What to Expect: Housing & Packing

When many teachers first think about coming to Korea, their eyes often go straight to Seoul or Busan. These cities are the ones that dominate news, media, and social media feeds, so it’s natural that they feel like the obvious choices. But Korea is much more than just its two largest cities. Across the country, there are countless towns and mid-sized cities with rich histories, dynamic communities, and vibrant local cultures that don’t get nearly as much attention outside of Korea as they deserve.

 

One major reason to expand your search beyond Seoul and Busan is housing. In Korea’s largest urban centers, especially Seoul and the surrounding Gyeonggi-do region, space is limited, which means apartments tend to be smaller and more expensive. By contrast, in places like Daegu, Daejeon, or other regional cities, housing is often noticeably more spacious and comfortable because there is simply more land available for development.

 

This difference can make a real impact on your daily life as a teacher. Larger apartments not only give you more room to relax and settle in, but they also help create a stronger sense of stability and comfort during your time abroad. Beyond housing, living outside the biggest cities can also mean lower costs of living, easier commutes, and the chance to immerse yourself more deeply in local culture while still enjoying the conveniences of modern Korean life.

 

Here are some examples of what teacher housing looks like in Seoul compared to housing in other parts of Korea.

I have attached some photos of example housing below. 

 

 

Sample Gyeonggi-do, Siheung Housing 

 

 

 

 

Sample Incheon-si, Songdo Housing

 

 

Travel Essentials:

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• Passport & Visa Documents
• Driver’s License (International Driving Permit if needed)
• Health Insurance Documents (or enrollment in Korean National Health Insurance)
• Other Documents (birth certificate, work/school contracts, etc.)

 

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Clothing (for all seasons):

 

Korea lies in the temperate mid-latitudes, which means we get to enjoy all four seasons. Summers can get hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Korea's monsoon or rainy season starts in mid-June and typically ends in mid-July. Clothes are relatively cheap in Korea, but physical stores may have limited sizes.

 

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Warm coat/parka, gloves, scarf, boots
• Spring/Fall (Mar-May, Sept-Nov): Light jacket, sweaters, comfortable shoes
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Lightweight clothing, umbrella, sunscreen, breathable shoes

 

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Toiletries & Personal Care:

 

• Basic Toiletries (products that you absolutely need from your home country)
• Prescription Medications (with a doctor’s note)* 

*Please check in advance if your medication is permitted in Korea before bringing it with you (maximum of 6 bottles). 

 

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Electronics:

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• Phone & Charger
• Laptop (check plug type: Korea uses 220V with Type C/F plugs)
• Power Adapter (for Korean outlets)
• Portable Charger

 

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Money & Banking:

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• Bank Cards & Cash (some cash in Korean Won for initial expenses)
• Banking Info (for setting up a local account)

 

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Food & Snacks:

 

• Favorite Snacks (things you can’t find easily in Korea) 
• Special Diet Foods (if applicable)

Please be aware that specific items will have to be declared in customs once you arrive to Korea. Please research Korea's customs clearance procedure, and what is permitted in advance.