Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jobot]

Hello I have just applied for a job in Incheon, does anyone know much about it, what its like, is it fun, is there much to do etc?

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I like it. It's just close enough, yet just far enough from Seoul to be comfortable. There's stuff to do in Art Center and Bupyeong, and if you're lucky enough to be near the 1 line, it can be a 40 minute train ride to Seoul.

Apartments cost less, too, so you might be able to find a nicer place for the money.

[jobot]

thanks for your response...and is it friendly...I heard it can be a bit xenophobic there? are you teaching there? its in Seogu, Incheon Near Incheon subway line Gyeyang station...how fr from Seoul would that be?

[Lorilou]

My friends live in incheon. I spend the weekends there a lot and really liked it. Not xenophobic at all. Like the first poster said, arts center and bupyeong is where all the NETs hang out. Wolmido is really fun, and the parks are nice. Use this website to figure out how far you'll be from seoul. It'll calculate how far your ride will be:

http://www.smrt.co.kr/Train/Subwaymap/Eng/Subwaymap.jsp

[Lorilou]

PS. There are a couple of great facebook groups for incheon teachers, too. The first one would be a great resource for learning more about the area.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=4854658842

http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=167383252224

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I'm not sure how far it would be. You'd have to transfer from the Incheon line at Bupyeong (a fun area) to the 1 line, but from there it's about 35-40 minutes, so it's not a terrible commute at all.

People are friendly enough. It's not a small city, and many Seoul workers live here, so they're more used to foreigners than out in the boonies.

[jobot]

thanks a million for all your help! that sounds great! I also have an interview in busan, and am not sure what to do, have you spent any time there...if so which would you prefer?? those facebook groups are a great idea!

[johnnyrook]

It's got a wonderful airport.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Busan's nice because it's MUCH warmer in the winter. I've been a handful of times, and nearly always enjoyed it, but I found the people a tad (really only a little) more xenophobic. There are a few places that outright refuse to serve foreigners. I forget the name of the jimjilbang to which I was refused entry, but others have experienced the same.

[jobot]

yeah, I dont know how I would deal with xenophobia but I guess its something that is everywhere...its hard to know what to do or where to go in Korea. Im travelling over on my own from Ireland so Im pretty much jumping in without really knowing what Im doing. Is there anywhere in particular you'd recommend?

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Busan isn't bad, though. I don't want you to think that it's as bad as the American south 70 years ago. I just prefer being in Incheon. I do go down to Busan quite often.

[IncheonTOEFL]