Korean Job Discussion Forums

deetah · Joined: 14 Nov 2004

After my stint in Korea, I am in search of a new city in which to settle.
Has anybody lived in Victoria? How does it compare to Vancouver? How is it for jobs, rent, fun, climate? Do you recommend?

Any input would help!

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I've spent more time in Nanaimo than Victoria, but it was out of the way there. Definitely not the sort of place you want to raise kids.

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

It struck me that the cost of basic goods was slightly higher on Vancouver Island and it was a haven for the older set.

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

Yup. "Newly wed or nearly dead" is what the locals call it.

I was there from '97 to '02 for school. When I left, the vacancy rates were miniscule. It was difficult to find a place to rent. Work is difficult to find too, with a lot of people being retirees and not a lot of bussiness going on.

It is a really nice place to live, though.

numazawa · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: The Concrete Barnyard

coolsage · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 7:59 pm Post subject:

Victoria is my adopted hometown as well. Also known as 'God's waiting-room-by-the-sea'. It's certainly a beautiful place to be, and the climate is benign, but it's not cheap, and employment opportunities are generally limited to (provincial) government work, the hospitality industry, and some IT situations. But there's no better place in which to kick your shoes off, put your feet up, pop the top off a microbrew, roll up a spliff, and simply be. Unfortunately, that sort of work doesn't pay well.

LateBloomer · Joined: 06 May 2006

I currently live in Victoria, although I hope to be in Korea within a month.

Victoria has a great climate... if you don't like extremes in temperature. It's not really hot in the summer and the temperature usually stays above freezing in winter.

It has a much slower pace than Vancouver- less traffic and not as much night life. It's a much smaller city. A number of good pubs, though....

Victoria is also within easy distance of the Gulf Islands and many other scenic places on Vancouver Island--a great place to be if you love the outdoors, kayaking, hiking, fishing etc.

As previously mentioned, jobs have traditionally been limited to government positions and the hospitality industry. But this year there have been more jobs advertised than at any time in the 13 years I've lived here. Vacancy rates are low but I've never found it difficult to get a place.

As well. that "newly wed" or "nearly dead" descrition was more appropriate when I first moved here.

I can confirm that it isn't cheap to live here, but if you can afford it, Victoria is a beautiful city. Do an internet seach--Victoria British Columbia--to get to a number of sites that will give you info and pictures.

PM me if there's anything specific that you want to know.

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:43 pm Post subject:

There are other - nicer - places on Vancouver Island than Victoria and Nanaimo. Rolling Eyes

Except for you big city minded folk.

coolsage · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 10:02 pm Post subject:

Sooke · Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Location: korea

Sooke rules!!!