Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yahowho]

Hi,

I'm looking to start teaching in Seoul sometime soon but it is proving quite difficult to get a position that is fairly central. I wouldn't mind living outside of Seoul if I am within a reasonable distance of the centre (say 1 hour subway ride).

What areas should I be looking at? What are the best locations? Is there a website I can go to that will give me an idea of subway times to Seoul from various locations on the outskirts of the city?

Thanks in advance!

[wads]

Here's the subway map:

http://www.smrt.co.kr/Eng/Culture/Course/Course_01.jsp

Click on the right hand side.

[computermichael]

Anyang is a decent place to live. It's not too far from Seoul, there are lots of foreigners, and there are things to do around the city. Many parts of Seoul are pretty dirty, crowded, and loud in comparison, so I prefer living here. You might also want to look into Bundang or Seongnam. It seemed pretty easy to find jobs there when I was looking for one the second time around.

[egrog1717]

[amcnutt]

I'm starting in Gwangmyeong in a few weeks. It's technically a satellite city of Seoul, but many Koreans consider it part of the capital because it's actually closer to downtown than some of the official Seoul neighborhoods, apparently.
It's about 20-30 min subway ride to Hongdae & 45 minutes to Gangnam.
Plus it's got a little less crowds, air pollution, and is close to the mountains. at first I was disappointed I wasn't right in the heart of Seoul, but now I think I'm going to like living in a place which has closeness to both downtown and nature

[zappadelta]

[nathanrutledge]

Are you looking for an area to LIVE in or to WORK in, or BOTH?

You could live in Suwon, Pyeongtaek, or Cheonan, and use the national trains. A Mughungwha from Suwon to Seoul is 31 minutes (29 to Yongsan), and from Pyeontaek it's about 45 minutes. Also, if you choose the ride station, there are express trains on line one that head to Seoul, so depending on your situation, you could live a bit further away if you wanted to.

[DorkothyParker]

Just move to Bucheon, everyone else does...

[sojusucks]

[electricbarbarella]

I've lived south of Seoul on the blue line now for a year. I really like it, it's nice being away from the crowds, noise and pollution of the city. The plus is being on one of the major lines it doesn't take me very long to get to Seoul and a cab ride back from Hongdae, Gangnam or Itaewon doesn't cost a small fortune when split with a few friends.

I've never had a issue being in the 'burbs of Seoul. I'd recommend looking at the subway maps and finding a area that gives you quick and easy access to Seoul - i.e. not a bunch of transfers to get in and out of the city. Some places look nice until you see how many transfers you have to make, then not so nice. Transferring is not always easy at some stations.

[bucheon bum]

[Yahowho]

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful!