Why interest in housing changes and retirement moves is growing
More people are selling a large family home after the children leave and moving somewhere smaller, or spending retirement where the cost of living is lower. Housing options after retirement fall broadly into three groups: adapting your current home and staying put, moving to a smaller home or senior housing, or relocating to a cheaper region or abroad. Whichever you choose, it is a decision that involves a lot of money and your whole way of life, so it pays to research thoroughly first.
- Downsizing: moving to a smaller home to cut upkeep and living costs
- Aging in place: adapting your home (removing thresholds, adding grab bars, etc.) so you can keep living somewhere familiar
- Senior housing and retirement communities: moving to housing that comes with meals and health services
- Retirement relocation: moving to a region or country with a mild climate and lower living costs
Overseas retirement rankings: what changed this year?
In the 2026 Global Retirement Index from International Living, a US magazine about living abroad, Greece took first place for the first time, overtaking long-time leaders Portugal and Spain. Forbes's 2026 list of best places to retire abroad (96 places in 24 countries) also included Asian countries, with Vietnam appearing for the first time. Keep in mind, though, that most of these rankings are built around US retirees, so visa, tax, and healthcare conditions may not apply to you in the same way, depending on your nationality.
Why start with an expo?
Visiting an expo before deciding on a move or housing change lets you compare several options in one place and hear directly from government agencies and operators. Rather than encouraging anyone to move, this page gathers expo information from Korea and abroad to help you research: two recent expos held in Korea and two upcoming events overseas.
| Event | Dates | Location | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 European Retirement Relocation Conference | March 20–22, 2027 | Algarve, Portugal | Upcoming |
| 2027 Panama Retirement Relocation Conference | January 20–22, 2027 | Panama City, Panama | Upcoming |
| Jipconomy Expo 2026: Senior Housing Exhibits in Review | September 30 – October 1, 2026 | COEX, Seoul | Ended |
| The 49th Overseas Immigration & Investment Expo in Review | September 19–20, 2026 | COEX, Seoul | Ended |
As of October 2026, we have not found any retirement relocation or senior housing expos scheduled in Korea for the rest of the year, so the upcoming events listed are overseas. We will add the Korean expos' 2027 dates once they are announced.
How to make the most of an expo
Before, during, and after
- Before: Write down the regions you are interested in, your budget, and your must-haves (distance to hospitals, to family, etc.). Pre-registering often gets you in free or at a discount.
- During: Attend the briefings by government agencies and operators before talking to vendors. Get all costs in writing, including deposits, monthly fees, commissions, and refund terms.
- After: Don't sign anything on the spot. Review it with your family and double-check with official sources. For a move abroad, always check the guidance from the destination country's embassy and immigration authority.
- Pensions and health insurance: Moving abroad can change how you receive your pension and whether you stay covered by your home country's health insurance. Ask your pension provider and health insurer in advance (in Korea, the National Pension Service and the National Health Insurance Service).
Please keep in mind
- This article is based on information checked as of the date shown at the top. New research or changes in official guidelines may change the details, so please use it as a reference rather than taking it as definitive.
- Details such as schedules, rules, and costs can change, so confirm them with the organizers or the relevant agencies before you decide. For any health-related decision, please see a doctor in person.