Moving to South Korea

Moving Guide

Your Practical Guide to Relocating to South Korea

1. Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence permit process for South Korea is a critical first step, and it largely depends on your nationality and the purpose of your move. Citizens from certain countries, particularly those in the European Union, may enjoy more lenient entry requirements for short stays, but for anyone planning to reside long-term, a specific visa is essential.

Typical routes for obtaining a long-term visa include:

• Work Visas: For those who have secured employment with a South Korean company. Your employer will usually play a significant role in sponsoring and assisting with this application.
• Family Visas: If you are joining a spouse or family member who is already a resident or citizen of South Korea.
• Study Visas: For individuals admitted to a South Korean educational institution.
• Investment Visas: For those planning to invest a substantial amount in the South Korean economy.

Once you arrive in South Korea with the appropriate visa, you will typically need to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) at a local immigration office. This card serves as your primary identification document and is necessary for various daily activities, including opening a bank account, setting up utilities, and signing rental agreements.

It is paramount to verify the most current and specific requirements for your nationality and situation directly with the Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of Korea in your home country, or through the official South Korean immigration website, well in advance of your planned move. Requirements can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate information.

2. Housing & Rental

Finding housing in South Korea can be an exciting, albeit sometimes challenging, part of your relocation. The rental market operates differently than in many Western countries, so understanding the process is key.

How to Find Housing:

• Real Estate Agents (Bongsan): This is the most common and recommended method. Agents have access to a wide range of properties and can help navigate the local market, language barriers, and legalities. A commission is typically paid by the tenant upon signing a lease.
• Online Portals: Websites and apps can list available properties, but often require some Korean language proficiency and may not always provide the most up-to-date information.
• Word-of-Mouth/Expat Networks: Sometimes, expats leaving the country will advertise their apartments directly.

Typical Rental Process and Deposits:

South Korean rental agreements often involve a significant upfront deposit, known as "Jeonse" or "Wolse."

• Jeonse (Key Money): This is a unique system where the tenant pays a large lump sum deposit (often 50% to 80% of the property's value) to the landlord. No monthly rent is paid. The landlord then invests this money, and the tenant receives the full deposit back at the end of the lease. This option requires substantial upfront capital.
• Wolse (Monthly Rent): This is more akin to Western rental systems, involving a smaller deposit (typically 10-20 times the monthly rent) and regular monthly rent payments.
• Contract Length: Standard rental contracts are usually for two years.

Temporary vs. Long-Term Housing:

• Temporary: For your initial arrival, consider short-term serviced apartments, guesthouses, or Airbnb rentals. This allows you time to explore different neighborhoods and conduct a thorough search for long-term housing without immediate pressure.
• Long-Term: Once you have your Alien Registration Card and have familiarized yourself with the local areas, you can commit to a long-term lease. Be prepared for the deposit requirements and factor them into your budget.

Always ensure you have a clear understanding of the contract terms, ideally with the help of a bilingual agent or legal counsel, before signing anything.

3. What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of relocating to South Korea can vary significantly based on several key factors. Understanding these will help you budget effectively for your international move.

• Volume of Goods: This is perhaps the most significant factor. The more items you ship, the larger the container space required, and thus the higher the cost. Decluttering and only taking essential items can lead to substantial savings.
• Distance: Moving from a geographically closer country will generally be less expensive than moving from a farther one, due to reduced transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months) can see higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services. Moving during off-peak times might offer more competitive rates.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Ease of access for removal trucks at both your current home and your new residence in South Korea can impact costs. Difficult access, such as narrow streets, high-rise buildings without adequate service elevators, or long carrying distances, may incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Mode of Transport: Shipping by sea freight is typically the most economical option for household goods, but it takes longer. Air freight is much faster but considerably more expensive and usually reserved for essential items or smaller shipments.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, or customs clearance assistance will add to the overall cost. While these services offer convenience and peace of mind, they are extra expenses.
• Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is highly recommended, and the cost of insurance will depend on the declared value of your goods.

Exact prices for your specific move will come from a detailed, free quote tailored to your unique requirements. This allows for an accurate assessment of all variables involved.

4. Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline and smart packing strategy are crucial for a smooth relocation to South Korea. Here’s a checklist-style guide for 4-8 weeks out:

8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter and Downsize: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping volume and cost.
• Research & Request Quotes: Begin researching international moving companies and request free quotes. Compare services, transit times, and costs.
• Visa Application: If you haven't already, submit your visa application and gather all necessary supporting documents.
• Documents Checklist: Compile a folder for important documents: passports, visas, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, medical records, financial statements, and pet vaccination records (if applicable). Keep these with you, not in shipped boxes.

