I have been living in Changwon since 2011. Having settled in South Korea for more than two decades now, I consider myself decently versed in knowing what living here is mostly about. Changwon is a great city to live in, and these are my personal 10 reasons why I think so.
1. The Wide Roads
Changwon is a planned city with a well-organized urban space and abundant facilities. The main thoroughfares have 8 lanes, and most streets are easy to drive in. There are plenty of public and private parking spaces, and traffic is usually manageable even during rush hours.
2. The Green Spaces
Changwon has a lot of parks, gardens, and trails. The city was built to include more natural space, and the city is filled with thick vegetation. The parks are well-maintained so you can enjoy outdoor activities all year round.
3. Nubija Bike Sharing System
Changwon is the first city in Korea to have a bike sharing system. It is considered as one of the world’s leading cities I public bicycle system. It is convenient to use as there are Nubija terminals throughout the city. Not only does it help the environment but also encourages public health.
4. Sangnam-dong
The financial district is located in this area. There is also a traditional market here, “Sangnam-sijang”, where you can buy fresh produce at reasonable prices. This is considered the “it” place to be if you want to hang out with friends or enjoy nightlife. There are lots of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
5. Yongji Lake
It is a lovely place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just sit around to take a nice little break. The musical dancing fountain and laser show at night is also worth watching. I used to live near here, and I really enjoyed taking a refreshing walk around this lake as my daily exercise routine.
6. The Café Culture
Changwon has a huge café culture. There are many beautiful cafés all over the city, but the café street (Garosoo-gil) has always been my go-to place for a good cup of coffee in a relaxing atmosphere.
7. Changdong Art Village
This is a trendy area where you can find various attractions. The village has colorful alleyways, cool and funky shops, and several cute cafés. There are also art galleries to visit and ateliers offering hands-on art programs if you are feeling artsy. I always feel inspired whenever I visit this place.
8. The Ocean View
I have always been a beach person. Coming from a country where beautiful tropical islands abound, I am naturally drawn to the ocean. Fortunately, Changwon is home to several beaches as it is located on the coast. There is Gwangan Beach in Masan-gu where people can enjoy swimming. Gapo and Gwisan are also popular spots by the coast.
9. The Breathtaking Sunset
My hometown (Manila) is famous for its beautiful sunset. I remember when I was younger, I would watch the sunset on Manila Bay, and those times offered me a break from the city that never seems to stop with its crowded roads and busting life. Now, here in Changwon, I can still have the same experience. I usually go to Jinhae to walk along the shoreline and just take in the marvelous scenery. The sunset view on the ocean’s horizon is spectacular!
10. Changwon National University
This has been my place of work since 2007. I love walking around the campus, seeing the lush greenery around redbrick buildings. The main building stands out with the beautiful mountain in the background. Most especially, I enjoy teaching diverse, inspiring, and determined young people studying at this university.
So, there you have it. My favorite things about this seemingly bucolic but highly urbanized city. Living in Changwon has been truly pleasant for me, for the most part. Of course, life in this city is not always rosy (as in any city) but when I think about it, there are many more reasons to love this city.
When you do visit Changwon, I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the city!
Changwon city official blog in Korea 