South Korea is a country full of appeal for foreigners. With its remarkable economic development, top-tier education system, and convenient public transportation, Korea is often seen as an ideal place to live.
Having lived in Japan for 18 years, I understand the struggles of adapting to a new culture. While Korea and Japan are geographically close, the differences in social norms and communication styles were bigger than I expected. I eventually decided to return to Korea—but not before learning a lot about what makes life abroad both rewarding and challenging.
In this article, I’ll share the real pros and cons of living in Korea as a foreigner in 2025, along with practical tips to help you prepare and thrive. Whether you're planning a short stay or settling long-term, this guide is here to support you every step of the way.
Table of Contents :
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Pros of Living in Korea
• Public Transportation Is Excellent
• Healthcare Is Affordable and High-Quality
• Korea Is Safe
• Digital Life Is Seamless
• Cultural Opportunities Abound -
Cons of Living in Korea
• The Language Barrier
• Social Hierarchies and Conformity
• Long Work Hours
• Housing Deposits Are Huge
• Air Pollution - Understanding Korean Culture as a Foreigner
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Everyday Life Tips
• Banking
• Mobile & Internet
• Food and Groceries
• Online Shopping - Recommended Resources
Pros of Living in Korea
🔳 Public Transportation Is Excellent
Korea’s subway and bus systems are clean, safe, and efficient. In cities like Seoul and Busan, you can get almost anywhere without a car. You can use a rechargeable T-money card for buses, trains, and even taxis. Apps like KakaoMap and Naver Map provide real-time route planning in English.
Even smaller cities and rural areas are generally well-connected. Intercity buses are affordable and punctual, and taxis are cheaper compared to many Western countries.
🔳 Healthcare Is Affordable and High-Quality
Foreign residents are eligible for Korea’s National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) after staying for more than six months. With NHIS, your medical expenses are greatly reduced, and you can access modern hospitals and clinics. Major hospitals often have international centers with English-speaking staff.
Pharmacies, called yak-guk (약국) in Korean, are found on nearly every street. Even over-the-counter medication is dispensed with a brief consultation, making minor health issues easy to manage.
🔳 Korea Is Safe
Crime rates are low, especially violent crime. You’ll often see laptops left unattended in cafes. Of course, always use common sense, but overall, Korea feels very safe—even at night.
Neighborhoods are usually quiet, and CCTV cameras are installed throughout public areas, adding to the sense of security. Children walk to school alone and late-night walks are common without worry.
🔳 Digital Life Is Seamless
Korea has some of the fastest internet speeds in the world. From cashless payments with KakaoPay and Naver Pay, to delivery apps like Coupang, everything can be done from your phone. Many apartment buildings even have smart door systems and parcel lockers.
Digital banking, ID verification, and government services are also increasingly integrated into apps like PASS and Government24 (정부24), helping you handle paperwork online.
🔳 Cultural Opportunities Abound
Whether you’re into K-pop, K-dramas, traditional tea ceremonies, or visiting Buddhist temples, Korea offers endless ways to enjoy and explore its culture. Museums, festivals, and live performances are available year-round.
Local governments also host free or low-cost cultural programs for foreigners, such as kimchi-making classes, hanbok (traditional clothing) experiences, and temple stays.
Cons of Living in Korea
🔳 The Language Barrier
Korean is not an easy language for English speakers. While signage in major cities is often bilingual, many everyday tasks—like banking, renting apartments, or visiting the hospital—still require Korean. Apps like Papago help, but learning at least basic Korean is highly recommended.
Language schools and government-run programs offer affordable classes. Still, daily life often involves unspoken cues, dialects, or fast speech, which can be intimidating.
🔳 Social Hierarchies and Conformity
Korean society values age and job status. This affects communication styles and social expectations. Foreigners might find it hard to navigate subtle rules like bowing, using honorifics, or knowing when to speak up in group settings.
It can also be hard to form close friendships with locals at first. Group belonging is strong in Korean culture, and it might take time to be included.
🔳 Long Work Hours
Korea has a strong work culture. In some industries, working overtime is still expected. Although laws have improved work-life balance in recent years, some foreigners may struggle to adapt to the hierarchical office environment and group-oriented decision-making.
