Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mrthingy]

Hello.

So I've decided to do some teaching in Korea and am trying to get together the visa documents and a list of exactly what areas I would like to live in. From reading bits and pieces it the three places I'm thinking of are Bucheon, Gangnam and Ilsan.

What I'm really looking for is somewhere with a expat community (so I don't end up stuck alone all the time) and good transport to get around and see a bit of Seoul. I'd like to go out on a Friday or Saturday night and maybe just a quiet meal or couple of drinks once during the week. I'd like to do some kind of sport, I read Taekwondo is the national sport so I'd like to give that a go or a soccer team I could join.

Are the places I'm looking at good for what looking for? Is there anywhere else I should consider.


Thanks.

[RMNC]

Yes, they all have decent expat communities. Ilsan and Bucheon will both take you about 30 minutes by subway to get into Seoul proper. Gangnam is an incredibly trendy (dare I say trendiest) area in Seoul and is probably the most sought-after area in the city. Things are going to be more expensive but you're right smack in the middle of the city, so it's not hard to get around (except for the overcrowded subways and busses). Think of Gangnam like Manhattan and Bucehon and Ilsan like Long Island and Staten Island. There are cheaper places to live but you'd be hard pressed to find a place with more to do.

[DaHu]

You will never be alone, Koreans will love to take you drinking with them!

As a first-timer, I'm not sure how likely it is that you'd get in the areas that are most desired, though.

[bossface]

it's no problem for a n00b to get a desirable location. my first time out, i had a great location, walking distance to Express Bus Terminal or Kyodae, 20 minute walk to Gangnam, 5 minute taxi to Itaewon. of course, other than location, all aspects of my job and apartment were horrible, so there is a downside.