Many people confuse Iowa with Ohio or Idaho. Interestingly, this is true for both Koreans and Americans.

Located in the Midwest, Iowa is a quiet and stable state where agriculture is the main industry, making it the center of the U.S. Grain Belt and Corn Belt, boasting some of the highest agricultural production in the country.

The value of agricultural products produced in Iowa accounts for 7.5% of the total in the U.S., ranking second, while California, the first, has a population 13 times that of Iowa but only 1.6 times the agricultural output, making Iowa the leader in per capita agricultural value in the U.S.

Iowa has many other unique features as well.

The Corn Kingdom of America

Iowa is literally the number one corn-producing state in the U.S. Thanks to its vast plains, fertile soil, and adequate rainfall, corn and soybeans grow exceptionally well. It is at the heart of the Midwest's agricultural region, which deeply roots its economy and culture in agriculture.

Starting Point of the U.S. Presidential Primaries

If you are interested in politics, you may have heard the term Iowa caucus. It is the first state to hold presidential candidate primaries, attracting significant media and political attention. Although it is a small state, its influence is nationwide.

A State Surrounded by Rivers

Iowa has a unique geographical feature. The Mississippi River borders the east, while the Missouri River and Big Sioux River form the western boundary. As a result, cities have developed around these rivers, providing abundant water resources that greatly benefit agriculture.

A Midwestern State with High Education Levels

Iowa has traditionally placed a strong emphasis on education. The quality of public education is relatively high in the U.S., and among universities, the University of Iowa and Iowa State University are particularly well-known. The University of Iowa is especially famous for its writer training program.

A Quiet Center of Culture and Arts

Surprisingly, Iowa is also active in literature and the arts. The 'Iowa Writers' Workshop' at the University of Iowa is a legendary program in American literature. Many Pulitzer Prize winners have emerged from here. The quiet rural feel blends intriguingly with artistic sensibilities.

Tornado Warnings, Be Cautious

As is typical in the Midwest, tornadoes occur frequently. Especially in spring, you should check the weather news often. However, in most cases, preparations are well made, so significant damage is rare. This is why many homes have underground shelters.

Kind and Relaxed People

People in Iowa are generally quiet, diligent, and friendly. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a peaceful rural town than the busy vibe of a big city. It is one of the states you might want to experience living in when you are tired of the stressful city life.

If you are considering living in Iowa, even though the weather can be a bit cold, it is a place with good-hearted people and stable safety, so you can think about it with peace of mind.

However, being located completely inland in the U.S., seafood tends to be expensive. Salmon here comes at a high price with taxes, so it is worth noting that it is more expensive than other seafood.