Korean Job Discussion Forums

[14391988]

Hi all

I have read the relevant posts on Dave's and conducted research on the internet, but have not found all that much on Hwaseong City. I have accepted a Gepik contract in Hwaseong, and am thus trying to find out more about the place. Could anybody tell me more about it? I have been placed at an elementary school near Sangang bus terminal. Does anybody know this area? Any information would be muchly appreciated. I would also like to get in touch with fellow English teachers in the area.

Thanks!

[Jeweltone]

Hwaseong is a loosely conglomorated group of country villages (ri) that someone decided should be called a city. There are more urban parts of the area, but most of it is country. Lots of pig farmers out there, and rice. Some areas are better than others (Bongdam, Gunpo). Suwon is nearby, and Seoul is a 90 minute subway ride away, so you are not without social options if you are near the bus station. The train from Suwon station takes 30 minutes to Seoul.

Hwaseong is famous in Korea only for a serial killer who struck in the 1990s; he was never caught. In December 2006, four women disappeared from the area and were never found. Suspicions flew. If you are female, be very careful late at night, as there are some aggressive drunks in the area (I speak from experience).

I lived in Byeongjeom for a year and I hated it, but Suwon was ok.
The people were not friendly at all, and my living arrangements were third-world at best (no heat or water at times during the winter). Be careful of yoru health as well; personal hygiene is a bit limited in certain parts of the area...let's just say the local pharmacy has a basket on the counter full of parasite medicine (with charming cutsey cartoons of various many-toothed bugs you can get).

I personally can't see the charm of this area of Gyeonggi province, but this is just my opinion. If you like the slow life and like to keep to yourself, then this is the right place for you. I think it is an easier place for a man to live than a woman.

[14391988]

Hi Jeweltown,

Thanks for your post. That gives me quite a lot to think about! Does anyone else have any info?

[articulate_ink]

[Otherside]

Ah, and I thought I knew all the teachers in DumpJeom. Pretty much everyone I know has been here between 3-6months (or less).

I have no idea how you lasted a year and a half here.

[Jeweltone]

I lasted a year...barely. I know you, Articulate Ink, btw. Are you still living across from the station in the condemned building (at least, it should be condemned)?

As I said, Suwon isn't too bad...it is a nice long walk to the fortress from the station. That long walk helped me keep my sanity on many occasions...Bongdam (half hour ride on the 32) has a nice (but cheesy) health club/ jimjilbang.

[14391988]

Hi guys

Thanks for your advice. Would it be fair to say that your advice to me would be to avoid Hwaseong like the plague?

[Jeweltone]

Yes, if you need an active social life.