Seoul at dusk with the Han River, city lights and N Seoul Tower on Namsan
Expat Guide 2026 Edition

Your Complete Guide to
Living in Korea

Everything you need to know about moving to and thriving in South Korea.
From visas to housing, healthcare to culture - we've got you covered.

Explore Guides Start here: first steps

Help & emergency numbers

Save these numbers. Most lines offer interpretation for foreign callers.

2.87M
Foreign nationals living in Korea
190+
Countries and regions represented
11
Languages on this site
10
In-depth guides, reviewed October 2026

Foreign nationals: Korea Immigration Service monthly statistics, 31 August 2026.

Start here

Your first steps in Korea

The six things every new long-term resident needs to sort out, roughly in this order.

  1. Before you fly

    Check your visa or K-ETA

    Visa-free visitors need a K-ETA (₩10,000) unless their country is on the exemption list, which runs until 31 December 2026. Visa holders do not need one.

    Visa guide →
  2. First week

    Get a Korean phone number

    With only a passport, start with a prepaid SIM or eSIM. A number in your own name is needed for banking, delivery apps and identity checks.

    Phone & SIM guide →
  3. Within 90 days

    Register for your residence card

    Staying longer than 90 days? Apply for alien registration (ARC) at your immigration office within 90 days of entry. Book a slot on HiKorea; the fee is ₩35,000.

    ARC guide →
  4. Within 15 days of moving

    Report your address

    Report every new address within 15 days on HiKorea or at the community service centre (주민센터). Tenants should also get a fixed-date stamp (확정일자) on the lease.

    Housing guide →
  5. After your ARC

    Open a bank account

    Bring your residence card, passport, a Korean phone number in your name and proof of work or study. New accounts often start with low transfer limits.

    Banking guide →
  6. Day one or month six

    Join National Health Insurance

    Employees are covered through work. Most other residents are enrolled automatically after 6 months (students and E-9 workers from arrival). The 2026 minimum premium is ₩158,630 a month.

    Healthcare guide →
Comprehensive Guides

Everything You Need to Know

Detailed guides covering every aspect of expat life in Korea

Traveller with a suitcase walking through a bright airport arrivals hall in South Korea
Guide 1

Visa & Immigration

Work visas, student visas, D-10, F-series visas, ARC, visa extensions, and immigration procedures

 Paying by smartphone at a café card terminal in Seoul
Guide 2

Banking & Finance

Opening bank accounts, credit cards, money transfers, taxes, and financial services for foreigners

 Red-brick villa buildings with rooftop water tanks and high-rise apartments on a Seoul hillside
Guide 3

Housing

Jeonse, wolse, officetel, finding apartments, real estate agents, contracts, and neighborhoods

 Bright reception and waiting area in a modern Korean hospital lobby
Guide 4

Healthcare

National health insurance, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, mental health, and emergency services

 Professionals working in a modern Seoul office overlooking the Gangnam skyline
Guide 5

Employment

Finding jobs, teaching English, IT careers, startups, work culture, and employee rights

 Autumn ginkgo trees lining a walkway on a Seoul university campus
Guide 6

Education

International schools, universities, Korean language programs, and education for expat children

 Seoul neighbourhood street at dusk with a convenience store and a green city bus
Guide 7

Daily Living

Phone plans, internet, utilities, shopping, delivery services, and everyday essentials

 Tiled hanok rooftops in Bukchon Hanok Village with the Seoul skyline behind
Guide 8

Culture & Language

Korean etiquette, customs, holidays, learning Korean, and cultural integration tips

 Hikers on a wooden trail in Seoraksan National Park during the autumn foliage season
Guide 9

Travel & Leisure

Domestic travel, hiking, beaches, entertainment, restaurants, and weekend activities

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

Community & Expat Life

Expat groups, social events, networking, international communities, and making friends

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

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Welcome

Why Choose Korea?

