Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HeavyTZM]

Hello all,

I know "what is the best city?" has been asked countless times and people are tired of answering/seeing these questions. I've read the threads on this topic and read the Wikipedia for each of the cities. I still would like some input from people with experience. That being said, what are some city suggestions based on these preferences:

1) Not a city as busy as Seoul or Pusan, but also not a rural area. Somewhere that strikes a nice balance between convenience and laid-backness.
2) Good local food markets (preferably farmers that don't use synthetics). Locally raised meats would also be a desire.
3) A nice bit of local scenery and cultural heritage.
4) A nearby gym with a good bit of free weights
5) I think it would be cool to be in an area where it is possible to bike to most destinations i.e. not going to get hit by a car

Also, how hard is it to shop and navigate around speaking only English?

Those are the most important things to me, I know it seems a bit general. I have a good feel for the major metropolitan cities, but the smaller cities and provinces jumble my mind.

Based on what I've read Daegu seems like a good fit, but I've also read some bad things about the city, such as the sewage smell.

I know I can't be picky on cities when looking for a job, but any input is much appreciated.

[fullcollapseCA]

I spent a year in Cheongju and had a really good time. Around 700,000 people and has all the stores and restaurants you will need. Also, Cheongju has a centralized location and is only a 35 minutes bus ride to Daejeon.

[Rutherford]

From your description I think Pohang would be the perfect city for you.

[HeavyTZM]

[plchron]

ulsan fits the bill, but it really depends if you are living in the center of the big cities or off the fringes of it. most neighborhoods in korea have at least one of everything, even in the small towns. (1 lotteria, pizza place, a couple BBQ places, some japanese food, a jimjilbang or fitness center, etc.)

[The Floating World]

Simply; Ilsan.

[HeavyTZM]

Thank you for the other suggestions. Pohang and Ulsan both look like good choices for me, especially the Mugeodong area of Ulsan. The only thing that bothers me about Pohang/Ulsan is the proximity to Japan, the Fukushima radiation worries me.

I read about the Mugeodong area in another post, but can someone explain to me how metropolitan areas are broken up? Is Mugeodong just a smaller city within the Ulsan?

[Kimchifart]

[HeavyTZM]

I doubt the nuclear station in Ulsan had a meltdown... Fukushima was downplayed by the media, and in my opinion has done far more damage than reported. There is scientific evidence behind the severity of Fuskushima, just because you haven't come across it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. I don't want to argue about that on here though and I do appreciate your recommendation. I just read a couple forums about Gwangju and also the Wikipedia. I'll keep it under my list of preferred cities. Thanks.

[modernseoul]

IMO: Suwon best fits your requirements however its very popular and therefore hard to find a accent role.
Anyang, Ilsan and Seongnam all good.

[Underwaterbob]

Jeonju, Chuncheon, Cheongju, Wonju, Chungju, Kunsan...

All are medium sized cities (200'000 to 700'000, yes this is medium in Korea.) Reasonably easy to get around by bike and none too far from more major metropolitan areas. They all have gyms and local food markets. They all have decent sized foreigner communities as well (I'm assuming in a couple cases, but it's very likely.)

[HeavyTZM]

[The Floating World]

Man Ilsan kills all the the other cities mentioned for a newb hands down.

Can't believe it's not getting more mention.

Come on Ilsan-ites, fill this guy in.

[Dazed and Confused]

If you don't want a big city then don't go to Daegu. It is sprawling and ugly. Daejon is nice. I suggest you give it a look. Places like Ichon, Gyeonju, Andong, Jinju, Geoje-do, and Cheju-do all have largish city centers but you're still close enough to the countryside.

[s.tickbeat]

Changwon has a public bicycle system. There's not much info about it on wikipedia, but it's an alright place to be. Pohang is awesome, though.