Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lorunner07]

I tried searching these forums, and even google, but no luck.

I'll be working and living in Yeoksam-dong in Gamnam-gu, Seoul. Can anyone tell me a little bit about this place? What's there? Good location? pros? cons?

Thanks a lot.

[Lazio]

Gangnam-gu is the business district of Seoul. A little Manhattan here with mostly newly built glass towers. Housing is expensive but you don't need to care about that since it should be provided (whatever your contract says). There is decent nightlife around Gangnam Station. Lots of bars and clubs. There are a lot of foreign restaurants. You could find Italian, Mexican, Thai, Indian and others.
Some would prefer Itaewon, others Gangnam.
In short, it's one of the best areas for foreigners in Seoul.

[orosee]

I used to live for over 2 years just one station further, Seolleung. The area from Gangnam station down to Samseong Station is quite good if not great. Not exactly loads of foreigners or foreigner oriented places, but some great restaurants in the "front row" along Teheran-no and plenty of smaller restaurants and shops in the second and third row.

Landmarks of the area are a really nice yet oddly named, Italian-style restaurant in the basement of the building at (I believe) Exit 3 of Yeoksam station, a nearby E-Mart, the bakery in the Lotte department store in Daechi-dong, a decent park and plenty of open space along the main road. Not to forget COEX mall at Samseong station. Also, if it's still standing by the time you move there, the Technomart electronics mall at Gangbyeon station is just a 10 minute ride away, and Lotte World is even closer (keep that in mind for your first "Where can I take a date on the weekend" question).

Most streets are laid out in a straight grid, so getting lost is not so much an issue. The area can be a bit hilly, especially since Yeoksam station is a subjective 500 meters above the level of Seolleung or Gangnam stations.

You should be able to make it to Itaewon by bus with only one switch (i.e. getting on the 421 North once you get to Gangnam station) and a taxi ride should be in the order of 10,000 Won.

When I got there in 2008 I had the feeling that I knew all the English teachers there (2) but these days this area might have the second highest ET or foreigner density after Itaewon/Hannam-dong.

A good place to live if you find a decent place with affordable rent.

[Captain Corea]

Yeah, it's not a cheap place, by any means, but you'll get more food/entertainment options here than most other areas of the city.

I've recently relocated here myself and am enjoying the.... "sights".

[lorunner07]

thanks everyone!