Wise spending habits lead to a happy life in Korea!

C O N S U M E R I N F O R M AT I O N G U I D E
Knowledge is Power
A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer | For Married Immigrants

만든이│ 후 원│
C O N S U M E R I N F O R M AT I O N G U I D E

Knowledge is Power
A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer | For Married Immigrants
 01 Consumer rights and responsibilities

Eight Consumer Rights

01 Right to Safety : Consumers have the right to expect protection from

hazardous products and services purchased in the marketplace.

Contents
Right to Information : Consumers have the right to receive adequate
02 information about products on which to base buying decisions.

03 Right to Choice : Consumers have the right to have the opportunity to

select the goods and services that they want to purchase.
03_ Consumer rights and responsibilities

05_ What is economy Right to be Heard : Consumers have the right to have consumer

06_ Where to buy merchandise 04 interests represented in the policy making process of government, trade,
professional and industry association.
08_ How to obtain price information
Right to Redress : Consumers are afforded an opportunity to have a
09_ How to pay for merchandise
05 hearing to voice dissatisfaction such that a resolution is reached and the
complaint is settled satisfactorily.
10_ How to make a good deal

11_ Savings Right to Consumer Education : Consumers have the right to some form

16_ How to be insured

06 of training and mastery of knowledge and skills needed to make informed
decisions in the marketplace.
17_ What should I do when I buy the wrong clothes
Right to a Healthy Environment : Consumers should be protected from
19_ How to manage conflicts in buying products or services
07 the devastating effects of air, earth, and water pollution that may result
from the performance of daily marketplace operation.
21_ How to send certification of contents to retailers
Right to Organize and Act : Consumers have a right to create an
22_ I need help
08 organization and work for developing the strength and influence to
24_ Green consumption campaigns for a sustainable environment - Reducing household waste promote and protect their interests.

26_ Green consumption campaign for a sustainable environment - Saving energy

29_ [ Appendix ] Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

2 3
 02 What is economy

Five Consumer Responsibilities Economy is

With rights there are also responsibilities. In conjunction with the above
rights, there is also an expectation that consumers act rationally, and
accept a reasonable level of responsibility when exercising choice and
entering into transactions in the marketplace.
Critical Awareness : The responsibility to be more alert and question
01 the use of, and the price and quality of, goods and services.
An economy is a social system of production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of
goods and services of a country. For example, if a household wants to purchase rice, it needs
money. To earn money, there should be labor, which leads to the production of goods or
services. The goods and services are sold to consumers in a marketplace. This series of
processes is called economy. The Korean economy is a market economy based on a principle
of open competition.

Action : The responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we

02 get a fair deal. As long as we remain passive consumers, we will continue
Household
to be exploited.
Household Finance : Household finance
Social Concern : The responsibility to be aware of the impact of our pertains to how to manage family income
03 consumption on other citizens, especially disadvantaged or powerless and expenditures.
groups, whether in the local, national or international community.

Environmental Awareness : The responsibility to understand the

04 environmental consequences of our consumption. We should recognize
our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and
protect the earth for future generations.

05 Solidarity : The responsibility to together as consumers to develop the

strength and influence to promote and protect our interests. Savings Living Expenses

Savings refers to money that Housekeeping Living expenses refers to

is saved in a bank. book expenditures in daily life, such
as food, clothing, and taxes.

y
&

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

4 5
03 Where to buy merchandise

Market Discount Retailer : Like a department store, a variety of

A market is a place where goods and services are bought and sold. C
type merchandise is available, and goods can be bought at cheaper
prices.

01 A Wholesale Market : A market where goods are bought and sold in large quantities at cheaper
prices, usually to shopkeepers who then sell them to the public.

02 A Retail Market : A market where goods are sold directly to the public in small quantities. Home TV Shopping : You can buy merchandise via a home shopping
D
type network on TV with less time and effort. However, you should be
wary of impulse buying.

Types of Marketplaces
Since there are various types of marketplaces, you should carefully choose where to shop so
Online Shopping : You can purchase products and services over the
that you can purchase high quality goods at a reasonable price.
E
type Internet. It is easy to compare prices and the quality of the goods.
You can save time and effort in shopping.

Traditional Market Square : Traders set up stalls and buyers

type
A browse the merchandise. You can buy at cheaper prices
compared to a department store or a discount retailer.
Door-to-door Sales : A door-to-door salesman visits consumers
F
type and sells merchandise. Consumers may buy goods or services on
impulse, or may be pressured to buy.