Vacation days are relatively limited compared to Europe or North America, and there is often pressure not to take all of them. Work dinners (회식) can also be mandatory in some workplaces.
🔳 Housing Deposits Are Huge
Most apartments require a key money deposit called "jeonse," which can be 5–20 million KRW or more. Monthly rental options exist (called “wolse”), but they still often need several million KRW up front. Foreigners might face extra challenges if they don’t have a Korean co-signer or financial history.
Real estate agents usually don’t speak English, so it’s helpful to work with ones who specialize in assisting foreigners, especially in expat-heavy districts like Itaewon or Seomyeon.
🔳 Air Pollution
Fine dust (미세먼지, mise monji) is a seasonal issue, especially in spring. Apps like AirVisual help track air quality. Wearing masks and using air purifiers at home is common during dusty periods.
The government issues air quality alerts via text and online portals. Outdoor activities, especially for children, may be limited during high-dust days.
children, may be limited during high-dust days.
Understanding Korean Culture as a Foreigner
Cultural differences are inevitable when moving to a new country, and Korea is no exception. The cultural shock can be both exciting and overwhelming for foreigners. Some of the most common surprises include:
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Food Culture: In Korea, food is not just nourishment—it’s a major part of social life. Eating together (with banchan, or side dishes) is common, and spicy foods like kimchi and hot stews are often surprising to newcomers.
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Respect for Elders: Age hierarchy is significant in Korea. Addressing someone by title, offering items with both hands, and understanding formal speech are part of daily etiquette.
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Workplace Culture: Formality and respect for seniority define many work environments. Foreigners may find Korean communication styles more indirect and hierarchical than they’re used to.
These differences can be exciting to learn about, but it's important to stay open-minded and patient while adjusting.
Everyday Life Tips
☑️ Banking
To open a Korean bank account, you’ll need an Alien Registration Card (ARC). Some banks, like Kookmin Bank or Woori Bank, offer English services. Online banking apps are powerful, but usually require a Korean phone number and ID verification.
Transferring money internationally can be done via bank apps or services like Wise, which are now commonly used among expats.
☑️ Mobile & Internet
You can choose between eSIM or USIM plans. Major providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. Prepaid plans are easier for new arrivals, while postpaid plans require ARC. Compare plans on their official websites or through English-friendly vendors like Chingu Mobile.
If you need a Korean phone number quickly, some airport booths and online platforms offer foreigner-friendly activation with passport only.
☑️ Food and Groceries
Eating out is affordable and delicious—convenience stores even offer full meals. Supermarkets like E-Mart, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart carry a wide range of groceries. Foreign food items can be expensive, but online stores like iHerb and Coupang Global help fill the gap.
Traditional markets (시장) are great for fresh produce at low prices, and exploring them gives a deeper glimpse into local life.
☑️ Online Shopping
Sites like Coupang, Gmarket, and SSG deliver everything from electronics to groceries. Most require a Korean payment method, but some now accept foreign cards. Use Coupang Eats for fast food delivery.
Delivery is often same-day or next-day. Be sure to register your apartment’s correct building and unit numbers to avoid confusion.
Recommended Resources
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HiKorea: Visa and immigration information for foreigners
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Korea Tourism Organization: Travel and cultural tips
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NHIS: National Health Insurance info in English
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Seoul Global Center: Official support center for foreigners living in Seoul
Living in Korea certainly comes with its share of challenges—from language barriers to cultural differences. But with time, patience, and a willingness to learn, these hurdles can be overcome.
What truly made me feel at home again in Korea, after living in Japan for many years, was its unique sense of “정 (jeong)”—a deep emotional connection and warmth between people. It reminded me of what I had missed and reconnected me with something deeply familiar.
If you’re just beginning your journey in Korea, know that the process won’t always be easy. But the growth, friendships, and experiences you'll gain along the way are truly priceless.
I wish you the best as you begin this new chapter. Korea is a place where you can thrive—if you stay open, curious, and willing to embrace the unexpected.
