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...
"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)," remarked another expat who made the move to Seoul, Korea.
"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," explained one expat living in Korea.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
- How do I meet people in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- Is there a lot of crime in Korea?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Korea accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Korea like?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Korea?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Korea?
- What is the weather like in Korea?
- Are there good restaurants in Korea?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Korea?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Korea?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Korea?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Korea?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Korea?
If you live in Korea, newcomers to Korea would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.