Department Store : There is a variety of merchandise and high

type
B quality services, but prices are higher than at other marketplaces.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

6 7
04 How to obtain price information 05 How to pay for merchandise

Price
Price is a numerical value assigned to goods, services or assets.
Price System in Korea
Sellers determine the prices of goods and services.
Fixed price only : department stores, discount retailers, and internet shopping malls
Price negotiation available : traditional market squares and door-to-door sales
Price Check
After making a decision on what you wish to buy, check the price of similar products
• You can visit stores and check the price in person.
• You can use price comparison sites on the Internet.
• You can ask for information about the price from family members or friends who
have previously bought similar goods.
! Beware of these!
• You cannot be rebated even if you buy goods at a more expensive price than what is usual.
• You should check information of product quality if the product seems to be too inexpensive without
any reason.
• Check the receipt carefully after you purchase goods or services.
• Make sure that the information on the bill and the receipt match exactly.
- If the product is defective, you will need a receipt to make any demands regarding refund or
exchange.
Cash
If you pay in cash for your purchases, you can avoid impulse buying.
• Pay in cash in traditional market squares.
• You can benefit from an income tax deduction administered by the National Tax Administration.
• You are required to show your identification card such as a certificate of residence, an alien registration
card, or a passport when you pay with a check (for ten, one hundred, or five hundred thousand won).
Credit card
You can pay using your credit card instead of cash. However, you may spend money on items
you may not really need or want.
• You can pay using your credit card in department stores and at discount retailers.
• Your signature on the back of your credit card and that of credit card receipts should be identical.
(If you do not sign the back of your care, you will be responsible for transactions that occur on your card in the
event that your credit card is lost or stolen.)
• You should use your own credit card, and confirm the receipt of your purchase.
• Credit card receipts should be kept for 3 years.
• If you lose your credit card, notify your card provider immediately.
• Your personal identification number (PIN number) should be comprised of numbers that other
people cannot easily guess. (e.g., Avoid birthday date and phone numbers.)
• Do not give any information to people looking for credit card information over the phone.
• When you pay using a credit card, confirm your payment.
• You can obtain a SMS service that informs you of any credit card purchase you have made.

Gift Certificates
Tips for frugal shoppers
R
ment e
Departre c
y
Sto c
pon

l
i
You can pay for merchandise using various gift certificates. Not all stores accept gift certificates.
Cou

n ount
g Disc

• Take advantage of your local recycling centers Make sure that the store where you are shopping accepts the gift certificate you have prior to making
or flea markets. a purchase.
• Book coupons (redeemable at bookstores)
• Take advantage of sales.
• Cultural gift certificates (redeemable at bookstores and movie theaters)
• Take advantage of discount coupons.
• Department store gift certificates (redeemable at department stores)
• Gas station gift certificates (redeemable at gas stations)
A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

8 9
06 How to make a good deal 07 Savings

How to choose good products - food Why is building your savings important?
• Check the expiration date.
• Check if the brand is reliable. Emergencies
• Check if the product is properly packaged.
• Check if the price is reasonable. By having money saved
you can be prepared for
unexpected emergencies
and deal with them
properly.
How to choose good products - Consumer information
Consumer information is marked on the package of a product. Consumers can obtain Major payments
Building wealth
information on a product such as its name, expiration date, manufacturing company,
and price. You can put money aside in Having some money saved
a bank or invest in a pension Savings can help you from falling into
plan and buy stocks and real financial troubles in the
Quality information Meaning bonds for building your future.
Product name You can learn the name of the product. personal wealth.
Ingredients and place of origin You can learn the ingredients and their place of origin.
Expiration date or the date of You can learn until when a product should be sold or
manufacture consumed, or when it has been manufactured.
Retirement plan
Care, maintenance or handling You can learn how to take care of or handle the product.
Manufacturing company You can learn the company that makes the product. By saving money now you will
Telephone number or website You can learn the telephone number or website address of be able to enjoy your old age
address the manufacturing company. comfortably without working.

Price You can learn the price of the product.

Terms and Conditions

How to save money
Terms and conditions are set by sellers when they provide consumers with goods or services. Before
• Make an expenditure plan and save a regular amount of money in advance.
signing or making a contract, be sure to first confirm and agree upon the terms and conditions. Most
• Open a bank account and deposit some money or save money in a piggy bank.
consumer problems are dealt with according to these terms and conditions.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

10 11
How to use a bank
Business hours : 9:00 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.
How to open a bank account
• Required documents : identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration
card), personal seal, money for the first deposit (usually more than ten thousand won, but it varies from bank
to bank)
01 STEP_Take a waiting number ticket and wait for your turn. When your number is called, go to the
assigned bank window.
02 STEP_Explain your reason for visiting the bank. For example, you can say, “I want to open a bank
account.”
03 STEP_Fill out an application and provide the bank with money with which to open the account.
04 STEP_You can decide if you want a check card or internet banking service.
You need to open a bank account if you wish to have your own cell phone number.
How to use a credit card
• Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration card),
bank account number
• Where : credit card provider company (Samsung, LG, KEB, Kukmin, Shinhan, Lotte, Hundai, BC) or banks
• When you pay by a credit card, you will make a payment for the purchase to your credit card provider
after one month.
• You can conveniently buy merchandise by credit card without cash. However, there is a risk of impulse
buying.
• Set the amount of money that you can spend per month when you use a credit card for the first time.
• Cash advances are available, but the interest rate is high.
• You can take advantage of an installment plan. The interest rate varies depending on the installment
period.
• Do not make your credit card payments late; otherwise, you will eventually have a bad credit rating.
• Some credit cards work just like a transportation card depending on the area or the types of card.

