the arrival community

Korean Tourism Organization

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto

Korean Airports

Incheon International

http://www.airport.kr/eng/

Gimpo Domestic

http://www.airport.co.kr/doc/gimpo_eng/

Gimhae International (Busan)

http://www.airport.co.kr/doc/gimhae_eng/index.jsp

Seoul

Tourism

http://visitseoul.net/en/index.do?_method=main

Subway Map

Interactive map that helps figure out routes, travel times, fares and information.
http://www.smrt.co.kr/Train/Subwaymap/Eng/Subwaymap.jsp

Bus Map

The following map helps figure out routes, travel times, fares, transfers, and other bus related information. Note: the map only functions in the Internet Explorer web-browser.
http://bus.congnamul.com/SeoulRouteWebApp/view_english/map.jsp

Busan

Tourism

http://etour.busan.go.kr/

Subway

http://english.busan.go.kr/04_transportation/04_03_01.jsp

Bus

http://english.busan.go.kr/04_transportation/04_03_02.jsp

Daegu

Tourism

http://english.daegu.go.kr/cms/cms.asp?Menu=106

Subway

http://english.daegu.go.kr/cms/cms.asp?Menu=735

Bus

http://english.daegu.go.kr/cms/cms.asp?Menu=736

Daejeon

Tourism

http://www.daejeon.go.kr/language/english/tour2daejeon/

Subway

http://www.daejeon.go.kr/language/english/residents/transportation/subway/index.html

Bus

http://www.daejeon.go.kr/language/english/residents/transportation/citybus/index.html

Transportation Lingo You Should Know

T-Money

is pre-purchased “transportation money.” T-Money comes in the form of a pre-charged card, phone charm, or other T-Money object that is scanned when boarding a bus, subway, taxi etc. The fare is deducted quickly and efficiently. T-Money can be used on all forms of public transportation.

Tip

if you are transferring from one bus to another, or from one form of public transportation to another be sure to “ding” your card on your way out to get a discount on the next fare. http://eng.t-money.co.kr/

Korail

The Korean railway system for longer trips throughout Korea. For ticketing, maps and information http://info.korail.com/2007/eng/eng_index.jsp

KTX

Is the name of the Korean high speed trains that travel to specific destinations in Korea http://info.korail.com/2007/eng/ein/ein01000/w_ein01100.jsp

Black Taxis

Black taxis are “luxury” taxis and cost more than the normal white or yellow taxis.

Express Buses

Express buses are usually great for trips that take an hour or more because they do not make as many stops as normal buses do. Express buses are only caught at specific locations. Find out more.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TR/TR_EN_5_1_3_1_1.jsp

1. Eat Your Kimchi

Eat Your Kimchi is brought to you by married couple Simon and Martina from Canada who are living and teaching in Korea.  Their goal is to document their experience and bring a first hand and creative look at everyday life in Korea.  If you read this blog, you are guaranteed to pick up a number of helpful tips on how to get the most out of your Korean experience and you'll definitely be entertained with this very fun couple.

2. World Walk About

We're Andrea and Matt, a (semi) newlywed couple who quit our jobs and left our home to travel the world, indulge our wanderlust, and document it every step of the way. We've spent the last year teaching and traveling in Korea, and now we're setting off to explore Southeast Asia for the next few months. From there, who knows? Follow us around the world!"

3. Adventure Teaching

If you read the “Your Korean Adventure” blog, you’re guaranteed to never run out of interesting things to do during your time in Korea. The blog is brought to you by the teacher placement company Adventure Teaching. The blog provides a compilation of small trip recommendations, restaurant tips, and fun experiences provided by expats currently living in Korea. If you are a writer, you can contribute as well.

4. Come Together Korea

The obvious reason we love this blog is because it is all about community and so are we! The not-so obvious reason is that this blog gives all expats the chance to get out, do things, and meet people that are loving their Korean experience! If you click on any of these blog links, click on this one! Community is key to a positive Korean experience, a building it with Come Together Korea is an excellent starting point! 

