Living In Busan Expat Guide – that will be the topic of today’s article.
Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here.
The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.
Introduction
So you’ve decided to move to Busan – congratulations! As an expat, you’ll find that South Korea’s second-largest city is a great place to live. From its world-famous beaches to its delicious cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Busan.
As an expat, one of the first things you’ll need to do is find a place to live. Fortunately, there are plenty of options in Busan, from apartments and condos to houses and villas. You can find furnished or unfurnished apartments, as well as short-term or long-term rentals.
However, you need to understand why you’re relocating to this part of the world. This will help you to get an idea of what could be the correct Housing type or Locale for your needs. That being said, it is recommended that you secure short-term furnished housing or a serviced apartment to ease your way into the culture and the language.
I’m sure you might have been surfing the internet for days now, trying to get a glimpse of what the cost of living is like in South Korea, in areas such as Seoul and Busan. Well, we will be providing you with a list of prices for goods and services today.
Not only is that, but we have compiled this article to explain everything about living in Busan as an expat. This includes; the pros, cons, cost of living, best places suitable for expats, and many others, to mention a few. Are you ready to explore Busan in a few months? Continue reading to know more!
Top 7 Places Suitable for Expats in Busan
If you are an expat looking for a great place to live in Busan, you will be happy to know that there are plenty of great places to choose from. Here is a list of the top seven places that are perfect for expats:
Haeundae
Haeundae is one of the most popular areas in Busan, and it is no wonder why. This area is home to some of the best beaches in Korea, as well as plenty of great restaurants and bars. Also, Haeundae is close to the city center, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to all the action.
Gwanganli
Gwanganli is another great area for expats in Busan. This beach area is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the city, as well as some of the best nightlife. Gwanganli is also close to the city center, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to everything.
Seomyeon
Seomyeon is one of the most vibrant areas in Busan, and it is perfect for expats who want to live in a city center. This area is home to plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops, and it is also close to other important areas in Busan. Also, Seomyeon is a great place to live if you want to be close to public transportation.
Sasang
Sasang is a great area for expats who live in a quieter neighborhood. This area is home to some of the best schools in Busan, as well as plenty of parks and other amenities. Sasang is also close to the city center, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to everything.
Daejeon
Daejeon is a great place for expats who want to live in a smaller city. This area is home to plenty of great restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as some of the best schools in Korea. Daejeon is also close to other important areas in Korea, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to everything.
Bundang
Bundang is a great place for expats who want to live in a suburban area. This area is home to plenty of great schools, and it is also close to other important areas in Korea. Bundang is also close to Seoul, making it a great choice for those who want to live in a suburban area but still be close to the city.
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is a great place for expats who want to live in the countryside. This area is home to plenty of great schools, and it is also close to other important areas in Korea. Gyeonggi-do is also close to Seoul, making it a great choice for those who want to live in the countryside but still be close to the city.
Overview of the Pros and Cons of Living in Busan
While Busan is suitable for many, it also has its drawbacks. Living in Busan can be great for those who enjoy lively and active city life. There are plenty of things to do and see in Busan, and the overall atmosphere is very vibrant and energetic. In this section, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Busan as an expat.
Pros
Beautiful City with Stunning Scenery
Whether you’re looking at the ocean or the mountains, there’s always something to admire. In this wonderful city, you’ll never be bored with the scenery. That being said, you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxed lifestyle here without any hustle and bustle. Also, many festivals and events take place all year round, so you’ll always have something fun to do.
Friendly Locals
One of the best things about living in Busan is the friendly locals. They’re always willing to help out and go out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable and having a good time. In addition, they’re always up for a good conversation, so you’ll never feel bored or lonely.
Excellent Public Transportation
The bus and subway systems in Busan are incredibly efficient and easy to use. You can get practically anywhere you need to go in a short amount of time, which is great for those who don’t have a car. And, the fares are very affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to use them.
Plenty of Job and Business Opportunities
Busan is a major city with a lot of businesses and job opportunities. If you’re looking for work, you’ll definitely be able to find something that suits your skills and interests here. Plus, the cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities in South Korea, so it’s a great place to start your career.
