Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JasperTeach]

Hey everyone,

Would it better to take a position in the center of Seoul or say 45 mins away by subway to the center? What are the pro's and con's of living in the city vs. living just outside it? Cheers.

[climber159]

You've left open at least one gaping variable. Are you a city person? Are you a rural person? Do you need a lot of contact with English-speaking people?

If you're in Seoul you'll have greater access to comforts from home and other foreign faces. If you're out of Seoul you'll have more space, fewer people bumping into you, possibly cleaner air, and a slight possibility at a larger apartment.

There are a few places--Bundang and Ilsan for example--outside of Seoul that are wonderful, have a good expat community, and have quick access to Seoul via the red buses.

Good luck.

[crossmr]

Seoul doesn't really have a traditional downtown like other cities.
So being in the center vs being 30 minutes away from the center is little different. Population density is so high that have bar areas, shopping areas, etc isn't really practical except for the odd massive market for specialty goods like electronics.
there are restaurants, general shopping, bars, clubs, parks, movie theatres, etc everywhere in seoul.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

I've laready commented on this in the 'here for a good time not a long time thread...'

But -

I've lived in Ilsan and Hannam City and really enjoyed my time there. Hannam was somewhat dull but gfreat food and beautiful mountains / countryside and only 45 min bus ride to Seoul.

Ilsan is cool and you can hang out at La Festa which is a huge entertainment / shopping complx with cinema, foriegner bars etc. Again only a 45 min bus ride or subway ride to Seoul.

You'd probably save more money outside of Seoul too.

But Seoul is pretty cool and if you don't care about money so much and more about being 'in the thick of it' - I'd reccomend it.