Moving from the United States to South Korea is an exciting and significant step in life. This transition provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, language, and way of life. Your experience will be filled with a variety of challenges and rewards, including exploring the beautiful Korean culture, traveling to picturesque places, and building new friendships. In this article, we will explore some important aspects of moving to South Korea to help you adapt successfully and enjoy this incredible journey.
What to consider when moving to South Korea from the US?
Moving from the United States to South Korea is an exciting decision with much to anticipate. However, for a successful transition, it is crucial to carefully consider factors such as cultural differences, language barriers, and the timely completion of visa and documentation requirements.
In addition, establishing healthcare, housing, and financial arrangements before the move is essential. Connecting with local expatriate communities and seeking advice from those who have already made the move can provide valuable insights. Embracing new experiences and maintaining an open-minded approach will make the transition smoother.
Researching South Korea's customs, traditions, and etiquette will aid in adapting to the new environment during your long-term stay in South Korea. Learning the Korean language will also facilitate communication and enhance integration.
Here are some of the key documents required for moving to South Korea from the USA:
In addition, establishing healthcare, housing, and financial arrangements before the move is essential. Connecting with local expatriate communities and seeking advice from those who have already made the move can provide valuable insights. Embracing new experiences and maintaining an open-minded approach will make the transition smoother.
Researching South Korea's customs, traditions, and etiquette will aid in adapting to the new environment during your long-term stay in South Korea. Learning the Korean language will also facilitate communication and enhance integration.
Here are some of the key documents required for moving to South Korea from the USA:
- Work Visa: South Korea offers various work visas suitable for skilled workers and specific work needs. These include D and E group work visas, each with its own requirements and criteria. After entering the country on a work visa, you will need to register your stay at a local Immigration Office and obtain an Alien Registration Card (ARC).
- Study Visa: South Korea provides student visas for individuals seeking to study in the country. To obtain a student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a South Korean university. Depending on your area of study, you can choose from various D-2 visas. After obtaining a student visa, you will need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of your arrival.
- Family Visa: To obtain a family reunification visa for moving to South Korea from the USA, you must be a close family member (such as parents, siblings, children, or spouse) of a South Korean citizen. You will need to apply for and obtain a long-term family visit visa. After entering the country, you should also apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of your arrival.
Costs to consider when moving from America to South Korea
The cost of living in South Korea is, on average, considerably lower than in the United States, with significant savings to be found in various aspects of daily expenses. Here's a breakdown of the cost of living in South Korea compared to the USA:
Housing Costs:
Food Costs:
Transportation Costs:
Salaries:
Housing Costs:
- One-bedroom apartments in downtown South Korea are approximately 67.4% cheaper than in the United States.
- Suburban one-bedroom apartments are about 72.1% less costly in South Korea compared to the USA.
- Three-bedroom apartments in downtown areas are roughly 52.4% more affordable in South Korea.
- Suburban three-bedroom apartments are about 62.1% cheaper in South Korea compared to the United States.
- Monthly mortgage payments are generally higher in South Korea, with downtown condos being 64.5% more expensive and suburban houses being 85.6% pricier in South Korea compared to the USA.
Food Costs:
- Dining out in South Korea is significantly more affordable, with lunch menu prices around 63.3% cheaper, and dinner for two being 54.7% less expensive.
- Fast food meals are, on average, about 42.1% cheaper in South Korea compared to the USA.
- Grocery prices can vary, with some American staples, such as milk, being much more expensive in South Korea.
- Some fruits common in the United States, like bananas, apples, and oranges, can cost almost 100% more in South Korea.
- However, you may find modest savings on items like white bread, rice, eggs, chicken, and onions in South Korea.
Transportation Costs:
- Monthly transportation costs are, on average, about 13.3% higher in South Korea.
- Gasoline is approximately 36.6% more expensive in South Korea.
- Monthly public transit passes are around 34.2% cheaper in South Korea on average.
- Taxis are approximately 32.2% cheaper in South Korea.
Salaries:
- Salaries in South Korea are, on average, 49.3% lower than in the United States. However, this is offset by the lower cost of living in South Korea.
- Actual differences in salary can vary widely depending on the specific field and job.
- The average after-tax salary in both countries is enough to cover roughly 1.9 months of an individual's average expenses.
Moving from the USA to South Korea on Reddit
Kim from New York says: "Korea is a captivating and lively country, especially for people in their 20s. In comparison to many quieter North American cities and towns, Seoul offers a plethora of exciting activities and affordable culinary experiences. Even when compared to New York City, Seoul stands out.
However, I do have some reservations about making a permanent move to Korea. Firstly, the Korean economy can be a bit disheartening, which might deter potential settlers. It's heavily dominated by a few major conglomerates known as chaebols, and the work-life balance, while improving in recent years, still leaves much to be desired. Unfortunately, it appears that this progress may be regressing.
Secondly, someone mentioned that Korea can feel claustrophobic due to its limited landmass, and I agree to an extent. However, I have a different theory about why Korean society might feel somewhat suffocating. It's primarily because it's such a tightly-knit society, making it challenging to distance oneself from it. The population often moves as a collective mass, and there's a strong inclination for people to conform to prevailing opinions on various topics. Expressing dissenting views can be exceedingly difficult, particularly when dealing with individuals of higher seniority, as the Confucian belief system tends to label you as disrespectful even if you've been wronged. This can serve as a form of self-censorship. On the positive side, Koreans are very considerate of others, and this results in an orderly society.
I don't believe that Canada or the US necessarily have a superior economic freedom compared to Korea, as we all grapple with the challenges of capitalism. In fact, Korea hasn't reached the same level of capitalist issues as the US has faced in recent times, which has led some to view it as a dystopia."
However, I do have some reservations about making a permanent move to Korea. Firstly, the Korean economy can be a bit disheartening, which might deter potential settlers. It's heavily dominated by a few major conglomerates known as chaebols, and the work-life balance, while improving in recent years, still leaves much to be desired. Unfortunately, it appears that this progress may be regressing.
Secondly, someone mentioned that Korea can feel claustrophobic due to its limited landmass, and I agree to an extent. However, I have a different theory about why Korean society might feel somewhat suffocating. It's primarily because it's such a tightly-knit society, making it challenging to distance oneself from it. The population often moves as a collective mass, and there's a strong inclination for people to conform to prevailing opinions on various topics. Expressing dissenting views can be exceedingly difficult, particularly when dealing with individuals of higher seniority, as the Confucian belief system tends to label you as disrespectful even if you've been wronged. This can serve as a form of self-censorship. On the positive side, Koreans are very considerate of others, and this results in an orderly society.
I don't believe that Canada or the US necessarily have a superior economic freedom compared to Korea, as we all grapple with the challenges of capitalism. In fact, Korea hasn't reached the same level of capitalist issues as the US has faced in recent times, which has led some to view it as a dystopia."
