Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LateBloomer]

I have decided to take the leap into the great unknown and hope that I land a decent school in the EPIK program (Incheon). Couriered my signed contracts etc. today.

In case I get any say in the matter, (the recruiter said I may get a choice between two schools) I'd like some opinions about the best and the worst areas in and around Incheon. I know some people seem to think there aren't any good areas in Incheon.... but even if that's true, it would be nice to know "the best of the bad". Also, I'm interested in knowing proximity to Seoul and the airport. Thanks!

[rawiri]

I don't understand this whole, "good area-bad area" thing. Outside of Kangnam, and in the serious sticks, Korean cities/suburbs are basically cut and paste carbon copies. Everything looks the same wherever you go, ditto for smell, people, private opportunities, recreational activities, peoples attitudes etc. etc. etc. I was in Onungdong (sp?) Incheon for a year and besides having a dodgy hagwon, everything else was sweet as i was able to meet some good people who i became good friends with. It's the old story man, wherver you go, there you are. It's what you make of it!.

[MorgolKing]

I partially agree with what rawiri said. A lot of places are very very similar...whether it's in Seoul, Suwon, Incheon, etc. Even in Gangnam, if you're not in Apgujeong or the Coex area it's the same as other places (except everything's more expensive). The southern part of Gangnam, Bangbae (in Seo Cho gu), Bongchun (in Gwanak gu), etc all seemed pretty much the same. And the same goes for Chang Ahn gu in Suwon and Bu Gae Dong (in Bupyeong Gu Incheon).

But I do think that there are some spots within these areas that are different. The aforementioned Apgujeong is an example. I also stayed Sincheon (next to Jamsil) for 2 weeks and it was completely different than the standard areas mentioned above. Just in general these places have things going on all the time, there's more stuff to do, more exciting, etc. Some people prefer these "hot spots" others despise them.

I for one like them and so when I decided I wanted to accept an job offer in Incheon I requested housing at Bupyeong Station. My experience in Incheon is limited but from what I remember and what I've heard from teachers in Incheon that does some to be a "hot spot" in Incheon. It's also relatively close to Seoul by subway.

It all depends on what you want. But imo, for the most part you can find the standard "carbon copy" that rawiri was talking about in almost any area and if the area has a big enough population there will also be those unique "hot spots." Unfortunately I don't know the area of Incheon too well outside of Bu Pyeong and Bu Gae, but I hope this helps. Good luck to you.

[red dog]

The area around the arts center would be pretty convenient for most people, I think. When I was there, they had a Carrefour, Shinsegae and Lotte department stores and a CVG. And it was right near the bus station and the subway. You might also like the Songdo area, although there's not much there. I found Incheon a bit boring compared to Seoul, but maybe you'll like it if you're not too far out in the middle of nowhere. Taxi drivers in Incheon often couldn't understand my pronunciation, even though most Seoul taxi drivers had no problem understanding me (with the occasional exception).

Jayu park (way at the other end of town) was nice, but the area seemed very remote to me. Others might like it better ... dunno ...

[Milwaukiedave]

I am also in Incheon, I just moved here last week. I have to concur about the arts center area, it is a pretty good section. I live just down the street from there (about a 10 minute bus ride).

Yes, many of the neighborhoods look the same (almost anywhere in Korea for that matter), but it comes down to what kind of things you need. I disagree that Gangnam is the only interesting place in Seoul. I lived in Gangnam (Chungdam to be specific) and it was nice.

However, it really depends what kinds of things you like to do. If your young and like to party and act like drunken idiots, then you probably will want to be closer into Seoul.

If you are flexable and can really try to fit in anywhere, then Incheon isn't that bad.

[Kim Jong Jordan]

[LateBloomer]

Thanks. Every bit of additional information is helpful. I'm not a "party animal" but being close to some decent shopping would be nice. (On second thought I might save more money if I don't know about that!)

I'm also wondering about the pollution factor in various areas....some say the western side of the city has better air quality. I've heard that Incheon in general is "dirtier" than Seoul.... but I wasn't sure if that's just in relation to air quality or more of a general statement.

[Milwaukiedave]

The air pollution seems about the same as in Seoul to me and like I said I'm pretty close to the Arts Center.

If anyone wants to get together for a beer let me know. Im especially interested in talking to other's teaching at Incheon Public Schools.

[red dog]

I lived in Yeonsu-dong and didn't notice the air being any worse than Seoul's. (I'd lived in Seoul before that, though, so I was kind of used to bad air.) When I visited the other side of Incheon -- I forget exactly where I was but I could see the water -- the air seemed noticeably worse. Overall I think Yeonsu-dong is supposed to be an OK area -- but I found it very dull compared to Seoul. Maybe I would have liked it better if I'd figured out the bus system, and actually there is a bus that goes directly from Seoul to Yeonsu-dong, so it's probably OK if you like long bus rides.

[Son Deureo!]

There have been a lot of threads about Incheon, I sound off on this one: http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=56452&highlight=north+incheon

Basically, Incheon is a suburb of Seoul. It's big, though, and although there are 2 subway lines plus express buses leading to Seoul, coverage isn't 100%. How close you are to public transportation will have a huge impact on your quality of life if you live in Incheon, so find out before you sign.

[riverboy]

I've been in Incheon for four years now and have no desire to leave. One trip into Seoul every six months for me is fine. I find the air in Yeonsu bnetter than most places in Seoul, the expats are easier to get to knowand you have all the conviences you need. Bupyeong and Guwol dong are the bestg places to go, but remember, its only an hour from Seoul and a cheaper place to live.
Let's not forget Songdo, which is coming up fast and that looks like the place to be in the next few years.

[jajdude]

Personally I disliked Incheon, but that area around the dept stores may be OK. Mansu dong is not great, and I disliked Bupyeong. I found the people more rude and hostile than several other places I have lived in Korea. Strangely Bucheon, just a few miles away. seemed OK.

Just my opinion based on my little shred of experience, but have heard echoes of the same sentiment from others.

[red dog]

I didn't care for Bupyeong the few times I visited, and I didn't care for the long ride on Subway Line 1. But I didn't notice the people of Incheon being especially hostile, and I have to say that many of the students I taught there were great. The people seemed OK as far as I can remember.

[thunderbird]

if they've already picked out an apartment for you how easy is it to move if you don't like the neighbourhood? are there lots of free apartmetns around Incheon? what's the name of the municipality the arts center is in?

[Kim Jong Jordan]

guwol-1-dong, namdong-gu