Skip to content

Living in Korea (South)

Korea (South) — landmark
Photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels
Comprehensive data

Asia — Expat guide for moving and living abroad

Country overview

Capital

Seoul

Currency

KRW

Continent

Asia

Advertisement

Entry requirements

Check if your passport needs a visa for Korea (South).

Check visa requirements

Popular passport access to Korea (South)

Passport Status Max Stay
United States Visa Free 90 days
India Visa Required 90 days
Austria Visa Free 90 days
Belgium Visa Free 90 days
Bulgaria Visa Free 90 days
Croatia Visa Free 90 days
Cyprus Visa Free 90 days
Czechia Visa Free 90 days
Denmark Visa Free 90 days
Estonia Visa Free 90 days

Data incorrect? Let us know

Detailed visa guides for Korea (South)

American passport to Korea (South) British passport to Korea (South) Indian passport to Korea (South) Australian passport to Korea (South) Canadian passport to Korea (South)

Monthly costs

Seoul

Rent (center)

900 USD/mo

Groceries

350 USD/mo

Transport

55 USD/mo

Est. Monthly Total

1,405 USD/mo

Compare cost of living in Seoul

Data incorrect? Let us know

Advertisement

Work permits

Korea (South) offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.

  • E-7 Visa (Special Occupation)

    Duration: Up to 3 years, renewable

    Skilled professionals in designated occupations with an employer sponsor

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Workcation Visa)

    Duration: Up to 2 years

    Remote workers from designated countries with income above threshold

  • D-8 Visa (Corporate Investment)

    Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable

    Foreign investors investing at least 100 million KRW in a Korean business

Explore all work permit options for Korea (South)

Data incorrect? Let us know

Salary & tax

Income Tax Range

6% – 45%

Social Security (Employee)

0.09%

Annual thresholds in KRW. Employee social security ~9% (pension 4.5%, health 3.5%, employment 0.9%). Local income tax of 10% of national tax also applies.

Calculate your net salary

Data incorrect? Let us know

Useful services

Banking

Wise

Manage money in KRW with low fees and the real mid-market rate.

Open a Wise account →

Insurance

SafetyWing

Nomad health insurance for your stay in Korea (South). Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.

Get a SafetyWing quote →

Connectivity

Airalo

Korea (South) eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.

Get an Airalo eSIM →

Privacy

NordVPN

Stay secure on public WiFi in Korea (South) and access services from home.

Get NordVPN →

Language

iTalki

Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.

Find a tutor →
Compare travel insurance Compare international bank accounts

More Countries in Asia

Armenia

Yerevan

Azerbaijan

Baku

Bangladesh

Dhaka

Bhutan

Thimphu

Brunei

Bandar Seri Begawan

Cambodia

Phnom Penh

Related guides

The Complete Digital Nomad Visa Guide

Everything you need to know about digital nomad visas worldwide.

Best Countries for Remote Work (2026)

Top destinations ranked by cost, internet, safety, and visa options.

Expat Health Insurance Guide

How to choose the right health insurance when living abroad.