Relocating to Tongjin: A Step-by-Step Expat Checklist

so you're thinking about moving to tongjin. i get it. i've been there. i was staring at my bank account, my suitcase half-packed, and wondering if i was about to make the biggest mistake of my life. spoiler: it wasn't. but it wasn't exactly a smooth ride either.

first off, tongjin is this weird little city in gyeonggi province, south korea. it's not seoul, it's not busan, it's just...tongjin. and that's kinda its charm. it's quiet, it's got a river running through it, and if you're into factories and industrial vibes, you're in heaven. but if you're expecting k-pop and neon lights, you might be a little disappointed.

anyway, here's the checklist i wish someone had given me before i moved:

1. paperwork and visas

if you're not korean, you'll need a visa. and no, you can't just wing it. i tried. the immigration office in suwon is your best friend. or worst enemy. depends on the day. bring every document you can think of. and then bring three more. seriously.

2. housing

rent in tongjin is cheaper than seoul, but it's not dirt cheap. expect to pay around 400-600k won for a decent one-room (that's a studio for you non-koreans). i found mine through a local real estate agent, but you can also check out dabang or zigbang. just don't sign anything until you've seen the place. trust me on this one.

3. language

korean is hard. like, really hard. but you don't need to be fluent to survive. learn the basics: hello, thank you, where's the bathroom, how much is this. apps like duolingo or talk to me in korean can help. and don't be afraid to make mistakes. locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is terrible.

4. transportation

tongjin's public transport is decent. buses run everywhere, and the subway connects you to seoul in about an hour. get a t-money card. it's a lifesaver. and if you're feeling adventurous, rent a bike and ride along the han river. just watch out for the ajummas. they will run you over.

5. food

okay, this is the good part. tongjin has some amazing food. korean bbq, bibimbap, kimchi stew-you name it. but if you're craving something western, good luck. there's a mcdonald's and a couple of pizza places, but that's about it. learn to love kimchi. or at least pretend to.

6. making friends

this is the hardest part. tongjin's not exactly a hotspot for expats, so you'll have to put yourself out there. join a language exchange group, take a class, or just strike up a conversation at a cafe. and yes, it's awkward. but you'll meet some amazing people if you give it a chance.

7. culture shock

it's real. you'll miss your favorite snacks, your friends, your bed. you'll get frustrated with the language barrier, the different customs, the fact that everything closes at 10pm. but you'll also fall in love with the little things: the way the ajusshis bow when they say thank you, the sound of the street vendors, the smell of freshly baked bread from the local bakery.

8. staying safe

tongjin's pretty safe. like, walk-home-at-2am-and-not-worry safe. but still, be smart. don't leave your phone on the table at a cafe, don't flash your cash, and don't trust every friendly stranger who approaches you. common sense goes a long way.

9. money matters

opening a bank account in korea is a pain. you'll need your alien registration card, which can take weeks to get. in the meantime, bring cash or a korean-friendly credit card. and don't forget to budget for those late-night convenience store runs. they add up.

10. embracing the chaos

moving to a new country is never easy. there will be days when you want to pack it all in and fly home. but there will also be days when you realize this is exactly where you're meant to be. so take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy the ride.

overheard gossip

"tongjin's not for everyone. but if you can handle the quiet, it'll grow on you."
"the best kimchi stew is at this tiny place near the river. don't tell anyone."
"avoid the bus at rush hour. it's like a human sardine can."

cost of living table

Expense	Cost (KRW)
Rent (1-room)	400,000-600,000
Utilities	50,000-100,000
Groceries	200,000-300,000
Transportation	50,000-100,000
Eating out	10,000-20,000 per meal

local links

- TripAdvisor - Tongjin Attractions
- Yelp - Tongjin Restaurants
- Reddit - r/Korea