Embarking on the journey of moving to South Korea is a life-changing decision that opens the door to a world of new experiences, culture, and adventure. Whether you're a prospective expat, a student preparing for a semester abroad, or someone who has already taken the plunge, this Reddit community is your go-to place for valuable insights, tips, and support. In this dynamic online space, we gather to discuss the challenges and joys of settling in South Korea, share anecdotes, and offer guidance to make your transition as smooth as possible. Join us as we navigate the ups and downs of relocating to the Land of the Morning Calm
Things to know before moving to South Korea
South Korea is a captivating country with a unique blend of Western influences and Asian traditions. However, like any new destination, there are aspects of life in South Korea that may catch you off guard. To help you navigate this exciting transition, we've compiled a list of 15 essential things you should know before moving to South Korea. This guide aims to make your adjustment to this vibrant nation a little smoother.
Table of Contents:
Table of Contents:
- Phone Cameras Are Always Audible
- Limited Public Trash Cans
- Shopping: One Size Fits Most
- Prepare for Curious Stares
- Keep Calls Off Public Transport
- Respect Age and Etiquette
- Dress Modestly: Cover Up Cleavage
- English Will Get You By, but Learn Some Korean
- Unpredictable Weather Forecasts
- Rely on Naver, Not Google Maps
- Prepare for Housing Deposits
- Mandatory Medical Insurance
- Vegetarian and Vegan Challenges
- Get a Transportation Card ASAP
- Spicy Korean Cuisine – Order with Caution
Moving to South Korea from Canada
Before making the move from Canada to South Korea, it's essential to secure a South Korea Working Holiday Visa. This visa enables Canadian citizens to live in South Korea for a period of up to one year while also permitting them to work part-time to support themselves during their stay. An advantage of this visa is that you don't need to have a job lined up before your departure, and it allows Canadians to engage in various types of temporary employment while in South Korea.
This opportunity arises from the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and South Korea, which sets the stage for up to 4,000 Canadians to explore life and work in South Korea each year. To obtain this visa, you can apply in person through the South Korean Embassy in Ottawa or at one of the Consulate offices located in Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. It's advisable to initiate the application process a few months ahead of your planned departure date. This visa opens up exciting opportunities for Canadians to experience South Korean culture, work, and travel in this dynamic and vibrant country.
This opportunity arises from the Youth Mobility Agreement between Canada and South Korea, which sets the stage for up to 4,000 Canadians to explore life and work in South Korea each year. To obtain this visa, you can apply in person through the South Korean Embassy in Ottawa or at one of the Consulate offices located in Vancouver, Toronto, or Montreal. It's advisable to initiate the application process a few months ahead of your planned departure date. This visa opens up exciting opportunities for Canadians to experience South Korean culture, work, and travel in this dynamic and vibrant country.
Moving to South Korea as a foreigner
Moving to South Korea as a foreigner is an exciting and enriching experience. Whether you're relocating for work, study, or other reasons, there are some key steps and considerations to keep in mind:
- Visa Requirements: Ensure that you have the appropriate visa for your purpose of stay. Common visa types for expats include E-2 (English teaching), D-2 (student), E-7 (working in a specific field), and more. Make sure to meet all the visa requirements and apply for it before your departure.
- Accommodation: Research and secure accommodation in advance, whether it's finding an apartment, dormitory, or arranging temporary housing upon arrival. Websites and local real estate agents can help you find suitable places.
- Job or Study Opportunities: If you're moving for work or study, secure a job or enroll in a program before your move. Many English teachers secure positions through programs like EPIK or hagwons. If you're studying, ensure you have all necessary documents for enrollment.
- Language: Learning some basic Korean phrases will be immensely helpful for daily life, although many South Koreans do speak some English, especially in larger cities. Consider taking language classes or using language apps to ease communication.
- Financial Planning: Familiarize yourself with South Korea's banking system and currency exchange options. It's essential to set up a local bank account upon arrival for salary deposits and everyday expenses.
- Healthcare: Understand the healthcare system and make sure you have health insurance coverage. South Korea offers high-quality medical services, and expats can often enroll in the National Health Insurance program.
- Culture and Etiquette: Take the time to learn about South Korean culture, customs, and etiquette. Respect for age, bowing, and understanding the use of formal language is important in social interactions.
- Legal Requirements: Be aware of South Korea's legal regulations, including immigration rules, tax responsibilities, and registration requirements. Keep all important documents, like your visa and passport, in a secure place.
- Networking: Join expat groups and forums to connect with fellow foreigners and gain insights into life in South Korea. Networking can provide valuable support and information.
- Enjoy the Experience: South Korea offers a rich cultural and culinary experience, so embrace the opportunity to explore and enjoy the country's traditions and unique cuisine.
An Indian is moving to South Korea, what do you need to know?
An Indian individual embarking on a journey to South Korea is poised to encounter a remarkable cultural shift. With a lens shaped by their prior experience living in South Korea from 2016 to 2018, they bring an appreciation for the country's advanced infrastructure, the warmth and generosity of its people, and the dynamism of its capital, Seoul.
For this Indian expatriate, South Korea represents a world of modernity and development, distinct from their homeland. They acknowledge the rapid pace of life in Seoul, where the city pulses with energy 24/7 and boasts a rich cultural scene, particularly in the realms of K-pop and K-drama. The expat also highlights the efficiency of South Korea's public transportation and the culinary delights, which are notably less heavy on spices and oils compared to Indian cuisine.
With the awareness of South Korea's leading role in plastic surgery, high-quality medical services, and the nation's preference for a healthy lifestyle, this Indian individual's perspective is shaped by a deep respect for South Korea's achievements. Despite the potential stresses and the geopolitical tensions with North Korea, they express a strong desire to return to this Asian gem, a country that appreciates Indian cuisine and welcomes cultural diversity.
