Korean Job Discussion Forums

[S.Bingham]

Hello all,

I am moving to Incheon tomorrow as I got an after school gig there. I will be living very close to Incheon City Hall subway stop, so I am not right at the end.

I would love some advise from people who live in the area. I have searched my heart out and not found much information useful.

All the basic questions. Whats the quickest way into Seoul? Any bus numbers to recommend? Any nice parks/places of interest as I like to get out. Any western bars, particular super markets, shops or areas I should know of?

I am also interested in taking up Taekwondo, Karate or something similar and would love to know if anyone attends anything like this in Incheon.

All my questions might be in vain, but I would love any information or help in general. I hope some of you can help me out.

Thanks in advance.

[revspook]

I know nothing about Incheon and not much about where I live (Seoul) as we've been here about two weeks. I DO know the Seoul subway line is reasonably priced (depends on how far you travel) and it's good for getting around. There are 12 different lines and one of them goes to Incheon. The subways are labeled in English although the whole system can be confusing to anyone not from a massive city with an appropriate mass-transit system. I've found that locals are pretty decent about helping when you find the rare one that speaks English. Like I said though, the subways are in English so you can find your way around (protip: pay CLOSE attention to the exit numbers when leaving the trains).

I suggest picking a destination like Itaewon or Hyundae; plenty of other foreign devils in those places (fewer soldiers in Hyundae from what I hear).

I've also read about the hot springs in Incheon and plan on hitting one soon after payday. Trust me, after experiencing the shower/toilet rooms here, you'll appreciate the thought of a large place to immerse yourself in hot water.

[Lorilou]

I have a friend in Incheon, and have spent a bit of time there. It takes about an hour for me to get into seoul from Hongdae by subway. It seems like there's quite a bit in Incheon, and I know he likes it well enough. Bupyeoung is a good bar district, with lots of other westerners. Also has good subway shopping. Jayu Park and Wolmido Island are both supposed to be nice. China town is an attraction that all the guide books mention, but we went to there a few months ago and found it pretty small, boring and touristy-- all gift shops and terrible chinese food.

I agree with revspook-- the subways are easy to use and you won't have any trouble getting around.

[Son Deureo!]

I lived in Incheon several years ago, and in a different area, so I can't recommend much where you'll be living, but I can tell you Incheon City Hall is a pretty nice and modern place to be.

So far as getting to Seoul goes, your best options are taking the line 1 expresses. Take the Incheon line to Bupyeong and catch a train that is labeled "Yongsan", which is an express train that skips several stops on the way to Seoul. It cuts your trip to Seoul by about 20-30 minutes. There are schedules for the expresses posted at Bupyeong Station, but last i saw they were only labeled in Korean.

The other option is to take the Samhwa Express buses, which are special buses that go from different areas of Incheon to popular destinations in Seoul (last I checked, they went to Seoul Station, Gangnam, and Shinchon). They cost about W2000 each way, and they're comfortable and direct.

For me, the nicest thing about living in Incheon was easy access to the gorgeous Yellow Sea islands in the summer time. There's a ferry port near Dong Incheon Station called Yeonan Boodoo that has regular ferries to over a dozen islands in the Yellow Sea that are rustic with beautiful beaches. I've visited several of them, and Deokjeokdo was my favorite island of the bunch, do a search for more info.

[Von Tristof]

Just got here two weeks ago. I live just a short walk from there. You're in a good spot. It's clean, reasonably priced, modern, and you're very close to the Arts Centre subway stop (another short walk) where there's a Lotte Mart, E Mart, Homeplus, as well as bars, PC bangs, norae bangs, DVD bangs, and good restaurants. So you won't be bored. Bupyeoung is only a short subway ride away, and Seoul is easy to get to by cab, bus, or subway. If you want to meet foreigners you can go to Rio's Bar, though I'm not too fond of it. Good luck!

[espoir]

Your closest place for bars, food and shopping will be the arts center, which is a short 10min walk from city hall station going south. Theres a Lotte Mart and Shinsegah there. The main bar there, as another poster mentioned, is Rio's. It is a smaller bar though. If you want to meet more foreigners though I'd suggest Bupyeoong. Here are 2 threads with a bit of information of where to go in Bupyeong.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2324039&highlight=#2324039

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=2320664&highlight=#2320664

Just take the incheon subway line north, until you hit bupyeong station.

[rickpidero]

Hello, if you are looking for people to meet, find the group What's going on Incheon on facebook.

Also, you're pretty close to the Bus Terminal. 1400 or 1300 go to Hongdea. Although it maybe easier to just take the subway.

[Easter Clark]

[rickpidero]

[quote="Easter Clark"] The area across from the bus terminal is pretty good for nightlife, but there aren't any "western" bars there. Still, plenty of good eats and hofs (I like "Miller Time."), as well as singing rooms. Also, New Core outlet, Lotte Department Store, and Sinsegae are all great places to shop if you've got the money to spend.[/quote]

Actually there is a quite popular 'Western' bar in that area. It's called Rios. Kind of a small place, but a lot of fun. Rio (the owner) is awesome. I wish I could give accurate directions.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[S.Bingham]

Wow! I did not expect so many helpful replies. I really appreciate the information guys.

Slowly getting used to the area. I have walked around a little and agree that the best area seems to be around Lotte Dep store and will check out the bars and Rio's bar sounds interesting. It's not often I wish to find or even sit in western bars, as I used to see many in Bundang. But moving to Incheon changed that, and I look forward to meeting some people who can communicate with me in this area!

I will actually be moving into a new place in that area also, as my school moved me into an older, insect residing apartment, pretty far out in a boring area near my school...

As for all the advise on buses and getting into Seoul, your input was awesome and I have taken notes on all the routes and advise given! Thanks again to all.

Hope to see some friendly faces around soon and will be sure to check out Rio's bar! ^_^

[liverpooljohnny81]

I lived for a year at the Arts Center subway stop, which is one stop away from City Hall.

Take a walk over to the Arts Center, and find Rodeo Square. It's really nice in the evening when the weather's good. It's just an open area surrounded by bars and restaurants, and since you can drink outside in Korea, a lot of people hang out in the sqaure and drink. Get cheap beers from the convenience store in the square, and just and watch. There's a lot of neon, and a good vibe. You'll see some funny/wild stuff if you go often enough.

There's also a park north of the Arts Center that had really great Cherry Blossoms in the spring.

Also, definitely check out Bupyeong and the foreigner bars there (Goose Goose...ahh memories)

If you're interested in Buddhism at all look up Lotus Lantern International Meditation Center. It's not in Incheon but you can get a bus there. A very good way to spend a spring or summer weekend.

[BStaff]

I'm considering a job near Incheon City Hall. Anyone know what bus takes you to Bupyeong station and how long it'd take?

[espoir]

theres several buses that take you. The only one I know for sure is bus 45. But if your near the incheon city call station, just take the subway. Bus will be about 20-25min, subway about 5min and the same price

[gava01]

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