Top 6 perks of living in Seoul, South Korea’s capital

Most people who decide to study Korean in Korea choose to live in Seoul. The reason is simple: Seoul is not only the capital of South Korea, but it is also a growing metropolitan city that has a lot to offer, both in terms of the quality of schools and entertainment. 

In this article, you’ll find out some of the perks of living in Seoul and what it is like living and studying there.

What are some perks of living in Seoul?

1. Convenient transportation

Seoul is a large and ever-expanding metropolitan city with an excellent transportation network, which allows you to reach anywhere inside and outside the city. We are talking about rapid public transportation systems like subway, buses (intercity and express), KTX (high-speed rail system) and if you may, taxis are readily available too.

Be it traveling to touristy spots or gem spots a little further from the city, the public transportation in Seoul makes it easily accessible. Transportation apps launched by Kakao and Naver are so convenient and easy to navigate as well. To develop a sustainable green environment, did you know that Korea has launched a new public transportation card also known as the Korean Climate Card? Click on this link to find out how it can benefit commuters, adding to the perks of living in Seoul!

2. Awesome geographical location

Although it is an urban center, there are many green areas, which is one of the best perks of living in Seoul if you love city life but also love being close to nature. No matter where you are in Seoul, you can see stunning mountains and go to beautiful parks where you can relax and take a break from the hectic city life.

The mountains may not be that tall, but they are great places to immerse yourself in nature without having to stray too far from the city, where you can have a breathtaking view once you reach the top of the mountain. Since the winters in Korea are very cold and the summers very hot, trekking is popular mainly in spring and especially in autumn – during which the leaves of the trees turn bright red.

Additionally, the city is cut in two by the Han River, along which you can find cycle routes and parks suited for picnic areas. One of the best perks of living in Seoul is that the bridges that connect the two areas of Seoul also offer spectacular views, especially in the evening.

3. Cultural immersion

Seoul is also a very traditional Korean city. There are many ancient buildings, including Gyeongbok-gung (the palace), and Buddhist temples, including Jogye-sa, and Bongeun-sa, which are in the district of Gangnam. If you’re interested in immersing yourself in more cultural learning, here we put together a list of temple stays in Korea.

Another aspect of Korea to explore is its museums, which offer visitors a deeper understanding of the country’s history, culture, and stories. Many museums in Seoul offer free admission, so be sure to take advantage of one of the most awesome perks of living in Seoul and check them out.

There is also a small area where you can find traditional Korean houses, called the Hanok village – hanok means traditional Korean houses. In this area, still inhabited mainly by rich families, there are many tourists who wander around in hanbok, the traditional Korean dress, to take pictures.

4. Plenty of activities to do in Seoul

One of the greatest perks of living in Seoul is that there is no shortage of activities to do and there is something for everyone. There are many places to go shopping, ranging from malls scattered throughout the city to the famous Myeong-dong district which is especially known for shopping.

In the evening, as well as normal activities, in Korea you can go to noraebang (노래방, from 노래 = song and 방 = room). This is Korean karaoke and is different from Western karaoke. For a very affordable price, you book a private room where you can sing along with your friends without having to worry about doing it in front of strangers. That sounds like the perks of living in Seoul for sure!

5. Big on cafe and nightlife culture

There are also a variety of coffee shops, from normal chains such as Starbucks to more unique places, where you can find tasty desserts and special lattes. In addition to drinking coffee and enjoying a piece of cake, you will also find many people studying or working on their computers. So if you’re also studying in Seoul, why not add this to the perks of living in Seoul? Enjoying a cup of coffee while studying a new chapter!

Finally, let’s talk about the most famous districts for nightlife. First, there is Hongdae, frequented mainly by university students. In addition to pubs, clubs, and cheap restaurants, you can always find street artists who are dancing, singing, or playing the most popular K-pop songs.

The other two most famous neighborhoods for nightlife are Itaewon, frequented mainly by foreigners since it is located near the former U.S. military base, and Gangnam, considered the most “in” area of Seoul.

6. Meeting new friends from around the world

One of the biggest perks of living in Seoul is that you will live in a metropolis where you can find everything from the useful to the superfluous – it is impossible to get bored. As well as studying Korean at school, you will be able to practice the language all the time. And since you can find people from all over the world in Seoul, you can make friends from all over the world.

If you want to meet other foreigners and make new friends, there are lots of events organized periodically, where you can meet new people, including Koreans eager to practice English or learn about a culture different from their own.

Seoul is also within easy reach of South Korea’s major cities, making it a good base for exploring the rest of the country. Living in Seoul is advantageous in many ways.

We hope that through this article, you can find out some perks of living in Seoul and what it is like living and studying there. Contact us about living and studying in Korea and remember to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content.