Uijeongbu, South Korea

With a population of just 463,324, Uijeongbu is no bustling metropolis. This Seoul suburb is a military town at heart, home to U.S. and South Korean bases that have shaped its character. The climate is a monsoon-influenced continental affair, with brutal winters and sweltering summers. And while the city has transformed into a hub of shopping and dining, the bureaucratic legacy of its past as a state council seat remains a persistent headache.

Uijeongbu's military roots mean it caters well to American personnel and their families, with English-language schools and a thriving culture of "army base stew" restaurants. But for the average expat, the sleepy, chilly vibe and lingering red tape may make this an uninviting place to call home.