Living in Korea

"Be prepared to be stared at. Bring lots of English books/magazines as there are only 2 English books stores in Seoul. Most foods can be bought but are significantly more expensive than Australia, especially champagne. The seasons are distinct and the whole expat lifestyle is very interesting and fun. Have a respectful attitude and always be polite. It is a very classist society but good manners always go the distance. In summer it's very hot and humid and winter is very cold and dry so plenty of moisturiser is needed. Have a happy attitude and be prepared for a lot of miscommunications, but also be prepared for the experience of a life time," remarked one expat living in Seoul, Korea.

"Overall, I would say Daejeon is a very liveable city. I think it is important to get involved with the expat community to maximize your quality of life, because Western-style amenities and activities are scant. Also, you have to have "thick skin" because you will be subject to unwanted attention, mostly in the form of stares. You might want to sample some Korean food (if you haven't before) prior to your arrival, since you will be eating it quite a bit here," wrote one member in Daejeon.

"Expats should research the cost of living in Korea before retiring there, as it may be higher than they are used to. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Korea and consider purchasing health insurance to cover any medical costs. Finally, expats should consider the visa requirements for retirement in Korea, as they may need to apply for a long-term visa," remarked one expat who made the move to Korea.

"There are many clubs and activities. If you let me know your interests I can help you find what you need," said one expat who made the move to Suwon.

"Daejeon offers a variety of activities for expats. There are book clubs, sports organizations, artist collectives, and volunteer opportunities. However, the frequency of participation tends to vary greatly, depending on the current expats living in Daejeon. Since the majority of the expats in Daejeon are EFL teachers serving one year contracts, there is quite a turnover and variance within the expat community. There is a monthly publication called the Daejeon Access that focuses on expat happenings. Also, other expat-oriented information can be found at hang-outs frequented by foreigners. Santa Claus (the best known bar in Daejeon) and Brickhouse (a very popular expat spot) are great places to plug into the Daejeon ex-pat "scene."," explained one expat living in Daejeon, Korea.

"Expats in Korea often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, hiking clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending events such as art exhibitions, music festivals, and food markets. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online communities and forums to connect with other expats living in Korea. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local churches, volunteering, or taking classes at a local university," mentioned one in Korea.

"Living in Taean for a few months. I have found that it is like living in the country. We do have our little city and it does have events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas concert which they held. The traffic is not like Seoul or the other major cities. I have seen other foreigners but have not met them. Looking to do that. The neighbors have been friendly and the town councilmen have been around and introduced themselves. The city is active in making sure the people are taken care of. So far so good," wrote a member in Korea.

"Daejeon is the fifth largest city in Korea with a population of nearly 1.5 million people. It is known as the "Silicon Valley" of Korea and is the technology center of the country. It also has several major universities, including Chungnam National University and KAIST (the Korean equivalent to M.I.T.). The expat community is by and large employed in the EFL industry. Those who work in the EFL industry typically work less than 30 hours a week, so socializing is a high priority within the community. Korea in general has quite the nightlife culture and all-night drinking affairs are not uncommon, especially with the EFL teachers, because many of them work at private academies (hagwons) and don't begin their work until mid-afternoon. However, drinking isn't the only form of socializing in which the expat community participates. Many participate in sports such as football(soccer), rugby, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. These activities range from being highly organized to "pick-up" style gatherings and usually occur on weekends. Other outdoor activities are also extremely popular, especially hiking and skiing (winter only). Other types of gatherings are popular too. Many expats socialize in the endless array of coffee shops that Daejeon has to offer. The Starbucks at the Timeworld Shopping Center in central Daejeon is heavily trafficked by foreigners. Idee Coffee, in the "old" downtown area, is an artsy place where many of the more independent-spirited expats commune. Idee is a popular place for expat art shows and a meeting place for the D.A.S. (Daejeon Art Solidarity)," commented one expat who made the move to Daejeon.

"Crime in Korea is relatively low compared to other countries. However, there have been reports of violent crimes such as robberies, assaults, and murders. In addition, there have been cases of cybercrime, fraud, and corruption. The government has taken steps to address these issues, such as increasing police presence and introducing tougher laws," remarked one expat living in Korea.

