What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Korea, they said...
"Overall, I would say Daejeon is a very liveable city. I think it is important to get involved with the expat community to maximize your quality of life, because Western-style amenities and activities are scant. Also, you have to have "thick skin" because you will be subject to unwanted attention, mostly in the form of stares. You might want to sample some Korean food (if you haven't before) prior to your arrival, since you will be eating it quite a bit here," remarked another expat in Daejeon, Korea.
"Expats should research the cost of living in Korea before retiring there, as it may be higher than they are used to. It is also important to familiarize oneself with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Korea and consider purchasing health insurance to cover any medical costs. Finally, expats should consider the visa requirements for retirement in Korea, as they may need to apply for a long-term visa," said a member in Korea.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Korea?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Korea?
- Will I be able to find a job in Korea?
- What is life like in Korea?
- What do expats in Korea appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Korea?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Korea accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Korea like?
- What are healthcare services like in Korea?
- What are medical services in Korea like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Korea?
- What are emergency services like in Korea?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Korea?
- How are local medical facilities in Korea?
- As a foreigner living in Korea, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before retiring in Korea?
If you live in Korea, newcomers to Korea would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


