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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to 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)," commented one expat who made the move to Seoul, Korea.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Korea?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Korea?
- Will I be able to find a job in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- What do expats in Korea appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- 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?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- What are medical services in Korea like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What are emergency services like in Korea?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Korea?
- How are local medical facilities in Korea?
- As a foreigner living in Korea, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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.