Nomad Watch
Notifications
Loading…
View all notifications
Log in / Join free
KR

Seoul digital nomad guide

Overview Economics Demographics Politics Environment Cities Map Jobs Visas Taxes Groups
Nomad score 7.3/10

37.5667, 126.9783 Asia/Seoul #794

Log in to rate Save Compare

Researched Updated Oct 22, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Essentials

City
Seoul Special Metropolitan City, the capital and largest city of South Korea. Sejong holds many ministries, and a 2004 Constitutional Court ruling kept Seoul as the capital unless a referendum says otherwise. 11
Population
9,560,471 registered residents in the second quarter of 2026, including 270,658 foreign residents. The Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi) was 26,043,325 in the 2020 census; Wikipedia still describes it as about 26 million as of 2024. 1 12
Internet Speed
Ookla medians for September 2026: fixed broadband 238.52 Mbps download and mobile 325.90 Mbps. Numbeo puts unlimited home broadband at 60 Mbps or more at about KRW 27,892 a month. 2 10
Currency & Banking
South Korean won (KRW). ECB reference rates on 19 October 2026 were 1 euro = 1,492.35 won, about 1,329.49 won per US dollar. 32
Tap Water
Seoul tap water is sold as Arisu. The 2025 quality report, published 1 July 2026, said all 5,400-plus tests (5,208 household taps, 192 aging-pipe sites and 25 public libraries) met drinking-water standards. Many residents still filter it for taste. 13
Power
220 V, 60 Hz, plug types C and F. 5
SIM Card
LG U+ tourist data SIM and eSIM (passport, unlocked phone; pickup at Incheon T1 or T2, Gimpo or Gimhae): KRW 6,500 (1 day), KRW 12,000 (2 days), KRW 18,000 (3 days), KRW 23,000 (4 days), KRW 27,500 (5 days), unlimited data, and a T-money card on plans of 3 days or more. A September 2026 comparison lists KT and SK Telecom 30-day tourist data at KRW 71,500; that longer tier was not on the LG U+ page rendered on 22 October. The city costs file uses a 7-day LG U+ price of KRW 35,000 from an earlier read of the same operator page. 3 33
Banking for Expats
Hana Bank lets incoming foreign residents pre-register an account before arrival (announced 9 July 2025, 16 languages). After an alien registration card, Invest Korea (August 2024) says banks want a passport and a document showing why the account is needed; without it the account is restricted to about KRW 3 million a day at a branch and KRW 1 million at ATMs and in e-banking. 28 29
Accommodation
Numbeo on 22 October 2026: a 1-bedroom rent about KRW 1,187,000 a month in the centre and KRW 831,000 outside the centre. A large-deposit jeonse lease was not priced on a page opened this pass. 10
Cashless Friendly
Domestic cards, T-money and local mobile pay are normal on transit and in shops. Wikivoyage says foreign cards and Apple Pay or Google Pay often fail outside convenience stores and Starbucks, and taxi drivers prefer cash on short trips. Baemin accepts foreign cards. 14 18
Short Term Rentals
Short stays cluster in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon and the Jongno hanok streets. For a month, Numbeo puts a 1-bedroom at about KRW 1,187,000 in the centre and KRW 831,000 outside it (22 October 2026). 14 10
Budget Accommodation
The backpacker clusters are Jongno (Anguk and Sinseol-dong) and Hongdae-Sinchon. City bus 6002 from Incheon Airport to Sinseol-dong is KRW 9,000 and about 90 minutes. A named hostel nightly rate was not on a page opened this pass. 14
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Myeongdong (Myeongdong Station exits 5 to 8) for shopping, and Insadong near Anguk Station for palaces, crafts and teahouses. Both are on the city tourist guide. 15
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Hongdae and Yeonnam in Mapo, next to Hongik University, for cafes and nightlife, with WeWork Hongdae among the 16 WeWork sites. Seongsu-dong is the cafe and small-studio district on the city guide. A 1-bedroom outside the centre was about KRW 831,000 a month on Numbeo. 14 15 8 10

