South Korea
Profiled in Seoul · East Asia
Seoul runs on pure energy, a neon megacity where 600-year-old palaces sit next to glass towers and the subway gets you anywhere at 2am.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Housing needs a big lump-sum deposit, but food and transit are cheap.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in Seoul
- Gyeongbokgung PalaceThe grand Joseon-era palace with a changing-of-the-guard ceremony.
- Bukchon Hanok VillageSteep lanes of traditional wooden homes between two palaces.
- N Seoul Tower on NamsanCable car up the mountain for the whole-city panorama.
- Changdeokgung and the Secret GardenA UNESCO palace with a serene hidden royal garden.
- MyeongdongPacked shopping and street-food district, skincare on every corner.
- InsadongAntiques, tea houses and galleries on a browsable main street.
- Dongdaemun Design PlazaZaha Hadid's swooping silver landmark and night market.
- Gwangjang MarketOld covered market famous for bindaetteok and mung-bean pancakes.
- HongdaeUniversity quarter buzzing with buskers, bars and indie clubs.
- Cheonggyecheon StreamA restored stream cutting a calm green line through downtown.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- BusanBeaches, seafood and a temple on the cliffs, two and a half hours by KTX.
- GyeongjuOpen-air museum of an ancient kingdom, tombs and pagodas everywhere.
- JeonjuKorea's food capital and a preserved hanok village of tiled roofs.
- Nami Island and ChuncheonTree-lined river island and the home of spicy dakgalbi, an easy day out.
- Sokcho and SeoraksanGranite peaks and coast, prime hiking near the east sea.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Anthracite CoffeeRoaster in a converted shoe factory, serious single-origin brews.
- Fritz Coffee CompanyBeloved local roaster with a seal mascot and great pastries.
- Cafe Onion AngukMinimalist cafe inside an old hanok, famous for its pandoro.
- TerarosaRespected Korean coffee brand with airy, design-led branches.
- Blue Bottle SeongsuThe US roaster's flagship in Seoul's warehouse arts district.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- Gwangjang Market food stallsClassic street eats, bindaetteok and mayak gimbap side by side.
- MinglesRefined modern Korean tasting menu, one of the city's best tables.
- JungsikInventive new-Korean fine dining in Gangnam.
- Byeokje GalbiLong-running grill house prized for premium marbled beef.
- Tosokchon SamgyetangInstitution near the palace for ginseng chicken soup.
- HadongkwanDecades-old spot serving one thing, clean beef gomtang soup.
- Gwangjang's SobanHomestyle Korean set meals near the market, comforting and cheap.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Tosokchon SamgyetangLocals line up early for restorative ginseng chicken soup.
- Onion AngukMorning pastries and coffee in a courtyard hanok setting.
- Isaac ToastHomegrown chain doing griddled egg-and-ham toast to go.
- Gwangjang MarketKalguksu and hotteok from dawn among the market stalls.
- Paris BaguetteThe ubiquitous Korean bakery for a quick pastry and coffee.
- NadaonWarm bowls of Korean porridge, juk, to start the day gently.
- Egg DropFast-growing local chain of fluffy egg sandwiches.
- Fritz Coffee CompanyCroissants and cortados before the crowds arrive.
- Myeongdong GyojaEarly kalguksu noodles and kimchi that clears your head.
Residency
Most newcomers arrive on a work visa tied to an employer, and there is a points-based skilled-worker track plus a growing digital-nomad route. Time on a visa can lead to the F-2 long-term residency and eventually F-5 permanent residency.
Tax
Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates that top out around 45 percent, though a flat-rate option exists for some foreign workers for a fixed period. National health and pension contributions are deducted on top, and you count as a tax resident after roughly 183 days.
Thinking about moving here for real? See the verified South Korea residency and citizenship routes →
Curious what you would actually pay? See the South Korea tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
Nearby
More of East Asia
Frequently asked
How much does it cost to live in South Korea?
About $2,600 a month for one person and $6,200 for a family. A one-bedroom flat rents for around $1,400, and a casual meal costs about $9. Housing needs a big lump-sum deposit, but food and transit are cheap.
Is South Korea safe, and what is healthcare like?
In our index safety scores 9 out of 10 and healthcare 9 out of 10, where 10 is best.
What language and currency are used in South Korea?
Korean. The currency is South Korean won (KRW).
What is the capital of South Korea?
Seoul.
How can a foreigner get residency in South Korea?
Most newcomers arrive on a work visa tied to an employer, and there is a points-based skilled-worker track plus a growing digital-nomad route. Time on a visa can lead to the F-2 long-term residency and eventually F-5 permanent residency.
What taxes does South Korea charge?
Residents are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates that top out around 45 percent, though a flat-rate option exists for some foreign workers for a fixed period. National health and pension contributions are deducted on top, and you count as a tax resident after roughly 183 days.