Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joeharrywilliams]

Hello there!!

My name is Joe, I am 25 years old and come from Manchester, England. I have just accepted a job in Gugal-Dong, Yongin.

Basically, I'm wondering what I can expect from Gugal-Dong, would love to hear from any one who has lived there.

For instance, it does look like a semi-urban place, which suits me fine. I'd much prefer a semi urban place than a claustrophobic metropolic like central Seoul. But, at the same time, having some local bars/restuarants to go to after work or at weekends would be nice. What are the chances of me finding some decent hangouts?

Not too bothered about the availability of western goods really, I haven't travelled to the other side of the world to live an English lifestyle. But, what are the chances of there being an English language bookshop anywhere nearby?

Also, what kind of expat community is there? IO wnat to learn about KOrean culture and society, but obviously Im gonna need to make English speaking friends.

Well, any comments anyone had would be very welcome, Im so excited about making the move, which hopefuly will be sometime early in october.

Many thanks, Joe

[bindairdundat]

lol

[joeharrywilliams]

what?

[Rutherford]

You're lucky! Gugal-dong is also known as Google-dong because it's a pilot technological research park special economic dong sponsored by Google Korea.

The streets are a smart grid so there's no traffic jams and made of solar cells that fuel electric car and bike recharge stations. There's really fast free wifi everywhere and the coffee shops all have free chromebooks you can use.

On the other hand you have to watch ads at crosswalks and there is a HUGE red light district but you won't notice it if you leave safesearch on.

[thatkidpercy]

Never been to Yongin and no idea where the other English speakers hang out, but you can have a little fly around Gugal-dong and see what it looks like here http://dmaps.kr/bxsk

You're also not far from Giheung station (last stop on the Bundang subway line) so getting to Bundang/Seongnam or southern Seoul by train is possible, and there are express buses heading to Yongin frequently from Gangnam. Probably looking at around 45mins travel time.

[MigukCowboy]

I lived fairly close to there before. I was in a different part of Yongin a bit north of Gugal-dong. Yongin is very spread out and you will probably be in a neighborhood with a maximum of about 10-20 other foreign teachers. There is no "foreign scene" there really. You pretty much just hang out with whoever happens to live close to you.

There are a few "Western style" restaurants and bars around there that foreigners tend to go. You'll find out where they are quickly. I know all the spots around Jukjeon, Ori, Migeum, etc.

The Korean people there are generally nice. It's a somewhat wealthy area. But more laid back than Seoul. I met many great Korean people in Yongin. Easier to meet them than foreigners around there.

Western goods. You can buy everything around there. E-mart, Shinseagae, etc. etc. plenty of shopping.

That's a good place to live. Very easy and convienent. I felt very at home there. Enjoy.

[fosterman]

there is nothing in Gugal dong.
you will have to spend your times in Bundang or yongtong.
which is very close by, plenty of expats around here.
sohyun st has a couple foreigner bar hangouts.

[Died By Bear]

Don't forget to bring along a quality umbrella mate.