Korean Job Discussion Forums

[erikkaul]

I'm looking for jobs in Korea, but I havn't visited there yet to see what it is like. So I'm looking for recommendations on "cool" cities to live and work. I'm coming from San Francisco, CA so it's a tough act to follow, but I'd like to live somewhere that's somewhat metropolitan, not too expensive or overpopulated, and with recreational opportunities-parks, hiking, nice beaches, etc. Am I asking too much of Korea? I've heard Busan is cool...yes?

Thanks,

Erik

[kiwiduncan]

I've never actually been to Busan myself but I've heard a lot of good things about it.

Just keep in mind that nowhere in Korea is going to be as diverse and multicultural as San Francisco. Interesting and quirky, yes, diverse and international, not really.

[Kurtz]

You're asking for the impossible Some people here from small towns think Korea is awesome, but me thinks boring (hometown Melbourne) . Seoul would probably be the coolest place.

Busan is a boring but mountainous place with crap beaches, heaps of concrete and a busy, crowded feel but I have a good lifestyle as I live in a good spot.

You'd implode in a small city.

[erikkaul]

So you live in a good spot? ...in Busan?

[Kurtz]

I think so, but it's still boring by my standards, but overall, it's not bad for a while. I can't walk down the road and see interesting looking people, go to a good record shop, go to a funky cafe, have good and not too expensive foreign food, drink good coffee, have an arts scene ,see cool bands, go to pumping clubs, rocking bars, see interesting architecture, awesome MTB trails less than an hour from the city etc., but whatever, there's no place like home.

[billietea]

I am from San Francisco and you won't find any place in Korea like San Francisco. People in San Francisco are different and unique. Here unique is an ugly word. I would say your best bet is a college-like town...but if you understand the culture you will understand why they all learn to think and act alike...it is part of how they must operate in this society. Still, the adventure is what you make of it...

[erikkaul]

Of course I'm not expecting SF, but I am trying to find a city that is the "lesser of evils" so to speak. Have you been to Busan? I understand they have several good Universities.

[Robot_Teacher]

I heard Jeju is a great place with more friendliness and a different Korean culture, but I haven't been. Oh no, SF is too way cool to compare to any place in Korea so you'll be treading new territory though Korea's 1st gay pride is this weekend or something like that. I think of gay, xgender, and other alternative lifestyles when I think SF. It's still a cool place. No offense OP. I like the Bushman who jumps out from behind concrete trash bins near the wharves as well as dudes nearby who break out pipes for sale on a blanket and sell the weedage to stuff em'. And those prehistoric trolley's. That's truly a real world place, but the job market ain't no good with negative growth. I like SF style, there's no where else I know of outside of Europe and of course, SF, remotely like SF. Come on over and do your time...

[mcviking]

I have never been to SF but I love living in Busan

[mssinmymind]

Im from the Monterey Bay in Cali - though I dont live there now ...and cant imagine any where in the world Id rather live...but, Ive been researching Korea and the ESL field for a while...Im kinda excited about going...........One day !!

[chonga]

I lived in Seoul for 6 years as a kid and 2 in Busan.

Between the two I prefer Busan.

[michaelambling]

[Major Kong]

Dear Erik,

In the hemisphere you and I live in... well, I'd move
south of the "Horse Latitudes", if I have to choose. Of
course South Korea will anchor you and free you to do
more with your life.

[Johnny_Bravo]

[Major Kong]

There is no "Best Place" in Korea.
Now if you you mentioned south of the Equator,
I could be of assistance.