Living in Seoul has its perks—fast-paced energy, endless job options, and top-tier infrastructure. But let’s be honest: it can also feel intense. The crowds, the prices, and the daily grind aren’t for everyone, especially if you’re new to Korea.
That’s why more and more foreigners are looking south—to Busan. As Korea’s second-largest city, Busan offers many of the same advantages as Seoul, but with a coastal twist: beaches, mountain trails, colorful neighborhoods, and a more relaxed pace of life.
This post will guide you through some of the best places in Busan for foreigners in 2025. From seaside districts like Haeundae and Gwangalli to local gems like Yeongdo and Dongnae, there’s a neighborhood for every lifestyle—whether you're here to work, study, or just start fresh by the sea.
Table of Contents:
- What Makes a Neighborhood in Busan Foreigner-Friendly?
- 🔹 East Busan: Coastal Living and International Appeal
- 📍 Haeundae (해운대)
- 📍 Gwangalli (광안리)
- 🔹 Central Busan: Urban Convenience and Nightlife
- 📍 Seomyeon (서면)
- 🔹 Southern Busan: Old Charm and Local Vibes
- 📍 Nampo-dong & Yeongdo (남포동, 영도)
- 🔹 Quiet & Affordable Alternatives
- 📍 Millak-dong (민락동)
- 📍 Gaegeum or Dongnae (개금, 동래)
- Conclusion
What Makes a Neighborhood in Busan Foreigner-Friendly?
Busan isn’t just one city—it’s a mix of coastal towns, beach resorts, college districts, and dense downtown blocks. The vibe can change completely from one subway stop to the next. So, how do you know which area fits your life as a foreigner?
Here are a few things that make a Busan neighborhood easier—and more enjoyable—for foreigners:
🚇 Transit and Subway Access
Busan’s subway system is smaller than Seoul’s, so location matters more. Line 2 is especially important—it connects key areas like Haeundae, Gwangan, and Seomyeon. Living near a subway stop can make daily life much simpler, especially if you don’t drive.
💰 Housing Costs and Comfort
From luxury high-rises with ocean views to older walk-ups near markets, Busan offers a wide range of housing. Some areas are surprisingly affordable, even close to the beach. Compare neighborhoods to find that sweet spot between rent, space, and convenience.
🏞️ Nature and Lifestyle
One of Busan’s best features is its mix of ocean and mountains. Whether you like morning runs by the beach or weekend hikes with a view, choosing a neighborhood near nature can really upgrade your lifestyle.
🛍️ Daily Convenience
Good neighborhoods have more than just apartments—they have what you need nearby: supermarkets, clinics, cafes, restaurants, and maybe even a park or two. Walkability and delivery access can really affect how “livable” a place feels.
🌍 International Support and Community
While Busan’s foreigner services aren’t as extensive as Seoul’s, some areas do have English-speaking clinics, global centers, or active expat meetups. Areas near universities or popular tourist zones also tend to be more open and diverse.
Top Cities and Neighborhoods in Busan for Foreigners
🔹 East Busan: Coastal Living and International Appeal
📍 Haeundae (해운대)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰💰💰 (4/5)
🚌 Commute: ~35–50 min to Seomyeon, ~1 hour to Nampo (Subway Line 2)
🏙️ Vibe: High-rise, beachside, global and polished
👍 Best For: Professionals, international families, long-term expats
📝 Notes:
Haeundae is the go-to choice for many foreigners moving to Busan. With its long beach, clean streets, and shiny high-rise apartments, it feels more like Singapore or Miami than a typical Korean city. You’ll find international schools, English-speaking real estate agents, and a good number of foreign-friendly cafes and clinics.
It’s also one of the most walkable areas in Busan. The beach boardwalk, Marine City, and Centum City are all within reach. The Shinsegae department store here is one of the biggest in the world, and there’s even an English-language cinema on site.
However, Haeundae comes with a price. Rent is high, especially near the water. And during the summer, it gets packed with tourists. But if you want that "soft landing" in Korea with a bit of comfort and global feel, this is the place to start.
📍 Gwangalli (광안리)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰💰 (3/5)
🚌 Commute: ~30–45 min to Seomyeon, ~50–60 min to Nampo (Subway Line 2)
🏙️ Vibe: Youthful, beachy, cafe-packed with a nightlife twist
👍 Best For: Young expats, creatives, digital nomads
📝 Notes:
If Haeundae is Busan’s polished beach resort, Gwangalli is its cooler, more laid-back cousin. This beach neighborhood is popular among younger Koreans and foreigners for its relaxed vibe, trendy cafes, and stunning night views of Gwangan Bridge.
Apartments here are a bit more affordable than Haeundae, especially if you go a few blocks inland. You still get great beach access, with less of the tourist crowd—except on weekends and summer nights, when it comes alive with live music and fireworks.
