Korean Job Discussion Forums

[arna]

hi all my partner and i are planning to join the expat tesol ranks in Korea and because it seems so likely we will end up in a very dodgy work situation we figure we'd at least like to be in a good location.

Maybe users could help us out here . Being a bit of a nature buff and an outdoorsy person I find living in big cities (1.5mill +) stressful and ridden with anxiety. Nor do i need the onslaught of distractions provided by major urban areas to stay entertained. Give me nice parks, nature reserves, beaches etc. anyday and I'm happy: even if it's freezing cold I'll still be out there enjoying it .
In short I need to be able to regularly access spaces where i can look towards at least one horizon and NOT SEE URBAN SPRAWL- and to be able to walk in that frame without concrete beneath my feet cathing at least the occassional breath of fresh air. looking out to sea will do, just as looking out to a forest will (ideally i could do both).

I'm also acutely aware that choosing smaller, more rural locations might become an isolating experience (though one tempered by being with my partner). Neither of us want to be the novelty foreigner for the region and somewhere that has at least some semblance of an expat community would be nice. So I've been thoroughly reading my lonely planet guide trying to come up with nice places to live.

Maybe there are some like-minded people out there who can offer some suggestions? So far some of the more major towns and cities that seem nice are Chuncheon, Sokcho, Mokpo, Gwanju, and Andong. What we can learn from guidebooks though is pretty limited so we'd both love to read people's suggestions for particular locations and, of course, their reasons .

[teachingld2004]

Gangneung. I lived t here for 2 years and LOVED it. Absolutely beautiful. Beaches, beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Downside, 3 hour bus ride to Seoul.

Depends on what you like. What is wonderful for some one can be a downer for another.

Check the internet, or ask some one to foward you some pictures. I will look for my disks, and if u want I can send you some photos.

[SPINOZA]

Firstly, OP, it is not a foregone conclusion that you'll end up in a dodgy work situation. If you do, it's partly your own fault and partly luck, just like any other major decision in life. Korea is on Planet Earth.

Secondly, let me get this straight...you want to move from one of the most sparsely populated countries on Earth to one of the most densely populated countries and want to see a horizon of countryside? Do you want to see Krakatoa erupting as well, and herds of wilderbeast?

[taobenli]

I have only traveled around Korea, and not lived there long. I traveled around for about 3 weeks and tried to get a sense of some bigger towns where I might like to do fieldwork in Korea when I'm a PhD, though. I second Gangneung- really beautiful, different scenery in all directions. I liked Kwangju better than Mokp'o- Mokp'o had a bit of a seedy feel. The countryside near both of those cities was great, though, lots if great islands near Mokp'o. For me, the most beautiful place in the southern part of Korea, hands down, was the Yeosu area. Cute little town (about 100,000, I think) and gorgeous environment (thick accents, though!). I didn't try Geoje-do, but heard that it's wonderful, as well (and less touristy than the further-afield Jeju).

If I were you, I would just try to stay away from the Seoul area entirely. I also really disliked Pohang. In the middle of the country, I went from Jinju to the Haeinsa temple, and that whole mountainous area was great. Sokcho is also highly recommended (probably not as amenities as Gangneung, but Soraksan national park is right at your door). The people in Sokcho seemed really down to earth, and fairly used to seeing foreigners because of the park nearby.

Just my two cents. I've heard that you can't beat Australia for scenery, but I still think Korea has a lot to offer. Much more beautiful than many parts of Japan, IMHO.

[jlb]

Sokcho was awesome...I worked there for a month-long winter camp and had a great time. Beaches, mountains. Only problem was how far it was from any major city if you get a craving for Western food and culture or needs some English books or whatever.

I lived in Cheonan for a year, which was nice. It is very central and makes travel in Korea pretty easy. Also big enough to have some amenities but not too big that it gets overwhelming.