Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Oreovictim]

I'd like to move to either Ilsan or Bundang. Could someone let me know which dongs are good, please?

I'd like to move to an area that's close to coffee shops, or a university, or just an area with life, really. I want to avoid dead areas or places that are on the outskirts of the city.

[BTSskytrain]

bundang is a very family oriented area. some very nice parks, surrounded by mountains and very clean compared to seoul. samsung plaza is very convenient and has everything you could possibly want or need. there is a small ESL social scene with some decent bars in samsung plaza but nothing that even comes close to itaewon or the kangnam area. easy bus or subway access to seoul as well. if nightlife, getting drunk, and partying is your priority then i wouldn't recommend bundang. if otherwise then i think you'd really enjoy bundang.

skytrain

[caniff]

For Ilsan, probably Jeongbalsan is the best. It is near LaFesta and Western Dome (huge shopping and entertainment districts), and its on the subway line. Baeksok, Madu, Jeeyop, and Daewha are also okay (they are also along the line).

Anywhere close to the subway line is okay (it runs down the main street of the city) for convenience and whatnot.

Not saying you have to live right next to a station, but I lived there for 4 years and that is kind of how the city is laid out. Also, Lake Park is nearby LaFesta, and you would probably like living in close proximity as it's pretty cool.

Don't live in "old Ilsan" in places like Tahnhyun on the other side of the commuter rail. Those areas blow.

[The Perfect Cup of Coffee]

Yeah, like skytrain said, if you're headed to Bundang make sure you're near Seohyun/Samsung Plaza. Don't get stuck in some residential area on the edges of Bundang-dong. It's not too far from Samsung Plaza, but a bit of a pain in the arse if you want a decent meal or coffee.

Sunae and Jeongja are alright and near enough to Seohyun and also have their own smaller areas with coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs/hofs.

[bassexpander]

In Bundang, once you're to Moran station, you're out of Bundang and into older/poorer Seongnam. In my opinion, try to stay between Yatap station and Migeum station for Bundang. Anywhere in between is going to be richer.

[cwaddell]

As another poster said, in Ilsan, try and get near to La Festa, or at least somewhere close to the subway line. The "kalbi row" part of La Festa is totally jumping at the weekends. A great atmosphere and some absolutely amazing food.

I lived in Jungsan-dong (next to Tanhyeon-dong), and it was fairly dull. However, like most areas in Korea, it still has most necessities. It also has a full size modern running track, a nice part, and football pitch.

After a year though, I got tired of the constant buses/taxis to Jeongbalsan.

[Oreovictim]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll be applying for a new job next week, and I'm still not sure if I want to move to Ilsan or Bundang. I've been to Ilsan once, and I really liked the area around the Lake Park. Plus, there are quite a few rock climbing gyms and there's a new Costco.

I've never been to Bundang, but a lot of my Korean friends talk about how great it is. So is Ilsan and Bundang pretty similar then? I think that either would be a step up from Cheongju.

[mr. positive]

I live right near Jeongja Station and I must say it is convenient, high-class (but not cheap) living, but if you're an English teacher, you don't have to live the high and can still rake in and save a good deal of dough here. The hangouts are nice, but they cost, but I've never been into the greasy HOF scene, so I don't mind paying a little when I got out. Sure wish I could figure out where the other foreigners are, though! I see them on the streets, but I do mostly privates so I haven't really met any foreigners yet. (probably doesn't help that it's winter)