Korean Job Discussion Forums

[CanEducator]

For people who are familiar with Seoul, I have a question. I am wondering if the air quality/air pollution is any better in Socho-Gu than other areas of Seoul. I have a possible lead on a job in Socho-Gu but if the air pollution is just as prevalent there as everywhere else then that is an important factor to me.
Feedback, Seoul folks?

[dogbert]

In my experience, there's not appreciably less pollution in that area.

[kangnamdragon]

It is right next to Kangnam. I don't see why the air would be better.

[Psy]

Well, I live right next to Mt. Cheonggye and the Culture Art Center, near Nambu Bus Terminal station and it's pretty clean. It's a pretty different area than Gangnam.

Here is some more info on Seocho, if interested.

[CanEducator]

Thank you to dogbert, KangnamDragon and Psy for the responses. Psy, thanks for that link, it was helpful. The info. on that site states that Seocho is 52% green space. That's encouraging.
If anyone else wants to add their opinion about Socho air quality, I'd welcome the information.
Ironically, I'd prefer to be in the countryside but the public education administrators responding to my queries are the Seoul people.

[kylehawkins2000]

I work in that area and live nearby. I find the air quite bad. My eyes sting and I can't seem to get a full breath of air while I"m walking to work. The 52% 'green space' is a little hard to believe. I doubt you'll find any little pockets of fresh air in the central seoul area....there is just too much traffic.

[CanEducator]

Thanks, Kyle. That sounds like the word from the ground. What you wrote is exactly the kind of realistic information that I'm looking for. I'm more of a "clean and green" person so I'll keep trying to line up something in the countryside.
I know Seoul has great amenities, but that's hard to live with stinging eyes and gasping lungs. You have my compassion for that.

[kylehawkins2000]

Some people are more sensitive to it than others. I find it hard to cope sometimes, but others don't seem to notice it at all. If you're one of the people that are really sensitive to air pollution you probably won't find any place on the penninsula with really clean air. Obviously the areas outside of the big cities are much better however.....but there many disadvantages to living in a small town in Korea....weigh your options carefully...

[Mr. Pink]

I've lived next to Seocho Gu for the past 3yrs. When Seoul air is bad, it is bad EVERYWHERE. Sorry.

Also the bus terminal is in Seocho, around that area is DIRTY from all the diseal buses.

It is true Seocho has more green space than other areas of Seoul, but in terms of pollution, it is going to be the same everywhere.

[rok_the-boat]

Walk up any mountain on the outskirts of Seoul and take a look in - it's disgusting - black smog. You can't see it when you're in there. I now live south of Seoul and the difference is unbelievable. If I drive into Seoul and park my car for three hours it is covered with a film of dust - yet just a few miles south (here) there is almost none.

[rapier]

Its disgusting, especially during the late evening when everyone is driving home. Socho is no better or worse than anywhere else in Seoul.
Air and water pollution in Korea can only accelerate as long as this mad drive to more industry, concrete, and environmental degradation continues.

[CanEducator]

Thanks Kyle, Mr. Pink, ROK-the Boat and Rapier. I'm glad to have the feedback. ROK-the-Boat, that presents a vivid image- looking into Seoul and seeing a black cloud.
Kyle, I lived in a small town a few years ago and I did OK, but I do understand what you mean. I really liked the town, though.
Thank you for the feedback and information. Much appreciated.

[Toby]

Gwacheon is reputed to be a little cleaner and is still close to Seoul. Other than that the air in Seoul is just BAD. Socho is no cleaner. Even if it did have 52% Green space, then there is still 48% concrete and road space, giving you good levels of pollution.

[dogbert]

[Mr. Pink]