Korean Job Discussion Forums

Raquel82 · Joined: 21 Oct 2009

Hi all -

I have been offered positions with EPIK and GEPIK. With EPIK I am to be placed in Incheon, however they could possibly switch me to Busan (if available). I worked with a recruiter and was offered a position at a school via GEPIK in Bucheon.

I have no idea what to choose? Does anyone have any information that can help me make a final decision? Please share. I have to decide soon!

Thanks so much for your help!

gregoriomills · Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Location: Busan, Korea

Busan.
No-brainer.

thecount · Joined: 10 Nov 2009

Not gonna vote, but from what I've been told it would depend on what you are interested in.
Since South Korea is the size of Illinois, location matters.
I've apparently gathered that Busan is a pretty much a large, self-contained paradise, while Bucheon is close to a variety of cities (including Seoul) that would be logistically difficult for a Busanite to fit into their normal schedule (3 hours by KTX, 5+ via other means, ja?)

I guess it depends on how often you plan on city-hopping / traveling, and where to. Standard of living / prices may also play a factor, but I do not know. Any old-hands available with some advice?

dunc180 · Joined: 07 Nov 2009

I voted Incheon. I lived in Bupyeong a few years and enjoyed it. Bucheon isn't bad either as it's pretty close to Seoul and has it's own attractions. The advantage of Busan would be the beaches. It's also a convenient stepping stone to Japan!

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

Actually, the advantage to Busan is that it isn't Seoul. Busan has it's own character and charm. It is a city of 3-4 million, but feels like a town.

nomad-ish · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 4:24 pm Post subject:

i think you would probably have more fun in seoul, unless you're a small town kind of person. bucheon and incheon are close to seoul, but i'd choose bucheon though over incheon, because you might get stuck in the boonies of incheon (like on an island).

pjmancktelow · Joined: 07 Oct 2007 Location: Seoul

i lived in incheon, very close to bucheon. i'd say the two are similar. and very close. but i'd pick incheon.

what i wanted to say was that as far as i though from having friends working in the public school system. was that GEPIK/EPIK has nothing to do with incheon. rather they are under IMOE (Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education). so i'd look into that and make sure. because if they are claiming incheon, it could be really 'out there' in regards to the city itself. just my advice

nomad-ish · Posted: Sun Dec 06, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject:

OP, have you taken a look at the contracts as well? there aren't many differences, but i believe you will get paid a bit more with GEPIK, however you'll have to pay a housing security deposit and give 2 months notice if you decide to leave.

waynehead · Joined: 18 Apr 2006 Location: Jongno

Bucheon or Busan could be fine, depending on what you want (the main issue for me would be proximity to Seoul).

Do not live in Incheon, esp if you're with EPIK and don't yet know where you'll be placed. You could wind up in some dark corner of Seo Gu for a lonely year. And even if you wind up in a nice spot, like Bupyeong (where I currently live...for 2 more months, anyway) Bucheon or Busan would be better.