Korean Job Discussion Forums

ama · Joined: 27 May 2009

I have a contract offer in this part of Seoul. This will be my first year in Korea so I was curious about this part of town. I have read that it is not the best part of Seoul, but is it that bad?

Edit: I suppose this should be in the general discussion forum, but not sure how to move it.

Scamps · Joined: 01 Feb 2008

I've been in Seoul for 3 years and I think it would be great to work in Dongdaemun. It's very central and convenient to other parts of town. But there's plenty to do right around there as well. It's the biggest fashion and textile market in all of Asia I believe. Shopping malls there are open 24 hours a day, 6 days a week. It's a huge entertainment hub. Lots of international restaurants too. I'd definitely recommend it! It's also close to quieter university areas. It's in the middle of everything. You really can't go wrong.

prideofidaho · Joined: 19 Mar 2008

Dongdaemun-gu and the area around Dongdaemun Stadium / gate are not the same.

I think Scamps is referring to the area around Dongdaemun Stadium / gate, but the op might be referring to the actual gu.

Either way, both are close-ish to one another. And everything is but a subway / bus ride away!

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

It's a huge area, actually. What "dong" area are you in?

ama · Joined: 27 May 2009

We will be in Jangan-4 dong.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

You should be OK. I'm in the Gunja area, which is very close to that. There are a fair number of newer high-rise apartments in that area, if memory serves. It's a decent location for getting around town in, too. Purple line will take you right into the heart of Seoul and beyond. The Olive line will take you down to Kangnam really fast.

Good place to be for travel, all things considered.

kingsqueen333 · Joined: 05 Aug 2009

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

As a note, the Jagandong district is/was one of the large nightclub/hotel/hooker areas in Seoul. There was a massive crackdown on it all a year ago, and several of the worst offenders were pushed out. There is still A LOT of nightclub/hotel business on the main Jagandong drag, though. Hookers don't walk the streets around Seoul much (except a few in Itaewon) so you really won't notice it, other than lots of neon.

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

Dongdameun is a very popular tourist area. Especially with Japanese tourists. Good location, nearly in the middle of Seoul. Its a good starting location if your new to Korea. You get the Korean flavor but your leaning more towards the international scene.

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

The negative about the Jagandong area, from a foreigner's standpoint, is that the area SUCKS for restaurants. Most are crappy Korean ajoshi dirty-spoon places where they get drunk before banging the hookers... not tasty family places for good meals... and NOTHING foreign here in terms of restaurants. You have to travel a station or two to find a McDonalds, for example (not that you'd want to eat there often).

kiknkorea · Joined: 16 May 2008

No, it's not really the "best part of Seoul," but it's not bad either.

If you think you can handle living in a busy area and want to live in Seoul, you'll be fine.

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

You sure it's Jangan 4-dong?

I can only find 2 dong's listed on the map.

kingsqueen333 · Joined: 05 Aug 2009

This is my school's address, How do you figure out which Dong it is?

4th Fl. Samhyub BD. 107-8. JangAn-Dong. Dongdaemun-Gu.

Seoul, Korea

Do people looking for hookers and such as mentioned above normally mess with foreigners or leave them alone? What should I expect? How should I respond?