Moving to Maldives from South Korea

moving to

What to Expect

Considering a move from South Korea to Maldives? Here's how the two countries compare on cost, climate, safety, and more.

If you moved from South Korea to Maldives, and you’d need to navigate life in Maldivian. You’ll also switch from driving on the right to the left.

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Key Indicator Comparison

The numbers behind daily life in Maldives compared to South Korea.

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

KR
0.5
MV
0.6
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

KR
6.9
MV
1.3

South Korea generally does better on safety, though Maldives leads in road traffic deaths.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2024

annual government + private spending per person

KR
$5,081
MV
$2,288
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

KR
25.2
MV
21.6

South Korea generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Maldives leads in healthcare spending per person.

What about the environment?

Air pollution deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2019

deaths attributable to air pollution per 100k people

KR
19.0
MV
29.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

KR
11.4t
MV
3.6t

South Korea generally does better on environment, though Maldives leads in co₂ emissions per capita.

Will I have good infrastructure?

Broadband per 100 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

fixed broadband subscriptions — key for remote work

KR
45.4
MV
17.4
Water stress level United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

higher means greater strain on freshwater supply

KR
85.2%
MV
15.7%

South Korea generally does better on infrastructure, though Maldives leads in water stress level.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

KR
2.6%
MV
4.1%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

KR
$50,600
MV
$22,400

South Korea performs better than Maldives across all employment & economy metrics.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

KR
83.0 yrs
MV
76.9 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

KR
2.9
MV
25.7

South Korea generally does better on family life, though Maldives leads in education spending.

Data: The World Factbook, United Nations SDG Indicators, World Bank

Visitor Visa Requirements

Short-stay tourist visa rules between South Korea and Maldives. To live, work, or study long-term in Maldives, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Maldives's immigration authority.

South Korea passport

South Korea passport holder visiting Maldives

Visa on Arrival
South Korea passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Maldives.
Maldives passport

Maldives passport holder visiting South Korea

Visa Required
Maldives passport holders need a visa to enter South Korea.

Data: Henley Passport Index. Check with the destination country's embassy for the most current requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work remotely from Maldives?

Connectivity is usually fine (Maldives: 17.4 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Maldives offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Maldives safe for expats?

South Korea generally does better on safety, though Maldives leads in road traffic deaths. The homicide rate in Maldives is 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.5 in South Korea.

How is healthcare in Maldives compared to South Korea?

South Korea generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Maldives leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 21.6 doctors per 10,000 people in Maldives, compared to 25.2 in South Korea. Maldives scores 61 on the WHO universal health coverage index (South Korea: 89).

What language do they speak in Maldives?

The official language in Maldives is Maldivian. In South Korea, the official language is Korean.

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At a Glance

KR MV
Population 51,844,834 390,164
Currency South Korean Won (₩) Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages Korean Maldivian
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +82 +960
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 112