Discover what makes South Korea one of the best destinations for expats

A Land of Opportunity

South Korea offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. With world-class infrastructure, excellent healthcare, a thriving job market, and a rich cultural heritage, Korea has become a top destination for expats from around the globe.

Why Expats Love Korea

World-Class Healthcare

Korea's healthcare system is ranked among the best globally, offering affordable, high-quality medical care with minimal wait times.

Excellent Public Transit

From high-speed KTX trains to efficient subway systems, getting around Korea is convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly.

Safe Environment

Korea consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community.

Rich Culture

Experience K-pop, K-drama, traditional temples, delicious cuisine, and thousands of years of fascinating history.

Quick Facts South Korea

Know Before You Go

Essential facts about South Korea for newcomers

Category Information
Capital Seoul (population about 9.3 million)
Currency Korean Won (KRW)
Language Korean (English is understood in many places in Seoul, less so elsewhere)
Time Zone KST (UTC+9) - No daylight saving time
Electricity 220V, 60Hz (Type C & F plugs)
Emergency Police: 112 | Fire/Ambulance: 119 | Immigration help (weekdays): 1345
Pro Tip

Download essential apps before arriving: Kakao Map for navigation, Papago for translation, and Coupang for delivery services. These will make your transition much smoother!

Essential apps for life in Korea

Install these early. Most need a Korean phone number for full features.

  • Naver Map

    Door-to-door directions with live bus and subway arrival times.

    English

  • KakaoTalk

    Korea’s default messenger, used by employers, landlords and schools.

    English

  • Papago

    Camera, voice and text translation that handles Korean well.

    13 languages

  • Kakao T

    Call and pay for taxis; needs a Korean phone number.

    English

  • Coupang

    Next-day “Rocket” delivery for almost anything.

    Partly in English

  • Baemin

    Korea’s biggest food delivery app; Coupang Eats is an alternative.

    English

  • Toss

    Instant bank transfers, bill payments and a credit score in one app.

    17 languages

  • KORAIL+

    Book KTX and other train tickets (formerly Korail Talk).

    English

Community Forum

Ask questions and swap tips with other foreigners living in Korea

Visit the forum →

Ready to Start Your Korean Adventure?

Our comprehensive guides will help you navigate every aspect of life in Korea.
From visa applications to finding your perfect home - we're here to help.

Explore All Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from foreigners moving to Korea

Not absolutely, especially in Seoul and other big cities, but learning basic Korean will make your life much easier. Many expats live comfortably with minimal Korean, yet even simple phrases help with daily tasks, appointments and paperwork, and they show respect for local culture.

It depends heavily on the city. Seoul is the most expensive; smaller cities are noticeably cheaper. A single person can live comfortably in Seoul on about ₩2–3 million (roughly US$1,500–2,200) a month including rent. Housing is usually the biggest expense, and most rentals also require a deposit.

The visa depends on why you are coming. Common long-stay visas include E-2 (English teaching), E-7 (professional work), E-9 (non-professional employment), D-2 (degree study) and the F-series (family and residency). Most require sponsorship from an employer, school or family member. Our visa guide explains each type and the application steps.

Yes. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world: violent crime is rare and petty crime is low compared with many Western countries. The most common risks are road traffic, scams that target newcomers (especially rental deposit scams) and seasonal weather such as typhoons and heat waves.

If you will stay longer than 90 days, apply for your residence card (ARC) at the immigration office within 90 days of entry (book on HiKorea; ₩35,000). Then get a phone number in your name, open a bank account and report any new address within 15 days. Employees join National Health Insurance through work; most other residents are enrolled after six months.

Call 1345 (Immigration Contact Center, 20 languages, weekdays 9:00–22:00) for visa and residence questions, 1330 for phone interpretation, and 1577-1366 (Danuri, 24/7, 13 languages) for family and crisis support. In an emergency call 112 (police) or 119 (fire and ambulance); interpreters can join the call.