Korean Job Discussion Forums

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

I've just arrived in the country and want to get on my feet as soon as possible. Although the Korean teachers have all been nice to me, I'm finding it a fairly daunting experience, especially since I've yet to see another waygook, although I take it there must be a few of us here.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where the best places to buy food are, where a Westener might go about learning Korean, joining a gym, joining a sports club? - that sort of thing.

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

For food in Uijeongbu, there is homeplus. If you want a gym, the cheapest deal is the council run one near City Hall (80K for 3 months, or thereabouts). If you want to learn Korean and are christian, there are plenty of option. If you are not religious, you will have problems.

If you want to meet other foreigners, Tomsvill seems to be the place to go these days. It is near Burger King (near Uijeongbu station). Always a lot of people there before midnight, though most of them are US Forces.

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

One more thing, is there a good online map of the city? I can't seem to find one.

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

KYC · Joined: 11 May 2006

everytime I go to homeplus in uijeongbu, i see at least 3 whities....

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

How many whiteys are there in total, in round figures? I thought there would be quite a few being close to Seoul and all, but perhaps I was wrong.

JustJohn · Joined: 18 Oct 2007 Location: Your computer screen

I'm not real far from you, but I don't know Uijeongbu that well. I can tell you there is a good sushi place across the street from the theatre on the subway side...

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Even if you are Christian, you aren't going to want to put up with the narrow-minded crap they preach in Korean churches just to learn Korean.

TONS of opportunities to learn Korean in Korea.

You aren't far from Seoul itself, but going to city hall just for a gym? There's one in your neighborhood, OP, just keep looking or ask your teachers.

You aren't far from Dobongsan, a really nice mountain, or Suraksan or Bukansan (that one's near Suyu station on line 4). Lots of nice temples near Bukhansan, too.

You are on the subway, so don't rely on Uijeongbu simply for your lifestyle.

Scouse Mouse · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Location: Cloud #9

When I said City Hall, I meant Uijeongbu City Hall, not Seoul. I thoughtthat would be obvious Razz

Due to the hatred for GI's in the city, I found they were the closest place to my home that would accept me when I was looking.

There are many, many foreigners in the city. A lot of teachers, and around 2,000 army or US army contractors. I have never been out in the city and not met a new group of foreigners.

mumblebee · Joined: 26 Jun 2004 Location: Andong

Here is the link for the Seoul interactive map: http://asp.congnamul.com/seoul/english/map.jsp

And one for the Seoul interactive BUS map: http://bus.congnamul.com/SeoulRouteWebApp/view_english/map.jsp

These maps only seem to work with internet Explorer, and they have an annoying habit of shutting down Explorer when you try to close or navigate away from them...but they are super useful.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

Welcome to sunny Uijeongbu lol. It can be tough to get around when you first get here. What area are you working and living in? Homeplus is probaly the best place to buy food and its pretty easy.

Depending on what sort of fitness centre you want, Main Sport in Kumo-dong (near Homeplus) is good with an indoor swimming pool, gym and some exercise classes. It is expensive at 150,000 for 3 months but it is good. I used to swim there but have become lazy.

Tomsville is where lots of foreigners tend to go, but most bars in the downtown area are pretty friendly with most works keen to practice their English skills with you.

Overall its not a bad place, although not the greatest either but Seoul is not that far away on the subway.

Enjoy and good luck. Very Happy

Cornfed · Joined: 14 Mar 2008

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

Ok thats not a bad area. Homeplus is not far from you really. The number 10 bus leaves from near the station on the opposite side of the road (the McDonalds side of the station that is) and runs past HP. or jump n a cab and say Homeplus they will understand. Same for getting back, but in reverse obviously.

So which school/hagwon are you at?