Korean Job Discussion Forums

[HollyLove]

My impression so far is that it inconveniently removed from Seoul and dirtier than most cities due to the industry in the area.

[dirving]

Good Uzbeki, Pakistani, Nepali and Indian restaurants can be found at Ansan Station. Lots of white chicks, too, can be found near Ansan University.

[Murakano]

[Draz]

[youtuber]

First of all, it is quite close to Seoul. Take the bus to Suwon and then the train to Seoul.

And have you been to Seoul? Nothing but apartment block after apartment block. So what if you are not close to Seoul? Seoul is very much overrated. Anything you would care to do in Seoul you can do in Ansan (which incidentally usually only comes down to eating and shopping).

Ansan has some really nice little restaurants and the "downtown" where all the kids hang out is as good as any spot in Seoul. And the less number of people is nice too.

Ansan is quite a good place IMHO.

From my experience, Korean cities are virtually identical. I would stay away from Seoul if I had a choice. Too many foreigners for my liking. I am here to experience Koreans, not drunk football players from Nebraska.

[Hightop]

[Chaucer]

Ansan is part of the "new Korea"--the one that is emerging unseen beneath Koreans' (and western foreigners') noses--a multi-cultural Korea. Very interesting place, Ansan. The Chinese, SE Asian and S Asian foreigners vastly outnumber the native English teachers. Interesting to watch as this unfolds.

[SpedEd]

Ansan is quite a stretch from Seoul either by subway or bus, and this makes it an irritating place to live if you find yourself longing for Seoul. I lived there myself for about six months and mostly discovered that I spent a significant amount of time commuting to Seoul and being resentful about being in Ansan (Hanyang Uni. in Ansan stn.). It does, however, have its perks as its atmosphere is alright compared to many spots in Kyunggi-do, and you don't find yourself dodging intense traffic in too-small streets like you would in Seoul.

Although I resented living in Ansan at first, I actually found myself returning there occasionally simply because I knew where to find things more easily compared to other locations in Seoul I'd been staying. And like I said, the atmosphere seemed nice to me, primarily the physical surroundings (hard to explain). Imo, the K-people in Ansan are rather indifferent to foreigners, and just aren't that friendly. One of the big pluses I've realized since relocating to Seoul has been the more open-minded nature of Seoulites compared to that in Ansan, but this is just my opinion.

Ansan can feel like a drag if you don't have others to socialize with and don't partake in anything meaningful to yourself like interesting hobbies. But give it a chance because it's a place that just may grow on you.

[youtuber]

[snowysunshine]

I LOVE Ansan! There is a very diverse group of people there. There is a lot to do, and it's not too crowded! It's also nice in the newer areas for that very reason, it's newer. The older part of Ansan, like near Ansan station was a bit nasty when I was last there, but it's still nice enough. It's not too far from Seoul. With the Subway, everything is so easy to access that it's not a concern. *sigh*.... I miss Korea! LOL

[donducky]

I love Ansan too, and in fact consider it the best place in Korea bar none.

Imagine Itaewon without the US military presence and, well, whatever else irks you about Itaewon. But now expand the good things about Itaewon--the foreign restaurants, in particular--and you've got Ansan.

Too bad it's not a bit more convenient for Seoulites. Doable, but a bit of a long haul.

[jacksthirty]

[
Maybe if you like coming to Asia to hang out with other Canadians, which defeats the purpose of travelling to Asia, then you will like Seoul better.[/quote]


Defeats the prupose of travelling to aisa? Is that some kind of rule?

[ticktocktocktick]

I lived in Ansan for a year, and quite liked it.

Pros:
Good selection of eastern food and groceries at Ansan Stn.
The teacher type foreigners are frendlier than in places closer to Seoul.
It's almost all flat, making for good bike rides.
There's plenty of open spaces.
Nearby is Daebudo Island, which has a ferry service to some very nice outlying islands.


Cons:
Seoul is a minimum of one hour away by subway (but you can always get a seat at least) and a W40,000 cab ride late at night .
Standing room only on the subway all the way back from Seoul is no fun.
My co-teacher claims it has the highest crime rate in Korea (I can't verify this, but it is bandied about a bit) and couldn't believe I liked the place.

[planthopps]

Ansan isn't too bad. I personally don't have to live in Seoul to have a good time. If you get a good group of foreign and Korean friends you will be set.

[youtuber]