Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DoubleRS]

I'm moving to Yangyang next week; teaching at a public middle school. I haven't found too much about the area here on the boards. Can anyone tell me a little bit more about the town? even if you have just passed through. I've read much about Gangwondo, but still curious. So if you have anything to add please don't hesitate to speak up!

I wanted to say thanks as well. I've found this site just a huge resource for preparing to move and live in South Korea. Thanks and MORE THANKS!

[Cohiba]

I'm not sure what a "Yangyang" is, but I would cancel my contract
NOW and not settle until you get a gig in Seoul. The Korean countryside
sucks at best and with the crappy won it would be an egregious purgatory.


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!

[cazzy3]

don't listen to that rubbish...

yangyang is pretty quiet but a really nice place to live if you want a quiet and serene lifestyle. it's close enough to gangnung where there are plenty of places to hang out, do some shopping, etc.

your in a great location for hiking, or hitting the beach. there's even a new surf camp near by.

good luck

[I_Am_The_Kiwi]

[DoubleRS]

Thanks for heads up! I would say it was pretty disheartening when I read the first response lol. I'm not into hooker hill, noisy lifestyle, nightclubs, etc. I've lived in the heart of San Francisco for the last 5 years and I've had my fun. I'm looking to enjoy an easier pace of life and that's why I chose the country side to begin with. You guys are totally confirming what I thought. I'm an avid hiker and absolutely love the ocean so I'm excited for Yangyang.

How far to Sokcho and Gangneung via bus? I won't have a car or motorbike, atleast not right away.

Also, Anyone in or near Yangyang already?

[schwa]

Yangyang's small but has its charms. You're moving to a very attractive corner of the country.

The program you're joining is well-organized by Korean standards & the country kids you'll be teaching are really sweet. I said goodbye to your predecessor just this afternoon & he had a great time here.

I'll be your area coordinator & I'll contact you shortly after you arrive to see you get settled in smoothly & introduce you to the rest of our crew.

Heres betting you'll enjoy your time here.

[sojourner1]

I say go for it and don't listen to Cohiba bajiba. FFF theory is silly unless you're talking about the number of other foreigners, restaurants, 7-11's, GS-25's, hagwons, expensive fashion stores, universities, neon lights, and ice bars.

Seoul is really cool for a trip, but it's not for everyone. It's great for 1st timers in their 20's looking for an action packed experience, but not so much for someone looking for a simpler peaceful relaxing lifestyle. I would say the real downside of rural teaching is that you're not included for hiking, dinners, and anything Koreans do as they believe you can't do things Korean, because you're not Korean. They actually believe that I could NOT eat Korean food and didn't believe me when I told them I like gamjatang so I'm not included for anything. This gives me all nights and weekends free.

I like living far outside the city, except the shopping and variety of products is ridiculously limited considering that you can get almost anything in small American towns and have many choices to enjoy quality products from around the world. In Seoul, you also have quick and easy access to the airport so you don't spend 2 days of vacation getting to and from Incheon by long distance bus. One other thing I like about Seoul is you can actually get things from America such as oatmeal. It's downright silly that a country this developed and wealthy is a have not with a few exceptions in Seoul.

Gangwon country is good, but they do need some more stores like Homeplus and a Costco.

[Cohiba]

OK, but if you ever want a real conversation with, a person who speaks
your language, while drinking a nice pint of ale, don't come complaining
to me!

Yangyang, isn't that some illegal drug in the Philippines?

[DoubleRS]

[schwa]

Yangyang town is about 20 minutes from Sokcho by city bus (every 15 minutes or so).

You'll be assigned to a "main" school but will teach regularly in others each week because these are tiny schools, less than 100 students. I'm not sure how the guy before you managed transportation but theres some system in place as he didnt have a car or any complaints.

More germane to your jogging needs is where your housing will be situated. They're househunting on your behalf as I write. The last guy shared couple housing with his g/f so they're replacing that with 2 single set-ups. Yangyang has a good record of coming up with decent housing.

Likely in Yangyang town which is maybe 10 minutes from a beach. But you'll find other running options -- lots of green open space & trails. You can certainly fill your weekends with beaches & mountains (some of the nicest in Korea) -- this area is a major vacation magnet for Koreans so there are plenty of leisure activities on offer.

Theres a small but supportive community of expats in the area & the locals tend to be warm & welcoming too.

Edit to add: I wont be able to meet you in Chuncheon (as I'm first & foremost just a humble teacher whose students come first) but you'll be in good hands there & I'll be at your service once you arrive on the coast.

[Frankly Mr Shankly]

[schwa]

Really, Cohiba needs to give his stupid "rule" a rest.

I guess it speaks to his ethnocentric & immature lack of adaptability but to impose it on others is irresponsible. Many expats are thriving in Korea far from Seoul. Continually reposting it is not clever & constitutes a serious disservice to sincere newbies looking for advice.

Grow up Cohiba. Your shtick is tired.

[Cohiba]

THE RULE WILL NEVER DIE

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!

THE RULE WILL NEVER DIE

[wylies99]

Uh, Cohiba is correct. IF you live outside of Seoul, only live in larger cities near Seoul, (like Ilsan or Suwon), and live close to a subway station so you can easily get to Seoul.

It's not just about FUN. There are many goods and services foreigners need that are available ONLY in Seoul.

[schwa]

Just reposting this crap (once again), in large font with color no less, does nothing to disguise the vacuousness of the message.

Cohiba's been posting this for years on this forum (in a juvenile attempt for recognition?) & if he was paying attention few else have taken it seriously or paid it any credence. Is life in Korea only about international food & "boozing on a friday night"?

Not saying theres anything wrong with liking those things (& its not hard to get just about any international product delivered to your door, even in Yangyang) but if one's sole focus is clinging to home comforts wtf are you doing in a foreign country?

Cohiba's message is basically spam. I'm picturing a fat guy who's never made any longterm Korean friends.

Sorry for the digression. Now back to the OP's thread & others with fresh & useful input ..