Moving to South Korea

South Korea is a small mountainous country dotted with valleys and narrow coastal plains. 51.6 million inhabitants populate its many large cities and smaller rural towns scattered throughout its diverse landscape. Expats moving to South Korea will discover a fiercely competitive modern country that is still steeped in ancient history and tradition.

Living in South Korea as an expat

Most foreigners find employment teaching English in Korean schools or working in electronics, finance, IT and production. As the home of industry giants such as Samsung and LG Electronics, South Korea has a tech-centric economy. Fittingly, the country consistently ranks as having one of the fastest internet infrastructures in the world. This is useful for doing business in South Korea and helps expats keep in touch with family and friends back home.

Many expats move to Seoul, the country's capital, its most densely populated city and the chief industrial centre. Like many Asian cities, it's dominated by high-rise buildings and apartment blocks. Between all the high-tech, modern buildings, however, is an interesting array of temples, palaces and museums, all conveniently connected by Seoul’s efficient subway system.

The extensive road, rail and ferry transport systems in South Korea connect its nine provinces. The KTX and SRT high-speed trains connect Seoul, Daejeon, Daegu and Busan – the most popular expat cities in South Korea – and enable passengers to hurtle from Seoul in the north to Busan in the south in about three hours. 

South Koreans enjoy entertainment, and the country's nightlife is fantastic, especially in the larger cities. There are several cultural festivals celebrated throughout the year, and the country has a bustling K-pop scene that frequently attracts international stars.

Cost of living in South Korea

The cost of living in South Korea is high, with the 2024 Mercer Cost of Living City Ranking placing Seoul as the 32nd most expensive expat destination in the world. The rest of the country is slightly, if not significantly, cheaper than the capital, though.

Accommodation is expensive, despite apartments being tiny, and all imported foodstuffs and goods are also costly. That said, salaries are competitive, and employment contracts often include accommodation and schooling. Transport, locally manufactured goods and Korean food are also largely wallet-friendly.

Families and children in South Korea

The standard of education in South Korea is excellent. Expats generally send their children to one of the country's many foreign-language or international schools, as the language of instruction at the local public schools is Korean. There is a culture of excellence at schools in South Korea, which places a large amount of pressure on children to do well. Luckily, a large tutoring industry in the country exists to assist children with their learning.  

Expat parents will be delighted to find that the healthcare system in South Korea is as advanced as its transport network. The country is at the forefront of medical research and constantly strives to push the boundaries of medical knowledge. There will also be plenty of things to entertain the little ones over the weekend. 

Climate in South Korea

South Koreans pride themselves on their country’s distinctive and beautiful four seasons. The country has a continental climate of freezing, dry winters and humid, hot summers, with short, mild spring and autumn months in between. 

Despite certain challenges, Korean culture is intriguing and rewards those who seek an understanding of its traditions. The country is incredibly safe with low crime rates, and expats moving to South Korea can expect a warm welcome from locals and other foreigners. 

Fast facts

Population: Over 51,6 million 

Capital city: Seoul (also the largest city)

Neighbouring countries: North Korea, Japan and China

Geography: The country shares a border with North Korea to the north. It's separated from China by the Yellow Sea to the east, and Japan by the Sea of Japan. 

Political system: Presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Christianity, Buddhism, but largely secular

Main languages: Korean (Hangul). Although English is widely spoken in business circles in large cities, this is not the case throughout the country. 

Money: The South Korean Won (KRW) is divided into 100 jeon. The banking system in South Korea is modern and efficient, and ATMs can be found almost everywhere. 

Tipping: It isn't usual to tip in South Korea. Top restaurants and luxury hotels sometimes add a service charge of 10 percent to the bill.

Time: GMT +9

Electricity: 220V, 60Hz. 'Type C' and 'Type F' rounded, two-pin plugs are used. Adapters are widely available at the airport and city convenience stores.

Internet domain: .kr

International dialling code: +82

Emergency contacts: 112 (police), 1345 (foreigner information service), 119 (fire and ambulance)

Transport and driving: Cars drive on the right-hand side of the road. South Korea has a reliable and efficient transport system, with buses and taxis in all cities and metro stations in the main cities.