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Moving to Korea

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 06, 2024

Summary: Expats and digital nomads move to Korea for a variety of reasons, including the country's vibrant culture, excellent job opportunities, and low cost of living. The most popular cities for expats and digital nomads in Korea are Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. People looking for a place to live in Korea can search online for rental listings, contact real estate agents, or look for postings on expat forums. Additionally, many expats and digital nomads find housing through word of mouth from other expats and digital nomads already living in Korea.

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What do I need to know before moving to Korea?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Korea, they said:

"Expats should be aware that Korea is a very culturally and socially conservative country, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. It is also important to learn some basic Korean language skills, as English is not widely spoken outside of major cities. Expats should also be aware that the cost of living in Korea is relatively high, and it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, expats should research the visa requirements for their particular situation, as the process can be complicated. Finally, expats should be aware that the healthcare system in Korea is generally of a high standard, but it is important to have adequate health insurance coverage," said one expat in Korea.

"If you are a family, stay in a hotel until you discover the neighborhood you desire. How I would find that neighborhood is to seek out your child's school counselor or principal and ask what neighborhoods do most expat students live in. Then hire an expat service to find housing in those areas at your price range. ARM, Asian Relocation Mangement Korea, is a very good expat service company (phone in Korea: 011-9547-8383)," said one expat who made the move to Seoul.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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