Moving to South Korea as an Expat: The Complete Guide

Published on January 17, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Moving to South Korea means setting foot in one of the world’s most vibrant countries: ultra-modern megacities, some of the world’s fastest internet, a high-performing healthcare system, ruthlessly efficient public transport, but also a sometimes brutal culture shock, a language barrier, and a housing market that is disorienting for a newcomer. Yet, over two million people have chosen to make it their home, with foreigners making up around 3.4% of the population.

Understanding the Country You’re Moving To

The Republic of Korea is often called the “Land of the Morning Calm,” even though daily life is anything but calm. In just a few decades, it has risen from being a poor Asian country to a global economic powerhouse, the world’s tenth-largest economy and Asia’s fourth. IT, electronics, shipbuilding, automobiles, and also entertainment (K-pop, dramas, video games) are major growth drivers.

At the same time, South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world: very low violent crime, omnipresent CCTV cameras, it’s possible to leave a laptop on a café table without worrying it will be gone. The main exceptions concern club and bar areas (Itaewon, Hongdae) on weekends, where petty theft and scams targeting intoxicated people are still possible.

Visas, K-ETA, and First Administrative Steps

Before thinking about housing or schools, you must ensure you have the right status to stay in the country. South Korea clearly distinguishes between short-term stays (tourism, business) and long-term stays (work, studies, family reunification).

Short Stays and K-ETA

Many nationals (United States, Canada, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, etc.) can enter Korea visa-free for a tourist or business stay of 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. They must in principle obtain a paid K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) (10,000 KRW), valid for multiple entries for two to three years. However, a temporary K-ETA exemption currently applies to 22 countries until 2026, but an electronic Arrival Card (e-Arrival Card) then becomes mandatory before travel.

This status does not allow you to work legally or extend your stay beyond the permitted duration. If you plan to stay for employment, studies, or a long-term project, you need to aim for a proper visa.

Main Long-Term Stay Visas

The type of visa depends on your project:

The country has also introduced more recent schemes like a “workation” visa for remote workers, as well as visas targeting STEM talents (K-STAR) or highly qualified profiles. With the labor market under pressure (rapid aging, shrinking workforce, over 500,000 vacant positions), the government is seeking to ease economic immigration, for example by reforming the E-7 system, although these reforms spark internal debate.

Alien Registration Card (ARC) and Obligations

As soon as you stay more than 90 days, the key step is registering with immigration and obtaining your Alien Registration Card (ARC, sometimes called a Residence Card). This document gives you a registration number, essential for almost everything:

– opening a bank account

– signing a phone or internet contract

– enrolling in the National Health Insurance

– signing a “standard” lease

– paying your local taxes.

The ARC is also the basis for your tax status: resident foreigners are taxed in Korea on their Korean-source income, and after a certain time, on a broader basis depending on the situation. If you are American, for example, you also remain subject to US tax filing and FBAR rules for your foreign accounts.

Choosing Your City: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, and Others

The vast majority of expats settle in Seoul, Busan, or Incheon, but other university or industrial cities (Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan, Jeju, Suwon…) offer an interesting quality of life, often for a lower budget. The choice depends on your priorities: career, cost of living, family, climate, culture.

Seoul, the Economic Heart and Expat Epicenter

The capital alone concentrates nearly 60% of the foreigners living in Korea. This is where most multinational headquarters, international institutions, international schools, and top English-speaking hospitals are located. It’s also one of the most expensive cities in the country, especially for housing.

The metropolis is divided into 25 gu (districts), themselves divided into dong (neighborhoods). The Han River splits the city between a more historic north and a newer, more affluent south.

