Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Forbidden-Donut]

I'm looking at jobs in Busan currently, and don't know much of anything about the different areas of Busan.

Can someone give me a rundown of the different areas, and their pros/cons?


thanks

[Lao Wai]

Hey,

I lived in Busan for two years. Now, although it has been about 4 years since I've lived there, I still have friends there and went back to visit about a year ago.

Haeundae:

This is a 'new town' or newer section of the city. There's a beach, a building with Starbucks, TGI Fridays, etc. It's a cool area if you like the beach.

Pusan National University area (PNU):

This is the area where I lived. I loved it. I didn't live right in PNU but a few subway stops away. You can find anything you need here...good restaurants, starbucks, shopping, etc. It can be pretty crowded and 'thumping' at times, though. Narrow little streets. It has quite a few 'foreigner bars', which was very convenient for me. It was easy to feel like you were part of the expat community.

Kyungsung University area:

This is the area I lived in during my second year in Busan. It's quite similar to PNU as it's a university hangout area. I lived in Daeyeondong and would walk to Kyungsung area. Again, very similar to PNU. It has a number of foreign bars as well. I didn't know many other foreigners in the area, though. I also found that it didn't take too long to get to Kwangali beach by subway from here.


My friends lived in other areas but didnt' seem to enjoy them. They felt a bit isolated and usually ended up hanging with us in either PNU or Kyungsung. I know there was a small but thriving foreign community on Young-do island (I think that's the name). It's near Nampodong markets and Jagalchi fish market. I always found Nampodong and Jagalchi to be sketchy but interesting.

Anyway, I do remember friends living in Hadan (sp?) and Hwamyeongdong and not being happy with those places.

That's all I can remember. Good luck! Here's the subway map.

[bayou bengals]

I agree with Lao Wai that Haeundae, PNU, and Kyungsung Univ areas are good places to live. I've been living in PNU now for 6 months and really enjoy it.

Another area to consider is Seomyeon. Its located in the center of the city and is loaded with restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you're looking for more of an expat community then I think the neighborhoods mentioned above might be better for you (though Seomyeon does have a few expat bars). But Seomyeon is probably one of the busiest places on the weekends and has a lot to offer as well...I've always had a good time when I go there. It can be a little too crowded at times...so I guess it really just depends on what your looking for and what kind of lifestyle your hoping to find. I also know a few folks that live in Hwamyeondong and Dongnae and they seem to really enjoy those places too (though they usually don't hang out there on the weekends).

Also, check out pusanweb.com. This question has been asked and discussed many times on their discussion forum. Good luck in your search.

[andrew]

.....

[Homer]

I have been in Busan since 1997...Lao named some good areas to live in.

I would say Dongnea is also pretty decent as is Gwanganlee.

Good luck and if you have questions pm me.

[Lao Wai]

Homer....I wonder if I know you? If you hung out at Crossroads or Soultrane chances are we know of each other. I was there from 2001-2003. My people were of the ECC variety.

[eagle7cmg]

I'm currently teaching in Yongin City, and my contract is up in about 4 months. I'd like to find a good school to teach at in Busan. Anyone have some recommendations? I visited Haeundae Beach and loved that area. I hope I can find a reputable school there with decent pay.
Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Homer]

Lao..I hung out at Crossroads and the Traine back then for sure.....we might have seen each other out there indeed....then again I slowed down on the bar scene quickly...it gets old fast!