Good Quality Of Life
Overall, Busan has a high quality of life. The air is clean, the food is delicious, and the friendly people. You can enjoy a comfortable and relaxed lifestyle here without any stress. So, if you’re looking for a great place to live, Busan is definitely worth considering.
Lots of Cultural Attractions
Busan is a culturally rich city with plenty of attractions to see and explore. From traditional temples and gardens to modern museums and performance venues, there’s something for everyone. And, since the city is so large, you’ll never run out of places to visit.
Affordable Cost Of Living
Finally, one of the best things about living in Busan is the affordable cost of living. You can live comfortably here on a relatively modest budget. So, if you’re looking for an affordable city to live in, Busan is a great option. Also, the cost of living is gradually increasing, so now is a great time to move to Busan!
Cons
Difficulty in Finding Housing
One of the biggest challenges for those looking to move to Busan is finding affordable and available housing. The city is constantly growing, but the infrastructure has not yet caught up, leading to a shortage of quality housing options. Expats often find themselves paying a premium for apartments in central areas or commuting long distances from more affordable suburbs.
Crowded and Dirty Streets
Busan is a vibrant and lively city, but it can also be quite crowded and dirty. The streets are often jammed with cars, motorbikes, and pedestrians, and the sidewalks are often cluttered with shops and restaurants. It can be difficult to find a quiet spot in the city to relax.
Poor Public Transportation
The public transportation in Busan is not as good as in other major cities in South Korea. The buses and subway lines are often crowded and unreliable, making it difficult to get around the city. Aside from this fact, Busan is a great city to live in. These are just a few of the challenges of living in Busan. If you can overcome them, you will be rewarded with a wonderful and unique city to call home.
Extreme Weather/Humidity in Summer
Like the rest of South Korea, Busan experiences extreme weather conditions during the summer. The temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is often unbearable. Many people find it difficult to cope with the heat and humidity during the summer months.
Lack of English-Speaking Community
Compared to other major cities in South Korea, Busan has a relatively small English-speaking community. This can make it difficult for expats to meet people and make friends. However, with a little effort, it is possible to connect with the local community.
Busan Cost of Living
The cost of living in Busan is lower than in other major cities in South Korea. However, it is still more expensive than in some smaller cities. The average monthly rent for an apartment in Busan is 3.2 million won, while the cost of living for a single person is estimated at around 1.5 million won per month.
The price of food and transportation is also relatively high compared to other cities in South Korea. However, the cost of living in Busan is still lower than in Seoul. If you are looking for a city with a lower cost of living, Busan may not be the best choice, but it is still cheaper than Seoul.
Furthermore, the public transportation system in Busan is excellent, so it is easy to get around the city without having to spend a lot of money on transportation. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in Busan, so you can enjoy good food without spending too much money.
Overall, the cost of living estimates as of today is listed below. Without further ado, take a look at it now! Well, it seems that Busan is a little more expensive than some of the other cities in South Korea, but it’s still cheaper than Seoul.
The cost of food and transportation is high compared to other cities, but there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in Busan.
Cost of Utilities (Electricity, Heating, and Water)
Electricity, heating, and water generally cost around 100,000 won per month in Busan. This estimate is based on a medium usage of electricity, water, and heating. If you use more than the average amount of these utilities, your monthly costs will be higher.
Internet
The average monthly cost of internet in Busan is about 30,000 won. However, there are a lot of internet providers in Busan, so you can find a plan that fits your needs and budget. Also, many apartments in Busan come with internet included in the rent. That’s why it’s important to ask your landlord about the availability and price of the internet before moving into an apartment.
Phone
The average cost of a phone plan in Busan is about 50,000 won per month. There are a lot of different phone plans available in Busan, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and budget. In fact, some phone providers even offer unlimited data plans for a fixed price.
Cable TV
The average monthly cost of cable TV in Busan is about 50,000 won. However, not all apartments come with cable TV included in the rent. If you’re interested in getting cable TV, be sure to ask your landlord about the availability and price. Moreover, there are a lot of different cable TV providers in Busan, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and budget.
Clothes
The cost of clothes in Busan varies depending on the brand and quality of the clothes. However, the average cost of clothes is about 2,000 won per item. So, if you want to save money on clothes, it’s a good idea to shop for clothes in second-hand stores or discount stores.
