Korean Job Discussion Forums

[girlcabbie]

Considering a job in Songdo, wondering what it's like there.
Not super concerned about going out on the weekends, but would like food, cafes, shops, etc. Apartment in 10 min bus ride from the subway, so this could be an issue.
Also, I'm bringing my dog, so just wondering what the green space/parks situation is in Songdo. Any good vets in the area?

[Crockpot2001]

I've been in New Songdo city since late February. I am assuming you are speaking of the island and not the old resort area, correct?

It's a great place to drop a westerner who might not handle a new culture well since it's got wide streets, mostly English signage, and is sort of cleaner than some places although people are doing what they can to puke and litter it up nicely. It's also pretty quiet with few crowded sidewalks or roads. An obnoxious aspect is the scooters and the school principles with the damned megaphone yelling every single day and there are lots of schools here. The buildings are built square to each other and the trees are still small so it echoes up and down the building canyons. Scooters seem to be an issue regardless of where you are.

There are no western food outlets but Baskin Robins and Dunkin Doughnuts but the Korean restaurants are pretty good although nobody speaks English. There is a Ti-Amo but nothing else in the way of a cool cafe to study or chill which is unfortunate. There are tons of drink 'til you puke bars here and none serve good beer or wine. Actually, Guinness is on tap at Souyukiaki (sp?) but it's not my style.

One can get by with the shopping available here but occasionally it merits a trip to E-mart. The stores are all pretty small and not ready for much change in population which may or may not come. Costco is a LONG way from here. I go Once a month at most.

Real, natural green space is non-existent as the entire place is man-made. There are 3 total parks here and it seems only one is really ideal for dogs but its relatively big at about 5 km long and .5 km km wide with zero users outside of an occasional soccer game. There are a few good hiking spots within a cheap cab ride or bus ride from here but I found out the closest one will be turned into apartments soon which is unfortunate as the occupancy here in Songdo is VERY low. I have no idea about vets.

There are tons of bus stops that start here so getting a seat is easy and making it to Dongmak station is a breeze. Other than going to go mountain biking every Saturday we almost never drive.
drive.

Lastly, there some westerners here but most of us are working on the project, not teaching. Those working on the project are getting worked to death and seldom get to get out. I cater western style food to them for lunches and meetings and can see they are stressed big-time.

Good luck!

[Dazed and Confused]

Which subway stop are they telling you is 10 minutes away from Songdo? I live near Songdo and it is a 15 minute drive on a good day to Dong Chun station. I'm not sure if there are any direct buses either. Is it possible they are making you live in Yeonsu dong and working in Songdo. I've heard of one school that does this becuase housing is cheaper in Yeonsu dong and there seems to be a complete lack of bachelor's apartments in Songdo.

[Crockpot2001]