Korean Job Discussion Forums

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

To current or former Sogang students,

Any recommendations for good goshi-tels, livingtels, or boarding houses near Sogang? Taobenli, can you help me out on this one?

Also, could someone give some specific insights into the level test? I'm scheduled to take the test at the end of the month. What should I expect?

Thanks!

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

The level test involves talking to the teacher - they'll have some questions and keep asking you until you get stuck. They'll also ask you to write a paragraph on a topic.

Tukkong · Joined: 27 Apr 2004

Its in Korean, but hope it helps.

http://www.gosi1.net/

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

Thanks SuperHero and Tukkong. I appreciate your replies.

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

Crap, I can't believe I forgot the name of my goshiwon! (It was a year ago already). I can try to describe how to get there from Sogang, though.

In the language institute building, you go down to the first floor (the level where the security guard sits and where there is- or was- a Chohung bank branch and a small convenience store as you're going out the front door. Once you're out on the sidewalk you walk to the left till you get to a crosswalk (which I believe was in front of a Hi-Mart or other electronics store) Continue left by crossing this crosswalk, and then cross the street and walk right. This little stretch of street has a number of hole-in-the-wall restaurants and a tiny fast food take-out and delivery place. At this fast food place there should be an alley to your left, which crosses an old train track (though they were doing construction when I left, so who knows?). There are also a number of fruit stands, etc. in this alley, and when the alley opens up to a side street (with a Mr. Pizza, couple of restaurants, a pharmacy and a book store) the goshiwon should be visible. The sign is blue and since the basement functions as a church, there is a large photo of some guy who I suppose is the minister. Go up the stairs and ring the bell and someone should let you in. There was a younger guy usually working the desk when I lived there, who doesn't speak a lot of English, but is very patient and can usually figure out what you're asking.

Hope it helps! Sorry, I know my description of the street could be for almost any street in Seoul! But the goshiwon was a decent place to stay for a few months, though small (of course), and not too noisy (except for the vegetable trucks, which you can't really avoid). I know other students who stayed in hasuks nearby, just wander around the side streets in that neighborhood and keep your eyes open.

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

Chamchiman · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Location: Digging the Grave

taobenli · Joined: 26 Apr 2004

That's not what I meant, actually. The alley-way that leads to the goshiwon is almost directly across the street from the language institute building. However, it's a busy street so to cross the street you have to walk left (a little out of your way) to get to the crosswalk to the other side.

I think you'll see what I mean when you're there, but it's hard to explain without visuals, sorry.

Goshiwons don't provide breakfast and dinner- but mine had a large kitchen to cook in, as well as a water cooler, rice cooker that was always full and often kimchi in the fridge.

No, it wasn't gourmet, but during the hot summer I usually had cereal in my room in the morning (there's a mini-fridge), ate a big lunch out with classmates, and only wanted a little rice and tofu (and whatever vegetable was on sale outside) for dinner most days (unless I went out).

There was no curfew. Residents of the goshiwon know the pin number to the door and come and go any time. The floors were segregated by gender and technically no opposite gender guests were supposed to spend the night. However, that didn't prevent many of the students there from sneaking people in... the girl next to me had them coming in like a parade...

eurasian76 · Joined: 09 May 2006

how much was it to stay at the Goshiwon? Not sure where would be the best place to stay, on campus , boarding houses (apparently 400k a month incl 2 meals)or elsewhere,have no idea

as I'm also I'm thinking about doing the Korean language course at Sogang as well. I know hangul, so can read and write as well but know only basic phrases. I can understand far more than I can speak though

is level 1 just about learning hangul? I'm not sure what level I should apply for as of yet....

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003