How to use a bank card

ATM card
• Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card, or resident registration card), Credit card number: Signature : Write your signature here.
bank account number Never let anybody know your
credit card number.
• ATM operation hours : 8:00 a.m. ~ 10:00 p.m.(Before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. you must pay fees.)
• You are free to deposit or withdraw money without visiting a bank.

Check card
• Required documents : Identification card (passport, alien registration card,
or resident registration card), bank account number
• You can pay by a check card up to the amount of money in your bank
account.
• No check card : Payment for cell phone usage, reservations for railroad
trips, and direct deposit service.
Expiration date :
Check the expiration date.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

12 13
 CASE 1 Personal identification number (PIN number) CASE 3 Credit card charge fees

Mr. Tusar met some friends and drank too much. He lost his
wallet and cell phone. The next morning, he reported that he
lost his credit card and found out that someone had already
withdrawn 2 million won using the cash advance service.
How could the thief find out Mr. Tusar’s pin number?
I purchased about 1 million won worth of electric home
appliances. The store demanded that I pay 3% of my purchase in
cash under the name of a credit card charge fee. I did not know
what to do, so I paid it and received a receipt. Is there any way
that I can get the charge fee back?

The pin number to Mr. Tusar’s credit card was the same as his home
telephone number. What’s more, the speed dial #0 of his cell phone was
set to his home. Avoid using numbers such as birthday dates or your home
telephone number, which other people can easily figure out, as your pin
number.
Membership fees are money that credit card member shops should
pay to the credit card company. It is against the law to pass on these fees
to consumers. Anyone who violates these laws may be sentenced to less
than one year or be punished by a fine not exceeding 10 million won.

CASE 2 Giving a credit card number

Mr. Sumaoro lost his credit card and reported it. But a thief
had already withdrawn 3 million won through a cash advance
service. Later, he remembered that he had gotten a call from
someone telling him he had won a kimchi fridge at an event
by a credit card company. The thief had represented himself
falsely as a customer service rep and asked him to give the pin
number to his credit card. Mr. Sumaoro had given it to him with
excitement.

Never give the pin number of your credit card.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

14 15
08 How to be insured 09 What should I do when I buy the wrong clothes

What is insurance? I bought clothes, but they do not fit me.

• Insurance is a way of protecting against financial losses. For a payment (premium), an insurance
company will take the responsibility of compensating your financial losses.
• There are certain types of insurance: accident insurance (against damage by accidents), life
insurance (against financial loss resulting from death), and health insurance (against financial loss resulting
from disease prearranged to be covered by your insurance, i.e., cancer)
• There are various types of insurance products on which insurance coverage is different. Decide what
kind of insurance you want and apply for an insurance policy.
• If the stitches on the clothes are uneven, the fabric is poor, or the clothes are the incorrect size, you
can request an exchange for your purchase.
• If the clothes that you bought are not your size or if you do not like the design or color, you can
request an exchange or refund.
• You should check the care labels of the clothes when you do laundry.

How to be insured
• Required documents: Identification card (temporary residence registration card or alien registration card)
• You can be insured through an insurance planner, an FP (financial planner) or internet websites
provided by insurance companies. If you call insurance companies, you can get more information
about various insurance products.
Laundry care label symbols

When you are insured, make sure of the following:

Machine wash, 95℃, Normal action, Machine wash, 30℃, Reduced
• Write your insurance contract by yourself. 약30℃
Normal rinse and spin 중성 mechanical action, Normal rinse
• After making an insurance contract, confirm that you receive insurance clauses and confirm your
and spin
insurance. When you receive an insurance settlement, confirm whether it is true to the insurance
clauses. (If you do not receive insurance clauses within three months, you can cancel your insurance policy.)
• When you pay insurance, make sure that you receive a receipt issued by the insurance company.
Chlorine bleach as needed Non-chlorine bleach as needed
If you pay your insurance via bank transfer, confirm that the bank account is in the insurance 염소표백 염소표백

company’s name.
• When you make out an accident insurance contract, you should let the insurance company know all
of your medical history.
손세탁 Hand wash only, 30℃, Reduced
Do not wash
약30℃
rinse and spin
중성

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

16 17
 10 How to manage conflicts in buying products or services

Consumer problems and damage

염소 산소 Bleach as needed, Any bleach Do not bleach Consumer problems result from dissatisfaction when the consumer purchases goods
염소 산소
표백 표백 or services.
• When cancellation of a contract and an exchange or refund are not available
• In case of inferior goods
• Unfair contract terms and clauses
Hot iron (180~210℃) Hot iron (180~210℃) on cloth • Dissatisfaction with after-sales service
180~210℃ 180~210℃
Consumer damage is caused by serious consumer problems. It can involve physical, mental,
or financial damage to consumers.

