Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sbp59]

I recently got my flight booked by my employer. This is my first time coming to Korea and my job is in Gwangju, the big city. Should I be expecting to be met at the airport?

Also, if I'm not being met what is the best way to get to Gwangju from Seoul? Is the train easy to get to from the airport?

Thanks in advance for the help.

[sigmundsmith]

If this is your first time I would expect that you would be met by someone.

If you are not sure, I would email your new employer/recruiter and ask/request that you be met by someone.

[i]

I came like that in 94. Recruiter picked me up along with others who would be placed around the country. Set me up in a motel, picked me up the next morning and brought me to the bus terminal. It was when I got to Gwang Ju that there was trouble. They (the hakwon) didn't know I was coming. I somehow figured out how to call them on a public phone (good luck figuring that out today without a card). No one spoke English-ee. After repeat calls, a student was put on the line and after waiting for over an hour, someone showed.
Not met anyone who showed up in Seoul without anyone to meet them on a first visit. But I'm sure there are some out there. I think the recruiter/employer has too much invested to not meet you...eventually.
But yea, like the previous poster said...better ask.

[Clockout]

I was not picked up because of poor communication about my arrival date.

I just took my suitcases on the subway (not so fun) but eventually made my way to Gunpo (after a few wrong turns) and checked into a love motel for the next couple nights while I got ahold of my recruiter and eventually my school.

I learned a lot about Korea in those first two days though.

[Oreovictim]

I'd just ask before you go. I'm sure that someone can help you out. Nobody met me when I first got to Korea. Fortunately, there was some dude I met at the airport who helped me get a bus ticket. Otherwise, it would have been difficult. I soon learned that Cheongju, Chungju, and Jeongju sound the same to a newbie.

[chris_J2]

1st Contract - Met at Incheon airport by my Korean coteacher & driven 60km to my new apartment. Suitcase carried up into my apartment & the fridge was already stocked with cold bottled water, juice, milk, & coffee sachels. Very Impressed!

2nd Contract - Not met at either Daegu East or West bus stations, after a 5 hour bus trip from Epik in Seoul, or at Changwon bus station. Not Impressed. Driven 100+ km from Changwon POE Office, to a motel adjacent to my new school

3rd Contract - met at Incheon airport by an ESL Planet representative & driven to my new school & then to my apartment by my new coteacher. No complaints. Impressed!

Request your recruiter arrange a pickup, especially if this is your first time in Korea.

[phoneboothface]

Yes, yes I was. Some lackey took the boss' Lexus and drove me to the local bus station. Then I was off on my way to the middle of nowhere.....

[thrylos]

You should find out if your ticket is also for a domestic flight from Gimpo to Gwangju. It would save everyone a lot of hassle by having them fly you into Gwangju and they can pick you up from there. Getting to the domestic airport (Gimpo) is dead easy from Incheon Int'l airport-- almost every airport bus departing Incheon makes a stopover at Gimpo, 40 mins away, then a short 40 minute flight down to Gwangju.

Even if they haven't gotten you a ticket, that's your best (and quickest) option. Flights between Gimpo and Gwangju are almost very hour, sort of like a shuttle, ending at about 10pm or so. Make sure you get reimbursed for it if you end up doing it by yourself.

Good luck

[cdninkorea]

I was not met at the airport. I arrived at about three am and had to wait around the airport until the buses started operation. Then I presented my Korean note telling the driver where I wanted to go. Once I arrived, I was met by the school manager, who took me to my apartment.
For someone travelling abroad for the first time, it was a little scary at the time.

You're obviously going further than I did then, though. Gwangju is a nice city (went for a weekend in April and really enjoyed it), but it's kinda far from Seoul. Are you going by plane, bus, or train?

[Zulethe]

no

[Xuanzang]

Yeah, a guy from Korvia. He was pleasant and courteous.

[Michelle]

Hi,

I haven't been met yet...and had a lot of contracts...maybe it is about time!

In fairness I had been booked on a domestic flight the first time I arrived in Korea back at Kimpo only to have the flight cancelled due to typhoons.

I then called my boss who freaked out and then put me on to the American teacher who explained as well as possible about getting the subway and train.

Still it was hard to find and I had to manage the baggage etc...proud to say I made it, but I must say that first day still sticks as one of the toughest.

Does Kwangju even have a train station yet? If they do one could now go down a floor at Incheon and board the subway train to connect. Baggage on the subway is a hassle.

[Fishead soup]

I was met by three men in black suits with short hair. one of the men had a goatie beard. When they met me they bowed and I could hear someone beat a gong.

[moosehead]

[OiGirl]

From Incheon to Gwangju I would just take the airport shuttle bus anyway. (Rather than taking the shuttle to Gimpo and flying to Gwangju.) It goes to the Gwangju bus terminal and it would be nice if someone from your school could pick you up there.