Our guide was written by Janine MacLean and Christie Vanorsdale and last published on Tuesday 2nd August 2011.
Living in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, you will find yourself living in one of the global top 10 financial and commercial cities in the world. It is a city of contrasts, which offers expatriates an opportunity to live in a modern but culturally and historically rich city. There is never a dull moment in Seoul and it is full of surprises. Look beyond the towering skyscrapers and you will find a hidden world of palaces, temples and secret gardens.
Seoul's rapidly growing number of foreigners comprise 2.2% of the country's population but this number is steadily increasing on an annual basis and it is tipped to become an extremely popular expat destination.
The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Seoul contains everything you need to know when moving overseas and covers the following information:
The Expat Info Desk guide to Seoul is packed with essential information and compulsory details on the visa requirements for living in Seoul. It contains practical information on the application process as well as hints and tips about how you can ensure that you meet all requirements. The guide also contains information that every expat should know about tax levels and processes, work rights and legal requirements.
Wondering which area of Seoul you should call home? Maybe you would like the affluent Gangnam district, the predominantly Japanese Ichon-Dong district or the thriving Itaewon-Dong area. The Expat Info Desk relocation guide for Korea will help you to identify the area that is right for you.
The Expat Info desk guide to living in Seoul contains a comprehensive shopping and services directory that contains contacts and addresses that you will find invaluable when navigating the city and setting up home here. From arranging utilities through to buying clothes and furniture you can be assured that everything you need is available in this single guide.
Seoul is a city that is steeped in culture and history. It has a vibrant and varied nightlife and offers expatriates an opportunity to enjoy endless entertainment and leisure activities. Our relocation guide for living in Seoul provides a thorough lowdown on the best places to go and well as a few tips on those to steer clear of.
Staying safe and well is a top priority for any expatriate. Make sure you arm yourself with the best information possible so that you are aware of where to head in an emergency and how best to stay out of trouble in Seoul. The Expat Info Desk contains valuable information about healthcare, medical treatment and other clinical services.
One of the biggest barriers facing expatriates when they relocate to Seoul is language. The Expat Info Desk guide to living in Seoul will prepare you for what is expected foreigners and how to navigate the city with limited language skills. Living in Seoul will bring challenges beyond just language—there are cultural aspects and local customs that the city guide will address for those brand new to Korea.
This guide is the Seoul Expat's bread and butter. Travel books are useful if you're backpacking, but moving to a new area is a completely different experience requiring more detailed information. Use it to plan your move, but continue to utilize it once you start to settle into this exotic and, sometimes, complicated foreign city. This guide will also help you unlock much of the mystery behind the Korean system and will help you make the most of your time in Seoul. Take the plunge and prepare yourself for all Seoul has to offer!
Our guide was written by Janine MacLean and Christie Vanorsdale and last published on Tuesday 2nd August 2011.
| 01 | Learn Hangul. You don’t have to become fluent in Korean, but learning the Korean alphabet will make your life much easier. |
| 02 | Keep in mind that most Koreans have never traveled outside their own country, which will account for a lot of the misunderstandings expats encounter. |
| 03 | As an expat, Itaewon will offer foods you wouldn't otherwise find in Seoul, and it truly is the central hub for expats living in Seoul. |
| 04 | Travel around Korea. It still has plenty to offer - stunning ocean views, excellent hiking, crazy food and fabulous cities. |
| 05 | Meet lots of expats, but be sure to make Korean friends as well; these are the people who will bring you closer to secrets Seoul has to offer. |
With approximately 17,200 persons/km2, Seoul currently is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
