Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BigMike82]

I have read in a few places that in recent years Busan has become a bit less friendly to waygooks. I was hoping some one who lives there now or has recently might be able to speak to this for me? I have lived in Seoul and am considering returning to Korea and more specifically thought I might give Busan a shot.

Thanks

Mike

[drinkyogurtsoju]

busan people are generally more laid back than seoul people

[Cont Drwg]

busan is sick. DO IT.

[oldtactics]

Best city in Korea. Don't worry about anything, just come on down. Racism and anti-foreigner attitudes seem to be about 100% less down south than they were when I lived up near Seoul.

[Greekfreak]

The most racism or outright disdain you'll experience in Pusan will mostly likely come from other expats.

Seoul is a different kettle of fish. And not better.

[metalhead]

Lived in Seoul for over two years, been in Busan a few times - much prefer Busan to Seoul, people are definitely not as uptight or rude as the people in Seoul.

[PatrickGHBusan]

Lived in Busan 1997 -2008, have visited there every year since (sometimes more than once).

Its a great city to live in. It is more laid back than Seoul is in many ways.

Now where did you hear about Busan becoming "less friendly to foreigners" and what does that mean exactly?

I am curious to read more on this if you wish to share.

[Louis VI]

I am planning to settle in Busan in early 2013 by renting my own apartment there. I have always thought it a great place for a big city (I prefer small cities actually). Thumbs up all around.

As for lack of friendliness though... Busan people have been said to be a bit crabby and hot headed at times. Certainly the taxi drivers are a miserable lot (most of my negative experiences in cabs have been there despite plenty of experience nationwide) and have a rep for it; also sports fans are said to be tough there, get angry and vocal more so than elsewhere in the country, even Koreans tell me that. So perhaps anti-foreigner attitude might have been a misreading of the situation.

[sublunari]

I've lived in Busan for almost two years and I've actually seen a major improvement. I could have sworn everyone was glaring at me everywhere I went when I first arrived---but of course I might have just gotten used to it.

Reading a book while standing and facing a corner on the subway (perhaps a little peculiar) is a way of dealing with the relentless stares from people who are so bored with every aspect of their lives that they have nothing better to do than to act as if I've just stepped off a spaceship. Wear headphones when you're walking around to keep them from demanding to know which airline you used when you came here while you're waiting at a crosswalk.

I've been stuck on the west (wrong) side of the city for the whole time, and my wife and I hope we can move to the much nicer part (near the beaches) where everything worth seeing actually is.