Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kiwiduncan]

I've been away from Korea for about 18 months now but I still take an interest in what's going on there as I might end up going back one day. Can anyone tell me the latest news about any new parks, bike paths, ecology restorations that have been completed or started anywhere in Seoul? How's the progress on the new subway lines? What's the latest with the new bike paths and wider pavements for central Seoul?

Post any links if you have them.

Cheers, Duncan

[Old fat expat]

Sorry to hijack, but I have been wondering ...

I am a little tired of concrete and cars. The same ol beer. Heaps of stuff that are beginning to mount up.

How does New Zealand compare to living in Korea? What are you coming back for (the money?)?

I remember you intended to be in NZ for a short time and work on your Korean. But you've stayed away for a while.

If you don't mind, do tell.

[kiwiduncan]

Hi OFE.

Yes, about this time last year I was planning to come back to Korea, but I just got sick of the E2 visa paperwork hassles so I ended up moving to Nelson and getting a job here. Now I've got a house too and a big fat juicy mortgage, so from time to time I still get tempted by idea of spending some more time in Korea. Korea's got plenty of good points despite our usual expat gripes, but in the long term I'd still rather be in NZ - even with the rednecks, the high cost of living and the lack of good dalg kalbi restaurants.

[nick247]

Nelson is nice though, from Dunedin myself

not so sure about the bike paths. I heard a new park is in Kkachisan. The river area next to Yeoinaru Station has been fixed up and looks pretty good. Actually a lot of places along the river have been fixed up.

There is line 9 which runs south of the river but north of line 2. An express train runs on the line too which is new for the Seoul Subway system.

Haven't seen the wider walkways in central seoul, but cant wait because it feels far too crowded going into the centre. I live in Jamsil and those pavements have a lot of room.

[Xuanzang]

New lines are being built from Wooui dong to Sinseoldong, Seoul station to Gimpo and ShinBundang to Wangsimni.

[Gaber]

Sigh. Nelson. Have you checked out The Free House pub? Nice non-DB beers.

The Youido waterfront is looking great as Nick mentioned. Very nice for a boozy Saturday afternoon picnic, or something more wholesome. And line 9 is making the airport easier to get to than ever

[kiwiduncan]

Nelson and Dunedin are both great places - Dunedin's actually more beautiful than Nelson but Nelson has much nicer weather (and is still quite pretty too).

I've been to the Free House a few times. Nice but pricy.

How's Gwanghwamoon Plaza turned out? Also, any other changes down by the Han river?

[kiwiduncan]

Also, have there been any changes along Chongno? I read a couple of years ago that City Hall is going to remove a couple of lanes of traffic and install dedicated cycle paths and expanded sidewalks for pedestrians.

[Kikomom]

Has the government moved south yet? I forget their target date. If so, will that free up some traffic congestion, over-crowding, etc?

[Milwaukiedave]

Kiko,

That plan was killed last I heard. Some of those speculators really ate it on the land deals they made.