Korean Job Discussion Forums

steveinincheon · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Location: in The Shadows of Gyeyangsan

I don't understand all of the Phnom Penh hating on this forum. Yes, the Khmer Rouge attractions are depressing, and there are some rather creepy long-termers out at Boeng Kak lake, but the city has far more to offer than just the Killing Fields and Happy Pizza. I spent a few days this past August just wandering the more out of the way markets and neighborhoods, and once you get a way from the sketchy lake vibe and the related touts, the rest of the city is really warm and friendly. I'd prefer PP to most cities in Thailand.

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

I agree, steveinincheon. I read several books about Cambodia before visiting and was amazed to see how robust and optimistic the locals were in PP. There is extreme poverty, but the people seemed really warm and friendly, unlike in my experiences in Thailand where I was a walking dollar sign. Cambodians just seemed more sincere and real. Plus I loved the French influence. With all the aid organizations working in the city there are so many options to (at least feel like you can) help out. I thought visiting the depressing sites helped me appreciate how far the population has come and thus gave me more perspective. I didn't visit the 'Lake' area, though, so maybe that helps. One night I walked around alone without my female friend and was offered things I didn't know one could be offered, but at least my 'boys' weren't squeezed by a ladyboy with strong nails (Thailand)...twice. In one night. So I appreciated that.

endo · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul...my home

The lake area isn't even that bad either.

I (a Canadian) smoked a joint with a Kiwi, Cameroonean, German and a Japanese person there. That's 5 continents baby! What a great memory. Laughing

SpedEd · Joined: 03 Feb 2006 Location: ROK

Yikes, they talk about Seoul being bad...have these reviewers been to a really bad Asian city like pretty much *every* Chinese city, or how about Ulsan if S.Korea is thrown into the mix.

beercanman · Joined: 16 May 2009

Yeah, I would have to say there are worse cities than Seoul, even just among major Asian cities.

Don Mario · Joined: 28 Jun 2007

Prince Geoge, BC Canada

Belize City, Belize, Central America

Tampico, Tamulipus, Mexico

Pretoria, South Africa

Morgan City, Lousiana, USA

Hanoi, Vietnam

Bangkok, Thailand

and the list goes on...and on...and on...!?

mmstyle · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: wherever

Spokane, WA, USA. Left armpit of America.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

Parts of Hanoi (Old Quarter) & Bangkok are very good (Grand Palace, Wat Po, & a trip down the Chao Phrao by public ferry is fun). If you never made it outside KSR, then yes, your impressions of Bkk will not be good.

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Hardy Boy · Posted: Fri Jun 11, 2010 4:05 am Post subject: Re: Worst Cities I have been too

balzor · Joined: 14 Feb 2009

Illysook · Joined: 30 Jun 2008

The Pnom Phen haters must not have seen Poi Pet. I stayed there for a week helping out at a Christian NGO and it was a worthwhile experience, but I could not imagine staying on there. I signed an agreement that said I wouldn't drink alcohol and after 5:00 everyone went home, I went back to my hotel room, and there was absolutely NOTHING to do...the beer that I had in Siem Riep the following weekend tasted sooo good!

canale226 · Joined: 23 Jan 2010

The ONLY city I've ever been to I absolutely hated (and I've seen a few) is Mexico City. Dirty, loud, suuuuuper spread out, hot, and generally lacking in anything culturally significant. Even the Mexican food I have had there hasn't been anything to write home about.

Some cities I dislike:

Seoul
Houston
Detroit
Cleveland
Liverpool
Glasgow
Rotterdam
Beijing
Moscow
Rome