Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mark.holland21]

Hi everyone,

I have decided I'm going to arrive in Korea for the beginning of October but I'm in 2 minds about where to go.
I was tempted by Changwon becuase my mate owns a bar there and it seems there's a pretty good little community going on. But I've just read a review of the city by someone who didn't like the place very much and I'm kinda put off by all the mention of high rise ugly buildings, neon signs! Basically just another big city so I started thinking that maybe Jeju island would be for me.
It seems beautiful and the fact that it's an island I canonly assume that it would be quite laid back.
Anyone know what the teaching is like there? As in, are there many jobs going there? Has anyone got any info on Jeju Island?
Any recommendations?
Thanks

[seoulman1]

HI,

all i know is its meant to be quite beautiful scenery. The best bottled water in Korea is Jeju water... So mabee the water tastes good?

[VanIslander]

WHERE on Jeju Island, where?

If Sogwipo then I believe you will enjoy the alternative it offers to the typical concrete jungle. But if Jeju-si (Jeju city on the north central coast) then I'd say it's not such a clear choice as the downtown area is nothing special, though still not grim grey. get a car or scooter and anywhere on jeju is close to some weekend and morning fun (assuming you have every morning off, like so many hagwoners do).

And it's easy to make friends with other waygooks on Jeju. Islanders are friendlier than peninsular people, both Korean and foreigner, in my experience.

From Jeju you could make weekend trips to Changwon every month or two, as domestic airfares are not that much, a lot cheaper than back home.

[mark.holland21]

[mehamrick]

IMHO I find Changwon nice. Its spread out and not too crammed together. Plenty of large parks with real grass to relax at.

I haven't been to Jeju but from what I have read its expensive there, and remember unless you want to take a boat ride or a plane your stuck there.

good luck.

[Wrench]

Yep what he said.

[just because]

Changwon is one of the nicer cities in korea....i have lived here over 5 years and have no intention of moving to any other city in korea. i have travlled all over korea and with the exception of some smaller east coast cities and keoje I wouldn't be moving anywhere else. It is one of the only planned cities in the country...

I have read that review on Changwon. Take it with a grain of salt...the person who wrote that wouldn't be happy anywhere......just had a bad case of culture shock and he was a wierd one.

Jeju and Changwon are very similar price wise....if you are living in jeju then you are not on holiday so thus living like a local. prices are pretty much identical. I have been there twice for a week at a time each. other than hotels(which you wouldn't use) there wasn't much difference in price...

Jeju is much nicer scenery wise but a lot more isolated. Jeju city might be Ok though..... Changwon has a good foreigner community here and i frequent your friends bar quite often .

[safeblad]