It has been over twenty years since I first set foot in the Washington DC area. During that time, I have moved several times, changed jobs, and my children have now moved out on their own.

However, there is a clear reason why I have not left the DC area. Looking back, those reasons are also what initially made me choose this place. As a Korean, I want to honestly share why this area is a great place to live.

The first reason I would mention is the job stability associated with the federal government. The DC metro area is home to the federal government, the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and various federal contracting companies. Thanks to the public sector jobs holding steady during economic downturns, the unemployment rate here tends to remain lower compared to other major cities. Within the Korean community, there are quite a few people working for government contracting IT firms or directly employed by federal agencies. There are also many positions available for those with citizenship or permanent residency.

The educational environment is also a significant reason for choosing this area. The public school systems in Maryland and Virginia rank among the best in the nation. In particular, the public schools in Fairfax County and Montgomery County consistently rank in the top 5% based on SAT and AP achievement standards. It is a well-known fact within the community that a substantial number of Korean parents settle in this area for their children's educational opportunities. Additionally, top universities like Georgetown, GWU, the University of Maryland, and the University of Virginia are nearby, providing options for students after high school.

The infrastructure of the Korean community is quite solid. Centered around Annandale, there is an ecosystem where one can manage daily life in Korean, including Korean restaurants, markets, churches, academies, real estate, legal, and accounting services. A large Korean population means more than just convenient facilities. It signifies connections in careers, sharing information during the initial settling period, and having people nearby to rely on emotionally. The network of Korean churches in this area often functions as a welfare system in itself.

Cultural diversity is also one of the reasons for choosing this city. DC is a melting pot of diplomats, international students, immigrants, and personnel from various governments. The social sensitivity to racial diversity is higher here than in other cities, and the institutional response to Asian discrimination is relatively swift. Of course, this does not mean that every space is safe, but the overall atmosphere of the city feels inclusive. The intensity of the bicultural experience that second-generation Koreans receive in schools is also different from other areas.

Lastly, I would add one more point: living in this area means encountering the sites of history and politics in everyday life. Jogging in the National Mall while looking at the Capitol dome or passing by places seen on the news during my commute is an experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Initially, it feels fascinating, and later it becomes part of daily life, but I have seen the impact that this daily life has on children. That is why I do not regret choosing this area even now.