What a Busan Local Notices After Spending Time in Seoul

"Every time I step out of Seoul Station, the fast pace of people makes me subconsciously

tighten my shoelaces. In Busan, we walk like we’re always headed to the beach, but

Seoul feels like everyone is running a marathon."

SEOUL + BUSAN

The first thing I noticed was the subway system.

Seoul’s subway is huge — way bigger and more complicated than Busan’s.

In Busan, the lines feel simple and well-organized.

They mostly connect the places people actually need every day.

In Seoul, though, there are so many lines that I honestly got lost a few times.

I remember checking the map, thinking I understood it…|

and still ending up at the wrong station 😅

It made me appreciate how straightforward Busan’s transportation feels.

Seoul definitely looks like a capital city.

There are tall, impressive buildings everywhere, and the skyline feels endless.

Busan has high buildings too, but the vibe is different.

Busan feels a bit more relaxed, almost like a city with a vacation mood.

Seoul, on the other hand, feels busy all the time — even on weekdays.

Walking through Seoul made me feel like everyone was moving with a purpose.

Seoul has the Han River, and Busan has the ocean.

As someone who has grown up seeing the sea almost every day,

watching the river felt surprisingly refreshing.

Seeing a subway train pass over the Han River was especially memorable.

It was a different kind of beauty — calm, urban, and very “Seoul.”

One thing I couldn’t ignore was the cost of living.

Seoul definitely feels more expensive than Busan.

Street food and restaurant meals cost a little more,

even when it was the same kind of food I eat back home.

I’m not rich, so honestly, I think Busan suits my lifestyle better 😄

That said, Seoul has amazing restaurants, and part of me still wonders

what it would be like to live there at least once.

After visiting Seoul, I realized this:

Seoul feels exciting, powerful, and fast-paced.

Busan feels comfortable, familiar, and easier to breathe in.

Both cities are special — it just depends on what kind of life you want.