Korean Job Discussion Forums

[legalquestions]

Anyone live/socialize up there? Was told that there are a lot of American-style bars, restaurants, and nightclubs there catering to the troops and military contractors. Worth a trip up from Seoul?

[rkc76sf]

I've lived here for several years, both working as a teacher at the foreign language high school and also as a soldier. Think of Dongducheon as a capital D or football shaped () about 10 km long with the army post on the very north end of the city closest to Soyo mountain, the middle of town being very old and kind of run down and the south half being newly developed apartments and stores, restaurants, with family oriented parks and playgrounds. Almost all of the soldiers live in the north end where all of the American clubs and bars and filipino juicies work, some travel to the midtown and very few (you might see 2-3) live in the new town area where several high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools are.

[sarbonn]

20 years ago, Dongduchon used to make Playboy's top ten list of greatest party towns in the world. At one point, it made it to number one. I was stationed at Camp Casey (the post there) during that year, and yeah, it was quite the place to party. I imagine closer to post is probably where more GI-related things are happening, or at least things you'd expect around where GIs live. I also imagine that things have probably simmered down a bit over the years because of the growth of the Korean town around the post (and deeper into Dongduchon itself) and a number of military commanders who have been cracking down on the party atmosphere that existed in the military over the years. I know that even 20 years ago, there were some serious drives by military commands to eradicate this behavior in the daily lives of the soldiers (instituting drug tests, article 15s for STDs, etc.). There was also an evangelical wave that started running through the military in the officers' corps, and that was causing a lot of changes on overseas military posts.

I'm anxious to see the old stomping grounds now that I've back in Korea, and one of these days I will. I, too, am wondering if things have managed to remain in a bubble of time, or if everything is completely different these days.

[rkc76sf]

It's definitely changed since the first time I was here 10 years ago. Now there's the "new town" with all the high rise apartments and communities. Outside the base all of the prostitutes have been run off and only filipino girls work in the bars as bargirls. It's much more tame now than it was when I first came here in 1999.

[bakagai4649]

I live up by that way but I tend to avoid it but it's one of those one time trip things a lot of American and other international restaurants catering to solders and foreign factory workers. Cheap clothing. A lot of people speak english and you can get American money if you miss the feel of it. Here's a site to tell you more. http://rokdrop.com/2007/08/14/a-profile-of-the-tdc-ville/

[lou2565]

Gonna bump this thread...just got a job offer in Dongducheon and any other info would be great...I'm skeptical...I like the school...like the offer...just don't want to get sucked into a sketchy living situation...let me know guys...thanks....

[Doutdes]

I recommend Dongducheon. If you stay in JiHaeng you can basically avoid all the military guys and the sleazy bars. But there are some good bar/restaurants (Marty's) that are nice to go to if you miss home. It's a little far from Seoul, but nothing like it was before the subway came there.

On the other hand, TDC will never lose all it's sleaze. There's nothing like hooker trying to pick you up in front of your mom when your parents come to visit. That happened in Marty's.

[lou2565]

hahaha...I guess if I can get a guarantee on where my housing will be, I'll be more comfortable with the contract...is that common to actually know where you'll be living prior to arriving? I remember on the phone they told me I'd know where I was living prior to having to sign the contract...so who knows...

[Spike]

It was a blast when I hung there off and on between 2003-2006...

Drunk soldiers tell some insanely cool stories. Good times.

[sineface]

You're right to be concerned about the housing. I've had to look for housing there as an ESL teacher, on a fairly generous housing budget, and willing to pay more out of my own pocket. I looked around TDC and south to Uijeongbu. It was all horrific. I wasn't expecting anything too big ( I've had the usual shoe box rooms before), but I did expect plumbing and indoor toilets. I expected something a bit more worldly than linoleum covering concrete floors. Eventually I found somewhere on the 5th floor of a lift-less building in Uijeongbu (later found out it was right in the middle of the red light district), but didn't stay long.

I later looked for housing in the exact same area, but with key money covered and OHA from the army (got married here) and have ended up living in a palace. So I guess what I'm saying is that there are beautiful apartments around here, and there are some stinking shit holes. And since schools won't cover the key money needed for these huge apartments, which are the only new building happening around here, you'll more than likely be stuck with the crapholes.

Before you sign ANY contract, be damn sure you get photos of the housing!

[bakagai4649]

Another thing because of the high number of U.S. personal in the area most bars, restaurants and apartments catering to them want to be payed in dollars. They're also over priced in addition to that. With that there are nice places in Jihaeng but your going to need some hefty key money Up near the base there are cheaper options but are in old dilapidated places. I lucked out and found a nice big place that I can blast the stereo and not disturb the neighbors for 400k

[Doutdes]

JiHaeng housing has gone up, but they should be able to provide you with a decent 2 bedroom apartment, which would be a mansion if you've lived in Seoul.

Although if you've been offered a job at the foreign language high school there you need to make sure your not going to live in their dormitory. Small room, no kitchen and most important... no privacy.

[lou2565]

Thanks for the info guys...I'll make sure if I consider the location to get photos of my living situation prior to signing....I really like the school/job situation so we'll see how it goes...

[febriana.t]

Hi lou2565, are you still going to TDC to teach? If you are, I am going there to teach as well and looking to make friends before i get there. i will b teaching at a public school there.

[adamosity]

I spent one semester at the foreign language high school...That was at least 180 days too many.

I wouldn't recommend going there to even a psycho ex-girlfriend

Seriously--life's too short for that misery again.