Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bassist33]

I have a job offer for Andong. It has everything I'm looking for in the way of hours and pay. It looks like a good school with a nice faculty. The only problem is that I really want a position in or around Seoul. As much as love nature and the country side, I much prefer to live in a metropolitan area. Also, a guy I graduated with in a very small class of 78 people from high school will be living in Seoul.

So, I leave the question to those of you that may know the area or have experience with rural or smaller city life in Korea. Would you take the position in Andong?

[lifeinkorea]

My first job in Korea was in Yeongyang, about 1.5 hours from Andong. I did it for 6 months because I had no money to play with. I had a good income, the school was nice, and I may even go visit the school this weekend.

Andong only has buses. So, if you want to get around, you will need to learn how to use them. I didn't at the time, but I would probably use them now. So, everything I did was on foot. There is one E-Mart, and that's about it (which you'll need a car, bus, or friend). There is a small shopping center, but the clothes are overpriced.

Lifestyle? ULTRA conservative. Teachers teach, go home. Next day, teach, go home. No one goes out to bars or anything. I was lucky though, the one and only adult student I had for 4 months would invite me everywhere with his family. If you get people like that, then it may feel no different than living outside of Seoul. He moved with his family to Australia, and before I knew it my living arrangements changed, I met a Korean woman who lived on the other side of Korea and I was looking for an escape out of that area.

Are you looking to simply advance your working history? Into agriculture, photography, or maybe meditating in the mountains? These would be the reasons for me to go back. Personally, North Korea will have to invade Seoul before I head south again, so it's no for me.

[gaffe]

It's incredibly beautiful around there though. And they make excellent soju!

[bixlerscott]

Andong means the first 4 letters of OP's username. BASS! Yes, Andong is popular for largemouth bass angling. They stocked the lake around 30 years ago with North American fish species. Pretty cool, but having a car or motorcycle is important to getting the most out of your experience of rural Korea and when going to Seoul, drive most of the way and park the car to get on the subway. I would imagine parking can be a problem in the city and the cost of having a car will severly cut into your savings. Pretty much all middle aged working people in rural Korea such as Korean teachers have a car, because you need it out there though foreigners usually skate by without.

[bassist33]

Thanks guys for all your help! I love nature, but there is only so much that you can do, especially during the winter months. I am a very social person so I believe the lack of activity could get to me, especially during those times of homesickness. I believe that the city calls my name. Thanks!

[Cohiba]

Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Updated for 2009!):

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell Cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things. Add to this
clubs, sports, education and organizations which are 95%
located in Seoul.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[bassexpander]

There be a lot of "KIM's" in Andong.

Have you ever heard of the Andong Kim family? I wonder if there are a lot of people who resemble each other? A lot of the Andong Kim's I've met over the years share some characteristics.... not all that bad, either.