Korean Job Discussion Forums

[wittman2]

I've got an offer to teach in this area, does anyone know anything about it? Is it a nice area? Is it a big city or more rural? Close to Seoul or far off the beaten path?

Thanks for any advice!

[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, near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[nicholas_chiasson]

Is this the GANGNEUNG in Gangwon-do? a City of 250,000 people, with a great metro area over 300,000. The major population center of coastal gangwon-do. Yes... you're in the sticks. The city itself is rather large, and has excellent beaches. THere is an emart, and a small handful of foreign bars. There is a university and many women. They don't like me however.

[genezorm]

also remember cohiba's rule sucks balls

believe it or not some people prefer not to live in seoul and be in close proximity to thousands of annoying foreigners

gangneung is a pretty nice place

[Cohiba]

[nicholas_chiasson]

Oh yeah! For entertainment I go to THE PC bang.
Not A PC bang
THE pc bang
My town is so small if you turn around you can't see it!
I'm so rural the kids come over and ask me for food.
I'm so nowhere I can hear frogs in the rice paddy
I think Gangneung is a pretty hip place for Gangwon-do yo!

[hattub]

I'm living in Gangneung and love living here. I've been in the area for almost 2 years. Most of the teachers that come here end up staying more than a couple of years because they love it here.

Beautiful beaches for the summer, great ski resort for the winter, nice people, clean air, good food and lots of fun. There are enough foriegners here for you to make as many friends as you wish.

Lived in Seoul for a year, couldn't stand it. To crowded for me. Gangneung is much more relaxing. And if you want to go to Seoul its only 3 hours away.

[Neil]

I lived nearby for a couple of years, it has the best of both worlds, good beaches, near good areas for hiking, fishing, skiing ect for the nature types and it has a decent downtown area with some nice bars for the entertainment types. Seoul is about 2 1/2 hours away, buses are regular and cheap.

[wittman2]

Does it have a decent shopping area? Some stores like a GS shopping center, a technomart type place, or is it mostly mom and pop groceries? Any movie theaters nearby?

[DongtanTony]

hey gangneung folks...

sorry i don't mean to hijack the thread...but I was just researching this place the other day...the train from Seoul/Suwon seems ridiculous...

Do you guys take an express bus to this side?

[nicholas_chiasson]

yes...there is an express way. NO traffic it is under 3.5 hours. Traffic? Who knows.

[cazzy3]

been here 16 months and won't be leaving anytime soon. air quality is some of the best in korea, people are generally laid back, nice foreigners living in and around the town, and beaches/mountains for outside activities.

there is enough shopping for everything you need, but if you fancy western food, it lacks that. night life is pretty low key, mostly bars. a couple of korean night clubs but nothing comparable to the larger cities.

most of us here enjoy it as mentioned before- there are many people that live/stay here for multiple years so that says a lot about the city.

[cazzy3]

btw- express bus to East Seoul is 2.5 hours from Gangnung and runs every half hour. There are buses to almost all the mid/major cities of Korea.

[DongtanTony]

thanks for the info cazzy3...

By East Seoul....do you mean the "Express Bus Terminal" bus station/subway stop?? Or do you typically get dropped off in a different location??

Thanks for your help!

[cazzy3]

the express bus terminal and green #2 subway line are located at the same place- just across from techno mart. when you exit the subway, just cross the street and head to the second floor for tickets to Gangnung....except they spell it Kang-reung!!