🇰🇷 Ready to start a new adventure in the Land of the Morning Calm? If you’re planning a move to South Korea, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in South Korea at a glance?
- Flag: 🇰🇷
- Population: 51.7 million
- Currency: South Korean Won (KRW)
- Average salary: Around 3,923,000 KRW/month
- Live KRW ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by the worldpopulationreview, last updated in July 2025; Bank of Korea, last updated in July 2025; Yonhap News Agency, last updated in April 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to South Korea?
The cost of relocating to South Korea depends on shipment size, transportation method, origin, and any additional fees such as customs clearance. Below are typical market rates as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (USD) |
| 20-ft container | ~4–8 weeks | $3,500–$7,500 |
| 40-ft container | ~4–8 weeks | $6,500–$12,000 |
| Air freight (per kg) | Few days | $5–$10+ |
| Customs / VAT fees | — | ~$450–$1,500+ (if applicable) |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated to South Korea in May 2025 with about 20 cubic meters of belongings using a 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery to Seoul, was around $6,200. The shipment arrived in just over six weeks, and everything went smoothly from port to door.” — Anna K., moved in May 2025
Many people relocating to South Korea choose to settle in one of the five most popular cities for newcomers, including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, and Daejeon. These cities offer diverse career opportunities, rich cultural experiences, excellent public transportation, and vibrant international communities.
How to understand the cost of living in South Korea?
As of mid-2025, South Korea offers a blend of modern convenience and traditional culture, with costs varying significantly between urban and rural areas. According to Numbeo, a single person’s monthly expenses, excluding rent, average about ₩1,100,000. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs around ₩750,000 in the city center and about ₩550,000 outside the center, while utilities for an 85 m² apartment are roughly ₩200,000 per month. Public transport is efficient and affordable, with single-trip subway fares at ₩1,250 and monthly passes near ₩60,000. Although prices in tourist hubs like Seoul are higher, South Korea overall provides a strong balance of affordability, culture, and quality of life.
| Expense Category | Approximate Monthly Cost (KRW) |
| Monthly expenses (single person, excl. rent) | ~₩1,100,000 |
| Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | ~₩750,000 |
| Utilities (85 m² apartment) | ~₩200,000 |
| Public transport – monthly pass | ~₩60,000 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for South Korea?
A visa is required for most foreign nationals who wish to live, work, or study in South Korea. The most common long-term visas are the D-series visas, which allow stays for purposes such as employment (E-series), study (D-2), research (D-4), or family reunification (F-3). For those planning to remain beyond 90 days, a residence permit (Alien Registration Card) is required. Eligibility typically includes an employment contract, proof of admission to a university, sufficient financial means, and a clean criminal background.
- Visa types and eligibility check: Hi Korea Visa Guide
- Online application & consular booking: Korea Visa Portal
Reviewed by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, last updated in July 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in South Korea?
South Korea provides high-quality healthcare through its public system, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), covering doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. Legal residents contribute via mandatory health insurance, typically deducted from payroll or paid directly by self-employed individuals.
New residents must register with the NHIS to obtain a health insurance number. Registration requires proof of residence, a valid ID, and, if applicable, employment documentation. Many newcomers also choose private health insurance for faster access to specialists, private clinics, or additional coverage beyond the public system.
Reviewed by the National Health Insurance Service and Statistics Korea, last updated in July 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to South Korea?
Renting in South Korea typically requires a security deposit of several months’ rent (called jeonse or wolse), a valid visa, and proof of income. Rental contracts, often called “계약서,” are usually signed for two years with renewal options, though shorter terms are possible. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are generally billed separately.
For those looking to buy property, additional costs such as property transfer tax, notary and registration fees, and real estate agency commissions can add approximately 2%–4% of the purchase price.
