Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sam619]

Hello all,

I was just offered a position at the EiE Mansoo Language Institute in Gwanak, Seoul. I was just wondering what the Gwanak area is like. There is only one other foreign teacher at the school, so is there a big expat community there? Is it an easy/quick commute into Seoul? Good hiking? nightlife? Any advice/info about the area would be great. Thanks!

[northway]

It is Seoul. Probably 10,000 won taxi to Hongdae or Itaewon, good subway accessibility, some nightlife and restaurants around Seoul National. It's not super happening in its own right, but it's definitely not a bad place to be.

[Cave Dweller]

It is among the poorer areas of Seoul. That can be a good thing sometimes, as there will be less people trying to flash the cash and driving expensive cars they can't afford.

[UseAsDirected]

Sam, when you write Gwanak, do you mean Gwanak-gu, where Seoul National University is, or the other Gwanak, which is far away?

One of the highest rated Italian restaurants in the country is in Gwanak (Seouldae Station); expensive, extremely good, owned by an Italian national. If you move there, you have a great Italian restaurant at which to eat. The rest of Gwanakgu is 'meh.'

[Cave Dweller]

Some people that work in Gangnam area live in Gwanak-gu, around Sillim or Bongcheon stations. It is an affordable area and right on the #2 line which allows you to reach Gangnam high street in 15 minutes.

[northway]

[UseAsDirected]

Northway, is it the restaurant near the station on the third floor? I paid W95,000, dinner for two. When I went in groups the cost per person was not much less, at W40,000 per person. Non-peak time likely has good specials.

[chopstick]

What's the name of the Italian?

[UseAsDirected]

I lived first on the university campus (nearest to Nakseongdae Station), and that was both very nice living and conveniently close to good hiking, Gwanaksan, buses, and silence. I then lived down the backside, on the other side of Nakseongdae station exit five, up that hill. The villas are decent there. I temporarily lived in two places near SNU station. I hated it. That area is congested. If you can get a place near Nakseongdae station up the hill, the feel and views are better, it is close to the station, and more room to breathe. And do remember that this is Seoul.

[northway]

[UseAsDirected]

Yes, that is exactly the place. Those prices you said above are right. We ordered extra often.

[northway]