Neighborhood	Dominant Profile	Rent Range (Trend)	Key Strengths	Common Drawbacks
Itaewon (Yongsan)	Very international, restaurants & bars	Rather high	Lots of English, foreign shops	Crowds, noise, petty theft on weekends
Gangnam	Business, high-end	Highest in Seoul	Modern buildings, private schools, subway	Cost per m², social pressure, traffic
Hongdae / Yeonnam	Students, creatives, nightlife	Medium to high	Cafes, music, street culture	Nighttime noise in Hongdae, rising rents
Jamsil	Family-oriented, residential	Medium to high	Parks, schools, Lotte World	Higher prices than student areas
Sinchon / Ewha	Campus, student life	Rather affordable	Cheap restaurants, youthful vibe	Dense crowds, little quiet
Seongbuk / Yonhi	Chic and quiet suburb	Medium to high	Spacious houses, foreign schools nearby	Less dense transportation
Dongdaemun	Commerce, 24/7 shopping	Affordable to medium	Central access, urban life	Noise, intense tourist flow
Seongsu / Seoul Forest	Trendy, industrial transformation	Affordable to medium (rising)	Design cafes, parks, creativity	Construction works, nuisance
Hannam-dong	Diplomats, senior executives	Very high	Luxury villas, international schools	Limited subway access, hefty budget

For a single person, the “basic” cost in Seoul (including housing) is often between 1.6 and 2.5 million won per month, depending on the neighborhood, lease type, and your lifestyle. A salary around 2.5 to 3 million won per month is generally seen as comfortable, without being luxurious.

Busan, the Major Coastal City

As the country’s second city, Busan attracts those who want a more relaxed atmosphere, the sea at their doorstep, milder winters, and rents less aggressive than in Seoul. The subway is less extensive but efficient, and the expat community is well-established, especially around Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Seomyeon.

Some figures provide a comparison with the capital. For a single person, the estimated total cost of living is between 1.2 and 1.8 million won per month, including housing, which is significantly less than in Seoul.

City	Basic Monthly Cost for 1 Person (with rent)	1BR Rent City Center (approx.)	Utilities + Internet (approx.)
Seoul	1.6 – 2.5 M KRW	1.0 – 1.5 M KRW	120 – 240 k KRW
Busan	1.2 – 1.8 M KRW	~414,000 KRW	~120 k KRW
Daegu	1.0 – 1.6 M KRW	~337,000 KRW	~140 k KRW
Daejeon	~1.0 – 1.5 M KRW	~302,000 KRW	~105 k KRW
Gwangju	~1.0 – 1.6 M KRW	~390,000 KRW	~140 k KRW

In Busan, some neighborhoods stand out particularly for foreigners: Haeundae for the beach and international schools, Seomyeon for urban life and subway connections, Gwangalli for the lively waterfront and still reasonable rents.

Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Satellite Cities

Incheon, adjacent to the country’s main international airport, offers a life somewhat calmer than Seoul, with a lower cost of living and an interesting job market in logistics, aviation, and certain industries. The average budget for one person is around 1.34 million won per month.

Around Seoul, several cities in Gyeonggi Province (Suwon, Ilsan, Yongin, Pyeongtaek, Seongnam/Bundang-Pangyo) serve as well-connected satellites via train or subway. Rents there are on average significantly lower than within city limits, except for Seongnam (Pangyo, Bundang), which has become a high-end tech hub almost as costly as some Seoul neighborhoods.

Finding Housing: Lease Systems, Housing Types, and Pitfalls to Avoid

Housing is by far the biggest expense in South Korea and one of the most bewildering areas for a newcomer. Not only can rents be high in large cities, but the deposit system (jeonse, wolse, banjeonse) is unique to the country.

Understanding Jeonse, Wolse, and Banjeonse

Three main formulas exist for renting a home.

Contract Type	Principle	Typical Deposit	Monthly Rent
Wolse	Monthly rent + refundable deposit	3 to 10 M KRW (minimum) and up	300,000 – 1,000,000 KRW (and beyond)
Jeonse	Very large deposit, no or very little rent	50–80% of the property’s value, often > 200 M KRW	0 or symbolic
Banjeonse	Mix of both, large deposit + reduced rent	Typically around 100 M KRW	Lower rent than wolse

Wolse resembles Western leases: you pay rent each month and deposit a sum (“key money“) refundable at the end of the lease. Negotiation often focuses on the deposit/rent ratio: the higher the deposit, the lower you can make the monthly payment.

Banjeonse is a compromise: high deposit, reduced rent, which can be interesting if you already have capital to invest in your housing.

