Busan, South Korea 🇰🇷
#795
,
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Busan is South Korea's second-largest city, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KRW ≈ 0.001 USD; 1 USD ≈ 1,100 KRW. Major banks include KEB Hana Bank and KB Kookmin. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is recommended outside of urban areas. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. Prepaid SIMs available at airports. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Standard credit card systems accepted, including international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, weekly rentals, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit cards widely accepted and mobile payments like KakaoPay are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel The Stay, prices start at about 15,000 KRW/night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Haeundae and Nampo-dong are popular locations for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Seomyeon and Kyungsung provide a vibrant atmosphere with coworking spaces and cafes. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hangout, located in Seomyeon, offering affordable plans starting at 150,000 KRW/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe de Lulu, well-known for its quiet atmosphere and good wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts various tech and creative events in Busan. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Busan International Community Center (BICC) hosts regular expat meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | KakaoTaxi is the most popular ride-sharing service. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Ofo and BaeminBike offer bike-sharing services throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haeundae Beach is the closest and most popular beach. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operate regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Korean Air and Jeju Air offer multiple international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via Gyeongbu and Namhae expressways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Busan Station is the primary rail hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | T-money card available for bus and subway use. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | KTX trains connect Busan with Seoul and other major cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Busan National University Hospital is the largest and most equipped. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Pure Yoga Busan offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness and Fitness First are popular choices. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry Time offers self-service and drop-off services across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok (Baemin) is the most popular food delivery app. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Busan's famous Sannakji (live octopus) at the Jagalchi Fish Market. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant Cafe in Haeundae offers a wide range of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafe Aloha serves delicious Hawaiian desserts and treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gukje Market is a bustling place to find local snacks and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang is a popular e-commerce platform in Korea. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Market Kurly provides fast grocery delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Seomyeon is the hub for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Busan Beer Company offers brewery tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Coffee offers a great selection of wines and is known for its ambiance. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Gwangalli Beach promenade has numerous street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta & Co. serves great pastas and pizzas in Seomyeon. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gamcheon Culture Village is known for its colorful houses and artistic vibe. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Busan Museum of Art showcases local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Beomeosa Temple offers a glimpse into Korea's Buddhist heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a seaside Buddhist temple, is a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Busan International Film Festival is held every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Yongdusan Park area features cultural performances and events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Busan Opera House hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Jagalchi Fish Market is a famous seafood market that offers fresh catches every day. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Busan has a lively music scene, especially in live music bars around Seomyeon. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The village of Gamcheon is renowned for its vibrant street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Busan Cooking Class offers traditional Korean cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | F1963 is a contemporary art space focusing on modern exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Busan Modern History Museum provides insights into the city's past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Busan is known for its shipbuilding and fishing heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Igidae Park offers scenic coastal trails and beautiful ocean views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Consider visiting Jirisan National Park, accessible via public transport. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Coastal Walkway from Haeundae to Gwangalli offers stunning views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park is a must-see. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Daejeong Bay is popular for seasonal birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain designated beaches allow bonfires, such as Gwangalli Beach. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Korea Post and DHL provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone Center and Samsung Service Center for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Busan National University has public table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | EPIK offers Korean language classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Busan Metropolitan Library has excellent study facilities. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Busan International Community Center offers various programs for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various PC bangs (PC rooms) are located throughout the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Paradise City Casino offers gambling venues combined with accommodation. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 25 m² = approx. 75,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,500,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 25 m² = approx. 62,500,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 40 m² = approx. 140,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 40 m² = approx. 112,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 4,200,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 80 m² = approx. 336,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 3,000,000 KRW/m² (e.g., 80 m² = approx. 240,000,000 KRW) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% corporate tax for most companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax applied in most cases. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed based on worldwide income; foreigners with less than 183 days may qualify for tax exemptions. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 42%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Korea has strict CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax is 4-6% depending on the sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Global income is generally taxable, but various deductions may apply for long-term residents. |