Korean Job Discussion Forums

chocolacharat · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

Does anyone know how much it would cost approx to drive from Suwon to Suncheon? YES I know its far. But I'm wondering. And I like driving long distances =P
Also, approx how long would it take?
Thanks in advance.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Never done it, but Naver estimates the time of travel from the middle of Suwon to the middle of Suncheon as 4.5 hours, and eestimates the price of gas as 40,000 won. Not sure about tolls. If you go to Naver you can type in Suncheon-si (순천시), pull up the map, and get driving directions, time, and cost. They estimate it would take 248,555 won by taxi, so don't do that.

chocolacharat · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

Really? Wow, that is really cheap! Thanks a lot.
I think I got a job offer there and I have a cat so I would rather drive there then fly. Too expensive to buy all of his travelling things. Thanks!

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Oh, and you asked about Big Sun Kindergarten. Never heard of it---there are scores of them in Suncheon---but I'm pretty sure this is the one you're looking for: http://local.naver.com/siteview/index?code=650145973 빅썬유치원. I work in that general area. I'll bet a lot of the kindergarten kids around here have had a foreign teacher before, as they say "hi" when they pass. (Normally kindergarten kids don't even notice foreigners).

chocolacharat · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

Really? What's life there like? Is it exciting, or quiet? I got a really good job offer from there. I don't know how difficult it will be, but the money seems enough motivation for me.
Let me know!

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

I'm not sure how to compare it exactly to Suwon, but I like Suncheon. It's smaller than what you're used to, and there are about 270,000 people here. I find it pleasant---not too big, not too small---the people are friendly, and the area is scenic. There's more shopping and restaurants than what I was used to in rural Korea . . . a few department stores, two movie theaters, some non-Korean restaurants. There's some good hiking here, a nice stream that runs through the city, a few significant temples, and a bus terminal connected to cities all over the country.

I guess its not exciting in the same sense as Seoul and its surrounding cities, but I find there's enough to do. You'll probably find it quieter than "downtown" Suwon---the area around Suwon Station is more built up than Suncheon---but in my opinion Suncheon looks pretty similar to just about every other place in Korea. Lots of apartments, churches, and the typical stores you'll find anywhere else. My weeknights are pretty quiet---by design---and I'd spend them pretty much the same way I would anywhere else. There is a university and a few colleges, so there are young people around, and there are a fair number of foreigners here, too. On weekends its easy enough to do siteseeing around town, see a movie, see a play or a classical music concert, visit one of the few foreigner-friendly bars, or stroll through one of the pedestrian shopping areas. Like I said buses go all over the place, and Gwangju and Jinju are about 80 minutes away, while Yeosu is about 40 minutes by bus (faster, I guess, since you have a car).

You can run a search on this site for Suncheon and pull up a few threads. Post any more questions, if you have them, and I'll try to get to them. There's one or two other Suncheon people lurking here, so maybe they'll add their two cents, too. Most people I talk to---Korean and foreign---like it here, for what that's worth.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Don't forget the tolls, they would be about 40 000 won as well. On a good day you could do Suwon to Suncheon in maybe 3.5 - 4 hours on the most direct route, via Daejeon and Jinju.

I wouldn't call that a long drive...

Samantha · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Location: Jinan-dong Hwaseong

instead of driving try the trains/bus.....it might take longer but you won't have to pay as much.

Hire a Bongo truck to move your stuff down for you take a suitcase with you on the train/bus and the cat in it's carrier and you're good to go. I know at the bus terminal near Emart there's a bus to Suncheon. I think you should be able to get a KTX train somewhere near Suncheon and then take a local bus over.

It's another option to consider.

chocolacharat · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

Yeah but I really want to see Korea. By DRIVING.
Also, I dont have a carrier for my cat. Cant find one that is small enough, also they are so expensive. So no to that idea. It's cheaper to drive.
Thanks though! ^^

Samantha · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Location: Jinan-dong Hwaseong

no worries it was just a thought.

You can get a smaller carrier at the pet shop that is two (possibly three) intersection from Suwon station. It's a straight shot down the road that has the Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Dominos on it. It's Gaya groomers/pet supplies. It's a pink a building next to the tire shop with a dinosaur on the side in neon.

I remember seeing some small soft side ones and I think they have a small hard size airplane style carrier. In case you decide that you need one for the car.

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Driving on the expressways in Korea can be a very frustrating experience. The #15 (Seoul-Mokpo) is slow going south, on saturdays, and slow, on sundays, going north. In some section it will take you over 2 hours to go 20 km. Hence the 4 or 5 hour trip. I think your toll fee would be in the 30,000 won area. From seoul to daegu costs abou 15,000

I'm not sure about the secondary highways though. But, most secondary highways have a speed limit of 80km/h. But, if you have a few days to burn, buy a good road map and drive on the secondary roads.