Korean Job Discussion Forums

madcap · Joined: 04 Dec 2006 Location: Gangneung, Korea

This is my first post and I'm thinking about heading to Korea in the next several months. I've been looking at jobs in Sokcho and Jeju because I like the idea of beaches and mild winters. Sokcho also appeals to me because of the mountains and snow that are nearby. I was wondering if anyone had some other suggestions for good cities. I am looking for something on or near the coast and close to mountains or a national forest would be ideal. I am very outdoorsy and don't particularly like large cities (<300,000), though it would be nice to have a variety of bars to chose from when I go out. It would be nice to have a number of expats there as well because this is my first time teaching overseas and it would be nice to have a slower immersion. Anyone have some ideas/advice? Any good recruiters?

cwaddell · Joined: 23 Jan 2006

I'm approaching the end of my first year in Ilsan, and even though it's been great in every way, I am also looking to satisfy my beach/mountain fetish for my second year.

This first year has also reaffirmed that I don't need Seoul to have a good nightlife, so I've no problems looking towards smaller cities and towns. If you can't make your own fun getting smashed and having a laugh in a few hofs, you must be pretty dull to start with. So ignore the cries of "If you don't live in/near Seoul you will die of boredom!"

I'm looking at the same places as yourself, Jeju-do, Sokcho, and also....look into Gangneung, which is sandwiched between Odae-san NP and some nice beaches. I went to Seorak-san NP recently, and the quick look I had of Sokcho looked decent enough. The beach is pretty good, it's a mere 15 minutes to the mountains (W10,000 taxi), and I bet there's enough drinking there to carve out some good fun.

The only thing I miss from home is a good live music scene. I'm sure there'll be feck all gigs in the likes of Sokcho etc, but you're hardly overwhelmed with attractive options even in Seoul (Hongdae occassionally), so I've came to terms with that being a bit of a closed chapter while I'm here.

So, I agree....bring on the beaches and mountains.

TiGrBaLm · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Hubcap of Asia

Takeshima... oops I mean Dokdo

BigBuds · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Changwon

Geoje Island

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

Seoul. Its got everything you need. I lived in a sattelite city before, and that was misearable. I have a friend in mopo who finds that harsh. simply put, you cant't go wrong with seoul.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

I'm a city girl, so of course, I want nothing but Seoul all the way. After living in Seoul, I think every city is small, except Tokyo or NYC.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

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

The Korean countryside depresses me. Seoul has enough parks and mountains to hike around if you're feeling too cramped by the urban setting.

Moldy Rutabaga · Joined: 01 Jul 2003 Location: Ansan, Korea

I think you will find that you can't have both-- a small city and a good expat scene. There just are no amenities until you go to the bigger centres.

I discourage Jeju as a place to work. It still has winter and the isolation can get to you. As well, because it has prestige, conditions and pay tend to be poorer because of competition.

My first job was in Busan. Nice place. Lots of beaches, decent bars (if that's what you like), mild winter weather, mountain hiking, KTX train links. Rainy in summer and traffic from Hades, but again, you're not going to get everything right in Korea.

Ken:>

poet13 · Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:30 am Post subject:

Bangkok, but it's not on the subway line.

Demonicat · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Location: Suwon

Yeah, yeah. Seoul has just took Asia's most expensive city for expats for the second year running, but really does that even apply. According to the survey that ran it they were testing for luxury goods and costly grocery items. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that that is more for the burberry and blueberry set that we are not part of. Seriously, living in Seoul can be expensive if your posh, or cheap if your not.

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

Sokcheo and Gangnueng are both pleasant, medium-to-small size cities. Both are within easy access of the coastal beaches and hiking/skiing in winter. Gangnueng has a slightly bigger "foreigner" scene than Sockcheo and more bars to choose from. Chuncheon is also a nice place but further away from the beach.

I can't really recommend Jeju for the simple fact that getting off and on is a major pain if you are interested in visiting the rest of Korea (140,000 round trip ticket or 14-hour ferry ride). If that aspect doesn't bother you too much, consider Seogwipo over Jeju City, a bit more scenic and with easier access to outdoorsy activities but virtually dead in terms of expat activities.

Gyeongju and perhaps Yeousu might be two other places worth considering.

Sina qua non · Joined: 20 Jun 2006

Pyeongyang's pretty swank. There's running water and electricity for 12 hours a day.

Sometimes, a car even comes down the road.

VanIslander

BigBuds said it all. Geoje Island is for you!