Korean Job Discussion Forums

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

For those who have lived in Ilsan, how do you like living there? If you know about the Anyang area also, feel free to compare.

robot · Joined: 07 Mar 2006

Crappy vs. awesome

andrewchon · Posted: Sun Aug 09, 2009 6:21 am Post subject:

Ilsan is the very latest developed area near Seoul near the football stadiums in North-West. Anyang is a well-established upper-middle class real estate battle field. It's between Seoul and Suwon. As amenities go, Ilsan hadn't had the time and Anyang has just too much money not to have everything.

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

robot, can you expound?

Why is one awesome?
Why is one crappy?

I went up to Ilsan on Saturday, walked around a bit, then I went to Anyang to compare. I got to the exit steps (not outside the station), saw the flood of people coming in and out, looked out the windows and thought, "My Gods!! I might as well be in Seoul." I didn't even see the point in walking around what I assume is just more of the same of what you would see in Suwon.

Then, I looked up some stats on both areas. Why would I want to live in Anyang if that is the city deemed "awesome"? Location seems to be the only plus. Ilsan appeared to be a lot cleaner and the population density isn't nearly as bad.

CP · Joined: 18 Jan 2007

Having lived in both here's my take on it. It depends on what part of Ilsan and Anyang you live in. The best areas of each are comparable. If you can live in Ilsan near Juyop/Jongbalsan Stations or in Anyang near Beomgye/Pyonghcon Stations then they are comparable in what they offer. Both have huge parks right in the center. Both have huge department stores/bars/restaurants etc easily enough to use. Both are near mountains if you like hiking. I've never noticed the population difference between either. Having said that I prefer Anyang for the extra things below.

1. Anyang is closer to Seoul. Ilsan can be more inconvenient and much more expensive at times especially when taking a taxi from Seoul.
2. Anyang Sports Complex - hosts both a basketball and ice hockey team for those you enjoy going out to such events like I do.
3. For travelling in Korea living in Ilsan adds an extra hour to almost everywhere you are going to travel too.
4. I have found Anyang to be a bit livelier.

Just a few things. Hope it helps.

mzizzle · Joined: 05 Jul 2009

I would have to agree with the obove poster, I currently live in Anyang and 2 good friends live in Ilsan so I've been there many times. I would say the only major difference between them is this: La Festa in Ilsan is a pretty lively drinking area and has everything you need in termsl of restaurants, shops etc. It is quite nice actually. However Ilsan is a bitch to get out to from Seoul. Anyang is closer to Seoul and certainly in a more convenient location. There are heaps of foreigners here however, which have its pluses and minuses but just something to consider. Either place is pretty desirable to live imo.