Expat to South Korea

[Ceburat1]

Hello. I am looking for some current information and costs of living in South Korea with my Thai wife for a year or two. I will not be working, retired. Wife will not work. I would like information on living in the southern areas of Korea as well as living in Seoul. I was only there once for a short time in 1955. I have always had a desire to travel to Korea for awhile. We will keep what we have here in Thailand as we do intend on returning. Thanks

[Bazzy]

I reckon you'll find that a lot has changed since 1955. What is driving you to do this?

[FlyFree]

I reckon you'll find that a lot has changed since 1955. What is driving you to do this?

Nostalgia?

[Rural Surin]

I can almost imagine there are a few ex-pat forums Korean based where one can scan for info and advice.....

If not, ex-pat resident blogs are also available.

[navynine]

trust me, if you have not been there since 1955 you may as well stay in Thailand unless your going for a short trip (holiday) then the nice time too go is Apr.&May with the cherry trees in full bloom. Try a vacation first after landing outside of Soul get on a train and head down to Cinhae area and back.

[Ceburat1]

My wife and I both like to travel. Good way to spend your extra cash since you can't take it with you when you go. Don't we all have lots of extra cash? LOL
I have read other forums and blogs but I wanted to get opinions and information from expacts on this forum that have been there. In 1955 South Korea was nothing but a mud field. I'm sure it has changed from what I have been reading. We don't like these commercial travel deals for 3 days, five days whatever and staying in fancy hotels. As far as possible go native. We love Korean and Japanese foods. I have sleep on the floor for years, nothing new. I lived in Sendai, Japan for almost 4 years. Korea is a little colder.

[AntRobertson]

... As far as possible go native... I have sleep on the floor for years, nothing new...

You might want to get used to a bed then, since Koreans tend to favor them.

[ralphlsasser]

The Kimshee sucks!

[Stranger]

Farmers in suits.

[SEA Traveler]

I've lived and worked in South Korea for 18 or so years since 1972. Not consecutive years mind you but 18 years that spanned the time of 1972 through 2006. Considerable changes over the years and the economic prosperity which has allowed for the tremendous infrastructure improvements is by far the greatest.

As with any prosperous society, inflation and increasing costs are constantly raising. Living in Seoul is very expensive. Most people live in high rise condos and apartments. Paying $2,000 US a month is probably an average cost for a 3/4 bedroom 2 bath apt. Cloths are not inexpensive anymore and the department stores cloths are very expensive. Food is probably the most affordable item although not inexpensive. The Thai wife and I enjoyed the Korean foods and various forms of Kimchee that accompany the main dishes.

Was was always a challenge though was the mentality and attitude of the Korean people. They are generally racist against anyone non-Korean and generally a rude people lacking in basic social skills.

Why not just go for an extended visit to Korea of a month or so and see if it is something you would like to do for a longer period. The spring time is always a pleasant time to be in Korea.