Have you spent endless days dreaming of a change of scenery, wandering the bustling streets of Seoul, hiking the scenic trails of Busan, or indulging in the mouth-watering cuisine of South Korea? You’re not alone! Korea is a fascinating country with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food that draws in tourists and immigrants from across the globe. You, too, could enjoy what the East Asian country has to offer, all while on a budget. Let’s find out how, shall we?
The Frugal Move to Korea
Are you enthusiastic about Asian countries but are wary of how expensive a move may get? Fortunately, we have a few tricks up our sleeves for your impending move to Korea.
You’ll first want to find cheap accommodation, especially if you intend to live in the country’s capital, Seoul. Multiple options are available, and what’s more, they’re only an internet search away.
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Pardon that digression. Let’s go back to moving to Korea. You’ll then have to get a T-money card from a nearby convenience store or metro station. The card will provide access to the country’s more affordable public transport system.
Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to know where to find inexpensive but sumptuous meals. For this, focus on restaurants geared towards locals as it is more common for people in this country to dine at eateries than prepare meals at home. A helping goes for an average of $3-6 and comes with complimentary water and all-you-can-eat side dishes. Doesn’t that piece of information make your mouth water?
What Are Some Great Reasons to Go to Korea?
Without a doubt, there’s a whole lot to love about Korea. A country with hospitable people and a rich culture certainly has tons to offer, and the following are some of the great reasons to make your move:
Everything Just Works
The one thing everyone who moves to Korea appreciates is how efficient everything is. There’s always a sense of urgency in every department; the postal service is super fast, members of law enforcement are quick to serve, and taking the metro is a breeze.
What’s more, the Korean people are faithful timekeepers. They attend meetings on time, respond to emails promptly, and meet deadlines faithfully. Who wouldn’t want that level of commitment? It makes life easier, to be honest!
Low Crime Rate
Of course, personal safety is a determinant for anyone willing to move to a foreign country. In this regard, Korea has one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
While CCTV cameras are literally everywhere, the fact that someone is watching is not why the country is as safe as it is. The Korean people inherently mean no harm, and their strong allegiance to virtue is evident in the country’s low petty and capital crime rates.
Excellent Healthcare at a Reasonable Cost
In recent times, the cost of healthcare has gone through the roof in the Western world. Fortunately, the vice versa is true in Korea. In addition to having a high-quality healthcare system, service delivery is affordable, especially if you contribute to social health insurance.
Prescription drugs are also half the price in Korea versus the United States, making healthcare less of a financial burden and more of a convenient service. So if there’s something to worry about while considering a move to Korea, healthcare does not feature on that list.
Jjimjilbangs
Let me guess – you don’t know what a jjimjilbang is, do you? Worry not! If you finally make the move, I promise it won’t be long till you’re a frequent jjimjilbang visitor.
Jjimjilbangs are gender-segregated bathhouses where Korean people rest and rejuvenate before returning to their busy lives. Featuring hot and cold pools, jjimjilbangs are a huge part of Korean culture, so much so that they are ever-packed with locals.
Foreigners are always welcome, and the beauty is that these bathhouses run all day and night, every day of the week. They feature communal sleeping areas and entertainment lounges, making them the perfect solo sauna date to recuperate.
Best Option for Moving to Korea With Little Money
In truth, moving to any country without the much-needed financial muscle is a tad difficult. The same goes for Korea, but if you know your way around visa applications, you can make your move with the little amount you have. The D-10 visa is your best option, but to widen your net, we’ll discuss another one.
D-10 Visa
A D-10 visa is a temporary visa for recent graduates or people who are between jobs. If you’re successful in your application, the visa guarantees you residence in Korea for at least six months as you continue to seek employment. If you secure that job and wish to continue living in the country, the visa can extend your stay for up to three years, but at a cost this time around. Nevertheless, a D-10 sounds like a solid plan, right? You get to see your dream come to fruition, all while enjoying the country’s efficiency, low crime rate, affordable healthcare, and of course, the jjimjilbangs!
F2 Visa
Although we’re listing this as an option to facilitate a move to Korea, the truth is that this visa is not open to the majority of the population. To qualify, you must be a foreign child of a Korean national, and the catch lies therein.
Nevertheless, if you’re lucky enough to fall into this category, an F2 visa guarantees entry to and residence in Korea for 90 days. Once you’re in, you could figure out how to make your move permanent, right? You’ll have a strong case if at least one of your parents is already Korean.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Korea
Now that you’re well aware of the reasons to move to Korea, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of the venture.
The Culture
As is with all Asian people, Koreans have an immersive, rich culture that will fascinate interested foreigners. The country’s cultural and artistic excellence is a marvel to behold, and no matter how long you stay, there’ll always be something new and exciting to learn. The workplace environment is also amicable, with Koreans making a point of forming interpersonal relationships with colleagues.
Nevertheless, foreigners are still an interesting sight for locals, especially for the elderly population. Expect these individuals to stare when you’re out in the streets blatantly. While this behavior may make you feel self-conscious or even infuriated, try to understand that they do so not out of malice but due to genuine curiosity. As for work, expect your colleagues to make impromptu after-work plans that you cannot say no to, even if you’re not psyched up for them.
The Education System
Admittedly, the public education system in Korea is excellent. It focuses heavily on STEM subjects in addition to English and Korean for use as languages of instruction and within the work environment. Without coughing up the considerable sum you otherwise would for private education, you can be sure to obtain quality schooling.
On the downside, the atmosphere within the country’s education system is overly stressful. Society pressures students into overworking, and this pressure may get to you. Unfortunately, students make up a huge percentage of suicide incidents in Korea.
FAQ
Can I move to Korea for free?
Moving to a foreign country without any money is admittedly tricky. With a little to spare, though, it’s doable. For a move to Korea, the D-10 visa is your best bet. It guarantees your residence in Korea for six months while you seek employment and the chance to extend your stay. You could also try the F2 visa, but one of your parents has to be a Korean national for that to work. Hopefully, you fall into this minor segment of the population!
Is life cheap in Korea?
Compared to other Asian countries, the cost of living in Korea is relatively high. The average monthly expenses for a family of four will range from $2,000-2,200. Alone, expect to spend around $560. The figures given, however, are with rent excluded. The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $700.
