It's a megacity that never sleeps and one of the financial and cultural hubs of East Asia. However, despite all this movement, it's a safe place to call home with generally very low rates of crime and violent crime.
Seoul is the capital and the most foreigner-friendly place to live, hence it's a popular choice for those looking to make the move to Korea.
With its generous salaries and reasonable cost of living, a great benefit of expatriation in South Korea is the overall easy, comfortable way of life. Expats will find welcoming hosts among Korean nationals and fellow foreigners alike.
A recent survey by InterNations, the world's largest online expat community, claimed Korea is not a country where foreign residents can settle, feel at home and make friends easily. In an index based on a survey of the favorability of general living environment and conditions, Korea ranked 47th out of 59 countries.
Japan has a peaceful and calm ethnicity, healthy food, and subcultures! Korea has an expressive national character, a relatively high number of people who speak English fluently, sweet and spicy food, and relatively low prices. Rather than saying which is better or worse, try visiting and see if the atmosphere fits.
According to a survey conducted in South Korea in 2022, about 44.9 percent of the respondents answered that they felt stress in general life during the past two weeks.
Low crime rates, gun violence is almost non-existent, job opportunities are plentiful, and the quality of life is on a very high level. If you're an American moving to South Korea, prepare for some cultural shock and social gaps you'll have to bridge.
yes. Of course, there's a lot more to it than that. Living in Korea as an expat and not knowing the language is definitely possible, but there are times when you'll be left speechless and struggling.
"Public transportation, food, activities, and incredible public places are a few things that Seoul offers and does exceptionally well. I'm from a small town in South Africa, so Seoul offers a bit more to do and see than what I was used to." Read about Malcolm's experiences as an expat living in Seoul in his interview.
The number one reason why you should live in Seoul: the food. I moved away from South Korea years ago, and what I miss most of all is the delicious and diverse cuisine. Nowhere can you find tastes like these—spicy, hearty meals that are fun and flavorful to eat. What is this?
Thinking of relocating to South Korea? With an easy way of life, bustling city culture mixed with laidback countryside, and a reasonable cost of living, The Land of the Morning Calm is a popular destination for foreigners from across the globe. When moving to South Korea, there are many practicalities to consider.
While Seoul is the modern capital city of South Korea, many locals aren't fluent in English. It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.
Additionally, Seoul is a safe city with a low crime rate and a high quality of life. On the other hand, the cons of living in Seoul include its high cost of living, overcrowding, and air pollution. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Korean.
It's possible to get around the country without owning or driving a car due to the extensive public transport system. Still, foreigners can drive in South Korea on an International Driver's Permit and, as an additional benefit, major road signs are in both Korean and English.
You can move to South Korea for family reunification if you apply got a long-term family visit visa. You are eligible to apply if: You are the spouse of a South Korean citizen. You are the spouse or the child (under the age of 20) of a South Korean temporary or permanent resident.
Although getting a job in South Korea may not be as easy as it is for an English teacher, it is still possible. However, do bear in mind that there is no single way for you to land a job in this country. Also, note that not every method will work for everyone.
It is possible to find jobs in Korean that do not require a knowledge of Korean, but employers will be more favorable to applicants who know Korean (and/or are interested in learning) as it will help them integrate with their coworkers and work culture more fully.
Statistics Korea's report Quality of Life Indicators in 2022 showed that South Korea ranked 36th among 38 OECD countries in terms of life satisfaction, based on data collected from 2019 to 2021. The country had a score of 5.9 out of 10, substantially lower than the OECD average of 6.7.
According to the World Happiness Report, quoted in the recently released Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs' “Preliminary Study of the Social Trends Monitoring,” in 2021, South Koreans' happiness level was 6.11 out of 10, the seventh lowest among the 38 countries in the OECD.
The TZ Verdict on Seoul vs Tokyo
If you'd ask travellers who have been to both, some would say Seoul is better for first-time visitors. It's generally cheaper, after all, especially if you'll be travelling solo or with friends.
95 percent of South Koreans report being stressed, with staggering rates of depression among the elderly. The result is an alarming national epidemic that has only worsened annually for the past 20 years. Every day, nearly 40 South Koreans commit suicide.
In the 2021 mental health survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea, the lifetime prevalence of mental illness was 32.7% for males and 22.9% for females, indicating that more than a quarter of the adult population experience mental illness at least once in their lifetime.
Koreans work such long hours, among other reasons, because of the Korean industrial system and nighttime culture. South Korea's corporate culture resembles that of Japan–hierarchical and with significant subcontracting, both factors increasing working hours.