Do not iron 드라이

Dry clean

Tip! Consumer Rights and Responsibilities

드라이 드라이 Dry clean with perchloroethylene or

Do not dry clean
석유계 petroleum-based solvents CONSUMER RIGHTS CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Right to Safety The Responsibilities of Critical Awareness,

• The Right to Information Action, Social Concern, Environmental

Reduced spin No spin • The Right to Choice Awareness, and Solidarity

약하게
• The Right to be Heard
• The Right to Redress
• The Right to Consumer Education
• The Right to a Healthy Environment
Dry flat Hang on a coat-hanger to dry in
뉘어서 옷걸이 • The Right to Organize and Act
shade

Hang on a coat-hanger to dry Dry flat in shade

옷걸이 뉘어서

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

18 19
 11 How to send certification of contents to retailers

How to resolve consumer problems Write a complaint letter to the seller

If you are not satisfied with a product or a service that you receive, you may want to write a
complaint letter to the seller. You can send any complaint letter by Certified Mail.
(Certified Mail: When sending certified mail you will receive a mailing receipt and a delivery record will
be maintained by the post office.)

You complaint letter should include the following:

STEP 1 STEP 2
Contact a consumer agency • Date and place that the item was purchased, the item, and its model name
Call the seller
• Product problems
• Compensation (reparation/exchange/refund)
• Consumer’s name, address or telephone number, and the date when the letter has been
written

How to cancel a purchase agreement

You can demand purchase cancellation when your purchase is not paid by cash; if you
STEP 4 STEP 3 purchase an item with a value of 200 thousand won via door-to-door sales, on-line shopping,
Take legal action File a complaint with a dispute or home TV shopping, you can cancel the purchase agreement within a certain number of
resolution program days.

01 STEP_ If you have a consumer problem, try to give the company an opportunity to resolve the Period of purchase cancellation
problem. First, contact the manager or owner to see if the problem can be solved. • Door-to-door or call sales : Contract date / 14 days after receiving the product
02 STEP_ Try contacting the Korea Consumer Agency or a local consumer agency to see if the • Online shopping or home TV shopping : Contract date / 7 days after receiving the product
problem can be settled on a local basis. • Multi-level marketing : Contract date / 14 days after receiving the product
03 STEP_ If you are unable to resolve your problem by dealing directly with the company, file a • Installment purchase : Contract date / 7 days after receiving the product
complaint with the appropriate regulatory agency or with a dispute resolution program.
04 STEP_ If your dispute remains unresolved, you may want to seek legal advice to decide
whether or not you should file a claim in court.
(Consumer agency : Consumer agencies help consumers resolve consumer problems or consumer
damage.)

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

20 21
12 I need help

Korea Consumer Agency Activities of consumer groups

Korea Consumer Agency protects basic consumer rights and interests, and helps you Activities of consumer groups
become a wise consumer. • Consumer counseling : Consumer groups provide consumer counseling and help consumers deal
with damages from their purchases.
Activities of the Korea Consumer Agency
• Consumer education : Consumer groups provide consumer education programs.
• Consumer counseling and consumer damage control
• Researches & surveys activities • Consumer information : Consumer groups provide a guidebook with useful consumer information.
• Consumer safety-related activities • Consumer campaign : Consumer groups conduct campaigns for a rational consumption life.
• Consumer policy tasks
• Consumer education programs
• Consumer information & news

Consumer groups
Consumer groups help fight for consumer rights. There are about 10 consumer groups in
Korea.

CONSUMER GROUP TELEPHONE Consumer groups

National Council of the Green Consumers
1577-9895
Network in Korea
Korean federation of housewives clubs 1588-0050
Seoul YWCA 02) 3705-6060
Korea YMCA 02) 754-7891
Consumer Korea 02) 739-5441
National Council of Homemakers’ Classes 02) 2266-5870
Consumers Union of Korea 02) 795-1042
Korean Daily Life as a Consumer Researcher 02) 325-3300

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

22 23
 Green consumption campaigns for a sustainable environment
13 - Reducing household waste

The volume-rate garbage disposal system

Recycling • You should throw your trash away using standard plastic garbage bags if it is not recyclable.
Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent waste of • Five, ten, twenty, fifty, and one hundred liter plastic bags are available.
potentially useful materials. • Plastic bags are different depending on your residential district.
• Garbage should be disposed of between 7 and 11 p.m. (Except for food waste)
Why is recycling important?
• Making products from raw materials costs a lot. If they are made from recycled products, financial
expenditure in the economy can be reduced.
• Recycling helps to reduce the pollution caused by waste.
Separate garbage collection
If you classify the following garbage correctly, they may be recycled.

How long does it take for trash to biodegrade? How to separate garbage
• Paper : Newspapers, books, and milk packages are collected for recycling.
Paper 2~5 months • Glass bottles : Remove the cap, empty, rinse and take them to the closest recyclable resource
collection station.
A Milk Carton 5 years
• Aluminum and steel cans : Empty and crush cans, and take them to the closest recyclable
A Cigarette Filter 10 ~ 12 years
resource collection station.
Chopsticks 20 years • Plastics : Remove labels and sort plastics into each separate category type.
A Disposable Cup more than 20 years • Styrofoam : Remove labels and bundle together with string.
• Food waste : Drain the water of food waste. Be sure not to mix it with other garbage.
Leather Shoes 25~40 years

