Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tstroie]

What's up folks,

So.... heres the situation...

I've got 3 contracts that I can sign up for with hagwons and it just so happens that they're in the 3 biggest cities in Korea...

Obviously my question is which to choose from... the one in Busan pays 2.2 the one in Daegu pays 2.1 and the one in Seoul pays 2.1.

I'm a 22 year old Romanian/American that loves to socialize and meet new people. I like to play guitar, spin on turntables and create music from time to time, so obviously I'd like to be surrounded by like-minded people. I like going to bars and clubs but I also love the simple things in life that don't cost money such as hiking, surfing, biking, rugby etc...

So... given the description which would you say is the right pick for me? Personally I've been leaning towards Busan, but I'd rather take the advice from people who have experienced all/some of these cities.

Thanks for the help and maybe I'll be seeing you in Korea

[GoldMember]

Many people have had to make these decisions before. They have managed to do so without having to get advice from strangers on the internet. Why can't you? You have a choice between 3 lousy jobs. Lousy job A, lousy job B and lousy job C. Tough call that one.

[tstroie]

GoldMember I don't think I asked the question... Why are you bitter? Is it cause you can't get laid? You don't know how to make/handle money? Is it cause your fat and ugly like typical Americans? Or is it cause you went to Korea thinking that your dreams would come true, but in the end the people there saw you for the loser that you are back home????

We can go with what statistics say is the best answer.. All of the Above

Anyways... if anybody could help me out I would love some insight on these cities.

[probablylauren]

Everyone has their own opinion- so here's mine.

I love Seoul however I have taken a few trips to Busan and I love it there. It's like an 'escape' from the city, but in Busan you get the city and the feeling you aren't trapped, because of the beaches.

I have no idea what Busan is like in Winter..probably the same as Seoul. But if I had a choice for the other 9 months of the year, I would love Busan.

If my situation here in Seoul wasn't so great, I'd seriously consider Busan.

Seoul does have lots of benefits too, however I do live in the center, so can't speak for the more residential and more 'fully korean' areas. I love that my neighbourhood has everything I need within 5-10 minutes walk. For me, my area is like a country town, inside a big city.

[JBomb]

Busan is a bit warmer in winter compared to Seoul. We also got the mountains and sea that everyone always brags about. The downside is you don't get much of the arts scene as you do in Seoul.

[madtownhustl]

Toss up between Seoul and Busan. But what would I know, I'm just a typical American.

Be a big boy and do some research before asking questions to things that have been answered a hundred times...

[Seoulman69]

I'd go for Busan. More chance of outdoor activities than Seoul but a better music scene than Daegu.

[FDNY]

Before I came to Korea I read this guys rule. I'm really glad I did!



"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!

[methdxman]

[brickabrack]

ce face?

I'm going to guess you are either coming from Chicago or southern Cali.
Am I right?

I wanted Busan, but your tickets flying out will be more expensive than if living in Seoul. You'll be a little warmer in Busan, but if you've ever been to Transylvania, it won't affect you much.

I live not far from Seoul. It's all over rated anyhow.


Another poster is right. 3 lousy jobs. Good luck.

[Kurtz]

[Murakano]

[GoldMember]

I may be bitter, fat, ugly etc, but at least I know a lousy job when I see it.
In your case its 3 lousy jobs. Since you are very wet behind the ears, let me fill you in on some of the more important questions you should be asking.
1. Will I get paid?
2. Will I get paid?
3. Will I get paid?

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

Daegu is the most wonderful place in Asia. Go there and be a happy, strumming spinner.

[schlotzy]

Man, I could do a search and find that this question has been asked like 5 times in this month alone.