Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SandraDee]

Hi Everyone! I'm brand new to this eslcafe site and the reason I have joined is because I am looking into teaching in South Korea starting sometime this summer. I definitely want to go to Korea, but am still deciding on which city to go to. I have looked into Busan/Pusan, since it's a large city but still on the coastline, which is very important to me because I love the beach!
Has anyone taught there before that can either tell me what it is like for a foreigner to live there?
Any good schools/recruiters to recommend?
Also, I am going to be travelling alone, which I'm nervous about, and I'm wondering if this is a good choice of city for meeting other Westerners, while still experiencing Korea?
Thanks! Hope someone is able to answer one or more of my questions or give me suggestions!
~~~~SandraDee~~~~

[chronicpride]

Here is an expat site for living/working in Busan: http://www.pusanweb.com/
Also contains some blogs of Busanites: http://www.pusanweb.com/blogs/index.htm

Good luck. And if you are looking for work in Busan and the surrounding area, also put Changwon and Jinhae on your preference list, as they are well-regarded by foreigners who live or have lived there, on the coast, and within proximity to Busan.

[The Den]

I worked in Busan last year. July 03 to July 04. I had also spent a couple of years there previously. I met and married my wife there. I enjoyed Busan well enough. You may be a little disappointed with Haundae beach however. I have heard there are nicer beaches in Korea but I did not spend much time at the beach.

There are ample opportunities for hiking though and the mountains are really nice and great for biking if you like that sort of thing. I would reccomend Busan from my personal experience. If you can get there on your own you will likely be better off. You cabn find your own job. Many people distrust recruiters. I had a decent experience with Kim and Joe recruiting in Busan but I had also heard of some people having a negative experience with them.

Anyway ggod luck.

[Trekker]

I worked in Pusan for 1 1/2 years and had a good time. Since I had no experience living in other cities in Korea (i.e Seoul), I can't compare but I worked for a relatively good hagwon and met many great Koreans. I wasn't concerned with meeting other westerners and aside from my co-workers, hung around mostly with Korean friends. Pusan is nice in that you have the both the ocean and the mountains to enjoy. As for nightlife, it is definitely there for the taking. And, although it is a big city, its not as big as Seoul. If you are more concerned with maintaining/interacting with westerners, then you would probably be better off in Seoul but if you are interested in immersing yourself in Korean culture, then head to Pusan.

[SandraDee]

Thanks to everyone who posted back to my message. I'm looking into everyone's suggestions..that website pusanweb.com is fantastic..so much information. Thank you!! When I think of more questions I will post them!