Living in Korea — Expat Guide
Essential, practical guides for foreigners building a life in Korea. Written in plain English, sourced from Korean government data, and updated as regulations change.
Topics We're Covering
These guides are in active development. Full articles launching over the next several weeks.
Apartment & Jeonse
SoonJeonse (lump-sum deposit) vs wolse (monthly rent), what foreigners can actually sign, deposit protection, and realistic Seoul/Busan monthly costs.
Korean Health Insurance (NHIS)
SoonWhen expats become eligible, how premiums are calculated, what's covered, and how to pair it with private insurance for comprehensive care.
English-Speaking Hospitals
Directory of international clinics with English staff, emergency rooms, and night pharmacies — with real addresses and phone numbers.
Live Directory →Tax for Expats
SoonHow tax residency is determined, year-end settlement (yeonmaljeongsan), flat 19% option vs progressive, and how to avoid double taxation.
Visa Extension
SoonE-2/D-10/F-2/F-5 extension timelines, Hi Korea online system, required documents, and how to handle address changes during the process.
Banking & Money Transfer
SoonWhich banks accept foreign residents easily (KB Kookmin, Woori, Shinhan), limits on outbound remittance, and mobile banking with Alien Registration Card.
Every guide is cross-referenced with official Korean government sources — NHIS, HIRA, Ministry of Economy and Finance (MOEF), Ministry of Justice (Immigration), Ministry of Land (real estate). We link to the Korean-language originals when they matter.