Your life in South Korea starts here
Make your move to South Korea
Fast, connected and very safe, South Korea offers affordable property and source-only taxation for foreigners in their early years. A points-based residence or remote-work route offers a welcoming way in.
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Photo: WON JONG LEE / Pexels
At a glance
South Korea, in brief.
How South Korea compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. South Korea ranks among the best for safety (9th of 78) and tax friendliness (37th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Affordable
- Healthcare
- Moderate
- Safety
- Very safe
- Climate
- Cool (~13°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Moderate
No retiree visa, points-based F-2 or nomad, no dual
Source-only for foreigners 5yrs, 45% top rate
Life in South Korea
My name is Marie, I'm 24 years old from Belgium.I'm totally in love with travelling and I'm a designer and the blogger behind Be Marie Korea. Where, when…
Health insurance in South Korea
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
South Korea, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about South Korea into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in South Korea.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The South Korea moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in South Korea
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in South Korea share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All South Korea stories
- Jeongseon-eup
Raquel Rodriguez
My name is Raquel Rodriguez, a born and bred 25 year old New Yorker from the heart of Manhattan. Where, when and…
- Incheon
Dominic Dinkins
I'm Dominic Dinkins who was born and raised in Detroit, and has been living overseas in South Korea since 2009. I've always…
- Seoul
Nichola Gwon
My name is Nichola Gwon. I'm Australian and I'm an artist and blogger / YouTuber and also a webtoon artist (for the…
Fresh from South Korea
Latest articles.
The Rise of Digital South Korea: Apps Every Expat Should Have
South Korea is synonymous with technology and innovation. The country's rapid digital transformation has seen the rise of a plethora of apps that cater…
How To Register For Healthcare In South Korea
South Korea has a two-tier health insurance system which consists of public and private health insurance. The national health service is mandatory and comprehensive,…
Prescriptions In South Korea: What Is Available And How To Ensure You Get The Right Level Of Care
Note: This article assumes a normal state of affairs and cannot predict future developments concerning the COVID-19 coronavirus. As long as the coronavirus crisis…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on South Korea.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All South Korea episodes
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Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to South Korea, and compare them side by side.
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