Living in Korea
Last updated on Jan 02, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Korea is 51.5 million people. The largest cities in Korea are Seoul (10.6 million people), Busan (3.6 million people), Incheon (2.8 million people), Daegu (2.5 million people), and Daejeon (1.5 million people). Expats love living in Korea for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people. Life in Korea is often described as fast-paced, exciting, and full of opportunities. Popular foods in Korea include kimchi (fermented vegetables), bibimbap (rice with vegetables and meat), bulgogi (marinated beef), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The cons of living in Korea include the language barrier, the high cost of living, and the lack of privacy. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,000-$3,000 USD per month. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other expenses.
What do I need to know about living in Korea?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Korea, they said:
"Overall, I would say Daejeon is a very liveable city. I think it is important to get involved with the expat community to maximize your quality of life, because Western-style amenities and activities are scant. Also, you have to have "thick skin" because you will be subject to unwanted attention, mostly in the form of stares. You might want to sample some Korean food (if you haven't before) prior to your arrival, since you will be eating it quite a bit here," said one expat in Daejeon.
"Be prepared to be stared at. Bring lots of English books/magazines as there are only 2 English books stores in Seoul. Most foods can be bought but are significantly more expensive than Australia, especially champagne. The seasons are distinct and the whole expat lifestyle is very interesting and fun. Have a respectful attitude and always be polite. It is a very classist society but good manners always go the distance. In summer it's very hot and humid and winter is very cold and dry so plenty of moisturiser is needed. Have a happy attitude and be prepared for a lot of miscommunications, but also be prepared for the experience of a life time," said one expat who made the move to Seoul.
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About the Author
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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