Nylon 30~40 years

A Disposable Diaper 100 years

A Toothbrush more than 100 years Recycling Symbols

An Aluminum Can more than 100 years

A Plastic Container more than 500 years

A Plastic Package more than 500 years

A PET Bottle more than 500 years 분리배출 분리배출 분리배출 분리배출 분리배출 분리배출

Styrofoam more than 500 years

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

24 25
 Green consumption campaign for a sustainable environment
14 - Saving energy
1 In multipurpose rooms: Collect 3 In the study: Unplug your
and do some amount of laundry computer and cell phone
and use a cycle that finishes within charger when they are not
10 minutes. Dry in sunshine. in use.
INTRO TO BEING AN ENERGY SAVER-
Keep appropriate temperature in a room!
The appropriate temperature of a room is 18℃ in winter. If you lower the
temperature of a room by 1℃, you can save energy of up to about 4% or
reduce 230kg of carbondioxide emissions. In summer, the appropriate
temperature of a room is 26℃.
If you raise the temperature of a room by 1℃, you can save up to about 1 3

7.7KWh of energy in a month or reduce about 3.3kg of carbon dioxide

emissions.

2 4

BEGINNER ENERGY SAVER-

Energy efficiency!
Figure out the energy efficiency of your house. If you purchase energy-
2 In the living room: Using a 4 In the kitchen: Using a gas
efficient appliances and home electrics, they can be expensive but you can remote control can waste ranger is much more energy
save energy and money in the long run. energy. efficient than using an electric
• If you use an energy-efficient light bulb, you can save up to 7,100 won heater.
and reduce 30kg of carbon dioxide emission.
• A 32W fluorescent lamp with 26mm (what) increases energy efficiency
and lasts longer than one with 44mm. An energy-efficient fluorescent
lamp can cut your energy usage by 20~30%.

ADVANCED ENERGY SAVER -

INTERMEDIATE ENERGY SAVER - Use the energy in your home more efficiently!
Be sure of being unplugged!
TELEVISION
Unplug appliances and home electrics because they draw energy • Reduce TV watching hours.
even when they are not in use. If you use a power bar, you can easily • Turn down the volume and brightness and wipe the television screen.
unplug electric home appliances. • Unplug the television set after watching TV.
• Turn off the television when you are not watching TV.
• Do not go to bed with the TV on.
• Turn the TV on or off only if necessary.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer
For Married Immigrants For Married Immigrants

26 27
 Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

Cancellation of a purchase agreement

REFRIGERATOR How to cancel a purchase agreement

• Do not open the refrigerator door often.
• If you put cooked food in the refrigerator, make sure that the food has • You can cancel the original purchase order for not-delivery and demand the return of any
cooled down first. Fill the refrigerator only to 60%. money paid.
• Purchase an energy-efficient refrigerator. • If you purchase goods or services through telemarketing or door-to-door sales, you should
use certified mail to request contract cancellation within the cancellation period (14 days)
• Keep a ten-centimeter space between the refrigerator and the wall.
after purchasing. (In case of purchasing goods or services through an installment transaction or
Clean it often.
online shopping, you should do it within 7 days).
• The appropriate temperature of a refrigerator is 5~6℃ in summer,
3~4℃ in spring and fall, and 1~2℃ in winter.

AIR CONDITIONER
• If you use both an air conditioner and a fan, you can save energy and money. What is certified mail?
• The difference between indoor temperature and outdoor temperature
• Certified Mail refers to a special mail service
should not be more than 5℃. Keep the temperature of a room at 26~28℃. NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF PURCHASE ORDER
in which the post office guarantees delivery of
• If you clean the air conditioner filters every 10 or 20 days, you can reduce
certain documents. It can be used to verify
energy waste. Receiver To :
that documents have been delivered and Address :
received. Telephone :

WASHING MACHINE
Sender Name :
• Wait until some amount of laundry is collected. When you do laundry, • Requests for contract cancellations should Address :
Telephone :
use a cycle that finishes within 10 minutes with a moderate be made in written form. Your complaint
amount of detergent. letter should include the name of the item,
1. Product Name :
• If you rinse and then spin, you can save time and energy. contract date, and the reason for purchase 2. Contract Date :

• Unplug the washing machine after doing laundry. cancellation. After writing a letter, make two 3. Contract Money :
4. Paid Money :
• Do not use the dry function in the washing machine. copies. 5. Details (The following should be included.)
A. Circumstances
B. Reason for cancellation
COMPUTER • Take three copies of the letter (including the C. Others
original) with you to the post office, and ask
• If a computer is not in use for more than 10 minutes, turn it off. Year Month Day
for certified mail. You should keep one of the
• Plug in the printer, speakers, and scanner only when you are using them. (Signature)

copies. After one of the copies is sent to the

You should use a multi-tap to save energy.
seller, the post office keeps the other.
• Keep the computer running on low power with data still in memory.

A Guidebook for Becoming a Wise Consumer

For Married Immigrants

28
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

The right to refute Quality Guaranteed Mark

(Article 12 of Installment Transaction Law: The consumer right to refute)

You can exercise the right to refute toward a seller and credit provider when sellers fail to
perform contractual obligations after purchasing goods through installment transaction. Certification mark Safety certification mark
You can exercise the right to refute on installment transactions for up to two hundred thousand guaranteeing safety of 18 for 47 potentially hazardous
hazardous industrial products products after performing
won over two months. You can only ask for the money that has not been paid to your credit card
self tests for safety
provider.