Housing Types and Actual Living Space

In urban areas, almost everyone lives in apartments: high-rise complexes managed by large groups (Hyundai, Lotte…), officetels, villas, and small buildings. Single-family houses are rare in the city and generally reserved for very high budgets or the outskirts.

Listings generally use the surface area in pyeong, but this includes balconies and common areas; the actual livable area is therefore smaller than what a Western expat imagines for a given number of square meters.

Rent Costs: Order of Magnitude

Figures vary enormously depending on the city, neighborhood, building age, and lease system. Some orders of magnitude help to plan.

Situation	Indicative Monthly Rent Estimate
Studio in a non-central Seoul neighborhood	500,000 – 700,000 KRW
1BR central Seoul	1,000,000 – 1,500,000 KRW
3BR central Seoul	2,200,000 – 5,800,000 KRW
1BR central Busan	~400,000 – 450,000 KRW
1BR in regional cities (Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju)	300,000 – 500,000 KRW

In 2025, the average cost of a 1BR in central Seoul is around the equivalent of $700 to $800 per month, compared to about $400 in Busan and even less in Daegu or Daejeon. For purchase, prices soar in some areas: around $40,000 per m² on average in Seoul, up to $65,000/m² in the heart of Gangnam-gu.

How to Search for and Secure Housing

The Korean rental market is extremely fast. It’s not useful, and rarely even possible, to start looking six months before your arrival. Generally, two to four weeks is enough between starting viewings and signing, and many expats find their permanent housing within the month after arrival, after spending some time in temporary accommodation or an Airbnb.

To avoid scams (fake listings, indebted owners, unrefunded deposits), it’s strongly advised to:

– always visit the property before sending any money

– check the property registration documents and the owner’s identity

– officially register the lease at the district office, which protects your deposit in case of problems

– demand receipts for every sum paid

– take photos of the property’s condition upon moving in/out.

Specialized services for foreigners, like Enkor Stay/EnkoStay in Seoul, offer furnished apartments with English contracts, payment by foreign card, and documentation adapted for immigration procedures. It’s more expensive than a traditional lease, but it significantly secures the settlement phase.

Cost of Living: What Does a Realistic Budget Look Like?

South Korea is sometimes described as “very expensive.” In reality, nuance is important. Yes, some things are pricey (housing deposits, upscale neighborhoods, imported foods, international schools), but many others remain surprisingly affordable (transport, local dining, routine healthcare).

Overview by Major City

The following estimates include housing for a single person with a “normal” lifestyle (no extravagance, but no extreme deprivation).

City	Estimated Monthly Cost for 1 Person (KRW)
Seoul	1.6 – 2.5 million
Busan	1.2 – 1.8 million
Daegu	1.0 – 1.6 million
Gwangju	1.0 – 1.6 million
Incheon	~1.34 million

The gaps come essentially from the housing cost and the intensity of possible “leisure” spending in each city.

Housing, Utilities, and Internet

For a 1BR in central Seoul, monthly rents average around 1.3 million won, with extremes ranging from 1 to 3 million. Outside the center, for a 1BR, the average drops to around 800,000 won. Utilities for a small apartment (electricity, gas, water, building management) run around 100,000 to 200,000 won per month, with peaks in winter (gas heating) and summer if you overuse air conditioning.

Food: Eating Out or Cooking?

Local food is one of the country’s great economic assets. Eating “like a Korean” costs significantly less than trying to replicate a very Western diet based on imported cheese, bread, and red meat.

To get a sense of prices in Seoul, here are some reference points:

Product / Service	Average Price in Seoul (KRW)
Cheap meal (Korean restaurant)	8,000 – 12,000 (often ~10,000)
Fast-food meal like McDonald’s	~9,600
Meal for two, mid-range restaurant	~80,000 (range 50,000–150,000)
Local draught beer (pint)	~5,000
Cappuccino	~5,300
Tteokbokki or kimbap (street food)	2,000 – 3,000
Bread (1 lb)	3,000 – 5,000
Local cheese (1 lb)	often > 8,000, up to 20,000+
Rice (1 lb)	~2,000
Chicken (1 lb)	~6,400
Beef (1 lb, red meat cut)	~19,000

Overall, a budget of 300,000 to 500,000 won per month for home cooking is realistic for a person who prioritizes local products (rice, tofu, vegetables, Korean snacks). By eating out regularly at small Korean restaurants, you can stay within the same budget, or even less, especially if you live alone: a full meal is easily found for 5,000 to 10,000 won.

