Korean Job Discussion Forums

juchangok · Joined: 15 Jan 2009

(While teaching)

I am applying to do some English teaching in Korea and can't seem to decide where I want to go. I was wondering what opinions you guys have on different locations.

Edit: I don't care about trends or fashion or anything of that nature. Looking for some place where the people are nice with beautiful scenery.

Thanks

Gnawbert · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Location: The Internet

I like Bundang enough to have chosen to move here again after my first contract. Close enough to Seoul to venture there whenever I feel up to it, far enough away to feel a little more laid back. It's a good compromise.

Some friends said Busan was amazing as well. I'm hoping to venture there soon and see what all the fuss is about.

juchangok · Joined: 15 Jan 2009

how big is the population of bundang? I can't find it on the map lol

andrewchon · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 11:50 am Post subject:

성남시 분당구 분당동

juchangok · Joined: 15 Jan 2009

Sorry bout this, but could you guys describe the areas you are mentioning?

andrewchon · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 1:08 pm Post subject:

As I traveled around Korea, two places remained in my memory as 'nice' scenery.
One was Hwacheon, Kangwondo, and Danyang, ChungcheungBukdo.
Both cities are on the river, surrounded by mountains, looked very clean.
Seokcho, Kangwondo is on the coast and mountains but looked over developed.

Even after all that, there was still no place like home even in this bilge valve of a place.

RufusW · Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Location: Busan

Busan means city surrounded by hills. And it is, there's a lot of 400m and 600m peaks. You're never more than 3Km from a nice hike up a hill. There's also three beaches, Haeundae beach is big and pretty clean, the other two are nice as well. Being on the coast the air's pretty clean and the weather is milder than Seoul or up north. It's a good sized city, with a fair amount of nightlife.

I don't see why I'd want to leave it for my 2nd contract.

ThingsComeAround · Joined: 07 Nov 2008

People sometimes rave about Ilsan, but IMO it borders on mediocre glitz rather than a nice city. Paju looks much nicer. Soon this will change due to the fact that the people are overdeveloping that area also.

maingman · Joined: 26 Jan 2008 Location: left Korea

Busan

qcat79 · Joined: 18 Aug 2006 Location: ROK

busan is great. it's got the probably the highest quality of life among all the cities in korea.

1. the weather is the most mild in regards to other major cities (probably excluding jeju).

2. the nightlife is pretty good. i lived there all of 2007 and 2008 and have been back a few times and i'm amazed by the huge influx of foreigners and new foreign-friendly bars and restaurants that have popped up since i left.

3. the natural scenery is awesome. you've got hills and mountains everywhere. there are 5 beaches (not 3 like the other poster said). haeundae, songjung, gwangali, songdo and dadaepo. (the last two are in a more remote area that's still considered part of busan, but most foreigners choose not to live there. think suburbia, korean style.)

4. you've a decent transportation system with buses and and 3 subway lines going everywhere. you also have a major airport at which you can easily travel out of to a lot of major asian cities for vacation.

5. you've got cheaper and fresher seafood than in seoul or other inland areas.

6. PIFF (the pusan international film festival) which comes around every october is a must see if.

7. and lastly, you can not miss the hot k-girls in their bikinis on the beach during the summer months. that's the one thing i miss about that place.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

For your first year, don't go anywhere but Seoul or Pusan. Get out to see other places on long weekends and holidays, then make up your mind from there.

shostahoosier · Joined: 14 Apr 2009

Actually I would recommend Gyeonggi-Do for your first contract...but in an area NEAR Seoul...or at least a subway.

If you apply to GEPIK...you'll know what school you're teaching at before you come over...so you'll get an idea of what your commute to Seoul will be like.

If you live close to Seoul...you can go to the city easily by subway...and then take a cab home.

Plus GEPIK pays more than SMOE or EPIK and you'll be able to save more money because you arent living in the city.

I personally think Seoul is overrated...but its probably the best you're going to get.

juchangok · Joined: 15 Jan 2009

Wow nice thanks for the responses guys. From the responses here and just in general researching around I think I'm thinking towards Busan. This is a first time thing for me. First time even leaving the states. lol. I'm currently talking with Rowan from ESL-Planet. Wish me luck! =P

I must say out of any forums or what not I've ever been to you guys have been the most helpful.

jiberish · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: The Carribean Bay Wrestler

Personally I think the Korean country side isn't really worth living out there. I live in Jamsil. I think its definatley one of the nicer places to live in Seoul. Things are new and there are nice spacious sidewalks when you want to go for a walk at night. One of side of my apartment is the river. Behind it is olympic park and to the other side is a nice lake. So I have all the nature I need. Also as there there is plenty of nature around. I find the air to be cleaner too. Its really a great place in my opinion. Very close to best train line (line 2) and from there you can get anywhere good easily.

Also one stop away is a massive bus terminal where you can get a bus easily to any of the country areas.