Changwon, South Korea 🇰🇷
#803
,
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Changwon is a city located in the Gyeongsangnam-do province in South Korea, known for its industrial base and developed urban infrastructure. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.1 million inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KRW ≈ 0.00074 USD, ATMs widely available, major banks include KEB Hana, Shinhan Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and TransferWise are used by many expats; local banks also accept foreign accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, monthly rentals through local websites, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in most establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is popular; monthly rentals can be found on websites like Zigbang and Dabang. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Dream Hotel and budget guesthouses are available. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Jangboksan Mountain area and the Changwon City Center for easy access to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The Changwon City Center and Seongsan-dong are recommended for their amenities and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Tribe Changwon offers great facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Pera in the city center, known for its calming atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups are hosted by expat communities; check local Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Changwon English Speaking Club hosts monthly gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Kakao T is the most popular ride-hailing app in South Korea. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals available at Changwon's public bike-sharing system called 'Ddareungi.' |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Gyeongpo Beach is about 45 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air operates flights from Gimhae International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Various carriers operate flights out of Gimhae International Airport, including Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Gyeongbu Expressway connecting to Busan and Seoul. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Changwon Station connects to regional trains and high-speed KTX. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Changwon City Bus Pass available for unlimited rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (Korail) and buses connect Changwon with cities like Busan and Jinju. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Changwon National University Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogafit Changwon for yoga enthusiasts. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Gold's Gym and Hanmaum Sports Center are popular. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Eco Laundry provide quick services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok (배달의 민족) is the most popular food delivery app. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Jjimdak' (braised chicken) and 'Gukbap' (soup with rice) for authentic local flavors. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurants like The Plant Café. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café B in the city center offers various desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | June's Mart and local markets provide budget-friendly shopping options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Gmarket and Coupang are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local services like GS Fresh deliver groceries to your door. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Seongsan-dong is the nightlife hub with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Changwon Beer is a well-known local brewery. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar 44 offers a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Yeongil Market is famous for its street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurants like K-Pasta are well-loved by locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Changwon's 3.15 Memorial Park and the famous Yongji Lake are must-visit places. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Changwon Museum of Art offers exhibitions and cultural events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Historic sites like the Changwon Confucian School are well-preserved. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Munseongsa Temple is a significant Buddhist site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Changwon K-Pop World Festival attracts international participants annually. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Changwon is filled with galleries and local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Changwon Culture & Arts Center hosts performances regularly. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Changwon Traditional Market is popular for shopping local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars and clubs host live music events, particularly in Seongsan-dong. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Changwon has vibrant mural projects in the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | K-food cooking classes offered at several local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Changwon Art Village feature contemporary works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Changwon's old houses reflect traditional Korean architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The roses of Changwon are considered a symbol of the city and are celebrated in local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jangboksan Mountain provides hiking opportunities and scenic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Nearby Gyeongju National Park offers a lush nature experience. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Long cycling paths along the Nakdong River provide scenic routes. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Observatory at Yongji Lake offers stunning panoramic views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Changwon Lake Park is suitable for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Changwon Park are designated for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Logistics firms like CJ Logistics and Hanjin offer reliable delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in the city center provide device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Institutions like the Changwon Language Center offer Korean language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Changwon Library offers quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Changwon Community Center hosts various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC Bangs (internet cafes) are popular for gaming in the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Changwon, but Busan has nearby options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩2,300,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₩92,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩1,800,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ₩72,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩2,500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₩150,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩2,000,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ₩120,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩2,800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩224,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩2,300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩184,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% for small businesses, 22% for larger corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based income tax system with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, South Korea has rules governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on the assessed value of property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Rates range from 1% to 3% depending on the value of the property. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can take advantage of relatively low taxes on foreign income if meeting certain criteria. |