Austin & Samsung Taylor
Settlement Guide

1. Before you leave Korea

More to wrap up in Korea than you might expect. Start the list at least four weeks before departure.

Documents by visa type

H-1B, L-1, and E-2 all require different paperwork. Common items:

• Passport valid at least 6 months from arrival
• Passport with visa sticker affixed
• I-797 approval notice (H-1B, L-1)
• DS-2019 or DS-160 copy
• Company invitation letter (English)
• Employment and career certificates (English, notarized)
• Final academic transcripts (English, apostilled)
• Family relationship certificates if bringing spouse or children (English)

Korean finance cleanup

• Raise your bank's overseas transfer limit before you leave
• Keep one Korean credit card active for identity verification
• Pre-register for Wise or Remitly — both work before US SSN is issued
• Redirect utilities and insurance autopay to a family member, or cancel
• Decide on National Pension and Health Insurance (voluntary continuation or overseas exemption)
• Take stock of Korean financial holdings for year-end overseas asset reporting

Keeping your Korean phone number

Losing your Korean number means losing access to Korean identity verification and digital certificates. Options:

• Carrier suspension service: SKT, KT, and LG U+ all offer number retention for about 3,300 won/month
• eSIM alongside US number: Modern iPhones and Android phones run both simultaneously
• Family plan inclusion: Add your line to a spouse or parent's plan to lower cost

Packing checklist

Focus on items that are hard to find or expensive in Austin.

• Korean over-the-counter medicines (pain reliever, cold medicine, digestive aid, motion sickness)
• Korean eyeglasses or contact lenses (US prescriptions require separate exams)
• Korean office supplies if you prefer specific pens or notebooks
• Skincare and cosmetics you rely on
• Korean-style pillows and bedding (available at H Mart but expensive)
• Multi-voltage Korean electronics or adapters

Travel insurance

Company health insurance usually activates 30-60 days after start date. Cover the gap with short-term travel insurance — Seven Corners, IMG, and Atlas America are common picks for assignees.

2. Austin & Texas overview

Austin as a city

Texas's capital. One of the fastest-growing metros in the US South — population around 2.3 million across the metro area. Home to Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Google, and Samsung among others. Known for live music and food trucks, with a strong lifestyle culture centered around downtown, parks, and lakes. A popular choice for assignees with families.

Texas basics

About seven times the size of Korea. State rules often affect daily life more than federal ones. Key points:

• No state income tax. Only federal taxes withheld from your paycheck. Take-home pay is higher than in California or New York at the same salary.
• High property tax. Averages around 1.8%. A $500,000 home carries roughly $9,000/year in property tax.
• Sales tax around 8.25%. 6.25% state plus 1-2% local. Most groceries are exempt.
• Tort reform. Medical malpractice caps keep some healthcare costs lower than other states.
• Strong property rights. Texas consistently ranks high on individual property protection.

Climate — summer heat and winter freezes

Austin's climate is quite different from Korea's.

• Summer (Jun-Sep): Highs 100-108 F (38-42 C) for weeks at a time, with humidity making it feel worse. A/C is not optional.
• Winter (Dec-Feb): Mostly mild at 40-60 F (5-15 C), but sudden extreme freezes are a real concern. The February 2021 freeze dropped temperatures below -4 F (-20 C) and caused statewide power and water failures. Similar warnings have recurred since.
• Spring & fall: The most pleasant seasons. Watch for cedar fever — local pollen that triggers serious allergies even in people new to it.
• Storms: Not a hurricane zone, but spring thunderstorms and occasional tornado warnings happen.

Culture and lifestyle

"Keep Austin Weird" is the unofficial slogan. The city tilts casual and individualist — jeans and T-shirts are normal even at offices. Korean and Asian companies including Samsung still lean business-casual, but the overall environment is relaxed.

Safety

Austin is generally safe among major US cities. Most Korean residential areas (North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville) are family-oriented with good schools and low crime. Parts of downtown (around 6th Street), some East Austin neighborhoods, and low-income pockets warrant more caution after dark. Car break-ins are a steady problem citywide — don't leave valuables visible in your car.

Taxes in summary

3. Samsung Taylor status

Overview

Samsung's foundry facility in Taylor, Texas is a $44 billion investment — the largest Korean overseas investment on record. Under the US CHIPS Act, Samsung has been allocated approximately $6.6 billion in federal support.

• Location: Taylor, TX — about 35 miles (55 km) northeast of Austin, roughly a 40-55 minute drive
• Site area: ~5 km squared (about 1.7x Yeouido)
• Process: Advanced 2nm and 4nm foundry nodes
• Confirmed major customers: Tesla AI5/AI6 chips, long-term commitments exceeding $16.5 billion through 2033

Operational timeline

Official start of operations is targeted for late 2026. As of early 2026, construction is over 90% complete, with EUV lithography and other critical tools being installed. Full volume production is expected around 2027.

