Korean Job Discussion Forums

[MissMaggie]

Hello!

I was offered a position in Nowon-gu, but today I got an email saying that a position was available in the Gusan station area (enpyoung gu) at a prestigious english school there. the contract terms are the same, so the issue really becomes whether I want to live in Nowon-gu or Eunpyong-gu. Does anyone have any info on either of those areas? are they safe?

Thanks

[jkelly80]

I live in Eunpyeong gu and I think it's pretty far flung and conservative, Nowon is probably a better bet.

[T-J]

I'm about a 10 minute walk from the GuSan and Yonshinnae stations.

Yes it is a safe area.

What school have you been offered in the GuSan area?

What kind of activities are important to you?

I enjoy living here. I worked alot in the NoWon area, but that was back in the 90's, so I can't really give you too much up to date information about that area.

I'd say PM me but you only have 3 posts so far, I'll be happy to answer any questions you have about Eunpyeong Gu though.

[Yaya]

No one goes to Nowon. That place is pretty safe but pretty blue collar, and well, there's just nothing there.

Gusan isn't too far from the Hongdae and Sinchon areas, meanwhile, two areas noted for nightlife.

[Xuanzang]

Nowon is too out of the way. Line 4, 6 and 7 run through there but it's farfrom any nightlife. Some parts of Nowon is really underprivilged too. Some single parent, child living with grandparents kind of mixed families. You could go out but the traveling time and taxi fare would be pricey.

[crossmr]

I'm usually in nowon once a week. Doesn't seem overly special. The transfer from 4 to 7 is a nightmare. It is like the stations are not even in the same area. I appreciate the fact that there is a transfer there, but pack a lunch.

[MissMaggie]

Wow, I'm glad I agreed to switch locations! I was looking at the official websites of the areas, and it looked like Nowon was more of a place I'd visit, to see the mountains and other tourist attractions out there, but gusan was much more liveable and they're now offering free community korean lessons for foreigners.

Assuming all goes well with my paperwork, i should be there in a few weeks. I was offered Yale elementary.

I got a call this morning (midnight in korea) about my paperwork, because the koreans seem to think that having a VSS is very important if you're Canadian, but don't actually know what it is. I got one, but since it merely added to the results of my criminal record check that I don't have any pardoned sex offences, they called to say I didn't have one since it didn't actually say "VSS" on the document. arg.

[jkelly80]

OP:

One consideration is that Gusan is the first stop on the Eungam Loop, which only goes one way, away from the city center. Meaning every time you want to go to the city center, you have take the loop around thru Yeonsinnae, Gupabal, etc, to get to Eungam, which is actually one stop south of Gusan. If this doesnt' make sense take a look at a subway map and you'll see.

Try to see if they'll put you closer to Eungam Station, where you can avoid having to do this, if this seems like a big deal to you.

[T-J]

[HapKi]

Nowon Station has a TGIF, Outback, Bennigans, Krispy Kreme, Starbuck, and all that kind of thing. Also, a big department store with a supermarket. A few other big retail marts in the area.

[Donghae]

[jkelly80]

Like I said the loop thing isn't a huge deal, but 10-12 min. can add up. I live in Eungam, and Hongdae (sangsu) takes about 20 min, Itaewon about 30. Bump that to 30 and 40, doesn't seem so appealing (at times). The buses are always there, but note that the 7613 (Sinchon) and 760 (Hongdae) run pretty infrequently, at least for my tastes.

It IS nice in that you're close to Bukhansan, Ansan, Inwang san, etc etc, but I'd advise the OP to see if they can put you a little farther down on the 6, (Saejol, Susaek) if possible. Not sure how feasible that if you're not in Korea tho.

Gusan isn't a terrible spot though all things considered.

[jkelly80]

I was just near Bulgwang last night. Miserable racist ajeossis screaming at me cuz I had the nerve to exist in his sightline. Stay out of Eunpyeong if you can. If you're going to work there at least get them to put you a few stops down the line Eungam/Saejol/Susaek. T-J seems to like Yeonsinnae but I found it to be a pretty hostile spot the three or four times I was around there. Eunpyeong gu is not a friendly spot for whitey IMO.

[dharma bum]

[jkelly80]