A growing number of Korean-American elders are exploring the idea of reclaiming their Korean nationality, not only out of nostalgia, but also driven by financial pressures and concerns about quality of life. As dual citizenship becomes available to those over 65, more retirees are asking: Could life be better back in Korea?

Interest in nationality recovery among Korean Americans has steadily increased. According to Korea’s Ministry of Justice, the number of cases rose from 1,764 in 2020 to 4,203 in 2023, remaining strong at 3,607 in 2024. Although the upward trend has slightly slowed, interest remains high, particularly among Korean Americans residing in the United States.

For many, returning to Korea in retirement feels like coming full circle. “I’ve always dreamed of walking along the Olle trails in Jeju or hiking Jirisan,” said Won-il Kim, a Los Angeles resident in his 70s. “Now that I’m older, I want to live a flexible life between the U.S. and Korea, staying wherever feels right.”

While emotional ties to their homeland guide some, others cite practical reasons for the move. Chief among them is Korea’s affordable healthcare system.

For Korean Americans who do not qualify for Medicaid due to income limits, Korea’s national health insurance offers a far more affordable alternative. By re-establishing residency and restoring their Korean resident registration, retirees can gain access to a wide range of public services. “Living in the U.S. on a Social Security check of $1,500–$2,000 a month is tight,” added a Los Angeles retiree. “In Korea, that amount stretches further. I can afford rent, food, and healthcare without constant worry.”

Elders also mention public transportation as a significant plus. In California, the loss of mobility often means isolation; in Korea, a robust subway and bus system allows retirees to maintain independence without a car.

Emotional factors also weigh heavily. Many older adults say that after years spent working and raising families in the U.S., retirement has brought unexpected feelings of alienation. “When I was younger, I was too busy with work and raising my kids to feel lonely. Now, I spend most of my time at home in a neighborhood where no one speaks Korean, and it feels isolating,” said a retiree.

The rise in interest has fueled a surge in YouTube channels offering how-to guides on nationality recovery, such as “How to Apply for a Residence Certificate” and “Dual Citizenship Pros and Cons.” Many of these videos are produced by attorneys or administrative professionals, and draw tens of thousands of views. But returning to Korea is not without challenges.

A recent story on the YouTube channel Real Life Report gained attention, featuring a Korean-American man who chose to return to the U.S. after initially moving back to Korea. Although the language and food were familiar, he found Korea’s digital-first systems, especially kiosk-based services and online-only processes, to be challenging to navigate. “I was used to in-person help in the U.S., but in Korea, everything was automated,” he explained. “I felt lost.”

There are also financial complications. Shin-yong Kang, a CPA based in Los Angeles, warned that retirees must carefully consider tax implications before applying for dual citizenship. “While Korea and the U.S. have a tax treaty to avoid double taxation, retirees may still need to file taxes in both countries depending on their income,” Kang noted. “This can include property taxes in Korea and certain U.S. federal and state taxes.”

For Korean-American elders weighing the decision, the question goes beyond practical logistics. It’s also about identity, belonging, and the search for comfort in life’s final chapter. Trading L.A. traffic for the Olle trails of Jeju may offer nostalgia and practical benefits, but it also requires retirees to adapt to a different pace, culture, and bureaucracy—challenges they must carefully consider.

By Chase Karng