Workforce scale

Approximately 1,500 full-time positions are planned by end of 2026. Beyond that, Samsung Engineering, partner firms, and equipment vendors will rotate thousands of temporary assignees through Austin, Taylor, and surrounding areas.

Commute from Dawon Stay

From Dawon Stay on Balcones Dr in North Austin to the Taylor site: approximately 40-55 minutes by car, or up to 70 minutes during peak hours. Primary routes are Mopac to Hwy 79 or I-35 to Hwy 79. TxTag registration makes toll roads smoother.

Staying current

For updates, check the City of Taylor official site, Korean business press, and Samsung Electronics Global Newsroom. We summarize major updates on our blog periodically.

4. Area comparison

A short guide to the eight neighborhoods you're most likely to consider for longer-term housing.

Taylor

Right next to the plant. Shortest commute, but very limited city infrastructure and almost no Korean community. New apartment supply is coming online fast, and rent is 20-30% lower than North Austin. Schools and shopping remain limited.

Hutto

Adjacent to Taylor, between Taylor and Round Rock. Reasonable commute and growing rapidly since 2025. New single-family developments make this popular with families.

Round Rock

One of the most common picks for Korean assignees. Round Rock ISD is a top-tier Texas school district, drawing families who prioritize education. No H Mart yet, but Round Rock Premium Outlets and Baylor Scott & White hospital are nearby.

Pflugerville

Between North Austin and Round Rock. Rents are reasonable and the Korean community is growing. Plant commute is roughly 40-50 minutes.

Cedar Park

Northwest Austin. Leander ISD is strong and the area is green and pleasant. The Taylor commute runs over an hour, so choose this only if commute length is an acceptable trade-off.

North Austin

Where Dawon Stay is located. H Mart (Spicewood Springs Rd) is here, giving the area the strongest Korean infrastructure. Plant commute is 40-55 minutes.

Georgetown

Quiet town north of Round Rock. Historically a retirement community but attracting young families recently. Affordable and safe; commute to Taylor runs 50-60 minutes.

Leander

North of Cedar Park. Leander ISD's top high schools (Vandegrift, Cedar Park HS) draw families focused on education. Plant commute is over an hour.

5. First-week checklist (Day 1-7)

Day 1 — Arrival

• Airport to lodging (Uber, Lyft, or pre-arranged car)
• Check in, connect to Wi-Fi, verify your Korean apps still log in
• First Korean dinner at the guesthouse (already included)
• Let jet lag settle — avoid screens right before sleep

Day 2 — Groceries and essentials

• Visit H-E-B or H Mart — water, fruit, snacks, toiletries
• Target or Walmart for basic household items if needed
• Small cash exchange at airport or Chase ATM

Day 3 — Bank account

• Visit Chase or Bank of America with passport and visa
• Bring proof of employment (offer letter or assignment verification)
• Open a checking and savings account together
• Get the debit card and set up the mobile app

Day 4 — Phone activation

• Choose among T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon
• Without an SSN, use a prepaid plan or leave a deposit
• Keep your Korean number active via eSIM
• Family plans can run $120-150/month for four lines

Day 5 — SSN application

• Visit Austin North SSA office (3711 Government St)
• Book online at ssa.gov if possible
• Bring passport, visa, I-94, and employment verification
• Card typically arrives in 2-4 weeks

Day 6 — Transportation and car

• Pick up a short-term rental or compare long-term lease options
• A Korean license plus International Driving Permit is valid for up to 3 months
• Get auto insurance quotes (Progressive, GEICO, State Farm)
• Do one trial drive to the plant to know your route

Day 7 — Ready for work

• Confirm documents for the I-9 (passport and visa)
• Finalize your commute route and register for TxTag if needed
• Pack lunch and snacks — restaurants near the plant are limited
• Track SSN progress online

6. First 30 & 90 days

First 30 days — administrative wrap-up

• Receive your SSN card, update it with your bank, apply for credit cards
• Finalize company health insurance (HMO vs PPO)
• Review 401(k) enrollment
• Verify your first paycheck arrived correctly
• Once permanent address is decided, gather documents for DMV (lease, utility bill)

First 90 days — fully settled

• Convert your license to Texas (see section 10)
• If purchasing a car, handle Texas Title & Registration
• Update auto insurance with your Texas address
• Review Korean assets for year-end overseas account reporting
• Set up utilities and internet if moving to a permanent apartment
• Enroll children in school if applicable

7. H Mart guide

The largest Korean grocery in the Austin area is H Mart North Austin on Spicewood Springs Rd. About 15 minutes by car from Dawon Stay.