"Korea is a VERY homogenous society, so diversity is rare and uncommon, especially outside of Seoul. Those who are not Korean can expect the typical stares that are ubiquitous throughout Korea, and the uttering of "waegook saram" which means foreigner, is also quite common. That said, overt racism is almost non-existent in Daejeon and those of non-Korean descent typically enjoy a high quality of life. The expat community in Daejeon is relatively small and it is possible to go about your day without seeing another foreign face. However, within the expat community there is an array of cultural backgrounds present, mostly due to the large international student presence at Daejeon's universities, and the science and technology sector, which attracts people from around the world, particularly India. Diversity is most noticeable in the Oeun/Gung-dong neighborhoods on Daejeon's west side. These two neighborhoods are sandwiched between Chungnam University and KAIST, both of which have considerable international student bodies. These neighborhoods, especially Gung-dong, are also popular EFL teacher hang-outs. Here you can find a variety of foreign food, such as North African and Pakistani, plus a variety of businesses that have an expat friendly vibe. There is also a Muslim place of worship here (just a small room), the only one in the city," commented one expat who made the move to Daejeon.

"We've always felt very welcome here and the object of curiosity. We attract a lot of attention particularly with the children who are all blonde. The Korean culture is interesting and they appreciate any interest you show in trying to speak Korean or in their culture. The Christian religion is a small part but I haven't noticed any intolerance," remarked one expat living in Seoul, Korea.

"It is a Christian school, so Bible and chapel are required, but the faculty have a broad range of Christian beleifs, and many students are non-Christians, so there is openness to many faith stances. It also has very strong academics and is very demanding, especially in the upper grades," said one expat in Daejeon with children at Taejon Christian International School.

"Make sure that your company pays. It's expensive. Also allow plenty of time in advance of your move. Places are limited and there are few foreign or International school choices in Seoul," remarked one parent with kids at SFS British School in Seoul.

"The Seoul Foreign School (SFS) is one of the best international schools in Korea. Located in the heart of Seoul, SFS offers a comprehensive education program for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and provides a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and beyond. SFS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Seoul International School (SIS) is another top international school in Korea. Located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, SIS offers a comprehensive education program for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and provides a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and beyond. SIS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Korean International School (KIS) is a top bilingual school in Korea. Located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, KIS offers a comprehensive education program for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and provides a rigorous academic program that prepares students for college and beyond. KIS also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art, as well as a bilingual program that teaches students both Korean and English," explained one expat living in Korea.

"The cost of living in Korea varies depending on the city and lifestyle. Generally, the cost of living in Korea is considered to be relatively affordable compared to other developed countries. Basic necessities such as food, transportation, and housing are generally quite affordable, while luxury items such as designer clothing and electronics can be more expensive. Additionally, the cost of living in Korea is affected by the exchange rate of the Korean won to other currencies," explained one expat living in Korea.

"The cost of living in Korea is generally considered to be quite affordable. However, the cost of living in the larger cities such as Seoul and Busan is higher than in the rest of the country. The rental price for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Korea is typically around $1,000 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment is around $1,500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Korea will usually cost around $10 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Korea.

"In Korea, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as parks, beaches, and sports complexes. Parks are a popular destination for families, offering a variety of activities such as walking, jogging, and picnicking. Beaches are also popular, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and swimming. Other recreational facilities include amusement parks, ski resorts, and golf courses," said an expat in Korea.

"The weather in Korea is generally mild and humid, with four distinct seasons. In spring, temperatures range from cool to warm, with occasional rain showers. Summer is hot and humid, with occasional typhoons. Autumn is mild and dry, with clear skies and colorful foliage. Winter is cold and dry, with occasional snowfall," said an expat in Korea.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Korea is Gogung, a traditional Korean restaurant located in Jeonju. Gogung serves a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi. The restaurant is known for its high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Another popular restaurant is Myeongdong Kyoja, located in Seoul. This restaurant specializes in kalguksu, a type of handmade noodle soup. The restaurant is known for its delicious broth and generous portions, making it a favorite among locals and tourists. Finally, there is the popular Korean BBQ restaurant, Samgyeopsal. This restaurant is known for its delicious marinated pork and beef, as well as its variety of side dishes. Samgyeopsal is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, and is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal," commented one expat living in Korea.

"People living in Korea typically buy groceries from traditional markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, shopping malls, and online stores," remarked one expat living in Korea.

"In order to visit or stay in Korea, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy or consulate. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as a bank statement or proof of employment. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to apply for residency in Korea, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and other documents such as a bank statement or proof of employment. Depending on the purpose of the residency, additional documents may be required. In addition, applicants must provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or proof of employment. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residence permit, which must be renewed every year," said one expat living in Korea.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Korea can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Generally, the cost of healthcare in Korea is higher than in other countries, due to the high cost of medical services and the lack of public health insurance. However, the government does provide some subsidies for those who cannot afford health insurance, and there are also private health insurance plans available. In addition, the government has implemented a number of measures to make healthcare more affordable, such as capping the amount of out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments and providing subsidies for certain medical services," commented one expat living in Korea.