Your Practical Guide to Life in Korea
Korea is a dynamic country with a high quality of life, excellent public infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for international residents.
Seoul Neighborhoods for Foreign Residents
Itaewon / Hannam / Yongsan: The traditional expat hub with international restaurants, English-friendly services, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Gangnam / Seocho: Business and luxury district. High-end apartments, excellent schools, major hospitals.
Mapo / Hongdae / Yeonnam: Trendy and vibrant. More affordable than Gangnam, excellent food and cultural scenes.
Songpa / Jamsil: Family-friendly with Lotte World, Olympic Park, and top-rated schools.
Yeonhi / Seodaemun: Near universities, popular with academics and families.
Banking & Finance
Major banks with English services:
- KEB Hana Bank — Best English-language support
- Shinhan Bank — Extensive branch network, English mobile app
- Woori Bank — Strong international transfers
Most daily payments via cards or mobile (KakaoPay, Naver Pay). Cash rarely needed.
International Schools
- Seoul International School (SIS)
- Korea International School (KIS) — Pangyo & Seoul
- Dulwich College Seoul — British curriculum
- Seoul Foreign School (SFS)
- Chadwick International — Songdo, Incheon
Start the application 6–12 months in advance.
Healthcare
- National Health Insurance (NHI) mandatory for 6+ month stays
- Premiums based on income; employer/employee share costs
- Major hospitals have international clinics with English staff
- Prescription medications affordable compared to Western countries
Transportation
- T-Money Card — Rechargeable transit card for buses, subways, taxis
- KTX — Seoul to Busan in ~2.5 hours
- Driving — IDP valid 1 year, then Korean license required
- Taxis — Affordable; use Kakao T app
Cultural Tips
- Shoes off indoors — always remove shoes in Korean homes
- Respect for elders — two hands when giving/receiving items
- Dining — wait for the eldest to start eating
- Recycling is strict — detailed waste separation rules
- Safety — Korea is one of the safest countries in the world