Korean Job Discussion Forums

topas · Joined: 25 Apr 2007

Hi eveyone

I've been lurking around this board for a few months and am right now seriously considering a position in Busan. I've heard that the city has a huge sprawl, and I'm wondering exactly how inconvenient/time-consuming/ exhausting it is to get around if you don't live in the city centre. The school I'm looking at is around Gumyeong subway.

Thanks

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

Its not htat bad. They subway is OK, although it doesn't have as many lines and transfer stations as needed. You should be able to get to Seomyeon (shopping and downtown) in 30 minutes or less, PNU (bars, turkish restaurant) in 20ish minutes, Kyungsungdae in 40 minutes (bars), and Gwangalli Beach in about 45. These are all guesses from staring at the subway map, but should be fairly accurate.
The bus system is quite good (Just don't take it during rush hour). You'll be fine. Just don't expect must western stuff on that side of town.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. The buses are random, though.

VirginIslander · Joined: 24 May 2006 Location: Busan

Time and Space changes from location to location.

Back home I would drive ten minutes to a bar and fifteen minutes to my favorite restaurant and two hours to the beach. I had no problem doing it.

Here, I can walk to the bar in four minutes, the Turkish restaurant in six minutes but it takes me twenty-five minutes to get to the beach. Now I feel that 25 minutes is such a waste of time. Plus, if you leave the bar after the subway closes at 12, you have to take a taxi home or wait until the morning.