Many people think of the large airport here in Atlanta as just a place to change flights, right?

But in fact, the first companies that come to mind when you think of Atlanta are Coca-Cola and CNN.

First, let's talk about Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola was first created in 1886 in Atlanta by pharmacist John Pemberton.

Initially, it was sold as a medicine that was good for headaches and fatigue, but it became the beverage we know today when mixed with carbonated water.

There was a time when only 9 glasses were sold per day, but businessman Asa Candler acquired the brand and helped it grow into a global company.

Its headquarters is still in downtown Atlanta, and Coca-Cola is sold in over 200 countries worldwide, which is quite impressive. The World of Coca-Cola museum, a popular spot for tourists, is definitely worth a visit.

CNN is also a point of pride for Atlanta. Founded by Ted Turner in 1980, it was the world's first 24-hour news channel.

In the past, you could only watch the news at set times, but with the advent of CNN, the era of real-time news began. The live coverage of the Gulf War is still talked about as a significant event that changed the history of news worldwide. Atlanta continues to play a crucial role as an important production hub for CNN.

However, Atlanta's strength isn't just in these two companies. Delta Air Lines is headquartered here, and global companies like Home Depot, UPS, and IHG Hotels have all grown from their base in Atlanta. This has led to a steady creation of jobs across various sectors, including aviation, logistics, retail, and hospitality.

This is one reason why Atlanta is popular among those considering employment in the U.S.

These days, the fintech industry is also experiencing tremendous growth. Payment technology companies like Global Payments, Fiserv, and NCR have clustered here, earning the nickname 'Transaction Alley.' A significant portion of the U.S. card payment systems pass through technology developed in this area.

One reason Atlanta remains popular among Koreans is that it is very convenient for Korean residents.

The areas with the highest Korean populations are Duluth, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Peachtree Corners, and Norcross. These neighborhoods are located in the northeastern part of Atlanta, where you can find almost all daily services in Korean, including Korean restaurants, cafes, hospitals, dentists, accountants, lawyers, and hair salons. Especially along Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth, you can see a continuous line of Korean signs, making it easier for newcomers to adapt.

There's no need to worry about food either. Large Korean markets like H Mart, Mega Mart, Assi Plaza, and Nam Dae Mun Farmers Market are operating in several locations, making it easy to find Korean ingredients. You can easily get kimchi, side dishes, rice cakes, and fish, as well as popular instant noodles and snacks from Korea, so you won't often miss Korean food.

With the unique Southern charm and friendliness still intact, and global companies firmly established, Atlanta feels like a great city to live and work in.