Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LURKER]

Which do you prefer?
I've visited Seoul many times, but I've never actually LIVED there, and was just wondering what long-term residents think of the place. Is the pollution/gridlock worth it for the nightlife/shopping?

The other issue I'm thinking about is housing. I'd imagine teachers are likely to be given a shoddier apartment in Seoul than in Daejeon, given the higher housing costs. Would I be on to something here? Do those of you in Seoul care?

[Cohiba]

Who cares if you have a nicer apartment. It will be empty while you are
in Seoul on the weekends having a life.

And, no, those in Seoul couldn't give a pair of dingoes kidneys about
people who want to live in the wilderness. If you are one of those nuts
who "hates" foreigners, then you will probably be quite happy living
next to a dog farm and having no real conversations and discourse with
others. Good riddance I say.


Remember "Cohiba's Rule" (Now better than ever!):

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 Cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things.

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

[LURKER]

> If you are one of those nuts who "hates" foreigners

Not at all I was more thinking of considerations like open spaces, clean air, quality of accommodation, cheaper cost of living and so on versus night life, shopping, and excitement. I liked living in Daejeon, but I've only visited Seoul (and haven't lived there) so I was just wondering if long-timers could give me the skinny on the ups and downs of the place.

[Cohiba]

OK, I didn't say you were, but I might of implied it. It is just I read on
this board where "some" people avoid places where foreigners hang
out like the plague. I don't understand this unless you are some sort
of warped-out recluse with no social skills who spends most of their
time hiding and pouting in their apartments stitching together underwear
made from roadkill.

[LURKER]

Well, on the social score, I think Seoul would probably win hands down.
More foreigners + more Koreans = more options overall.

I'm also a foodie, yeah I like Korean food and all, but I also like having access to real cheese, bread and so on. I'm leaning towards Seoul at the moment.

[dc'79]

If you don't mind taking the subways/buses you could live right outside Seoul. Small town feel with quick access when you wanna have fun.

I lived in Uijeongbu for 3 years and enjoyed it. Took me 30 min to an hour (i had a car) to get to Seoul. Had a hiking trail right behind my apartment complex that I would take my dog everyday. Plus apartments were a lot cheaper.