Retire in Korea

"Retirement in Korea can be an enjoyable experience for expats. There is an active expat community in Korea, with many retirees taking part in cultural activities such as visiting temples, palaces, and museums. There are also plenty of recreational activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and golfing. For those looking for a more active nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, there are many festivals and events throughout the year that retirees can take part in," said a person in Korea.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Korea is the language barrier. Many elderly people may not be able to communicate effectively in Korean, making it difficult to access services and resources. Additionally, the cost of living in Korea is relatively high, making it difficult for retirees to make ends meet on a fixed income. Furthermore, the cultural norms and expectations in Korea may be unfamiliar to retirees from other countries, making it difficult to adjust to the new environment. Finally, the healthcare system in Korea may be unfamiliar to retirees, making it difficult to access the care they need," commented one retiree living in Korea.

"One of the most rewarding aspects of retiring in Korea is the opportunity to experience the country's rich culture and history. From the vibrant cities to the stunning countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the cost of living in Korea is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees. Furthermore, the healthcare system in Korea is highly advanced and provides excellent care for seniors. Finally, the people of Korea are known for their hospitality and kindness, making it a great place to settle down and enjoy retirement," explained a retiree in Korea.

"Korea has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The government provides universal health insurance coverage for all citizens, which covers most medical expenses. In addition, there are a variety of private health insurance plans available for those who wish to supplement their coverage. Healthcare services in Korea are generally of a high quality, with modern facilities and well-trained medical staff. The country also has a strong emphasis on preventive care, with regular health screenings and vaccinations available for all citizens," said one retiree in Korea.

"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 retiree living in Daejeon.

"There are many clubs and activities. If you let me know your interests I can help you find what you need," said one retiree in living in Suwon, 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," explained a retiree in Korea.

"Living in Korea as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country, from visiting ancient temples to exploring the bustling cities. The cost of living in Korea is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's high-speed internet, making it easy to stay connected with friends and family back home," explained one retiree living in Korea.

"I am an expat wife and as such spend most evenings with our three children. It is rare for my husband to be home before 9pm so someone in a similar position to me has to be prepared to enjoy their own company and cope with all the homework too! By joining the above clubs and groups it's easy to develop a social network and be involved. We always have weekends together and try to visit somewhere different in Seoul. We enjoy our life here very much and even though I'm on my own a lot, I'm not lonely as such. By using prepaid calling cards, it's not expensive to ring Australia. We have cable TV and I enjoy reading so the nights are quickly occupied. For the men there is quite a lot more socialising after work than what we used to have at home, but that is part of the work ethic here. You set your own standards and guidelines," said one member in Seoul.

"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)," remarked one retiree in Daejeon.

"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," said one retiree in living in Seoul, Korea.

"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," explained a retiree 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," explained one member 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," wrote one person in Korea.