Korean Job Discussion Forums

[crlb2006]

I have recently accepted a teaching position (sight unseen) in Seoul, specifically in the "gu" known as Sungbuk.

What should I expect to find in this specific neighborhood? Is it a desirable spot for a gentleman such as myself who enjoys an urban living environment, or should I be gearing up to live in one of seoul's less desirable spots?


I haven't had much luck finding specific info on wikipedia et al so any comments or pearls of wisdom from experienced expats would be hugely appreciated.

[Bibbitybop]

Do you mean Seongbuk-gu? If so, that area is in NNE Seoul, the blue line runs through it from Hansung University Station up towards Suyu Station.

It's mostly residential, but the Hansung Uni and Sungshin Women's Uni area's have lots of business, and there's a walking/party street at Sungshin Uni. It is also very near Hyehwa, one of the nicest and fun areas in Seoul. A short bus ride away from Seongbuk-gu will lead you to Bukhan Mountain for hiking, and you can also make your way up to Bugak Mountain for more hiking and great views of the city.

[eamo]

You'll have no problems in Seongbuk-gu. It's has it's richer and poorer areas. Convenient transport to most places of interest. Like Bibbitybop says, near to Hyewha and Sunshin Univ. Both fun places.

[Giant_midget]

I'm living in Seongbuk-gu at the moment. Like the previous posters have mentioned, it is close to Mt. Bukhan, which has some good hiking trails.

Also, Seongbuk-gu is on subway line 4 which is a good one for getting around. Two subway stops from Daehango/Hyewha and also pretty close to Jongno.

If you can, get a place near a subway station (Gireum, Sungshin, Hansung), not only is it more convienent for traveling but also this is where the entertainment is. I live a bus ride from a subway station and around me there is absolutely nothing, just apartment blocks.

There aren't as many foreigners around here as in other places, if thats an issue for you.

This site is pretty good to work out distances to places (only works with IE):
http://bus.congnamul.com/SeoulRouteWebApp/view_english/map.jsp

Or the subway map:
http://www.smrt.co.kr/english_smrt/cyberstation_smrt/cyberstation.jsp

[Giant_midget]

One more thing, the area is littered with Churches, if thats your kind of thing.

The one across from me keeps asking me to volunteer to teach English there a few days a week. I'm not religious but I still feel like I should do it. On the other hand it is hardly Guatemala, these kids have plenty of opportunities.

[crlb2006]

all this is very helpful.

seems like nightlife will be accessable and this is a plus.

...my sincere thanks to all who took time to respond

[bassexpander]

I live around here.

Word of warning... there is a hagwon that my friend works at (it's on the main road across from the bus station) that is in some serious trouble. They've been trying to hire recently, because of some big trouble with previous foreigners. One guy at the school got busted for alledgedly trying to molest a student (he was deported after nearly 8 million in legal fees and 2 months of lost pay). The parents were planning to sue the hagwon. A woman who replaced him at the same school was there a short (hey, the word s h o r t is stopped by the swear filter??) time, and wasn't paid for 2 months, so she took the school to the labor board, which promptly got her fired. She will likely win, because she sounds like a smart cookie, and has followed the law. She has a lawyer, too.

Just a warning...

[definitely maybe]

seongbuk-gu also includes anam-dong, which is the main restaurant/bar area by korea university, and bomun-dong. Both are on the 6 line, meaning easy access to itaewon. bomun is nothing to write home about, it's pretty darn close to anam, donam (sungshin women's univ.), and hyehwa. i've been in the gu for 4 years, and likely will live here until my stay in korea ends.

[Giant_midget]

So fellow Seongbuk-gu'ers, where do you go for a local drink?

[Bibbitybop]

[crlb2006]

...sounds like the sunbuk-gu is the sort of place that I can appreciate.

cant wait to get there later this month.
thread contributors, I respect you.

[Bibbitybop]

Last semester, Masta Don (who is now gone from Korea) had a Hyehwa gathering so we could meet our neighbors in and around Hyehwa.

I'm planning on organizing another one, so anyone in the Hyehwa and Seongbuk-gu area is welcome to come. I'll post information in April and will also send a PM to the people in this thread who live in the area.

BB

[syi012]

thanks for the info everyone

[cbclark4]

Six more to go ^^^

[Bibbitybop]