Korean Job Discussion Forums

OnTheOtherSide · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

How's it going people.

I'm looking at contracts right now, thinking of going for round 2 in Korea.

I was living in Busan before. I liked it, but it was a little bit too urban, busy, noisy and stressful for my taste. I'm looking into smaller, more mellow areas, with better outdoor opportunities this time. More forests and parks, with less skyscrapers and noise.

I want a place that has great bicycling, hiking, camping, etc. at my fingertips. A place that is relatively clean with relatively low pollution. A big national park nearby with camping would be awesome. I am all about getting out into the wilderness on most weekends and living in a place with natural beauty.

However, I also want a place with nightlife and an expat scene going on. Where I can go out and have drinks, dance and go to noraebangs. Where I can make friends with other foriegners.

It's gotta be big enough where I can be anonomous on the streets. I don't want to run into my students, coworkers, etc. everywhere I go. And it's gotta have decent shopping and resources like cell phone shops, western products, etc.

So, i'm looking for this balance of big city and small town. I'm mainly considering Gwangju, Daejeon, Suwon and other satellite cities around Seoul perhaps. I'm not sure if I should move to a city smaller than these, because then it might be "too small".

What do you suggest?

PigeonFart · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Wouldn't it be terrible if you ended up in a city that was too small? So you should err on the side of caution and go for one of those satellite cities that you were talking about.

At least then you'd have the option of spending the night out in a big city (where you'd find the expats you're looking for), and during the week you'd have that backward (ahem, i mean relaxed) provencial feel you're looking for.

Maybe somewhere like Suwon. I've never been there but i'd imagine it's what you're looking for....close to countryside, but connected to Seoul subway system.

fremchie · Joined: 28 Mar 2008

NAJU in Jeollanamdo... quite lots of outdoors stuff to do and a quick bus ride and your into Gwangju. Naju even has a dunkin donuts if you miss that kind of thing!

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Jul 06, 2009 7:36 pm Post subject:

Suncheon in Jeollanamdo, halfway between Gwangju and Yeosu, has EVERYTHING you are looking for. Close to Jiri national park.

Geoje Island too.

Jinju has everything except a lively expat scene, though there is once a week get togethers and the hundred-odd foreigners there are pretty friendly and Busan is just an hour away.

Jeonju is bigger and so anonymity is better, is bicycle friendly, relatively clean and near parks and the coast is an hour away, with all the amenities of a big city. Dunno about the expat scene there though.

Burndog · Joined: 17 Feb 2008

As a Suwoner...I would have to say...Gwangju. Seriously...Suwon can be a bit hit and miss, and you could easily end up somewhere that wasn't close to hiking, camping etc. I've been to Gwangju a few times, and really liked it. Close enough to the coast, lots of mountains, a foreign bar or two.

It was certainly a nice place to visit...

karmarooster · Joined: 11 Jun 2008

One more place to through out there....

Chuncheon. It's in gangwon-do, and has lots of outdoors stuff. Hiking, river rafting, biking. It's not too small but not too big. also about 2 hours from seoul on a direct bus. also the local speciality is chicken galbi.

http://tour.chuncheon.go.kr/eng/index.asp

Places i've never been but would recommend based on reputation and comments from my korean teacher:

Gwangju
Daejon

afsjesse · Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.

BAH!

Go to the sticks like I did and live in a small town!!!! Anyways.... you should really check out GANGNEUNG!!!! Nice small town (280k) with an awesome downtown and 3 or 4 foreign bars. It's at the front door of Odaesan National Park and in spitting distance to Seoraksan. Gyeongpo Beach is probably one of the best in the country. The city itself has a few historical spots and with the mountains to the west you are very close to skiing and hiking.

One of my favorite places in Korea.

mattocmd · Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Location: Busan

I live on Jeju Island.

While Seogwipo may be too small for your liking, you would probably love Jeju City. The sorrounding areas are beautiful with beaches, camping almost everywhere (as most land is publicly owned), stunning scenery, etc.

There are also many bars and an active expat scene.

iammac2002 · Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Location: 'n Beter plek.

Or look at the outskirts of Seoul. Bulgwang/Eungam/Soongshil University are half an hour from Itaewon, and kinda quiet, with mountains and things across the road. You don't have to live where you work, just take the bus or subway for 10 minutes to work, then you don't have to worry too much about students. If your kids have rich parents, they'll be living in a rich neighbourhood, so don't live in a too rich one yourself, then you shouldn't run into them! Get your school to pay extra for your transportation (say W40 000 minimum/month) if you can't just walk there.

OnTheOtherSide · Joined: 29 Feb 2008

Cool, thanks for the info people. I guess it mainly comes down to where the best job opportunity pops up really. This time around I will be a lot more picky before signing a contract.