Haeundae
Busan's premier beach neighborhood. Ocean views, affordable living, a growing expat community, and a more relaxed pace than Seoul.
Rent (1BR)
600K - 1.5M KRW/mo
Deposit
3M - 10M KRW
Expat density
Growing
Transit
Line 2 (Haeundae station)
What it is like to live here
Haeundae is Busan's most famous beach district and increasingly popular with expats looking for a more affordable, relaxed alternative to Seoul. The beach itself is beautiful, and the surrounding area has modern apartments, good restaurants, and a growing cafe scene.
Busan is Korea's second-largest city (3.4 million people) with its own international film festival (BIFF), food culture (seafood is king), and distinct personality. It is more laid-back than Seoul, with warmer weather and a coastal lifestyle.
The expat community is smaller than Seoul's but growing steadily. English teaching positions are available, and the digital nomad community has been expanding. Busan is 2.5 hours from Seoul by KTX.
Busan is famous for its seafood, and Haeundae has some of the best. Find top restaurants in Haeundae and across Busan on Woongie, with reviews from real visitors.
Best for
- •Beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts
- •Budget-conscious expats (30-40% cheaper than Seoul)
- •Digital nomads wanting a coastal base
- •Those who prefer a smaller city feel with big city amenities
Considerations
- •Fewer English-friendly services than Seoul
- •Smaller expat community and social scene
- •Fewer corporate job opportunities (most E-7 roles are in Seoul)
- •Tourist-crowded beach area in summer