REQUEST OF CANCELLATION OF INSTALLMENT TRANSACTIONS

( 200 . . ) Product safety certification Green seal certification mark
mark for electronic for environmentally friendly
Store Name appliances products
Receiver
Address
Purchasing Date Payment
Goods (Service)

Reason for the request - Write down all the details Safety certification mark
against harm from Energy saving mark
electromagnetic waves of guaranteeing 30~50% energy
EMI efficiency

Q mark or quality guaranteed

Green certification mark for
mark by a government
organically farmed foods
agency

Name Telephone :
Sender Address
Card number

GR mark for recycled high- Recycling mark for reusable

• After completing a request form, make two copies of the original. Send one copy to the seller quality products products
through certified mail, and then register or fax a copy of the certified mail to your credit card
provider.
• If sellers fail to fulfill their contractual obligation and you request cancellation of an
installment transaction, you need a contract document.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

Proverbs about Money Checklist for wise spending

CONSUMPTION PATTERN O X
돈만 있으면 귀신도 부릴 수 있다 Money power : I did not buy unnecessary products.
(Money rules the world.) Money talks. I thought over the necessity of purchasing before buying.
I did not purchase goods or services for free tickets or coupons.
I discussed with friends or family before deciding on the purchase.
I did not open the package before paying for the product.
I compared prices and found the best deals before buying.
Attitude toward money :
Don’t be obsessed about
있다가도 없고 없다가도 있는 것이 돈 I made a friend stop buying an unnecessary item.
money. (Money isn’t everything.) I checked the identification of someone who visited for building maintenance.
I read carefully the clauses and terms when I made a purchase.
I obtained the seller’s telephone number and address when I made a
purchase contract.
I received a receipt.
How to make money :
쉽게 번 돈 쉽게 나간다. I read carefully the operating instructions of my new purchase.
Money which is earned
( Easy come, easy go.) I followed instructions of medicine or health foods.
easily will be lost easily.
I demanded an exchange or refund for an unfavorable purchase.
I asked for a purchase cancellation.
I did not use disposable products.
I filled the sink with water when I washed my face or brush my teeth.
Beware of ostentation :
뱁새가 황새 쫓아가다 가랑이 찢어진다 I unplugged electric appliances when they are not in use.
Do not spend money to
show off.
( Keeping up with the Joneses.) I recycled.

COUNT YOUR O.

17~19 : You are a wise consumer.

13~16 : You can be a wise consumer if you make efforts.
티끌 모아 태산 Importance of saving :
09~12 : Have you ever argued with your family members when you went shopping?
( Many drops make a shower.) A little adds up to a lot.
Take a deep breath and think again before your purchase decision.
less than 9 : You should be careful when you go shopping.
Carry this guide with you all the time.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

Public Health Center

Public health centers are government-funded centers that aim to prevent diseases and
help you manage a healthy life.
Public health centers provide medical examinations and treatment, including
vaccinations, medical treatment for chronic diseases, physical examinations, physical
treatment, dental treatment, and traditional medical treatment. Medical treatment is
2. Specialized Home Medical Care Service
Public health centers offer home medical care. A staff member from a local public health
center visits your house and provides medical treatment or connects you with a suitable
medical institution.

offered at a less expensive fee than at regular medical institutions.

Benefits
• Health management for those who have had strokes and those suffering from high blood
pressure, diabetes, cancer, dementia, or mental diseases
• Family health management for chronic diseases, disabilities, and accidents
• Health management for pregnant women and health development guidance for infants
• Health education and consultation

How to apply Application Examination Selection

• Apply as a beneficiary at the Visiting Health Care Division of a local public health center.
• A staff member assesses the applicant’s health problem.
• If you are selected as a beneficiary, the Visiting Health Care visits and provides medical care
service on a regular basis.

3. Free Mental Healthcare Service

1. General Medical Service Immigrating to a new country and having different cultural norms can cause mental stress.
Free Mental Healthcare Service aims to help you overcome such stress and difficulties.
CLASSIFICATION MEDICAL SERVICE
Medical Examination and Chronic diseases, High blood pressure, diabetes, physical
Subject
Treatment examinations, and physical treatment
• The provided medical services will be helpful in the event that you or a family member is
Oriental Medical Treatment Acupuncture, moxa cautery, and herbal medication
suffering from melancholia, insomnia, alcoholism, illusions, delusion, obsessive suspicion,
Dental examinations and consultation, dental protection, cavity
Dental Treatment personality disorder, or a mental disease.
treatment
Medical examinations and treatment = 1,100 won • The provided medical services also help patients that have been treated for mental diseases
Medical examinations and treatment + prescription from outside to maintain their mental health.
Medical Expenses
the medical institution = 500 won
Dental treatment = 1,100 won Benefits
Registration → Examination and treatment → Payment → • Helps people with mental diseases and provides related treatment.
Process
Prescription → Pharmacy • Provides education and group counseling for patients with mental diseases and their families.

Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center 1577-1366 Multicultural Family Support Center 1577- 5432
(Transnational Marriage & Family-Support Center)

• The Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center is open 24 hours 365 days a year. The Multicultural Family Support Center provides married immigrants with various services,
such as education, counseling, and cultural programs for stable settlement and harmonious
• The Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center provides help to victims in need of immediate family relationships.
protection due to domestic violence, sexual violence, or sex trafficking.

• Counseling on matters related to everyday life is available. Education:
• Korean language education /
• Legal advice concerning nationality status and sojourn is available. family education / cultural comprehension
education / information technology-
• Professional counselors that are migrant women speaking Korean, English, Vietnamese, education / job training education
Russian, Chinese, Thai, and Mongolian are available.
Counseling:
• Counseling is offered anytime at 1577-1366. Private counseling is available when needed. • Individual counseling (staying, financial
problems, human rights, domestic violence, and
• Online counseling is offered in six languages at www.wm1366.org. sexual abuse)
• Family life counseling and couple counseling
• Migrant Women’s Hotline 1366 center introduces you to other facilities that can help solve servic
your problems, such as domestic violence counseling centers, sexual violence counseling
centers, domestic violence shelter homes, police, lawyers, hospitals, women’s organizations, Support for multicultural families:
welfare organizations, and One-Stop Support Centers at 14 hospitals located across Korea. • Support gatherings according to home
countries for multicultural families,
• Multicultural family camp
• Arrangement of married immigrant women
and mentors
• Korean Cultural Events
Support for Child care:
• Childbirth education, and childbirth . child
care . housework aide, babysitter, language
development examination, and psychological
treatment
• Support for adapting to school life, after-
school education programs, multicultural
education
Education . PR for multiculturalism and
strengthening employment capability:
• Education and PR for a multicultural
society, multicultural festivals, and
campaigns
• Training multicultural instructors, native
speakers, translators . interpreters, and
professional counselors

Women’s Emergency Call Center 1366

Women’s Emergency Call Center 1366 cooperates with the Migrant Internet website: www. familynet.or.kr
Women’s Hotline 1366 Center. Those who have difficulty speaking Korean The programs of The Multicultural Family Support Center are provided for free. The
may wish to call the Migrant Women’s Emergency Call Center at 1577-1366. programs may vary from center to center. Please ask for information in advance. For
information call 1577-5432 nationwide or visit a local center.
Appendix - Consumer’s common sense guide to help save money

Organizations Offering Korean Language Classes

[ Seoul · Kyeonggi · Incheon ] [ Chungbuk · Chungnam · Daejeon ]

ORGANIZATION TELEPHONE ADDRESS ORGANIZATION TELEPHONE ADDRESS

Gangseo-gu Office 02) 2600-6984 153 Hwagong-ro Gangseo-gu Seoul Happy School 043) 730-4593 175 Hun-ri Annae-myeon Okcheon-gun Chungbuk
Seongnae-dong-gil 27 Seongnae-dong Jecheo Hangul School for Foreigners 043) 643-0050 88-13 Jungang-ro-2-ga Jecheo-si Chungbuk
Gangdong-gu Community Center 02) 480-1320
Gangdong-gu Seoul
Korean Language Research
Gandong-gu Cheonggasan Social 12 Gaesan-dong Heungdeok-gu Cheongju-si
02) 868-6856 144-3 Gasan-dong Geumcheon-gu Seoul Institute in Chungbuk National 043) 276-9909
Welfare Center Chungbuk
University
Center for Korean language 119-5 Seomun-dong Sangdang-gu Cheongju-si
Culture Education in Hankuk 02) 2173-3253 270 Imun-dong Dongdaemun-gu Seoul Cheongju YMCA 043) 259-6104
Chungbuk
University of Foreign Studies
486 Changseon-2-ri Janghang-eup Seocheon-gun
Purn People Power 02) 964-7530 2Fl 345-7 Imun-dong Dongdaemun-gu Seoul Neulpurenn Baeumteo 041) 953-0526
Chungnam
3Fl Cheongok Building 229-1 Sangsu-dong 041) 673-0369 409-6 Yongsin-ri Heunheung-myeon Taean-gun
Human Resources Bank 02) 3142-4131 Geunheung middle school
Mapo-gu Seoul Chungnam
1619 Punglim VIP Building Geongdeok-dong Nammyeon elementary school 041) 672-2062 1174 Dalsan-ri Nammyeon Taean-gun Chungnam
Vietnam Disciple Mission 02) 703-6153
Mapo-gu Seoul
Daedeok Social Welfare Center 042) 936-7343 48-2 Deogam-dong Daedeok-gu Daejeon-si
523-1 Bono-1-dong Sangnok-gu Ansan-si
Bono Social Welfare Center 031) 438-8321 Beop-dong Social Welfare Center 042) 633-1141 188 Beob-2-dong Daedeok-gu Daejeon-si
Kyeonggi-do

