Korean Job Discussion Forums

[onbeingtrue]

I'm wondering your opinions on how much emphasis to put on the location of one's first teaching job in Korea.

I've been offered a job at a public school in Anyang (Kwanyang Elementary--anybody know anything?). My hesitation in this is that my first preference was not to be in Seoul, but instead a place like Gyeongju, Changwon, Jinju, or even Daegu or Busan. I am a nature lover, like to go out but not a crazy partier, and want a taste for real Korean--traditional and present--culture (I don't care to have American food, etc. at my fingertips).

Should I hold out for one of the other places? Obviously, never having been to Korea I don't know much about these cities other than what I've read.

Anybody live in Anyang who can tell me a little bit about this place? Close to nature? More than just a suburb filled with apartments and chain restaurants/stores? Things to do?

Thanks everyone

[Mr. Susan]

It's a nice city, with a few "mountains" to climb.

There's Gwanaksan, and there's also Samsongsan (I think the name is slightly different than this, haha).

It's relatively close to Seoul by bus or subway, and there are a few bars around that cater to foreigners. One of them even has chili.

The things I mentioned are things you aren't looking for. If you want the real Korean experience, I suggest working out in the country side somewhere. Maybe down close to a shiz hole like Suncheon or Daejeon (they have western dogs in cages in their zoo).

Anyway, Anyang is pretty cool. There's a good public park called 'Central Park' near Pyeongchon Station. There's an Art Park at the base of one of their mountains, and it's a nice little hike.

If you wanted to know the best city to live in, I'd have to say Ilsan. Friendly, open-minded people that aren't afraid of fan death like the rest of the country. The people seem to more highly educated towards western culture up there. Less moron drivers running red lights, and less negativity directed toward foreigners. Less kids yelling out dumb sh*t in the street, too. The jobs pay more, and the apartments are new, as it's a new city. There's a CostCo up there, and there's a very nice mountain called, Bukhansan. It's a nice day climb. Even good in winter.

[yeremy]

If you're looking for the great Korean outdoors and traditional Korea, Anyang is not for you. I used to live and work in a city near Anyang and the poster is correct that the hiking is good, but it's a suburb filled with apartment buildings and western restaurants, etc.

If you're interested in traditional Korean Confucian culture, try Andong. It is the center of Korean Confucianism. If you are interested in the Shilla dynasty, try Gyeongju. And if hiking and winter skiing is your thing, look for a job in Gangwon Province in Wonju, for example. If you are interested in Korean bull fighting, there is Cheongdo south of Daegu. It is a very small place but it is surrounded by small mountains. Sokcho on the East coast of Korea is a good place if you are into beaches and mountains. From the sound of your post, I think you would do well to avoid any large or even medium-sized cities. Munkyung, Angye (On-gae phonetically) and Gunwi are small towns in Gyeongbuk, which are on highway 55 on the way to Andong and Gangwon Province. They're pretty small and the countryside is pretty. Apply to EPIK and tell them that you want to go to a small, rural city if you want to get out into nature Korean-style and they will probably accomodate your request because many people do not want to go to the rural areas.

[onbeingtrue]

Thank you to both of you for your replies. I have decided not to go to Anyang--western restaurants is not what I'm looking for.

Yeremy, do you know anything about Haman County or Goseong County in Gyeongsangbukdo? Or Yangsan City? These are some of the areas that my recruiter has open positions for... along with Jinju, Changwon and Masan.

Thanks again to both of you!

[Mr. Pink]

You are missing out. IMO Anyang is one of the best towns to work in. My guess is that those who posted don't know all of Anyang. There is a lot of out door stuff you can do there. About Western restaurants, stay away from Byumgae Station area and Pyungcheon and you have no worries. I ate some of the best Korean food while in Anyang. I worked there for 6yrs. My apartment was nestled at the base of the smaller mountains separating Anyang from Sanbon and it was awesome. I used to walk on the mountain base every evening. On weekends I could climb the mountain which was nice enough to do in about an hour.

The people of Anyang are really friendly too. I think if you are not into partying the place can be alright. You are close from there to some great areas that are "country". I am not into partying so I don't know that aspect of Anyang. Also I didn't live in Pyungcheon so I wasn't into much of that part of town.

Also, Anyang has an ice rink which most towns don't. If you are into skating or watching hockey that can be an added bonus. Also, they have a world class in-line skate track too.

Anyways, again I am sorry you passed on such a great city.

My 2nd choice for where to live in would be Daejeon. The city is small compared to Seoul. It is clean and I couldn't believe how friendly the people were when I was down there.

[lifeinkorea]

I have been to Anyang a few times, went there Friday in fact. It's just a mediocre city between the more extreme rural areas and the busy Seoul life.

My advice is that specific location (city or dong name) is NOT at all important. Seoul is such a big city that you will need to travel 1-2 hours anyway to get to the "other side".

Your next question seems more practical, by looking at the larger regions. I lived near Andong, in Yeongyang which is near many mountains. This was the most extreme rural place I could imagine living in. I wouldn't personally do it again, but if you really like the country, then there is some nice landscape. You are relatively close to the sea.

If you want warmer weather go south like Daegu. If you want colder temperatures go north of Andong. I personally would do the latter so I could visit Seoul, and on occasion shoot on down to Busan or Daegu for the weekend.

Also, you should know the bus system in Korea is much better than Japan or the US. Traveling is not an issue.

[DWAEJIMORIGUKBAP]

If you're young and it's your first job in Korea - I would seriously suggest Seoul or Ilsan or Bundang.

Then later if you want to stay in Korea longer, you'll know your way around, speaka de lingo, and have friends.

I now live in the sticks (I mean REALLY in the sticks.) But I know my way around Korea and have good friends in Seoul / Gyeonggi-do that I know I can pop up to visit at weekends if I want.

I would never have hacked it here in my first couple of years though...

Depends on your personality and wants out of life though of course....

[yeremy]

Masan is on the Southern coast in Gyoungsangnamdo, I believe. I have a friend in Suncheon City and he likes it a lot. Busan is the closest really big city to Masan. If you really do want to go to a rural area, it sounds like you need to change your recruiter because it doesn't sound like they have the jobs you are looking for.

You should try to ask a Korean friend about those cities and counties you mentioned. I live in North Gyeoungsang province and I know the area I live and drive around in, but I don't get to Busan or the Southern coast that much. I have heard good things about Yeosu and I have been there a couple of times. Sokcho is a small city on the East coast and Korea's famous Sorak Mountains are nearby. A friend of mine works in a hagwon there and she is very content at the moment. She likes her job very much as it allows a good schedule for studying in the am and working in the afternoons and early evening. Donghae City is another small city which is south of Sokcho. Uljin is a very rural area further south on the East coast.

In my opinion, Sanbon is a better area to live in than Anyang. But that's just my opinion. To each their own.

[katsu]

removed

[Mr. Pink]

[katsu]

I lived in Anyang for over a year. I have also lived in 2 other cities and 1 rural area in Korea, and when compared to the Pyeongchon area where I lived, they were much more open and friendly. I"m not sure of the hogwon area...
But for a person who is seeking a more of a traditional area, Anyang's definately not it.

[Hank the Iconoclast]

[mrs.burch]

I live in Tongyeong and love it. I came here by choice because I love to be outdoors, hiking, camping, etc. and always try to be near the water. There are a TON of islands here to explore on the weekends and each one is beautiful in it's own way. Have a really cool group of foreign teachers here and we usually go hiking or camping or something cool like that together every weekend.

[Hank the Iconoclast]