Korean Job Discussion Forums

[aphasia83]

So I think I'm leaning toward Busan, and I'd like to know where I should try to live within the city in order to have access to as many of these things a possible:

- cycling/jogging paths... or at least nice places to take a stroll
- decent gyms
- at least a little bit of nature nearby (parks?)
- I usually rely on shopping for food at markets, so access to these would be great
- hiking not too far away

Thanks for your help!

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

I'd recommend Somyeon.

[GoldMember]

Anywhere that has working smoke detectors. Serious!

Fire proof doors and a fire escape that is not clogged with stuff would also help.

Come to think of it, such places don't exist!

[afsjesse]

Seomyeon is a nice area, busiest in the city. I personally like Nampodong. Its the downtown and has movie theatres, the Gukji Market, a few foreigners to mingle with and is generally clean on the main drag. Dongnae is ok, the majoirity of foriengners live there, but its a bit out of the way from things. Although relatively close to PNU, the main party area.

Hope this helps. I live in Dadaepo Beach which is beyond F'ing Egypt. Dont come here unless you like peace and quiet.

[Temporary]

I would preferably live in a House or Shelter of some sort!

[denistron]

Heaundea New Town is where it's at. It is the new part of town, well organized and generally much cleaner. It is near Jan Mountain which has loads of trails and parks. Lots of big department stores, western restaurants, a million bars and cafes. Near the most famous beach in Korea, albeit not the best reasons to move here cause the beach gets insanely crowded. In the morning the beach is pretty much deserted, which is great for jogging. Although it's on the edge of town, you are a 15 minute subway ride from the Kyunsung area. Probably the best place to live in Korea IMHO.

[aphasia83]

Thanks, that was incredibly helpful! Sounds like Haeundae is where I should be (I'm not so keen to live right in the middle of a busy area, or concrete jungle). If anyone is still reading this thread, can you tell me how long it would take to travel from, say, Jangsan station to Seomyeon?

[chevro1et]

Jangsan - Seomyeon on the subway is between 35 and 40 minutes. In bUsan, the general rule for the subway is ~2 min per stop, and add about 5 min for any transfer that you make.

[ryouga013]

I live in Guemgok-dong and although that might be a few minutes out, there are a few gyms, hills, about 3minutes biking distance from a flat area near the river. Also, my apartment is right next to a mountain with trails for hiking. or walking. In fore mentioned mountain there are different "outside gyms" that were set up that you could go to any time of the day for free. Basic bars for pull ups, benches for abs, a few weights, hoola hoops, etc.

There are also three commuter buses that come in through the area so you can transfer to the subway fairly easily, or take the 111-2 bus to Seomyeon.

Lotte Mart and a Hanaro-Mart (Nyong-Hop) are two bigger grocery stores that are within about 10minutes by bus.

I have complained a bit about some of the people that I interact with here in other posts but the area in general is pretty nice.

[aphasia83]

Does anyone have opinions to share about the Namcheon area? Again, I'm hoping to live in a place that has at least some nice-ish walking/jogging areas around, decent gyms, maybe markets... not entirely high-rise/concrete everywhere.

[Sister Ray]

Dongnae is another good area of Busan. Cheaper rents than Haeundae and somewhat less crowded. Close to PNU and Seomyeon (5 mins to PNU, 15 to Seomyeon.) Also has a very big mountain looming behind it, which is both aesthetically appreciable and good for hiking if you are so inclined.

If you want even quieter than Dongnae you could head about 15mins north on line 1 to Guseo Dong. Residential area, maybe a bit nicer than Dongnae in terms of infrastructure, but less central.

[chevro1et]

[ella]

How are you defining "decent gyms?"

[aphasia83]

A decent gym, to me, is all about the atmosphere - updated equipment, varied activities (not just a treadmill and some freeweights) to keep me interested... that sort of thing.