Korean Job Discussion Forums

[*wanderlust*]

Anyone live in this area? I've heard that it's the "ritzy" area of the city (or so Wikipedia tells me). Is it really expensive? Pretty central in terms of getting to other places in the city?

I've also heard that its the French area of the city. Anyone know if you would actually get an opportunity to speak French?

Any info appreciated!

[alphakennyone]

Mokdong's an alright place. Since I assume your boss will be paying for your apartment, don't worry about other living costs. You have a Homever in the area which makes grocery shopping a bit cheaper and a Costco within reasonable taxi distance. Hongdae is a short train ride away, some other areas of Seoul are further away (check a map).

Oh, and don't get excited about the "French" neighborhood. It's a joke and it would probably take about 45 min to an hour by train from Mokdong..Don't waste your time.

[*wanderlust*]

So the french area is a waste of time? I just ask as someone that spent some time learning french and would like to have an opportunity to practice it if possible outside of Canada (obviously not the point of being in Korea, but if the opportunity is there I'd like to utilize it).

[alphakennyone]

It's mostly tourist brochure BS. Yes there are a minimal number of French in the area and some cafes and restaurants. Maybe you could say a few words of French to the staff at these businesses, but I imagine they would roll their eyes since they've probably heard enough butchered attempts from the Koreans over the years.

[movybuf]

Mokdong can be very "ritzy," but only in certain areas. Most of it is just like the rest of the city, only more expensive.

The area around Paris Park and the Hyperion building is very nice , and a lot of rich people live there. However there is a lot of car traffic in this are, so the air quality is usually pretty bad. I lived around there and my wife cleaned the floors every day because they would get covered with black junk.

We also lived in the "poor" area of Mokdong, which was nice, quiet and clean. However we lived in a dumpy apartment that probably cost double what it would cost in any other area.

Transportation can be a pain because only the 5 line runs through the area. If you aren't near the 5 line, then you will have to learn the buses pretty quickly.

[fezmond]

i'm living there right now, albeit in the 'poor' part. nothing wrong with the place really except that for forigners there isn't anywhere decent to hang out for a few beers etc -although a few times the expats have had a few meet ups in a local bar.

as the previous post mentioned - the area around hyperion and paris park can be seriously expensive, though only for rent. cost of goods etc is the same as the rest of seoul. a new e-mart just opened and there is homeplus and the whole hyundai department complex next to omokgyo station.

you may even save money - less places to go to blow it on nights out (if your thing).

transport can be a pain sometimes because only line 5 runs through here but a taxi to hongdae is only about 8000 won. maybe, 20 mins in a cab to itaewon on a good day or 30 mins on the tube.

ask away with any questions - i'll try to help if i can

[alphakennyone]

^

Try Beer o Clock near Omokgyo station.

[sigmundsmith]

[soviet_man]

The three big hagwons on the main street in Mokdong were/are WILS, Youngdo and CDI.

All of which I would avoid.

[fezmond]