5. Atlas Sliced

The hard work of Korean expat Alexa Hart, Atlas Sliced is an interview-based web show and podcast serving up advice on how to live and work abroad long-term. It is also features many helpful pieces of advice for expats, both in Korea and beyond. The goal is to educate, inspire, and motivate others to become global citizens and expose people to all the amazing opportunities abroad. Another element of the show is to showcase what you can do with your experiences when you come home during the re-entry phase; a key factor that is often overlooked by expats during their time in Korea. 

6. Korea Business Central

For those doing business in Korea, Korea Business Central is a great place to start. The site provides networking opportunities, noteworthy information about doing business in Korea, and an up to date business feed.

7. ROK Drop 

Rok Drop is brought to you by a group of active duty military service members and has been online since 2004. It boasts a massive array of content and musings surrounding recent Korean news, North Korea, the Korean War, military in Korea, touring Korea, and countless other subjects. Like us, you might not always agree with all of the posts, still, you’ll be able to glean some very interesting information or at least be entertained.

8. My Korea Quest

Follow the adventures of a very busy expat who was living in Uijeongbu, South Korea. This blog covers topics on many different subjects. Why do we like it? Because there are tons of pictures and great recommendations on things to do from festivals, to k-pop concerts, food, shopping as well as thoughts on the over-all adjustment to the Korean world, from a westerners perspective. 

9. The Wanderlust Project

Though she hasn’t been in Korea for an extended period just yet, Sheryll offers a fresh and honest perspective on her experience as a teacher in Yongin, South Korea as it happens. She has a great insight on a wide arrange of things in Korea, from travel spots to Korean beauty products, tasty food and more! Probably not the go-to blog for the male expats in Korea (though don’t pass up the food reviews!), however, definitely a useful blog to all the females out there trying to balance their beauty routines in the Korean world.

10. The Farsickness Blog

Michigan native Amanda, is making her way through the world one bite at a time. This stop: South Korea. If you are looking for some well seasoned advice on where to eat (and not eat) in the land of Kimchi, this is your blog!  Amanda also has some useful posts geared toward the teacher and traveler as well. Bon appétit! 

11. Mapping Worlds

Mapping words is piloted by the very artistic United States native, Sarah Shaw. Sarah studied abroad in Seoul and later went back to teach English for 2 years. She is now currently a full-time Korean student in Chungnam, South Korea. Clearly, Sarah has a very well-rounded perspective of what Korea (and beyond!) has to offer, and her blog definitely reflects that with a beautiful array of photos and well crafted words.

General Korean Etiquette

• It is customary to bring a small gift when meeting a superior, or visiting another person’s home. When giving or accepting a gift, use two hands.
• When pointing or signaling, use your entire hand, not one finger or a chopstick etc. Pointing with one finger is considered offensive.
• Koreans do not wear shoes in their homes. They also remove their shoes at some restaurants, schools, gyms, saunas etc. You’ll be able to recognize these locations easily and kindly remove your shoes.
• Do not touch a person’s head, even if the person is a child. The head is considered the most respected part of the body. Touching another person’s head comes across as if you are treating them like a dog. It is extremely offensive.
• When you gesture a person to come toward y, do so with your palm down instead of up. Motion with your fingers toward your body. Animals are beckoned with the palm up.
• Do not write a name in the color red, as red represents death. Modesty and humility are high values in Korean culture. Avoid being overly confrontational, or touting your national pride etc.
• Although you will notice Koreans doing this at some point, it is generally considered rude to speak loudly on the subway or buses, especially while talking on the phone.
• It is considered rude to criticize someone in public.

