One of the most confusing things when you first arrive in Chicago is the neighborhood names. Tourists often see only downtown and think, "So this is Chicago," but once you live here or stay for a while, names like Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Wicker Park, Old Town, Hyde Park, Logan Square, and Lincoln Square seem endless. It's similar to how Seoul has dozens of neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere.

Chicago is officially divided into 77 community areas. This classification was created by a research team from the University of Chicago in the 1920s to analyze the city, and it is still used in administration and statistics today. However, residents don't say, "I live in community area 43." Most people say, "I live in Lakeview," "I live in Lincoln Park," or "I live in Hyde Park," using neighborhood names instead.

For example, within Lakeview, there are sub-areas like Wrigleyville and Boystown, and Lincoln Park is a popular residential area where many young professionals, college students, and families live. Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago, has many professors, researchers, and students, creating a very academic atmosphere. In contrast, Wicker Park is known for its cafes, galleries, and unique shops, attracting those who enjoy an artistic vibe.

Administratively, Chicago is further divided into 50 wards. Each ward elects one alderman. Issues like road repairs, streetlights, park improvements, and various community complaints are often addressed through the alderman's office. After living in the U.S. for a while, you may find that you need help from the alderman's office more often than you expect.

Another useful service to know about is the 311 service. It's similar to South Korea's National Complaint Center or community service reporting. If you notice issues like road damage, illegal dumping, or broken traffic lights, you can report them to 311, and they will connect you to the appropriate department.

Chicago is part of Cook County. Some administrative functions, such as property taxes, courts, and public hospitals, are managed by Cook County rather than the city of Chicago.

Especially since the area is known for high property taxes, anyone looking to buy a home should definitely check the county taxes as well.

Many Koreans who first come to Chicago are often surprised and ask, "Why does the subway run above ground?"

Although it's called a subway, Chicago's transit system has many elevated sections. Therefore, locals refer to it as the "L," short for Elevated Railway.

The most important line is the loop that circles around the downtown area. It's a train route that forms a square around the city center, and almost all major lines pass through here. It serves a similar purpose to Seoul's Line 2, which encircles the city center. Most tourists will use this loop.

The bus routes operated by the CTA are also very dense. Chicago's streets are organized like a grid, so many bus routes run in straight lines. Even areas not served by the subway can usually be accessed by bus. Although the routes may seem complicated at first, with Google Maps or the CTA app, it's not as difficult to navigate as you might think.

Airport transportation is also convenient. O'Hare International Airport can be reached from downtown in about 45 minutes via the Blue Line, and Midway Airport can be accessed directly without transfers using the Orange Line. This is why Chicago is often regarded as one of the cities with the best airport rail systems among major U.S. cities.

Of course, there are downsides. Late at night, some lines have longer wait times, and in certain areas, locals are cautious about walking alone at night due to safety concerns. Especially if you're visiting Chicago for the first time, it's best to stick to areas where tourists frequently go, like the Loop, Magnificent Mile, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview.

When I first visited Chicago, I was also confused by the many neighborhood names and thought, "Where is where?" But after a few days of exploring, I started to get a sense of it. If the Loop is like the center of Seoul, such as Jongno or City Hall, then the neighborhoods with their unique characteristics spread out around it.

So, to truly enjoy Chicago, I recommend not just visiting the famous tourist spots but also taking a day to stroll through neighborhoods like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Wicker Park. That's when you'll start to understand why people say Chicago is one of the most attractive cities in America.