Walking down the streets of an old village while wearing traditional clothes, and grabbing the most delicious street foods you can think of, is all a part of living in the Land of the Morning Calm. But moving to South Korea from America may come as a culture shock if you are not sure what to expect.
The number of foreigners living in this Asian country is around two million, out of 50 million residents, so moving overseas with an overseas shipping company to live there is not that uncommon. SK offers employment opportunities to foreigners, especially to those teaching the English language. Some consider it one of the friendliest countries in the world, but it’s a nation that mixes history and the present day while being the 11th largest economy in the world. If you plan on relocating with dogs and your whole family, you are probably wondering – Is it safe to move to South Korea? The crime rates are low throughout SK, and the only thing you should pay attention to is to stick to the Corona pandemic safety measures.
There Are Different Visa Types
When it comes to documents needed to travel abroad to SK, this nation has many types of visas which will allow you a temporary stay. Which one you will be applying for is up to you, your skills, and your future employment needs. While the visas are processed, you can’t enter the nation because your application will be withdrawn.
Work Permits and Employment-Based Visa
Keep in mind that all individuals that enter SK and intend to stay for more than 90 days will have to register with immigration authorities. Depending on your line of work, these are the options you should have on your relocating abroad checklist:
- E-1 Professor Visa is granted to researchers planning on working in their field and lecturers and is renewed annually. There are some exceptions in which you may be allowed to stay for any time required, and the permit renews every five years.
- E-2 Foreign Language Instructor is issued for any expat that wishes to teach a foreign language at educational institutions and is renewed every two years.
- E-3 Research Permit is granted to researchers that will be working in advanced technology or natural science. As with E-1 Visas, it’s renewed annually or once in five years.
- E-4 Technological Guidance is for expats who offer expertise in high technology and natural sciences and skills unavailable in SK.
- E-5 Special Profession is for physicians, accountants, architects, lawyers, and other professionals. These visas may be multiple-entry (one year) and a single entry (valid for three months.)
- E-6 Culture and Art – if you participate in literary, artistic, or musical activities, you’ll be granted this type of permit.
- E-7 Specially Designed Activities is for those who participate in work created by the Korean Ministry of Justice.
- D-5 Long-Term News Coverage permits are for news reporters working for the foreign media, like newspapers, broadcasts, or magazines.
If you are an expat that plans on staying for more than six months, you’ll need to get your Alien Registration Card (ARC.) With it, you will get a Resident Registration Number, which will be necessary for the bank account if you are to open a bank account or register at a doctor’s office.
Thinking About Living Long-Term Here? What Are the Permanent Residency and Citizenship Requirements?
Can foreigners live in South Korea? If you hold any of the visas mentioned above and you have lived in Korea after you’ve relocated overseas for more than five years, you qualify for the F-5 visa. This means that you can begin with the application process for your permanent residence. The documents you will be required to present will depend on the type of visa you’ve held until then. It will also affect which type of F-5 visa you are getting.
If you want to become a citizen and make this nation your home, there are certain requirements. You must have lived in the nation for five consecutive years while spending at least 183 days a year within its borders. The other conditions include passing the test on the Korean language and their history and culture.
Moving to South Korea Includes Picking the Right City for an Expat
The capital of the country, Seoul, is a city that incorporates traditional and modern sites, and each part is worth seeing on foot. You can enjoy visiting traditional Hanok villages (Bukchon Hanok Village is quite charming.) At the same time, Joseon Dynasty Palaces are a must for those who are only visiting and those relocating to Seoul to live there. But not everything is about tradition there, as the whole country is known for its influence on pop culture by bringing K-pop to music and K-drama to television. In Seoul, you will brush both of these worlds – the historical and the contemporary.
If you take a 2.5-hour bullet train ride from Seoul, you’ll get to enjoy fresh sea air that can take away some of the relocating stress you’ve gone through. The city of Busan will offer you a completely different vibe. Busan has got you covered if you want to enjoy beach resorts while visiting 14th-century temples. Foodies relocating to another country for a love of cuisines are also at the right place here. It offers many dining options and street food places, but it’s most famous for its seafood dishes. This city is the largest port in the south and the second-largest city of the country that’s brimming with nightlife, surrounded by contemporary architecture, pristine beaches, and breathtaking mountain views.
People Who Need Advice on How to Move to South Korea Should Know About the Costs
Joining expat communities when you move abroad will help you get settled faster. But no matter where you relocate, it’s best to arm yourself with enough information, especially about vital things like rent prices and housing. It may come as a surprise that rental fees are not extremely high, although expats who want to make Seoul their home should be prepared to pay the most. The only thing that people who are relocating there from the US should keep in mind is that apartments are much smaller than they are used to.
