Korean Job Discussion Forums

demaratus · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 8:43 am Post subject: the place to be?

Hi all,

I have decided on moving to korea in september. I have narrowed my perferred locations down to Seoul, Busan and Jeju-do. I have done some research on all locations (though for Jeju, there isnt much around about day to day living) and am finding the decision making process kinda difficult. I was wondering if some of you guys and gals would give me some advice/ or info on these places, maybe some pro's and cons for these places or just your opinions. Is the cost of living in Seould much higher than Busan or Jeju? Is any city better for inter-korea travel? I would like to live in a place with varied geography (i.e. close to mountains and the ocean- I am from the prairies) has a good ex pat community and has options for entertainment and culture. I am a 26 year old male from Canada (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan- a city of 200,000), I have a B.A in History and religious studies (and am interested in history, language and religion in Asia), play various sports (interested in hiking, Rugby and soccer, ect...) and am interested in traveling (korea and beyond). I realize that any place in Korea will be very different from my home (and that is what I want) but am having a hard time narrowing my choices further.

Thanks,

mike

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Well, for me.. Seoul is it.

But being that you are the Plains of Canada.. want to travel a lot around Korea.. just choose a place in the middle.. just like Canada's plains in the middle.. try Daegu or something.

If you want mountains AND beaches.. then definetetly Busan or Sokjo.

Jeju.. you wouldn't travel anywhere outside of that little island.. if travelling is a priority.

Good entertainment and culture (you said).. then try Japan.

Anyhow.. thats based on your questions, etc. For me, I would only live in Seoul.. with a second option being Gangwon-do.. and a third being Busan. I would never live in Daegu, Gwangju, Gyeonju, or anywhere in that region. But from your description, maybe you would?

You might not want to do it (as most prefer to work in a shitty school for a year for free airfare).. but it makes a world of difference to actually fly to Korea first.. travel around the country (doesn't take much).. and choose exactly where you want to live and look at exactly the schools/locations/management/co-teachers/etc. first hand.. makes a world of difference.

I'm of the personal opinion that anyone who signs a contract blindly is also going to be working in a real shitty place and complaining about it for a year. Whereas those who do their first-hand examinations of everyting, love their year (or more). My opinion anyways.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

I would say that Daegu fits your description very well. It is a big city (though, smaller than Seoul by a lot), very central, in a very traditional and cultural area (Kyeongbuk province), and is connected to the KTX train line (the new bullet train). From Daegu, you could visit Buseok-sa (the biggest and most prestigeous Buddhist temple in Korea), Hahoe Maul (an authentic working traditional village), Seosu Seowon (the first Korean Confucian academy as depicted on the 1000 won bill), and more. You would also have easy access to places like Kyeongju the former capital of the Josan Dynasty. It is surrounded by mountains but,it is close enough to the sea so, you could take a day at the beach very easily if you so wanted.

Daegu is big enough that the expat community is vibrant enough to be found easily. Just ask your coworkers to introduce you around and to show you their haunts. Once you start travelling, you will find that pretty much every big city is similar in terms of services available for you to take advantage of. Daegu isn't much different from Seoul in terms of what is available for services and entertainment. If you really want to go out partying in Itaewon or Hondae, to find blackmarket merchandise, or to buy cheap technology or instruments, you can easily travel to Seoul and pick that stuff up (a 1.5 hour trip on the KTX). Daegu also has Korean language classes at the university so don't fret that you can't do that if you are not in Seoul.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

Don't let geography limit your employment options, it's not a large country.

poddubny · Joined: 03 Aug 2004 Location: i have NO avatar privileges!

pohang.

Zark · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:18 pm Post subject:

I agree with Bulsajo: It's not that big of a country. It's only a few hours from one end to the other. Jeju - and you are a bit trapped, but once on the mainland end-to-end is no more than about four hours from just about anywhere. Okay, a couple more hours from a small town to a small town.

Might be worth focusing more on finding exactly the job you like - as that is more likely to determine your level of happiness and adjustment. And you are going to spend more time there than most anywhere else.

Korea is surprising too - as is any country. Throw away the guide book and head out in the country. I've found the most interesting temples - some far more interesting than the "famous" ones - just driving around in the backcountry (my weekend hobby). Korea has far too many people for such a small land mass - and if you want to avoid the hoards of people - head for the countryside.

Owning a car (they are quite cheap here) might also assist your ability to look around.

Enjoy!

Cedar · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:58 pm Post subject:

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Tiberious aka Sparkles · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Cedar · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 7:37 pm Post subject:

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

Way over the top Cedar with your snotty show-off history lesson.
Like the OP cares.

Sure, historical accuracy is a nice thing, but its not needed in the context of this thread.
You come across as a twit.

quiksilver · Joined: 11 Sep 2004

demaratus,

I sent you a PM. Get back to me.

Cedar · Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2005 8:16 pm Post subject:

Guri Guy · Joined: 07 Sep 2003 Location: Bamboo Island

Actually not way over the top. If you are going to give a history lesson, don't whine when someone corrects you. Cedar is well within her rights to take him or her to town. Either get it right the first time or be gracious when someone helps you get it right. Thank you for the information Cedar.

white_shadow · Joined: 28 Mar 2005

If you choose Seoul, I'd check out the area around the university, near the Kyobo bookstore. It seems a little more western, vibrant, and cleaner than Seoul. It looks to have better places to hangout for westerners. A good place for young people.

If you're looking for a little relaxed place Lison, near the Kintex Convention center is a nice place. The weather is cooler and less humid than Seoul. There is also more of a sea breeze. It's a little more laid out, with western style condos and homes, instead of sky-rise condos.

I haven't been to the other places so I don't know about them.