The Land of The Morning Calm,
The Seorak Mountain & Jeju Island

Information on Relocating to South-Korea

• The capital city of Korea is Seoul with about 10 million people.  Both political and economic centre is also in Seoul where the President resides. Korea is a Republic.

• Languages: The official language is Korean, and English is becoming increasingly widely used as second language of country.  The TV programs are  usually in the original language with Korean subtitles. Both Cable TV and satellite is available and offers many options.

• Population: The population is about 48.5 million people people - homogeneous (except for about 20,000 Chinese).

• Expat areas: Seoul and Busan is major Expat location within Korea. In Seoul, Itaewon, Hannam-dong and Sungbuk-dong are the main area for expatriate’s living.

• Housing: There are many western style properties available for rent from individual house, condominium to high rise apartment. The standard of accommodation is high but expensive. Most have walled gardens and are quite private featuring spacious living room, ample parking and attractive views.

• Cost of housing:  Housing in Seoul is generally among the highest priced in the world. What may seem like a generous housing allowance may be quite low for a foreigner living in Korea. It is varies based on type of residence, location, interior and views. Monthly rent can be from US$ 700.00 for a studio to over US$ 10,000.00 for 4-5 bedrooms individual house in the city and more expensive ones available for a quality of houses. The local currency is Korean Won.

• Schools: There are numbers of international schools available in Seoul and the other major cities. Due to its limited class size, class vacancies in the more popular schools can be problematic, with waiting lists in many cases. Special needs schooling is limited. Tuition can range from US$5,000 to US$12,000 per year with additional fees for bus transportation and supplies.

• Transportation: An infrastructure of taxis, buses and subways can make it possible for get around without a personal vehicle. Taxis are relatively cheap. The subway is efficient, clean and safe with train runs at three to seven minutes interval covering entire city in most of major cities.

• Bank: The banks are open Mondays-Fridays from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm. ATM is widely available in most of convenient shops, major office buildings and shopping areas 24 hours, 7 days a week.

• Shopping: : Everyday from 10.00 am - 8.00 pm for larger stores and department stores. Supermarkets are open everyday at 8.00 am and close at about 10.00 pm. 24-hour supermarkets are available in the cities and suburbs.

• Climate: Korea has a diverse climate in spite of its small size with four distinct seasons as well as diverse topography. It has monsoonal weather in summer with Torrential rain falls for about 4 to 6 weeks starting June followed by hot and humid weather in July and August. Cold and very dry in winter from December to February with temperature range of -6°C (-43°F) to 5°C (41°F). Most of snowfall occurs in mountainous areas with little snow in urban areas.

• Culture: Seoul offers many museums, old palaces, cinemas, art gallery, opera houses, concert halls and activities. Most of performances are in Korean language. Movies are in their original languages with Korean subtitles. Movie theaters are almost everywhere in Seoul as well as many of sports centers.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year’s Day; February 13th-15th-Chinese New Year; March 1st-Independence Movement Day; May 1st-Labour Day; May 5th-Children’s Day; May 21st-Buddha's Birthday: June 6th-Memorial Day; August 15th-Liberation Day; September 21st-23rd Chusok Holiday; October 3rd–National Foundation Day; December 25th–Christmas Day.