Seoul, a city filling with creative energy
That's a comment of Ruchika Sahai, who used to live in New York, Tokyo and moved from Sydney, Australia two years ago. According to Ruchika Sahai, Seoul people have a catch phrase "Pali pali" which means "quick, quick" to indicate the vibrant lifestyle of this bustling Asian city, busy yet so popular, because it has a creative feel in every aspect of life, from music, technology, fashion to travel or food... "This is the most vibrant city i have ever lived in", said Sahai Ruchika.
Despite the busy lifestyle, Seoul residents are very friendly, always willing to help people, and that's why Seoul people were named "Italian of the East", this title makes them so proud that they often have a heart symbol on sleeve or belt to show hospitality and not afraid to show their emotions.
Creative energy of Koreans is abundant and inexhaustible, and also thank to it that Seoul become a center of creativity, especially in the field of music, technology, fashion and tourism, creating a premise for the city to become the most 'cool' place, worth-living in the world the early 21st century. According to Taylor Evans, a female students from US comes to Seoul to participate in exchange programs with Kookmin University: "Korea is trying to create many surprises. Small businesses in Seoul really are dynamic machines, regularly introduce product with high intelligence level and Asian beauty".
For exemple, in a cafe, people can watch popular TV shows projected on concrete walls, or a hair studio also being a teahouse, or a bar with many new ideas in the menu that makes visitor remember forever. There even is someone who had to admit that each day in Seoul is a new adventure full of fun.
Seoul, a 'worth living' city
Through investigate Ruchika Sahai found out that there are two groups of expatriates living in Seoul. One wants to create comfort of their own hometown, and another prefers to experience Seoul lifestyle. Itaewon, the area in the south of the city is the headquarter of shops, stores and cafeteria for foreigners. Seongbuk-dong in Seoul's northeast is where the Hanok houses are (houses built in traditional Korean architecture).And the Yeonhui-dong area, west of Seoul, is where Ruchika Sahai living. There are many international schools for foreigners who come with their family. Meanwhile French-speaking families are living near Bangbae in the south, where French schools gather. Hapjeong, where Taylor Evans is living, is very poetic, near Han river and Hongdae university.
Most native people are living in condominiums with reasonable cost, the apartments with essential services such as health care, shopping and entertainment services to satisfy residents' needs 24/7. In addition, there are houses for groups of expatriates built in suburban Itaewon, Seongbukdong, Yoenhuidong and Bangbae.
Visitors often come to Seoul through Incheon International Airport, with safe, affordable and convenient transportations. Coming from Beijing takes about 2 hours, from Tokyo 2 hours and a half, and from Hong Kong 3 hours and a half. The flight often cost under 350,000 Korean Won (approximately 300 USD). In addition to airline, there are more convenient transportations in Seoul. Metro is a popular and easy choice, with low cost for traveling during the day. For exemple, to get to Sewon city, it only takes one hour on metro.
This is an old city, an impressive historical tourist attraction built from 1794, where is majestic Hwaseong fortress, poetic Sewoncheon river and friendly forest with healthy climate. Futher from here is the second largest city in Korea, Busan, a seaport and festival site, located 325 km southeast of Seoul, takes 2 hours and a half by train or 4 hours by car.
The living cost in Seoul is what people interest in. Although it's more expensive than capitals of some countries in Asian, Seoul's expensive is worth it. For exemple, subway fares and bus fares are about 1,350 won (1,16$), transit is free. Taxi also has affordable fares, around 11,560 won (9,9$) for 8km long.
According to a website specializing in living costs Expatistan.com, housing in Seoul is 50% cheaper than New York or London, only about 2,3 million won (2,000 USD) for a 85m2 apartment. According to Taylor Evans, shopping in Seoul is also cheap and interesting, especially at local stores and markets. "The only thing everyone agrees on that it's expensive is coffee. So if you want to drink coffee in Korea, you should think carefully", Taylor Evans suggests.
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