Working in Seoul South Korea
Located in north-west South Korea, Seoul is a thriving metropolis with more than 25 million people living in its metropolitan area, the second largest in the world for a city. A large contingent of internationals and expats also call Seoul home.
Records of Seoul’s history extend back more than 2000 years. The city sits on the Han River and is one of the most visited destinations in Asia by tourists. The South Korean capital is modern, cosmopolitan and technologically advance, leading it to host such events as the 1988 Summer Olympics and 2012 G-20 Summit.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Incheon International Airport
South Korea’s premier airport is widely regarded as one of the finest in the world and is one of only three airports globally to receive five-star rating by Skytrax. The airport, located 48km west of the city, has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a museum. Seoul Airport is the main hub for Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Jeju Air and Polar Air Cargo.
Travel from Incheon International Airport to downtown Seoul is possible several different ways, including Airport Railroad Express (AREX) subway, Seoul Metropolitan Subway, taxi, or even by limo buses. The fastest way is the AREX subway, which is a non-stop 43 minute ride.
Railway Station
Seoul Station
The major rail station in the capital of South Korea, Seoul Station connects the city’s subway, regular high-speed trains, local rail service and is a bus depot. The station also serves as a major link to other major cities in South Korea, such as Busan, and to the Seoul Airport. Opened in 1900, the station handles close to 300,000 passengers each day.
Transportation
Seoul has an extensive and modern subway system and bus network that covers the city. The subway setup is the second most used system in the world and is well marked for English-speaking travellers. The bus network features four kinds of buses: green, blue, red and gyeonggi. Users of both systems should buy a T-Money card for cheaper fares. There is also a strong contingent of taxi services in Seoul, but beware, traffic in the South Korean capital is often very congested.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Seoul is reasonably low by western standards for expats, but higher than average for an Asian country. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (www.numbeo.com), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $5.75 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $33.70 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $2.80 |
| Coke (330mL) | $1.40 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $1.90 |
| Loaf of bread | $1.90 |
| Eggs | $2.90 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $1.05 |
| Monthly pass | $38.70 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $1.90 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $940 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $2810 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $20 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $190 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $2345 |
Accommodation
Backpackers looking for a budget stay in Seoul have two main areas to find hostels or cheap hotels: Jongno and Hongdae. Jongno is the more central of the two and is nearby Dongdaemun Market. Backpackers will also find a vibrant nightlife full of restaurants and bars in these two areas.
Seoul also has several extravagant hotels for the high-end travelers. While these hotels might by luxurious they are also very expensive. Don’t despair though as there is also a strong contingent of mid-price options as well.
If you are looking for accommodation in Seoul here are a few options:
Budget
ZAZA Backpackers
Prince Hotel
Tomgi Hotel
Mid-range
Ibis Hotel Myeong Dong
Hamilton Hotel
Han Suites
High-end
Ritz-Carlton Seoul
W Seoul
Lotte Hotel
Shopping
Seoul is well represented on the market front where souvenirs, clothing, food and crafts can all be found at cheap, and often not-so cheap prices. A few of the most popular markets in Seoul include Namdaemun, Dongdaemun and Insa-dong.
To find some of South Korea’s renowned and unique fashion items there are several areas worth exploring. The most well known area is Myeongdong, which is tourist-friendly and is home to many big names brands from South Korea and around the world. Another area worth a look for shoppers is Apgujeong.
Emergency
Emergency numbers
Fire, emergency and ambulance 119
Police 112
Tourism and translation service 1330
Australian Embassy, Seoul
19th Floor, Kyobo Building
1, Jongro 1-ga
Jongro-gu
Seoul 110-714, Republic of Korea
Telephone: 82-2 2003 0100
Facsimile: 82-2 2003 0196
Website: http://www.southkorea.embassy.gov.au
Insurance and Healthcare
Health care in South Korea is provided by a National Health Insurance (NHI) system. Expats living in the Country on a Working Holiday scheme will need to register with the NHI system to receive the benefits of every South Korean resident. The country is known to have a high quality health care system at its hospitals, both at a public and private level. The NHI in South Korea is funded by tax payers.
On top of the compulsory health insurance requirements, expats in South Korea can also take out private care, with an extensive range of services available for those willing to pay extra. Costs for private health treatment in South Korea are comparable to those in Australia.
Despite a high standard of health facilities in South Korea, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.