The banking system in South Korea is advanced. The banks there are comparable to typical Western banks that many expats are familiar with, and they are considered to be much more simple and user-friendly. The main issue, when it comes to banking in South Korea for expatriates, is that of accessibility, and this frequently comes down to language barriers. Language barriers can make it harder for expats to set up their accounts and/or get their internet banking up and running. Some banks (such as KEB Hanna) are considered to be more “expat-friendly” than others.   more ...

South Korea is an East Asian nation that makes up the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. It’s known for its heavily militarised borders with the infamous North Korea, but also for its rolling hills, ancient temples, sub-tropical islands, and futuristic high-tech cities, such as Seol. South Korea has a wonderful, welcoming culture, fantastic food, and a highly effective public transportation system and internal infrastructure. Despite its proximity to North Korea, South Korea is growing in popularity among expats and foreign workers.   more ...

South Korea has visa waiver arrangements with a number of countries, including the USA, the EU, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. If you are a citizen of one of these countries, then you do not require a visa to visit South Korea for tourist purposes or for simple business meetings. If, however, you wish to remain in the country for longer than 90 days (or 180 days if you are Canadian), then you will require a visa, and these are not easy to get.   more ...

South Korea is not the easiest place on the planet to find work, but for the more adventurous expat job seeker, who wishes to experience Asian culture, there are possibilities worth exploring. Your biggest chance of employment will be in English language teaching (TEFL). In saying this, there are a number of multinationals that have branches in Seoul, so depending on which sector you are planning to work in, you might like to look at either a secondment, provided your current employer has a South Korean base, or to apply directly to one of the big companies, such as Samsung or Hyundai. Manufacturing also offers possibilities, as does IT.   more ...

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a bustling metropolis with deep historical roots. The city is famous for several things including its N Seoul Tower and Incheon International Airport, which has a golf course and skating rink, and is often named the world’s best airport.

Seoul is a city that never sleeps, with restaurants, shopping centers and spas open for business at all hours of the day and night. Local people love their vibrant nightlife, which is concentrated in areas such as Gangnam and Itaewon. The city is home to many places of historical interest, such as shrines and palaces, and offers great variety in terms of accommodation.

Seoul has an excellent healthcare system, and expats can also choose from a range of international schools for their children. Teaching English is a popular employment opportunity for plenty of expats who arrive in the city from different parts of the world. South Korea has a reputation for being technologically advanced, and Seoul is at the forefront of this innovation. It is also a city with a great passion for locally-influenced architectural modernization, which is especially evident in the Lotte World Tower, the 123-floor skyscraper inspired by traditional Korean art.   more ...

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at South Korea and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.   more ...

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at South Korea and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there.   more ...

South Korea’s capital city, Seoul, is a sophisticated destination full of skyscrapers and modern buildings. Juxtaposed with them, however, is a mass of ancient temples, museums and palaces. This mixture of old and new is a prominent characteristic of the country.

Expats in South Korea can expect a high standard of living – the transportation system is extensive and healthcare is advanced and efficient; education receives high priority; and international schools can be found in the cities across the country.   more ...

The religious atmosphere in South Korea is rather complicated, and is also surprising to most expats. Contrary to what many expect, indigenous or traditional local religious beliefs do not account for the majority of the population’s religious affiliations. Instead, the largest religious groups are followers of what can be considered to be religious imports, in a sense – Buddhism, Protestantism, and Roman Catholicism. In fact, when you combine Protestants (18.3%) and Roman Catholics (10.9%), the Christian population turns out to be the largest, at 29.2%, compared to the Buddhist population of 22.8%, as per the 2005 census. However, according to the same count, the largest group is actually people with “no formal religion”, although this doesn’t quite mean what it would in most other countries.   more ...

South Korean food may be an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it can be pretty addictive. The food here displays definite influences of Chinese and Japanese cuisines, but it still retains its unique flavor palette of spice and garlic combined with mild flavored ingredients such as raw fish.

Some amount of culture shock is almost inevitable, so the best thing to do is embrace the change and try to get accustomed to the new foods and beverages to ease your transition. South Korean fare generally has few bread and white flour products, and instead, rice and dishes with strong spices are common. Traditional Korean foods are low in fat but high in salt, so if you are on a low-sodium diet, you need to keep an eye on your salt intake.   more ...