Korean Job Discussion Forums

danasand · Joined: 13 Jul 2015

I was recently offered a jon in Suwon (Gaon Language School). I'm in the midst of making a decision.

For those who live, work, travel to Suwon, how is it? Has anyone heard of Gaon Language School? Google hasn't.

Please help make my decision!

Thanks so much for the help.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Suwon is a big place. I don't know that language academy but where it is will affect your "lifestyle".

IF you are in north Suwon near Hanil-town then life will be pretty convenient.

IF you are out in the deep southwest of the city it will be pretty boring.
If you are in Yeongtong dong then everything is close by and there are lots of expats.

It's not a bad place to spend your first year. Namun and the old city are a pleasant diversion.

.

Lazio · Joined: 15 Dec 2010

Stain · Joined: 08 Jan 2014

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

pmwhittier · Joined: 03 Nov 2011 Location: Korea

Ed, what Stain was referring to was the Bundang line is currently being extended out past Suwon Station to places like SeoSuwon (Guun-dong, where I live) and Homaesil-dong area. That is expected to be opened in 2016.

I like Suwon very much. Previously I lived in Daejeon, which is technically bigger, but due to the proximity to Seoul I think Suwon is more modern and "Westernized," if you're into that sort of thing. If you're not, it has the Hwaseong Fortress and a traditional folk village, if you're into the more traditional Korean culture.

Other than that, there are 2 main foreigner friendly bars, and a handful of other smaller ones, and GS25s and coffee shops on EVERY corner so it's just like every other city in Korea in that regard.

They just finished building a Costco in Suwon (which is nearly impossible to reach unless you drive), we have an E-Mart Traders, 2 large hospitals, and the Facebook group is the Suwon Newbies if you need/want more info.

Hokie21 · Joined: 01 Mar 2011

Just watch out for "Momma Suwon"

wonkavite62 · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: Jeollanamdo, South Korea.

You are quite lucky to be placed in Suwon, because it's big enough to be interesting, and you will meet foreigners and Koreans who speak English. I was placed in a small "coastal city" and found it a little bit frustrating: not the job, but the place. It was very spread out, and there were even more hills than usual, unlike Suwon. People, western and Korean, tended to keep aloof.
Suwon is much better. And if you look up expat groups on Facebook, you should find some social group in Suwon.
If all else fails, you can take the bus to Seoul, and party in Itaewon, that is, provided your school gives you a weekend. I know someone who taught in Suwon. He said it was great.