Last Updated: Feb 2026

South Korea Visa vs South Africa

Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.

CriteriaSouth KoreaSouth Africa
Income$5,500/mo$3,200/mo
Savings OptionN/AN/A
Visa Fee$60$150
Processing2 weeks4-8 weeks
Validity1 year (renewable)3 years
Cost TierHighMedium
Nomad Cost (est.)~$3,100/mo~$2,100/mo
1BR Rent~$900~$850
Internet280 Mbps55 Mbps
Pet Friendliness4/107/10
Tax trigger183 days183 days
Insurance requiredYesYes
Pet Catch (2026)Strict quarantine unless you have a rabies titer test from an approved lab.Requires an import permit and a rabies titer test.

Travel Insurance Required

South Korea deep-diveSouth Africa deep-dive