Korean Job Discussion Forums

[herenorthere56]

So, I'm just curious of anyone could give me a brief breakdown of the most popular cities in SK in which to teach. I've heard Seoul has a lot going on, but the many of the western teachers there spend a lot of time drinking heavily at westernized bars and restaurants. Is this true? I've also heard that there is a lot of "hooking up", late night partying, etc., and that overall some people have suggested that their time in Seoul was great, but it reminded them a lot of college, what with the excessive drinking and fairly westernized nightlife scene, especially within the expat community. Is this true? Obviously everyone there will have his or her own unique experience, but from what keeps coming up in forums and conversations with westerners who have taught in SK, it sounds like a lot of partying. Of course, this has it's place, but I graduated college already and would like to move on from nights of belligerence to a more "grown up" take . This behavior has seemed to be the experience of a couple friends who lived there, and from reading forums. Care to comment? Am I totally off base?

As someone who is less of a drinker, and more into playing music, making connections with Koreans, and overall pretty laid back, would Busan be a better choice? Or, are there any other cities that may suit me?
That said, a few tidbits about me:
-I have a bachelor's degree from a large public anniversary
-Native English speaker (USA)
-No prior teaching experience (Does nannying count?)

Thanks so much for your time and I'd love any advice I could get!

[3DR]

I'm a pretty laidback guy and although I did have my night of drunkeness, overall I'm not a huge drinker either.

If you go out and meet people constantly, you will eventually find people who are more like you. That's what I did. Not everyone is into the club/drinking every weekend scene.

I think if you go to a big city like Seoul or Busan, you will find more people like you.

If you go to a smaller city, it might be a bit more difficult.

[herenorthere56]

Thanks so much for your response, very helpful and reassuring. So, where do you live now? Have you lived in both Seoul and Busan? How do they compare? Much thanks for any advice to this newbie!

[Xylox]

Theres like 10 million people living in seoul, and like 25 million people living in the seoul area. If you are seriously unable to find people who like to do what you do in the area, then I suggest you try some new activities.

Also, easy job + tons of cash + heavy korean drinking culture = partying.

[herenorthere56]

I'm pretty confident I'd be just fine finding people to connect with in such a large city. I guess what I'm wondering is what kind of differences are there between Busan and Seoul? More specifically speaking, is one of the cities more relaxed? Are there large cultural differences between the two? I'm just trying to make a decision here, but it sounds like both places have pros and cons, and I am hoping to get a better picture as to how they compare. Any advice welcome!
Thanks kindly!

[toonchoon]

you don't have to go out and party and drink. not like somebody will force you to. i live in Gangnam, and there are tons of bars/clubs minutes walk from my place and I rarely go out these days. granted, i've been there and done that already as i've been here a few years, but there are TONS of people that stay here primarily of the easy work and accessibility to partying.

go to either Busan or Seoul. Busan has the beaches, Seoul has everything but.

oh, and if you DO come to Seoul, don't believe the recruiters when they tell you that you will be "close" to seoul, or something like a "30 minute bus ride from Gangnam, Seoul, where everybody goes to party".

That 30 minute bus ride will be more like an hour bus ride, and a rather inconvenient one. If you do settle for a location OUTside of Seoul, it's better to be near a subway station that will take you to Seoul.

[AsiaESLbound]

It's what you make of it. You don't have to drink in a Western bar just because you can. I am quite very sure you can get the most out of your experience basing yourself in or near Seoul where you can connect with others doing things you are interested in. These things can be hiking, weekend tour groups, and groups getting together to do anything and everything you can do in Korea. If you are based far outside Seoul, then you don't have these resources (people, organizations, and programs) to gain experiences in life from. Small town life is much less convenient anyway you look at it.

[sojusucks]

There's a lot more to Seoul than drinking. There are many tourist attractions, art galleries, and places to shop. As for the expats in Seoul, some are bad apples and some are good people. It's just like anywhere else. What may surprise you, given your OP, is that there are many older expats teaching in Korea.

[sojusucks]

[Kimchifart]

[kiknkorea]

[northway]

[J Rock]

[herenorthere56]

Thanks so much for the kind words of advice. I'm still wondering what Busan has to offer. Is there live music, museums, etc, like in Seoul? Do both cities have lots of expats? Are the large cultural differences between the two? (Food, museums, music, etc?)
Thanks!

[sirius black]

You can find what you want in both. Seoul being the capital and with 10 million people as opposed to Busan's 3.5, you'll find a tad more in Seoul but from what I can tell from what you like and having spent time in both, there's not much difference. You'll do okay in either.

You'll also find a lot in Deagu and Daejeon as someone else suggested. Both cities are fairly large (2.75 mil and 1.5 mil respectively).

Seoul has a bit more in the terms of cultural things(although Busan has that as well, just not the quantity and arguably quality as Seoul) and Busan has a great beach (Seoul has no beahes). Take your pick.