Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jsbankston]

I was surprised (and a bit disappointed) to read there are American chain restaurants in Korea. But how is it for availability of books, magazines, and newspapers? Computers are great and all, but I'mstill a print junkie.

[adverge]

There's one bookstore in Daegu that I know of (could be more) that has an English section. It's got an okay variety. The name is Kyobo. It has a few English magazines and CDs.

I'm sure Seoul has more but I've never been there.

[Missile Command Kid]

www.whatthebook.com. I used to be an Amazon junkie, but shipping charges overseas can be relatively high. On the other hand, whatthebook charges you the list price of the book but gives you free shipping. The last order I placed would have cost me $50 + $30 USD shipping at Amazon, whereas it was $65 + $0 shipping USD from whatthebook. In the long run, English books are more expensive here than they are back home, wherever that is. I'm also in Daegu, and would have special-ordered some books at Kyobo if I had found anybody who spoke English. (Somebody else here on dave's mentioned this, but I figured I'd do it again: if you buy a lot of books from Kyobo, get a free membership card and save 10% off the list price. Every penny helps!)

[blaseblasphemener]

There's a great English bookstore in Seoul in the Kyobo building, which is on the same street as Kyung bok dong, the big palace not far from City Hall and also Insa-dong. What city are you in?

[jsbankston]

Austin, Texas right now--just checking in advance.

[dulouz]

[Smee]

There's not much, and it's overpriced.

THere's the Kyobo bookstore in Gangnam, and there's Bandi and Luni's in COEX Mall in Seoul (Samseong station). Neither has an overwhelming selection, but you'll have to make do. Every now and again you'll find a store with a very small selection of classics and magazines (there's a place in Bundang, for example).

whatthebook is popular, although some might have ideological reasons against it. For the most part you'll need to do without. Buy what you can in Texas, and if you take a vacation to other parts of Asia you can stock up there.

[blaseblasphemener]

There are English book stores in all the major cities. And since Korea is so tiny, you can go to a big city by bus or train conveniently and cheaply if need be and stock up on books. This is definitely not something to worry about, but I would suggest ordering a ton of books on the Amazon free shipping deal they have in the US before you come over here. Cheaper and much better selection.

[Smee]

[jsbankston]

The reason I mentioned Western restaurants is I figured if Korea was getting that Westernized there was the possibility of English-language bookstores.

[blaseblasphemener]

[Missile Command Kid]

[Lizara]

If you're in Seoul, you'll have no trouble finding English books... but if you're picky about what you like to read, you might struggle a bit. I recommend whatthebook as it's the cheapest option and it's big enough that I can usually find something of interest.

If you're looking for a specific book... unless it's well-known or about Korea, you probably won't be able to find it. The Internet is a wonderful invention.

[gypsyfish]

What the Book also has a good supply of magazines and will generally order requested magazines, too,

[Corporal]

Someone here (can't remember who) recommended www.bookcloseouts.com, so I gave them a try. My books got here fast and for a great price. Friendly service, too.