At a Glance:

• Located in the heart of the Korean Peninsula, Seoul is a growing city surrounded by numerous mountains.
• The visa application process for South Korea is strenuous and the application requirements may differ depending on the type of visa.
• Seoul has many popular international districts and the city has excellent transportation links.

So , you have packed your bags and are ready to relocate to Seoul? If you are a big city person, you are in for a treat! Seoul is the capital of South Korea and also the country’s biggest city. Staggeringly, almost 50% of the South Korean population currently live in Seoul or in the city’s national capital area.

Relocating to Seoul is an opportunity to benefit from everything South Korea’s economic, financial, and cultural center has to offer. As a settlement, Seoul has a rich 2000-year history, 600 years of which have been spent as South Korea’s capital. Today Seoul belongs to the top 10 leading global cities, ranking sixth in the Global Power City Index

About the City and Its Residents

Seoul is a city surrounded by a number of peaks and mountains, which used to function as a natural fortress. The highest peaks among them are the Bukhansan and the Dobongsan, standing at 836 meters and 740 meters respectively. Seoul itself is made up of 25 districts (gu), which are again divided into neighborhoods (dong). Each gu has its own mayor, legislative council, and sister city.

Expats in Seoul will find their new home in the heart of the Korean peninsula. The city is located near the North Korean border and within easy reach of popular Asian destinations such as Tokyo, Beijing, or Shanghai.

The government is striving to develop Seoul into an attractive and universal city. The global village and global business zones are examples of the growing multi-cultural influence. Seoul’s international population is still quite small however, with about 264,000 foreign residents (compared to a total of 10,178,000 people living in Seoul City and even more in the greater metropolitan area).

Support Center for Foreigners

The government of South Korea’s capital has opened a support center for foreigners moving to Seoul moving to Seoul in order to ease the transition and help with common issues. Expatriates in Seoul also have the opportunity to participate in cultural exchange programs and attend Korean classes there. You can find this center on the fifth floor of the Seoul Global Center building at Jong-ro 38-gil, Jongno-gu.

In addition, there are seven global village centers which offer help and advice to expats moving to Seoul. They are located in Yeonnam, Yeoksam, Seorae, Itaewon, Ichon, Yeongdeungpo, and Seongbuk. You should be able to quickly find one of these centers in your area of residence when moving to Seoul. They can provide you with information on banks, hospitals, drug stores, convenience stores, and public transportation. They can also help you with various administrative issues.