The cities in South Korea are extremely diverse in ways of culture and modernism. Although, there are many provinces with varied customs within each, the whole country can almost be split into two general districts, Seoul and not-Seoul .

Seoul

Seoul is very interesting and quite large. It is the capital of South Korea and has a bursting population that could make someone with personal space issues very uncomfortable. With the total population of South Korea at over 50 million, Seoul and it's clinging satellite cities hold almost half of it (23 million). Most Koreans believe that to conduct a business successfully in Korea, you must establish it in Seoul or very near Seoul.  Westernisation has a huge bearing on this city.

With such an exploding number of people in the city comes an equally exploding number of amenities to service them. Seoul is packed full of places to go and things to do. Many of which are altered versions of something else that exists, but every area in the city seems to have it's special niche about it. There are touristy, traditional areas (Insadong, Namdaemun), high fashion districts (Myeongdong, Apgujeong), discount markets and shopping stores (Dongdaemun, Namdaemun), and plenty more. Seoul is usually listed in the top three most expensive cities in the world so it all comes at a much higher cost of living compared to most of the rest of Korea, so watch your wallet!

Other Cities (not-Seoul)

The not-Seoul parts of the country can be even more intriguing and the experience is seemingly more cultural. There are pretty much the same things to do in most of the larger cities, just not on every corner. This leaves lots of room for other aspects of traveling. Like in Seoul, there are is an abundance of Korean history to be seen in, or near, pretty much any city you choose. Smaller cities are a lot quieter (in comparison) and you even get a small town sort-of-feeling in some places. Many of the Korean historical treasures are scattered throughout the southern portion of the country.

There is definitely more of a "celebrity effect" in the not-Seoul parts of Korea as foreigners are still somewhat of a rarity for Koreans to see in many areas. Once in a while, you may even feel like a zoo animal, as so many Koreans (especially the elderly and children) find it hard to break the stare! But, in any case, you'll find yourself feeling welcome and posing for photos with strangers all the time. "Kimchi!"

Both the Seoul and not-Seoul parts of Korea are wondrous, which makes choosing between them quite difficult for many. If you are planning to teach in Korea for more than one year, then you are in an ideal position to really dig in and get the most out of the whole experience! Some would recommend to try a city or town that is far from Seoul first, because once you're in Seoul, it's hard to pry yourself from the conveniences that come with a city so dense. Then for your second year, stay where you are if you like, or head to the capital. If you only have a year, then you need to decide between sacrificing some of the culture for westernization and convenience, or sacrificing some of the convenience for more culture and community (and maybe being nearer to the coast?), not to mention a lower cost of living.

Either way you choose, we think the experience will be one you'll never forget. Korea is considered to be one of the safest countries in the world, and with the various different modes of travel in Korea, it is super easy to get to anywhere in the country at a very low cost.

For more information on Korea and Korean things, return to "Info on Korea"

If you'd like to discuss your options with someone who has experienced both lifestyles, please don't hesitate to contact us. Send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and an experienced representative will get in touch with you.