Korean Job Discussion Forums

[grandpa]

I'm planning on moving to Seoul with the wife.

We like to dance, so we're looking for an area to live. I've been offered a position near Sillim station and a position near Gangnam station.

Gangnam has convenient access to dance classes/bars in Gangnam and Sinsa.

Sillim has convenient access to dance classes/bars in Hongdae and Gangnam.

Which would be the best option?

[colinjamesubc]

Good choice on moving to Seoul. I am currently living in the suburb of Ilsan, which is connected by line 3 to Seoul, and frequently find myself wishing I got a job near the Hongdae or Gangnam area. As for dancing, the dance clubs that you will find in Gangnam and Hongdae are going to be different.

The clubs in Gangnam are expensive and upscale and typically for the richer and more mature, if not arrogant crowd. The clubs in Hongdae are cheaper, more "divey," and typically cater to the younger, university crowds. Personally, I much prefer Hongdae to Gangnam, as I find the crowds are more fun and laid back, the drinks are cheaper and imho, the music is better. It can boil down to if you like the button-up shirt, dress pants and dress shoes feel, or the jeans and a t-shirt feel.

[Slowmotion]

Shillim is run down and suprisingly overpriced for housing!

[littlelisa]

What kind of dance?

For swing dance either of those locations would be good. I only know info about swing dance. I think if you know the scene of whatever kind of dance you are into, you will be able to make a decision more easily.

[lille]

I've lived in both areas and I much prefer Sillim. Gangnam's housing tends to be smaller and more expensive. Sillim's markets are bigger, cheaper and more diverse. There's a huge one by Sillim station, but you'll find nothing but boutiques and restaurants close to Gangnam.

Better variety of street food in Sillim, and there's still some shopping if you're interested in that. The nabe's a bit shadier, but still quite safe.

Both are good for biking though in Gangnam, you can more easily access the Han river via the Tancheon stream, or bike south to Bundag. In Sillim you can bike along a stream, but it's further from the Han.

I've always preferred Hongdae and Sinchon's hangout spots to Gangnam by far - more interesting, and easier to catch a cab later on as well.

Hope that helps!

[War Eagle]

I'm a d.a.

[grandpa]

[missty]

I lived in Sillim for two years, but would visit Gangnam a lot because it was so close.

Sillim is a 'run down' or poorer area of Seoul. But I really loved it there. Now they have opened up a new shopping mall with a cinema its better than it was before. Don't expect international cuisines or tall skyscrapers, and there are a lot of love motels around the back streets. But I felt it did its job nicely, and if I wanted something different then I could get them easily and quickly.

Also, I mainly liked it because of its location. It was close to Gangnam, not too far from Hongdae, and it was near to Sadang which was the line I took to get up to the north of Seoul.

Don't rule it out completely because its not as shiny as Gangnam. Its a lot cheaper to live there and it definitely has a good atmosphere.

[Slowmotion]

[Tiger Beer]

I lived in Sillim for a year.

It SEEMS convenient location-wise. But, you still have to get on that subway and go somewhere. That can be more of an impediment than you'd think.

I recall I'd often linger around in Itaewon way later than I otherwise would, mostly because I just didn't want to take that seemingly long taxi ride back.

All in all, I didn't like it at all. Personally I prefer the Hongik/Shinchon area.

Kangnam was better than Sillim, but I never really cared for Kangnam all that much either.

[War Eagle]

Still a d.a.

[Slowmotion]

[War Eagle]

Doh I confused Shillim with Shingil..... posts edited.