Korean Job Discussion Forums

canada1987 · Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Location: Vancouver

Hi

I'm Canadian, currently living in Vancouver and soon will be moving to S. Korea to teach English.

Ideally, I want to live and work in Busan. However, my recruiter has assured me that Busan is an increasingly competitive place to find a job if you lack credentials ( I have a under grad degree in business, no TESL certificate, and very limited teaching experience)

I presently have two interview opportunities.

The first is in Cheongju - a city of about 600,000 which is inland. I have always lived in coastal areas so Cheongju is not very appealing to me.

the second is Tongyeong - a coastal city of 130,000 that looks beautiful. However, I am afraid I would get bored quickly in such a small city and that I would not really experience everything S. Korea has to offer.

If anyone has lived in or visited either of these two cities I would appreciate any advice they can offer. Advice about Busan is much appreciated as well.

Thanks!

tanklor1 · Joined: 13 Jun 2006

It doesn't matter; this country is smaller than the island of Newfoundland. Everything is at the most five hours away by bus. Wouldn't worry about the actual placement.

oldtactics · Joined: 18 Oct 2008

Tongyeong is a great city & while it's no metropolis, I wouldn't call it small. The only thing you'd really be 'missing' is nightclubs. Big deal. Lots to see and do, plus you're close to Busan if you want to spend weekends there.

canada1987 · Joined: 02 Jan 2011 Location: Vancouver

Thanks for the tips, I'm leaning towards Tongyeong, it looks so beautiful there and I like to be outside as much as possible.

Anyone have any experiences in Chongju they can share?

Totti · Joined: 24 Nov 2007

Don't listen to your recruiter, you can find a position in Busan. you'll probably have a better chance than experienced teachers because schools will feel that they can offer you less!

Louis VI · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Location: In my Kingdom

I was born in Burnaby and raised on Vancouver Island and I have lived in Tongyeong and - really - it IS for you. You can take cheap express buses to Busan for the weekends (motels are cheap for saturday nights).

But...

If you really are a city kid at heart then go to Busan. There ARE plenty of jobs. Any recruiter who cannot accommodate you should be ditched. Use a Busan-based recruiter (e.g., Kim & Joe).

http://www.kimnjoe.com/04communication/05job.htm?board_type=view&page_num=17&seq=31&page=10&ch_table_name=job&mode=view

Jobs in Gimhae and Jinhae are basically metro Busan and Changwon, Geoje or Jinju jobs are just an hour away.