Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ellamarie]

I plan to find a teaching job in Korea by early next year. I just need to decide where exactly I want to live in Korea. I am hoping some of the more experienced people can give me some advice on this. I know what I'm looking for so maybe some of you have some good ideas.

This is what I'm looking for:

**Not necessarily in Seoul but close enough that I will have access to regular medical care with an English speaking doctor.
**Easy access to transportation, hopefully a subway system.
**Close to a gym and maybe a bathhouse since I've been reading such wonderful things about them.
**Access to an airport for travel within and out of the country.
**A friendly ex-pat community
**Convenient proximity to hiking, ancient sites, museums,etc.

Basically, I love the city because I have easy access to shopping and things to do, but I also like to see grass and fresh air every now and then. I don't want to be in the sticks because I will be bored out of my mind, but I don't necessarily have to be in the center of a huge city. I guess I'm looking for the best of both worlds. I have considered Incheon and Suwon but I am looking for any suggestions from people who have lived in Korea. Any thoughts?

Also, this may sound lame, but I'm worried about being lonely once I get there. Are other ex-pats usually friendly? Will I be able to find people who might want to travel with me? I want to see Korea and other countries while I'm there but traveling alone sounds a little daunting. I got lost in Atlanta by myself last week and that was scary enough even surrounded by English speakers.

Also, are foreign men only interested in Korean women? That seems to be the main reason my brother wants to visit me in Korea.

Sorry this is so long. I welcome any suggestions!

[jajdude]

I think one of the best areas in Seoul is near Olympic Park. (East and south part of Seoul)

Suburbs include : Ilsan, Bundang and other areas.

I think Ilsan is nice. It's about 40 minutes outside Seoul. Has everything. Modern, clean, even lots of English spoken and many foreigners per capita (for Korea, that is.)

Bundang seems Ok. About a half hour outside Seoul.

If it's your first time in Korea it's nice to have other foreign teachers at the job. They surely will help you with their kindness, unless they're total fools.

And other towns or cities can be good too. Do not disregard the 'boonies.' I'm happier now than in a while since i left Seoul. I'm in a small town but everything is easy. As long as you have or can make a few pals and can get what you need you should be OK.

And, no, foreign men are not only interested in Korean women. That's silly. Most men like nice and attractive women from anywhere, I think. . Korea has its issues that can repel foreigners. Like family interests in keeping the bloodline pure and other such racist nonsense.

I like the easiness of hanging out with someone who is cool with, and understands my western culture.

Hope I have been helpful. I tried.

Good luck.

[canuckistan]

We lived in Itaewon near Noksapyeong station (away from the craziness)
and I really liked being so central--everywhere I needed to be was easy to get to by subway or by bus.

[flotsam]

I lived in Seoul for 7 years and now live in Bundang--wish I had lived here the whole time. Has everything you are looking for and more.

I don't really rate Ilsan--flat, spread out and ugly. Bundang has lots of hills, more interesting architecture and layout and the Korean people here really like it--it's like they have found the mystical suburb promised by Tangun 5,000 years ago...

[Zark]

Korea has a pretty good transportation system AND is a pretty small country. Even places that seem like they are way out in the sticks can be just a couple hour bus ride from town.

I lived in Chung-ju for three years - great and active expat community. About 100 minutes to Seoul. You might, in fact, find some smaller communities have more active expat groups. SO . . . I am now a fan of smaller cities - near the big ones. (I lived in Pusan in 92-95)

Seoul is a big concrete mess - though I did find myself blasting into town at least once a month for a weekend - I wouldn't want to live there - or even too close to the mess.

The 'burbs recommended are probably good compromises.

[ajgeddes]

I am going to second Bundang. It is right on the edge of Seoul, and you can be in Gangnam in 15 minutes, or the north/central part of the city in 35 minutes or less.

Also,the whole area is super recreation friendly and if you into exercising you will have everything you need and then some. Everything is new and pretty clean and there are plenty of parks.

Also, because it is a very wealthy area, you will find tonnes of restaurants of every sort. It's not just 5000 Korean restaurants, but you will find, Japanese, real Chinese, Indian, Thai, Vietnamese and of course REAL western restaurants.

[Ilsanman]

I will vote for Bucheon.

Bucheion does have a decent expat community. It is not far from Itaewon, where a lot of people like to party. It is close to Incheon too.

Bucheon is a mix of rich and poor. There is atechno park, museum, and other sutff. Also, it is a little closer to the airport than Bundang.

[seoulsucker]

I prefer the north side of the city. I live about a minute's walk from Sinchon station. There are 4 or 5 large universities surrounding the area, and it's always busy and full of young, energetic people. Tons of shopping, great restaurants, bars, clubs, coffee shops, etc.

[cwaddell]

Hey, I live in Ilsan and I love it. It has everything you are looking for, and doesn't take too long to get into Seoul. I'm intrigued by the comment above about Bundang, sounds nice! When I was choosing jobs I considered both cities, but ultimately the deciding factor was the quality of job itself, and I found a cracker in Ilsan. So, basically, if you get offered a good contract here then I'd say go for it.

[KumaraKitty]

I vote for Sang-Dong in Bucheon. It's the newer and wealthier area of Bucheon. Lots of schools, a great foreign community, and most of it is in easy walking distance of Homeplus, Wal-Mart, Theaters, all the Western chain restaurants you could want plus fast food.
There are parks on almost every corner, we're at Songnae station on the #1 line, and you can take a limousine bus direct to the airport from here for 3000won.
Several health clubs, gyms, saunas, etc. Very family oriented and every Saturday/ Sunday, the big park in the middle here closes off a big section of the road so kids can drive mini cars and bikes, roller blade, etc. while parents watch.
It's also the home of Pisaf and Pifan, the International Film and Animation festivals held every year.
There are direct buses to every part of Seoul, and on the express train at the subway it takes 30 minutes to Seoul station. I've lived here 3 years and love it!

[ellamarie]

Thanks for all the suggestions! They've all been very helpful. Keep them coming!