Korean Job Discussion Forums

[norbyson]

Hi all,

I have a few offers in Korea. The one I am seriously considering is in Yeoung-Ju city. I am wondering what this city is like to live in? I have been informed by my recruiter I would be the only foreign teacher at the school. I do not have a problem being the only foreign teacher, I have done this before. It would be nice if there is an expat community in the area and places to hang out etc..

Also, I would like to know what the most livable cities are in Korea. Where a foreigner would feel the most comfortable. I would like a nice mix of city and countryside. I would enjoy activities such as; shopping (shopping malls and markets), nightlife, and the outdoors.

Thanks.

[SuperFly]

The city of Nambu, on the Western side of the Peninsula has 10 million people living in it, has everything that Seoul has in terms of western goods, museums, the Arts, entertainment, restaurants, and is also is a well planned metropolis. Nambu doesn't suffer congestion, smog, and it never rains.

In Nambu, you have the best of everything!

Nambu is a fictional city of course, but it would be awesome if Koreans could spread out a little.

[eddie1983man]

[norbyson]

[norbyson]

Any other insight would be appreciated......

[Cohiba]

Remember "Cohiba's Rule":

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell dart accessories, cuban cigars or
cowboy boots.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live in Incheon where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[Yaya]

I don't know what you like, but I hear the Ilsan district of Goyang, Gyeonggi Province (right above Seoul), is a happening place. It's close enough to city comforts but also peaceful enough not to feel like a big city.

[OnTheOtherSide]

I'm in the same situation as you Norbison. I finally got all of my documents and i'm ready to start applying. So i'm coming to a final decision on where to go.

I personally am NOT interested in Seoul. It sounds filthy, way too hectic, too fast paced, too urban, too polluted and too insane. It just sounds like it has way more than I would ever need or want, especially since I am not a city type of person anyway. And it seems to be seriously lacking in nature and peaceful places to retreat to and clear your head. Almost all of the miserable wrecks i've seen on the internet come from Seoul, or some tiny little town in the country it seems.

I am looking into Taegu a little bit. It sounds interesting enough, but it just doesnt jump out at me as being particularly happening, and I also heard that it i "the most conservative city in Korea", which doesn;t sound like my thing at all.

So I am looking at Busan. I have heard a LOT of good things about Busan and it is one of the only places in Korea in which I hear that people are having amazing times worth bragging about. I've had a lot of people strongly recomend Busan, much moreso than anywhere else. It's got beaches!

I have looked into it, and both Taegu and Busan appear to have enough Western and international amenities and resources to get by if I feel like something non-Korean. Seoul has more of course, but it looks like an unnesessarrily high amount. Personally, since I'm going to Korea, I plan on just eating Korean food, buying Korean clothes, and using Korean items almost all the time anyway. Why not? I guess i'm just ready to adapt and survive like the locals instead of clinging to old ways. And if there is something I am really wanting to get in Seoul, i'll just go there on a weekend sometime for it.

I was also looking into Daejon, Gwangju and Jeju island. I would love to be in a place that is quiet and has lot's of nature. But it's a little bit daunting to go to smaller cities in which it might be a lot tougher to get things done and perhaps have serious lacks of resources. Also I do want to have some social life and English speaking community, and i've heard that gets really tough in smaller areas.

So for me, Busan and Taegu sound just about right. Of course this is coming from someone who hasn't even been there yet either....So I would also be interested in hearing feedback on this. Where are the good spots?

[DRAMA OVERKILL]

[Fishead soup]

[oilme]

norbyson,
do you mean Yanju-Si? like an hour northeast of Seoul? if so, i live there now.

[esetters21]

I don't have any problems with being the only foreigner at my school either (which I'm not), but based upon some of the posts I read here it makes me happy that I live in Seoul. "To each his own", I guess. A general question deserves a general answer. Korea has many high population cities. That doesn't make them any different or special. If you have plans to live only one year here then go to Seoul,; and then figure it out for yourself afterwards.

[norbyson]

I greatly appreciate all your thorough insight - very helpful.

The city I was referring to is Yeoung -JU city - 'Oil me' I think you are right it is about an hour out of Seoul. What do you think of the place?

I guess it is true what some said here, you have to check the place out yourself to really find an area you are comfortable with although majority rules!....LOL. I mean, if enough people recommend a certain area it usually is good.

I been hearing Daegu is a nice place. Goyang seems to be great as well, so does Busan and Taegu. I will definitely do some research on these places.

Another concern I have is salary. Since I have over 4 years experience I would like to get a job that is as close to 3.0 mil won as possible. I think this is doable, do you agree?

Thanks again!

[Hyeon Een]

Cohiba and his 'rule' are useful for some people. For a lot of people it's a bunch of bullshit. If you like countryside/nature/rivers/ocean/mountains and have the ability to cook, and DON'T need to hit bars with foreigners during the week then Cohiba's rule is drivel. I live in Seoul but only because there's more employment opportunities here. I hope to move away in the next year or two. Some people like big cities, some people like beautiful surroundings.

To imply that one needs to live in Seoul is ridiculous. There are certain advantages in living here, but many many disadvantages too. I feel sorry for the people who come to Korea for one year, never leave Seoul, and then declare the country a miserable wasteland. They're only seeing a fraction.

Some people are idiots and make arbitrary 'rules' formed by projecting their own opinions which they think apply to everyone else in the world too. Like Cohiba. And his rule. So any potential newcomers reading this: please bear my comments in mind when considering "Cohiba's Rule".

[eddie1983man]