Moving to South Korea: what you need to know and how to prepare?

If you are contemplating a move to South Korea, this article will provide you with useful information regarding various nuances of life in this country. Here, you will be able to familiarize yourself with important aspects such as obtaining the necessary documents, finding a job, and securing housing.

Not long ago, we spoke with a Belarusian girl named Karina, who shared her experience of moving to South Korea. In this article, you will also meet Togzhan, who moved to Seoul from Kazakhstan, and her impressions of her new life.

The story of Togzhan

“I have been interested in South Korea for over ten years.” My name is Togzhan, and I was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan. I am currently in South Korea, where I am studying the Korean language at Yonsei University. I moved here eight months ago, and during this time, I have had the opportunity to get to know life in Seoul more deeply.

The decision to move was driven by my desire to study abroad. South Korea has always fascinated me: I had visited the country twice as a tourist before actually moving, and those trips made a significant impression on me. I was curious to explore Korean culture not only as a visitor but also as a resident.

Visa application

My move became possible thanks to a student visa.D4that can be obtained by enrolling in language courses at one of the Korean universities. After completing the language courses, you have the opportunity to change your visa.D4onD2If you enroll in a bachelor's or master's program. Here are a few additional options for obtaining a visa:

• Creating a family with a Korean for the purpose of obtaining a visa based on marriage.
• Studying at a local university to subsequently obtain a work visa.

Preparation for moving

In preparation for the move, I focused on saving money and gathering documents for my visa and enrollment. The required documents include:

• Your passport.
• Bank statements confirming a balance of at least10,000dollars.
• Diploma (must be translated into Korean or English).
• Confirmation of payment for tuition for four semesters.

It is worth noting that the rules regarding tuition payment may vary for citizens of different countries.

I encountered few difficulties during the preparation, except for one: I had to wait almost two years for the visa regime to be restored, as the issuance of visas was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. In total, all the preparations took me aboutfour months.

New visas and standard of living

It is also worth noting that South Korea plans to introduce two new types of visas: for digital nomads and for fans of Korean culture. Finding official employment without a work visa will be quite challenging.

When it comes to the standard of living, it should be noted that the cost of living in South Korea is quite high, and it has become even more noticeable after the pandemic. However, overall, prices for food and clothing are quite affordable, with the exception of meat products and fresh fruits.

Everyone who is considering moving to this country should take into account many aspects that may influence your decision. Be prepared for new challenges, and I wish you the best of luck in your new stage of life in South Korea!

Almost all the foreigners I've had the chance to talk to have emphasized this aspect. In my opinion, to live comfortably in this country, you need to earn at least 2,000 US dollars. In South Korea, the minimum wage is around 1,200 dollars. Although the country's territory is not that large, the population here is simply overwhelming. For example, the number of people in Seoul is comparable to the total population of Kazakhstan. Therefore, high housing prices here become a harsh reality. Buying an apartment in Seoul is almost impossible, as prices can reach one million dollars. Renting a place is also not that easy: renting a one-bedroom apartment will cost around 400-500 dollars a month, and the deposit is often about 10,000 dollars.

Conclusion

Thus, my experience of moving to South Korea turned out to be rich and full of unique impressions. I learned a lot, both in terms of cultural nuances and practical aspects of life in this country. I am glad that I took this step, despite all the challenges I had to face. The four months of preparation before the move showed me how important it is to be ready for change and how much can be achieved if you truly believe in your dreams.

Of course, living in Seoul implies certain financial difficulties; finding suitable and affordable housing is especially difficult. However, I am hopeful and confident that I will be able to adapt to the new environment by developing my career and learning about Korean culture. I love the energy and dynamism of the Korean capital; every day is full of surprises and new opportunities.

Tips for future emigrants

For everyone planning to move to South Korea, it's important to keep in mind the peculiarities of life here. It is necessary to:

• Be careful when choosing a visa.
• Carefully prepare the documents
• Take financial aspects into account

Rules and laws can vary, and it's always better to stay informed about the current information.

Prospects for life in Korea

Life in South Korea opens up amazing horizons, offering the chance to study and work in a country with a rich cultural heritage and technological advancement. I hope that my experience will inspire others who want to take the risk and make this bold step towards all the new and exciting opportunities that await abroad.

Moving will not only help you grow your personal qualities, but also enrich you with knowledge about another culture and the world in general. I think that every difficulty is just a stepping stone to new heights. And I am sure that many bright moments and discoveries are waiting for me in South Korea.