Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pandapanda]

I was accepted by EPIK for a level 1 position in Incheon and am now thinking of changing my application to Gangwon. Basically, I'm looking for some advice to help me make my mind up.

Incheon
+ Probably around the Seoul subway line meaning I would be about 1 hour from Seoul station.
+ Incheon city itself is quite big so city like things there such as a gym and people.
+ Very close to the airport when so fast access when I wanted to travel. (not that frequently)

- I would get 2.3m.
- I hear metropolitan areas are more strict when it comes to making you work during the summer/winter breaks.


Gangwon
+ I would get 2.4-2.65m depending on location and if I taught at multiple schools.
+ Higher chance of more free time during the summer/winter breaks.
+ Rural place so beautiful nature around for hiking/cycling/skiing.
+ Higher chance of multiple schools which would increase the variety.
+ Easier to learn Korean as there would be fewer English speakers.

- Rather icy during a quite long winter.
- Commute probably longer.
- Higher chance of multiple schools which would make it harder to get to know students and maybe increase the number of lessons I would have to plan.
- Probably not as close to a gym which I would want to be able to go to 3/4 times a week.
- Students may be less capable/motivated due to being a rural area.

[jellobean]

So your choice is pretty much between:

Less money in a metropolitan area that costs more (think of Incheon like an inner suburb of a major US city)....

More money in a rural area that costs less but will have a damn cold winter and may not have a gym (if you are in a city of less than 100,000), but cities can be reached in 1-2 hours by public transport...

[sojourner1]

I wonder if Gangwondo has those outdoor gyms like I see in nature areas in Changwon? I am thinking that hiking and working out in free outdoor gyms is Korea wide. I bet there is plenty of exercise, fresh air, and free spring water to be had in Gangwondo. Note, I believe that Gangwondo is best for experienced teachers who operate independently without that sense of expat community you find in larger cities.

[refikaM]

I live in a city of 90,000 in Gangwando. There are about 5 gyms that I know of here. There are also outdoor "gyms" situated in many places along popular walking/hiking routes. So, unless your city is way way small, there's a fairly good chance there'll be gyms available as well as other means to get a good workout outdoors.

[cbclark4]

If you apply the Ben Franklin Method your choice is Incheon.