The first question that circles in the mind of anyone coming to Korea is: "Which city would be good for me to live in?"

I struggled with this same question once too. I looked at each city, felt it out, watched the people, and drew my own conclusions. Today I want to share those conclusions with you in a friendly way.

Alright, before getting into the cities in detail, there are a few things you should know. Most people prefer living near their university (if it's a bachelor's program with classes 3–4 days a week). If classes are just once a week, you can live "anywhere" and commute. Now, when it comes to work, guys usually commute to Seoul Tekpe, Hanjin Tekpe, Incheon Tekpe, and similar factory-type jobs. Or they go work in cities like Icheon, Incheon, Daeso, Cheongju, Ulsan, greater Gwangju, and similar places (since there are relatively more factories there). If you know the language well, you can find work in almost any city, you just adapt slowly with patience, wherever you go. Koreans never sit around going "oh no, we've been waiting years for you, especially waiting for your visa to come through, here's a job, here's a house, here's a Korean girlfriend" (joking, of course). Most importantly, it's best to settle somewhere where you already know a lot of people.

Seoul — where everyone's running, and no one stops

The first thing you notice when you enter Seoul is speed. Here, people run, the subway runs, life itself runs.

If you:

• are looking for opportunity
• want to work at big companies
• are the type who says "I like the noise"

Seoul is the right place.

But honestly, it's exhausting. Prices are high, there are a lot of people, and there's little peace.

Incheon — close to Seoul, but a place where you can breathe

Incheon is like Seoul's "little sibling." It's close, cheaper, and the people are a bit gentler.

The airport, the sea, the port, it's all here. If you want to be close to Seoul but want to avoid Seoul's noise, Incheon fits very well.

Busan — the city that wakes up to the scent of the sea

Busan isn't Korea's heart, but it is its spirit. The sea, the beaches, warm people, a soft dialect.

Life here is a bit more free, and people are more open too. If you love the sea, Busan is waiting for you.

Daegu — a hot city, warm people

Most people say Daegu is "hot," and that's true. But the people are warm and sincere too.

This city fits well for:

• students
• workers
• people looking for a cheaper life

Chuncheon — quiet, nature, fresh air

Chuncheon is where I currently live. Life here is calm, people are gentle, and nature is wonderful.

If you:

• are tired of noise
• are looking for a quiet place
• love nature

Chuncheon is a very pleasant choice.

Gwangju — art, culture, gentle people

Gwangju is one of Korea's cultural centers. People here are very gentle, and the city is spacious and comfortable.

Ulsan — industry, job opportunities, big factories

Ulsan is Hyundai's city. If you want to work in factories or a technical field, there's a lot of opportunity.

Jeju — island life, quiet, nature

Jeju is Korea's "Maldives." But living here isn't romance, the wind is strong and prices are high.

Still, if you want island life, Jeju will pull you in.

Ansan — lots of Uzbeks, lots of job opportunities

Ansan is a city of migrants. There are many Uzbeks here, jobs are easier to find, and prices are lighter too.

Wonju — quiet, clean, good for students

Wonju is a quiet city in Gangwon. There are many students, prices are low, and nature is beautiful.

Sokcho — sea + mountains + quiet life

Sokcho is one of Korea's most beautiful spots. There's the sea, and Seoraksan mountain is close too.

Gimpo — very close to Seoul, but with lower prices

Gimpo sits right next to Seoul. Many people commute to Seoul for work but live in Gimpo.

Conclusion — which city fits who?

My friend, honestly, there's no such thing as "the best city" in Korea. Each one has its own spirit, its own charm.

• Want noise and opportunity? Seoul.
• Want sea and freedom? Busan.
• Want quiet and nature? Chuncheon.
• Want cheap and comfortable? Daegu, Wonju.
• Want a place with lots of Uzbeks? Ansan.
• Want island life? Jeju.

Most important of all is where you feel good about yourself.

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