| The
real estate industry in Korea is "big business". There are
many real estate agents to choose from, how ever this seems to many
to be the biggest problem. We here at the "Expat Advisory Service"
have tried and tested many agencies. We often recommend an agency
depending on the area you finally decide to live in. Listed below
are the most popular areas for foreigners (or aliens as the Korean
government still classifies us).
Anyone
wishing to ask questions or leave a comment can post their message
on our forums
Banbae-dong:
This community is located in the southern part of Seoul. Bangbae-dong,
one of the oldest expatriate enclaves, is popular with foreigners,
especially the French prefer to live. There are many Western-style
houses, villas and apartments. The French School is located here
and School bus service is available for both Seoul International
School and Seoul Foreign School. It is close to shopping centers
and to the subway Line 2 Bangbae station and Line 3 Seoul National
Education University station.
Dongbingo-dong
/ Seobingo-dong
This is a pleasant and convent residential area located east and
west of the ice house which for years was used to store blocks of
ice from the mountains. A lot of 3-4 story apartments have been
built recently. The houses are large and generally have gardens.
Many foreign embassies and ambassador's residences are in this area.
Guards are employed 24-hours a day an their salaries are paid by
the residents. All schools have bus service to this community.
Hannam-dong:
Hannam-dong is a residential area featuring mostly homes
with many high quality brand new villas. Homes are suitable for
Western style living. Many high-ranking Korean officials and foreign
ambassadors live in this area. Most residents hire their own guards
since this area is not a compound. The German School is located
in this area. Shopping is done just up the hill in Itaewon. The
city center is 5-7 km distant or a 10-20 minute drive by car. Bus
services are convenient and subway station.
Itaewon:
Itaewon is a hilly area situated near the US Army's Yongsan
base at the center of Seoul. There are many bright and cozy houses
and gardens in this area, as well as apartments. Many foreign embassy
people reside here as well. The area is close to Grand Hyatt Hotel,
Seoul Tower and Namsan Mt. There are several international schools
in the area. School bus services to Seoul Foreign School and Seoul
International School takes about 50 minutes. There is transportation
(between Subway Line 6 Noksapyung and Hankangjin) and shopping center
in the vicinity. The downtown area is only 10-20 minutes by car.
There are also parks along the river. Guard boxes stand on the main
roads, but each home retains the services of a private guard.
Kangnam
South of the Han River, these communities, with their Western-style
houses and apartments and their convenient public transport, are
attracting foreigners. Subways provide access to down town in minutes.
The best hotels and shopping center are also located here. Seoul
Academy center and Seoul International School area nearby.
Songbuk-dong
North of the old Capital building and Kyongbok Palace, this
community has a suburban flavor. There are lovely homes with tiled
roofs in this hilly, fresh air, wooded setting. Although school
buses service this community, public transportation is not convenient,
causing some families to forego the beauty of the area for something
more central. The city center is 5 km distant, a 10-20 minute drive
by car.
UN
Village:
U. N. Village is at one end of Hannam-dong. There are large,
luxury villas and new apartment complexes with fantastic river views
in this compound, which is patrolled by 24hr guards.
Yunhee-dong
Located on the northwest side of Seoul, about 20 minutes by car
from downtown, this area is somewhat less expensive that the Hannam-dong
and Itaewon districts. Houses are fairly large. There are playgrounds
and hiking areas in the nearby mountains. The location is within
an easy distance of the Seoul Foreign School.
For
any more advice consult our forums
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