Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Caesar1313]

Hey total newbie, fresh out of university, looking to work in Korea this summer. I'm a city person and live in Toronto, looking for advice from people . I'm thinking either Busan or Seoul. Does anyone who's spent time in both mind giving me some pros and cons, or advice. I'm looking to work in the public system. Where can I expect to be paid more, how is the night life comparable between them? Which is a more livable city? Any help is much appreciated.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

Buyeo!

[seoulsucker]

In essence, there are two Koreas. Seoul, and everywhere else.

It's the cultural, social, economic and political epicenter of the country. Half the population of the country lives in or within an hour of the city.

Busan is okay, but a bit sleepy for me. It's coastal, and a bit warmer...but other than that it doesn't have anything to offer that Seoul can't trump.

[air76]

When we came back to Korea we told our recruiters that we'd pretty much work anywhere BUT Seoul. To me Busan is the only city in Korea that I've been to that has a real distinct character, and if I were to live in a big city here I'd definitely choose Busan.

That being said, I'm not trying to diss Seoul but simply giving my own personal opinion. I also understand that there are many valid reasons for preferring Seoul, and I realize that living here as a couple is totally different.

1. If having Western Style nightlife is important to you then you absolutely must live in Seoul.

2. If having a variety of international restaurants is very important to you then you must live in Seoul.

3. If you'd prefer to create a lifestyle that most closely matches your lifestyle at home then you should choose Seoul.

4. If traffic, crowds, and pollution don't really bother you then two of the biggest downfalls of Seoul won't bother you.

Personally I think that a medium sized town (150,000-300,000) people is the best. Large enough to have an E-Mart or similar, and large enough to have a foreigner community of 30-100 people, but also small enough to be able to get out of town on the motorcycle. But then again I prefer having beers with 5 good friends in a random dive Hof then going to a flashy bar or night club....I love Nore Bangs (which are the same anywhere in the country)....and for me the silly fun that you can make in smaller towns is the best part about living in Korea. Going to the batting cages, or bowling, or whatever. That being said, living anywhere smaller would be hell.

[seoulsucker]