Yongin, South Korea

Yongin sits about 4 kilometers from Suwon Airport (SWU) in Gyeonggi Province, a city of 1.1 million people that spreads across rolling hills at 135 meters above sea level. The climate is humid continental, with four distinct seasons that bring hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Most expats gravitate toward Suji-gu and Giheung-gu, two neighborhoods in the northern part of the city that offer easy access to Seoul while keeping a more suburban feel. These areas are where you will find the largest concentration of foreign residents, along with international schools, coffee shops, and modern apartment complexes.

Living here is notably cheaper than in Seoul or New York, with a cost of living index of 70 out of 100. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $700 per month, while the same unit outside the center costs $550. For families, a three-bedroom in the center runs $1,500, and outside the center it drops to $1,200. A single adult can live on a budget tier of $764 per month including rent, or step up to a mid-range tier at $1,096, or a comfortable tier at $1,328. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $1,050 monthly, while a family of four spends around $3,600. Utilities add $210 per month, internet costs $21, a mobile plan runs $43, and a gym membership is $52. Eating out is inexpensive: a basic restaurant meal costs $6, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range spot is $26, and a cappuccino is $4.

Safety is one of Yongin's strongest selling points. The crime index sits at just 8 out of 100, and the safety index is 92 out of 100, making it one of the safest cities of its size anywhere. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, with modern hospitals and clinics throughout the city, and English is common in tourist areas, which helps newcomers navigate medical visits and daily errands. The expat community is medium-sized, so you will find support networks without feeling overwhelmed by crowds of foreigners.

For those looking to stay long-term, South Korea offers the South Korea Digital Nomad Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $5,500. The nearest airport is Suwon Airport (SWU), just 4 kilometers away, though most international travelers will connect through larger hubs nearby. With an overall expat score of 76 out of 100, a FIRE score of 73, a retiree score of 68, and a digital nomad score of 76, Yongin suits remote workers, early retirees, and families who want a safe, affordable base with excellent infrastructure and fast internet at 95 Mbps. It is not a party city, but for those who value space, security, and sensible costs, it is a strong choice.