Moving to Busan

As the second-largest city in South Korea, Busan is a popular alternative to fast-paced Seoul. The city’s good weather and beaches make it an even more alluring prospect for expats who can’t face the extreme winters the northern provinces suffer through. 

Living in Busan as an expat

Busan houses the country’s largest port. This generates a booming economy which has lead to a healthy job market. Though many expats find work related to shipbuilding or logistics, the city is also one of the most popular choices for young expats moving to Korea to teach English.

With the city divided into 15 “gu” districts, expats will have many expat-friendly neighbourhoods to choose from when it comes to accommodation. That said, apartments tend to be smaller than many expats may be used to. 

Public transportation options in Busan are vast and efficient. Expats will find it easy to navigate the city’s subway and bus systems. Taxis are also widely available and affordable. This makes it easy for expats to visit the various sights that are spread across the city.

Even though Busan is best known for its beaches, it also hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, making it a cultural hub. The lifestyle in Busan is surprisingly diverse. The city has a mix of huge shopping malls and traditional street markets. Expats will be able to eat Korean food quite cheaply at local restaurants, and there is also a wide selection of international restaurants.

Cost of living in Busan

Although Busan is slightly cheaper than Seoul, the city is expensive to live in. That said, salaries are competitive and employment contracts also frequently cover accommodation and schooling, saving expats a lot of money.

Expats will discover transport, locally manufactured goods and Korean restaurants to be extremely affordable, while all foreign goods and foodstuffs come at a high price. Eating at Korean restaurants may even at times be cheaper than buying groceries for one person. This is partly due to the fact that Korean groceries are often sold in bulk, which may not be an option for an expat living alone. 

Expat families and children

Expats with children will find the city child friendly with many attractions that will keep children entertained. There are also a number of international schools in the city, which expats generally opt for rather than the local Korean schools due to the language barrier. The American curriculum and International Baccalaureate are taught at many of these schools. There are also Japanese schools in the city. 

Climate in Busan

Thanks to Busan being far enough south and close to the sea, winters are slightly warmer than in the rest of the country. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and accumulated snowfall is rare. That said, the warmer months are hot, humid and wet, with monsoon season lasting for much of summer. Typhoons are also possible towards the end of summer in Busan. 

Busan is a beautiful South Korean coastal city, boasting a rich history and culture. Those who make an effort to learn the language will be welcomed with open arms. Friendly locals, low crime rates and great amenities make Busan a comfortable destination even for first-time expats.