Corea del Sur

"홍익인간" ("To broadly benefit the human world")

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Welcome to South Korea

South Korea: "South Korea, located in East Asia, is known for its advanced technology, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities like Seoul. Its economy is one of the largest in the world, driven by technology, manufacturing, and exports. South Korea’s blend of tradition and innovation makes it a global leader.",

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South Korea Essentials

Himno nacional

Aegukga

Día de la Independencia

August 15, 1945

Haiko

Kimchi, spicy treat / K-pop idols dance and sing / Temples meet skyscrapers

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates Boryeong Mud Festival where people play in mud for skin benefits

Weirdest Local Superstition

Writing names in red ink brings bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to praise North Korea

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the culture, stay for the cutting-edge: South Korea powers Asian innovation while preserving its rich cultural heritage. Life balances between morning temple visits and afternoons in dynamic digital districts, while evenings pulse with urban energy. The country's startup visa program and technology leadership have created unique opportunities for international talent.

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가자 (Gaja)

Venture into a place where 'bbali bbali' isn't just speed, but the pulse of progress. Here, tradition powers digital dreams.

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Hwangyong-hamnida South Korea

Known for its K-pop and kimchi where music and food are both addictive

South Korea isn't just a country—it's a dynamic dance between past and future. Here, time moves at broadband speed, and even a simple temple stay can transform into a K-pop discovery. This is a land where ancient wisdom and digital innovation create extraordinary energy.

From the pulsating streets of Seoul to the temple-crowned mountains of Gyeongju, South Korea offers excitement for every cultural explorer. Whether you're drawn to the trendsetting districts of Gangnam, the green tea fields of Boseong, or the coastal serenity of Jeju Island, you'll find a nation that turns tradition into tomorrow's trends.

Estadísticas

Savor the Flavor

Eat

kimchi (fermented vegetables) - bibimbap (mixed rice bowl)

Drink

soju (rice spirit) - makgeolli (rice wine)

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Eumryo?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

32

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

1

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2.44

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.06

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Age hierarchy determines all social interactions - must establish immediately
#2
Drinking with elders has specific pouring/receiving rules
#3
Kimchi knowledge demonstrates cultural integration
#4
Public bath protocols include specific washing order
#5
Group harmony maintained by nunchi (social awareness)

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South Korea Essentials

Representative Novel

Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin (Man Asian Literary Prize, set in South Korea)

National Animal

Siberian tiger

National Pasttime

Taekwondo

Recuerdo nacional

Hanbok (traditional clothing)

Plato nacional

Kimchi

Festival Famosos

Boryeong Mud Festival

Danza famosa

Gangnam Style

Música famosa

K-pop

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Did You Know?

South Korea is the world leader in internet connectivity.

With 96% of the population using the internet, South Korea has the fastest average internet speeds globally.

South Korea has a designated day for celebrating trees.

Arbor Day, known as Sikmogil, is celebrated every April 5th and encourages citizens to plant trees across the country.

The Korean alphabet, Hangul, is considered one of the most scientific writing systems.

Created in 1443, Hangul is praised for its simplicity and phonetic structure, making it easy to learn and use.

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South Korea’s Key Historical Events

2333 BC

Abril de 2014

Legendary foundation of Gojoseon

676 AD

Julio de 2014

Unified Silla conquers Goguryeo

1897

Febrero de 2015

Korean Empire established

1945

Marzo de 2015

End of Japanese occupation after WWII

1988

Octubre de 2016

Seoul Summer Olympics

MOBILITY

Access South Korea Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
1 years
DUAL Citizenship
Conditional
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

158

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Pasaporte Grado

A

Rango

9

Score

181.0

This visa grants access to:

• 66% of the world's population 

• 86% of UNESCO sites 

• 81% of global GDP 

• 75% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Acceso sin visado a:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to South Korea by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Corea del Sur
12,187
14,474
22,987
30,491
35,239
42,291
57,112

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Activo de movilidad
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Requisito de presencia física
Coste de la vida
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

South Korea's Global Rankings 

South Korea offers highly efficient healthcare (#3) and strong rule of law (#19). Our analysis highlights its very good quality of life (#24) and high safety (#46).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
24
Coste de la vida
2024
Elevated
24
Quality of Life
2024
Very Good
46
Safety
2024
Alta
52
Happiness
2024
Alta
166
Tax Burden
2024
Substantial Load
49
English Proficiency
2023
Moderate Proficiency
19
Rule of Law
2024
Strong
3
Healthcare System
2024
Highly Efficient
53
Pleasant Climate
2024
Comfortable

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Edad media

44.5

years

Life Expectancy

83.5

years

Obesity Rate

6.80%

Tobacco Use

36.00%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.33%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

12.27

per 1000 people

Doctors

2.508

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

29.10%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare System

South Korea offers a universal healthcare system funded by national health insurance, providing comprehensive care for residents.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to public healthcare, South Korea’s private sector offers specialized treatments and faster access to services.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in South Korea are required to have health insurance, allowing them to access both public and private healthcare services.

Advanced Medical Technology

South Korea is known for its advanced medical technology, particularly in fields like cosmetic surgery, robotics, and diagnostics.

Medical Tourism Hub

South Korea is a major hub for medical tourism, attracting international patients for affordable and high-quality treatments.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Coste de la vida

South Korea presents a moderate to high cost of living, with significant variations between urban and rural areas. Seoul, the capital, is particularly expensive, especially for housing. Food can be affordable at local markets and street vendors, but dining out and imported goods can be pricey. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is efficient and relatively affordable in cities. Education costs can be high, with many families investing heavily in private tutoring and after-school programs.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.24

per liter

Cost of Meal

$7.52

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$562.26

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$169.23

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.49

(0.5 liter draught)

Tipo del IVA

10%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Fiscalidad

Fiscalidad

Understanding South Korea's tax system is vital before relocating there.+South Korea taxes resident expats on worldwide income and non-residents on Korean-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 6% to 45%, plus local income tax. Social security contributions are required. Property tax applies. A Resident Registration Number is used for tax purposes.+South Korea has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

US Double Taxation Treaty

Ingresos personales

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

6%-45%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

6%-45%

Herencia

Based on inherited amount and relationship

10%-50%

Ingresos de las empresas

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

24%

Plusvalías de las empresas

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

24%

Dividendos

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%-20%

Interés

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

14%-25%

Derechos de autor

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

14%-25%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they have a domicile or residence in South Korea for 183 days or more in a tax year.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

21

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

87.4

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

33.2
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

174
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

12

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

93.9
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Temperate, with rainfall heavier in summer than winter; cold winters

Average Temperature

12.22 °C

Humidity

65

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,274

mm

Rainless Days per Year

255

Best Time to Travel

April-May & September-October

¿Preguntas?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in South Korea

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in South Korea.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in South Korea?

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Do I need to speak Korean to apply for residency or citizenship in South Korea?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in South Korea with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to South Korea?

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¿Puedo conservar mi nacionalidad?

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