Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kantoi09]

Hi guys,
I have my interview with EPIK today. My first choice is Busan, but I heard it is full. So I am not sure which city to go with , now. I am hoping for another coastal city, but I don't want to be stuck somewhere boring. Can anone recommend me another coastal city or big/mid-size city that I could have good time there? I am looking to be near the mountains and beaches but also a place with a good nightlife and culture. Thank you.

[VanIslander]

Sounds like Haeundae area of Busan was the best bet to meet your needs.

Okpo on Geoje has over a thousand foreigners and is near beaches and mountains.

Yeosu and nearby Suncheon have a lively foreigner bar nightlife, easy to meet people, good vibe.

Changwon is close enough to Busan and to mountains and beaches (within an hour of each) though getting a cheap car (under 2 million won) would make there more satisfying for you.

Pohang is nicer than many think, in terms of access to beaches, parks and some decent foreigners. But I suspect it, like Tongyeong, might not have the "nightlife" you seek.

Seoul - though NOT coastal as you request - especially if downtown near the express bus terminals, is a place you can get all the nightlife you want AND if centraly located, can zip by express bus to mountains and beaches everywhere in the small country on weekends (get out of the city for a couple of days a week). Alternatively, live in hick coastal towns and take weekend trps to Seoul and/or Busan for your Friday, Saturday nightlife. It's easy to do. All roads lead to Seoul, or at least it sure seems like it with the bus routes to and from there from across the peninsula.

[nicam]

Don't come to Geoje. Everyone I know (with the exception of a few 40 somethings) here can't stand it, and the people who are staying in Korea another year are all moving to Busan, and are counting down the days with great impatience. It's a hick town, and with EPIK you run the risk of working in the REAL boonies (like me) and being faced with the choice of either commuting one hour from Gohyeon or living in a town of 200 senior citizens and a couple of goats. Also, the 1,000 foreigners consist of the shipyard workers who are all 60 year-old rough-neck Vikings, and a great (but strange and mostly religious) group of English teachers. Not good, no night life you'd wanna get involved in, trust me.

Honestly, if I was in your position I would go to Changwon or Yeosu. Changwon is clean, pretty for Korea, big, not hicksville, close to Busan and well planned with plenty to do. But it is not coastal. I can't speak for Yeosu because I've never been there, but I have heard good things about it. I can honestly say as someone who thinks that Seoul and Busan (and barely Busan) are the only decent places in Korea, I could be happy in Changwon. It's no Seoul, but....

Also, the POE guy I dealt with coming over here said Changwon had the best schools and environment for teachers. Something about there being a lot of money there, and the staff and such being more worldly and sophisticated. Hope that helps.

[kiwiduncan]

Most people I met in Yeosu seemed pretty happy there. The locals are nice and there are some good beaches and hikes.

(nice avatar by the way Nicam)

[nicam]

Yeosu and Changwon are both aesthetically pleasing, for Korea anyway. This is a good thing. I really want to visit Yeosu! Chanwon has 2x the population though, and is really close to Busan (25 miles).

kiwiduncan, my avatar is like the baby photo of your avatar!

[kiwiduncan]