Few Koreans truly understand Sacramento.

While most may know it is the capital of California, the diverse background of this city can only be appreciated by living here.

During my first few months settling in, I discovered something new about the city every day.

Sacramento is the capital of California. According to the 2020 census, the city has a population of 524,943 and covers an area of 100 square miles.

It is located about 90 miles northeast of San Francisco and approximately 385 miles north of Los Angeles.

The city sits at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River, experiencing rapid growth during the Gold Rush era in 1849 and officially becoming a city in 1850.

The California State Capitol building is located at the intersection of 10th Street and Capitol Mall, giving the city an administrative atmosphere.

The charm of Sacramento as a tourist destination begins at the Old Sacramento Waterfront.

This historic district, developed along the banks of the Sacramento River, preserves buildings and cobblestone streets from the Gold Rush era.

The California State Railroad Museum is located here.

It is one of the top railroad museums in the U.S., showcasing the history of the 19th-century transcontinental railroad with real locomotives.

The Crocker Art Museum is one of the oldest public art museums in the western United States, housing California art and works by world masters.

The State Capitol building itself is open for viewing, with free tours available.

The food culture is another identity of Sacramento.

Known as the Farm-to-Fork Capital across the U.S., this city is directly connected to the Central Valley agricultural region, providing an abundance of fresh ingredients.

The Farm-to-Fork Festival, held every fall on the Sacramento River bridge, symbolizes the city's food philosophy.

The Midtown and East Sacramento areas are filled with unique restaurants and cafes, making it a great destination for food lovers.

Weekend Farmers Markets are held at Cesar Chavez Plaza and various locations in Midtown, where you can buy and taste local produce.

The natural environment is also rich. The American River Parkway is a 32-mile natural preserve that runs through the city, offering opportunities for jogging, biking, fishing, and rafting.

The presence of such a large natural space within a major city is one of Sacramento's strengths.

The climate is Mediterranean, with dry and hot summers (average high temperature of 95°F in July) and mild, rainy winters.

Transportation includes Sacramento International Airport (SMF), located about 12 miles away, and Amtrak services connecting to the Bay Area, LA, and Chicago.

Sacramento may not be as glamorous as LA or as expensive as SF, but living here reveals a well-balanced city.