Preparing to Leave your Home Country

What to do before moving to South Korea

 

Moving country can be exciting but also nerve-racking if it is the first time. This post is to help you organise your thoughts and tie up any loose-ends before moving country.

 

 

Administrative Details

 

Check your credit and debit cards. Are any due to expire while you’re abroad? If so, request replacements before you leave. If you use Apple Pay or similar digital wallets, new cards are usually updated automatically once issued, but it’s still important to confirm everything is active and accessible.

Next, review any ongoing payments linked to your bank account. This includes phone contracts, subscriptions, gym memberships, insurance policies, and other recurring charges. Decide what you want to cancel and what you want to keep.

If you plan to keep your home phone number, consider switching to the cheapest possible SIM-only plan before leaving. This allows you to retain access to your number for banking verification codes and important messages without paying for a full contract.

 

 

Address & Correspondence

 

If your bank accounts, insurance policies, or official documents are registered to your current address, update them before you move. Consider using a parent’s home or a trusted individual’s address so someone can receive and notify you of any important letters.

Having a reliable mailing address back home can prevent significant administrative issues later.

 

 

 

 

Healthcare & Medicines

If you have private health insurance in your home country, decide whether you want to maintain it while abroad. In South Korea, for example, foreigners are required to enrol in the National Health Insurance system regardless of whether they hold private insurance at home. Be aware of potential dual payments and plan accordingly.

 

If you take prescription medication daily, bring at least three to four months’ supply with you. It can take time to receive your residence card and register fully within the healthcare system. Having a buffer ensures you’re covered in case of delays.

 

For medications that require special storage (such as insulin or certain injectables), contact your airline in advance. Most airlines can assist with safe transport, including refrigeration support if necessary. Always carry essential medication in your hand luggage.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date. While some countries administer routine vaccines during childhood (such as TB or HPV), this varies globally. Commonly recommended vaccinations include MMR, TB, Polio, Flu, and COVID. Speak with your healthcare provider well in advance, as some vaccinations require multiple doses spaced weeks apart.

 

 

 

 

Bank accounts & Payments

 

When opening a bank account in Korea, certain nationalities may need additional documentation. For example, American citizens are often required to provide their Social Security Number. Bring all necessary identification documents with you.

Inform your bank that you will be living abroad to prevent your card from being frozen due to unusual international activity.

It’s also worth researching cards that offer low foreign transaction fees and favourable exchange rates.

Streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ operate in South Korea, though content libraries differ by region. If you want continued access to content from your home country, you may need to explore VPN options.

Importantly, prepare financially for your first month or two. It may take time to receive your first paycheck, especially if your Korean bank account or residence card is delayed. The average cost of living in South Korea is approximately 1 million won per month, so having at least this amountas an emergency buffer is strongly recommended.

 

 

Emergencies

Finally, identify your emergency contact. If something unexpected happens, who can you rely on at any time of day? This could be a parent, close friend, or partner. Make sure they are aware and willing to act as your contact if needed.

If you do not have a personal contact available, your country’s embassy can provide support in certain emergency situations. Familiarise yourself with your embassy’s contact details and services before you travel.

For more information, please look at our guide on E2 country embassies in Korea. 

 

Moving country can be exciting as it is nerve-racking, so if you are interested in teaching and moving to South Korea , but don't know where to start, then please email us at derek.embark@theworknplay.com.

 

We have a whole post on home comforts, so if you are feeling a little homesick, our tips and recommendations might help.