"If I had a job, I'd move to the provinces" - Office worker's post goes viral

A Seoul-born office worker's account of finding greater satisfaction living in a major provincial city than in the capital has sparked widespread discussion online. The individual, who works in a field with nationwide opportunities, decided to move to a branch in a provincial metropolis four years ago, renting out their Seoul home.

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Life here is so relaxed and the quality is so good.

"Life here is so relaxed and the quality is so good," the worker, identified only as 'A', wrote on the anonymous online community Blind. 'A' highlighted the convenience of a 30-minute commute by car, even during peak traffic, and praised the availability of amenities. "There are department stores, basic cultural facilities, and franchise restaurants, plus unique local eateries," they noted, suggesting it rivals or surpasses the offerings in some suburban areas of the capital region.

The worker also commented on the quality of local schools, stating that while Seoul's elite districts might seem superior, provincial cities also have strong school districts that offer a high quality of life for a fraction of the cost. "For the money you'd spend in Seoul's mid-to-low tier areas, you can live in a top school district in a provincial city and significantly improve your living standards," 'A' argued.

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There are department stores, basic cultural facilities, and franchise restaurants, plus unique local eateries.

Despite the positive outlook, 'A' mentioned missing their parents, who still live in Seoul, and is trying to persuade them to move. A recent visit to Seoul, including areas like Namdaemun Market, Noryangjin, and Yongsan, left 'A' feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. "I almost had a panic attack seeing how packed it was," they recalled. While acknowledging that occasional trips for cultural events like exhibitions or musicals are feasible, 'A' concluded that the immediate living environment is the most crucial factor for happiness.

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For the money you'd spend in Seoul's mid-to-low tier areas, you can live in a top school district in a provincial city and significantly improve your living standards.

The post drew mixed reactions. Some users agreed, sharing their own positive experiences in provincial cities and contrasting it with the "endless competition" in Seoul. Others countered that the reality of living in provincial areas differs from the description, arguing that the infrastructure is not comparable to the capital and that many who move there eventually seek to return for better career prospects.

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I almost had a panic attack seeing how packed it was.