6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Confirm Moving Company: Finalize your choice of moving company and book your shipping date.
• Inventory: Start creating a detailed inventory of items you plan to ship. This is helpful for insurance and customs.
• Financial Planning: Notify your bank of your move, research options for transferring funds, and consider setting up a local bank account in South Korea (once you have your ARC).
• Medical Check-up: Schedule any necessary medical or dental check-ups for yourself and your family. Obtain copies of prescriptions.

4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Utilities & Notifications: Start notifying utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Arrange for final readings.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding if available from your current postal service.
• School/Pet Arrangements: Finalize school enrollment for children or make arrangements for pet travel, including veterinary checks and required permits.
• Separate Essentials Box: Pack a separate box or suitcase with essentials for your first few days in South Korea: important documents, medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, chargers, and anything you can't live without.

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Confirm Travel: Confirm your flights and accommodation for your arrival in South Korea.
• Packing: If you're self-packing, ensure you have all necessary supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap). Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.
• Valuables: Securely store jewelry, important documents, and other high-value items that you will carry with you.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Finalize Utilities: Double-check all utility disconnections.
• Clean Out Fridge/Pantry: Start consuming or discarding perishable food items.
• Charge Devices: Ensure all electronic devices are charged for your journey.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to get started on your seamless move to South Korea!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to South Korea: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to South Korea can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide will help you navigate the process, ensuring your move is as stress-free as possible.

If you're relocating as a new resident or foreign employee

As a new resident or foreign employee, your used household goods and personal effects can generally enter duty-free, provided they have been used for more than six months and are not commercial commodities or new high-value items. Goods must arrive at a Korean port or airport within six months of your arrival. Be aware that customs often conducts X-ray screenings and random physical inspections due to increased drug traffic concerns.

What you'll need

• Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) copy
• Detailed inventory list (packing list)
• Customs Declaration Forms
• Power of Attorney
• Privacy consent form
• Passport copy (identification and entry stamp) for yourself and all accompanying family members
• Marriage certificate and birth certificates for children (if applicable)
• Employment letter (including start/end dates)
• Entry Certificate Ticket or boarding pass used to enter Korea
• Alien Registration Card (ARC) for all accompanying family members

Good to know

• If you entered Korea on or after March 2, 2016, short-term visa holders will need documents when applying for a change or extension of stay to a long-term status.
• If you entered Korea on or before March 1, 2016, long-term visa holders (excluding A-1, A-2, A-3 status holders) will need documents when applying for alien registration.
• Clearance takes place at a bonded warehouse.
• Dutiable items include precious products (gems, pearls, ivory, etc.) exceeding $4,000, items used for less than three months, and quantities exceeding duty-free allowances.
• Customs duties and a 10% Value-Added Tax (VAT) apply to dutiable items. VAT is calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value plus the duty amount.
• Keep receipts for any new or recently purchased items, as customs may assess their value based on domestic wholesale prices.

Returning Korean residents

Returning Koreans can also import used household effects duty-free, excluding commercial goods and new high-value items, provided they have been used for more than six months. The six-month arrival window for goods also applies.

What you'll need

• Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) copy
• Detailed inventory list (packing list)
• Customs Declaration Forms
• Power of Attorney
• Privacy consent form
• Passport copy for yourself and all accompanying family members
• Certificate of entry & exit for yourself and all accompanying family members
• Certificate of Family Relationship

Good to know

• The same duty and tax rules apply to dutiable items as for new residents.
• The quantity and duty-free status of items are verified based on accompanying family member certificates and the period of stay abroad.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from customs duty exemption for both household goods and vehicles. These shipments undergo documentary clearance without physical inspection.

What you'll need

• Bill of Lading (BL) or Air Waybill (AWB) copy
• Detailed inventory list (packing list)
• Passport copy
• Application for duty exemption issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea
• Power of Attorney
• Diplomatic ID card copy (or Certificate of Employment with exact employment period if ID is pending)
• For vehicles: Automobile title

Good to know

• All pages of documents must bear the official stamp of the Embassy or Organization.
• Vehicles cannot be sold or transferred to non-diplomatic individuals for three years without incurring customs duty/tax. Sales or transfers between diplomatic individuals are permitted.
• Vehicles must be listed on the inventory with full technical specifications (maker, model, plate number, year, etc.).
• For diplomatic shipments, containers are not forwarded to customs; clearance occurs at the container yard. Extended demurrage-free time (up to two weeks) is recommended.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing foreign-made vehicles generally incurs duties and taxes. However, one used car per family (under 10 passengers) can be cleared as used household goods if certain conditions are met. Larger vehicles are processed under commercial goods import procedures.

