Seoul, Korea, is considered to be among the world’s most expensive cities, along with Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Osaka, and Moscow. This is especially true for western expatriates, because expatriates pay a premium for the imported products and services they are accustomed to buying in the west.

Expatriates tend to live in modern housing complexes in Seoul, many of which are walled compounds with 24-hour sentries. Each complex is self-sufficient, providing convenience stores as well as supermarkets. Foreigners settling in Seoul, Pusan, Inchon, Taegu, or any other major industrial city will find housing to be extremely expensive. There are many types of housing in Seoul. Houses and villas generally come empty, so incoming residents will usually have to provide a refrigerator, stove, and air-conditioning.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete South Korea guide.