Youngsin School of Continuing 795 Wongok-dong Danwon-gu Ansan-si

031) 538-2237
Education Kyeonggi-do
[ Jeonbuk · Jeonnam · Gwangju ]
San 103-1 Haseongbuk-ri Gunnae-myeon
Women’s Community Center 031) 538-2237
Pocheon-si Kyeonggi-do Namwon Women’s Culture Center 063) 631-4701 455 Geum-dong Namwon-si Jeonbuk

Bucheon Migrant Workers’ Shelter 032) 654-0664 3Fl 1093-1 Wonmi-gu Bucheon-si Kyeonggi-do
Namwon Multicultural Family
063) 325-5610 446-3 Dongchung-dong Namwon-si Jeonbuk
Pyeongtaek Migrant Workers’ Support Center
031) 652-8855 633-3 Bijeon-1-dong Pyeongtaek-si Kyeonggi-do
Center
Buan Social Welfare Center 063) 581-9257 364 Bongdeok-ri Buan-eup Buan-gu Jeonbuk
Migrant Vision Center 031) 796-1881 427-156 Sinjang-dong Hanam-si Kyeonggi-do
St. Joseph Migrant Workers’
063) 852-6949 Beonyeong-3-gil Iksan-si Jeonbuk
Hwaseong-si Healthy Family 2Fl 379-10 Byeongjeom-1-gong Hwaseong-si Shelter
031) 369-3731
Support Center Kyeonggi-do
Wori Baeumteo 063) 855-8214 446 Inbuk-1-ro Iksan-si Jeonbuk

843-1 Dongseohak-dong Wansan-gu Jeonju-si

Baekhak night school 063) 231-0671
[ Gangwon · Gangneung ] Jeonbuk

Women’s Culture Center
Samcheok School of Continue
Education
Sokcho-si Women’s Education
Culture Center
033) 651-2281 130 Dongmeong-ro Gangneung-si Gangwon-do 713-2 Eumnae-ri Gokseong-eup Gokseong-gun
Gokseong County Office 061) 360-8347
Jeonnam
033) 570-5512 30 Samcheokgo-1-gil Samcheok-si Gangwon-do Mokpo Migrant Counseling Center
061) 272-1560 172-9 Daeseong-dong Mokpo-si Jeonnam
033) 636-2394 110 Subok-ro Gyo-dong Sokcho-si Gangwon-do
Muan County Office 061) 450-5400 712 Seongdong-ri Muan-eup Muan-gun Jeonnam

Taebaek Dae An School 033) 581-6444 75-8 Jangseong-dong Taebaek-si Gangwon-do Geumil Somang Hangul school 061) 555-1994 Hwamok-ri Geumil-eup Wando-gun Jeonnam
Appendix 10 Appendix 11

Organizations for Married Immigrants Organizations for Consumers

Regional Divisions in Charge of Marriage Immigrants • National Council of the Green Consumers Network in Korea :1577-9895 [ www.gcn.or.kr ]
These administrative divisions handle administrative issues for married immigrants and
provide assistance on any related problems. • Korea Consumer Agency : 02-3460-3000 [ www.kca.go.kr]

REGION AFFAIRS TELEPHONE • Fair Trade Commission : 02-2023-4010 [ www.ftc.go.kr ]

Seoul Low Birth-rate 02) 6321-4355
Kyeonggi Family & Women Policy 031) 249-4405 • Government Call Center : 110 [ www.110.go.kr ]
Incheon Family & Youth 032) 440-3942
Gangwon Women & Family 033) 249-2513
Chungbuk Women Policy 043) 220-4473
Chungnam Women & Family Policy 042) 251-2526
Daejeon Women, Family & Youth 042) 600-2525
Jeonbuk Women & Family 063) 280-4867
Livelihood Service
Jeonnam Women & Family 061) 286-5944
Gwangju Women & Youth Policy 062) 613-2282
Fire/Ambulance/Emergency 119
Gyeongbuk Women & Family 053) 950-2532
Electricity 123
Gyeongnam Women Policy 055) 211-5225
Daegu Women, Youth & Family 053) 803-4032 KT corporation 100
Ulsan Women & Family Policy 051) 229-3472 Water Supply 121
Busan Women Policy 051) 888-2991 Environmental Pollution 128
Jeju Women Policy 064) 710-2887 Hospital Directory 1339
Illegal or Insanitary Foodstuff 1399
Interpretation Service Legal Aid Counseling 132
CENTER TELEPHONE LANGUAGES Tax Affairs Counseling 1588-0060
Employment Support Center or English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Health & Welfare 129
1544-1350
General Counseling Center Sri Lanka, Thai, Mongolian, and Tagalog
Center for Consumer Financial Service 1332
Immigration Support Team
English, Indonesian, Thai, Vietnamese, Violation of Personal Information 1336
[Human Resources Development Service of 02) 3271-9451
Sri Lankan, and Mongolian
Korea] Center against Cyber Terrorism 02-3939-112
English, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian, Korea Communications Commission 1335
Korean Migrants’ Center 1588-2144 Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pakistani, Tagalog,
Thai, Uzbek, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi
Interpretation Service Center for
English, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Chinese,
Migrant Workers [Korean International 1577-0177
and Thai
Labor Foundation]