For this Indian expatriate, South Korea represents a world of modernity and development, distinct from their homeland. They acknowledge the rapid pace of life in Seoul, where the city pulses with energy 24/7 and boasts a rich cultural scene, particularly in the realms of K-pop and K-drama. The expat also highlights the efficiency of South Korea's public transportation and the culinary delights, which are notably less heavy on spices and oils compared to Indian cuisine.
With the awareness of South Korea's leading role in plastic surgery, high-quality medical services, and the nation's preference for a healthy lifestyle, this Indian individual's perspective is shaped by a deep respect for South Korea's achievements. Despite the potential stresses and the geopolitical tensions with North Korea, they express a strong desire to return to this Asian gem, a country that appreciates Indian cuisine and welcomes cultural diversity.
How soon should I get a job before moving to South Korea?
The timing of securing a job before moving to South Korea can vary based on your circumstances and comfort level with relocating. While it's possible to find employment after arriving in the country, having a job offer in advance can provide a sense of security and streamlined transition.
Many expats choose to begin their job search several months prior to their intended move, typically around 2-4 months in advance. This allows ample time to research opportunities, complete interviews, and secure the necessary work visa, such as an E-2 visa for English teaching positions.
However, South Korea has a relatively dynamic job market, particularly in fields like education and technology, and some individuals opt to embark on their journey first and then explore job opportunities on the ground. It's crucial to have a safety net of financial resources in case the job search takes longer than expected.
Many expats choose to begin their job search several months prior to their intended move, typically around 2-4 months in advance. This allows ample time to research opportunities, complete interviews, and secure the necessary work visa, such as an E-2 visa for English teaching positions.
However, South Korea has a relatively dynamic job market, particularly in fields like education and technology, and some individuals opt to embark on their journey first and then explore job opportunities on the ground. It's crucial to have a safety net of financial resources in case the job search takes longer than expected.
Can you bring your dog and cat when moving to South Korea?
While the trend of owning cats or dogs as pets is growing in South Korea, it's worth noting that this concept is still relatively new. The size of the pet often influences public perception. Larger breeds are commonly viewed as guard dogs, while smaller breeds like Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Shih-tzus are pampered with visits to groomers, adorned with jeweled collars, and lead luxurious lives. White-colored dogs and purebreds are favored, and those that can fit in a purse are particularly adored. In more affluent areas of Seoul, the acceptance of four-legged family members is considerably higher.
For those considering bringing their pets to South Korea, there are specific requirements to be aware of:
Upon arrival, a visit to the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS) office with your pet and its certificate is required for quarantine procedures. If your pet is found to be healthy upon inspection, it will be released to your custody on the same day.
Unvaccinated pets under the age of three months can enter South Korea as long as they have been microchipped and are accompanied by a health certificate. These guidelines aim to ensure the well-being of your pets while also protecting the local environment and community in South Korea.
For those considering bringing their pets to South Korea, there are specific requirements to be aware of:
- Your pet must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip before travel.
- A rabies vaccination should be administered no sooner than 30 days prior to entering South Korea after microchipping.
- A rabies titer test, conducted by an EU-approved laboratory, must be completed within 2 years of the arrival date.
- An accredited veterinarian must provide a Korea Health Certificate, confirming your pet's health, vaccination status, and the results of the titer test. They should also certify that your pet is free of parasites.
- An import permit is necessary only if you are traveling with five or more dogs and/or cats.
Upon arrival, a visit to the National Veterinary Research & Quarantine Service (NVRQS) office with your pet and its certificate is required for quarantine procedures. If your pet is found to be healthy upon inspection, it will be released to your custody on the same day.
Unvaccinated pets under the age of three months can enter South Korea as long as they have been microchipped and are accompanied by a health certificate. These guidelines aim to ensure the well-being of your pets while also protecting the local environment and community in South Korea.
How much money should you save up before moving to South Korea?
Expanding on the cost of living in South Korea, it's important to note that these figures can vary based on your location within the country. Larger cities like Seoul generally have higher living expenses compared to smaller towns and rural areas.
For a family of four, the average monthly expenditure of 2,300,000 KRW (approximately 2,000 USD) typically covers essential expenses such as groceries, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. These costs can vary depending on the family's lifestyle, dietary preferences, and the number of children in the household. Families often allocate a significant portion of their budget to education expenses, as South Korea places a strong emphasis on education, including private tutoring and extracurricular activities for children.
As for a single expat, the estimated monthly cost of 652,000 KRW (about 560 USD) before rent is a guideline for basic living expenses. This includes food, transportation, mobile phone bills, and other daily necessities. Rent is a significant additional expense, especially if you choose to live in a city like Seoul or Busan. Housing costs can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation and the neighborhood you select.
For a family of four, the average monthly expenditure of 2,300,000 KRW (approximately 2,000 USD) typically covers essential expenses such as groceries, transportation, utilities, and miscellaneous costs. These costs can vary depending on the family's lifestyle, dietary preferences, and the number of children in the household. Families often allocate a significant portion of their budget to education expenses, as South Korea places a strong emphasis on education, including private tutoring and extracurricular activities for children.
As for a single expat, the estimated monthly cost of 652,000 KRW (about 560 USD) before rent is a guideline for basic living expenses. This includes food, transportation, mobile phone bills, and other daily necessities. Rent is a significant additional expense, especially if you choose to live in a city like Seoul or Busan. Housing costs can vary widely depending on the type of accommodation and the neighborhood you select.
