There are indeed many things to take into consideration before finding your next home in South Korea. However, in this ㅡ Urban Vs Rural Living ㅡ guide we are going to help you to decide where you should move.
The quality of life that you could have is indeed the most important factor to take in consideration when finding a new place to live. Because of this, you need to think what is the ideal lifestyle for you. And to help you out, we have prepared a guide, in which we compare the differences of rural cities and big cities.
What is my Best Option?
Both options are great. Because of this, it is up to what you are expecting for your new home city to have.
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Whether it is an urban or rural city, there will be advantages so as downsides. Now, we are going to carefully look at them in this ‘ Urban Vs Rural Living ㅡ Where Should I Move? ‘ guide.
Costs
Urban Area
The cost of living in a big city tends to be high.
Property prices is what tends to be the most expensive. The rent is high priced, so as the services. But what it is more pricey, is the deposit. To live in a good area, you might need to give a minimum of $1000 USD, though the usual range is $5000 – $10000 USD. Unless you are able to find a real estate agency that offers affordable prices.
It is not the case of students, though. Some real estate agencies help you out in finding an apartment with no deposit. In my case, I had to pay only ₩400000 per month. But the downside is that it was a goshiwon ㅡ a small room ㅡ placed in the basement.
While in countryside, for that same amount of money you can get a nicer apartment. And depending on the city, you can even rent a small house.
In general, the life in big city is expensive. The cost of groceries, restaurant food, housing cost, etc. For example, a pizza that I could buy at ₩5000 in countryside, in the city is over ₩20000. Which is a big difference in price.
Rural Area
Living in a rural city is indeed cheaper.
The cost of the groceries, housing costs, restaurant food and even transportation, is much more low-priced than in a big city. Making it the best option if you want to live in a budget.
Even though there are also markets in urban areas, the prices are not as cheap as in rural cities.I suppose it is because in countryside is where they do farming the most.
As for the properties, you can find better deals. Because the apartments tend to be bigger and the rent cheaper. While in big cities, the apartments tend to be more compact and high priced.
Transportation
Urban Area
In big cities, the transportation is indeed more convenient. Because there are subways, buses, taxis, and even bicycles for rent. In addition, due to the fact that they have various transportation methods, there are many subway stations and bus stops. Which means that once you are out from the exit, you might only need to walk a short distance before arriving your destination.
As for the schedule, they run till late night. Because big cities do not sleep. While in rural areas the schedule is short.
Another good point, is that the fees are quite cheap. Even if it is not as cheap as countryside, it still inexpensive. Plus the transfer between bus to subway is free as long it has been less than half hour. And also, the transfers between lines are free.
The biggest downside is the rush hours. Because no matter which transportation method you take, it will be crowded of people. To the point that you will be unable to sit and might have trouble going outside. The worse thing is having to go through a sea of people to only get out.
Actually, not only in the rush hours. Throughout the day, it is quite difficult to find an empty seat for you. Because of how populated it is.
Rural Area
While in the city it is difficult to get an empty seat, in countryside it tends to be common. Because these cities are prone to have less population.
Due to that, you can calmly get into your seat and enjoy the ride. Besides, you do not need to stand up in advance like in the big cities. You can just stay seated until arriving to your stop.
It indeed feels great to be able to leave the bus without having to walk between a bunch of people.
However, there is a big downside. And this is that depending of the city, there might not be subway. Only buses. Which do not operate till late night like in the city.
Usually these buses are scheduled and pass very few times a day. Take as an example my city, Nonsan. Where the bus comes once every hour, and the last bus comes at 9 P.M.
Pollution
Urban Area
In some developed cities, the air quality is bad. Because of this, sometimes it is necessary to wear mask to protect yourself. Not to mention that it becomes a habit to check every day the air quality index. To know when it is good idea to go out and when it is not.
When the condition gets worse, you even receive warnings through SMS, advising you to stay home.
Rural Area
In rural cities the story is completely different. With this, we mean that the air quality tends to be better. Therefore, you are able to stroll without having to wear a mask and just breathing the fresh air.
And what it is better, is that you get some breathtaking views. Because of the clear sky.
There is nothing more satisfying that waking up and opening the window to let the fresh air in, while you look at the beautiful green landscape before your eyes.
Social Life
Urban Area
As a foreigner, you have greater chances to make connections in a big city. Because you can find more people that speak your language. Besides, there are more Koreans that can speak english due to the global companies or universities that are settled there.
Rural Area
Not speaking korean can definitely be a barrier at first. Because it is hard to find people that can communicate in english. However, the people from rural cities tend to be more patient and comprehensive than anyone else. Most of them will patiently wait for you to finish your sentences while you speak korean. And this is because their strong sense of being a community.
Even if there is a language barrier, you can definitely make friends. Sometimes, easier than in a big city. Because in there people lack of time, while in countryside life is calm paced.
Plus, foreigners tend to be a closer community. Because there is less of them living there than in a big city.
Entertainment
Urban Area
Since big cities do not sleep, you can find things to do regardless of if it is night.
In a big city, there is always something to do. Because of this, feeling bored is not an option.
You can find museums, theaters, music venues, shopping malls, cafés, and a vast of things to do. And what it is better, if that if you get tired of being in an urban area, there is always a getaway. Like parks.
Rural Area
In countryside there is basic entertainment. With this we mean that there are bars, karaokes, arcades, etc. But maybe not unique attractions as you can find in big cities. Like for example, a poop café. And also, in some cities there are not even shopping malls there.
Due to the green landscapes of rural areas, I think that the best entertainment is indeed hiking.
Conclusion
We hope that this ‘ Urban Vs Rural Living ㅡ Where Should I Move? ‘ had helped you in your decision! Tell us in the comments in which place you would like to live.
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