Korean Job Discussion Forums

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I've just been informed that the SMOE training will be held in Yongin. Does anyone know where that is exactly? Is it connected to the Seoul Subway system? Thanks!

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

Not sure if it's connected by subway, but I know for a fact that the traffic out there can be as bad at Akpujeong if you get stuck there at the wrong time. My wife and I were stuck there for a bout two hours one time, in what would usually would take a nice 20-30 minutes to get from there to home.

Yes, my Engrish is retarded today. I'm tired.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Uggh that's reassuring. I'm just wondering how far it is away from central Seoul, and if it's better to catch a limo bus, or take a taxi with all my luggage from the training facility to my apartment.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

About 45 mins to central Seoul and there is no subway connection.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks Spliff!

So a 30,000 taxi should about cover it you think?

ddeubel · Joined: 20 Jul 2005

Seoulshakin,

Don't worry, the red carpet will be laid out for you.....(or atleast a greenish hue). No taxi needed!

You will get door to door service and after the orientation will be taken to your school district by coach. There you will meet your co-teacher (if you haven't already or through email) and either be taken to your apartment by car or first to the school for a round of hand shaking/intros and then your apartment. So don't sweat the taxi. You should be informed shortly about being met at the airport upon arrival and transported to Yongin.

Yeah, you don't want to drive there! Small winding roads, bottlenecks galore. It is about 1.5 hours south of Seoul in Gyeonggi province.
Luckily, the Hyundai Training Institute where you will be staying is up on a mountain side. Nice clean air and lots of hiking trails directly behind. You'll be in dorm style rooms (2/room). No Tv but internet access and network if you bring a laptop. Modern lecture halls and good food.

I'll be there the first 2 days, leading the elementary teacher's training. Won't be too hard, just lots of practical info. which I didn't get before venturing into a Korean classroom.

Have a good trip and don't sweat the small stuff, everything always works well despite our apprehensions.

DD

PS. there is a subway connection but it is a long trip and about a 15min taxi ride from the centre.

SeoulShakin · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

Thanks ddeubel!

I'm not overly stressed about it, I just wasn't aware that we would be brought to our area.

I'm not a newbie to Korea, as this is my second contract, but it is my first time working in the public school system. If they want to bring me to my apartment afterwards, all the power to them! I'm not going to complain about it!

Thanks for the info, and I guess I'll be seeing you soon!

Smile

PaperTiger · Joined: 31 May 2005 Location: Ulaanbataar

Didn't mean to freak you out about Yongin. If you're not driving it should be fine. Pretty place. My wife's friend moved there to get away from her insane in-laws after her husband died a very early death. It's a pretty place...lots of parksa, hills, dales, mountains, and scenery to take in. If you don't mind staying local for all your socializing (which might the best choice considering the logistics) it seems like a great place to live.

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

I'll be in Korea already so I'll make my own way there. Ddeubel, Do you know if any buses go that way?

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

There are quite a few different buses that go through or to Yongin ... I ended up there once ... when I didn't want to ... (a bus I was on had to terminate there when it wasn't supposed to)

And I had a number of different options on buses to catch to get back to where I wanted to be ... The best option for you to get there may depend on where you will be coming from. Your best option may be to catch the subway to Moran and then catching a bus the rest of the way to Yongin ... OR catching one of the express buses to Yongin... depending on where you will be coming from ...

Icicle

mack4289 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

There is almost a subway connection there. You can get to Ori Station, which is about a 10 minute walk from Yongin.

Or just look for any bus that goes to Ori and that should get you there.

spliff · Joined: 19 Jan 2004 Location: Khon Kaen, Thailand

mack4289 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

It is a big area but I live in Yongin and I can walk to Ori Station in 10 minutes.

The Perfect Cup of Coffee · Joined: 17 Jun 2007

Is the SMOE training in Yongin being held at your house?

mack4289 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

That's what I'm telling everyone. Bring your own booze, people.