Moving in Korea for the first time — how much do packing movers cost?
I'm moving from a one-room to a bigger place next month but I don't know how moving works in Korea. I'd like to understand the difference between packing movers (포장이사) and regular moving, roughly how much it costs, and how to choose a reliable company. Also, how do I report my change of address after moving?
1 Answer
Moving in Korea usually comes in two types: regular moving where they just transport your boxes, and packing movers (포장이사) where they pack, move and unpack everything for you, which is worth it if packing feels overwhelming.
For a move from a one-room to a somewhat bigger place, packing service runs roughly 500,000 to 900,000 won, varying with the amount of stuff, the floor, whether there is an elevator or a ladder truck is needed, and the date, since weekends and lucky moving days cost more. Get quotes from several companies through a comparison app like Zimssa or a portal, check that they are licensed and read reviews, then lock in the price with an in-home estimate rather than a phone guess.
After moving there are two reports, and they have different deadlines. The move-in report (전입신고) at your community centre or online at Government24 (gov.kr) is the Korean Resident Registration Act one, filed within 14 days. As a foreign resident, the report that binds you is the change-of-residence report (체류지 변경신고), due within 15 days of moving in under Article 36 of the Immigration Control Act, with an administrative fine of up to 1,000,000 won if you miss it. The community centre for your new address processes both at the same counter, so one visit does it, and HiKorea (hikorea.go.kr) also takes the change of address online without a visit appointment.
Do not assume the moving company or the landlord handles any of this. The address on your alien registration record is what visa renewal, health insurance billing and bank verification read from.
Sources: 출입국관리법 제36조, 주민등록법, 찾기쉬운 생활법령정보, 하이코리아.
Last verified: 2026-09-28