Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Muskoka's Own]

Where to live.

Hey guys, I realize there are probably a lot posts on here about this kind of thing, and I've found a bunch, the problem I'm having are that many of them are from like 2003, maybe as recent as '06 and the posts that ARE from recent times haven't been responded to (as far as I can tell, I'm sure there are some, I just can't find them).

I know I know that I'll ask 10 people and get like 30 different answers BUT first and foremost I want a place with lots of foreigners (English foreigners, Yankees, Canucks, Brits, Kiwis, Aussies etc.) around my age (mid-20's) as I'm coming by myself. I also want a good night life, as I am a partyer, but I also love the outdoors so also areas to go biking, hiking etc. I also am a big sports enthusiast, so preferably somewhere where I can find people/a league to play in. I have a few ideas in mind, but if you guys could help me out I would appreciate it!

Thanks in advance

[afsjesse]

Go to Busan! It has a great nightlife, many beaches and surrounding mountains to hike/bike, lots of foreigners from around the world as it's Korea's 2nd largest city. It's connected to Daegu, Daejeon and Seoul via the KTX so travel is simple. The city is never really boring unlike other cities like Ulsan, Daejeon etc.... I lived there and don't regret it.

This is my opinion. PM me if you'd like more detailed information.

Suerte,
Jesse

[Ya-ta Boy]

I agree. With your stated interests, Busan is probably closest to answering them.

[Cohiba]

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!

PS: Seoul has an almost unlimited supply of foreigner and foreigner
friendly sports teams. Also the cornucopia of stores and restaurants
mentioned above are packed with foreigners.

[PRagic]

Seoul. Period. You can always move after your first year, but if you don't do a year in Seoul given your preferences, you'll regret it.

[Michelle]

[afsjesse]

I respectfully diasgree wit Cohibas Rule. I think it applies best to rural areas. Busan has most of those things that you named Cohiba. Granted I can't find cold cuts and rye bread. However the new Costco should have all of that when it opens in July!

Korea is what you make of it. If you come to Korea to feel at home, then I suggest you stay home. This is not a place to come and try to be comfortable in the western sense. If you come here with an open mind and an appetite for trying new and strange things, then you'll be fine. Personally I can't stand people who complain and moan about the lack of western amenities. This is Korea, not America, Australia or Canada.

Busan is a great mix of people and of both cultures. Take in what you like and have fun!

[Muskoka's Own]

[afsjesse]

OP I wasn't referring to you in that little piece I wrote lol. Sorry for the confusion.

I've visited Daegu about a dozen times and it is a great city. There are plenty of foreigners and the nightlife is at best, decent. The nice thing about it is that everything you need is downtown. Unlike Busan and Seoul where most things are a taxi/subway ride away. Daegu however is HOT as it's in a valley. It is also more central if you're interested in travelling.

In the end I'd still pick Busan, but Daegu is good too and I would be happy there.

[Cohiba]

[Ilsanman]

I'd say go for Seoul or Busan, not in between. If you go for a 'burb or an area near Seoul, you'll spend all of your time travelling into Seoul to meet people and do things.

The ir is bad, but quite frankly, the surrounding areas are almost as bad. Incheon is worse than Seoul for air quality.

[afsjesse]

A little touchy these days Cohiba?

I never said that you missed anything western. I was making a generalization for people who come here and are shocked how different it is, then use it as an excuse to bash Korea and cling to everything they can that resembles a Happy Meal toy... Brazilian Rainforest! Sounds good to me, where do I sign up?

Wanting western amenities is fine. I love going to the bigger cities and eating Quiznos and drinking at Starbucks. But alot of people LIVE for it which I think is a shame as they lose out on a great culture to experience.

You've been here awhile and have made it clear that you've had enough. Fine, that's great! As I said before, I am refering to people who just get here and start to complain about how nasty it is and how non-western everyone's thinking and manners are. That's all I'm saying. People should be happy instead of bitching about the place they chose to work/live.

No harm or judgement intended.

[afsjesse]

double post

[afsjesse]

triple post

[Cohiba]

Hey, I heard you the first time. Stupid server.