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
WeWork lists 16 Seoul locations, including Seoul Square at 416 Hangang-daero (OSM way 216477743). Coworking membership is from KRW 310,000 a month, or KRW 263,500 a month on a 12-month commitment. A Seoul day-pass price was not on the listing. 8 40
Best Cafe for Work
Cafe Onion Anguk, 5 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, about 3 minutes from Anguk Station exit 3. Weekdays 07:00 to 22:00, weekends 09:00 to 22:00, last order 21:30. The contact page does not say whether laptops are welcome. 17
Networking Events
WeWork Seoul says membership includes community events, workshops and networking sessions at its Seoul locations, including Seoul Square by Seoul Station. 8

Transportation

Best Taxi/Ride App
k.ride, on Kakao Mobility, shows the fare before you book, has an English interface and takes a card. Numbeo lists the standard taxi flagfall at KRW 4,800. 19 10
Bike/Scooter Rental
Ttareungi city bikes: a non-member day pass is KRW 1,000 for 1 hour, KRW 2,000 for 2 hours or KRW 3,000 for 3 hours, then KRW 200 per 5 minutes (cap KRW 30,000). A general season pass is KRW 3,000 for 7 days or KRW 5,000 for 30 days. Kakao T also lists shared bikes and scooters. 16
Best Beach Nearby
Eulwangri Beach (을왕리해수욕장) is on Yeongjong Island in Incheon, outside Seoul, beside the airport (OSM way 279346996). A current door-to-door time from central Seoul was not on a page opened this pass. 37
Top Regional Airline
Jeju Air (jejuair.net, 1599-1500) is a Korean low-cost airline with its head office in Jeju City and a public site for domestic and international tickets. 20
Top International Airline
Korean Air is the full-service carrier at Incheon International Airport, the main international airport for the capital area. Its Korean Air My app, updated 19 October 2026, includes Incheon Terminal 2 baggage-claim guidance. Gimpo is the other metropolitan airport. 42 12
Highway Access
Seoul Ring Expressway (Expressway No. 100) links the satellite cities. The Gyeongbu Expressway is the southbound motorway from Seoul toward Busan. 12 11
Main Train/Transit Hub
Seoul Station (OSM node 8829280690) is the KTX, AREX airport-rail and metro hub (Lines 1 and 4, and the Gyeongui-Jungang Line). From 1 September 2026 high-speed tickets are booked in the Korail+ app. 36 15 27
Public Transport Passes
Visitor Climate Card short passes are KRW 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 for 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days. The 30-day prepaid card stopped taking new charges after 31 August 2026. Seoul residents with a foreign registration number use the Climate Pass, whose general flat-rate threshold is still KRW 62,000. A T-money card is about KRW 5,000, and the card subway base fare was KRW 1,550 in June 2025. 4 31 14
Regional Travel
From 1 September 2026 Korail cut the Seoul-Busan KTX economy one-way fare from KRW 59,800 to KRW 54,400 and sells it in the Korail+ app and on korail.com. Yongsan to Gwangju-Songjeong economy fell from KRW 46,800 to KRW 42,000. 27

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Severance Hospital International Health Care Center, 3rd floor, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu (OSM way 369559505). Appointments +82-2-2228-5800 or 5810, email [email protected]. It handles foreign-patient care and some visa medicals. 9 34
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Numbeo contributors on 22 October 2026 put a monthly fitness-club membership in Seoul at KRW 80,375 (range about KRW 39,900 to KRW 130,000). A named chain tariff was not on a page opened this pass. 10

