Numerous people line up to board the new subway line linking Bucheon to Goyang, both in Gyeonggi Province, on July 2, 2023. This new line allows those in the western area of Seoul to arrive near central Seoul within 30 minutes. Newsis

I wrote in the previous column that Korea boasts a convenient infrastructure, from an efficient public transportation system to super quick delivery of goods. Maybe it’s time to write about how inconvenient a place Korea can be, especially if you are a foreign resident or a traveler. More often than not, the “convenience” of Korea is a closed system, not available or easy to enjoy for non-Koreans and other disadvantaged locals.

Let me start with the smartphone and digital life. Every service and transaction in Korea, commercial or government, requires a smartphone and the infamous verification system. Each time you use the quick and convenient apps and websites available here in Korea, you need to be verified with your phone number and associated name, which should match the registered name on your government ID. The thing is that many foreigners and short-term visitors to Korea........

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