Moving to Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea? The following article digs deep into key aspects of living in Pyeongtaek-si with a focus on international resident life. This post takes a look at information relevant to the lived realities of the foreign-born population.
Where is Pyeongtaek?
You can see the Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si (평택시) marked in blue on the map below. Pyeongtaek sits along the southern border of Gyeonggi-do. The Yellow Sea, Anseong, Osan, Hwaseong, Yongin, Cheonan, Asan, and Dangjin all border Pyeongtaek-si.
Over the last decade, Pyeongtaek-si quickly developed from a rural farming area to a key player in modern Korea’s economic development. The development of massive Samsung factories and the relocation of many US military personnel to the area brought many changes. As of 2021, Pyeongtaek-si feels like a mix of city and countryside life mixed into one.
Such high-paced development creates a wide range of economic and cultural diversity which may lead to certain social and cultural difficulties. For example, some areas of Pyeongtaek have housing and land prices similar to Gangnam, while more rural areas remain affordable (as of 2022).
Pyeongtaek to Seoul Travel Times
Travel time from Pyeongtaek may vary from 40 min to 2 hours depending on different factors such as where you plan to arrive in the city of Seoul and the type of transport you take to Seoul. Both Pyeongtaek and Seoul cover large areas so all estimated travel times vary widely. Such travel time differences may become an important point when choosing where to live in Pyeongtaek if you need to travel to Seoul often.
Some employers or recruiters who wish to entice new international employees may pitch Pyeongtaek as “near Seoul’ or a “suburb of Seoul”. Such a statement may feel true or like a lie depending on where the new employee’s home or company exists in Pyeongtaek. South of Seoul recommends verifying any distances quoted via Naver Maps or Kakao Maps.
Pyeongtaek-si is an Administrative District
It’s important to know that the name ‘Pyeongtaek-si’ technically refers to the larger Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si (평택시) and the area near AK Plaza which many refer to as “Pyeongtaek” is Pyeongtaek-dong (평택동). Understanding that ‘Pyeongtaek’ may be used differently in different situations is VERY important.
In conversation or in online information, authors and speakers often call both the Administrative District of Pyeongtaek-si and the area of Pyeongtaek-dong just “Pyeongtaek” which may cause confusion and misunderstandings. For the purpose of this post, ‘Pyeongtaek’ refers to the Administrative District.
If you have trouble understanding how this works, Consider New York, New York in the United States, or when people use “Washington” to refer to either Washington DC or Washington State in the USA.
Such information about how ‘Pyeongtaek’ is defined may feel irrelevant now, but if you move to Pyeongtaek-si, accuracy becomes critical. When you ask for help and support, the lack of local clarity in the English-speaking population regarding the term “Pyeongtaek” may create negative communication experiences.
Pyeongtaek-si Areas
The administrative district of Pyeongtaek-si divides up into -eup(읍), -myeon (면), and -dongs (동). An area designated as an -eup, has a smaller population than an area designated as a -myeon. A -dong is larger than both an -eup and a -myeon. Additionally, each of the -eup, -myeong, and -dongs may divide up into even smaller neighborhoods.
The Pyeongtaek-si government created the following 2021 map showing the different Pyeongtaek-si areas. You can see that the local government of Pyeongtaek also divides Pyeongtaek-si into three different areas: blue is West Pyeongtaek, dark purple is North Pyeongtaek, and light purple is South Pyeongtaek.
Neighborhood ‘Slang’ Names
Getting used to the Korean names of Pyeongtaek-si areas may feel overwhelming and complicated. In order to manage the confusion, many international communities often develop their own names for different areas. Such regional ‘slang’ names also often change over time. South of Seoul always recommends taking the time to learn the actual Korean name of your new neighborhood.
Geography
Primarily flat, the geography of Pyeongtaek-si varies in relaxing, beautiful ways. Let’s take a look at the different topographic aspects of the area:
Flat with Farming in the Middle
Pyeongtaek is mostly flat, flat, flat. It’s known as part of the bread basket of South of Korea because of all the farms in the area. The wide open spaces can be especially gorgeous during different times of the year. Be sure to get out and experience the countryside when you can. It’s easy to bike and explore.