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Baemin (baemin.com/global), from Woowa Brothers at 2 Wiryeseong-daero, Songpa-gu. The visitor app is in English, Japanese and Chinese, takes foreign cards, WeChat Pay and Alipay+, and does not need a Korean phone number. 18
Best Local Dish to Try
At Gwangjang Market jeon alley, Jongno 4-ga (near Jongno 5-ga Station exits 7 and 8), the city guidebook points to bindae-tteok, gimbap, hotteok and kalguksu. 15 44
Best Dessert Spots
Saenggwabang at Gyeongbokgung, in the Sojubang hall, runs irregular tastings of Joseon court sweets and medicinal tea based on the royal annals. The guidebook lists 1522-2295. 15
Affordable Shopping Spots
Dongdaemun Fashion Town, around Eulji-ro 6-ga, is the wholesale clothing and fabric district (Doota, Migliore and similar malls). Namdaemun Market, 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, sells low-priced clothing, household goods and food and is closed Sundays. 15
Grocery Delivery
Market Kurly (kurly.com) sells groceries for delivery, including fresh meat and ready meals, with listed prices such as domestic pork belly from about KRW 15,900. 21
Bar/Nightlife Area
Hongdae and Sinchon (Mapo and Seodaemun) are the busiest nightlife districts. Itaewon in Yongsan is the international bar area. Much of the drinking is soju rather than beer-bar culture. 14
Street Food Stalls
Gwangjang Market jeon alley (Jongno 4-ga) serves fried jeon, bindae-tteok, gimbap and kalguksu. Namdaemun Market has a kalguksu and galchi alley at 42-1 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil. 15 44 43
Popular International Cuisine
Itaewon in Yongsan has the densest set of non-Korean restaurants, plus Western pubs. A single restaurant menu and price were not opened this pass. 14

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
Gyeongbokgung, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, closed Tuesdays; the 2025 city guide lists foreign adult admission at KRW 3,000. N Seoul Tower, 105 Namsangongwon-gil, observatory KRW 21,000 for ages 13 to 64. Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, 555 m and 123 floors. 15 30 35 41
Museums & Art Venues
National Palace Museum, 12 Hyoja-ro, inside Gyeongbokgung, free (closed the last Monday). Leeum Museum of Art, 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, closed Mondays, reservation required, free except some special shows. Dongdaemun Design Plaza, 281 Eulji-ro, 10:00 to 20:00. 51 15 47
Historical Sites
Jongmyo Shrine, 157 Jong-ro, is the UNESCO site for Joseon royal ancestral rites. Sungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate), 40 Sejong-daero, is a National Treasure, free, closed Mondays. Namsangol Hanok Village, 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, is free and closed Mondays. 15
Religious Sites
Jogyesa, 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, runs temple-stay programs. Myeongdong Cathedral, 74 Myeongdong-gil. Bongeunsa, 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam; the 2025 guide lists a one-night temple stay at KRW 80,000 and a two-night stay at KRW 120,000. 15 45 49 50
Annual Events
The Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) starts at Jogyesa on Buddha Birthday and runs through Jongno and Insadong. Bosingak, 54 Jong-ro, rings the bell daily except Mondays, with a New Year ceremony on 1 January. Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall becomes a skating rink in winter. 15
Cultural Districts
Insadong-gil, near Anguk Station exit 6, is the traditional craft and gallery street. Seongsu-dong cafe street is the city guide district around Seongsu Station. Ikseon-dong is the 1920s hanok lane near Jongno 3-ga. 15
Theater Venues
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, +82-2-399-1000, with a concert hall and theaters seating over 3,000. Seoul Arts Center, 2406 Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station exit 5. 15 48
Local Markets
Namdaemun Market, 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, is described as the largest general market, closed Sundays (OSM node 357954206). Gwangjang Market, Jongno 4-ga, is the century-old food market (OSM way 1011327080). 15 43 44
Music Scene
Hongdae, by Hongik University in Mapo, is the live-music and club district tied to the art school. For concert halls, Sejong Center is at 175 Sejong-daero. 14 15
Art Galleries
Insadong-gil is the city guide gallery street, with antique shops, teahouses and craft stores near Anguk Station exit 6. Leeum, 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, is the main private art museum and is closed Mondays. 15
Historic Buildings
Sungnyemun, 40 Sejong-daero, rebuilt in 2013 after the 2008 fire, is the old south gate of the city wall. The former City Hall of 1926, on Seoul Plaza at 12 Eulji-ro, is now the Seoul Library. Gyeongbokgung was begun in 1395. 15 30
Local Heritage
Jogyesa starts the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) on Buddha Birthday. Bosingak still rings the old city bell except on Mondays. Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang revives Joseon court sweets from the royal annals. 15

