Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jst]

What is the closest GEPIK city to Hongdae?

I know Ilsan is popular, but I'd prefer something a little closer.

[northway]

Closer than Ilsan? Gwacheon, maybe, but you're not going to get much closer.

[Slowmotion]

I really hope you're not picking your future place of employment based on how close it is to Hongdae lol

[sallymonster]

Probably Gwangmyeong.

[northway]

[sallymonster]

[3DR]

Bucheon?

[Ice Tea]

Gwangmyung.

[interestedinhanguk]

Without much traffic, you can be in Hongdae in about 30 minutes from Baekseok in Ilsan.

[jst]

[interestedinhanguk]

Line 3 is good, The Gyeongui line along the side of the city isn't as great. The line 3 stations in Ilsan itself are Baekseok, Madu, Jeongbalsan, Juyeop, and Daehwa in order. Baekseok is the closest to Seoul of these and Daehwa the farthest. Though, each one is really just a few minutes apart on the train. They're all located alone one big road that runs the length of Ilsan (Ilsan is somewhat rectangular).

Baekseok-Closest to Seoul, Costco is right there, tons of small restaurants, a mix of housing options.
Madu-Seems a little more built-up than Baekseok (not that Baekseok isn't built-up). Near one end of Lake Park.
Jeongbalsan-Sort of the heart of Ilsan. Best access to Lake Park. Right by Westerndom, a shopping/eating 'mall' (covered, but open on the ends) with a handful of so-so foreign restaurants. Also, there is LaFesta, another Shopping area that has Meat Street on the end of it. Meat Street is very popular, and a good bit of fun, for nightlife. There's tons of Korean bbq restaurants, seafood restaurants, western style bars, games and general fun. Both Meat Street and LaFesta are pedestrian-only (save for the occasional motorbike).
Juyeop-seems alright, I haven't spent much time there. Near the other end of Lake Park (it's quite a long park).
Daehwa-end of the line. There's some stuff around there. I don't know much about it as I don't hang out there. There seems to be stuff to do.

Keep in mind, it's all quite urban and VERY easy to get around. In addition to the subway, there's tons of buses which can be easier to use. Also, distances are never far, which is also good for taxis which are cheap. Really, any place near the subway line 3 (the main road) is quite good. There's also tons of buses into various parts of Seoul throughout.

Ilsan really isn't that big. Look it up on Google Earth, it's just an urban development that seems about 3 miles long by 1 mile or so wide.

Also, there's Hwajeong on Line 3 as well, 2 stops after Baekseok, a bit closer to Seoul. Hwajeong and neighboring ares like Haengsin make up a sort of little Ilsan. There's fun to be had in Hwajeong with restaurants and nightlife and all the amenities. Also, being a litter bit closer to Seoul would be nice, and it's close to Ilsan, as well.

[jst]

Amazing. Thank you interestedinhanguk.

[interestedinhanguk]

No problem. If you have any other questions about Ilsan, let me know.

Also, if you do choose Ilsan, I highly recommend a bicycle. It's a great city to bicycle. Wide sidewalks, bike paths, Lake park is big and nice with bike paths, and it's also nice to take a ride out into the surrounding farms.

[ThingsComeAround]

I disagree with interestedinhanguk.

The Gyeongui line is faster to get to Seoul than Line 3, hands down. This is because there are fewer stops and a better transfer to Line 6/Airport line.

The bus is the most frequent way of getting to Hongdae, if you choose to live in Ilsan. the 1000,1200,1900,2000 buses all go to Yonsei U, and from there you can walk or ride Line 2 from Sinchon to Hongdae. Or wait for the 200 bus

If you live in the Tanhyeon, North Ilsan 북일산, Poongsan areas, no problem.

Baekseok, Madu, Jeongbalsan, Juyeop, and Daehwa are all generally wealthy. Once you get to Hwajeong or Tanhyeon the neighborhood gets seedy fast (lots of Motels, 다방 "coffee shops")

I agree about the bit for the bike. Buy one quick!

[Missihippi]

Gwangmyeong (cheolsan station) is only 20 mins to hongdae (9 stops with 1 transfer).. You can walk to seoul city limits from Cheolsan as well.

45 mins to Itaewon
40 mins to Gangnam

It's pretty convenient without being IN seoul per say