South Korea Archives - Expat Focus

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 to various needs, making daily life more accessible and efficient. For expats living in or considering

South Korea – Eye Care

Eye care in South Korea is provided through a combination of high street optical shops (angyeong-won), dedicated ophthalmology clinics, and hospital-based eye departments. The majority of medically necessary eye treatments are covered by the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which

South Korea – End of Life Issues

South Korea maintains a comprehensive end-of-life care framework shaped primarily by the 2016 Act on Hospice and Palliative Care and Decisions on Life-Sustaining Treatment (commonly called the “Well-Dying Act”), which came into full effect in 2018. Expats living in Korea

South Korea – Air Travel

South Korea’s domestic aviation market is compact yet impressively developed, anchored by what is recognised as the world’s single busiest air corridor — the route linking Seoul with Jeju Island. Two significant international airports, Incheon and Gimpo, form the backbone

South Korea – Landlines and Mobile Phones

South Korea boasts one of the most sophisticated telecommunications infrastructures on the planet, with exceptional 4G and 5G signal strength extending into both urban centres and remote countryside. The market is shaped by three dominant carriers — SK Telecom, KT,

South Korea – Visas

South Korea grants visa-free entry to nationals of approximately 110 countries for short visits of up to 90 days, though the majority of these travellers are still required to obtain a Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) before departing for Korea.

South Korea – Selling Property

Disposing of real estate in South Korea follows a structured, registration-centred process that is broadly navigable for foreign sellers, yet demands compliance with several legally required steps — among them title registration updates, mandatory transaction reporting, and capital gains tax

South Korea – Buying Property

Foreign nationals are permitted to legally purchase and own property in South Korea, though the regulatory landscape shifted considerably in August 2025. Residential acquisitions in Seoul, most of Gyeonggi Province, and certain districts of Incheon now require advance government approval

South Korea – Work Permits and Working Legally

Foreign nationals in South Korea are required to hold the correct work visa before beginning any paid employment — the country does not issue a standalone “work permit” separate from the visa itself. The process is driven primarily by employers:

South Korea – Veterinary Care

South Korea boasts a thriving veterinary sector, especially in its larger urban centres, where you’ll find contemporary clinics, specialist referral hospitals, and round-the-clock emergency facilities in growing numbers. The rapid rise in pet ownership has spurred substantial investment in veterinary