Korean Job Discussion Forums

[noobteacher]

So, I will be moving to Jindo soon and the only threads that really talk about Jindo were pretty old. Anybody living there right now? Anybody have any tips/tricks/suggestions/info?

[Fishead soup]

It's an island that is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Might be a bit isolated. On the positive side it will have beaches famous historical sites and awesome Sashimi markets. If your a Sashimi fan you'll love it. Except for the fact that the traditional Korean fish markets don't sell Tuna.

[noobteacher]

Thanks Fishead soup! Sashimi is definitely a plus! I'm also interested if anybody has any idea of how many foreign teachers are generally on the island? Are there E-Mart/Lotte-Mart type places or do people have to commute to Mokpo? Just things like that

[Smee]

The info on Jindo hasn't changed, so those older threads from a year or two ago are still relevant. Very scenic but it is rural, so if you aren't prepared for rural Korea and if you aren't approaching it with an open mind, consider trying another place.

Mokpo is the nearest city, I believe, but I don't remember how far away it is by bus. Last I heard there were about a half-dozen, but I don't have any specifics.

There's a blogger/photographer who lived there in 2008-2009, you can check out some of her stuff: http://www.driftingfocus.com/blogs/?tag=south-korea

[mr.whiskers]

It's pretty rural. It takes 1 hour+ to Mokpo by bus. There are about 10 foreign teachers. There are no Emart/Lotte type places, just a couple smaller supermarkets. There's a bowling alley. The main town has about 15,000 people. There are a whole bunch of other villages around the island. Buy a scooter when you arrive.

Great places to go hiking, and swimming in the summer. Awesome cultural activities with free concerts every week.

If you have specific questions, I'll answer them in this thread.

[cdninkorea]

I know this is a silly question, but are there lots of Jindo dogs there, or is it like anywhere else in Korea in that regard?

[noobteacher]

Thanks Smee and Mr. Whiskers! I have been doing as much research as possible on Jindo and I think it sounds like quite an adventure, but does one ever really know if they're truly ready and prepared for the rural Korea experience? I think I am, but those silly doubts seem to keep creeping in lately. Thanks for the info!

[mr.whiskers]

There are Jindo dogs everywhere here. Probably more dogs than people.

Living in Jindo has some limitations for sure, but most of the foreign teachers like it here.

[IamBabo]

My wife's grandparents live there. Been there a few times. I like it there, your Korean will instantly improve as pretty much no one outside your school may speak a word of English. Like they said, if you go there with an open mind, you'll love it. But, be prepared to be isolated. Got some nice beaches there and the Jindo dogs are great. Don't go on their property, very territorial and protective of their owners. Enjoy!

[driftingfocus]

There's usually somewhere between 4-7 foreigners on the island. Which school(s) will you be teaching at? I used to live there and can give you quite a bit of information. There's no Emart - you'll have to take the bus to Mokpo for that. Jindo has a bowling alley and a small grocery store, but that's about it. That said, I really enjoyed living there. I strongly recommend purchasing a motorcycle or car, especially if you'll be working at schools in other towns on the island. The bus system on the island is infrequent and inconvenient.

[noobteacher]

Thank you everyone for your info!

Driftingfocus: I've been checking out your blog and it has helped ease my anxiety a bit. At this point I don't know what school/schools I will be teaching at but hopefully I will know soon and perhaps see if you know them and might be able to give me a bit of advice?

For Mr. Whiskers & Drifting: Is it fairly easy to find scooters/motorcycles for sale on the island or would this be something to try and look for in Mokpo?

[driftingfocus]

[noobteacher]

[driftingfocus]

[noobteacher]