Korean Job Discussion Forums

Yahowho · Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Location: Beside the McDonalds

I have a few short questions about BMOE if someone wouldn't mind filling me in...

I've read a few horror stories in older posts about trying to get a letter of release, but this doesn't concern me overly much.

What are working conditions like in BMOE? Is it pretty much like any other public school? I'm guessing it depends on which school you are assigned to?

Are there certain areas of Busan that you really don't want to be assigned to, or is everywhere very accessible (buses, subway etc.)?

Working hours seem standard, pay is low but holidays are better than a hakwon. Is there anything else specifically that I should know?

Thanks for the help!

Chambertin · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Location: Gunsan

BMOE is great for me, but you dont know exactly where you will end up until you arrive. Similar to SMOE.

Is there a place you dont want to be?
I'm not sure. I cant think of a place here that is "bad" but I'm still learning the respective areas. There are two major areas in town that are not on the subway lines, but they have low populations and you have a slim chance of being there.

Compared to Seoul it is smaller by population and more spread out. However you have the backdrop of beaches and green mountains instead of neverending urban concrete.

Generally every basic Public School contract is the same, then the individual school takes it from there. I dont hear much about people having bad conditions here, and mine are wonderful (so far).

So a quick sumary: Bad
You dont know where you will work until you arrive.
Your apartment will be smaller than out in the country. It could also suck. (however suck chance is everpresent at any school)
The co-teacher you get and the school you work for are a crap shoot. (the co-teacher part for any school)
Popular beaches are horribly overcrowded in season. Think Hawaii times 10.

And now: Good
It is a beautiful area where a major portion of the population comes to vacation.
You have access to nature and can see it from just about any window. (but it goes uphill fast)
The transportation networks are reliable and easy to learn.
You can travel to Japan on a whim.
If you must go to Seoul its about 3 hours and 45,000 on the KTX
Cheaper if you want to take longer, down to about 20,000 on the express bus.
It's warmer and nicer than many places I have been. The dreary muggy September and August were nothing here. Winter looks to be mild and will miss the snow of the north.

I'd take Busan over Seoul for any reason but clinging to expat ease. Still there are a good number of us here and there's multiple resources to link up with them.
pusan web also has good info.

Yahowho · Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Location: Beside the McDonalds

Thanks very much for that, that's pretty much everything I wanted to know!

SandyG21 · Joined: 26 Oct 2008

I applied for Busan Moe as well - what else is there to do there besides beach and swimming?

I read that hiking was popular in Busan - true?

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

hiking is hugely popular. Mountains are everywhere in the city and literally a 5 minute walk from most subway stations. There are plenty of places to go shopping and workout. I swim twice a week at the Sajik Pool. Transit is fantastic and cabs are cheap for those late nights. The beaches also have lots to do. There are foreigner groups that meet up and play volleyball twice a week on the weekends. There is the most popular baseball team in the country here if you are into watching sports. Even if you are not into, just going to watch the crowd is often even better than on the field. Kyungsung on the weekends is fantastic for bar hopping and hanging out with friends. There are the wonders of Korean Jjimjillbangs and saunas, and some interesting touristy stuff like temples, markets, and Jalgachi Fish Market. Food is also a lot cheaper here than in Seoul and there are some good international options. Just wish they had Greek! We are also really close to some great places like Gyeongju if you are into history (Burial mounds!) and ATVing in river beds. The airport although on the small side has some good connections to international hubs for those kick ass vacation times. All in all, it is a great place to live.

danys56 · Joined: 31 Oct 2008

I would like to participate in a volleyball league or pickup games. Can you provide some info?

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

there is a group that meets every Sat and Sun on Gwangalli Beach for volleyball at 1pm. They have a facebook group. It's called Gwangan Beach VBall 2010.

bobbybigfoot · Joined: 05 May 2007 Location: Seoul

Isn't the pay for newbs 1.8? *shaking head*

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

If you have an English Lit or Linguistics degree you get 2.0

waseige1 · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Ramen · Joined: 15 Apr 2008

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

mdickun83 · Joined: 10 Sep 2010

I applied for EPIK and I'm hoping to get placed in Busan. Is BMOE the same thing?

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

same thing. BMOE = Busan Metropolitan Office of Education. They run the show here. Not that you will really be dealing with them very much on a daily basis. If you have any questions about the areas feel free though. It is a pretty easy city to get around in on transit and cabs are cheap so that is not much of a problem. Personally living in and around Seomyeon is what I would describe as ideal.