South Korea has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for expats, digital nomads, and international students alike. With its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, South Korea offers a lifestyle that’s both culturally enriching and extremely convenient. Whether you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, a relaxed island life, or something in between, the cities in South Korea offer a diverse range of living experiences to match your preferences.
Obtaining your visa is the first essential step to a successful move to South Korea, make sure to read this guide for everything you need to know!
1. Seoul – The Heartbeat
As the capital and largest city, Seoul is at the top of the list when talking about the best cities in South Korea. With a population of over 9 million, it’s a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends history and hyper-modernity.
Why choose Seoul : Seoul is ideal for expats who crave fast-paced urban life, abundant career opportunities, and top-tier infrastructure. The city is a major hub for technology, business, education, and culture. It’s home to global companies like Samsung and Hyundai, prestigious universities like Yonsei and Korea University, and countless job opportunities for English teachers and remote workers.
Things to Do:
Explore ancient palaces like Gyeongbokgung, relax by the Han River, shop in Myeongdong, or enjoy views from Namsan Seoul Tower. The nightlife in areas like Hongdae and Itaewon is also a major draw.
Transport:
Seoul has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world. The Seoul Metro is clean, safe, and covers the entire metropolitan area. You can get a monthly subway pass for around ₩60,000 KRW ($45 USD). Learn more about Seoul’s transport here.
2. Busan – Coastal Living City
Next on our list of cities in South Korea is Busan, a vibrant port city located on the south-eastern coast. Known for its stunning beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and dynamic markets, Busan offers a more relaxed alternative to Seoul without compromising on city life.
Why choose Busan: Busan is perfect for expats who prefer ocean views and a slightly slower pace. It’s South Korea’s second-largest city and offers a lower cost of living compared to Seoul.
Things to Do:
Visit Haeundae Beach, explore the colourful Gamcheon Culture Village, or relax at Beomeosa Temple. Don’t miss the famous Jagalchi Fish Market for fresh seafood.
Transport:
Busan has an extensive subway system and long-distance KTX train connections to Seoul (just 2.5 hours away). Local transit costs about the same as in Seoul.
3. Daegu – A Rising Star
While often overlooked, Daegu is gaining popularity among expats and students for its affordable living, welcoming community, and warm climate. As one of the lesser-known cities in South Korea, Daegu is great for those seeking an authentic Korean experience away from tourist crowds.
Why Choose Daegu: The cost of living is considerably lower here, making it ideal for teachers and students. The city has a friendly expat community and several international events throughout the year.
Things to Do:
Discover Apsan Park, enjoy shopping in Dongseongno, or take a cable car up to Palgongsan Mountain. Daegu also hosts one of Asia’s largest fashion festivals.
Transport:
Daegu’s metro system is smaller but efficient. It’s well-connected to major cities via the KTX and express buses. More info on transport here.
4. Incheon – Gateway to the World
Incheon is often recognized for its award-winning international airport, but it’s also one of the most liveable areas in South Korea for expats. Located just west of Seoul, Incheon offers many of the same benefits as the capital — but often at a more affordable rate.
Why choose Incheon: The city is rapidly developing, with modern infrastructure and a growing number of international schools and foreigner-friendly facilities. It’s home to Songdo International Business District, a smart city built from the ground up.
Things to Do:
Visit Chinatown, explore the Incheon Grand Park, or take a ferry to nearby islands like Muuido for a weekend getaway.
Transport:
Incheon is connected to Seoul by subway (Line 1 and Airport Line), making commuting easy. Incheon International Airport is one of the best airports in the world, offering direct flights globally.
5. Jeju Island – Paradise for Nature Lovers
One of the most unique cities in South Korea — even though it’s an island — Jeju is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its natural beauty, slower pace of life, and mild climate. It’s often referred to as the “Hawaii of Korea”.
Why choose Jeju: Jeju is perfect for nature lovers and digital nomads seeking peace and tranquillity. The island has become increasingly popular for remote workers, especially after COVID-19 increased remote work opportunities.
Things to Do:
Hike the famous Hallasan Mountain, explore lava tube caves, or relax on black sand beaches. Jeju also has a unique local culture, language dialect, and cuisine.
Transport:
While Jeju has buses, owning a car or scooter is recommended for convenience. Flights to Seoul are frequent (1 hour) and inexpensive.
6. Jeonju – A Cultural Gem
If you’re looking for a blend of history, art, and delicious cuisine, Jeonju might just be your perfect match. Smaller and quieter than other places in South Korea, Jeonju is rich in traditional architecture and offers a truly immersive cultural experience.
Why choose Jeonju: It’s a great place for creatives, foodies, and those wanting a slower pace. Jeonju is the birthplace of bibimbap, one of Korea’s most beloved dishes, and is home to the Jeonju Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional homes have been preserved.
Things to Do:
Walk through the Hanok Village, rent a hanbok (traditional outfit), or enjoy performances at the Jeonju International Film Festival.
Transport:
Jeonju is walkable, with efficient bus connections. It’s also accessible by KTX, around 1.5 hours from Seoul.
7. How to Choose Between Cities in South Korea?
Each of these cities in South Korea offers a unique lifestyle depending on your priorities:
- Seoul: Best for professionals, students, and those who love urban life.
- Busan: Great for beach lovers and relaxed city living.
- Daegu: Ideal for affordability and authenticity.
- Incheon: Perfect for international connectivity and modern living.
- Jeju Island: A haven for nature lovers and remote workers.
- Jeonju: Rich in tradition, culture, and culinary delights.
Most major places in South Korea have basic English support, but learning some Korean will dramatically improve your experience. You can also use apps like Papago or KakaoMap to get around more easily.
To Finish
The cities in South Korea offer something for every lifestyle. With excellent infrastructure, safety, rich culture, and a welcoming atmosphere, South Korea is one of the best places in Asia to start a new life abroad.
Feel free to share in the comments which city in South Korea you’d love to live in and what makes it your top choice!
If you’re planning to settle in South Korea, it’s essential to know how to open a bank account, check out this guide for all the steps you need!
FAQs
1. Do I need to speak Korean to live in South Korea as an expat?
While it’s possible to live in the major areas in South Korea with minimal Korean, especially in Seoul and Busan, learning basic Korean will significantly improve your daily life and integration. Apps like Papago and Naver Dictionary are great tools to help you get started.
2. What’s the cost of living like in the different cities in South Korea?
Seoul is generally the most expensive city, followed by Busan and Incheon. Cities like Daegu, Jeonju, and Jeju Island tend to be more affordable, especially for housing and food. On average, monthly living costs range from ₩1,000,000 to ₩2,000,000 KRW ($750–$1,500 USD) depending on your lifestyle and city.
3. Is it easy to find accommodation as a foreigner in South Korea?
Yes, but it depends on the city. Larger cities in South Korea like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon have more foreigner-friendly housing options. You can rent through real estate agents (부동산) or use platforms like Zigbang or Airbnb for short-term stays while looking for a permanent place.
