Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ab10]

Hi. I'm applying for a position to teach English in South Korea. The description says "Recipients will be placed at schools in rural areas in need of greater exposure to English". We can put a preference of where to live, and have several choices. Currently I'm looking at the southern provinces, particularly Jeju, Busan (outlying region), Gyeongnam and Jeonnam. Can anyone give me some pros or cons of these places? Opinions?

I don't really need a large city, but hope to travel on the weekends and go to several temples, festivals, etc. Also, I hope to travel to Japan, Thailand and China at some point as well.

Any advice, opinion or information is helpful... THANKS!

[ttompatz]

At the risk of sounding like an ass, trying to give an answer to your question is like explaining color to a blind man.

The answers you might get make may make sense to someone who has been here and will have no meaning or context to someone who has not.

You'd be better off using google earth and wiki pedia so at least you will have some clue what you are asking / talking about.

.

[ab10]

I guess I didn't make it clear in the original post that I have done a lot of research... I've read 2 guides and asked other people their opinions, I just thought it might be nice to get some personal opinions from more people that have lived/worked in South Korea. Sometimes guides might make something sound wonderful and practical, but in reality things might be a little different.

I suppose that I'd like to hear opinions of anyone willing to give their's, and if I don't understand then I'll do research!

[toadkillerdog]

If it is on your list of choices, I'd go for Jeollanam-do. Rural but the food is good and plenty of outdoors activities to choose from.

[Afghankush]

I found this guy's post a while back. Makes great sense.

Basically, NEVER live in a place like Jeollanamdo. Unless you
like mental institutions and taking prozac.

"Cohiba's Rule"

Think twice before you live outside of Seoul. "In Seoul" and
"outside of Seoul" are like two different countries. Seoul
is an interesting place with variety and venues for most
tastes. Outside of Seoul you will find a homogeneous Korean
culture. I don't mean this in a bad way, but you will never
find things like: French, Greek, Indian or any other ethnic
foods. Markets that sell sherry, pate, pastrami, ricotta cheese.
Specialty shops that sell Cuban cigars, European pies, cold
cuts or rye breads. Just to name a few things. Also clubs such
as photography, drama, public speaking, sailing are 99% in
the capital city. If you want to experiment with a very Korean
culture, which unfortunately means "closed", then choose the
countryside. If you want to make money and have the lifestyle
choices similar to a western country, then there is no other
choice than Seoul.

The FFF RULE: FFF=Fun For Foreigners.

If FFF in Seoul = 100, then FFF decreases at
1/distance. So 2km from Seoul FFF=1/2(100)=50;
10km from Seoul FFF=1/10(100)=10. This rule is
a rule for nightlife, food and foreign products only.
Nature etc. is on a different scale altogether.

This means you will be wasting a lot of time commuting
to Seoul. This is especially a drag if you have been
boozing on a Friday night and there are no buses or
trains.

I, unfortunately, live near Seoul where the FFF factor
is almost in the negative range. I know!

[schlotzy]

Busan. There's no question about it.

Tons to do there in Busan. Easy transport to basically anywhere. Great foreigner scene. Beaches. Some decent Western food with more opening every week. Easy access to mountains, hiking, surfing, other outdoor activities.

Unless you HATE being in cities, Busan is the best choice.

[ab10]

Thank you all for your responses! Any others would be greatly appreciated!!

[Died By Bear]

[Sector7G]

[Jacknife]

[Kimchifart]

[ab10]

The pay will be a set amount by the program I'm going with. And I'm given a specific number of holiday and sick days.

So food could be an issue, so definitely take that into consideration.

What about festivals, temples, etc? Things to do and such?

Thank you all for your responses! I can't wait to hear more!

[asc422]

Change your recruiter.

I'd really, really think twice about living in the actual sticks. It seems like a good idea to become submerged in Korean culture, etc. It isn't. I'm pulling this number out of thin air, but I'd estimate 9/10 people in rural areas in the southern provinces are slowly going insane.

Why?
- small town drama, gossip
- you have to like the other foreigners in your area out of necessity
- every Korean will know who you are & where you work
- you'll be under a microscope
- ain't trash to do in these places except drink to blackout

It's okay to live in Gyeonggi-du during your first year. Jobs in the 'burbs are plentiful. You still have schools throwing themselves at you for these positions. Actually, it's really not so bad in places like Ansan, Suwon, or Anyang. Your town will feel like a big city for a few months. Also, you'll be on a subway line so you'll be able to ride for 45 mins or so to Seoul on the weekends. I'd almost recommend it.

You'll get a great feel for Seoul without having to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle (something that might overwhelm some people). You can also learn how everything works with less pressure (simple things like riding a bus in Seoul are a nightmare if you don't know what to do). But, after about 6 months you'll grow to resent the fact that you don't actually live in Seoul.

Why?
- all your dates will magically live on the other end of Seoul
- you'll get drunk in Hongdae or Itaewon and pass out on the subway at 6 am and wake up in North Korea (joking and sorta true, it's annoying to wake up at the end of the line) ... you won't be at your apartment until something ridiculous like 10 a.m. b/c you can't stay awake
- some cool event like a soccer game, snowboard show, or pool tournament will happen in Seoul during the middle of the week and you'll have to miss it because of work & your commute

There will be lots of stuff like that which adds up.

[Sector7G]