Food
The cost of food in Busan varies depending on the type of food and the restaurant. However, the average cost of food is about 5,000 won per dish. If you want to save money on food, it’s a good idea to eat at local restaurants instead of upscale restaurants.
Accommodation
The accommodation cost in Busan varies depending on the type of accommodation and the location. However, the average cost of accommodation is about 500,000 won per month. If you want to save money on accommodation, it’s a good idea to live in a shared apartment or dormitory.
Top 7 Tourist Attractions in Busan
Busan, the second-most populous city in South Korea, is a beautiful and vibrant coastal city full of tourist attractions. From its stunning beaches and mountain ranges to its ancient temples and modern skyscrapers, Busan has something for everyone. Here are the top seven tourist attractions in Busan:
1. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Korea and is often considered the best beach in Busan. The sand is clean and white, the water is crystal clear, and there are plenty of facilities and activities available to keep you entertained. The beach is also conveniently located near Haeundae Station, making it easy.
2. Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is another popular spot for beach lovers in Busan. The beach is located in Gwanganri, a beautiful and modern district of the city. The sand is also clean and white, and the water is very clear. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, as well as a few shopping malls, so you can easily make a day of it.
3. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple located on the coast of Busan. The temple grounds offer stunning views of the ocean, and there are several interesting sculptures and artwork to see. The temple is also a popular spot for weddings, so if you’re in town during wedding season, be sure to check it out.
4. Jagalchi Market
Jagalchi Market is the largest seafood market in Korea, and it’s a must-visit for any foodie. The market is located in the Nampo-dong district, and you can find just about any seafood here, from live fish to dried goods. If you’re not a fan of seafood, there are also some other markets in the area that sell fruits, vegetables, and other food items.
5. Taejongdae Park
Taejongdae Park is a beautiful coastal park that offers stunning views of the city and the ocean. The park is located on the southern tip of Busan, and it’s a great place to take a walk or go for a hike. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the park, as well as a few amusement parks for the kids.
6. Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon Culture Village is a colorful village located in the Saha-gu district of Busan. The village is famous for its unique architecture and murals, and it’s a popular spot for photographers and tourists. There are many cafes and restaurants in the village, as well as a few museums and art galleries.
7. Yongdusan Park
Yongdusan Park is a small park located in the center of Busan. The park is best known for its impressive views of the city and the ocean, and it’s a popular spot for couples and families. There are many sculptures and monuments in the park, as well as a cable car that takes you to the top of the hill.
Frequently Asked Questions about Busan
What is the best time of year to visit Busan?
The best time of year to visit Busan really depends on what you are looking for in a holiday. If you are looking for good weather, then April to November would be the best time to go. However, if you are looking for lower prices and fewer tourists, then December to March would be the best time to visit.
What are some of the most popular tourist destinations?
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Busan include Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Nampo-dong, Jagalchi Fish Market, and Gamcheon Culture Village. Also, Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park are popular tourist spots that offer great city views.
How do I get around Busan?
There are a few ways to get around Busan. The most popular way is by subway, which has a great network covering most of the city. Alternatively, you can also use the bus system, which is quite efficient. Taxis are also available, but they are more expensive than the other two options.
What are some of the must-try foods in Busan?
Some of the must-try foods in Busan include ramen, kimbap, fishcakes, and soondae (a type of blood sausage). Also, Busan is famous for its seafood, so you should definitely try some local dishes like hwae (raw fish) and odeng (fish cake in soup).
Is Busan safe for expat?
Busan is a safe city for expats to live in. However, as with any city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling at night. Also, it is a good idea to learn some basic Korean phrases before traveling to Busan, as not many people speak English.
Can I visit North Korea from Busan?
Yes, it is possible to visit North Korea from Busan. There are a few tour companies that offer day trips or longer tours to North Korea. However, it is important to note that traveling to North Korea is not without risks, so please make sure you are well-informed before making any decisions.
Conclusion
If you’re considering living in Busan, South Korea as an expat, there are a few things you should know before making a move. As mentioned above, this city, Busan, is the second-largest in South Korea and is known for its beautiful beaches, mountains, and temples. Nonetheless, refer to this guide before planning to relocate to Busan.