In Conversation:

• When meeting someone for the first time, it is best to be introduced by a third person or your host vs. introducing yourself.
• It is customary to bow when greeting another person of equal age or older. It is better not to look the person in the eye when bowing as a sign of respect. When bowing, the feet should be together, legs straight, the bend should happen at the waist while keeping a straight back and your hands at your sides. A less formal bow is more a quick lowering of the head.
• After bowing, a Korean will typically shake a foreigner’s hand.
• A bow is also typical when leaving a conversation or location, or a means of expressing “thank you.”
• It is typically not recommended to bring up sensitive topics such as the Korean War, communism, politics, religion, etc during the first meeting or until a genuine relationship has been established.
• It is recommended to address a Korean using his/her title along with his/her family name. ie: Manager Kim, President Park, Pastor Cho, Miss. Sung

Dining Etiquette:

• A meal in Korea gives you one of the best insights into their culture. When arranged outside of working hours, meals shared with a group of Koreans often take quite a while to finish because it is a very social occasion:
• As with most things in a culture with Confucian heritage, it is important to let the eldest person in the group to sit down first and also to allow them to start eating before you eat. The eldest should also be the first to stand up after the meal is finished. To be safe, you can wait to be told where to sit.
• Koreans typically taste the soup before they try the rice and the side dishes. Food is often shared from one dish or bowl given for the entire table to share vs. individual bowls. Traditionally Koreans believe that sharing from one bowl or dish creates a closer relationship. It is appropriate to eat directly from the communal dish or use a side-plate.
• When dining with Koreans, try to avoid filling your own glass. Someone else at the table will likely fill your glass if it is empty. It is most polite to pick up the glass and hold it with two hands as they fill it up. If you notice another person’s glass is empty, especially if they are older, it is polite to offer to fill it. When filling another person’s glass, you should also use two hands.
  • Do not put beer or alcohol into your water glass. Beer is typically served with small clear glass cups. Soju (Korean rice wine) is served in shot glasses.
  • Makgeolli (a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage) is served in small bowls made of pottery. Make sure to use the appropriate glass for each beverage.
  • You do not have to have to finish your Soju in one shot, you can sip it slowly. If you are a light drinker, you can leave your glass half full which sends the message that you do not need a refill.
  • Do not leave your chopsticks sticking out of your rice bowl, as this is a Korean funeral ritual.
  • Try to remember to keep your chopsticks uncrossed when they are not being used.
  • Avoid pointing with your chopsticks as this is considered rude.
  • Avoid eating with your hands unless it is absolutely necessary. Even fruit is cut up into pieces and eaten with small forks or toothpicks.
  • While dining with a group of Koreans it is typical for one person to pay the entire bill. This is often the oldest person at the table or the boss etc. As in western cultures it is important to offer to pay for the bill as well vs. passively letting it be paid. Many times younger people or employees will offer to buy coffee or desert to repay the debt.

Restaurant Tips

• When served green tea or a soup that you did not order, do not worry, it is free of charge.
• Often Korean restaurants have seating on the floor. In such establishments people remove their shoes. They are often placed in baskets, on shelves, or shoe lockers near the entrance of the restaurant. Do not wear your shoes in such locations.
• Korean establishments most commonly provide patrons with stainless steel chopsticks and a long spoon. Start practicing your chopstick skills soon, as most places to not have forks available.
• At less expensive restaurants you are to help yourself to water from the water station.
• You do not need to tip at the vast majority of Korean restaurants.

In print and online magazines

10 Magazine

is one of the most valuable resources for foreigners living in Korea. Their magazine and active website provide information on events, restaurants, nightlife, travel, and other topics of interest to the foreign community. A one year subscription to the magazine costs $27.00 per year and can be ordered online. Single issues can be found at bookstores, restaurants, hotels, clubs, airline lounges and other locations throughout Korea.
http://10magazine.asia/

Eloquence Magazine

is Korea’s international culture magazine. Their website explains that they “are a boutique magazine that caters to a very specific market. Eloquence provides information pertaining to a life style that demands global knowledge. This information is spread out to the following areas like ENTERTAINMENT/FASHION/PEOPLE/TRAVEL/F&B/ART”. Be sure to check out Eloquence’s event listings.
http://www.eloquence.co.kr/wordpress/

Seoul Magazine

aims to help foreigners be “in the know” by providing information about events, travel, landmarks, restaurants, Korean culture, and history. The magazine is available on a monthly basis and can be purchased online or found at various tourist locations throughout Seoul.
http://magazine.seoulselection.com/

Groove Magazine

Groove Korea Magazine is available on a monthly basis as well and can be found at various restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, and other locations foreigners frequent. The magazine is free and covers subjects like entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, travel, and community updates. Groove Korea is available online at http://groovekorea.com/

