Korean Job Discussion Forums

HyperPatriot · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Location: America aka Everywhere

I'm one of those spoiled Southern Californians. I really have no idea what either hot or cold feels like. I seriously dont.

With that in mind, where in Korea would you suggest for the best weather from a West Coast, US, point of view..? I'm lost as to how Korea's weather is supposed to work. Edited to mention that this would not be the biggest deciding factor as where to work -- but might influence a decision slightly.

And what kind of ranges are we talking about? As a Californian, im prepared for 65 F - 95 F. Your use of celsius is allowed, if preferable.

Oh yeah -- and hi, im new.

[Field]

jay-shi · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: On tour

I'm afraid the winters here are well beneath your comfort zone, anywhere on the peninsula and even in Jeju-do (The Korean Hawaii!).

The summers, while within your range, are incredibly humid and if you factor in the humidex discomfort stats, are probably out of your upper range.

Everyone says Daegu has the hottest summers, as for coldest winters I'd imagine somewhere up in Gangwan-do probably has that reputation.

Korea is very small, the weather doesn't fluctuate that much from any given region to another.

Hopelessly Human · Joined: 03 Oct 2006

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 6:38 am Post subject:

i did my homework on that very question back in 2002 before coming to Korea

and Geoje Island, the southeast coact won out:

mild winters, snow on the ground for a few hours once every three or four winters, almost no precipitation in wintertime! let me repeat: dry warm winters with countless blue sky days (compared to Jeju off the southwest coast, with its mountain and winter rains galore). the southeast coast gets a lot of weather systems from the south pacific, which is good for avoiding most of the spring sandstorms from mainland asia, but it also means more typhoon tropical storms in August-September. Busan, an hour to the north of Geoje, is much windier and a bit cooler, is where the asian and pacific systems often meet and battle it out

google the heck out of the issue and find yourself stats, accounts and more

the weather in korea is VERY different, depending where you are on the peninsula... anyone who says otherwise doesn't follow it closely, doesnt travel much on weekends.

PM dave's poster cynical optimist .... he came from california last year and spent a year on Geoje recently, he'll be a good resource for an idea of what it's like

jay-shi · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: On tour

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City

I live on the Southern coast, and I would say that, compared to the weekends I spent in Seoul, the South was warmer than Seoul. It didn't snow at all where I live.

However, it really wasn't warmer by a significant amount, definitely not enough that it should effect someone's decision on where to live.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 8:33 am Post subject:

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

Isn't there also a city effect. Isn't Seoul usually warmer due to the sun being absorbed by pavement and buildings?

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Being from Calgary, where there is absolutly no moisture, the summers are intense. I'm not used to the humidity. But, the longer you are here, the more you get used to it.

The winters generally hover around 5 C (40 F). Probably a little higher. As a Canadian, the winters aren't that cold. But, occasionally, if your waiting at some bus stop in an area with no high buildings, the Siberian winds can make it feel much colder (but I'm used to it). Also, in the higher elevations in Gangwondo, may get pretty cold. I believe the Jeolla regions gets most of the snow, but the temps are around 40F. Gyeongsang gets very little snow.

NicRenee · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

jimmiethefish · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: pusan

Anywhere that gets a sea breeze will be more comfortable in summer. I was in Busan last summer and the breeze died off for the hot part (end of July/August). It was such a relief when it came back in September as the weather is stiffling without it. I'm used to higher humidity in summer but with a coastal breeze that takes the edge of that suffocating feeling. Geoje sounds pretty good. Just watch out for those typhoons as the season is upon us.

For winter, get some thermal tops to wear under your shirt or jumper and buy a coat here (unless you need quite a large size). Getting the warm layer next to your skin is far more effective than piling on more sweaters. The Californians that I know here have survived the temperatures but it helps to have suitable clothes.

JMO · Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Location: Daegu

I don't think its ever 18 C in daegu in winter. That seems like quite a difference.

HyperPatriot · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Location: America aka Everywhere

Haha, i didn't mean to suggest that i am not adaptable to a broader range -- only that i am inherently prepared for a southern californian range.

I can't really think that experiencing terrible heat or terrible cold for a few months on either side would ruin an otherwise interesting year.

I appreciate the recommendations however. I did not consider a "wind" factor -- that sounds almost as bad as what ive been told of humidity factor, and perhaps the South and coasts are something to look a bit more into.

Like most people, i am biased by not knowing about much more than anecdotal tales of Seoul.

Geoje does look interesting so far, i would have never thought to look at it before you mentioned it:

Would you guys consider Pusan to be the best place for a "city guy" that still has any semblance of temperate weather (by korean standards, mind you)?

Or are there "big city" atmospheres with better (re: warmer in winter, cooler in the summer) elsewhere?

[Field]

tigerbluekitty · Joined: 19 Apr 2007

As a girl from Orange County, I say don't come live and work in Korea unless if you're crazy and need the money badly!

It's like living in a cold prison where nobody smiles much and you gotta pay outta your arse for crappy food and clothes!

HyperPatriot · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Location: America aka Everywhere

Orange County girl, eh? Which part?

I'm from the LA-OC border, myself, around-abouts south of Long Beach.

Are you currently in Korea right now, TigerBlue?

I have my reasons. I would like to pursue a masters in international studies, have a BA with emphasis on east asia, have a real desire to teach and become a teacher, and yes.. i am somewhat crazy, which is why i would never consider such lovely places as London.

Some people are gluttons for pain.

As for "need the money" question -- i never understand this one. ESL teachers are pretty much making crap money. I hear people saying that they can save $10,000 a year, or whatever (double that, i dont care), but i don't really see it as that big of a deal.

Even with a $3000-4000 job in Southern California you can easily save $1000 or more a month. How is that any different? I can't get a $4,000 job in Korea -- i can get a $5,000/mo one in California.

Maybe this explains why there are so many Canadians on the board.

But i just don't see it as being good money. I am interested in experiencing both the pain and the craziness of a country i've studied in bits and pieces for several. I dont expect anything but torturous misery and a lot of good memories when im nice and old.

That being said -- is there a coastal city like Pusan that is nearly as lively, but with better weather?

[Patriot]