Popular residential neighborhoods for newcomers in major South Korean cities include:
- Gangnam, Seoul – Modern, upscale district with excellent services and transport
- Haeundae, Busan – Scenic, family-friendly area close to the coast
- Songdo, Incheon – Modern, green international business district
- Jung-gu, Daegu – Central historic area with parks and schools
- Yuseong-gu, Daejeon – Science hub with modern apartments and amenities
Reviewed by the Korean Real Estate Market Insights and Numbeo Housing Data, last updated in July 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in South Korea?
If you are a tax resident in South Korea (generally if you spend more than 183 days per year in the country or maintain your primary residence there), you are subject to taxation on your worldwide income. Employees and self-employed individuals must also contribute to South Korea’s social security system, which funds pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. South Korea has signed multiple double taxation treaties to prevent residents from being taxed twice on the same income earned abroad.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax (소득세) | Tax on global income | Progressive rates from 6% up to 45%, depending on income |
| Social Security (사회보장) | Mandatory contributions for pensions, healthcare, and welfare | Paid by both employer & employee; includes national pension, health insurance, employment insurance, and industrial accident compensation insurance |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Agreements with over 90 countries |
Reviewed by the National Tax Service of Korea and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, last updated in April 2025
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to South Korea?
When relocating to South Korea, you may import your used personal belongings duty-free if they have been owned and used for at least one year and are intended solely for personal use. To qualify for the exemption, you will need to provide a detailed inventory, proof of residence transfer to South Korea, a bill of lading or airway bill, and valid identification such as a passport or residence permit.
New items or commercial goods are generally subject to import duties and South Korean VAT (10%). Certain restricted items—such as firearms, certain medications, or high-value electronics—may require special permits or additional documentation. Making an accurate and transparent customs declaration is essential to avoid inspection delays, fines, or unexpected charges. Major customs offices in South Korea, including Incheon and Busan, handle most relocation-related clearances.
Reviewed by the Korea Customs Service, last updated in February 2025
Real-life case:
“When I moved from Tokyo to Seoul, I prepared a detailed inventory of my used household belongings and submitted it to the Korea Customs Service. Under South Korea’s transfer of residence rules, my shipment was approved smoothly and exempt from import duties, arriving in less than three weeks.” — Luka P., moved in May 2025
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to South Korea?
Pets entering South Korea must comply with health and identification regulations. Dogs and cats are required to have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. For pets arriving from non-rabies-free countries, additional certified documents may be necessary, and some animals could be subject to extra checks or short-term quarantine at South Korean entry points.
To ensure smooth entry, it is strongly recommended to notify South Korean customs and veterinary authorities in advance. Many pet owners also choose to work with professional pet relocation services that can manage the paperwork, transport, and compliance process, helping to reduce stress and prevent delays upon arrival.
Reviewed by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (QIA), last updated in March 2025
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s Licence in South Korea?
Imported vehicles must be declared to the Korea Customs Service. Cars from outside the EU and the US may be subject to import duties, VAT, and must meet Korean safety and environmental standards. Permanent imports require a technical inspection and registration with the local vehicle registration office. Key documents include the original title, proof of ownership, and a Certificate of Conformity.
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for temporary stays, but permanent residents must exchange them within one year. Licenses from countries with a reciprocity agreement with Korea can be exchanged without tests, while others may require passing theory and practical driving exams.
Reviewed by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Customs Service, last updated in July 2025
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in South Korea?
To open a bank account in South Korea, you generally need a valid passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC), proof of a local address, and in many cases your Alien Registration Number (ARN). The ARC is essential for a wide range of financial and legal activities, including employment, healthcare registration, and rental agreements.
Major South Korean banks—such as Kookmin Bank (KB), Shinhan Bank, and Woori Bank—offer accounts for foreigners. Many provide English-language services, online banking, and tailored products for expatriates.
The ARN, which is essentially your tax ID, is provided with your Alien Registration Card (ARC) upon successful residency registration.
Reviewed by the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) and Korea Immigration Service, last updated in July 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Japan and Ireland with ReloAdvisor.
