Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dshenker]

I am looking at jobs now for August/September and I am wondering if anyone has input on good places to live. Originally I wanted to be in Seoul, but now I am thinking a nearby city would be nice. I have read the other forums and everything is very subjective so I thought to write what I am looking for:

1. Preferably within an hour from Seoul
2. Many people around my age (27)
3. Historical and cultural sites in the city and nearby
4. Parks and areas to walk/bike within the city
5. Decent night life - bars, restaurants, etc...
6. Good night markets
7. Access to some food other than Korean for the occasional treat
8. Decent shopping
9. Relatively clean and safe
10. Good atmosphere/fun feeling in the city

[Canukit]

Suwon
Ansan (Gojan Dong)
Beomgye

[dshenker]

Canukit,

Thank you for your reply. My friend told me Suwon is great and from what I have read it looks pretty cool. I haven't checked out Ansan or Beomgye yet but I definitely will.

Thanks again

[Italy37612]

Ansan kinda sucks. I would go with Suwon personally.

[Globutron]

Yeah, I'm in Anyang, which is like, one stop away from Bumgay, and not long at all to Seoul. North Seoul will take about an hour. Anyang is the same kind of distance as Suwon and Ansan, really. Though Ansan is a mess, and Suwon is pretty dirty too.

Beomgye is the best of those options, albeit a small place. Good for night life and streams of foreigners - which is why I'd never live there.

[dshenker]

Thanks all. Yeah another thing I forgot to mention is I don't want to live in an area with tons of foreigners. Of course I like to make friends with foreigners like myself, but I don't want to be in an area overrun with foreigners that feels touristy or anything.

[fugitive chicken]

Bucheon is good. not many historical places though.

[Harpeau]

Chuncheon is a pretty nice place. Maybe an hour and a half from Seoul (depending on the traffic). Lots of clean air and cool nature� from what I've seen.

[sojusucks]

I would recommend Ilsan.

[SuzyQ2828]

I live in Pyeongchon (in Anyang) it's right next to Beomgye. There are many parks in the area. Not too many foreigners, although there are many English academies near here. It is a very residential area but it's within 5 minute walk to Beomgye which has restaurants, shops, and bars. I could recommend some apartments if you're interested, let me know!

[eamo]

[Lionman]

Anseong or Pyeongtaek further south might be a good bet.

A bus ride to Nambu Bus Terminal takes about 45 minutes from either city with no traffic. Evenings the bus only lane takes effect on the Gyeongbu Expressway so even with traffic it might take about an hour. Pyeongtaek is a 55 minute train ride to Yongsan.

Home prices and food prices are comparable lower than Seoul or the suburbs.

Large supermakets, and several restaurants catering to foreign tastes. If you take the subway to Songtan station you'll find a mini-itaewon that has everything from Subway sandwiches to Mexican food.

[brento1138]

I would easily suggest moving to:

1) Sanbon
2) Anyang
3) Beomgye

They're all in the same area, about a stop away from each other, and you can take taxis between them. You wouldn't really need to go to Seoul. But if you wanted, you could get to most places in Seoul in about 40 mins tops.

[dshenker]

Again everyone, thanks! Anyang and Bundang look especially nice. I'm checking all these places out now.

[curiousaboutkorea]

Ilsan has all those EXCEPT history/culture.