West Virginia might be a bit unfamiliar to many Koreans.

Unlike New York or LA, which conjure up images just by name, you might find yourself asking, "What's there?"

However, Morgantown is a surprisingly significant city.

It is the central city of Monongalia County and home to West Virginia University, the main campus of WVU.

Morgantown's history dates back to the 1700s. The city's name is derived from the Morgan family, related to early settlers.

It started as a small agricultural settlement and grew in size with the development of railroads and the coal industry.

The establishment of West Virginia University in 1867 changed Morgantown's fate.

If you talk about Morgantown without mentioning WVU, you actually have half as much to say.

The university is not just a place for students to study; it serves as the city's workplace, hospital, research center, and cultural hub for sports and arts.

When the semester starts, the number of young people increases significantly, and during breaks, the streets become a bit quieter. On days with football games, the entire city is covered in Gold and Blue.

The economy is also heavily influenced by the university. Beyond education and research, the healthcare industry, centered around WVU Medicine, has a strong presence.

With large university hospitals like J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, patients from other parts of West Virginia come to Morgantown.

Research in healthcare, engineering, IT, and energy is active, making it quite different from the old coal mining town it once was.

The weather clearly shows all four seasons. In summer, daytime temperatures usually rise to around 80°F, and there are quite a few humid days. If you're used to Korean summers, it's not unbearable, but if you think, "It must be cool in the mountains of West Virginia even in summer," you'd be mistaken.

Winter is the opposite. Temperatures drop below freezing, and you can encounter snow and ice. Especially in this area, with many hills, driving on snowy days requires caution. Driving on flat roads is different from navigating steep residential areas.

On the other hand, spring and fall are quite pleasant. In particular, during fall, the foliage of the Appalachian Mountains transforms the scenery with just a short drive.

If you love nature, you can't miss Coopers Rock State Forest. It's easily accessible by car from Morgantown, offering everything from leisurely walks to serious hikes. There's also the West Virginia Botanic Garden, and in the city, you can find trails along the river for walking or biking.

The cultural life is centered around WVU. Basketball games at the WVU Coliseum and the excitement around Milan Puskar Stadium during football season are notable. Even those who weren't interested in American college sports will naturally learn about the game results after living here for a few years, as everyone talks about it.

There are spaces like the Morgantown Farmers Market where you can find local produce and products, and cultural events like performances and exhibitions are regularly held around the university. While it's not a place where new events pop up every day like in big cities, you might be surprised by how much there is to do if you look around.

Transportation is convenient with I-79 and I-68. Being close to Pittsburgh is a significant advantage. Using Pittsburgh International Airport offers a much wider range of options for long-distance and international flights. Morgantown has a small airport, but it can't compare in size to major city airports.

In summary, Morgantown can be described as "an Appalachian college town sustained by WVU."

Housing prices and living costs are relatively lower than in major US cities, and with a university and large medical facilities nearby, you can find mountains and forests just a short drive away. However, if you expect the flashy shopping and nightlife of a big city, you might find it a bit dull.

But for those who want to raise children and work while living quietly, that can actually be a benefit. At first glance, it seems like a small town in the mountains, but after living here for a while, you'll find a unique balance of education, healthcare, and nature.

Morgantown is not a city that boasts extravagantly. Instead, as you live here, you might find yourself saying, "This place is better than I thought!"