| For those unfamiliar with the term, an expatriate | | | | Tax System |
| is a person residing in a different country from | | | | Most taxes in Korea are high; however, for those |
| where he or she is a citizen. The term is more | | | | who want to become English language consultants |
| readily referred to skilled professionals sent | | | | (i.e English Teachers), a lower tax rate is offered. |
| abroad to work. This began in 19th century when | | | | The income tax rate in Korea is actually quite |
| Americans were drawn to other countries, such | | | | high- similar to that which is seen in the west. |
| as Europe and Asia, to study and share their skills. | | | | However, for expatriate English teachers, you can |
| An expatriate can enjoy a favorable tax | | | | expect an income tax rate of 3% to 10%. |
| treatment, unlike immigrants, once they've lived in | | | | Medical Care |
| their chosen country for five years minimum. | | | | Medical care in South Korea is modern, clean and |
| Korea is one of the most extraordinary countries | | | | readily available. Before you and/or your family |
| in Asia. Though it is not exactly known to be an | | | | decide to become expatriates in Korea, make |
| expatriate haven, it has become famous today | | | | sure the health insurance plan you have issued in |
| for its attractive culture and local development. | | | | your country is also accepted in Korea. |
| Korea has a strong culture that is relatively similar | | | | Nonetheless, Korean employers are obligated to |
| to big countries in terms of climate and style. | | | | contribute to your health care, as Korea does |
| The language barrier, however, was one of the | | | | have a very effective nationalized health-care |
| most significant reasons why foreigners hesitate | | | | system. Because of this low-cost, effective |
| to expatriate to Korea. Fortunately, this an issue | | | | system, Koreans do not hesitate to go to the |
| that the nation is attempting to change as | | | | doctor for even minor illnesses. |
| Koreans are making the efforts to integrate the | | | | Medications and health care products are highly |
| English language into their school curriculum, | | | | accessible and cheap. A lot of doctors also speak |
| making English proficiency mandatory at most | | | | English well so you won't always need to bring a |
| levels of education. | | | | Korean friend with you to interpret during |
| Why Be an Expatriate In Korea? | | | | consultations. |
| Cost of Living | | | | Additionally, South Korea is becoming increasingly |
| Korea is known to have a relatively low cost of | | | | well known for the amount of plastic surgery that |
| living, compared to the US and the UK. If you are | | | | is done in country. The propensity to achieve |
| enjoying a salary of $2000 per month, you can | | | | certain features of beauty coupled with the |
| live comfortably by spending roughly $800 of | | | | safety and quality of the work has made plastic |
| your monthly pay. Food and housing expenses | | | | surgery extremely common in Korea. In addition, |
| may be rather high by local standards, depending | | | | the large number of doctors performing routine |
| on your location, but transportation and other | | | | surgeries such as Botox injections, liposuction, calf |
| things are actually very affordable. Additionally, as | | | | reductions, and double eyelid surgeries, make the |
| expatriates, most employers offer housing | | | | cost of such procedures comparatively cheaper |
| arrangements as a subsidy or even free of | | | | than in the UK and US. |
| charge. | | | | Shopping |
| Climate | | | | Several modern shopping malls and boutique |
| The climate in Korea is almost similar to countries | | | | shops are available in Korea both for high-end |
| like Europe, America and Australia. There is really | | | | designer retailing or bargain hunting. Koreans are |
| no need for foreigners from these countries to | | | | very much into brand names and looking |
| adjust to the weather. It can be warm but | | | | fashionable, so you will most likely find familiar |
| muggy during the summer months of June to | | | | international names in most malls. If you don't like |
| September, though. Winter, on the other hand, is | | | | to spend much on brands, you will also find local |
| cold to below the freezing point. The best time to | | | | markets where you can haggle the prices the fit |
| visit Korea is during fall when the weather is mild | | | | your budget. |
| and a little dry. | | | | Be aware that finding western sizing in Korea is |
| Korea has extremes in temperature, to be sure | | | | often an issue for expatriates. Particularly for |
| to pack practically. If you are planning to live in | | | | clothes in larger sizes for both men and women, |
| the country, pack light shirts and heavy jackets | | | | clothing can be very difficult to find. For plus size |
| to cope with the temperature disparities. Umbrella | | | | clothing, it his highly recommended to import |
| and raincoats are also must-haves during the | | | | items from your home country. Research size |
| peak of the spring time. | | | | conversions thoroughly, but know that on |
| Government | | | | average, Koreans are smaller and shorter than |
| Korea is politically classified as a Republic. Much of | | | | westerners, making their clothing similarly difficult |
| its economic prosperity is because of its stable | | | | to size. Also, Korean style of dress differs greatly |
| and transparent government, which is somewhat | | | | in many respects from styles of the west. |
| influenced by the American style of governance | | | | Particularly for men, it is considered fashionable |
| to date. The economy is very strong and steady, | | | | for men to wear fitted pants and shirts, whereas |
| making it a good place to open successful | | | | the western style is seemingly favors a more |
| businesses with a greater chance of earning | | | | relaxed, looser fitting garments. |
| significant profits. | | | | |