Gwangalli also has a strong local community feel. You’ll find yoga studios, co-working cafes, indie bookstores, and expat-friendly bars without feeling like you’re in a tourist bubble. For people who want to balance beach life with a creative, social atmosphere, Gwangalli might be the sweet spot.
🔹 Central Busan: Urban Convenience and Nightlife
📍 Seomyeon (서면)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰💰 (3/5)
🚌 Commute: Direct access to most of Busan (Lines 1 & 2), ~20 min to Haeundae, ~15 min to Nampo
🏙️ Vibe: Busy, central, youthful and slightly chaotic
👍 Best For: Singles, teachers, nightlife lovers, short-term expats
📝 Notes:
Seomyeon is Busan’s downtown core—think of it as the city’s version of Gangnam or Hongdae. It’s where everything happens: shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, karaoke, and more. If you like energy and convenience, this is where you want to be.
It’s also a major subway hub, with both Line 1 and Line 2 passing through, making it easy to get around the city. You’ll find tons of affordable restaurants, beauty salons, medical clinics, and even a few international stores and services.
That said, it’s not for everyone. Seomyeon can feel overwhelming at times—loud, crowded, and a bit messy after dark. Apartments are often older and smaller compared to the beach districts, and green space is limited. But if you want city life on your doorstep, Seomyeon delivers.
🔹 Southern Busan: Old Charm and Local Vibes
📍 Nampo-dong & Yeongdo (남포동, 영도)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~20–30 min to Seomyeon, ~45 min to Haeundae (Lines 1 & Bus routes)
🏙️ Vibe: Traditional, historic, quirky and budget-friendly
👍 Best For: Culture seekers, long-term travelers, budget expats
📝 Notes:
If you prefer authenticity over polish, Nampo and Yeongdo might be exactly what you’re looking for. This area offers a glimpse into the “real” Busan—traditional markets, hillside homes, fish stalls, and hidden coffee shops tucked into narrow alleys.
Nampo is home to the famous Jagalchi Fish Market, Gukje Market, and the charming Bosu Book Alley. Just across the bridge is Yeongdo, an island district known for its slow pace, harbor views, and spots like Huinnyeoul Culture Village—a pastel-painted hillside neighborhood that’s like Korea’s answer to Cinque Terre.
Housing here is more affordable, though apartments are generally older and smaller. English services are limited, but the atmosphere is warm, and locals tend to be welcoming. It’s perfect for expats who want to live like a local, enjoy walkable streets, and explore Busan’s creative and historical side.
🔹 Quiet & Affordable Alternatives
📍 Millak-dong (민락동)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰💰 (3/5)
🚌 Commute: ~10 min to both Haeundae and Seomyeon (Line 2 & Bus)
🏙️ Vibe: Calm, residential, beach-adjacent
👍 Best For: Remote workers, couples, in-betweeners
📝 Notes:
Millak-dong sits quietly between Haeundae and Gwangalli, offering the best of both worlds without the tourist crush. You can walk to the beach, grab brunch at a cute café, and still get home to a peaceful neighborhood. Housing prices are slightly lower than beachfront apartments, and many buildings are newer or renovated.
Millak Waterside Park is a favorite hangout for locals—especially at sunset. There’s less English support here, but daily life is easy enough if you’re comfortable navigating in Korean or using translation apps.
📍 Gaegeum & Dongnae (개금, 동래)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~20–30 min to Seomyeon or Haeundae (Lines 1, 2, and 4)
🏙️ Vibe: Older, residential, budget-friendly
👍 Best For: Teachers, students, long-term low-cost living
📝 Notes:
Gaegeum and Dongnae don’t have beaches or trendiness, but they make up for it with practicality. You’ll find lots of small supermarkets, mom-and-pop restaurants, clinics, and reasonably priced housing—often with bigger spaces than in central districts.
Dongnae, in particular, is one of Busan’s historical areas, with hot springs, fortress walls, and a very local feel. While foreigner-focused services are rare, both areas are well-connected by subway and bus, making them great for those who prioritize affordability and quiet daily life.
Conclusion
Busan isn’t just a vacation spot—it’s a real option for living in Korea, especially if you’re looking for something outside the intensity of Seoul. With its ocean views, relaxed rhythm, and variety of neighborhoods, the city offers something for almost everyone.
If you’re a first-timer in Korea or just prefer a softer landing, Haeundae or Gwangalli might be the most comfortable starting points. If you’re more budget-conscious or culture-focused, places like Nampo, Yeongdo, or Dongnae might feel more authentic. And if you want a quieter daily life while staying close to the action, Millak-dong hits that sweet middle ground.
So take your time. Let yourself get lost in a few side streets, or watch the tide roll in from a quiet bench. The right neighborhood might not announce itself right away—but when you find a place where your routines feel easy, where the evenings feel calm, and where the unfamiliar starts to feel familiar, you'll know you're home.
👉 Up next in this series: Best Places to Live in Daegu as a Foreigner.