Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chachee99]

I am looking at apartments. I checked out a couple of them in and near Itaewon. I've never lived in Itaewon before, but have visited there many times at night.

What is it like to live there? Would you recommend it?

[Draz]

I wouldn't live anywhere else.

[bassexpander]

I think it's a good central area for a foreigner who likes being close to a larger mix of non-Korean restaurants. It's harder if you're a married person not interested in living in older villas.

Landlords in that area tend to have a lot of experience with foreigners, for what it's worth. I think you can find more places requiring less key money.

I enjoyed living in Itaewon for the time I was there. It's just not the same these days, however.

[lifeinkorea]

I have visited Itaewon a few times, and it's a nice place to visit for a few hours. However, I wouldn't want to spend nights there. It's too crowded, busy, and I am not personally looking for daily interaction with other foreigners. The main reason in being in Korea (the foreign country to me) is to experience a new culture and interact with the locals of that country.

I guess it depends on personal choice. Is this your first time living abroad? Do you like having drinking buddies a phone call away? Do you like overcrowded areas with a familiar scene? If so, it might be right for you.

I lived in Kyoto for 4 years and it was very much the same thing. I saw a lot of foreigners but would often work 20-30 minutes away from the city (like near a non-transfer station such as Geumjeong or Jamsil). I kinda prefer those in between places because you can always get to where you want within a half hour and be able to sleep without the noise (and smells).

[ghettofabulous]

I live in Itaewon, and living in the Itaewon neighborhood is not like you're living next to gecko's or helios and those places on the main street. I live on the hill kind of by Hyatt Hotel. I see way more Koreans here then I do foreigners and it's quiet at night, so I have no problems. Next time I'd try to find a place not so far up the hill though. And it is nice having fairly easy access to foreign foods and restaurants as well as Korean ones when I want.

[Draz]

[Scotticus]