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Han River parks have bicycle paths, outdoor gyms and 24-hour toilets. Seoul Forest, in Seongsu, is the former racecourse park. Cheonggyecheon is a 10.84 km stream walk from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun. 14 15
National Parks Nearby
Bukhansan National Park sits on the northern edge of Seoul (OSM relation 17336247, centred on Goyang). The 2025 city guide lists a 33.7 km Bukhansan-Dobongsan hike starting at Gupabal Station exit 2, about 16 hours 30 minutes, not a one-day walk. 38 15
Cycling/Walking Paths
Han River park paths run across the city, with bike lanes and restrooms. Cheonggyecheon, from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun, is a 10.84 km walking stream. Songpa Dulle-gil is a 21 km waterside loop. 14 15
Scenic Viewpoints
N Seoul Tower observatory, 105 Namsangongwon-gil, KRW 21,000 (ages 13 to 64), weekdays 10:30 to 22:30. Lotte World Tower, 300 Olympic-ro, has an observatory near 500 m. Naksan Park, 41 Naksan-gil, is open 24 hours for a Jongno view. 15 41

Other Services and Amenities

Tech Repair Services
Yongsan Electronics Market, in Yongsan-gu, is the large electronics market for parts and repairs. A current shop price list was not opened this pass. 14
Libraries & Study Spots
Byeolmadang Library is inside Starfield COEX Mall, 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, mall hours about 10:30 to 22:00 (OSM node 5185480724, COEX OSM way 74013220). The 1926 former City Hall on Seoul Plaza is the Seoul Library. 15 39 46
Gaming Lounges
PC bangs are everywhere. Wikivoyage puts the hourly rate at about KRW 800 to KRW 2,000. Many have a smoking section and a Korean Windows install. 14

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Numbeo on 22 October 2026 lists about KRW 3,403,735 per square foot to buy in the centre, about KRW 36.6 million per square metre. The survey is not split by bedroom. A 25 square metre example is about KRW 916 million. 10
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Numbeo on 22 October 2026 lists about KRW 1,413,497 per square foot outside the centre, about KRW 15.2 million per square metre. A 25 square metre example is about KRW 380 million. This is outside the centre, not a priced sale outside the city boundary. 10
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Same Numbeo centre average, 22 October 2026, about KRW 36.6 million per square metre, not split by bedroom. A 50 square metre example is about KRW 1.83 billion. 10
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Same Numbeo outside-centre average, 22 October 2026, about KRW 15.2 million per square metre. A 50 square metre example is about KRW 761 million. 10
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Same Numbeo centre average, 22 October 2026, about KRW 36.6 million per square metre. An 80 square metre example is about KRW 2.93 billion. 10
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Same Numbeo outside-centre average, 22 October 2026, about KRW 15.2 million per square metre. An 80 square metre example is about KRW 1.22 billion. 10
Corporate Tax
For fiscal years starting on or after 1 January 2026, national CIT is 10 percent to KRW 200 million, 20 percent to KRW 20 billion, 22 percent to KRW 300 billion and 25 percent above that. Local income tax adds 1.0, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 percent on the same bands. 7
Dividend Withholding Tax
Resident individuals: 14 percent, plus local income tax at 10 percent of that withholding (15.4 percent combined). Non-residents with no treaty: 20 percent, plus local income tax at 10 percent of the withholding. Treaties often reduce the rate. 22
Tax System
Residents are taxed on worldwide income. A foreign resident in Korea for five years or less in the last ten years is taxed on Korean-source income, and on foreign-source income only if a Korean entity pays it or it is sent to Korea. Residence includes 183 days in the tax year, or 183 consecutive days across two years from 2026. 6 24
Highest Income Tax Bracket
45 percent national tax on annual taxable income over KRW 1 billion, plus local income tax at 10 percent of the PIT (4.5 percent on that band). The combined top rate is 49.5 percent. 6
VAT
10 percent on most goods and services. Exports and some foreign-currency services to non-residents can be zero-rated. Unprocessed food, medical care and financial services are among the exemptions. 23
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Yes. A Korean resident who owns at least 10 percent of a foreign company is taxed on its undistributed earnings when that company average effective tax rate for the last three years is 17.5 percent or less (70 percent of the 25 percent top CIT rate from 2026). 25
Property Tax
Annual local property tax runs from 0.07 percent to 5 percent of the statutory value of land, buildings and houses. A national comprehensive real estate holding tax of 0.5 percent to 5 percent applies to holdings above the threshold, assessed on assets held on 1 June. 23
Property Transaction Tax
Acquisition tax is generally 1 percent to 7 percent of the price. A corporation that buys a residential house is charged 12 percent. Registration tax is usually inside the acquisition tax. 23
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
There is no nomad tax regime. Foreign residents of five years or less in the last ten years pay Korean tax on foreign-source income only when it is paid in or sent to Korea, and 183 days can create residence. Visa-free entry (up to 90 days for many passports, K-ETA required except the British exemption through 31 December 2026) does not allow employment. 6 26