Busan Haps

is the magazine that keeps foreigners living in Korea’s second largest city up to date on what’s happening. The magazine is the most widely read English magazine in Busan and is available at various locations throughout Busan. The magazine and website provide an active events calendar, restaurant reviews, survival Korean language tips, music reviews, and an abundance of other information of interest to people living or traveling in Busan. http://busanhaps.com/

Daegu

is Pockets also a free monthly publication that provides information on events, restaurants, travel entertainment and various other subjects for those who are living or traveling in Daegu, South Korea. The Daegu Pockets website is still developing but the printed edition is available at various popular foreign establishments in Daegu. http://www.daegupockets.com/

Newspapers

There are three main daily English newspapers available in Korea. The newspapers are available at many corner stores and news kiosks in subway stations and bus stops. Each of the newspapers also offers online versions and subscription services. The newspapers can be more difficult to find in more rural areas where English speakers are less common.

The Korea Times

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/

The Korea Herald

http://www.koreaherald.com/

The Joongang Daily

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/

Radio

Very little radio broadcasting is provided in English. The main sources are:

AFN (Armed Forces Network) 102.7 FM, 1530 AM (Seoul Area)

AFN is provided by the United States Armed Forces with its target audience being, you guessed it, the American Armed Forces living in Korea.

Find AFN Radio and TV Broadcasting Schedules at

http://www.afnkorea.net/

TBS (Traffic Broadcasting System) 95.1 FM (Seoul Area)

Also provides some traffic information in English.

101.3 FM (Seoul Area)

Provides English programming as well.

Online

As you know, you will be able to access all of your usual online news sources while living in Korea, but the following news sources have Korea as their center focus:

Korea Beat

Keep up with the Korean news with the talented author and translator, Nathan Schwartzman who makes pertinent Korean news accessible to English speakers by translating Korean articles. You’re sure to never miss significant news applicable to foreigners living in Korea if you keep up with this blog.
http://asiancorrespondent.com/author/nschwartzman/

Korea Times Newspaper

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/index.asp

Korea Herald Newspaper

http://www.koreaherald.com/

Joongang Daily Newspaper

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/

Yonhap

Think of Yonhap as the Korean version of the Associated Press. Yonhap is a news agency that provides news content in various forms (articles, interviews, reports etc) to newspapers, magazines, television shows and websites throughout Korea and the world.
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/

Chosun Ilbo’s

The Chosun Ilbo’s website boasts is the “Most influential paper.” It is “A Paper that Says What it Has to Say; The Chosun Ilbo Shall Walk Only the Straight Path.”
http://english.chosun.com/

Insadong Street

is one of the most well known and outstanding tourist attractions in Seoul. It boasts one of the best displays of Korean culture and demonstrates the artistic talents of the Korean people. Traditional shops, tea-houses, art stores, food vendors, museums, and restaurants line the street. It’s a great place for shopping and purchasing traditional Korean pottery, rice paper, teas, and art.
http://adventureteachingkorea.wordpress.com/
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SH/SH_EN_7_2_2_1.jsp

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)

The USO PanmunjeomTour of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between north and South Korea is a very interesting and informative trip that is sure to keep you talking for days to come. The USO tour is the only tour where visitors actually go into a conference room in the Joint Security Area that stands on the actual line between North and South Korea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Demilitarized_Zone
http://affiliates.uso.org/korea/files/ACF263.pdf
http://adventureteachingkorea.wordpress.com/page/3/

Yongpyeong Ski Resort

is the largest ski resort in Korea. It is worth a visit whether you are a hardcore skier or just a beginner so that you can add a Korean ski experience to your memory bank. There are several other ski areas to visit as well, but Yangpyeong was one of the proposed sites for the 2012 Olympics. The terrain is not quite like Whistler or Vail, but it has a ski culture and format of its own.
http://www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/ski/overview.asp
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264190

