View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
Forrest
Joined: 07 Aug 2003
|
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:20 pm Post subject: How bad is the air quality in the Seoul? |
|
|
I taught in Korea in 1998, but haven't been back since. Seems like now I am ready to take the plunge again. Over the last week, I was debating with myself whether to apply for a job in Seoul or Pusan.
I pretty much decided on Seoul for a number of reasons, but my only reservation revolves around the question of air-quality. Some research on the Internet revealed that Seoul's air-quality is worse than that of Mexico City. I was shocked to learn that.
Back in 1998, I was teaching in a small city a couple hours south of Pusan and only visited Seoul on two occasions, not enough to evaluate the air-quality there.
My Internet research also revealed that the water quality in Seoul is now up to the World Health Organization's standards, so I guess I don't have to worry about that, although I'm prepared to only cook and brush my teeth with bottled water, to be on the safe side.
If anyone can tell me about their personal experiences regarding the air pollution in Seoul, I would be rather grateful. I really don't want to sacrifice my health for the sake of some other benefits. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
just because
Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964
|
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2003 7:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Bad...well compared to Australia.
Anyway, the major problem is in Spring when the sand from the Gobi Desert blows across and blankets Korea. Hope you like breathing in sand plus all the other crap that comes with it. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Derrek
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
|
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2003 10:23 pm Post subject: |
|
|
And it sux that an home air-cleaner costs three times as much here. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Starperson
Joined: 23 Mar 2003
|
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2003 11:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
You might find that the air quality in Seoul is better than in 1998 due to people switching to clean fuels for heating instead of coals. I've found that the air quality is terrible in Summer, when the clouds block in the heat, dirt and humidity. Autumn's turning out to be a lot better. Depends where you're from.
Also there's lots of construction work all over the place, and the noise pollution's just as bad as the air.
Edit: But I wouldn't NOT come here because of these things. Also, passive smoking is a fact of life here. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
HardyandTiny
Joined: 03 Jun 2003
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 1:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
Worse than Mexico City? Wow! That is surprising. The effects from air pollution seem to vary for each individual, sort of like allergies. I haven't felt it much except, as the other poster said, when the Gobi kicks up its yellow dust.
I don't think it's so bad that I would suggest not coming to Seoul, unless you are a very sensitive, allergic, sniffy-snuffly type. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
funplanet
Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Location: The new Bucheon!
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 4:40 am Post subject: |
|
|
cough cough cough cough... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
crazylemongirl
Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 7:02 am Post subject: |
|
|
haven't we done this already? It's bad, it's gross, it makes my asthma worse. But then people will say hey it's not as bad as big city XYZ and then I'll say I think it's bad but I lived in new zealand before I got here and think that you should be able to see mountains if they are less than an hour from your house on days when it's not foggy.
CLG |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bucheon bum
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:05 am Post subject: |
|
|
yeah, like CLG has said, plenty has been written on this topic. For plenty of commentary on the subject, do a search.
I'm sure you'll find the following comment by yours truly: "It isn't that bad for a city of 10 million people." |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Homer Guest
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 8:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
The air quality in Seoul is bad. No one can dispute this.
However, like BBum said.."its not so bad for a city of over 10 million".
Its also in a country thats modernizing at break neck pace....not exactly enviro friendly conditions... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buddy bradley
Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 1:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
True men inhale dirty air. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Dan
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Glendale, CA
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 3:54 pm Post subject: |
|
|
don't come to korea and then become the disgruntled korean ESL teacher. go to japan where you will be happy and never complain about anything. lol |
|
Back to top |
|
|
buddy bradley
Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond
|
Posted: Fri Oct 10, 2003 3:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
dAN wrote: |
don't come to korea and then become the disgruntled korean ESL teacher. go to japan where you will be happy and never complain about anything. lol |
Are you a sage or a soothsayer? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Dan
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Sunny Glendale, CA
|
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 12:11 pm Post subject: |
|
|
i don't know, but theres some problem with your caps lock key.
oh, and if you are trying to equate me to azn kids who tYpE lIkE sO, then I find that offensive and a little racist, so please stop, because I never once wrote anything remotely so brainless and to say that that's how all asians are is just a thinly veiled racial insult. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
crazylemongirl
Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Starperson
Joined: 23 Mar 2003
|
Posted: Sat Oct 11, 2003 11:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Who cares if people have already discussed it? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|