Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jaiho]

Hey guys,

I got a job offer in Masan city and was wondering if anyone has lived/worked in this city before? I know it is relatively close to Busan and in the southern region... but more importantly, what kind of city is it? Lots of nightlife? Close to any nice beaches? Is it nice during the summer? Any kind of input is appreciated!

Thanks
Jaiho

[VanIslander]

I also reasoned as you do when I first looked for southeastern cities to enjoy the beaches and smalltown feel, and yet be close to Busan.

But look a little more on the net and you'll clearly find out that Masan is an industrial city.

I met a foreigner a week ago who's teaching there, and the city doesn't get a high ranking.

With the features you mentioned, check out jobs in nearby Tongyeong or Geoje Island or even Jinhae before Masan (maybe even Changwon). Though transportation is cheap in Korea and if you don't mind being on a bus for over an hour to get somewhere interesting, then go to Masan.

Masan is at least a good place to leap off on weekend jaunts around this beautiful southeastern province.

Take care.

[just because]

I live in masan and it isn't too bad.

it is split into a couple of seperate areas but there is a bit of a sizeable, and clique foreigner population that hang out at a bar called Jazz.

As van islander said I would recommend the other cities(not Jinhae though), Changwon is very nice and green(the only planned city).

Masan is a dirty old industrial town. I lived in Changwon for 2 years and would pick it over masan easily.

All in all its Ok, and Busan is close(45 minutes - 3700 won) but there are a lot of bad hagwons in Masan. Give me a PM if you want to know about your hagwon and I might know about it.

[LK]

I live in Masan and everything Justbecause and Vanislander mentioned is correct: dirty, industrial, no beaches. There are hills to climb - but you'll find it everywhere in Korea, I guess. Busan is close, Changwon is even closer and rather nice. My hogwan is good, though. You can PM me if you have specific questions.

[usteach]

I lived in Masan last year and agree with the other posters-- definitely lacks clean air, green spaces and doesn't offer anything in the way of parks or beaches... Changwon is a much better option- a planned city with nice parks and wider sidewalks- not as cramped and industrial as Masan. I live in Pusan now and really enjoy the access to decent beaches and mountains. Masan did have some nice foreign hangouts- but for the long haul, I'd go for Changwon or Pusan. Good luck - hope you didn't get offered a position with a shady hagwan called Sunshine. If that place still exists.