Dr. Martens | Boots, shoes | £80-180 (approx. ₩160,264-₩360,594) | British brand. 30-50% cheaper than overseas. Outlet prices can drop to around £60 (approx. ₩120,198) |
| Burberry | Scarves, bags, clothing | £200-2,000+ (approx. ₩400,660-₩4,006,600+) | 30-50% off at Bicester Village outlet. Tax-free refund on top |
| Cambridge Satchel | Leather bags | £100-200 (approx. ₩200,330-₩400,660) | Handmade British leather bags. Not widely available overseas, making them a unique gift |
| Lush | Bath bombs, skincare | £3-15 (approx. ₩6,010-₩30,050) | 30-40% cheaper than overseas. Lightweight and popular as gifts |
| Penhaligon's | Niche perfume | £70-200 (approx. ₩140,231-₩400,660) | Royal warrant perfume house. Not widely stocked overseas. Attractive with tax-free refund |
ℹ️ Tax-Free Shopping
If you're a non-UK resident, you may be eligible for Tax-Free shopping in the UK. At department stores and brands like Jo Malone, you can claim a VAT (20%) refund on your purchases. Just be aware of minimum spend requirements and allow extra time at the airport for the refund process.
Essential Apps
Finance
- Monzo — Everyday banking
- Wise — Currency exchange & international transfers
- Moin — Alternative to Wise with Korean-language support
Transport
- Citymapper — A must-have for London public transport. More accurate than Google Maps
- Trainline — Book train tickets. Advance tickets can save up to 70%
- TfL Go — Real-time Tube status, delay and strike info
Daily Life
- Too Good To Go — Discounted surplus food
- Vinted — Second-hand clothes
- Facebook Marketplace — Second-hand furniture and appliances
Healthcare
- NHS App — GP bookings, prescriptions, medical records
Travel
- Skyscanner — Flight comparison
- Hostelworld — Hostel bookings
- Omio — Compare trains, buses, and flights across Europe
Communication
- WhatsApp — The default messenger in the UK. Work group chats, flatmate comms — everything runs on WhatsApp
- Meetup — Interest-based group meetups. Great for making friends