Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

What is this area like? I've heard it hosts a US army base.

I may be offered a job in Pyeongtak, on Monday. I have an 'in person' interview there.

[tob55]

The army base is actually about 6 kms outside of the city proper. It is a small to medium sized city of about 400,000 people give or take. It is growing in a way since the US military is in the process of building a permanent installation there once they leave the Yongsan Garrison in Seoul. It is your typical Korean city, and has a fair amount of foreign expats living there. I first arrived in Pyeongtaek back in 2004 when I came to Korea. It has some nice areas for socializing, but it also has some not so nice areas. Many of the expat friends I had there usually spent their weekends and free time in Seoul, like most others living in rural areas.

One of the close draws for many foreigners is Songtan up the road on the way to Osan where there are larger US military bases. All in all, it can be fun if you like to socialize, and the people for the most part are kind. At least they were before the US military decided to move into the area on a larger scale by building a new base. The locals were really protesting it, so not sure how they feel about foreigners these days. There you have it from my own experience of the place, but others might have a different view. Cheers

[fromtheuk]

Thanks. I'm an introvert, so I'll be fine, as long as I'm indoors most of the time.

[Fishead soup]

You'll like it. It's close enough to Seoul that you can get there on the weekend. It has enought of an expat population that you can probrubaly find a halal food shop. You can take a bus into Seoul so you can visit the mosque in Iteawon at least once a week.

[fromtheuk]

Thanks. I've been told attending a face to face interview with a school that really wants a native teacher, means I should get the job.

When I meet the Principal and VP for Monday's interview, is it a formality or will they make a decision based on anything?

I hope it is just a formality.

[Fishead soup]

You've probrubly got the job. Usually meeting with the Principal is just a formality. However I wouldn't put all my eggs in one basket. You'll eventially get a job. They should give you an answer any day now.

[I-am-me]

Its a quiet town. The perks are its close to two US bases and you can buy some black market american foods. There is also a rapid train that stops there from seoul and to seoul. You can to seoul faster than the regular train. I spent a year there and enjoyed it.

[gazz]

You could try the American 'spit roast' - help build some bridges amongst the 'special relationship!'

[Fishead soup]

[bogey666]

waziristan, good luck.

I think the position nearby to where I'm at, unfortunately already filled would've been a better "fit" for you.

but I think you should definitely visit the bases often and discuss how and why Sharia law is something we should all strive toward.

You'll be a very popular fellow

[lifeinkorea]

[bogey666]

[Fishead soup]

[Otherside]

fromtheuk, you should definitly go rural, Get paid more and get a longer vacation.

From your posts (which describe every mundane aspect of your life - if you have an irregular bowel movement, it's on Dave's within the hour) all you do is work, go to homeplus and take walks.

So why do you even ask what an area is like? You are going to be holed up in your apartment most of the time anyways... at least if you go rural, the scenery is better and so are the benefits.

[anynag]

Go rural. Does the expression have anything to do with going postal in the country? What if his new school force feeds him budaejjigae for lunch every day? Oh, dear.