This may be the country you consider one of the best places to live abroad with family, but before you relocate and make your home there, you should know a thing or two about the expenses. So, the question is raised – how much money do you need to live comfortably in South Korea? If you look at the national average, a family of four should spend around 2,300,000 Korean won per month (or $2,000) for the monthly expenses, without the rent. If you are relocating across the world on your own, you should expect to pay around 652,000 KRW (or $560) each month, rental payments excluded.
Can I Move to South Korea Without a Job?
The employment market in SK hasn’t been ideal for native citizens in recent years. On the other hand, foreigners can find a job somewhat easier. The factor that affected such a trend the most is that this nation has a growing international reputation and many global companies and relationships with other countries. Expats are welcomed into the job market to improve these relations and fill the need for employees who speak other languages than Korean (English, for example.)
SK Has An Extremely High Quality of Healthcare
The public healthcare system in SK is referred to as National Health Insurance (NHI), and if you’re looking for the best places to live abroad when it comes to healthcare, this is the right place. Their services are of exceptionally high quality. People who have relocated to live abroad in this country and are here for longer than six months must be registered. You should look for English-speaking doctors and staff members if you’re still finding tips for learning a new language while in an urban area. When it comes to the costs, the monthly expenses for health insurance depend on your monthly income, but you can expect to pay somewhere around 30%.
The School System Is Highly Competitive, but With Great Results
SK has perhaps drawn you to move because of its education system, among other things. It is of good quality and has many high achieving students. Schools there are pretty demanding and test-oriented and have a great impact on a student’s life, and you should keep that in mind if you’re relocating to study and learn a language abroad. Students spend up to 16 hours in school or in an after-school program called hagwon. This pressure is somewhat lower on international students, but they will also be firmly focused on academics and social and moral development. And also, you should note that SK schools are among the top-rated in the world when it comes to reading, literacy, sciences, and mathematics. Primary and middle schools are almost free, while high school expenses vary based on the type of school.
Arm Yourself With Knowledge About the Korean Culture
Did you know that SK leads with internet connectivity? This will allow you to keep in touch with friends regularly through social media and different apps more efficiently while working online will be a smooth experience. And the high number of residents who are internet users (up to 92%) are prohibited by law to use anything other than Internet Explorer for online banking and shopping.
A bit of local superstition is that the number four and red ink are considered bad luck in Korean culture. You’ll be surprised that, unlike the Americans who will greet you with a question, “How are you,” Koreans will ask, “Have you eaten well?”
English Is Like a Second Language
The primary language of SK is Korean, but their second language is English. Of course, breaking the language barrier by learning to speak the native language at least at the primary level will make it easier to find a job and generally fit in. The best advice is to learn a few words and compile relocation questions to ask the employer and coworkers in Korean. They will probably be impressed.
You’ll Enjoy the Temperate Weather Throughout the Year
Wondering what to put on your moving to South Korea checklist and what to pack when relocating abroad in terms of clothes? While it’s a fact that there’s a lot of options for shopping in SK, you’ll probably have some trouble finding the proper sizes of clothes and shoes. It means that you should get that packing service from an overseas shipping company, so your things can arrive safely. So, while you’re packing, keep in mind that you should bring both summer and winter clothes, and something to guard you against the rain. SK has a temperate climate, but the summers get hot and humid, with a fair amount of rain. Even when the degrees aren’t necessarily that low, the wind will make you feel cold in the winter. While both spring and fall here are lovely, they pass in the blink of an eye.
The Public Transport Is Convenient
Investing in an overseas vehicle shipping service is a logical step for anyone that loves to drive their car. But the good news is that you won’t have to lean on it while in SK because public transportation is affordable and fast, and above all, it makes life more convenient. You can use one transportation card (T-Money) for a train, subway, bus, and even a taxi. They are all linked throughout the nation and are the popular choice of most residents.
There’s a Lot to See and Enjoy, but Let’s Start With Food
While experiencing this Asian gem, you’ll soon find out that it’s one of the best countries to live in for foodies. Koreans love their traditional cuisine, and if you move to live in a country like SK, enjoying local dishes is the best way to blend in. Have you ever heard of an Asian street food delicacy called Dragon’s Beard Candy? Its origin is from China, but it became widely popular throughout Asia and recently in some Western countries.
An American Moving to South Korea Should Get to Know the Culture They Will Live In
Everywhere you look, there are incredible attractions that this nation offers, and that’s why living overseas will be an astonishing experience. From the beaches of the port city of Busan to the shopping centers in Seoul and streets illuminated by neon lights – there’s something for everyone. But there are also gardens full of ancient trees and Buddhist temples dating back to the 14th century. SK is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity that is visible all the time. The following video shows a glimpse of life in Seoul and the clash of the old and new.
Start Packing and Experience This Nation First Hand
If you find that the Land of the Morning Calm is the right life choice for you, contact an international moving company, invest in a storage service, and be on your way to Asia right now. You’ll find that the country’s exciting and dynamic in new ways, just like its residents. At the end of the guide, there’s one more piece of advice to give – going around on a bicycle is probably the best way to experience SK.
