Expat Experiences in South Korea

Hammer and Guillaume are an expat couple from Hong Kong and France who lived and loved everything about Seoul, South Korea from 2018 to 2022. Besides the language barrier, Hammer and Guillaume enjoyed exploring South Korea, finding its hidden gems and sharing them on their informative and fun blog. They have since packed their bags and jetted off to Malaysia to create even more memorable experiences. Read all about their expat experience in South Korea here.

Joel is an Englishman who’s been living in South Korea since 2015. He’s developed a love for hiking in the mountains, trying lots of different and unique dishes, exploring cities, temples and getting out as much as possible. He teaches English at a university in Korea. Read all about Joel's expat experience in South Korea here.

Bronwyn is currently completing her masters in clinical psychology. She moved to South Korea to teach English and make some money while learning about the culture and life in a new country. She loves to travel and is so grateful for the opportunity to do so. Although she's now back home in South Africa, she shares with us her experiences in South Korea and any advice she has for expats wanting to make the move.

Rianca is a South African expat who worked as an English Second Language teacher in South Korea. Although she intended to stay there for just one year, she fell in love with life there, especially the financial freedom, safety and healthcare system. Read all about Rianca's expat life in South Korea.

Patrick is an American expat who's been living in South Korea since 2007. He is an English teacher by day and a business owner by night. Patrick loves the healthcare and transport systems in Ulsan where he lives with his fiancé and small dog. Read all about Patrick's expat life in South Korea.

Malcolm is a free-spirited expat from South Africa. He is currently living in Seoul and works as an English teacher. In his free time, he enjoys getting lost on the city's amazing subway lines. Read more about his life as an expat in Seoul.

Having moved to Songdo so that her partner could pursue his dream job, Ishwarya has embraced the challenges presented by the Korean language as well as the difficulty of shopping for a vegetarian in South Korea. Read about Ishwarya's expat life in South Korea 

Samantha, a Canadian English teacher, has recently returned home after living in South Korea and following her thirst for adventure. A prolific traveller, Samantha enjoys stepping outside of her comfort zone and pursuing new experiences. Read about her expat life in South Korea.

Gaby is a South African expat living in South Korea. Looking for a change and a chance to travel, Gaby and her husband moved to Gumi when she was offered a position as a resident Native English Teacher. Read more about her expat life in South Korea.

Amy is a New Zealand expat teaching English in Suwon. Read her advice on how to choose a school in South Korea, learn what she misses most about home, and find out what she loves and hates about living and working in South Korea.

Jenna, an American expat in Busan, found she couldn't keep away from the city. After a stint as an English teacher in 2010, she returned in 2012 to continue her life exploring South Korea while working at an international kindergarten. Read about her experiences living and working in Busan.

Maggie, an American expat in Seoul, travelled to the country to teach English and coach rugby. She's loving the great food, the easy-to-use public transport and the opportunities to make new friends in South Korea. Find out where to look for a job or an apartment, and other advice about living in Seoul as an expat.

Amanda became an American expat in South Korea when she realised her 9-5 desk job back home would never satisfy her wanderlust. Instead, she headed off to teach English in Seoul. Read about her opinions on the work culture in South Korea, learning Korean and the best areas for expat life in Seoul.

Deva, like many a South African expat in South Korea, moved to the country to teach English and in the process pay off her student loans. Read her advice on living in Daegu, her experiences with ESL placement agencies and her advice on handling culture shock while living in South Korea.

Matt and Andrea, two American expats living in South Korea, landed in the country just three months after their wedding to teach English in a small town outside Seoul. Despite missing Western food and having the occasional mishap, both are loving their new expat life in South Korea.

Andy, a South African expat teaching English in South Korea, left the corporate world in search of adventure. Working on the quieter outskirts of Seoul, he enjoys quality healthcare, a complete lack of crime and a low cost of living. Read more about his expat experiences in South Korea.

Chris, an American expat teaching English in South Korea, has decided to absorb as much Korean culture as possible. When not grappling over grammar and pronunciation with students, he's a full-fledged traveller, writer and experiential explorer; in short, there's never a dull moment. Read what he has to say about life as an expat in Seoul.

Simon, a Canadian expat living in South Korea, cites life in Bucheon as being nearly perfect. He enjoys all the perks of big-city living, a slower pace of life as well as a more affordable cost of living. Even his dog seems to be happy. Read more about his expat experience in South Korea.