Korean Job Discussion Forums

superacidjax · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Location: Seoul

I am considering a job offer in Gangseo and in my previous time in country, I think I might have passed through that area once or twice. I know it's close to Gimpo and that's about it. I've read the Wiki on it, but I was interested in opinions from those with "boots on the group." Any of you guys live there? I was told by the school-in-question that it's about 40 minutes by subway to Yonsei. Is that about right?

Is it an ok place to live? Any major drawbacks? What would be a ballpark taxi fare from Hongdae?

Thanks for any and all constructive replies! As always, I appreciate everyone's help.

-
BD

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:10 am Post subject:

What subway stop or area? I work out near Balsan Station. There isn't much around in the immediate area, but there are a lot of hakwons just down the road.

The buses to Hongdae and Shinchon that run along the main road to Gimpo Airport get me in the area within about 40-45 minutes, tops. Hapjeong is pretty convenient, about 30 minutes. Lots of transferring, though. Traffic usually isn't too terrible.

I don't touch Line 5, but that's another option. Bit slow and swoops down before coming back up.

A taxi could probably get to the area pretty fast from Hongdae later in the evening, after rush hour. It'd basically go down to Hapjeong, cross the bridge, and then catch the end of the expressway and go wherever. Probably not more than 10K at the most to areas closer to Gimpo.

superacidjax · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Location: Seoul

Balsan station specifically.. Thanks for the general info.. I appreciate it!

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:23 am Post subject:

Hah.

There's an Outback and a Pizza Hut around if you're into that. Some of the Korean restaurants are okay. I haven't really explored that much since I don't live out here, so I don't know where a proper supermarket is or if there's a movie theater or anything.

You'll be about 4 kilometers from Gimpo Airport, which sounds bad. But as I said before, the buses right by the station almost all run down towards Dangsan. If you get off at the Yeomcheon/Doshi Gas (I think) stop to transfer, there are several buses that zoom to Hapjeong. I'm usually at Hapjeong in under 30 minutes on my commute home.

MattAwesome · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

It is definitely out of the hustle and bustle of inner seoul. I live in banghwa at the end. getting to the east side is a long track, but line 9 opens soon and it will take me ot gangnam in 30 mintues they say. What is in hapjeong?

Knucklehead · Joined: 06 Jan 2008

Gangseo-gu is actually pretty big, so it will depend on where you live for taxi fares and times.

I live in the eastern part and it's only a 6000 won taxi to Hongdae. From Balsan station it's about 8000 to 10000 won.

It's really convenient to get to the airport. The airport buses come every 5-10 minutes and only takes about 45 mins.

There is a really lively little entertainment district around Gangseo city hall. There are some really good restaurants and bars. There are also a lot of booking clubs and anma bangs if you are in to that sort of thing.

There is also a Homeplus, Emart and Homever all of them on the new subway line(opening in sept i think).

Gangseo is on the river, so wherever you are it's pretty easy to go for walks along the river.

All in all, it's a pretty decent place to live. I've been living here for almost three years and quite enjoy it. It's pretty relaxed but there are things to do and plenty of watering holes.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject:

404 · Joined: 14 Nov 2008 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA

I live at Hwagok Station and I enjoy it, but mostly because I work with a lot of great people that live here too. Its about a 6-7000 taxi to Hongdae and there are a few Hagwons around here, although Ive only run into a few other foreigners outside of the dozen I work with. There are a lot of bars (including an Irish one close to Hwagok), booking clubs and restaurants. Being close to the river is great, but if I was to ever come back, I woudnt choose this area again, there are too many better areas in Seoul.

Passions · Joined: 31 May 2006

I used to live around Balsan, it was a pain in the butt. All the nightlife is around Hongdae, Gangnam, etc. It takes you at least 45 mins - 1.5hr to get out there. I was always late meeting up with friends and always had to leave early before the subways stopped running.