Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mestuart]

Hello All... I am moving to Busan this month to work at YBM. I read through a lot of the postings about what to bring, etc... but it seems like many of them are more than 5 or 6 years old at this point. Also- much of the info deals with living and working in Seoul.

If anyone can give me some advice related to Busan I'd really appreciate it. I'll be working in Jung-Gu. Or if anyone wants to hit me up when I'm there for a drink- I'm always down for that. (Drink can also mean coffee- I'm not a total lush. yet...)

One thing most people comment on is bringing over deodorant, vitamins, spices, etc... but some of the postings talk about not being able to get it through customs. Can anyone give me some advice about all that?

In short- I could really just use some current knowledge from people who are either there now, or have gone through this pretty recently.

Thanks in advance- and cheers. Michael

[Xuanzang]

I've never had a problem with stuff in the checked in luggage. Aerosols, kitchen knives, spices, herbs have all passed. The weather is getting milder in Busan and there's decent hangouts there, decent foreign cuisine. Not a bad place to spend a year.

[afsjesse]

I taught in Busan last year. Here are some thoughts about the city.

I consider Busan to be a "mini" Seoul in respect to nightlife, foreign needs and trasnportation.

1. The nightlife is pretty good. Pusan National University, Kyungsung National University, Seomyeon, Nampodong are all good areas to hit up for bars and clubs. If your into House music, hit up the Vinyl Undergrounds in KSU! Also there's a chain bar called Thursday Party that is a great place to grab a beer and meet foreigners. There are outlets in KSU, Haeundae, Gwangalli etc...

2. Western restaurants like Bennigans, Outback, TGIF are all in Busan. Usually concentrated around Seomyeon and Haeundae. Ganga is a great Indian restaurant in Haeundae. And if you like Mexican food, try and find the Taco Stand near the beach. It's a VERY small joint but makes awesome food.

3. Transport in Busan is relatively easy. There are 3 subway lines. The main intersection is Seomyeon between lines 1 and 2. KTX runs to Seoul, Daegu and Daejoen from Busan Station. You can also pick it up at Gupo Station near the end of line 3. Buses are pretty good in the city and taxi's are all over the place.

I really miss Busan!!! The beaches are pretty nice. Gwangalli was my favorite. Good nightlife right on the beach front. There are 2 Thursday Party bars next to each other on the beach. Nice foreign community also! Plenty of teachers and Russians near Busan Station. Just be wary of the hookers and the hostess bars.

I think it's the best city in Korea for living if your new in Korea. Seoul is just too big and crowded. Daegu is nice but way too hot in the summer. I'm not sure about the others.

Suerte,
Jesse.

3.

[mestuart]

Thanks for the info! It makes me feel much more relaxed to hear... well, as relaxed as I could be under the circumstances.
cheers- Michael