However, imported fruits, cheeses, cold cuts, Western food, and foreign restaurants drive up the bill: an Italian dinner or an “American-style” burger easily exceeds 20,000 won per person.

Transportation: One of the Country’s Strengths

The Korean transportation system is one of the most efficient and least expensive in the developed world. In Seoul, a subway or bus trip generally costs between 1,400 and 1,800 won, with the possibility of free transfers between buses and subways thanks to transportation cards (T-Money, Cashbee, etc.). The city has even launched “Climate Card” 30-day passes for unlimited use for around 65,000 won.

For intercity travel, express buses between Seoul and Busan cost around 20,000–30,000 won one-way, while the Korean high-speed rail (KTX) charges a little over 50,000 won for the same trip, with a significant time gain.

Health, Leisure, Education: Anticipated Expenses

National health insurance (see below) generally costs between 120,000 and 150,000 won per month for an adult, with low co-pays for consultations (10,000–20,000 won at a GP with coverage). A visit without insurance is much more expensive, hence the need to enroll in NHIS as soon as possible or have solid private insurance.

On the other hand, international education is a very heavy expense for expat families. One year of primary school at an international school in Seoul can easily exceed 30 million won, and private or international kindergartens often charge around 1.7 million won per month. Some schools frequently cited by foreign families include Seoul Foreign School, Yongsan International School of Seoul, Lycée Français de Séoul, Deutsche Schule Seoul International, and Busan Foreign School.

Healthcare and Insurance: A High-Performing System to Understand Well

South Korea ranks at the top of OECD countries for access to care and is among the most efficient systems in the world. The neighborhood hospital is often the first reflex, even for “small ailments,” and wait times generally remain reasonable.

National Health Insurance (NHIS)

All foreigners residing in Korea for more than six months are legally required to enroll in the National Health Insurance Service. Registration is automatic for salaried employees as soon as the employer reports the hiring, or must be applied for by self-employed individuals, students, and other statuses.

The principle is simple: monthly premium calculated based on income and/or assets, then coverage of a large portion of costs:

– about 80% of hospitalization costs

– 30 to 70% of outpatient care

– reduced co-payments for cancers and rare diseases.

An important particularity is the imposed waiting period: following a tightening of rules, many foreigners must reside for six months before accessing coverage as self-employed or dependents, to avoid “medical tourism.” There are exceptions for certain visas (spouses of Koreans, D-2 students, certain work visas…).

What’s Covered… And What Isn’t

The NHIS covers most consultations, standard exams, and medications. However, some chronic treatments or procedures deemed non-essential (notably in cosmetic surgery) are not covered. Hospitals also sometimes charge higher fees at high-end private institutions or international clinics.

Care abroad is not covered by NHIS. If you travel regularly or want to be able to be repatriated to your home country, a private international insurance plan (Cigna, Pacific Prime, etc.) is therefore an important supplement.

Access to English-Speaking Healthcare

In major urban centers, several hospitals and clinics have international departments with English-speaking staff. In Seoul, for example, facilities like Samsung Medical Center or CHA Medical Centre in Gangnam, as well as some clinics in Itaewon and Yongsan, are accustomed to serving a foreign clientele.

It is nevertheless common for doctors to adopt a quite direct communication style focused on the worst possible scenario, which can surprise an expat. Getting a second opinion remains possible, but it is not the local habit to challenge the practitioner’s opinion.

Opening a Bank Account and Managing Your Money

Having a Korean bank account is almost indispensable to get paid, pay rent by transfer, pay NHIS premiums, or simply use local online services. The banking system is modern, but very regulated and not always intuitive for a foreigner.