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 22, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. Seoul registered population, Q2 2026Official
  2. Ookla Seoul medians, September 2026Measurement
  3. LG U+ tourist data SIM and eSIMOfficial
  4. Climate Card prices and 30-day discontinuationOfficial
  5. 220 V, 60 Hz, types C and FSecondary
  6. PIT brackets and five-year foreign-resident ruleSecondary
  7. CIT brackets from 1 January 2026Secondary
  8. WeWork Seoul membership from KRW 263,500Listings
  9. Severance International Health Care CenterOfficial
  10. Numbeo Seoul, updated 22 October 2026Index
  11. Seoul Special Metropolitan City, capitalReference
  12. Metropolitan population and Ring ExpresswayReference
  13. 2025 Arisu quality report, all samples met drinking-water standardsSecondary
  14. Practical Seoul notes, fares and districtsSecondary
  15. Seoul tourist guidebook 2025Official
  16. Ttareungi pass pricesOfficial
  17. Cafe Onion Anguk address and hoursOfficial
  18. Baemin for visitorsOfficial
  19. k.ride taxi appOfficial
  20. Jeju Air booking siteOfficial
  21. Market Kurly grocery shopOfficial
  22. Dividend withholding, reviewed 4 June 2026Secondary
  23. VAT, property tax and acquisition taxSecondary
  24. 183-day residenceSecondary
  25. CFC rule, 10 percent and 17.5 percentSecondary
  26. FCDO visa-free entry and K-ETAOfficial
  27. Korail KTX fare cut from 1 September 2026Secondary
  28. Hana Bank pre-arrival account setupSecondary
  29. Invest Korea foreigner account documents, August 2024Official
  30. Visit Seoul Gyeongbokgung, edited 19 September 2026Official
  31. Climate Pass launch 1 September 2026Official
  32. ECB reference rates; live XML returned HTTP 500, 19 October 2026 pair from country prepOfficial
  33. August 2026 KT and SK Telecom 30-day tourist eSIM pricesSecondary
  34. OSM Severance HospitalReference
  35. OSM GyeongbokgungReference
  36. OSM Seoul StationReference
  37. OSM Eulwangri Beach, YeongjongReference
  38. OSM Bukhansan National ParkReference
  39. OSM Byeolmadang LibraryReference
  40. OSM Seoul Square, 416 Hangang-daeroReference
  41. OSM Lotte World TowerReference
  42. Korean Air My app, updated 19 October 2026Listings
  43. OSM Namdaemun MarketReference
  44. OSM Gwangjang MarketReference
  45. OSM JogyesaReference
  46. OSM COEXReference
  47. OSM Dongdaemun Design PlazaReference
  48. OSM Sejong CenterReference
  49. OSM Myeongdong CathedralReference
  50. OSM BongeunsaReference
  51. National Palace Museum, free, edited 19 September 2026Official

