Korean Job Discussion Forums

annacanada · Joined: 28 Jun 2012

Hi

Me and my boyfriend will be teaching english in Gwangyang starting August 2012. I have searched the internet for some info about the city but haven't found too much.

Wondering if anyone could give me any info about the city at all!

Thanks!

mike in brasil · Joined: 09 Jun 2003

Gwangyang in Jeolla near Suncheon?

annacanada · Joined: 28 Jun 2012

No_hite_pls · Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:47 pm Post subject:

It's a steel town, the foreigners hang out at bar called string sp? I have never been there but it popular among-est the foreigners. Most of the foreigners are not teachers do to the port being so close, most them are a bit ruff sailor types. The town is not beautiful but there is a nice mountain to climb nearby name Beakgunsan. I have climbed it many times, although it is usually a bit hazy do to the pollution from the nearby steel factories, it is a good day hike.

It's close to Suncheon, Yeosu and Namhae. I am not that fond of the town (Gwangyang) and really I have only ever gone there to go hiking.

mike in brasil · Joined: 09 Jun 2003

Gwangyang is just like everywhere else in Korea but it's really Nowhere in Korea.

It's a place small enough so that most people know each other by first name. You will shine as a beacon of curiousity as you make your way down the street. People will gawk at you and try their hardest not to snap a picture with their smartphones of what's in your shopping cart so they can broadcast to all their family and friends what they saw the foreigner buy at the supermarket.

It's fairly spread out and the buses are sparse, so you'll need to plan your life around that if you live up the mountain, which a lot of people do. A bike won't cut it because the hills are big and steep.

Since you're coming as a couple you will have each other for support. It does have a homey feel to it and people are friendly there, so you should be fine. I hope you like Korean food. Surprised

annacanada · Joined: 28 Jun 2012

I love korean food!

Thanks so much for the detailed answer. It doesn't sound so bad.

mike in brasil · Joined: 09 Jun 2003

No problemo~

If that sounds ok to you then you'll be just fine.

Cool thing is you're close to Yeosu where you'll have beaches and nearby islands to explore.

As for your day to day life, it'll probably be about what happens at school and the exchanges you have with the students and coworkers.

As for the rest, meh~