Cities & Hotspots

Seoul is fast, connected and career-heavy; Busan is a more relaxed coastal city; Jeju is lifestyle-led with a smaller professional network.

  • SeoulOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • BusanOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • JejuOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Fine dust can affect spring days, while summers are hot and humid. Check the local forecast rather than assuming the coast is always clear.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Severance, Asan and Samsung Medical Center are major Seoul options; Busan has strong university hospitals. Call 119 for medical emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

SK Telecom, KT and LG U+ offer eSIM and local plans. Kakao T is the essential taxi app, KakaoMap helps with navigation, and Baemin/Coupang Eats cover delivery.

  • Mobile networksSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ are the main networks. Tourist eSIMs are easy; resident plans usually need ARC details.
  • Ride appsKakao T is the essential taxi app. Uber exists, but Kakao is the daily default for most residents.
  • Food deliveryBaemin, Coupang Eats and Yogiyo are the major delivery apps. Some features need a Korean number and local payment method.
  • Maps and messagingKakaoMap and Naver Map are more reliable than Google Maps for local navigation. KakaoTalk is essential.
  • Home internetKT, SK Broadband and LG U+ are common fixed-line providers; officetels and apartments often have building-specific deals.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • ImmigrationHi Korea and local immigration offices handle visa, ARC and extension administration.
  • ARCThe Alien Registration Card unlocks banking, resident mobile plans and many app functions. Book appointments early.
  • TaxNational Tax Service rules depend on residence, income source and treaty position. Check before assuming foreign income is irrelevant.
  • Health insuranceLonger-term residents may fall into National Health Insurance rules. Understand timing and premiums.
  • Admin habitUse Korean names/romanisation consistently across bank, phone, ARC and delivery apps.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Tech workers, culture-led movers and families who value speed, transit and safety.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.