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What people from Busan think of Seoul

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This is bound to get interesting. Whenever you compare to cities, you run the risk of stereotyping and oversimplification.  It’s complicated, we know. We asked a bunch of people living in Busan to give us their opinion of Seoul. Some people might have gone a little overboard, but you’ll get the idea…

1. I. CAN’T. BREATHE.

Seoul is too busy! Busan has fresh air and the sun reflects off the cold, blue water. Nature is accessible and feels like it’s just… closer. I feel like I can breathe here.

2. You mean, there are no waves?

Sure, the water isn’t too far from Seoul… but you won’t find a beach with waves like the ones we have in Haeundae. This definitely increases my quality of life in Busan.

Winters in Seoul

Winters in Seoul

3. That’s the cost???

The cost of living is way lower in Busan! Seoul is very class-based. Clubs and bars in certain areas (Gangnam, Apgujeong, Itaewon) can be pretty expensive.

4. Too cold!

Busan is the warmest city during Korea’s freezing winters. Seoul is too cold for me.

 

 

5. Wait, I can actually speak English here?

It’s always crazy how many people speak English in Seoul. The people are generally more conservative and English is not as widely spoken in Busan.

Seoul Subway Map

Seoul Subway Map

6. How am I  suppose to read this subway map?

Busan isn’t as big as Seoul, so it’s a lot easier to get around here. The subway in Seoul is huge – I’m sure people living there get used to all the different transfers, but it’s just more simple down here.

7. Too many people!

Sure the beaches get pretty crazy during the summer down here, but Seoul is crowded all the time. There are just too many people for me.

 

Here’s more on what people from Busan think of Seoul: what would YOU add?

Seoul vs Busan: 6 things Seoulites think when they go to Busan

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What do Seoulites think when they go to Busan? This is the Seoul vs Busan showdown!

Busan is often called the “Summer Capital of South Korea” and as the city’s slogan goes, it is a vibrant and dynamic city. Some might say that this city has it all…but what do Seoulites really make of it when they go to Busan?

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Streets in Busan

1. They don’t understand me…

The minority of people here speak basic English. Seoul is slightly more international and has more people that speak English. Here in Busan, you will also be less likely to understand signs around the city.

2. Can I make this go any faster?

Life is slower in Busan, whereas Seoul has developed into a busy city with massive developments over the years.

3. Okay, I’ve seen it all. Now what?

Sure, there are things to do like hiking, shopping, visiting Spa Land, Yonggungsa Temple and going to the Busan International Film Festival, but there is perhaps much more choice in Seoul when it comes to activities.

Haeundae_beach_in_Busan

Beach in Busan

4. Did winter skip this part of Korea??

With four distinct seasons, the weather is milder, and it’s not nearly as cold in the winter. It also has a cooler version of a humid subtropical climate in the summer.

5. So this is how it feels to spread my arms out

It’s not nearly as crowded or busy in Busan, whether it is on the subway, in the streets or in shopping districts. If you are agoraphobic, you should probably move to Busan, rather than Seoul.

6. I can breathe…

Comapred to Seoul, Busan is a breath of fresh air. It has been given”good” Air Quality rating by AQICN. The natural environment of Busan is a perfect example of harmony between the mountains, the rivers and the sea.

Of course, there are two sides to every story…don’t miss our article about what people from Busan think of Seoul!

 

 

 

Facebook Groups in Korea

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Teachers, Expats, Foreigners and Tourists.
Find them on Facebook in YOUR area…

One of the best parts about living and working in South Korea is the long lasting friendships you make with other expats. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to find people – especially if you’re in an area that has less foreigners.

This interactive map should be able to help you connect to other areas of Korea. Perhaps you’re considering a move to a new city, or maybe you just want to find out more about the people…

Either way, here is a tool that you can use to get connected easily with other expats in Korea.

 




Ilsanite Club Jeonju Knowledge Adventure Teaching Anseong Newbies Iksan Foreigners Association The Northern Alliance Wonju English Teachers

Let us know about Facebook Groups in Korea that can be added,
Comment below.

Noryangjin Fish Market

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Noryangjin Fish Market

Noryangjin Fish Market in Seoul is still one of Korea’s biggest seafood markets. It is an extensive farmers fish market in the neighborhood of Noryangjin-dong in Dongjak-gu, and is located east of Building 63.

 

To get there, take the subway from Chungmuro Station (Line 4) to Seoul  Station and transfer to Line 1. Alight at Noryangjin Station (Exit 1) and walk across the overhead bridge to the market.

Noryangjin Fish Market was established in 1927 as Gyeongseong Susan (경성수산) on Uijuro(의주로) in Jung-gu near Seoul Station and moved to its current location in central Seoul in 1971

At Noryangjin, you pick out your seafood on the lower level, and then you take it upstairs to one of the restaurants, where it is prepared for you.

 

For more information:

Culture Trip.

 

Busan Temple

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Busan Temple: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

From AT Teacher, Alex Mottern: “This is the most beautiful temple I have ever seen. And I can’t wait to go back in Spring via the hike from Haeundae. The beauty of the Haedong Yonggung Temple does not simply come from the massive gold buddha, but from a dragon statue surrounded by miniature people figurines, and the surroundings of the sea and mountain.” 

It is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. Since most temples are found in the mountains, it’s a pretty amazing sight to see this one right next to the ocean.

Follow Alex on Twitter & Blogspot to hear all about life in Busan!

Seughaksan Busan

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Seughaksan Busan

An Adventure Teaching teacher, Alex Mottern went hiking Seughaksan in Busan last week and took some beautiful photos:

“I went hiking to Seughaksan a second time and finally made it to the top! It has beautiful views of Seo-gu (Hadan, Dongdaesin and the island Eulsukdo). There are some lovely flowers up there as well, and the trees seemed to be changing colors perfectly for the day we went. The sun was not out, but was shining though the clouds onto Busan.”

To follow more of Alex’s adventures, check out her Twitter account and travel blog.