Korea
What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Korea, they said...
"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 another expat who made the move to 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," explained one expat living in Daejeon, Korea.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
- How do I meet people in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- Is there a lot of crime in Korea?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Korea accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Korea like?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Korea?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- Is the cost of living in Korea high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Korea?
- What is the weather like in Korea?
- Are there good restaurants in Korea?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Korea?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Korea?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Korea?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Korea?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
If you live in Korea, newcomers to Korea would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