Mountains and Hills to the East
It is important to note that even though it’s flat, you will often hear about the mountains in Pyeongtaek, which will feel misleading when you arrive and find rolling hills.
It’s important to understand that in the Korean language there aren’t two different words for mountain and hill that match how English speakers use them. Sure, there is a word for “hill,” but it’s not used in regular conversation to talk about what we would call a hill. Everything is just “san” or mountain. Size doesn’t matter in Korean as it does in English.
So, don’t be shocked when you are told to hike a mountain only to discover it’s barely a hill. Just smile and understand it’s a language barrier thing. That said, there are lovely hills to hike through in the Jinwee and Ichungdong areas in the northeast of Pyeongtaek. These hiking areas are listed in the South of Seoul app.
The Lake to the South West
Pyeongtaek has a ”lake” in the Southwest. This is actually where the sea has been contained to protect the farms from flooding, but folks call it Pyeongtaek Lake. This area has a park, paddle boats, water skiing, kite flying, and such.
The Sea to the West
If you go straight west, you are going to reach the sea. This is not a place with beaches. Instead, the west coast of Pyeongtaek-si consists of mostly grasslands and Pyeongtaek Port which does a ton of trade with China.
The Rivers and Streams Throughout
Pyeongtaek has rivers and streams that meander all across it. Many of them have beautiful walking and biking paths. In fact, there is a gorgeous bike path that runs from Pyeongtaek Lake all the way to Sosabeol. Get out there and make use of these paths ASAP or you will regret it.
International Population
Pyeongtaek-si is becoming an increasingly diverse place. The international population of Pyeongtaek includes around 40,000 international residents and 36,000 US military-affiliated residents (these populations are counted separately since they exist in Pyeongtaek under SOFA status). Combining the international resident population and the US military-related population means between 70,000-80,000 international people live in the area. This includes an estimated 17,000 multicultural households.
Below you will see a quick look at a few different foreign communities that exist in the area.
Factory Workers
Pyeongtaek has a growing population of foreign factory workers from Vietnam, China, Thailand, Pakistan, Nepal, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and more. It’s not uncommon to visit areas around Pyeongtaek Station and hear more foreign languages than Korean. I went to a Nepali ex-pat party last year and had the time of my life.
ESL/EFL Teachers
The area has a solid population of English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers that work in Korean public schools, after-school academies or English kindergartens. There are also some university professors.
On YouTube, many past EFL educators share their experiences in Pyeongtaek and other areas across South Korea.
USA Military
The US Military consolidated many of its forces into the Pyeongtaek area at two US military bases: Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base. The US military personnel live in Korea under the SOFA which means they do not hold resident status. Active US military members live on base and off base.
The following, wildly misleading video offers a look at Camp Humphreys. We say it’s misleading due to 1) the images of Korea shown in the video are mostly not of Pyeongtaek and 2) some of the base images do not realistically reflect the actual look of the base. Either way, the YouTube video provides a solid look at the base itself.
Military Contractors
In addition to the military themselves, there are contractors that work for the military but who aren’t actually military.
DOD Educators & ICS Teachers
There are a small number of foreign teachers that work for the International Christian School or the military schools (Although, I think the DOD teachers fall under the Military Contractor heading, I think (I thought I would note them separately, just because).
Business Owners
Pyeongtaek has many restaurants and businesses in the area owned by foreign business owners from places like Peru, Canada, India, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, China, Russia, the US, etc.
International Spouses of Korean Nationals
In addition to many people living here on visas for work, there are also plenty of foreigners living here because they are married to Korean citizens.
Missionaries
There are even a handful of foreign missionaries working at various churches in the area. In fact, the Church of Latter Day Saints has an outreach facility near the Camp Humphreys walk-in gate.
