What is life like as an expat in your area?
When we asked people living abroad what life is like in their areas and how people spend their time, they said...
"Daejeon is the fifth largest city in Korea with a population of nearly 1.5 million people. It is known as the "Silicon Valley" of Korea and is the technology center of the country. It also has several major universities, including Chungnam National University and KAIST (the Korean equivalent to M.I.T.). The expat community is by and large employed in the EFL industry. Those who work in the EFL industry typically work less than 30 hours a week, so socializing is a high priority within the community. Korea in general has quite the nightlife culture and all-night drinking affairs are not uncommon, especially with the EFL teachers, because many of them work at private academies (hagwons) and don't begin their work until mid-afternoon. However, drinking isn't the only form of socializing in which the expat community participates. Many participate in sports such as football(soccer), rugby, basketball, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. These activities range from being highly organized to "pick-up" style gatherings and usually occur on weekends. Other outdoor activities are also extremely popular, especially hiking and skiing (winter only). Other types of gatherings are popular too. Many expats socialize in the endless array of coffee shops that Daejeon has to offer. The Starbucks at the Timeworld Shopping Center in central Daejeon is heavily trafficked by foreigners. Idee Coffee, in the "old" downtown area, is an artsy place where many of the more independent-spirited expats commune. Idee is a popular place for expat art shows and a meeting place for the D.A.S. (Daejeon Art Solidarity)," explained one expat living in Daejeon, Korea.
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"Living in Korea as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The country is known for its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of opportunities to explore the country, from visiting ancient temples to exploring the bustling cities. The cost of living in Korea is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The country also offers excellent public transportation, making it easy to get around. Expats and digital nomads can also take advantage of the country's high-speed internet, making it easy to stay connected with friends and family back home," said another expat in Korea.
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Other Questions:
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- What is life like in Korea?
- Is there a lot of crime in Korea?
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- What do I need to know when buying property in Korea?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Korea?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What is life like as an expat in your area?
If you live in Korea, newcomers to Korea would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.