Korean Job Discussion Forums

[BaldTeacher]

I got a very good sounding job offer in the Changdong area of norhtern Seoul, but the fact that it's so far north is a little bit off-putting.

How is the immediate area for foreigners, department stores, bars, etc. Also, are there a lot of English speaking Koreans around? Is it kind of a backwards area, or is it normal? What are your experiences with the area, etc.

Any tidbit of information you can give would be great.

My other offer that I'm considering would be a kindergarten in Busan, but I would be the only foreign teacher there. The Seoul job is an afternoon job with other foreign teachers. Honestly, location-wise, the Busan position in Hwanyeong-dong sounds better, but I've never been to Northern Seoul, so I don't really know.

[nukeday]

the area directly by changdong station is a bit rundown, old-style seoul. in a busy market/shijang sense - best way i can describe it. however, there's an emart 10 minutes away by foot. really, though, having lived in daechi-dong before, i wouldn't see any big difference between the two places. you're not gonna be living in Rexle towers and you're not sending your kids to school, the villas are still made of fake bricks, so...seoul is seoul except for a few choice spots. a lot of places in seoul could be considered "out in the boonies" and changdong is one of them.

nowon station has a lot of bars. as does suyu, where i'm at. i don't shop at department stores, but i know there's both a hyundai and a lotte at mia sam geori station...might be more up north, dont know.

if the job is good, take it. you'll still get home from hongdae for less than 30,000 won..itaewon probably 20,000. easy access to lines 1 and 4...those go to a lot of places.

[metalhead]

I used to live in Changdong, it's dull and old. Thankfully Suyu is (was) a quick walk away. Expect a lot of 20 000 won+ cab rides back home from Hongdae/Itaewon if you live there.

[nukeday]