Korean Job Discussion Forums

[capa21]

For those who have lived or live in Seoul now, what are the more preferred areas of Seoul to live in? I'll be moving to the Seocho/Gangnam area in a few weeks and I'm just wondering how it is in comparison to other areas.

Thanks.

[Mr. Pink]

What are you looking for in comparison?

Entertainment? Shopping? Transportation? Nature?

Give me a run down, also let me know where abouts in Seocho/Kangnam.

I live beside Seocho Gu and drive through it quite a lot, so I know a fair bit about it.

[kangnam mafioso]

Seoul is an enormous city divided in half by the Han river. Kangnam is south of the Han and generally the most modern and expensive part of the city. Most Seoulites would prefer to live in Kangnam if they could afford it because of its proximity to good schools and shopping. There are large department stores and malls (COEX), movie theaters and western restaurants everywhere --- it's kind of like Disneyland compared to other parts of Seoul and Korea. Some good neighborhoods in the Kangnam-gu area include: Jamsil, Apkugeong, Tehron-ro, etc.

As an English teacher in Seoul, your major points of reference will be: Kangnam (yuppies, western stuff, shopping) to the south, Hongdae-Shinchon (nightlife, pick up zones) to the northwest and Itaewon (the foreigner section, some nightlife) in the center. Itaewon is easily accessible from Kangnam by taxi (8-10,000 won) or subway and Hongdae is easily accessible from Itaewon (5,000 won).

I would prefer to live in the central area (Hannam-dong, Oksu-dong) which gives you easy access to all three areas, but avoid living right in the middle of Itaewon (loud, sleazy and too many soldiers). Wherever you live, it is important to try and live near your workplace --- unless you enjoy spending several hours a day on the subway being stared at.

[Tiger Beer]