Moving to Tonga from South Korea

moving to

What to Expect

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

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

Get free moving quotes to Tonga

We've teamed up with a vetted network of international movers to help MyLifeElsewhere readers plan their move with confidence. Tell us about your move and get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes in under 2 minutes.

  • ✅ Up to 5 quotes from screened movers
  • ✅ Licensed and insured providers only
  • ✅ 100% free — you choose who contacts you

Key Indicator Comparison

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

Is it safe?

Homicide rate United Nations SDG Indicators, 2022

per 100,000 people per year

KR
0.5
TO
0.9
Road traffic deaths United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

per 100,000 people per year

KR
6.9
TO
8.5

South Korea performs better than Tonga across all safety metrics.

How's the healthcare?

Healthcare spending per person World Bank, 2024

annual government + private spending per person

KR
$5,081
TO
$512
Doctors per 10,000 people United Nations SDG Indicators, 2021

affects wait times and access to care

KR
25.2
TO
10.1

South Korea generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Tonga 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
TO
24.0
CO₂ emissions per capita World Bank, 2024

tonnes of CO₂ emitted per person per year

KR
11.4t
TO
1.6t

South Korea generally does better on environment, though Tonga 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
TO
8.0

South Korea performs better than Tonga across all infrastructure metrics.

What are the job prospects?

Unemployment rate The World Factbook, 2023

percentage of the labour force without work

KR
2.6%
TO
2.3%
GDP per capita The World Factbook, 2023

a broad measure of economic output per person

KR
$50,600
TO
$6,600

South Korea generally does better on employment & economy, though Tonga leads in unemployment rate.

Is it good for families?

Life expectancy The World Factbook, 2022

average years of life at birth

KR
83.0 yrs
TO
77.5 yrs
Infant mortality The World Factbook, 2022

deaths per 1,000 live births — lower is better

KR
2.9
TO
12.4

South Korea generally does better on family life, though Tonga 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 Tonga. To live, work, or study long-term in Tonga, you'll need a separate residence or work visa — check Tonga's immigration authority.

South Korea passport

South Korea passport holder visiting Tonga

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

Tonga passport holder visiting South Korea

Electronic Travel Authorisation
Tonga passport holders need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) 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 Tonga?

Connectivity is usually fine (Tonga: 8.0 fixed broadband per 100). What actually decides it is legal: does Tonga offer a digital nomad visa, will your employer permit overseas work, and where are you tax-resident?

Is Tonga safe for expats?

South Korea performs better than Tonga across all safety metrics. The homicide rate in Tonga is 0.9 per 100,000 people, compared to 0.5 in South Korea.

How is healthcare in Tonga compared to South Korea?

South Korea generally does better on health & wellbeing, though Tonga leads in healthcare spending per person. There are 10.1 doctors per 10,000 people in Tonga, compared to 25.2 in South Korea. Tonga scores 57 on the WHO universal health coverage index (South Korea: 89).

What language do they speak in Tonga?

The official languages in Tonga are English and Tongan. In South Korea, the official language is Korean.

Share this

At a Glance

KR TO
Population 51,844,834 105,517
Currency South Korean Won (₩) Tongan Paʻanga (TOP)
Languages Korean English, Tongan
Driving side Right Left
Calling code +82 +676
Time zones 1 1
Emergency number 112