Opening Requirements

Most major banks (KB Kookmin, Hana, Woori, Shinhan…) accept foreigners, but generally require:

– a valid passport

– a long-stay visa

– an Alien Registration Card (ARC)

– a local address (lease, accommodation contract, utility bill)

– a Korean phone number

– sometimes an employer’s certificate or university enrollment proof.

Choosing a Bank

Expats mostly gravitate towards KEB Hana, Woori, Shinhan, and KB Kookmin, which have English services, call centers dedicated to foreigners, and sometimes specialized branches. Opening hours generally remain very standard (9am–4pm, weekdays only), but ATMs are widely available.

For international transfers, most expats combine a Korean account with solutions like Wise or virtual banks offering foreign IBANs, to reduce fees and benefit from exchange rates close to the mid-market rate.

Working in Korea: Opportunities, Growth Sectors, and Market Realities

South Korea is in a paradoxical situation: a very dynamic economy, officially low unemployment (around 2.7%), but a labor market felt as saturated by hyper-educated Korean youth. For foreigners, this translates into a mix of difficulties (competition, language barrier, demanding corporate culture) and very attractive niches.

Professions Accessible to Foreigners

Overall, the market is structured around several major blocks:

– English teaching (and to a lesser extent other languages)

– IT and technology (development, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data)

– engineering and industry (automotive, electronics, semiconductors, logistics, energy)

– healthcare and personal care

– finance, marketing, international trade

– entertainment, media, content production

– hospitality, tourism, food service

– unskilled labor under specific visas (E-9) in certain shortage sectors.

In the technology sector, salaries are higher, particularly for in-demand profiles (AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, cloud, robotics). Monthly ranges can extend from 3.5 to over 7 million won depending on experience and function, even more for senior positions in large conglomerates.

Corporate Culture and Working Conditions

Korean professional culture remains largely influenced by Confucianism: importance of hierarchy, respect for elders, strong group pressure, emphasis on speed (the famous “ppalli ppalli,” always faster). Hours can easily stretch beyond the regulated 40 hours per week, although the law limits total weekly hours to 52 with overtime pay.

In foreign multinationals and tech startups, work styles are more Westernized, with more remote work, flexibility, and horizontal management. However, performance pressure remains high.

Finding a Job from Abroad or On-Site

Job searching happens through:

– general job portals (Saramin, JobKorea, Worknet)

– platforms specialized for foreigners (PeopleNJob, Go Korea, expat forums)

– LinkedIn and international recruitment networks

– job fairs for foreigners organized regularly

– Facebook groups and communities (English Teachers in Korea, Foreign Professors in Korea, etc.).

Already being in Korea significantly increases your chances of success, if only to attend in-person interviews, go to networking events, and show your motivation. Many employers remain hesitant to bring someone from abroad, except for very specialized positions.

Language, Culture Shock, and Social Integration

Even if Seoul looks like a globalized metropolis, with Starbucks, McDonald’s, and K-pop ads on every street corner, social codes remain deeply Korean. That’s what makes the experience rich… but also the potential for culture shock.

Korean, Indispensable for Daily Life

Korean is the country’s language, period. English is useful with some young urbanites, but insufficient to manage your entire daily life. The good news is that the alphabet, Hangeul, is relatively easy to learn: about twenty letters, phonetic, logical, created to be written and read by all. It’s entirely possible to master basic reading in a weekend of serious work.

Afterwards, building a vocabulary base (food, directions, dates, numbers, polite expressions) allows you to navigate much more serenely. Resources like Talk To Me In Korean, 90 Day Korean, KoreanClass101, or evening classes at local universities are widely used by expats.

Customs and Etiquette: What Surprises Expats

Several elements of Korean social life stand out to newcomers:

– the crucial role of hierarchy, linked to age and status

– the importance of greetings with a slight bow

– the act of giving and receiving with two hands

– the absence of tipping and small talk with servers

– the tendency to avoid direct public confrontations

– discretion on certain topics, contrasting with a marked interest in the private lives of close ones.

At restaurants, it’s common to share dishes, call the server via a button rather than a hand signal, serve your own water, and bring your own napkin or tissues since paper is not systematically provided. At the table, if you are the youngest, you will be expected to pour alcohol for elders, using two hands and turning slightly away to drink.

