u/ButterBallz99

Hello,

So I am moving to Korea after 30+ years living in the US and just looking for some guidance. I'm very early so I don't have any concrete plans but just wanted to see if anyone has advice, guidance, recommendations, or answers on what I will do. Sorry if this is really long:

• I have Korean citizenship so I will land in Korea with a Korean passport. I should be exempt from conscription due to injuries/mental issues but don't know 100% yet, but will find out at the consulate when I get my passport.
• I believe first thing to do once landing is get a simcard so I have a Korean number and data so I can use wifi calling with my US sim card.
• I will rent an AirBNB or equivalent for 2 months. During those two months, I will look for a more permanent place to rent.
  • Will I need a Korean bank account or can I do wire transfers from my US accounts?
• I have lots of stuff I am going to use a freight shipper to ship to the more permanent housing.
  • Does anyone have recommendation on a company that ships from California to I'm guessing Incheon?
  • I have a lot of sentimental items that I would hate to lose/stolen.
  • I preferably want a door to door shipping. I read that I should look for a company that has their own movers in both country.
• Once I have a permanent address, I will get my ID card, bank account, and exchange my US drivers license for a Korean one.
  • Should I just use the Airbnb or whatever address to get these ahead of time?
  • California DL so no reciprocity and I will need to take the written exam. If anyone is familiar, how different are California driving laws are to Korea?
• I understand the job market is really bad in Korea, and globally, but how bad is my job prospect?
  • I will have a bachelors in accounting, will take the US CPA exam in Korea.
  • 11 years of US tax experience.
  • I'm late 30's and poor Korean verbal skills. I will learn but expect 1-3 years to get fluent enough.
• I would like to move near Itaewon just to be around more English speakers to ease myself in, but am I being unrealistic to the housing cost in Seoul? I don't like the idea of Jeonse and would rather just pay rent monthly. Is renting two studios possible with reasonable deposit and monthly rent?
  • Moving with my mom, but I expect no help from her. She's been living in the US longer than she has in Korea so I do not think she understand how different Korea was when we left early 90s.
  • I have some specialized medication that I know of Seoul hospital/clinics that can handle so I would prefer to be in or near Seoul.
• I only know of 1 or 2 family members, but do not and will not want help from them so no help from that part.

Thank you for you time.