Seoraksan National park

is home to South Korea’s most well known mountain provides a great way to enjoy the outdoors whether you want to summit the peak or simply walk around and admire the scenery. If your schedule allows, it is recommended to make a trip to the Seoraksan in the fall so that you can experience the beautiful autumn colors and weather.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=258870
http://adventureteachingkorea.wordpress.com/2010/11/18/the-ulsanbawi-experience/

Gyeongbokgung Palace

is one of the most famous and prized Korean landmarks. A half day usually provides sufficient time to see the many areas of the palace and to learn several interesting facts about Korean history. The beautifully maintained palace and grounds create a great background for photos as well! If possible, try to catch the traditional changing of the guard ceremony.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=262361
http://www.royalpalace.go.kr/html/eng/data/data_01.jsp?dep1=2

Gyeongju, South Korea

is the ancient capital city and was the longest surviving kingdom in Korean history. It is located in South East Korea about 4-5 hours from Seoul. Gyeongju is home to many of Korea’s most cherished historical treasures. You’ll find ancient ruins, traditional burial mounds, temples, and other cultural gems in Gyeongju.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongju
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=996479

Jeju Island

is one of Korea’s crown jewels. The island is covered with beautiful scenery and interesting culture. Sea food is definitely the most available cuisine, so if you do not like sea food we recommend packing some snacks. The island is spotted with places to discover from lava caves and national parks to theme parks. Although Jeju has beautiful beaches, it is not a tropical destination with sandy beaches and blazing sun.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=1068530
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeju-do

Muuido Island

is a destination that often gets overlooked, but will not leave explorers disappointed. Muiido is about 1.5 hours north of Seoul. Its unique rock formations, sandy beaches, mud flats, campfires, and beach hut accommodations make it deserving of a full weekend trip.
http://english.visitincheon.org/new/utourpia/plan/downtown_4.jsp
http://adventureteachingkorea.wordpress.com/2010/05/26/muui-do-the-island-with-it-all/

Myeongdong Shopping District

will give you a good introduction to modern day Seoul. The district’s streets are lined with shops and restaurants of all sorts. High end and bargain shoppers are both sure to find something that meets their tastes. If you visit Myeongdong during the evening or on a weekend the streets are sure to be overflowing with shoppers, people watchers, and those seeking an entertaining way to pass time. Whether you love or hate shopping, Myeongdong is worth at least one visit simply for the experience.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myeongdong
http://english.seoul.go.kr/gtk/news/reports_view.php?idx=9289

Spa Castle Resort, or another Korean Spa Resort

is a uniquely Korean experience that should go on a visitor’s itinerary if time allows. Spa Castle Resort is a good example of the Korean Spa Resort, but several similar resorts are available along the coasts of Korea. The spas are typically open year round and have a hotel, restaurants, indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, saunas, and a variety of other amenities.
http://www.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=669329
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=255513
http://www.resom.co.kr/eng/ocean/info_01.html

Apartment Cleanliness

When you arrive in your apartment, do not be overly surprised if it is not as clean as you imagined. Unlike apartments in the west, the previous tenant is only responsible for getting all of their items out of the apartment before the next tenant arrives. This is pretty unfortunate, but it is a reality. Some schools are better than others at getting the apartments cleaned, but often you’ll want to give the apartment a thorough cleaning before getting everything unpacked. TheArrivalStore.com helps you be prepared to start cleaning right away with our cleaning kits (http://thearrivalstore.co.kr/sarp/views.asp?mcode=A&scode=&gCode=A070011&keytext=&page=1&sort=&ps=8).

Apartment Furnishings

“Furnished apartment” is a very relative phrase to Korean employers. Most likely you have not been able to get a guarantee as to what will be provided in your Korean apartment. This really depends on the employer. Typically “furnished” apartments will have a bed, a few dishes, and often a T.V.

