Housing
- One bedroom, city center
- 700,000-1,200,000 KRW
- One bedroom, suburbs
- 550,000-900,000 KRW
- Three bedrooms, city center
- 2,000,000-3,500,000 KRW
Country research
Retire in South Korea
Retirement planning in South Korea depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.
66Overall research score
99.1Safety index
At a glance
The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.
Cost of living42.6/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper
Safety99.1/100Safety index
Healthcare88/100Quality index
Average temperature12.7°CYearly average
Why South Korea
A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.
Whether South Korea fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
What stands out
- Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
- Advanced technology and urban transport in major cities
Costs and planning
Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.
Monthly essentials
- Groceries
- 400,000-600,000 KRW
- Restaurant meal
- Varies by city and provider
- Utilities
- 200,000-350,000 KRW
- Health insurance
- Approx. 6-7% of income
Residency and taxes
- Visa or permit
- No general retirement visa; routes depend on nationality, family, investment or another eligible status
- Minimum annual income
- Not listed
- Processing time
- Varies by pathway
- Income tax
- Progressive up to 45%. CGT: 10%−50%. Inherit: Progressive 10−50%.
Safety, climate, and healthcare
The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.
Safety
- Safety index
- 99.1/100
- Intentional homicide
- 0.005 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
- Police response
- Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city
Climate and healthcare
- Sunshine
- Not listed
- Rainfall days ≥10 mm
- 37 days per year
- Doctor visit
- Covered by insurance
- English speakers
- Not available as a comparable national statistic
Cities to consider in South Korea
Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about retiring in South Korea
What is the cost of living in South Korea?
The relative PPP price-level score for South Korea is 42.6/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 700,000-1,200,000 KRW, while health insurance is Approx. 6-7% of income.
Is South Korea safe for expats and retirees?
South Korea has a safety index of 99.1/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.005 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.
How is the healthcare system in South Korea?
The healthcare system in South Korea has a quality index of 88/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by insurance, and health insurance typically costs Approx. 6-7% of income per month.
What are the visa requirements for retiring in South Korea?
South Korea lists the route “No general retirement visa; routes depend on nationality, family, investment or another eligible status”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by pathway. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.
What is the tax situation for retirees in South Korea?
Retirees in South Korea face income tax rates of Progressive up to 45%. CGT: 10%−50%. Inherit: Progressive 10−50%.. Property tax is Property and holding taxes vary by property and taxpayer and inheritance tax is Progressive inheritance tax generally 10–50%. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.
How large is the expat community in South Korea?
South Korea has approximately 1,811,507 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Seoul, Busan, Jeju.
Other destinations to compare
Use the same measures to compare nearby or similar retirement options.
Italy
Italy may suit retirees who value cultural and regional variety, subject to local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, residence eligibility, and tax advice.
74.3overall score
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Portugal
Portugal may suit retirees who value EU infrastructure, coastal and inland lifestyle options, and a documented passive-income residence route. Check current AIMA requirements and local housing costs before applying.
76.6overall score
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Spain
Spain may suit retirees who value regional and cultural variety, subject to non-lucrative visa requirements, local housing costs, healthcare arrangements, and tax advice.
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Czechia
Whether Czechia fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
66.6overall score
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Japan
Whether Japan fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
64.6overall score
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Singapore
Whether Singapore fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.
71.6overall score
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