Moving to Seoul

As the political, cultural, financial and educational hub of the country, it's hardly surprising that Seoul is the most popular choice for expats moving to South Korea.

A buzzing metropolis situated on the Han River, Seoul offers fast-paced, high-technology living set against a rich historical background of palaces, fortress walls, royal shrines and single-storey wooden hanok houses. At the same time, the city is the birthplace of K-pop and the epicentre of the Korean Wave, exporting the country's culture around the globe.

Living in Seoul as an expat

Seoul is South Korea's major business hub and produces about a fifth of the country's gross domestic product. Many expats working in the city find jobs in information technology, electronics and finance, especially as Seoul is home to major corporations such as Kia, Hyundai, Samsung and LG Electronics. It's also the centre of the English-teaching industry, another popular avenue of expat employment.  

With a wide range of accommodation options and quality healthcare, Seoul has all the essential amenities to make an expat's their stay as safe and comfortable as possible. The options for public transport in the city are also vast and efficient, and taxis are numerous and cheap, making car ownership largely unnecessary. 

The lifestyle in Seoul is extremely diverse, and the city provides a range of activities to appeal to shoppers, nightlife hoppers, sports enthusiasts and art lovers. There are huge shopping malls throughout Seoul, as well as a large selection of both local and international restaurants.

Cost of living in Seoul

The cost of living in the South Korean capital is high. That said, salaries are competitive, and employment contracts often cover the cost of accommodation and schooling, saving expats a lot of money. Transport, locally manufactured goods and Korean food are generally affordable, while foreign foodstuffs and commodities are expensive. 

Families and children in Seoul

South Korea is a child-friendly nation, and Seoul is no exception. There are plenty of international schools in the city, with curricula ranging from American and Japanese to the International Baccalaureate. Tutoring is also a large industry in South Korea and expat parents will therefore not struggle to find school support for their children, should they need it. 

Parents will also have plenty of things to see and do to keep their tots and young ones entertained. There will also be many opportunities for weekend breaks, as Seoul is a stone's throw away from many wonderful attractions. 

Climate in Seoul

Seoul has a humid continental climate, with dry, cold, snowy winters and hot, wet summers. Depending on the season, autumn and spring frequently give way to intense hot and cold temperatures.

Although Seoul's reputation as a big city can be intimidating to some, it has a cultural charm that can endear just about anyone. Expats moving to Seoul will find that the contrast between parks, rivers, mountains, teahouses and tall, modern skyscrapers uniquely form to create a city rich in experiences.