Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Batboy]

Anybody working in Gangneung now or recently. How was it? I went there today and thought the city was pretty cool and the close proximity to beaches was fantastic. A little worried about isolation. Anyone know a place offering Korean language classes there? Anyone work for Sisa Adult English school? How was it?

[pest2]

[gunghang]

I lived there for one year.

(I was in Jeonju for a few years before that, and Thailand before and after Jeonju.)

Gangneung is smaller than Jeonju, of course. It's a little hilly which can make it a challenge on a one-speed bicycle. The bus service struck me as being good. I lived in Ponam1-dong with my wife and we liked it.

We were within walking distance of the beach, the lake, and the train station. (If you feel really isolated, the "ajuma motels" are near the train station. I've been called over, so it isn't completely Korean only.)

Also near the train station is a foreign liquor store. I thought that 20,000 won for Bacardi 151 was quite reasonable (and maybe a pricing mistake).

Incidentally, while my old school wasn't called "Sisa Adult School," they did teach adults, they didn't want the hassle of teaching kids, and I suspect that I'm the guy you're replacing. If so, you should have my Korean cell number. I'm not in-country at the moment. PM me with the Korean number so I can ID you, and I'll let you know my local number while I wait for my new visa to come through.

I'm not worried about isolation. I'm moving to a smaller town where things are even more convenient. I really won't need my bicycle or scooter. The big differences are that instead of E-Mart there's Tesco and there aren't nearly as many night clubs and there isn't a lake and the beaches aren't as big. The bus station is also rather small vs. the transit center the Gangneung station is. Curiously, we're father from Seoul by bus by closer by rail.

I've never lived or worked in Seoul or Incheon or Pusan. The smaller cities agree with me. I won't get rich; I don't see having under-the-table privates in such a small city. But commuting is virtually non-existant and the cable TV/internet are enough to get you through freezing winter weekends in Gangneung. It's not a bad way to spend a year.

(And if you are moving into our old room, it's spartan but adequte. You'll need to fix the fridge - in winter maybe not - and the bathroom faucet leaks - the landlord tweaked some valve but didn't address the leak. Also, I hope you like stars - you'll understand. They were something of a comfort after coming home on ice in January and being the last thing I saw before going to sleep.)

[teachingld2004]

I live in Gangneung. It is beautiful here. If you like the sea, you will be in your glory.

The people are also friendly. Kangnam University gives Korean classes, but they are early morning I think.

There are lots of foreigners here, and you will make friends.

I am leaving Korea in a few months, and I am really going to miss this place. If my mother did not need me home I would stay. Going back to teaching in NY is going to kill me.

If you take a job here, you will not regret it. Even if you happen to not like the job, you will still love the sea.

take the job.

[Brennan]

I was wondering if anyone has anything new about Gangneung? I'm moving there within the next 2 weeks or so to teach at Sisa English school.

There doesn't seem to be tons of info online right now.

Thanks

[Rutherford]

Can't comment on living there or the school but the coast in Gangwan-do is beautiful. You'll be between nice beaches and national parks with great hiking.

Expect a slower pace of life but you'll only be a couple hours of Seoul.

[cazzy3]

It's still an awesome city. I lived there from 2007-11 and still visit quite often. Get on Facebook and check out Peeps in Gangneung. Everyone is very helpful and can answer your questions.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/gangneung.peeps/