Korean Job Discussion Forums

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Hi, I have been looking for work in areas like Gangnam, Chamshil, Shinchon/Hongdae and Itaewon but not really having much luck.

I read on here somwhere the other day that some of the outlying suburbs or cities are actually better and quicker to get to central Seoul than from in some districts in the city itself.

Can anyone recommend any of these places? If we can't be in central Seoul then we would at least be able to get there in 30minutes or less, if thats even possible. We basically want to be in a place with some western comforts, good shops and restaurants.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

What is your definition of central Seoul ... I don't put some of the places you have named as Central Seoul - What specific things do you want to have easy access to?

This time when I was looking for a job I had a couple of specific places that I knew I wanted to have reasonably easy access to ... So as part of my "what I am looking for" message I sent to recruiters I included the two main places I wanted to be within around 30 minutes of ... And then when I was sent job possibilities I used the interactive subway map to get an approximate subway time to where I was interested in access to ... I also researched the specific place the school was as an extra check ...
To me this time looking for a job being in Seoul was a change (I was in Gyeonngido last year and around 40 minutes from the subway) ... but I knew from last year what places were most important to me ... And actually using the time-distance from places measure has actually ended up putting me in a place soon that will I think work well for me ... But I think I am looking for different things to you ...

Maybe literally get a map ... and then use the subway map to show you the names of places which are up to the time you want to be away from them ... It would widen your possible search area ...

Icicle

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Thanks, I don't actually know what central Seoul is, they were just areas I had heard were nice. I guess we just don't want to be an epic trek away from where the main shopping, eating and entertainment areas of Seoul are.
I know every area will have its own bars, restaurants and shops. Maybe you could tell me what the main area of Seoul is for all this, Seouls equivalent of Oxford St and Soho in London for example.

pugwall · Joined: 22 Oct 2006

RobbJK9 · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Location: Seoul, KR

I would put my vote with Goyang. Since it's the "new city," it's really spacious like an American city and not overly crowded like Seoul. The buses run into Dangsan, Edae, Gwanghwamun, Jongno, etc. in about 20-30, the Westerndom near Madu and Jeongbalsan has tons of western restaurants, Lake Park is beautiful in Spring and Fall, and the housing is pretty cheap, too. My friends are living in a really big, clean room in Hwajeong for 5000/35.

I'd still be living there if my girlfriend and volunteer activities weren't in the south.

jadarite · Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2008 5:04 am Post subject:

Man, the Seoul area don't matter!!!!! Go anywhere. I have been trekking up the past 4 weeks visiting the east and west side, finally going down to Pyeongtaek. I visited a friend in Suwon one night. Even down in Pyeongtaek, you just get a subway ticket (less than 2,000 won), and you can go anywhere.

I haven't seen a place I wouldn't be happy living in. The living expenses might be high where you want.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Ilsan

Roch · Joined: 24 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Chris Kwon · Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Location: North Korea

Just curious, how are some English teachers finding a place in Gangnam? Is there affordable housing there?

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

can anyone add to this, or even name some of the satellite cities that are decent places to live and easy and quick to get to Seoul from?

esetters21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Location: Seoul

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

Nowon-gu is a decent place to live. It's more relaxed than other areas but still in Seoul, planned so it's better laid out than most other districts, offers enough amenities that you don't have to leave but has enough transportation options (subway lines 4, 6, and 7 all run through Nowon) that leaving isn't much of a problem when you want to. Plus, it (along with Daechi) is a hagwon hotbed, so there are plenty of jobs there.

I don't know much about Seoul's satellite cities, but I will say don't move to Incheon. It's pretty terrible.