Suwon, South Korea ๐ฐ๐ท
Nomad Score:
66%
Essentials
| ๐๏ธ City | Suwon is the capital of Gyeonggi Province and known for its rich history, culture, and proximity to Seoul. |
| ๐ฅ Population | Approximately 1.2 million. |
| ๐ป Internet Speed | Average download speed is around 120 Mbps. |
| ๐ธ Currency & Banking | 1 KRW โ 0.00074 USD. Major banks include Shinhan, Woori, and KEB Hana. |
| ๐ฐ Tap Water | Drinkable and safe for consumption. |
| ๐ Power | 220V, 60Hz, ๐ Type C/F sockets. |
| ๐ถ SIM Card | Available from providers like SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus with prepaid options available. |
| ๐ณ Banking for Expats | Foreigners can open accounts with major banks; services often include international wire transfers. |
| ๐ Accommodation | Various options are available including Airbnb, local studios, and guesthouses. |
| ๐ณ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; mobile payments like KakaoPay and Samsung Pay are popular. |
| ๐ Short Term Rentals | Options include Airbnb and serviced apartments; average prices range from $30 to $100 a night. |
| ๐๏ธ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Suwon Guesthouse and backpacker accommodations available from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| ๐ข Best Coworking Space | WeWork Suwon offers modern amenities and a vibrant community atmosphere. |
| โ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Mamas and A Twosome Place are popular for their comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. |
| ๐ผ Networking Events | Meetup events can be found on platforms like Meetup.com, especially focused on tech and entrepreneurship. |
| ๐ฅ Social Events for Expats | Join the Suwon Foreigners Community on Facebook for organized gatherings and activities. |
Transportation
| ๐ Best Taxi/Ride App | Kakao T is the most popular ride-hailing app, offering reasonable fares. |
| ๐ฒ Bike/Scooter Rental | You can rent bikes through the Suwon Bike Sharing program; scooters are available via local apps. |
| ๐๏ธ Best Beach Nearby | Haeundae Beach in Busan, about 2.5 hours away by KTX train. |
| โ๏ธ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air provides services to domestic locations. |
| โ๏ธ Top International Airline | Asiana Airlines and Korean Air operate international flights from Incheon Airport. |
| ๐ฃ๏ธ Highway Access | Well-connected via Gyeongbu Expressway (Highway 1) and other regional highways. |
| ๐ Main Train/Transit Hub | Suwon Station serves as the primary transit hub with KTX, ITX, and subway options. |
| ๐ Public Transport Passes | T-money cards can be used for buses and subways. |
| โ๏ธ Regional Travel | Trains and express buses connect Suwon to neighboring cities like Seoul and Incheon. |
Health and Wellness
| ๐ฅ Best Hospital | Suwon Samsung Medical Center offers high-quality medical care. |
| ๐ง Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogini Yoga and Daejeon Yoga Center are popular spots for yoga lovers. |
| ๐๏ธ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit, Fitness First, and local gym chains offer flexible memberships. |
| ๐งบ Laundry Services | Coin laundries like Wash & Go and local dry cleaners are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| ๐ฑ Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok (Baemin) is highly recommended for food delivery. |
| ๐ฝ๏ธ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Suwon's famous Galbi (marinated ribs). |
| ๐ฑ Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Plant-based restaurants like OhVeg and Macaron serve various vegan dishes. |
| ๐ซ Best Dessert Spots | Cafรฉ Gioia is known for its delectable pastries. |
| ๐ Affordable Shopping Spots | Local supermarkets and wet markets like Suwon Traditional Market offer fresh produce. |
| ๐ E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang and Gmarket are popular for online shopping. |
| ๐ Grocery Delivery | Apps like Market Kurly and B๋งํธ provide grocery delivery services. |
| ๐ธ Bar/Nightlife Area | Paldalmun Area is popular for its bars and nightlife. |
| ๐ป Local Brewery | Magpie Brewery offers local craft beers with brewery tours available. |
| ๐ท Wine Bars | Wine OโClock has a great selection of wines and a cozy atmosphere. |
| ๐ฒ Street Food Stalls | Gongju Snack Street is famous for its variety of street food options. |
| ๐ Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Ahn's Tacos and Italy Pizza offer diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ๐๏ธ Must-See Landmarks | Hwaseong Fortress, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
| ๐๏ธ Museums & Art Venues | Suwon Ibis Hotel and the Korea Folk Village museum showcase regional art and history. |
| ๐ฐ Historical Sites | The Korean Folk Village and Changwon's historical sites attract many visitors. |
| ๐ Religious Sites | Wawoojeong Temple offers a serene environment for visitors. |
| ๐ Annual Events | Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival, celebrated in October. |
| ๐จ Cultural Districts | The area around Hwaseong Fortress features shops, cafรฉs, and attractions. |
| ๐ญ Theater Venues | Suwon Cultural Center hosts various performances and shows. |
| ๐๏ธ Local Markets | Suwon Traditional Market is lively and filled with local goods. |
| ๐ผ Music Scene | Various clubs and bars host live music events regularly. |
| ๐จ Street Art | Explore the murals on alleyways and near local cafes. |
| ๐งโ๐ณ Cooking Classes | Take part in cooking classes at the Korean Food Promotion Institute. |
| ๐ฉโ๐จ Art Galleries | Visit Suwon Art Center to see contemporary and traditional art. |
| ๐ฐ๏ธ Historic Buildings | Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty are located in nearby areas. |
| ๐ด Local Heritage | Suwon is known for its historical importance dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| ๐ Nearby Nature Escapes | Seoul Grand Park and Wawoojeong Mountain provide excellent hiking and nature. |
| ๐๏ธ National Parks Nearby | Bukhansan National Park is about an hour away, great for hiking. |
| ๐ฒ Cycling/Walking Paths | The trails along the Paldalmun area offer scenic views and recreational paths. |
| ๐ Scenic Viewpoints | Viewpoints near Hwaseong Fortress provide breathtaking city views. |
| ๐ฆ Birdwatching Locations | Find diverse bird species around the wetlands near Suwon. |
| ๐ฅ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain parks like World Cup Park permit bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| ๐ฆ Parcel Delivery Service | Post Office and various courier services like CJ Logistics are available. |
| ๐ ๏ธ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iFix offer reliable electronic repair services. |
| ๐ Table Tennis Spots | Public community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| ๐งโ๐ซ Language Classes | Language schools like YBM offer Korean language courses for expats. |
| ๐ Libraries & Study Spots | Suwon City Library provides quiet places to study and read. |
| ๐๏ธ Community Centers | Various community centers organize cultural and recreational activities. |
| ๐น๏ธ Gaming Lounges | PC bang (internet cafรฉs) like Aloha provide gaming facilities. |
| ๐ฐ Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is in Incheon, approximately an hour's travel from Suwon. |
Business
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ2,800 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ112,000) |
| ๐ข Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ2,200 per mยฒ (e.g., 40 mยฒ = โฌ88,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ3,300 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ198,000) |
| ๐ 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ2,600 per mยฒ (e.g., 60 mยฒ = โฌ156,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. โฌ3,000 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ240,000) |
| ๐ก 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. โฌ2,400 per mยฒ (e.g., 80 mยฒ = โฌ192,000) |
| ๐ผ Corporate Tax | 25% |
| ๐ต Dividend Withholding Tax | 22% |
| ๐ฆ Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| ๐ Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45%. |
| ๐งพ VAT | 10%. |
| ๐ Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| ๐ Property Tax | Landlords are responsible for property tax based on property value. |
| ๐ Property Transaction Tax | Around 4% for property transactions. |