Change history

    • Grocery Delivery Market Kurly (premium morning delivery) and SSG.com Market Kurly (kurly.com) sells groceries for delivery, including fresh meat and ready…
    • Gyms & Fitness Centers SpoAny (ubiquitous 24/7 gym chain) – approx. 40,000-60,000 KRW/month Numbeo contributors on 22 October 2026 put a monthly fitness-club membership in Seoul at…
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 45% (for income over 1 billion KRW) 45 percent national tax on annual taxable income over KRW 1 billion, plus local income tax…
    • Highway Access Gyeongbu Expressway (Route 1) connecting Seoul to Busan Seoul Ring Expressway (Expressway No. 100) links the satellite cities. The Gyeongbu…
    • Historic Buildings Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae) - recently opened to public; Seoul City Hall Sungnyemun, 40 Sejong-daero, rebuilt in 2013 after the 2008 fire, is the old south gate of…
    • Historical Sites Bukchon Hanok Village, Deoksugung Palace Stone-wall Path, Seodaemun Prison Jongmyo Shrine, 157 Jong-ro, is the UNESCO site for Joseon royal ancestral rites…
    42 more changes
    • Internet Speed World-leading averages of 200+ Mbps; ubiquitous 5G and public Wi-Fi (Public WiFi Seoul) Ookla medians for September 2026: fixed broadband 238.52 Mbps download and mobile 325.90…
    • Language Classes Sogang University KLEC or Ganada Korean Language Institute not set
    • Laundry Services WashEnjoy (self-service laundromats ubiquitous in residential areas); Laundrygo (app-based… not set
    • Libraries & Study Spots Starfield Library (COEX), Seoul Metropolitan Library (City Hall) Byeolmadang Library is inside Starfield COEX Mall, 524 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, mall…
    • Local Brewery Magpie Brewing Co. (Itaewon) or Seoul Brewery (Seongsu) not set
    • Local Heritage Intangible cultural heritage performances at Korea House Jogyesa starts the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeon Deung Hoe) on Buddha Birthday. Bosingak…
    • Local Markets Namdaemun Market (largest traditional), Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market Namdaemun Market, 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, is described as the largest general…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Seoul Station (KTX high-speed rail) and Yongsan Station Seoul Station (OSM node 8829280690) is the KTX, AREX airport-rail and metro hub (Lines 1…
    • Museums & Art Venues National Museum of Korea, Leeum Museum of Art, DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) National Palace Museum, 12 Hyoja-ro, inside Gyeongbokgung, free (closed the last Monday)…
    • Music Scene K-Pop at SMTOWN; Indie live music at Club Evans (Jazz) or Rolling Hall (Hongdae) Hongdae, by Hongik University in Mapo, is the live-music and club district tied to the art…
    • Must-See Landmarks Gyeongbokgung Palace, N Seoul Tower, Lotte World Tower Gyeongbokgung, 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, closed Tuesdays; the 2025 city guide lists foreign…
    • National Parks Nearby Bukhansan National Park, Namhansanseong Provincial Park Bukhansan National Park sits on the northern edge of Seoul (OSM relation 17336247, centred…
    • Nearby Nature Escapes Bukhansan National Park (accessible via subway Line 3) Han River parks have bicycle paths, outdoor gyms and 24-hour toilets. Seoul Forest, in…
    • Networking Events Seoul Startups (Slack community/meetups) and Global Seoul Village Center events WeWork Seoul says membership includes community events, workshops and networking sessions…
    • Parcel Delivery Service CU or GS25 Convenience Store delivery; Korea Post (EMS for international) not set
    • Popular International Cuisine Linus' Bama BBQ (Itaewon) or Braai Republic (South African food) Itaewon in Yongsan has the densest set of non-Korean restaurants, plus Western pubs. A…
    • Population 9,700,000 (Metropolitan area: 25,000,000) 9,560,471 registered residents in the second quarter of 2026, including 270,658 foreign…
    • Power 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets (Schuko) 220 V, 60 Hz, plug types C and F.
    • Property Tax Annual property tax 0.1% to 0.4%; Comprehensive Real Estate Tax for high-value holdings Annual local property tax runs from 0.07 percent to 5 percent of the statutory value of…
