Korean Job Discussion Forums

2CuteNCanadian · Joined: 10 Dec 2003

Hey thanks for the information. This is my first time to Korea. Initially I had narrowed my destination to either Seoul bc there are so many things to do and a great night life.....then my second pick was Busan b/c I love the beaches.
Basically I like a lively entertaining lifestyle. However, I also enjoy a relaxing escape to the country/mountain side, baking on the beach or just hangin' out. So I'm torn. I don't want to be left in a place where there's not much to do leaving me with little of a social atmosphere. However I don't want to miss out on a cultural experience either. I guess I'm just looking for a balance. The financial savings is a going concern. Yes Seoul is more expensive than other cities, but is there a big difference savings wise. I'm really excited about meeting other foreigners aswell.....Any additional info is well appreciated

Kalhoun · Joined: 30 May 2003 Location: Land of the midnight noise!

Go for Seoul. It's my drug of choice!! you can always go out to the country on the weekends. BTW, where in Canada are you from?

Play hard!
Kalhoun

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Additional info?

Busan beaches suck, so don't buy into whatever you've been told about them. In my opinion, the best beaches and mountains are on the east coast.

You'll learn more about Korean culture outside of Seoul, but a good deal of what you learn may not by enjoyable.

If you want to be involved with the expat community come to Seoul. Korea's a tiny country and with a little planning ahead (buying train tickets) you'll be able to see all the mountains and beaches you want.

2CuteNCanadian · Joined: 10 Dec 2003

lookingtoteach · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

Hey I'm from Moncton. When are you going? I'll be near(ish) Seoul, too.

Emma Clare · Joined: 24 May 2003 Location: Anseong, sung, song.

This is exactly the same conumdrum I had before I came to Korea. I wanted the social scene, and I wanted fresh air and mountains.

I flew in first and then got a job as I couldn't make up my mind. I ended up in the 'country', in a farm city called Anseong. Big mistake!! There is very little to do here in terms of entertainment (although I am lucky enough to have about 20 other foreigners living in the area. There's a big gang of us!) and few good facilities, even though the place has a relatively large population.

I'd go for the suburbs of Seoul, like Bundang for instance. Anywhere on the subway line. Very important! I have the problem of having to use the express bus to get into Seoul, which, on a bad day can take up to 2 hours, then there's the subway to tackle, and that's before I get to meet up with anyone! Big headache! Plus, it means I have to either stay out all night, pay for a motel room, or doss on someone's floor as the buses don't run after about 9pm, and obviously living 60k away a taxi is out of the question.

erlyn · Joined: 08 Jun 2003 Location: Incheon, South Korea

Hey! I'm from Halifax as well! Sometimes I think that half the population of under 30s of Nova Scotia is over here.

Please, pick Seoul.You can always go and visit other areas on weekends, and the amenities of Seoul make it worth it. If you go into serious food culture shock, there's a lot more "western" options available to you in Seoul. Sure, there's lots of ways to spend your money, but you don't have to. You can just get out and go "eye-shopping" as they call it here - that's pretty amusing itself. Or, you can hit Bukhan park and climb Bukhansan or Dobongsan for a break. I love being able to take a subway to a hiking trailhead. If you want even more nature, you can come out to Incheon (where I live), and relax on the beaches of the islands next to the airport. Nothing like home (what with the mudflats and tent cities), but pretty good for a subway trip outside the city. I think that in Seoul, you can get the best of both worlds. Let us know what you choose!

2CuteNCanadian · Joined: 10 Dec 2003

Hey Everyone,
Thanks so much for your replies. I really really want to go to Seoul. Perhaps some of you might be able to help me. I've been considering numerous contracts. Unfortunately, the only two decent ones are in Sanbon, and Kwangju. I finally thought I had found one in Seoul, but then conditions suddenly started to change and the contract was sketchy. Furthermore the recruiter got really pushy.
Any suggestions; good schools, good areas, good recruiters would be greatly appreciated. My friend and I are both looking to teach in the same school...Both coming from the Maritimes. HEY!!! We'll have to have a "MARITIMERS" party when we get there!!!!