Areas of Industry
Pyeongtaek has a diverse number of thriving industries.
Farming
Originally farming was Pyeongtaek’s biggest claim to fame and it’s still a big part of the area. However, farmland is quickly shrinking as more and more corporations open factories in the area. These days, Pyeongtaek also leads in smart farming.
International Shipping Port
Pyeongtaek has one of the biggest ports in the country which does massive amounts of trade with China. In fact, they are building a “Chinatown” in the area to meet the cultural demands of the population there.
Car Factories
Kia and other major car factories have plants in the area. The proximity to Pyeongtaek Port makes it a smart place for them to do business. The auto industry is what has fueled the growth of Anjung-eup. For a very long time, this is where big money in town came from, but times are changing.
Technology Related Factories
A few years ago, Samsung started a massive expansion in Pyeongtaek that also created the foundation of a new city: Godeok-myeon. This new city, located just south of Osan Air Force Base, was slated to be finished in 2020 but development continues. It hosts not only a billion-dollar Samsung semi-conductor plant but also a similarly giant panel factory that’s being built right next to it.
Not to be left behind, LG has been building its own factory in the area. Although it’s not even close to as massive as what Samsung has going on.
As these two giant tech companies move to the area, many companies that supply them are also opening up shop next door. This has caused a massive rise in property costs in the area.
There are also lesser-known semiconductor plants in the area. In fact, South Korea leads the world in semiconductors.
Other Industry and Factories
A large number of miscellaneous factories that produce everything from Purina dog food to vitamin drinks also exist in the area.
USA Military
Two of the smaller areas in Pyeongtaek (Shinjang and Paengseong) have economies that rely on the US Military Bases they are next to. However, generally speaking, the economic impact of the bases doesn’t extend too far past the English-speaking business districts by their front gates.
If you are an English-speaking international resident looking for work, these two areas are where you are most likely going to find a job.
Transportation
Pyeongtaek-si has 5 stops on Line 1 of the Seoul subway system despite being outside of Seoul. Additionally, Pyeongtaek-si has an SRT station but not a KTX station. Pyeongtaek has a variety of inter-city bus terminals located in different areas of Pyeongtaek.
Transportation between different areas of Pyeongtaek-si can be complicated without a private vehicle such as a car or scooter. Many residents who decided to stay in Pyeongtaek-si over time often choose to purchase a private mode of transportation as it greatly improves the quality of life near home.
Immigration
Pyeongtaek has two immigration offices which are off-shoots of Suwon immigration. One immigration office services Pyeongtaek Port and the other immigration office serves the wider international resident population.
The Immigration location shared below exists across the street from Songtan City Hall and a few blocks from one of the Pyeongtaek Public Health Centers.
Suwon Immigration Songtan Branch
031-8024-9600
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 경기대로 1375
*You need an appointment which can only be booked on HiKorea. You MUST use internet explorer and the website WILL tell you that the government website is malicious. You must IGNORE these warnings and continue.
City Halls
Pyeongtaek-si has two city halls. This is where you can get married, pay for your parking tickets, get paperwork for immigration, and more.
Pyeongtaek City Hall
031-8024-5000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 경기대로 245
The main city hall in Pyeongtaek
Songtan City Hall
031-8024-6000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 경기대로 1366
You can pay: - Parking tickets - Speeding tickets - Car registration
Public Health Centers
South Korean Administrative Districts have public health centers that coordinate health-related support for the community. In Pyeongtaek-si, international residents often visit the Songtan Public Health Center. This public health center exists near the Immigration Center and Songtan City Hall.
Songtan Public Health Center
031-8024-7278
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Local public health facility serving the community.
However, a second Public Health Center also exists near the primary city hall and closer to AK Plaza.
Pyeongtaek Public Health Center
031-8024-5559
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
주소 경기 평택시 평택5로 56
A community public health facility offering a varity of preventitive health services.
