Korean Job Discussion Forums

[canactuary]

Hi everyone,

I just moved to Seoul last month and I would greatly appreciate your help in finding the ideal area to live in Seoul. I welcome your recommendations and advice!

Or rather where would you want to live if you worked by City Hall and money was not an issue?

Just some tidbits about my situation:
- work by City Hall Station
- price is not an issue as my company is being very generous
- active, young and single (I didn't want to add this as it sounds like the classifieds, but it is relevant)

Some places on my mind, albeit limited due to lack of information.
- Samgakji, Seoul Station (central and accessible)
- Hongdae (lots of fun)
- Yongsan (someplace by Han River nice place to cycle)

Thanks everyone!

John

[smithy]

Seoul Station is a shithole. Girls are hottest in Gangnam. Girls are more likely to sleep with you in Hongdae.

[djmarcus]

Hey..if your still looking for a place to live near hongdae, there's an office tel for rent..

http://www.eslbabble.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=557

Since it's an officetel in hongdae, that might be better than a one room. one rooms are basically studios sometimes situated near bars and restaurants. I don't think you would get much sleep around those parts..

[canactuary]

Thanks guys,

I've heard of Gangnam and it sounds nice, but a little far from work? My working hours are going to be steep so the closer the better. But if it's not a long subway ride, it may be worth considering

Djmarcus, thanks for the link. Unfortunately though, my company is paying the lumpsum deposit method of renting vs. the monthly payments.

[mmstyle]

Hyehwa. Pretty close to Gwanghamun (10 min by car), popular, central, has theaters, close to some nice cultural stuff. Not great for shopping, but I guess it has a decent night life..but get someone else's opinion on that, I prefer a nice dinner with wine at home most of the time. If you are looking for nightlife, most people prefer Hongdae, I think. I like it here though, as it easy enough to find a quiet place that is still close to where all the popular areas are. There is a park with a walking/riding path (I don't know the length) and a hike along the old palace wall with a nice view.

[AsiaESLbound]

That Itaewon area looks fun with many conveniences and a worldly cosmopolitan environment. You even would soon be able to have the convenience of Taco Bell.

[samd]

If money was not an issue and I worked at Gwanghwamun I would find a place in one of the neighbourhoods to the North of Anguk Station and Gyeongbokgung, somewhere like Samcheong-dong.

These areas have good housing stock, you can walk to work, wonderful atmosphere, plus good restaurants and cafes. Lots of cultural stuff too. The location is the best in Seoul and you can be in Hongdae or Hyewha is less than 30 minutes, and Gangnam in slightly more. They are also suprisingly quiet and peaceful.

Officetels are a terrible option if you have unlimited funds, and to my knowledge there aren't any brand new luxury apartment complexes within a reasonable distance of Gwanghwamun. Ditto for villas. Save the commute and find a refurbished hanok (traditional style Korean house) within walking distance.

[canactuary]

Correction: Work is just south of City Hall Station rather than north. This might make a slight difference.

I've heard from another person that Samcheong-dong is beautiful. I will definitely investigate it. Hopefully it won't be too far from work. Even shaving off 10 min each way would make a material difference. I've been to Itaewon once, so I'll have to visit there more often.

As the company is covering my accomodations, might as well get something nice

Thanks again guys.

[miljeong]

OP: I don't know where you're trying to stay, but you can't have my spot at exit 3 of the subway station. I called dibs first.

[curiousaboutkorea]

[jiberish]

What about the area on the other side of the river from hapjeong. I don't know the name. But when I used to go past there it looked like there was alot of apartments near the river.

I haven't been on that side of Seoul in forever but I remember it seemed alright.

[mmstyle]

I don't know anything about housing in Samcheondong, but it is a nice area to wander around in, and I imagine it would be a nice place to live, for sure.

[ramen209]

I live in Yeonhui-dong. It's a 7 minute busride from hongdae, and it's a nice neighborhood area with houses! If money's not an issue, and you can rent a house instead of apartment, you may want to try here.

It's a fairly quiet area and really close to Sinchon and Hongdae.

[canactuary]

miljeong, you have to specify which subway station exit 3.

This is great, you guys have given me some places to start asking questions about. Thanks.

If you guys have time, another question could be for those of you who are really really happy where you are, can you share why?



[/quote]

[Bucky]

I'm around Seoul Station and Sookmyung, and it's not really that nice of an area.

Hyewha is a solid suggestion. I'd love to live there if it wasn't for the cost and my current dream commute.

I've always wondered about the high-rises around Samgakji as well, near Camp Kim. Doesn't look that bad, but I don't know for certain.