Korean Job Discussion Forums

[socky_bomb]

Offered a job right next to Songtan yesterday and I have to give them a decision within a few hours here.

I just do not want to live in a community that is, what? ... 40% American and 90% of that is army guys? That's not the culturally enriching experience I'm looking for. Its a GEPIK job though, so no worries about the school.

What do you guys think?

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?

Or there's no way you should risk a year of being miserable with your location if you can roll the dice and hope another offer comes along?

[TheresaTheresa]

If the only thing that is unsatisfactory for you is the Americans in the community I would say take the job and discover other places nearby and build relationships with the locals in your environs. If there are other issues with the offer then maybe you should look for something else.

[willteachforfood]

I've never been anywhere in Korea, outside of Itaewon, that was SO full of foreigners that it didn't feel Korean.

I am not familiar with Songtan, but my guess is that even if it's right outside a base that you don't need to go more than 3-4 blocks until it feels just like anywhere else in Korea.

[northway]

[wylies99]

OP, Songtan is not "40% Americans" except right at Main Gate during a military payday weekend. You'll see plenty of Koreans and get a full Korean experience.

As for Insadong, it's almost always filled with Koreans. You'll seem some foreigners but there are still plenty of Koreans there.

[Dazed and Confused]

The above poster is probably right. I have known GIs in Yongsan who have never been to Hongdae, Chongno, Shinchon, Insadong, or anywhere outside the base except Itaewon. I think there is a very real possibility you wont see any more foriegners than you would any other place in Korea.

[sojusucks]

OP, who is pressuring you, the recruiter? Don't let anyone do that to you. Tell them you want a school in your desired location and don't let anyone squeeze you like that.

[bobbybigfoot]

Depends on how badly you need a job. Sometimes you have to suck it up and make the best of your situation. Other times you don't.

Are you broke?
Are you unemployable back home?

[morrisfletcher]

What I learned is that you have to decide what are total deal breakers. In other words no offer is going to be perfect. Just figure out what you absolutely cannot tolerate, and for everything else don't worry about it. I felt the way you do now before I came.......I turned down a few positions, and later regretted it because in the grand scheme of things I just wanted to come to Korea and work.
And like others have said, you won't need to go far to feel like your in Korea.

[Loza]

[cyui]

Well, I don't think it's a quuestion of whether you need a job or not.

If you already know you're going to be unhappy, why bother? No point in

being miserable for an entire year ( or longer). It sounds like you already

made up your mind.

[sojusucks]

OP, what did you decide to do?

[liz88]

seriously, don't let anyone talk you into anything. They're just pressuring you because it's their benefit if you accept...and believe me you'll get other offers, and ones more specific to your desires....I turned down one job a couple weeks ago and I've gotten several since then....so don't rush into anything if you're not ready!

[socky_bomb]

[sirius black]

After the fact but why didn't you actually visit the place before turning it down? Go there at a time when you think it would be at its worst for what you fear like a Friday or Saturday afternoon and night when one would assume the military would be out in full force.

I had a GEPIK interview in an area that I was 'warned' would be boring and not fun, yadda, yadda and actually liked the place after visiting. I didn't take the job because my 1st choice came in but I wouldn't have minded it as a second choice.

See for yourself next time and stop relying on rumors and stories. Its possible this could have been the better area.