How to move to Korea

 

 

Step 1: Consider your reasons for wanting to move to Korea

If you're thinking about living in Korea, you've got some important decisions to make. Are you here for the culture, to study, or to work? Before you make the leap, it's crucial to think about your goals, how long you plan to stay, and how you'll manage your life there.

Living in Korea as a resident is quite different from being a tourist. I've experienced both sides – from enjoying my time as a language student to dealing with the complexities of working here. Moving here as a language student was fun (for the most part) and the biggest problems I had to face was passing the exams and dealing with visa extensions. Living here as an employee on the otherhand... it becomes more challenging as you have to deal with Korean office culture, taxes, admin work, visa problems, and so much more. 

Step 2: Getting a visa

Before you can actually even travel to Korea, you most likely need a visa. Check out the necessary requirements, steps and procedures on how to apply for the visa type you want. If it's possible, maybe look into future prospects as well (like how to be able to extend your visa or how to get a more stable visa).

Aside from Tourist visas, some of the most common visas to apply for are are Working visas (E-Type), Student visas (D-type), Spouse visas (F-6), and Working Holidays (H-1).

Working visas would depend on the field of work you want to join, for example E-2 visas are for Foreign language teachers where you may be able to teach english, E-7 visas  for those who want to work in a specialized field.

Students may be able to apply for D-2 visas if they want to study in University or do their associate's degree. If you wish to study Korean Language, you can apply for an D-4 for 6 months or longer.

 

Step 3: Prepping for the move

There's a lot to prepare before you take that final leap and move to korea

• Financial: It goes without saying that you need a certain money to live, and the cost of living in Korea is on the more expensive side. If you plan to live in Korea, especially in Seoul, be sure to prepare at least 1 million won per month to meet your needs.
• Accomodations: Living close to areas you frequent is a must to save time and money for transporation.
• Health: Before leaving your country, make sure that you don't have health issues that may cause problems when you are living alone in Korea. Korea may be very advanced in the medical field, but some services may be more expensive for foreigners, not to mention that it will in Korean.
• Flight Tickets
• Things to pack: Make sure to pack the right clothes, things that would help you when you get homesick, and documents that might be necessary later.
• Korean Language: A lot of Koreans know a certain level of english, but many are not comfortable using it. Most services also don't have english options, so it is best to learn a bit of Korean to help you get through.
• Exit plan if things don't work out: Sometimes, things just don't go according to plan even if we work hard for it. Sometimes it's the stress that comes with living abroad, the culture differences, or just unmet expectations. Make sure to know your limits and when you should decide to leave Korea, and make a plan on what to do next if you do decide to leave.

Step 4: Living in Korea

• Cultural Differences
• Homesickness