16 Sep
Spending a year abroad is an unforgettable experience – whether you were teaching, studying, or just exploring. But while moving abroad is a big leap, returning home can be just as challenging – emotionally and logistically.
After a year of living in Korea, I realized that moving back home involves a lot more than just packing a suitcase. From closing accounts to dealing with reverse culture shock, there’s a lot to prepare for.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you transition back home smoothly after living abroad – especially if you’ve been in Korea.
1. Wrap Up Your Finances (Bank Accounts & Transfers)
Before leaving, make sure to visit your Korean bank in person to open an IRP account. You will use this account to receive your severance and pension payments. I will write a much more detailed article about this process to come, but here are some main aspects to make sure of:
- It’s a no-fee account
- You’ve updated your contact information
- You can still access mobile banking from overseas (some banks will lock accounts without a Korean number)
Money Transfer Tip: Use trusted remittance services like Wise, SentBe, or Korbit to send remaining funds to your home country.
2. Cancel Your Korean Phone Plan
Most phone contracts in Korea last 12 months, but you still need to cancel your mobile plan before you leave—even if your contract has ended.
What to bring to the carrier store (SKT, KT, LGU+):
Your bank card for the final payment
Any rental phone or SIM card
✅ Tip: Some providers (like SKT) allow same-day cancellation at the airport—but confirm this a few weeks in advance!
3. Say Goodbye to Your Apartment (And Handle the Deposit!)
If you’re living in a housing contract:
Provide at least 30 days’ notice to your landlord or school.
Clean your apartment thoroughly for the final inspection.
Pay off any remaining utility bills (electricity, gas, etc.).
In most cases, your key money deposit (전세금) will be returned via bank transfer. Coordinate early with your school or landlord to avoid delays.
4. Notify Korean Immigration Before Leaving
If you’re on a visa (like an E-2 or D-2), you must notify Korean Immigration when you leave the country permanently.
You can:
Visit your local immigration office in person
Or declare your departure at the airport immigration counter before your flight
⚠️ Warning: Failure to notify could affect your ability to return to Korea in the future.
When in doubt, ask your employer or school—they’ll often help make sure all paperwork is in order.
5. Ship, Sell, or Donate Your Belongings
Living abroad for a year means you probably accumulated more than you planned! Here’s how to downsize:
📦 Ship Home:
Use Korea Post, EMS, or international freight services
Buy boxes and packing tape at Daiso or your local post office
💸 Sell Locally:
Try 당근마켓 (Karrot Market)
Join local Facebook expat groups
♻️ Donate or Toss:
Donate items to local charities or drop-off centers
Toss anything you truly don’t need
Pro Tip: EMS is fast but expensive—surface mail is much cheaper if you’re not in a rush.
6. Prepare Emotionally for the Transition
The logistics are one thing—but leaving Korea emotionally is another. It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement, sadness, and even anxiety.
You might feel:
Sad to say goodbye to friends, coworkers, and students
Overwhelmed about adjusting to life back home
Disconnected or unfamiliar with your home country (this is reverse culture shock)
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself time to:
Reconnect with loved ones
Reflect on your experience
Process everything you’ve learned
7. Final Checklist Before Your Flight ✈️
Before you head to the airport, double-check the following:
✅ Pension withdrawal forms (if applicable)
✅ Flight details and booking confirmations
✅ Final receipts (rent, phone, utilities)
✅ Backup access to money in case of delays
✅ A plan for final goodbyes—and lots of photos!
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.