• What you'll need: Original Title, Original Registration Certificate, Original Purchase Receipt or Invoice, Insurance policy (original or copy).
• Good to know:
  • The vehicle must be registered under your name for at least three months in the origin country.
  • The period of approval for a used car is from the date of registration at origin to your arrival in Korea (within 3 months).
  • Domestic vehicle insurance valid for at least two weeks from the clearance date must be purchased before customs clearance.
  • Electronic battery-powered cars may have restrictions from carriers due to fire risk; contact carriers before shipping.
  • The vehicle must be listed on your inventory with full technical specifications.

Pets

Dogs and cats under three months old from any country can be imported, subject to specific health and identification requirements. They will be inspected by an animal quarantine official upon arrival.

• What you'll need:
  • Microchip (ISO 11784/11785)
  • Valid Official Health Certificate from a government official veterinarian, including microchip number and confirmation that the pet is healthy and fit to travel.
• Good to know:
  • There is no mandatory quarantine period unless the pet does not meet regulations. If regulations are not met, the pet will be quarantined until compliance or returned to the origin country.
  • With properly prepared documents, dogs and cats can typically be released within 24 hours of arrival.
  • It usually takes 5-6 hours from arrival at Incheon Airport to delivery to your residence.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either prohibited or require special permits for import.

• Prohibited: Drugs, pornographic material, imitation banknotes and coins.
• Restricted: Firearms and ammunition require a special permit from the appropriate Korean authority.
• Food: No food in air shipments. A small amount of dried, sealed, and labeled food is acceptable in sea shipments (one small box maximum), but prior confirmation from your destination agent is recommended due to item diversity. Large amounts may be subject to 20% duty.
• Plants & Vegetables: Require a quarantine certificate from the airport's entrance administration office. They are duty-free.
• Antiques, Works of Art: Duty-free entry unless they are national treasures.
• Precious Metal Objects, Presents & Souvenirs: Subject to duties for high-valued items.

Alcohol & tobacco

There are specific duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco for individuals over 19 years old. Quantities exceeding these limits are subject to significant duties and taxes.

• Duty-free allowance per person (over 19 years old):
  • Alcohol: 1 liter, under $400.00 value.
  • Cigarettes: 200 pieces (1 pack/10 cartons).
  • Cigars: 50 pieces.
  • Tobacco: 250g.
  • Perfume: 600ml (2 oz).
  • Personal items (gifts, new items, etc.): up to $600.
  • Agricultural and Dairy products, Chinese medicine, velvet: up to $100.00 value, under 500g weight limit.
• What you'll need for exceeding quantities: Detailed list of liquor, photos, and official receipts for each bottle.
• Good to know:
  • Duty/tax rates for exceeding quantities are substantial (e.g., Wine: 68.25%, Cognac: 144.9%, Whiskey: 155.5%, Beer: 210.31%).
  • Only customs officers can assess and decide duty-free/dutiable items and quantities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clear my belongings before I arrive in Korea?
No, personal effects cannot be customs cleared prior to the shipper’s arrival in Korea.

What is considered "used" for customs purposes?
Items must have been used for over six months. If an item is brand new or still in its original packaging, it will be considered a new item and likely dutiable.

What if my items are subject to duties?
Duties are calculated based on the item's value, plus a 10% Value-Added Tax (VAT) on the CIF value and duty amount. Local taxes may also apply to certain items like alcohol and tobacco.

Where will my goods be cleared?
For general household goods, clearance typically takes place at a bonded warehouse. For diplomatic shipments, clearance is done at the container yard.

Why are inspections so common?
Due to a high increase in drug trafficking, X-ray and random physical inspections are frequently conducted on incoming shipments, excluding diplomatic ones.

What are the main customs offices in Korea?
The main customs offices for delivery are Seoul (for Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, Gangwon provinces), Daejeon (for Daejeon, Chungchung, Gwangju, Jeolla provinces), and Busan (for Busan and its suburbs).

For personalized assistance with your move to South Korea, please contact relocation123.com.

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