Moving to Singapore from Korea: Your Complete Expat Experience
Moving to Singapore from Korea offers expats a seamless transition to Asia's safest, most efficient city-state, with strong business ties and familiar high-tech vibes. This guide provides actionable steps for Korean nationals, from visas to property hunting, positioning Homejourney as your trusted partner for secure relocations.
Whether you're eyeing career growth in finance or tech, or planning a family move after your Korea 10-day itinerary adventure in Seoul, Busan, and Jeju, Singapore delivers stability and opportunity. Homejourney verifies every listing to ensure user safety and transparency.
Why Koreans Choose Singapore: Key Similarities and Differences
Singapore mirrors Korea's efficiency, safety, and work ethic, but trades Seoul's seasons for year-round tropical warmth (28-32°C). Koreans appreciate Singapore's K-wave scene in areas like HDB heartlands with Korean supermarkets stocking kimchi and gochujang.
Cost of living is comparable: a 2-bedroom condo rents for SGD 4,000-6,000 monthly, similar to Gangnam apartments when adjusted for KRW-SGD rates. Career drivers include Singapore's 7% GDP growth forecast and demand for Korean expertise in semiconductors and biotech. Read our pillar guide on Moving to Singapore from UK: Expat Guide for broader comparisons.
Relocating from Korea: Visas and Work Permits
Korean professionals qualify for Employment Pass (EP) if earning SGD 5,000+ monthly (minimum rises to SGD 5,600 for finance roles in 2025). Apply via MOM portal with job offer; processing takes 3 weeks. Dependents get Dependant's Pass.
- Step 1: Secure job offer from firms like Samsung or LG outposts in Singapore.
- Step 2: Employer submits EP; track via EP Online.
- Step 3: Upon approval, enter Singapore and complete medical check at clinics like Raffles Medical (SGD 50, 1-hour process).
Entrepreneurs can apply for EntrePass with innovative business plans. Homejourney advises consulting ICA for latest rules to avoid delays.
Property Options for Korean Expats in Singapore
Foreigners like Koreans face 60% ABSD on purchases (e.g., SGD 1.2M tax on SGD 2M condo), making renting ideal initially. Popular neighborhoods for Korean expats include:
- Tanjong Pagar: 5-min walk from Korean Town (Exit A, Tanjong Pagar MRT); condos like Pearl Tower rent SGD 5,500 for 2-bed (850 sq ft).
- Holland Village: Expat hub with Korean BBQ spots; 2-bed units SGD 6,000-8,000, near Holland Village MRT (10-min walk).
- Orchard/River Valley: Luxury condos near United World College; rentals SGD 7,000+ for families.
Rental process: Use Homejourney property search for verified listings. Expect 1-2 months' deposit; agents waived for leases over SGD 3,500. Check projects directory for 2025 trends showing stable prime rents.[1][3]
Buying suits long-term stays (5+ years); explore via mortgage rates for financing options tailored to expats.[1]
Practical Settling-In: Banking, Healthcare, Education, Transport
Banking: Open DBS/POSB account on arrival (bring EP, passport; 30 mins at any branch). Homejourney supports KRW-SGD transfers seamlessly for remittances.
Healthcare: World-class public system; register at polyclinics (SGD 20 consult). Expats favor private like Mount Elizabeth (near Orchard MRT).
Education: Korean International School (KIS) in Geylang (Tampines MRT, 15-min bus); fees SGD 30,000/year. Proximity to schools key for rentals.[1]
Transport: MRT is king – get EZ-Link card (SGD 10). From Changi Airport to city: 40 mins, SGD 2. Taxis via Grab app (familiar to Koreans).
- Insider tip: Download SingPass app Day 1 for all govt services; locals swear by it for CPF and HDB access.
Maintaining Korean Connections While Thriving in Singapore
Direct flights: Singapore Airlines Seoul-Singapore (6.5 hrs, SGD 600 return). Korean Air offers daily services. Visit Korean Cultural Centre (Tanjong Pagar) for events.
Communities: Join Korean Expats Singapore Facebook group (10K+ members). Currency: Exchange KRW at Mustafa Centre (24/7, Little India MRT, best rates). Homejourney's tools handle multi-currency property views for hassle-free planning.
Post-move: Schedule aircon services – essential in humid climate (quarterly clean SGD 150).
Success Stories: Korean Expats in Singapore
Tech exec Ji-hoon from Seoul relocated via EP, now at fusion startup in one-north. "Singapore's efficiency beats Korea's hustle; rented in Tanjong Pagar for easy kimchi runs." Family moved to River Valley near schools, buying after 3 years despite ABSD.[1]
Investor Min-ji: "Used Homejourney's verified search post-Korea 10 days budget guide; safe platform built my trust." Careers boom in biotech; 20% Korean firms expanded here 2025.
FAQ: Moving to Singapore from Korea
1. Can Koreans buy property in Singapore?
Yes, but 60% ABSD applies; renting recommended first. Use Homejourney for options.[1]
2. What's the EP salary threshold for Koreans?
SGD 5,000 minimum; higher for older applicants. MOM.gov.sg confirms.[3]
3. Best neighborhoods for Korean families?
Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village – near Korean stores, MRT, schools.[1][3]
4. How to ship belongings from Korea?
Use door-to-door services; declare electronics. 4-6 weeks transit.[2]
5. Cost of living vs. Seoul?
Similar for housing/food; Singapore cheaper on healthcare/transport.
Ready for your Singapore move? Start with Homejourney property search for safe, verified listings. Homejourney prioritizes your security – contact our experts today for personalized guidance back to our full expat pillar.
