Housing Locations, Seoul

LOCATION, LOCATION:
The Han River divides Seoul and people live on either side. North of the river is older and is where most expats have traditionally lived. South of the river is a newer area that has become a favored location for many affluent Koreans. Many businesses are located here and therefore, it is also popular with young professionals.

NORTH OF THE RIVER:
Although expats live all over the city these days, some areas are still more popular than others. May choose the Itaewon, Hannam or Ichon-dong areas because they are closer to many of the social activities of the expat community, which can be very important to the non-working spouse. Pyeongchang-dong 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. Because of its location to schools, 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.

SOUTH OF THE RIVER:
Included in the south of the river choices, Gangnam and Sochu-gu are becoming increasingly popular with foreign residents. Bangbae-dong has long attracted members of the French community.

OTHER AREAS:
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.

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