Forum
Analytics
Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷
#794
,
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Seoul is the capital city of South Korea, known for its vibrant culture and advanced technology. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is about 10 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 300 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD ≈ 1,300 KRW. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Woori Bank and Shinhan Bank are expat-friendly. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, guesthouses, and traditional Hanoks. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental sites like Yaegam and Wink provide options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hongdae Jaywalkers and Gyeongbokgung Guesthouse. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Myeongdong and Insadong are recommended for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Gangnam and Itaewon are popular for their expat communities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Gangnam and The Hive in Itaewon. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de Lulu in Gangnam is popular among remote workers. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events organized by Seoul Business Network and Meetup groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat Coffee Morning and various Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | KakaoTaxi and T-map Taxi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Seoul Bike Ddareungi and Lime Scooters. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haeundae Beach in Busan is about 2.5 hours away by train. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, and American Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Well-connected via Gyeongbu Expressway and Olympic Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Seoul Station serves as the main station. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | T-money card for buses and subways. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | KTX trains for intercity travel to cities like Busan and Incheon. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Seoul National University Hospital. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Hot Yoga Seoul and YG Yoga Studio. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24 and Gold's Gym are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | LG laundries and various laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok and Yogiyo. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bibimbap and Kimchi. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant Cafe and The Bread Blue. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bbom Bbom's Cakes and Cafe Hopping. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gwangjang Market and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang and Gmarket. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | E-Mart and Homeplus offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Itaewon and Hongdae are famous nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Magpie Brewing Co. and The Booth. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Piatto and The Wine Room. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gwangjang Market street food stalls. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Vatos Urban Tacos and Itaewon Turkish Grill. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Museum of Korea and Dongdaemun Design Plaza. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Seodaemun Prison History Hall. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Jogyesa Temple and Myogaksa Temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Seoul Lantern Festival and Seoul Kimchi Making Festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Insadong and Hongdae. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The National Theater of Korea. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live clubs in Hongdae and Gangnam. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Itaewon and Hongdae feature vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | O'ngo Food Communications and Bibigo Cooking Class. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Hyundai and Art Sonje Center. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Deoksugung Palace and Ewha Womans University. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Hanoks in Bukchon Hanok Village. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Bukhansan National Park for hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Seoraksan National Park, accessible within 3 hours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Han River Park has scenic paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Namsan Seoul Tower for panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Seoul Forest and Olympic Park. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Seoul Forest allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like CJ Logistics and Lotte Global Logistics. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Samsung Service Center and Repair Lab in Gangnam. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and standout spots in parks. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Seoul Language Institute and Talk To Me In Korean. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Korea and various public libraries. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Multicultural Family Support Centers in various districts. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC bang are widespread; notable is 'All Star' in Gangnam. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Korean casinos like Paradise City. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩10,000,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₩300,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩7,000,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₩210,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩11,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₩660,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩8,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₩480,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩9,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩720,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩6,500,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩520,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10-22% depending on profits. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Currently at 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, with certain regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 1-3% depending on the amount. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Potential for tax exemptions based on residency status. |