Pros and cons of moving to Busan

When expats consider living in South Korea, Seoul is naturally the first city that they think of as a destination. That said, moving to Busan can be a great alternative for those who want to have the conveniences of big-city living without being overwhelmed by the enormity of a megalopolis like Seoul.

Although its population is dwarfed by Korea's capital, Busan is still a hidden gem of East Asia despite being a city of over 3.3 million people. Below are some pros and cons of living in Busan.

Getting around in Busan

+ PRO: Affordable, reliable options

Getting around in Busan is straightforward thanks to an extensive public transit system. The city's metro network includes four main subway lines, a light rail connection to Gimhae, and a coastal commuter line that together link all major districts and several surrounding cities. For those who prefer to be above ground, there are a variety of bus routes that can conveniently get people to any part of the city.

In a pinch, it's easy to grab a taxi at a fare far lower than one would find in other cities of Busan's size. For those looking to travel, Busan is well connected to the rest of Korea by intercity buses and trains, including the KTX bullet train connecting Busan to Seoul.

- CON: Limited international travel options

Gimhae Airport serves dozens of destinations across East and Southeast Asia, with popular routes to Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and China. Long-haul international travellers typically need to connect through larger hubs. Some expats opt to take the high-speed train to Seoul for wider flight options, which adds time and expense to international trips.

Weather in Busan

+ PRO: Warmer winter weather

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.

- CON: Extreme weather in summer

Summers are when Busan experiences its most extreme weather. Humidity climbs from May onwards, and the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall from June through September. The city can be affected by typhoon systems during this period, although coastal storms are generally less severe than in other parts of Korea.

Cost of living in Busan

+ PRO: Lots of cheap local options available

Busan has a solid variety of restaurants for Korean food at cheap prices. This makes it easy and affordable for expats to try out the local cuisine.

- CON: Western food can be expensive

Western food can be expensive in Busan. While those who embrace Korean culture will find plenty to enjoy, it can be tricky at times to find the comforts of home. Western products are available at Costco and major supermarket chains, although imported items like cheese and spices carry premium price tags. While it's fairly easy to find popular international options throughout the city, more niche cuisine is typically limited to touristy places like Haeundae.

Lifestyle in Busan

+ PRO: Wide variety of events

A wide variety of events keeps life in Busan engaging year-round. The city has positioned itself as an entertainment hub, hosting everything from the Busan International Film Festival to major gaming expos, sporting competitions, concerts and cultural celebrations. Art exhibitions, theatrical performances and seasonal festivals fill the calendar.

- CON: Limited international options

While Busan offers international entertainment through venues like the Dream Theatre for touring musicals and the Busan International Film Festival for cinema, options remain more limited than in Seoul. Expats who want major concerts or world-touring musical acts typically make the trip to the capital, which means factoring in travel time and expense. The live music and entertainment scene in Busan centres more heavily on local and regional acts.

Accommodation in Busan

+ PRO: Affordable housing

Affordable housing in Busan is a major draw compared to Seoul. The cost of accommodation is substantially lower than in the capital, with rental prices often nearly half of what expats would pay in Seoul.

- CON: Difficult to find suitable expat housing

Finding suitable expat housing in Busan takes more effort than in Seoul. English-language resources are limited, and many local real estate agents don't work with foreign clients or speak English. Expats often need to tap into social media groups, specialised English-speaking agents, or rely on employer assistance to negotiate the rental market. The process can feel daunting without local language skills or connections.

Education in Busan

+ PRO: Excellent teaching standards and facilities

As the language of instruction in Korea's public schools is Korean, most parents opt to send their children to international schools in Busan. These schools have exceptional teachers and facilities and globally recognised curricula.

- CON: Fewer international school options

Busan is home to fewer international schools than Seoul, and only two cater primarily to the international expat community with English-medium instruction. Parents may face waiting lists during peak enrollment periods. Early application is advisable to secure placement.

Healthcare in Busan

+ PRO: Several international clinics

Several major hospitals in Busan maintain international clinics specifically designed to serve foreign residents. These facilities offer English-speaking staff, translators and streamlined services for expats. Under South Korea's National Health Insurance programme, which covers foreigners residing in the country for more than six months, expats can access care at these international clinics or at any hospital within the national system.

+ PRO: English-speaking and interpretation care services are available

Major hospitals in Busan typically employ English-speaking doctors and maintain interpretation services, many featuring physicians trained in Western medical systems. Expats can also access the national Emergency Medical Information Center hotline for interpretation assistance when communicating with healthcare providers. While smaller neighbourhood clinics may have limited English support, the city's major medical facilities make quality healthcare accessible to foreign residents.