Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jillie]

Does anybody know anything about Gunpo? I have a possible Hagwon opportunity would like any first-hand knowledge of the city.

Thanks!

[cheolsu]

My best Korean friend works there, so I've been a couple of times. It's a small, quieter suburb, nothing special or garish.

[jillie]

How far from Seoul by Subway? Any western bars?

[cheolsu]

If there was one, you could probably find that by searching through this board. Gunpo's not far from western Suwon, and there was a group of foreigners/Koreans that used to meet by Sungkyunkwan University. I'm not sure if that's still the case.

It's probably 50-60 minutes to southern or central Seoul, depending on where you're going.

[dave72]

I've lived in Gunpo off and on for ten years. It's nice, clean, comfortable, right next to a beautiful mountain (not so uncommon in SK). We're about 30 mins. from the Southern part of Seoul by subway, and about 50 mins. from central Seoul. It has all the amenities that might be found in Seoul and a lively expat crowd. Gunpo is a good choice.

Yours,
The Mayor of Gunpo.

[ticktocktocktick]

Gunpo runs into Anyang as well, which is a much bigger city. They're more or less the same place. There's no shortage of other teachers and drinking holes. There's a reasonable selection of western stuff in the local supermarkets. There's some lovely outdoorsy stuff near Daeyami Stn.
Central Seoul is 1hr, Suwon 20mins, Songtan 1hr. Reasonably convienient, witha bit less smog. I've been here a year, and I'm staying put.

[crazy_arcade]

Just a bit more about Gunpo. Half of the city is affluent (especially Sanbon, but also a few parts of Dandong) and the other half is pretty grungy (not bad...just old...60's-70's style).

A couple of the public schools in the area are quite well known for their high achievements.

The Education office's motto is "Educating Global Citizens" and the local schools (well some of them) are working very hard on international partner schools and exchanges.

I've heard the hagwons tend to be on the better side of the Hagwon spectum ( Hagwon spectrum = from shit to gold)

And...for all intensive purposes...Gunpo and anyang fit very nicely together - 10 minutes from Sanbon to the fun around anyang station...15-20 to Beomgye (or 5 by scooter!)

Easy and quick into central Seoul if you know your busses and get on the highway...also an easy trip into Kangnam via subway.

What else? Lots of really friendly people...Sanbon is also one of the few places I've found in Korea where people usually just let you be.

The mountains that surround the area provide really nice hikes, great views, and plenty of fresh cool air (the best time I had there was when I lived in a villa right at the bottom of Suri mountain).

It's also only a 20 minute subway ride in Gwacheon, which has Seoul land, a large art gallery with picnic areas, and a huge outdoor park with tons of facilities. Oh....and the horse races!

If you're going to choose to live in one of the suburbs, you can't do much better in terms of basic quality of life.

[lifeinkorea]

Gunpo is a good location if you don't mind living outside of the Itaewon clique.

[jillie]

Forgive me, but what is the "Itaewon clique"?

[lifeinkorea]

[crazy_arcade]

[jillie]

Ha-ha! I've been reading this forum for a bit and this was my first post. Somehow these postings always take a turn for the worst at some point. I'm not sure why some people feel the need to be so judgmental and negative.

Thanks to all that gave their opinions on the merits/demerits of the city. I very much appreciate it!

[globalcyclist]

Dear Gunpo experts,
I've been sold on the area, thanks for all the info. My only question now lies with the school I'm looking at. Does anyone know the local rep of the Lingua Forum? I've been googling it without any results. Thanks in advance for your help

[kevitachimaru]

Hi Globalcyclist, I was wondering if you found out anything about Lingua Forum Academy, and why you opted out of going to that school. I am currently being offered a position there and also can't really find out anything. Do you have any information regarding this place that might help me ? Thank you so much.

[globalcyclist]

Hey, I ended up accepting a position in Masan at an MBC-OSS chain and love it. Got really lucky with my boss and the school and the whole she-bang. I never did uncover anything much about the school in Gunpo and the thing that sealed the deal was the better weather down south. I think I remember finding the owner on Linked-in, if that helps. It's like a FB for professionals. Good luck info hunting! Let us know what you find.