Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DomesticPelican]

I am obviously going to make this decision on my own, but I would appreciate any advice.

Preface: I just turned 25 and am fresh out of graduate school. I am American and have never taught overseas before. I know I want to be in a city, but it doesn't necessarily have to be a huge city. My main reason for coming to Korea is because I want to see the world, get some wonderful experience, and save up some money. I definitely want to travel when I am there, but not too extravagantly. I enjoy to go out for drinks sometimes, but I am not a huge party-animal by any means. I want to be somewhere with a decent nightlife, maybe some shopping, and others who speak English.

I have been offered two jobs in two different areas, and I'm really having a tough time deciding:

Job 1: In Busan (Busanjin) teaching with CDI. No weekends, Korean holidays off, 10 vacation days. airfare, single housing, pension, etc etc. Will be getting paid 2.3 million per month.

Job 2: In Songdo City/Incheon teaching with a newly-opened school that the director is hoping to franchise (this will be the second one to open). Basically the same perks as the first job, except I would be making 2.4-2.5 million per month.


From what I have gathered, Busan is the nicer of the cities. Obviously Songdo is closer to Seoul and it looks to be a city that is rapidly growing. I have seen the plan for the new city and it looks amazing. Yes, I realize it won't be complete for a several years.

Like I said, I plan on traveling and I want to experience Korea. I want to see some beaches, go hiking, shopping, pretty much the same stuff that everyone else does.



Any suggestions?

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Not much over by Incheon and you'd have to cut through/bypass Seoul to get anywhere. If Korean travel is your plan Busan would be better. (Can also take the ferry to Japan)

[conbon78]

I would also choose Busan...it has everything you want. My friends really enjoy it there. Also, CDI is a reputable company that normally has structure and you know what to expect. However, I would double check on the holidays part because of all my friends that work there none of them have any holidays or vacation (except unpaid). My friends in Busan both work for KJC and love them.

[teacherinseoul]

This is really a no-brainer. Go for Busan. It's the nicer area, and you are rolling some unlucky dice whenever you sign up with a newly opened school.

[maingman]

BUSan

[Sector7G]

Busan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sharkey]

Busanjin is right in the middle of the city as well. You'll have access to anywhere.

[DomesticPelican]

Well I am definitely leaning toward Busan, haha.

I don't know much about Busanjin, but it does seem to be somewhat in the middle of things.

[RufusW]

Busan brigade... woop! Perfect sized city with beaches. Busanjin is very close to the centre, you're 40 minutes from anywhere in Busan.

New schools are also a little dodgy - i.e. they fail and you get sent home without any cash.

A year in Busan means you'll probably hit Jeju (decent) and Japan on the ferry (Busanjin is right on the port). With Busan, you're always close to either a beach or a mountain, so either way you can get away from cars and the masses.

[DomesticPelican]

Thanks for all of the advice guy. I am going to decide by Tomorrow.

The only thing about Songdo is that people keep telling me it will be great to be a part of the new city and see it develop.

That concerns me because I don't want to deal with ongoing construction the entire time I'm there. Also, since I'm only going to be there for a year, I feel like I will get to see the development stages but won't get to experience the finished product.

I guess if it was 2014 when the city is scheduled to be finished, it may be more likely that I'd decide on Songdo City.


It is probably quite the journey from Busan to Seoul, no?

[lhasa]

yah, i think you're romanticizing a bit too much re watching the construction of a korean city. sounds like a lot of noise, dust, and frustration.

then again, i'd also recommend you do ample research on cdi....i wouldn't work for them....plus 2.3 is low for cdi....especially if you have a masters

so, my suggestion....busan....but maybe not cdi.

[DomesticPelican]

[son of coco]

[Teddycakes21]

Haeundae beach in Busan is really nice in the summer. I would recommend that.

Before making a commitment, I would implore you to ask the specific location of each school (address), so that you would be able to research its whereabouts. Schools tend to lie a little bit about where they are located and... well... pretty much everything.

Good luck!

=D

[cruisemonkey]