Pyeongtaek Police Station
International residents may find they need to get fingerprinted in Korea for immigration or jobs. Here is where you can do this:
Pyeongtaek Police Station
000-000-0000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 비전동 619-2
Primary Police Station located near AK Plaza. This is where you will need to go for finger printing for criminal background checks.
Pyeongtaek Tax Office
Additionally, if you need the Pyeongtaek Tax Office you can find it here:
Tax Office
031-650-0200
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 죽백동 580-4
If you are a hagwon teacher you might want to confirm you are registered with the local tax office and that they are paying your taxes. Get your co-teacher to call and confirm you are registered within 1 week of starting your new job.
Primary Event Locations
Pyeongtaek City plans and organizes events at the same locations year-round. The following post (Pyeongtaek-si Event Locations) provides the address for each spot.
Grocery Shopping
The Pyeongtaek-si area and surrounding districts offer many different types of grocery shopping experiences from Traditional Markets to large box stores and malls. The following article breaks down the grocery shopping experience and links to many different grocery shopping options around Pyeongtaek.
Getting to know grocery shopping at traditional markets:
Important Websites
There are a variety of Pyeongtaek-si-related websites which you may find useful as a Pyeongtaek-si resident.
- Pyeongtaek City English Website
- Pyeongtaek Insight – A blog about life in Pyeongtaek funded by the city.
- Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation – An organization supporting international residents with classes and events.
US Military Bases
Two US military bases exist in Pyeongtaek. Camp Humphreys was established in 1919 on a former Japanese airfield. Osan Air Force Base, on the other hand, is one of the only US Air Bases built from the ground up. Folklore even has it that Osan Air Base is where Chuck Norris trained to become the legend he is today.
Some might try to draw a parallel between Itaewon and these areas of Pyeongtaek. However, the similarities may feel minimal. Pyeongtaek’s international areas contain a much more relaxed, small-town vibe.
Additionally, the areas near the US Military Bases in Pyeongtaek host many fun and lively events during western holidays such as Halloween.
If you would like to visit the international areas surrounding such bases, you can visit one of the following locations.
Sinjang Shopping Mall Street
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 신장동 302-298
An international area near the K55 Korean Air Base and USA Osan Air Force Base. The area has a wide variety of international restaurants and service providers whom speak English and cater to international customs and interests. Pyeongtaek City also hosts many events in this area. US military and service providers serving the US Military may refer to this area by a variety off English names such as: Songtan, the ville, the SED (Songtan Entertainment District), or Osan (Which may cause confusion since Osan is also a nearby city).
Anjeong-ri Rodeo Street
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정리 113-175
An international area near the Camp Humpreys US Army Base. The area has a wide variety of international restaurants and service providers whom speak English and cater to international customs and interests. Pyeongtaek City also hosts many events in this area.
Things to Do
The following South of Seoul post introduces over 20 different things to do in Pyeongtaek. This post does not include all of the things to do in the area, simply the most popular options.
Want To Learn More About Life in Pyeongtaek?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pyeongtaek City, and the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation worked with South of Seoul to create the 2024 Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course. This course provides international residents in Pyeongtaek with in-depth information regarding topics such as Legal Residency, Searching for Services, Grocery Shopping, Home Care, etc. The curriculum for this course was designed by International Residents in Pyeongtaek for International Residents in Pyeongtaek.
In the Pyeongtaek Living 101 Course, you can learn a lot more about parking in Pyeongtaek. We highly recommend registering and completing the course.
You can join the following Google Classroom to take the course online! Complete a quiz for each class and earn a Course Completion Certificate from the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation:
Google Classroom Link: https://classroom.google.com/c/NjkzMjU1OTQwODAx?cjc=durlexe
Warning Regarding Online Information Created by Non-Residents
English-language travel companies such as TripAdvisor and even Google often share inaccurate information about Pyeongtaek-si. Such inaccurate information may include 1) identifying places as “in Pyeongtaek” that are actually in Suwon, Yongin, or other areas of Korea, 2) recommending closed businesses, and 3) incorrectly researched data.
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
