People picnicking and cycling under cherry blossoms in a Han River park in Seoul

Living in Korea Guide

Your comprehensive resource for everything you need to know about living in South Korea as a foreigner. From visas and housing to healthcare and daily life.

Guide Topics

Select a topic to explore detailed information and resources

Traveller with a suitcase walking through a bright airport arrivals hall in South Korea
PART 01

Visa & Immigration

Visa types, application processes, extensions, alien registration cards, and immigration procedures for foreigners in Korea.

Paying by smartphone at a café card terminal in Seoul
PART 02

Banking & Finance

Opening bank accounts, transferring money internationally, credit cards, mobile payments, and managing finances in Korea.

Red-brick villa buildings with rooftop water tanks and high-rise apartments on a Seoul hillside
PART 03

Housing

Finding apartments, understanding jeonse and wolse, signing contracts, utilities, and neighborhood guides across Korea.

Bright reception and waiting area in a modern Korean hospital lobby
PART 04

Healthcare

National health insurance, finding doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, emergency services, and medical terminology.

Professionals working in a modern Seoul office overlooking the Gangnam skyline
PART 05

Employment

Job searching, work permits, teaching English, Korean workplace culture, labor laws, and career opportunities.

Autumn ginkgo trees lining a walkway on a Seoul university campus
PART 06

Education

International schools, Korean public schools, universities, language programs, and educational resources for families.

Seoul neighbourhood street at dusk with a convenience store and a green city bus
PART 07

Daily Living

Transportation, shopping, food delivery apps, mobile phones, internet, postal services, and everyday essentials.

Tiled hanok rooftops in Bukchon Hanok Village with the Seoul skyline behind
PART 08

Culture & Language

Learning Korean, cultural etiquette, social customs, holidays, traditions, and understanding Korean society.

Hikers on a wooden trail in Seoraksan National Park during the autumn foliage season
PART 09

Travel & Leisure

Domestic travel, tourist attractions, outdoor activities, nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Friends from different countries chatting over coffee in a Seoul café
PART 10

Community & Expat Life

Expat communities, social groups, networking, religious organizations, and building connections in Korea.