Korean Job Discussion Forums

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

What's the suburb situation in Korea? I understand that most cities don't have suburbs, just rural land and apartment buildings/offices/stores pretty much. That's refreshing, coming from an area of the US full of strip malls and parking lots.

But, I have heard that Seoul does have suburbs. What are they like? Self-contained cities of their own that happen to be commuting distance to Seoul? Or are they mostly just bedroom communities? How do they compare to American suburbs?

Jack Bauer · Posted: Fri Jun 18, 2004 10:33 am Post subject:

Jack Bauer says that one thing you'll quickly need to adjust to is the sameness of Korea. It's pretty much the same food, same establishments, same high rise apartments, same products everywhere. It's a difference between big sameness and little sameness. Jack says if you can adjust to that, it's all good; if not, you'll be disappointed. One thing's for sure: When you go home you'll appreciate that variety that exists between American cities.

royjones · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Location: post count: 512

man only 19 posts and that is already super annoying..

anyway.. back to the topic.. I believe you would call them Self-contained cities of their own that happen to be commuting distance to Seoul. But as the freak said.. they look pretty much exactly the same as seoul, so its hard to distinguish where one stops and one ends.

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

noelinkorea · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: Shinchon, Seoul

There's a TV channel I get on my illegal cable link-up (maybe called C&M???) and as a filler they frequently show the "different" areas of Seoul, while playing nice accompanying music and city scenes of the buildings and life generally of the specific area. But it looks like anywhere to me. The usually show the wide main roads, halting taxis, screeching-by buses, and the odd 'beautiful' bridge...Makes me wonder how this place looks any different from that place...

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

Corporal · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

lepid gecko · Joined: 28 May 2004

royjones · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Location: post count: 512

Jack Bauer · Posted: Sat Jun 19, 2004 12:31 am Post subject:

Jack Bauer says that yes, he does have a big schtick and that yes, he can be annoying. But it's these qualities that make him endearing. Wink

royjones · Joined: 26 Mar 2004 Location: post count: 512

antznyopantz · Joined: 11 Nov 2004

This seems like the best thread for these questions.

I'm trying to decide on location in and around Seoul right now. What are yall's opinions on the various burbs around Seoul? Which are the best? worst? Also, in most Western cities, the Northwest section of a city tends to be the best and the Southeast the worst in terms of ecology and accordingly affluence. Is this Seoul? I was told that the center had no housing and that everyone commuted by an HR guy from a school– which sounded strange to me. Last one: Would I be better off holding out for a position in the center of Seoul or taking a job in a suburb with a reputable school? Any thoughts appreciated...

HamuHamu · Joined: 01 May 2003 Location: Seoul

Godzilla · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

I live in Daehangno, which is in Jongno-gu so I suppose in or near the centre of the 'old city'. It's a great place to live... I only ever leave it to work and play squash or footie. The missus likes it too. Lots of cool restaurants, coffee shops a couple of cinemas and a big, hilltop park (Naksan) behind the flat. I work in Gwanghwamun and that's only a 10min bike journey. All in all quite a nice existence really. If you can wangle it, the centre has a lot to offer!

McSnack · Joined: 09 Feb 2003

It depends on what kind of lifestyle you like. I've lived in both "downtown" and "suburban" Seoul and like suburban better. It's mellower the further out you get but action is only a taxi, bus or subway ride away. NIMBY is nice.