Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kara_gina]

Any advice/info about Bucheon... I'd really like to end up in Seoul, but Bucheon doesn't seem too far out. Is there still a lot going on there, like shops, bars, restaurants? Is it easy to get into Seoul? I'd like to be in a busy/ish area. Any info?

[Chris Kwon]

It's easy to get to Seoul yeah via subway. I've only been there a few times, but there should be enough restaurants and you get the bonus of having a HomePlus store there too.

[Cohiba]

Bucheon is a grandiose, showcase "bedroom" community of Seoul
comprised of about:

10,000,000 apartments
20,000,000 whorehouses
5,000,000 raw fish restaurants

Sparkling Korea!

[Ilsanman]

I'm sold!!!!

[Lekker]

I lived in Bucheon for 6 months. My opinion, it was LAME LAME LAME LAME LAME.

But that is just my opinion.

[CentralCali]

I lived in Bucheon for a year. I loved the place. My apartment was in an officetel just three blocks from Bucheon Central Park. So, in one direction, I had the park and in the other direction, (now) Homever and GS Square (used to be LG Department Store). The bus ride to the train station wasn't long at all. And there was a choice: Songnae with Toona Department Store nearby, Jungdong with a hospital nearby, and Bucheon with a number of shops at the station.

For all but two or three winter months, the city government closes the roads going through Central Park from noon until midnight every Saturday and Sunday. You can take your own or rent there: inline skates, triskis, s-boards, etc. There are nice wide avenue-like pedestrian paths through the park, there's a stream, and a pond. It's a really nice place to spend an afternoon.

There are also plenty of cultural things, including the cartoon museum. The city has a few libraries--all you need for a library card is your ARC and you sign up at any one of the libraries; the ARC then is your library card also for all the libraries.

Don't miss out on the archery museum. The guided tour is well worth the extra cost (zero) over the admission price. I don't remember the price but it was cheap. At the end of the guided tour, you get a chance to fire a traditional bow. The time I went, none of us got to fire the bow because the safety observer was out sick.

There is a variety of restaurants, including a Vietnamese one near Home plus. Getting fed shouldn't be a problem.

The express train from Songnae Station doesn't take long at all to get to Seoul. Plus, the terminal destination for it is Yongsan Station.

The only think I didn't like about the city is the winter weather. I hate cold weather and especially don't like snow.

[nomad-ish]

i haven't spent much time in bucheon, but if you're looking for a popular foreign hang-out and a place that sells western food, there's canada buddy. also it's on the subway line 1 to seoul, so it makes getting there easier than if you were in the sticks somewhere

[KumaraKitty]

I've lived here 5 years now and am very satisfied with it. Depends what you are looking for? WE have lots of friends here who have stayed for 2, 3 years. It has developed a lot, but we live in the area known as Sang Dong or Jung Dong which is closer to Songnae station. If you want any more specifics, let me know. There is something for everyone here I think.

[kara_gina]

Thanks for all your responses!!
I'd like to know if Bucheon is similar to Seoul? I'm a complete newbie, and don't want to be placed in a rural area, although I don't think Bucheon is. Still, is there always something going on or does it tend to get quiet?

[Natalia]

[Cohiba]

[Cheonmunka]

Well, Bucheon doesn't have those things like Cohiba says. No cigar shops etc.

I lived in Mia in Seoul for five years, Bucheon for three.
House is bigger in Bucheon, and cheaper, but it's dirtier where I am in Bucheon and people in Bucheon are more afraid to spend on private tuitions. The economy is a little less well-off than most Seoul city/suburbs.
It shows in the people and on the streets. Bucheon is the place where people buy if they cannot afford Seoul.
The good thing is it is closer in Bucheon to Kimpo and Incheon airports. If you are a frequent flyer it's convenient.
If you are a Kiwi I liken Bucheon with Manukau City. I think they should be sister cities.

[rocklee]

I find most towns are alright outside of Seoul and Seoul being just okay.

Really, there isn't much to look at unfortunately.

Fancy chicken and beer?

[Donkey Beer]

I have heard that Bucheon is a friendly community that is heavily populated by homosexuals. While there are not as many foreigners as areas such as Sinchon and Hongdei it is often very exciting. In my few times visitng, I have enjoyed the various restaurants and bars.

[Ilsanman]

Bucheon? Maybe. Ilsan? Definitely.