Is Busan family friendly?

Hi all, just wanted opinions on the most family friendly places to live and work in South Korea. We like the look of Busan but need more input/ideas.

Thanks

Scott

Re: Is Busan family friendly?

What do you mean by Family friendly?  I'd say Busan is about as family friendly as a large korean city gets.  There are plenty of parks and places for the kids to play, especially in Haeundae.  Not much crime, low pollution, good transportation, a few international schools if that's what you're looking for as well.

Re: Is Busan family friendly?

In terms of safety it's pretty family friendly though be careful which neighborhood you go to as many don't have parks or play areas but all have fast cars!

Re: Is Busan family friendly?

In terms of safety it's pretty family friendly though be careful which neighborhood you go to as many don't have parks or play areas but all have fast cars!

Re: Is Busan family friendly?

Although I don't have a family myself, I know of plenty of families who live very happily here. Regarding what the above poster said I both agree and disagree. Most aparment complexes will have some sort of playground for the kids. But, the streets in many areas can be narrow and dangerous. Although this doesn't seem to stop most parents (Korean) kicking their kids out of the door in the morning to let their little angels dance with the traffic.

As others have said there are lots of parks, but often hidden away amongst the urban sprawl.

Public transport is great here, although with a family you probably really want to get a car. Driving is a whole different experience to what you have experienced though, so would recommend a few trips in a taxi to know what you are getting in to.

If you have young kids, I've heard accessories for them are very highly priced here.

There are two international schools, but again I know of plenty of people who have their kids in regular Korean schools. Depends on the age I guess. And admittedly a lot of those families have a Korean parent. But there are exceptions to the rule.

As I said, I can't talk from direct experience, but only from what other parents have told me.

There is a Busan moms group on Facebook. I would definitely ask them.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=131887960168482&v=wall