🇸🇪 Gothenburg vs 🇰🇷 Seoul

Seoul is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $850/month in Seoul vs $1121/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Seoul is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Gothenburg has a rate of 1.10 per 100,000 and Seoul has 0.49 per 100,000.

Gothenburg and Seoul are almost suspiciously well-matched. Flip a coin. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Gothenburg: Sweden Self-Employment Permit (complex process, 2 years (renewable)). Seoul: South Korea Digital Nomad Visa (complex process, 1 year (renewable once)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Seoul is warmer in summer (29°C vs 21°C). Gothenburg has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

English is easier to get by in Gothenburg (EF EPI score: 86/100) than in Seoul (55/100). In Gothenburg, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Seoul, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.