What you'll find

• Full range of Korean groceries — kimchi, jang pastes, noodles, broths, fresh vegetables
• Korean snacks, drinks, and alcohol
• Korean-style bakery (Tous les Jours-style)
• Some Korean appliances (Cuckoo rice cookers)
• Korean cosmetics and personal care products

Visit tips

• Weekends around lunch are packed. Weekday mornings are much calmer.
• Fresh produce typically arrives Friday/Saturday — weekends are best for produce quality
• Membership app has regular coupons
• Food court does jjajangmyeon, naengmyeon, and Korean buffet

Other options

• Smaller Korean grocers around Round Rock
• No significant Korean grocery near the Taylor plant — plan weekly trips to H Mart
• Amazon and Coupang direct shipping work for urgent needs

8. ER vs. Urgent Care — where to go

US healthcare differs dramatically from Korea. Where you go can change your bill by 10x or more, so calibrating the choice is critical.

Emergency Room (ER)

Only for life-threatening situations. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can reach thousands of dollars.

• Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness
• Heavy bleeding or suspected fractures
• Stroke symptoms (facial droop, speech changes)
• Severe allergic reactions requiring epinephrine
• Children with high fever accompanied by seizures

Main Austin ERs: St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Seton Ascension, Baylor Scott & White (Round Rock).

Urgent Care

Not an emergency but needs same-day care. Out-of-pocket is closer to a regular office visit ($30-100).

• Cold, flu, bronchitis
• Minor cuts and lacerations (even if stitches are needed)
• UTIs and GI issues
• Minor burns and bruises
• Mild allergic reactions
• Basic imaging and blood work

Main Austin Urgent Cares: NextCare Urgent Care, MedSpring, CareNow. Most are walk-in and open evenings and weekends.

Primary Care (PCP)

Chronic conditions, physicals, and vaccinations should go through a designated primary care provider. Check your insurance network first. Appointments often require 1-2 weeks lead time — so for acute issues, Urgent Care is usually the right call.

9. Prescriptions & pharmacies

How pharmacies work

Prescriptions go through chain pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Walmart Pharmacy, HEB Pharmacy. Your doctor sends the prescription electronically to your selected pharmacy, and you pick it up there.

Pickup process

1. Doctor sends eRx to your pharmacy
2. Verify your identity at the counter (name, DOB)
3. Present your insurance card or group number
4. Free pharmacist consultation available on request
5. Pay the copay

Useful to know

• OTC medicines (cold, headache) are on the shelf without a prescription
• Formulations can differ from Korean versions — bring your familiar basics from Korea
• GoodRx app can cut prescription prices significantly, especially without insurance
• Drive-through pharmacy windows are common and convenient
• Controlled substances (sleep aids, anti-anxiety medication) have strict refill rules

10. Driver's license conversion

Why it matters

A Korean license with an International Driving Permit is valid in Texas for up to 3 months. Once you're a Texas resident, you have 90 days to convert. Skipping this can void your auto insurance after an accident and cause legal trouble.

DPS appointments

Texas licenses are issued by the Texas DPS (Department of Public Safety). Walking in without an appointment typically means hours of waiting — always book online.

• Book at dps.texas.gov - "Online Services" - "Schedule a Driver License Appointment"
• Round Rock and North Austin offices often have 2-4 week waits
• Outlying locations (Georgetown, Elgin) often open up faster

Documents to bring

• Passport
• Visa page (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
• I-94 (print from the CBP website)
• SSN card or proof of ineligibility
• Two proofs of residence (lease, utility bill, bank statement — any two)
• Korean license with notarized English translation (if applicable)

Tests

Even with a Korean license, both written and driving tests are required — no reciprocity agreement exists.

• Vision test: basic vision check, glasses permitted
• Written test: 30 questions, 70% to pass. Korean-language availability varies by office. Read the Texas Driver's Handbook in advance.
• Driving test: Bring your own or a friend's car with proof of insurance. Parallel parking, city driving, and lane changes all tested.

Temporary to permanent

Passing the test yields a paper temporary license on the spot. The physical card arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks.

11. Car — buy vs. lease

Long-term life in Texas without a car is effectively impossible. The main decision: buy, lease, or long-term rent.

Short-term rental (1-3 months)

Works for short stays or the period before you've locked down housing.

• Main providers: Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget
• With corporate discounts, monthly rates are about $800-1,500
• A Korean license with International Driving Permit is sufficient for rental
• Per-day rates drop with longer terms but stay higher than buying

Lease (typically 2-3 years)

Pay a fixed monthly fee for a new car. Return at the end or buy out the residual.

• Lower monthly payment than buying (you pay only for depreciation)
• Always under factory warranty
• Mileage cap (usually 12,000-15,000 miles/year); excess mileage costs extra
• No modifications; penalties for early termination
• Requires an SSN and US credit history — difficult right after arrival

Purchase (new or used)

Best if you know how you'll dispose of the car when you leave.

• New: Dealer or direct. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia are most popular among Korean assignees
• Used: CarMax, Carvana, Korean-community dealers. Facebook Marketplace can beat those prices but requires caution
• Financing: Cash, bank auto loans, or dealer financing (credit-history dependent)
• Taxes: Texas Title Tax is 6.25% of sale price, plus annual registration renewal
• Before you leave Texas, resell through CarMax or similar for immediate offers

Decision guide