Managing Culture Shock (and Reverse-Culture Shock Upon Return)

Most expats go through phases of euphoria, frustration, even depression, before finding a balance. Classic models describe a honeymoon phase, a shock phase (rejection of certain cultural aspects, feeling of isolation), then gradual adaptation, and finally, deeper integration.

Several factors worsen or mitigate these waves: age, family situation, preparation, employer support, existence of a social network. It is often noted that spouses and children of expats, less occupied with work, are more exposed to culture shock and its psychological consequences.

To limit the damage, it is essential to:

– build a local network (colleagues, neighbors, expat communities)

– keep personal routines (sport, hobbies) to stabilize yourself

– learn the language progressively

– consult if necessary a psychologist or bilingual support center (in Seoul, for example, facilities like Seoul Counseling Center).

Integrating: Networks, Expat Communities, and Social Life

Korea has a dense fabric of online and offline communities for expats. They often constitute a valuable safety net for finding information, making connections, exchanging tips, or even finding a bit of “home.”

Useful Groups and Platforms

Large global platforms (InterNations, Meetup, Reddit) coexist with specifically Korean networks. On Facebook, groups like “Seoul Expats“, “Every Expat in Korea“, “Expat Women in Korea (EWIK)“, “Daegu Peeps” or “Busan Social Meetup” gather tens of thousands of members. Some are specialized (English teachers, university professors, expat women, hiking enthusiasts, book clubs, donation and swap networks, animal rescue…).

These groups are used for everything: finding a roommate, selling furniture, asking a visa question, organizing a hike to Bukhansan, recruiting for a job, or joining a language exchange.

In parallel, Korean apps like KakaoTalk (messaging), Naver Café, or Band structure a large part of local digital sociability. To navigate them despite the Korean interface, many expats rely on Papago or Google Translate.

Building a Social Life On-Site

One of the risks of expatriation is isolation, especially if you live outside Seoul or work online. To avoid staying locked in a bubble, several options exist:

Koreans are often curious about foreigners and can be very warm once the ice is broken, even if initial approaches remain more reserved than in the West.

Practical Advice to Prepare Your Move Well

To conclude, here are some concrete steps to keep in mind before, during, and just after your arrival.

Before Leaving

It is prudent to:

– check visa conditions precisely, including timelines, required degrees (for teaching, for example), and documents to legalize

– budget a financial “cushion” for the first months, to cover the housing deposit, buy some furniture, cover healthcare costs before NHIS enrollment

– familiarize yourself with Hangeul and a few survival phrases in Korean

– compare possible cities based on your career project and tolerance for the cost of living

– think about the suitable housing mode (studio officetel, shared accommodation, furnished residence for foreigners).

International moving companies like Sirelo, which groups several hundred carriers, can provide comparative quotes. But many new expats arrive with limited luggage and furnish locally, as the second-hand market is very active.

Upon Arrival

The first days generally focus on:

It is interesting to quickly explore potential neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease, to feel the ambiance, noise, density of shops, real distance to transportation.

After Settling In

Once housing and administrative status are stabilized, the goal becomes to make daily life smoother:

– learn to get around with Naver Map or Kakao Map, more reliable than Google in Korea

– get used to convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7‑Eleven) for small daily needs

– familiarize yourself with strict waste sorting rules (and the scarcity of public trash cans)

– identify a few nearby English-speaking hospitals or clinics

– join one or two social groups (hiking club, expat community, language class).

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Moving to South Korea as an expat is neither an unattainable dream nor a quiet, easy journey. It’s a project that requires preparation, flexibility, and a real desire to immerse yourself in a culture that is both demanding and fascinating. In return, daily life in this country offers very high-level infrastructure, rare safety, a cost of living often more reasonable than said, and a sense of permanent effervescence hard to find elsewhere.

With an appropriate visa, a clear understanding of the housing market, good management of health insurance, some Korean basics, a social network built patiently, and realistic expectations about work culture, South Korea can become much more than a parenthesis: a true long-term place to live.