Is Busan a Good Place to Live? 2026 Honest Review (From a Sleep-Deprived Drummer)
okay, so you're thinking about Busan, huh? Let me tell you, I'm still running on fumes from that last tour - three weeks in Tokyo, then a quick hop over here. The humidity is thick right now, like someone wrung out a damp towel over the whole city. It’s clinging to everything. But honestly? I’m kinda digging it.
I'm Leo, by the way. Touring drummer. Been bouncing around for, like, fifteen years. Usually, I'm chasing the next gig, the next festival, the next… anything that isn't a lukewarm hotel room. But my band took a break, and I figured, why not? Korea’s always been on my list. Busan specifically. I needed somewhere… different. Somewhere with a pulse that wasn't just the thrum of amplifiers.
So, is it good? That’s the question, right? It’s… complicated. It’s not like Seoul, all gleaming skyscrapers and frantic energy. Busan’s got this… grit. A realness. It feels lived-in, you know? Like it’s been breathing for a long time.
I'm gonna lay it out, kinda messy, like my drum kit after a particularly wild set.
*Okay, let's talk money. I overheard some ajummas gossiping at the market - apparently, rent for a decent one-bedroom near Seomyeon is hovering around 800,000 to 1,200,000 won a month. That’s… not terrible, honestly. Seoul would have made me weep. Utilities are another 100-200k won. Food? You can eat like a king for 50k won a day if you’re smart. Street food is your friend. Seriously. I’m living off tteokbokki and bibimbap right now. I saw a stat online that the average salary here is around 45 million won a year, but that’s probably skewed by the big corporations. Freelance life is… well, freelance life. Check out this expat forum for more real talk on the job market.
The Vibe. This is where it gets interesting. It’s… chill. Like, really chill. People are friendly, but not aggressively so. There’s a strong sense of community. I’ve been trying to learn some Korean - it’s slow going, but people are patient. The beaches are… well, they’re beaches! Haeundae is the big one, touristy, but still beautiful. Gwangalli is a bit quieter, with that amazing view of the Gwangan Bridge. I spent a whole afternoon just watching the waves. Someone told me, over soju, that Busan used to be a major fishing port, and that history is still woven into the fabric of the city. You can feel it.
Safety. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little nervous at first. But Busan is surprisingly safe. I’ve walked around late at night without feeling too worried. Still, keep your wits about you, you know? Like anywhere. TripAdvisor has a bunch of safety tips if you're paranoid (like me).
The Downsides. Okay, so it’s not all sunshine and seaweed. The language barrier is real. Even with Duolingo, I feel like I’m constantly lost in translation. Public transport is good, but can be crowded. And the nightlife… it’s there, but it’s not as wild as Tokyo or Bangkok. It’s more… low-key. I read a review on Yelp that said the seafood can be hit or miss - apparently, you gotta know where to go. Check out Yelp reviews here for some recommendations.
Pro-Tips (Drummer Edition):
*Earplugs. Seriously. The construction noise is relentless.
*Learn basic Korean. Even just “hello” and “thank you” will get you far.
*Embrace the street food. It’s delicious and cheap.
*Find a local coffee shop. They’re everywhere, and the coffee is surprisingly good.
*Don't be afraid to get lost. That's how you find the hidden gems.
Overheard Gossip:
> “Did you hear about that new art installation near BIFF Square? Apparently, it’s supposed to represent the city’s history, but everyone just thinks it looks like a giant octopus.”
> “My friend’s cousin works at Lotte Department Store. She says they’re hiring seasonal workers for the summer. Might be a way to make some extra cash.”
> “Don’t go to Jagalchi Fish Market on a Sunday. It’s packed with tourists and the vendors are trying to rip you off.”
Something a local warned me about:* “Be careful of the ajummas on the buses. They’re fierce about their seats.”
I’m still figuring things out here. I’m not sure how long I’ll stay. But for now, Busan feels… right. It’s a place where I can breathe, recharge, and maybe even write some new music. It’s not perfect, but it’s real. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Oh, and Jeju Island is a short flight away if you need a dose of nature. Just saying.
I'm thinking of checking out some of the local busking spots soon. Maybe I'll even join in. Anyone know a good open mic night? Here's a local events board that might have something.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/spraying-through-patna-a-sleepdeprived-artists-urban-diary
- https://topiclo.com/post/the-real-cost-of-utilities-and-bills-in-palermo-what-they-dont-tell-you
- https://topiclo.com/post/san-juan-puerto-rico-sweat-salsa-and-questionable-street-food-send-help
- https://topiclo.com/post/novi-sad-serbia-my-filmscout-frenzy-in-a-weatherwhipped-city
- https://topiclo.com/post/plants-pollution-a-botanists-guide-to-surviving-medans-skies