Korean Job Discussion Forums

ceadem · Joined: 11 Dec 2007

...What is it like?

This'll be my first time in Korea (and teaching) so I have no clue as to what to expect, nor do I know anyone there. This seems like a strange question to ask but what will my life be like there for the first couple of months?, how will I meet people?, are there art classes?, rock clubs?, scenery?, many G.I. Joes?

stacyrb · Joined: 10 Oct 2008

I would be interested in this as well as we are going to Ulsan the 2nd week of November.

Stacy

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

Never lived there myself but I've been there quite a few times. Its a smaller city by Korean standards, industrial, many shipyards and refineries. I've never heard of a big expat community but I am sure there is one. Upside is that its quite close to Busan and Haeundae beach area. The poster for tourist attraction is a giant Chemical plant in Ulsan.

Imrahil · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 4:05 pm Post subject:

I have lived there for many years, it is not a bad city has many (not lots) of western restaurants now. Shopping is fairly good, if you are not an extra large person.(not trying to be rude to anyone) The most important thing is going to be living in the main city, since the public transportation system in Ulsan sucks. The buses are not very efficent unless you live in the main city and taxi's can be expensive. There is no subway in Ulsan. If you know where in the city you would be living I could probably give you more information.

Cohiba · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

NEVER live anywhere except Seoul (or close to it)

Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Now better than ever!):

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

DJTwoTone · Posted: Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject:

Cohiba's rule is complete shit... I'm sure you are a perfectly nice person, but your rule is stupid. I have never and will never live in Seoul... It's not a place I enjoy spending time in. It's not for everyone... In fact, It isn't for a lot of people.

That being said, Ulsan... It isn't a bad place, but it isn't great either... Where ever you live you will have positives and negatives... Choose wisely.

losing_touch · Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Location: Ulsan - I think!

I live in Ulsan. I have been here for a couple of months now. I find it to be a nice little city with plenty to do. Busan is close, but I admit that I haven't had the time to make my way there yet. My apartment is 10 minutes from the beach by foot and 2 minutes to the mountains. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around. Everything here is low-key and relaxed.

As for making friends, it is dead easy. I was plugged into a group of English teachers on arrival. There are loads of teachers on Facebook. If teachers aren't your cup of tea and you want to diversify the types of friends you have, there are loads of HHI people living and working here from every corner of the world. We get together often. This Saturday is Scottish dancing for example.....

Overall, Ulsan is a swell place.

Temporary · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

It's an interesting rule/theory. But I think it has to be reajusted for the cities of of Busan and Daegu. I've lived in Busan and its amazing, even tops Seoul in my opinion. Daegu is also pretty good.

So if we take the KTX route, say the FFF becomes negative past Daejeon and than reappears near Gumi! Just a thought.

Cohiba · Joined: 01 Feb 2005