Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ro2]

Hiya,

I've a couple of offers at the moment, one of which is in Siheung, near Ansan and about 90 mins from centre of Seoul by train. I went out there for the interview (im in korea on a tourist visa) and the director seemed really nice, but I was bit taken aback by the appearance of the place when I got off the train.

It didn't seem like a horrible place or anything, but it seemed just surprisingly small and removed from Seoul and even from Ansan, and I couldn't get any picture of whether or not there would be much going on there socially. Have no idea if there are other foreign teachers around, I know i'd be the only one at my school anyway.

So if anyone can give any info or review of the place, or knows of a good place to get info, i'd really love to hear it!

If it helps, I'm a single guy, mid-twenties, so i like the typical social stuff that guys my age are into. Would help also if there's gyms around, maybe somewhere to learn tae kwon do? (i realise now, i should have asked more about the area in my interview!)

[Ilsanman]

Shiheung sucks. If you are near Ansan or Bucheon, it's not so bad. But I think you'll suffer on the social level.

The work environment sounds nice. How important is that to you?

[climber159]

Siheung blows. 중앙동 (Jungang-dong) will be the closest place with anything remotely interesting, but even that sucks. Unless you're really a homebody you'll likely find yourself spending way too much time on the buses, subways, and taxis. Also, the taxi drivers out in Ansan and Siheung are much more likely to not run the meter and try to overcharge you.

I also recall reading somewhere (and hearing from other Koreans) that Ansan is the murder capital of Korea (a body was discovered in the men's room at Ansan subway station.

[Clockout]

I tutor down there and it seems very low-middle class. Not much to look at and probably really boring on weekends.

I wouldn't rule it out though. 1.5 hrs to Seoul and 30 minutes to Sanbon/Beomgye/Anyang where there is some stuff to do.

[Cerulean]

I agree. Nothing special going on here. It's not terrible. I've lived in more boring places. It's just nothing special.

[greenie]

I lived there last year - pretty much what everyone else says.

The area is very quiet and there is little to do there.

Every Friday I would catch the subway into Seoul. There is a small cinema you can go to in Jeongwang (next to Ansan) but that's about it.

Just get some good music to listen for the subway