Korean Job Discussion Forums

mokonjic · Joined: 24 Jun 2009 Location: UK

Hiya,

I've been trawling through the topics on here for months now and I've just been offered a job in Suwon.

I know there's sticky's on here suggesting the best places to go etc. but they're very old and there doesn't seem to be much about Suwon (sounds ominous!).

I was just wondering if anyone could give me their opinions on the area? I'm from England, love sport and socialising and would like to live somewhere where there's plenty to do, it's easy to meet people and has good transport links.

Thanks for your help!

English Matt · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

Short answer: Suwon is not the kind of town you are looking for.

Suwon is not a great place to live....it's boring, there's very little to do here. If you are unlucky you may get placed in a part of the city that is a long way from Seoul. It is more difficult to get around than Seoul, as you have to rely on taxis and buses.

Bundang is close by and is much better. But really I'd recommend Seoul over pretty much anywhere in Gyeonggi-do.

mokonjic · Joined: 24 Jun 2009 Location: UK

Thanks for the advice!

I've been looking for jobs in Seoul, and have been sending off all my documents etc. to the people advertising jobs on here - but I haven't had much luck with positions in Seoul.

I've already got all my documents together with apostilles etc. - unfortunately I appear to have hit a brick wall!!

English Matt · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

Johnysuth · Joined: 17 Feb 2009

cj1976 · Joined: 26 Oct 2005

Don't listen to the recruiters. A lot of them will try and fob you off with various BS about the sparsity of jobs available in Seoul, just so they can dump you in the sticks and take their cut. There are always jobs available in Seoul. Just up the ante a bit and contact more recruiters.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

i · Joined: 10 Apr 2008 Location: Seoul

If you don't know the area, don't believe the recruiter lines that say 25 minutes bus to Gangnam. That's generally with a helicopter.

Mochi · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

I'll toss in my 2 cents:

Suwon is not terrible. But it's not great. It's 'Meh'. It's got all of the things you need to live a plain but happy life. There are a couple foreigner bars, a good expat population, easy transportation in most - but not all - places, etc.

That said, I find myself going to Seoul every chance I get. It takes a little over an hour to get there, which is a pain. Unless you are specifically looking for a low-key year just to save moeny or whatever, go to Seoul.

mokonjic · Joined: 24 Jun 2009 Location: UK

Ok thanks for your help - I've got an interview lined up for silly o'clock tomorrow morning so I'll see what they have to say....

In the meantime I'll just keep contacting other recruiters!

I've been searching for more threads and it does look like Suwon would be ok - but everyone does seem to recommend Seoul for a newbie like me!

Just a quick question - have any of you joined a sports team since you've been in SK? I'd love to keep playing cricket (unlikely I know), but I've always wanted to chance my arm at baseball!

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

If you actually DO want to play cricket, then Suwon is the place to be, hands down.

Pretty much all cricket played in Korea is played in Suwon, at Sunkyunkwan University. They have a Sunday league and accept players of all levels.

That being said, Suwon isn't that far from Seoul (mentioned above), so to make the journey a couple of times a month wouldn't be too much of a hassle either Very Happy

blackjack · Joined: 04 Jan 2006 Location: anyang

mokonjic · Joined: 24 Jun 2009 Location: UK

Cricket in Suwon eh?

I think you just made my mind up for me Very Happy

Sad as it sounds not playing for a season would be the worst thing about moving away!

Thanks again for your help - if and when I get out there I'll be a regular on here so hopefully I'll be able to return the favour one-day!

English Matt · Joined: 12 Oct 2008

seonsengnimble · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 7:44 am Post subject:

Bundang sounds pretty nice, but it's a bit far from Seoul for my liking. Apparently, there are some buses that will get you to Seoul pretty quickly, but the subway leading to Bundang ends pretty far southeast in Seoul.

Suwon is pretty big, so depending on where you are, it's either pretty close to Seoul or up to two hours(maybe an hour and a half).

For Gyeonggi Do, I recommend Anyang, Bucheon, Ilsan, or Gwacheon. There are plenty of other areas which are pretty close, but I haven't resided in or been to all of those areas.

For a good mix of parks, nature, nightlife, and proximity to Seoul, I recommend Anyang. Around Anyang station, there is a good scene. There's also a good scene in Beomgye. Additionally, subway lines 1 and 4 run through Anyang, so if you're lazy and just want to ride one subway line to a variety of good spots, it's easy to do.