    • Property Transaction Tax Acquisition tax between 1% and 12% depending on number of homes and price Acquisition tax is generally 1 percent to 7 percent of the price. A corporation that buys…
    • Public Transport Passes T-Money Card (rechargeable); Climate Card (62,000 KRW/month for unlimited Seoul transit) Visitor Climate Card short passes are KRW 5,000, 8,000, 10,000, 15,000 and 20,000 for 1…
    • Regional Travel KTX Train (Seoul to Busan in 2.5 hours, ~60,000 KRW); Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu line) From 1 September 2026 Korail cut the Seoul-Busan KTX economy one-way fare from KRW 59,800…
    • Religious Sites Jogyesa Temple (Buddhism), Bongeunsa Temple (Gangnam), Myeongdong Cathedral Jogyesa, 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, runs temple-stay programs. Myeongdong Cathedral, 74…
    • SIM Card SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+. Prepaid SIMs available at Incheon Airport for approx. 35,000… LG U+ tourist data SIM and eSIM (passport, unlocked phone; pickup at Incheon T1 or T2…
    • Scenic Viewpoints Inwangsan Mountain Peak at sunset; Haneul Park (Sky Park) N Seoul Tower observatory, 105 Namsangongwon-gil, KRW 21,000 (ages 13 to 64), weekdays…
    • Short Term Rentals Airbnb, WeLive, and local platforms like Zigbang Short stays cluster in Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon and the Jongno hanok streets. For a…
    • Social Events for Expats Language exchange meetups at 'GSM Terrace' in Gangnam or Hongdae not set
    • Street Art Ihwa Mural Village and the 'Hipjiro' (Euljiro) alleyways not set
    • Street Food Stalls Myeongdong Night Market or Gwangjang Market (Mayak Gimbap, Bindaetteok) Gwangjang Market jeon alley (Jongno 4-ga) serves fried jeon, bindae-tteok, gimbap and…
    • Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. 18,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 33 m² = 600,000,000 KRW) Numbeo on 22 October 2026 lists about KRW 3,403,735 per square foot to buy in the centre…
    • Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. 10,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 33 m² = 330,000,000 KRW) Numbeo on 22 October 2026 lists about KRW 1,413,497 per square foot outside the centre…
    • Table Tennis Spots Local 'Ping Pong' clubs found in basements of residential areas (look for 탁구장 signs) not set
    • Tap Water Safe to drink (Arisu brand), though most locals use purifiers or boiled water Seoul tap water is sold as Arisu. The 2025 quality report, published 1 July 2026, said all…
    • Tax System Worldwide income for residents (>183 days in Korea) Residents are taxed on worldwide income. A foreign resident in Korea for five years or…
    • Tech Repair Services Samsung/LG Service Centers (ubiquitous); Yongsan Electronics Market Yongsan Electronics Market, in Yongsan-gu, is the large electronics market for parts and…
    • Theater Venues Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, National Theater of Korea Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, 175 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, +82-2-399-1000, with a…
    • Top International Airline Korean Air, Asiana Airlines Korean Air is the full-service carrier at Incheon International Airport, the main…
    • Top Regional Airline Jeju Air, T'way Air, Jin Air Jeju Air (jejuair.net, 1599-1500) is a Korean low-cost airline with its head office in…
    • VAT 10% 10 percent on most goods and services. Exports and some foreign-currency services to…
    • Vegan/Vegetarian Options Plant Cafe Seoul (Itaewon/Yeonnam) and Maru Jaeyeon Gimbap (Insadong) not set
    • Wine Bars The Chamber (Hannam-dong) or various 'Natural Wine' spots in Euljiro not set
    • Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Kula (Hongdae) and Jai Yoga (Hannam-dong) not set

    cleared Social Events for Expats, Yoga & Wellness Centers, Laundry Services, Vegan/Vegetarian Options, E-commerce/Online Store, Local Brewery, Wine Bars, Street Art, Cooking Classes, Birdwatching Locations, Bonfire-Friendly Spots, Parcel Delivery Service, Table Tennis Spots, Language Classes, Community Centers, Casino & Gaming Halls because the previous place or price was not on a page opened this pass.

Continue exploring Seoul

Free views Sign up free