Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tome]

I've just been offered a good job in Busan but had my heart set on Seoul. Is there really any significant difference between the two?

[just because]

Its like oranges vs. apples , New York vs. San Fran, Sydney vs. meb...

They have their differences but are similar at the same time

[ShaneM]

From my (very limited) experience, I would choose Seoul if you need the metropolis feel. I prefer the weather, and the beaches of Busan. That said I'm going to Seoul

[VanIslander]

Seoul has a lot more expats, by far, though that sometimes means they can be less friendly to meet on the street. Way more international restaurants and imported goods, cultural events, concerts, etc. Way more pollution too, more spread out, and the term concrete jungle applies aptly to several areas.

Busan has enough expats to make a few friends, with about a dozen regular hangouts I know of, and has enough international cuisine. Shopping is good enough, though a 3-hour train ride to Seoul (at a cost of about $40) may be desired once every couple of months on a weekend).

Busan is a place to go if you want to see ocean and mountains everyday, breathe fresher air, be close to beaches in town and along the coast.

Indeed, Busan is more like Vancouver and Seoul is like Toronto.

The weather is MUCH milder in Busan. Snow is rare enough that people grab their cameras when there's a day of it, like this last winter. Seoul can get very cold and is snowy. Busanites can leave the city and go up into the mountains to nearby Muju ski resort to get their fix of snow. There are ice skating rinks in the city, even in the Lotte department store, if you wanna lace up in the winter.

Before coming to Korea in 2002 I decided I wanted to live near Busan (though NOT in any big city) and so I came here to Geoje island, 50 minutes south of it by ferry. I have travelled around the country a few times and realize that I made a good decision: for me, near Busan is a perfect location.

It's easy I hear to live a bubble life among expats, apart from Koreans, in Seoul; much more difficult in Busan. Both cities have their upsides. It's not like you're choices are Daegu or Gwangju.

[Wrench]

I live in and work in Busan and I love it. I have visited Seoul and I didn't like it very much. I prefer Busan because people here seem a lot more friendly and there is a lot less foreigners. I get free stuff all the time Its a lot less poluted and it has some great scenery.

[mindmetoo]

What struck me about Busan is it's a large enough city to have what you need (a subway, starbucks) but its not packed with people like Seoul.

[Wrench]

[just because]

Seoul: capital city, lots of western conveniences, lots of expats, some of the unfriendliest koreans you will meet...

Busan: port city, a few western conveniences, a few expats, people on the whole seem a bit friendlier.....


mindmetoo, what is your fascination with starbucks???

[mindmetoo]

[Tome]

Thanks a lot, although I think I am now more confused than ever...


Beauty vs. Western culture

[buddy bradley]

Busan = Lots of hicks, including the foreigners.

Seoul = Suave young hipsters such as myself, and of course Dr. Kim.

[Always Curious]

[buddy bradley]

[just because]

[buddy bradley]