Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Weigookin74]

Isn't it really hot there? I had read on www.theweathernetwork.com in July that the humidex made the temperatures feel like they were in the low 50's. I was shocked to say the least. (Now if they actually use air con better than they do in Korea with no dumb@$$ 26 degree rule, then ok.)

[seansmith]

Is this really up for debate anymore? There was already a lengthy thread on this. Do people seriously debate San Francisco vs. Oakland, Manhattan vs. Buffalo, or Toronto vs. Hamilton? The debate is chiefly among Korean-based teachers who came to Shanghai on a 4 day holiday, or those who have never been to Shanghai. However, teachers (like myself) who've lived in both places for 1 or more years have offered informed opinions. The vast majority of us have stated that Shanghai is better than Seoul in most categories. Shanghai's Achilles Heel is the air pollution situation, which it needs to address if the government hopes to live up to its "Better City, Better Life" slogan.

[byrddogs]

[Yaya]

I'm just wondering whether EFLers in China have set up their own gigs or something. Expats in Korea have set up bars and restaurants, and I'm wondering if those in China are doing the same.

[seansmith]

I think it's more the case that some EFLers get involved in trade or entertainment or business ventures. It's fairly easy to get a business going in Shanghai, although being successful is another matter as it's a very competitive city.

Most of the international restaurants are set up by professional, established chefs or restaurant managers from overseas who move to Shanghai with enough money to support their venture. Places like 1001 Nights, Sashas, Anadolu, Le Creperie, The Spot, Boxing Cat, and The Shed are all set up and managed by professional restauranteurs, not former EFLers.

[Weigookin74]

I'm curious about one thing. Do Chinese massacre western food? Anyone who's ever had a Korean hamburger knows what I mean. I mean can a westerner open a real burger and fries pizza joint and blow away the Chinese competition. Forget those fancy restaurants that are overpriced for small food portions. No one cares about those anyways.

[seansmith]

Well there's Carl's Jr., a foreign franchise employing trained Chinese staff. It's cheap and the hamburgers are good - certainly much better than that Lotteria slop. There are proper foreign run restaurant/pubs like Boxing Cat and Burger Bistro that also have trained Chinese staff and those burgers are tasty, authentic but more pricey, about $10 to $15 for hamburger and fries - still reasonable.

There isn't really much Chinese-ified western food in Shanghai. The Shanghai Chinese are more cosmopolitan than Koreans and want authentic foreign food. When they want Chinese style food they, and we, go to a real Chinese restaurant - not much bizarre fusion stuff going on.

I remember when a "salad" in Seoul was cabbage with ketchup and mayonnaise squirted on the top. A place in Shanghai would be mercilessly blacklisted if it pulled that.

[Janny]

OK, thanks everybody. I already knew most of this, I was just fishing for some juicy tidbids about how Shanghai kicks Seoul's butt. (I am so bitter about Korea, damn!) Anyway, I am very excited. I have been to Shanghai before and am looking forward to a much easier, more enjoyable teaching and expat living experience.

Q: Are there many Korean restaurants? There is one thing I do miss about Korea...the kimchi and a few other dishes.

[byrddogs]

[Mr. Pink]

[3DR]

[Weigookin74]

What's the easiest way to get started in Shanghai? A language mill? Safe paychecks and a chance to feel out the place? One thing, I can't take is the heat. So long as air con works. Realistically how much money can you make, but also send home? I'm not interested in cash that I have to keep in China. I'd only want to send it home.

[IPayInCash]

How is the savings in Shanghai compared to Korea?

In Korea I can save $1000 a month. And go out and eat well at the same time. Is that possible in Shanghai as well?

[shostahoosier]

[IPayInCash]

I've never been to Shanghai, but I can agree that Tokyo is on another level. A part of me will always regret having left that place, and coming to Korea for money.

Hell cities like Nagoya and Fukuoka are nicer than Seoul. Seoul is just a lot of people with more of the same ugly concrete buildings and same tired chicken and hoppu restaurants and pc bangs on every corner.

I've heard Shanghai is dirtier than Seoul though. If that's true that's a huge drawback. One of the things I loved about Japan is the cleanliness. In Seoul there's garbage everywhere and I also litter all the time here "When in Rome" whereas in Japan I never littered because the people obviously respect their country more.