Drinking Water

Although the drinking water in Korea is supposed to be potable, most people use filtration systems, buy bottled water, or have drinking water delivered to their homes. We highly recommend drinking and using filtered or purchased water to avoid any risk. There have been traces of sediment in the water taken from the faucets. If you boil the water out of a pot, you’ll notice a light dusting on the bottom of the pan. You can purchase water at convenience stores and supermarkets or you can avoid the inconvenience of carrying the heavy bottles and having to constantly spend hard earned money on bottled water by by purchasing a Brita water filter jug and filters from TheArrivalStore.com in the household section. (http://thearrivalstore.co.kr/sarp/views.asp?mcode=A&scode=&gCode=A020023&keytext=&page=1&sort=&ps=8):

Toilet Paper

We often get questions about whether it is ok to flush toilet paper down the toilet. The answer to this question is: “Yes.” This has not always been the case, so in most public restrooms you will find a wastebasket next to the toilet, but now it is appropriate to flush the toilet paper pretty much anywhere in Korea.

Washing Machines

Most apartments come equipped with a washing machine. Sometimes the washing machine doubles as a dryer as well. You will be able to recognize whether your machine has a dryer if there is red writing with temperatures listed. More often than not though, most machines just do the washing. It might take you a few times practicing before you get the washing machine figured out because all of the buttons are labeled in Korean. There will be a little compartment (most likely a little drawer) that you pull out to put in your liquid or powder detergent. This little drawer is most likely divided into two compartments, one for fabric softener and bleach, and the other for the detergent. The detergent typically goes on the left hand side. For a YouTube video explaining how to use your washing machine, follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR6qisg1FJo. Thanks to the Eat Your Kimchi bloggers!

The washing machines are typically a bit rougher on clothes than are western machines. If you have some precious clothing items, make sure you run the machine on delicate or take them to the dry cleaners which are typically easy to locate and affordable.

Drying Your Clothes

If your machine has a dryer, be careful because the dryers also have a tendency to shrink clothes a bit. Whether you have a dryer or not, you will most likely want to buy a drying rack to dry your clothes. A drying rack is a collapsible rack usually made of aluminum that you can drape your clothing over. After your clothes are dry you can collapse the rack and put it back in a closet.

Refrigerator

Unless you are really hard up, your apartment will have a refrigerator and freezer. They are typically quite a bit smaller than those in the western world. Do not be surprised if you think you are opening one of your closets or cabinets and it turns out to be the refrigerator (they are often built in and match the rest of the apartment). Unless you have a brand new refrigerator, the most surprising thing about your refrigerator is going to be the powerful odor of Kimchi.

If you have not heard about Kimchi (fermented cabbage) yet, rest assured because you’ll soon encounter Kimchi at every Korean meal. Kimchi has a very strong odor, which often seems to stick in the refrigerator. If Kimchi oder is so strong that if it is in the refrigerator with other foods and not properly sealed, it will literally taint the flavor of the other foods. Although it is almost impossible to completely extinguish the smell from the refrigerator, thoroughly scrubbing the refrigerator and leaving an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator at all times.

Garbage and Recycling

Koreans take recycling very seriously. They recycle just about everything; even things like plastic chip bags, egg cartons, old food, cellophane, batteries, milk cartons, cardboard and just about anything metal using a meticulous system.

In the parking garage, or ground floor of every apartment building, you will find a garbage and recycling area. There will be a designated bin for each recyclable material (paper, plastic, glass, metal etc), and then a dumpster for the “garbage.” Your first trip to the garbage area will be a lot easier if you separate your recyclables and garbage from the beginning. The garbage must be put into specific garbage bags in order to be put into the dumpster.

Each neighborhood has its own garbage bags typically denoted by color. The bags cost a little bit more because the extra cost pays for the garbage service. You will be able to purchase these bags in your local convenience store or supermarket. They come in various sizes and each size has a different cost. Ten liter bags are usually a good size to start with. They also have another colored bag that is designated to “food waste.” These bags are typically pretty small and get put into a separate, very smelly, dumpster in the recycling area. The food bags are a brilliant idea because it keeps your garbage from smelling bad in your apartment and you can take it out more often. Korean apartments do not have garbage disposals.

Here is a little system that seems to work out well. Place a small garbage can, food waste bag, and a recycling box under the sink. It is possible to combine all of the recyclables in the box and sort them when they are taken to the garbage area. The food waste bag can be taken out whenever necessary, in order to avoid bad odors. The trash bag is used for everything that cannot be recycled.