Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rezzypenguin]

So I've been offered a place by epik in Chungbuk province and have to say I don't know whether to go for it or to try my luck with a Hangwon.

My epik battle has been somewhat a nightmare but I won't go into that now.

With Chungbuk I know it is a mostly rural province and that's putting me off a lot. I'm from London so going to a rural place like Chungbuk is a bit too drastic for me. I have stayed in rural Bangladesh for an extended period of time but I didn't enjoy it. I know Korea is developed but the whole experience of being in a rural place isn't for me.

If I was in a medium sized city that'd be fine but chances are I won't be.

I want to be in Seoul or close to Seoul because that's where all my friends are. I'm the only that will be far.

I've applied to a few hagwons but haven't had any definite job offers yet.

So here's my dilemma, do I stick with Chungbuk and hope for the best or do I wait around for a hagwon position?

With a hagwon position I'll get a better location but it's risky and that's another to be wary of.

Any advice?

I don't have long to decide as my NOA from epik will be arriving in 3 days.

[jvalmer]

Most of Chungbuk province, at worst, is maybe 90 minutes away from Seoul. And when a Korean says 'small' city, it might not be that small. Maybe, 50,000-900,000 people in the 'small' city.

[rezzypenguin]

[airdrieboy1984]

The job market isn't the greatest here and more and more often they want people who are already here.

Chungbuk is no where near as bad as people think. I lived in rural Chungbuk for 2 year and 1 year in the provincial capital, Cheongju.

My advice is to take the job, Seoul is not far away.

[mayorhaggar]

It takes me about 3 hours from my Chungbuk town to Seoul. Have to take an 80 minute bus ride to Cheongju, then take a 90 minute express bus to Seoul. Busan takes a little longer, you take an 80 minute bus ride to Daejeon, take a cab or the subway to Daejeon station, then take a 90 minute KTX ride to Busan.

If you're in northern Chungbuk then it should be more like 2 hours to an hour and a half to Seoul, but Busan would take longer.

Chungbuk is ok but it's definitely pretty rural by Korean standards. You're probably going to end up in a small town there with a smallish foreigner community.

I think a public school job is still a good deal because you get more vacation days, and you work less each week. But it increasingly does mean living in a small town. It's a sacrifice and you have to deal with it. Generally I like my town but that first 80 minute bus ride on winding roads just to get out of town is definitely a pain.