Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ucla_matta]

I'm sure this is a redundant post (and yes I've used the search function!), but I would love to invite those who currently live or have lived in Busan to chime in.

What's the city atmosphere (both physical and otherwise) like? Did you find it easy to navigate the subway, explore the culture, etc? I'm concerned that the city may be too industrialized--in light of the ports--and fear a resemblance to Oakland, California!

Any information you can provide would be appreciated, preferably from members of this board who aren't notoriously negative!

[chellovek]

Busan is nice, I think you'll have pleasant time there.

Also, based on another thread about Busan, it is apparently recommended by Irish people. If Irish people recommend it then that must surely be something!

[JBomb]

LOL Irish people! I live there right now and it is a great city. Especially east of Seomyeon. A lot of the port stuff is on the periphery of the city so you don't get much of all that ruining things. Like all Korean cities there is a glut of mountains to climb. If you into nightlife Haeundae and Kyungsung have a really good variety of different types of pubs, clubs, and Korean style places. The people here are fast, loud, and cruder than Seoulites, but I find a lot more genuine. The subway system is great and easy to navigate. Lots of signs and arrows, and there is a new one along with a light rail system opening up pretty soon. In terms of culture Lotte Giants are a must, Beomosa is really really pretty, and the beaches at the summer time are excellent for people watching and general vegging out. Especially Seongjeong. I currently live in Jurye-dong area and looking forward to moving. In and around there and Sasang it can be a bit too industrial and factory for my liking. I am moving in Feb, but waiting to get word as to where.

[sublunari]

Oh Busan. Someone here once wrote it was like Seoul, with beaches, and a thousand times as many hicks. I think it's basically a more authentic Korean experience without as many fratboys and soldiers as Seoul, but good foreign restaurants are extremely difficult to come by (I can only think of the Mexican place in Jangsan, which is practically on the other side of the planet for me, off the top of my head), so you'd better be a fan of Korean food. The rat race is still on but it's not quite the same as the heartless capitalist stampede up in Seoul.

Nampo (dong) and Busan University are my favorite areas; except for a great Korean restaurant called Bap Sang, Seomyeon is a giant puddle of ajosshi spit and is totally overrated by everyone. You can run or bike along the Nakdong when it's not cold as balls outside (away from Sasang (where I work but thankfully do not live) there's hardly anyone around the riverside) and there are so many mountains that it's actually possible, sometimes, to go on a hike without running into too many of those weird guys who walk around with radios blaring god knows what from their vests. For the moment it's also relatively safe from our friends in the North. You're also close to Gyeongju, which probably has more culture than any other city in Korea (in addition to the best pizza place and the best cafe I know of).

If there were a few more good foreign restaurants in this place it would be a lot easier to argue that it's better than Seoul. The only thing it really lacks is a nice big beautiful palace, and maybe a few more parks.