Retire in Korea

"Retirement in Korea can be an enjoyable experience for expats. There is an active expat community in Korea, with many retirees taking part in cultural activities such as visiting temples, palaces, and museums. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and golfing. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, there are many festivals and events throughout the year that retirees can take part in," said one retiree in Korea.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Korea is the language barrier. Many elderly people may not be able to communicate effectively in Korean, making it difficult to access services and resources. Additionally, the cost of living in Korea is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to make ends meet on a fixed income. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations in Korea may be unfamiliar to retirees from other countries, making it difficult to adjust to the new environment. Finally, the healthcare system in Korea may be unfamiliar to retirees, making it difficult to access the care they need," said a retiree who moved to Korea.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Korea is the opportunity to experience the country's rich culture and history. From the vibrant cities to the stunning countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the cost of living in Korea is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Korea is highly advanced and provides excellent care for seniors. Finally, the people of Korea are known for their hospitality and kindness, making it a great place to settle down and enjoy retirement," explained one retiree living in Korea.

"Korea has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The government provides universal health insurance coverage for all citizens, which covers most medical expenses. In addition, there are a variety of private health insurance plans available for those who wish to supplement their coverage. Healthcare services in Korea are generally of a high quality, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The country also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with regular health screenings and vaccinations available for all citizens," said one retiree in Korea.

"Daejeon offers a variety of activities for expats. There are book clubs, sports organizations, artist collectives, and volunteer opportunities. However, the frequency of participation tends to vary greatly, depending on the current expats living in Daejeon. Since the majority of the expats in Daejeon are EFL teachers serving one year contracts, there is quite a turnover and variance within the expat community. There is a monthly publication called the Daejeon Access that focuses on expat happenings. Also, other expat-oriented information can be found at hang-outs frequented by foreigners. Santa Claus (the best known bar in Daejeon) and Brickhouse (a very popular expat spot) are great places to plug into the Daejeon ex-pat "scene."," said a retiree who moved to Daejeon, Korea.

"Living in Taean for a few months. I have found that it is like living in the country. We do have our little city and it does have events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas concert which they held. The traffic is not like Seoul or the other major cities. I have seen other foreigners but have not met them. Looking to do that. The neighbors have been friendly and the town councilmen have been around and introduced themselves. The city is active in making sure the people are taken care of. So far so good," explained a retiree in Korea.

"Daejeon is the fifth largest city in Korea with a population of nearly 1.5 million people. It is known as the "Silicon Valley" of Korea and is the technology center of the country. It also has several major universities, including Chungnam National University and KAIST (the Korean equivalent to M.I.T.). The expat community is by and large employed in the EFL industry. Those who work in the EFL industry typically work less than 30 hours a week, so socializing is a high priority within the community. Korea in general has quite the nightlife culture and all-night drinking affairs are not uncommon, especially with the EFL teachers, because many of them work at private academies (hagwons) and don't begin their work until mid-afternoon. However, drinking isn't the only form of socializing in which the expat community participates. Many participate in sports such as football(soccer), rugby, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. These activities range from being highly organized to "pick-up" style gatherings and usually occur on weekends. Other outdoor activities are also extremely popular, especially hiking and skiing (winter only). Other types of gatherings are popular too. Many expats socialize in the endless array of coffee shops that Daejeon has to offer. The Starbucks at the Timeworld Shopping Center in central Daejeon is heavily trafficked by foreigners. Idee Coffee, in the "old" downtown area, is an artsy place where many of the more independent-spirited expats commune. Idee is a popular place for expat art shows and a meeting place for the D.A.S. (Daejeon Art Solidarity)," explained one retiree living 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," commented one retiree living in Seoul, Korea.

"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," explained one retiree living in Daejeon.

"Expats should research the cost of living in Korea before retiring there, as it may be higher than they are used to. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Korea and consider purchasing health insurance to cover any medical costs. Finally, expats should consider the visa requirements for retirement in Korea, as they may need to apply for a long-term visa," said one retiree in living in Korea.

"In Korea, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also popular, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and swimming. Other recreational facilities include amusement parks, ski resorts, and golf courses," said one retiree in living in Korea.

"People living in Korea typically buy groceries from traditional markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, shopping malls, and online stores," explained one retiree living in Korea.