Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tumbleweed31]

OK, so I thought I had made my mind up about a job in Pyungtaek but a fabulous sounding position came up in Pohang. I have read the negatives about Pohang, but it sounds like a closer bunch. How are the people, foreigners and Koreans in Pyungtaek? What is the winter weather like? Someone said it starts to snow in November. Does it stay below 20 degrees F for long periods? How about fitness centers in either place. I tend to work out four days/week. Is it difficult to find others to travel with in one place or the other or not make a difference. How about rock climbing facilities, churches, English bookstores and other extra curricular activities to get involved with. Is one location better for this than another?

Any tips and or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Roch]

Pyeongteak City is cooler in almost all respects.

P.M. me if you want the scoop.

R

[Tiger Beer]

There is a 40-page thread from Pohang expats on here.. just do a search.

From what I know.. there is an extremely huge factory there right on the ocean.. and pretty much contaminates/overwhelmes the city because of it. On the other hand, there is a beach.. which is swimmable for 2-3 months out of your 12 month contract.

I'd choose Pyongtaek myself.

[queenbee]

I live in a small town which is half an hour away from Pyeongtaek City. However, I was told it was Pyeongtaek when I applied. Are you sure that the job is in the actual city? Many jobs in the rural cities near Pyeongtaek are advertised as Pyeongtaek when it's not really the case. You should check it out...although it's eventually worked out for me being here, the place was a lot smaller than I expected.
With regards to Pyeongtaek City, I've been there a few times and have never seen another foreigner there (not to say there aren't any). There are a few places to shop and a traditional market etc, and there will definitely be gyms somewhere.
As far as I know, English bookstores don't really happen in cities of that size. I've been to one there that had a tiny shelf of them. It is only half an hour to Suwon though, which has an adequate section of decent books and a massive department store/mall. It's also pretty easy to get anywhere else in Korea, as it has a train station (just under an hour to Seoul) and bus terminal, and is on the subway line.
And yes, it gets freaken freezing in the winter, and snows a lot!

[sheba]

Im from Pohang. If someone didnt tell you there was a factory here you wouldnt really know. The nicer beaches are out of the city though, Chipo beach is about 20 mins away. I think some of the foreigners are a bit clicky, but mostly they are good. Pohang is a decent sized city, there are plenty of health clubs and gyms. Its also one of the warmer cities in the country - only snows here maybe 2 or 3 times a year and only lasts a few hours each time.

But yeah check the Life in Pohang thread.

Any more questions on Pohang PM me.