Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alias77]

I'm hunting my first job there and I think I'm fairly set on Seoul. I see job listings with a provincial subset like "Dobong", but I have a really hard time getting specific info on these sections of Seoul.

I found this map, which helps with location orientation: http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6983/seoulmapzu8.jpg

Is there a good place to look for info on the subset locales?

Any areas that would be wise steer clear of? Why?

Any areas that are known to be exceptionally nice?

[Smee]

It's been said before, but I think the job is really determines how happy you'll be. It's fairly easy to get around Seoul from any place inside it. So, IMO, living in Gangnam---a trendy, desirable part of town in the SE---isn't really a necessity at all. (Although it's a nice place.)


I've found Wikipedia has been getting better and better with information like this. www.wikipedia.org Also, Dave's is a pretty good research, if you search for locations.

Try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoul and look at the part with the map of Seoul. You'll see some of the "gu" have their own pages, but some don't. What I do---if i'm not near a Korean computer---is copy-and-paste the Korean name into Google.


Actually, if you're interested in DoBong, here's their website with some pictures and a little information. http://www.dobong.go.kr/eng/index.asp

[Novernae]

All depends on what you are looking for. Quiet? Nightlife? Close to the montains? Close to Itewan?

[Alias77]

Well, I do want access to nightlife. I like to go out once or twice a week. That's part of the reason for choosing Seoul. I'm also looking for big city/metropolitan environment. When you mentioned Gangnam as being a trendy part of Seoul - that's the kind of stuff I'm trying to learn ahead of time.

For example: I currently live in a city with just over 1 mil people but, there's a desireable area to live in with proximity benefits as opposed to living 30 mins away (by car) from the really good bars, clubs, restaurants, and art galleries. The neighborhoods in this area also have a reputation as "desireable places to live". I think there tends to be a higher percentage of college aged to mid 30's/young professionals here and I assume there are similar concentrations in Seoul - how that relates to expats prolly makes it even more complicated to explain - but, I guess that's part of what I'm trying to learn about Seoul.

I read that Itaewon has a lot of nightlife, but that some of the more immature soldiers from the Yongsan base can spoil an otherwise good time.

Where would Hongdae be in relation to the map?: http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/6983/seoulmapzu8.jpg

Smee, I rely pretty heavily on Wikipedia for information services - but I recently discovered a sub-wiki that's specifically for those working/living in Korea called Galbijim. wiki.galbijim.com It has additional info not addressed in the basic Wikipedia.

[chronicpride]

If I was a newb making a choice of where to be situated on my first gig, I'd aim for Gangnam, preferably near Seolleung, Gangnam Station, Apgujeong, or Jamsil. In Gangbuk, I'd aim for Hannam, which is on the other side of the hill from Itaewon. Better, more upscale area, but within walking/stumbling distance of the bar scene when you want it. Jongno/Euljiro area is also in an excellent location in the city and has a good concentration of hogwans.

If I was looking for outside of Seoul, I'd aim for Changwon. I think that'd be the most ideal city for newbs who don't require to be in Seoul. Excellent city planning and engineering that has made things more orderly and less congested. Near the sea. Less than an hour from Busan. Big enough to cater to all your needs and make friends, but not too far from the the big city for weekend trips. Not to mention how conveniently close to Japan, if you want to make the most of your long weekends.