Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pinoy0320]

I'll be starting my first teaching job through EPIK for a public school in Incheon. Has anyone had experience living/working there? Any advice that can be given? Thanks in advance.

[SandyRay]

Hi pinoy,

Glad you started this thread - I'm also starting in Incheon in August with EPIK and I am finding it difficult to find any info/feedback about Incheon.

[espoir]

Well I see its time for my good ol WELCOME TO HELL BOYS!!


Incehon isn't really the best city. Its dirty, polluted and doesn't provide a lot of shopping/nightlife oppertunities.

There are however, two very good areas in incheon; Bupyeong and Guwol-dong (the bus terminal). If you are fortunate enough to live/work in one of these 2 areas than count your lucky stars. If you live in Dongincheon (this is where I live) you get to play my favourite game; avoiding the spit/puke/drunk people on the sidewalk.

Incheon is also notoriously known for producing some of the worst behaved students (this is what all the Korean teachers I've met have told me) and they generally rank near the bottom on the national SAT's.

That all being said and done, I've lived here for a year and I will be renewing here again. But this time I'm moving to Bupyeong and hopefully working at a better school.

What area will you guys be in? What level of public school (middle/elementary/high school)[/b]

[Alvy Singer]

EPIK placed me in Bupyeong last September, and I like it all right. Variety ain't the name of the game 'round here, however. Nightlife is mostly relegated to two spots: Rock Bar and N's Pub. (I like the former a lot, primarily because the proprietor, he's pretty much the shit.) There are a few other options, but me -- when it comes to the bar scene, I submit easily to comfort zones. But a more outgoing person can have some good, light fun in these parts. (I mean, like Espoir said, 'round Bupyeong and the Bus Terminal/Arts Center area.)

More for Bupyeong: grocery shopping at the outdoor market is just darn-tootin' great. Like, fifteen bell peppers for a Korean buck's worth great. It becomes just darling when you start taking note of your favorite fruit vendors and sidewalk ladies.

You might like it. Heck, one of you fine cats might be replacing me.

[D-Jay]

Hey pinoy, are you from the Philippines, or is that just a nickname you chose? I know Korea is planning to hire Filipinos for E2 positions, but I didn't know if/when it started (will start)?

[I'm no Picasso]

Currently in Incheon at an all boys public middle school. I've been here for going on 9 months.

It's true what the say, I guess. My older boys are tough, trash-talking, low-level English nonspeaking poor kids. And I'm really sad to see them go. With them on the way out, and the younger boys, who (from what I hear) are closer to the coddled hagwon attending snot-nosed kiddies in Seoul, I'm seriously considering moving up to a high school in the area with my older ones.

As far as variety goes, I'm afraid variety is not really the name of the game, even in Seoul as far as I've seen. But in Incheon, depending on where you are, there are the options of a quick trip to the beach or one of the islands, or hiking. And if you make Korean friends, they can generally show you all the things you walk past on a daily basis, having not a clue that they're there. Which expands the variety significantly.

You couldn't pay me enough to leave Incheon for Seoul, at the moment. Or at least SMOE can't pay me enough.

[pinoy0320]

[kneezah~]

Incheon really isn't that bad. I live there. I like it. I don't live near Bupyeong or the bus terminal... I'm in what I like to refer to as the "contryside." You can get the basics easily... There's an E-Mart (the Korean version of Walmart) relatively nearby, a couple grocery stores, bars, love hotels coffee shops, and several gyms (pretty much everything you need).

There is more of a nightlife in Bupyeong and even more happening in Seoul. I generally go to Seoul on the weekends because there's more to do there (it's about a 40 minute bus ride from my area.) I like that my apartment isn't in the city center. I'm generally a city person, but I like coming back to peace and quiet after a busy day at work.

Clearly Incheon isn't for everyone, but it isn't nearly as bad as people are making it out to be.

[Chamese]

Hi pinoy & sandyray,

I am also starting EPIK in Incheon in August. I was wondering if you all have found out anymore information because I have been having a hard time as well and will you be attending orientation on Aug 19?

[redhed]

Hey y'all,

Don't let them talk you down......we live out at Dongmak (which used to be the end of the subway line until a month ago) and we dig it just fine. It's a long way from Seoul, but it's close to the Ferry terminal which will put you on a nice island beach nice and easy..........We do go to Seoul fairly often, but not usually for nightlife. It will all depend on where you are in Incheon though, if you know where you'll be you should post it and maybe somebody can give you some more detailed heads up....

[johnny_larue]

I live in Incheon and I like it pretty well. If I had decided to resign on time I would have stayed, but I am going to Seoul now instead.

[CraggyIsland]

Howdy Pinoy, Sandyray & Chamese,

I'm another EPIKer heading to Incheon in few weeks.
Glad to hear it's not as bad as it sometimes comes across.
Will see you at the orientation no doubt

[espoir]

[pinoy0320]

[skr1]

Hello all,

I'm also coming to Incheon in Sept with Epik although I was told that Orientation was 1st Sept!? Is there normally more than 1 in each town?

xxx