Korean Job Discussion Forums

[holden_caulfield]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the top 5 Seoul neighborhoods that most resemble NYC life? It seems like if I get placed by SMOE then I'll be in a place similar to New Jersey or Connecticut. Close, but far away from city life.

I think Itaewon is a top neighborhood but is that like Times Square or Piccadilly Circus (cool place to hang around but not to live day-to-day)?

HC

[soviet_man]

The most upscale suburbs would be:

GANGNAM:
Daechi, Apgujeong, Yeoksam, Samseong, Cheongdam and the neighborhood around Gangnam station itself.

JONGNO:
Anywhere around Jongno-sam-ga.

SEOCHO:
Jamwon, Banpo.

YANGCHEON:
Mokdong

Itaewon/Hongdae/Sinchon and other night life areas all have an ick factor and lameness for my taste. I wouldn't enjoy living there.

But anywhere near a university or the river would be hard to go wrong - for finding cheap things and day-to-day living needs and interests.

[Lekker]

I live in Sangsu. Not very expensive, close to Hongdae, which is kind of shit at times.

Aside from that, it's not expensive at all, my place is nice, and I live within minutes from the Han River Park, which is a huge plus.

As far as resembling New York City. I lived in Brooklyn for some time and it reminds me a lot like Brooklyn, mainly of the attitude of the people, and the location, so close to a river. A lot of the people here are up front. No frills, no jokes, just living thier lives as the people they are. I don't mind it at all. And, the river nearby is what makes it all the better. I can walk out my flat and be directly accross from Yeouido within a five minute walk, or run.

Ask them if they can put you in a temporary housing for a month or two, and if they can help you with finding a flat that YOU choose. You need to find it yourself I say. I find it to be much more enjoyable when you live in a place that you found. It also shows them that they do not own you as much as they think they do and they will have more respect for you.

[holden_caulfield]

[Ginormousaurus]

[Ginormousaurus]

[milspecs]

itaewon is horrible

[Lekker]

You need to be firm with them from the start. They might have a lot of other applicants they are working with. Koreans like to do things very quickly. Who knows, they might just find some run down heap and throw you in. Once you're in, you're in, until you finish, whenever that may be.

Tell them up front your preferences as to what you are interested in in terms of living conditions. Nothing over the top, functional, and in a not so fancy neighborhood. They'll probably say something like "gibbidy deeba dooba bada bing," then put you in somewhere really nice or really shitty.

Tell them up front that you wouldn't mind them putting you into a temporary house. "Goshi Hwan/Goshi Tel (someone please correct me)" I think, is a student housing, usually they cost around 300 a month. You can pay month to month. They're really small but functional and scattered everywhere about in Seoul. You could camp out in one and on your off time from work hunt around the neighborhoods that meet your expectations and go from real estate agent to real estate agent. It's much nicer at the end of the day to walk into your flat and think "I found this. This is my home that I picked out." So much nicer.

Ask your future employer to write some kind of introduction letter in Korean, explaining who you are, who you work for, explaining that it is a legitimate company/organization, and take the letter to as many landlords as it takes, also make sure that the letter has contact info because they will want to speak to your future employer/supervisor. Eventually you will find a landlord who trusts you and would be more than happy to help you out. They might want you to put down a percentage of the deposit right on the spot, so be prepared. Make sure you come to Korea with enough money. I came across a bunch of interesting places before I found what I was looking for.

Also, don't sign a contract with anyone until you come to an agreement with them about what your housing situation will be. Any more questions please don't hesitate to ask. Good luck.

[amilin90]

[holden_caulfield]

amilin90 & Lekker,

What would be Seoul's version of Craigslist (USA), Loot (UK), or Gumtree (UK) to find an apartment? I looked in my contract and they give me a measly 300K per month if I don't accept the housing they provide for me.

Thanks!

[Binch Lover]

I don't think anyone has really answered the OP's question. If you're looking for a cool area to live with character, there are not many options. I live in Gangnam now and it's the most characterless place I've ever been. The bars tend to be overpriced and completely lacking in atmosphere. The people who tend to be attracted by a place like Gangnam are the most materialistic in society, not cool. 10 dollar drinks and a shit buzz.

I find the Hongdae area to be the best in terms of vibe. There are several universities in the area which gives it a unique character. Lots of small clothes shops, cool bars and clubs. There is also a small park there where people play music at night. I've seen some great busking there, tapdancing with bongoes and violins, hip hop stuff... There really is nowhere else in Seoul like it in my opinion.

[ciccone_youth]

i agree with Hongdae, it has the most character, and college-vibe.

around Jongno is more the 'downtown' of Seoul, it has a huge city feel, if that's what you want.... but not so much character.

i like Apkujeong, but it's expensive. it has so many cool stores and caf�s and art galleries, and a nice park.

[PeteJB]

There are also mini pockets of Seoul which are pretty nice, such as Boramae, Maebong, etc.

[Roch]

Omokgyo and Mokdong get my vote.

[Binch Lover]