Neighborhoods for Foreigners in Korea
Seoul City is divided into 25 districts, called "gu" in korean.
The Han River(한강) divides Seoul. North of the river(Kangbuk)is older and is where most expats have traditionally lived. South of the river(kangnnam) is a newer area that has become a favored location for many Koreans also expats. Many businesses headquarters are located here, especially kannamg-gu area and therefore, it is also popular with young professionals and entrepreneurs.
NORTH OF THE RIVER(Kangbuk):
Although expats live all over seoul these days, some areas are still more popular than others. Many expats choose the Itaewon, Hannam or Ichon-dong areas because they are closer to many of the foreigner friendly social activities of the expat community, which can be very important to the non-working spouse.
Pyeongchang-dong(Jongno-gu) and Seongbuk-dong are also very popular with families although they are a little further away and less accessible by/with public transit. The two areas are hilly but contain more large homes than some of the others, single family houses. Because of its location to schools(Seoul foreign School:SFS), Seodaemun-gu (inclues Yonheei-dong) is also a choice location for some families, although it is the most isolated from the expat ‘social’ area – Itaewon.
Yongsan-gu (district) is home to a high percentage of foreign residents. The Itaewon and Hannam areas are located in Yongsan. Corporate expats and their families live here as do some military families and individuals.
Itaewon is the main foreigner area in the very center of Seoul. it has become a colorful neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and shops from around the world. Today Itaewon is considered the upcoming hotspot for new businesses and the area is changing considerably.
Living in Itaewon: Itaewon havs a good selection of housing options. Most housing buildings types are villas, multiplex hosuing or individual houses. There are no high-rise apartments are here. Large two or four bedroom flats are more common than small one-rooms or studios. Location wise, Itaewon station ( Brown line, # 6) and Noksapyeong Station, (Brown line, # 6) are easy to accessible.The international schools all have bus services to Itaewon area.
Hannam-dong is just South of Itaewon closer to the Han River. It is much more residential than Itaewon, yet it is within walking distance to Itaewon.
Living in Hannam-dong: Hannam-dong is home to the UN Village. There are over 800 luxury residences in the guarded area. There is also a large residential area beside this gated community. Hannam-dong is safe, clean and recommended for family living. Hannam-dong has apartment buildings, villas and individual houses with gated courtyards. The international schools all have bus services to the neighborhood and the German School is located in Hannam-dong. Public transportation is slightly less convenient than in Itaewon because the residents all own vehicles. It is near to Oksu station, (orange line 2) and Hannam Station ( Jungang; central line).
SOUTH OF THE RIVER(kangnnam):
Included in the south of the river choices, Gangnam and Seocho-gu are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents. Bangbae-dong(Seorae village) has long attracted members of the French community. Many single professionals and English teachers live in this area, which is also home to young well-to-do Korean families.
An increasing number of people are also opting to leave a shorter distance from the working partner’s workplace or in areas that are not inhabited by lots of other expats. There are no restrictions on where you can live as a foreign-resident nor are there any security advantages in living in the foreigner-designated areas. You may not have access to some of the amenities found in those areas of the city, but then, again, you may have others, sometimes even better ones. If you have children, however, it may be better to locate nearer the school or on/near the school bus route. Housing is sometimes less expensive in areas in which fewer expats live, but you may also encounter more culture differences with the property owner. As in anything else, there are advantages and disadvantages to any of the choices.
Active Korean map in English->here
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