Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I posted a thread to discuss this about a year ago. What do you think is the best city to live and teach in Korea. Why? If you think Seoul is best, can you recommend a neighborhood?

[seoulsucker]

Cities and neighborhoods are going to come down to personal preference. For most people, it's going to be Seoul. You have the oddball here and there who prefers total immersion, isolation, peace and quiet, etc.

For me, it doesn't get any better than being right in the thick of things. Over half the country lives here, and for good reason.

If you're considering a move, maybe list some preferences (food, nightlife, schools, shopping, etc.) and people can recommend a neighborhood.

[hagwonnewbie]

Civility, friendliness of locals, cost of living, noise and air pollution levels, access to transportation, safety are important, but I'd also like to live in a city where there are western restaurants, and an abundance of beautiful women open to dating foreigners. Of course, there is no place with all of these things, but perhaps someone could recommend an acceptable compromise.

[IncognitoHFX]

I just spent the weekend in the country. Went to the East Coast for the night, Seoraksan and then back to Seoul.

Earlier on I was weighing the pros and cons to living/working in a small city out in the country. Now, I'm %95 certain that I don't want to... and I am the kind of rarity that actually likes being in Korea, and plans to stay.

But small bumpkin country towns/cities here don't really make sense to me. A patch of prefab buildings with some shacks inbetween. Nothing very interesting at all. Many of the places we stopped in seemed to be tourist traps and the ones not good enough to be tourist traps were just housing situations for people who work in some company(ies) in town and people who provide services to those people. Some places have no character.

Korea is Seoul, Pusan, Daegu, a few other interesting cities/places, some great tourist destinations and the rest is just gas stations and rest stops as far as I'm concerned.

I've only spent about three weeks in the country since I moved here though, and I know there are some ex-pats about in the towns. Are there any *really* cool but extremely small places to live in Korea?

[Hyeon Een]

I live in Seoul but I'll disagree with the previous poster because I don't like it much.

If you need a big city, come to Seoul.
If you need Western food (and can't cook it yourself), come to Seoul.

If neither of those things are your priority then choose anywhere you want. I would, out of choice, live on a remote island off the coast. I honestly would prefer to live on a remote island off the coast over Seoul. That's me though. I'm weird. I'm in Seoul because this is where the jobs and money are. I'd prefer not to live in central Seoul, but occasionaly you have to make sacrifices.

Other people like the big city thing. Good on'em. Not my cup of tea.. but.. whatever =)

[MarionG]

I'm finishing a year in Andong. I've loved it here, but you certainly aren't in the thick of things!

Andong is quiet and traditional. I'm still "helloed" a lot by school girls, stared at sometimes, mostly by old people, and have not experienced a moment of rudeness here. A big smile has been my passport to a lot of nice experiences in Andong.

Now I'm leaving (I would have liked to stay but my school can't afford a native teacher anymore) and heading to the coast.

[RACETRAITOR]

[yingwenlaoshi]

Trust me. I've been living in the country for 3 years now and it drives you nuts. I live mostly like a damned hermit. There are no women and the choice of restaurants is laughable. I can cook at home, but who wants to do that every night? Bars are stoopid. Even in the neighboring city. No one plays pool and live music is non-existant. Maybe you have the urge to buy something. Well guess what? You have to hop on a bus and go to Seoul or the neighboring city. The neighboring city is pricier for many things than it is in Seoul. Most of the time you'll just be too lazy to even bother leaving your apartment. It can be good for saving money, but once you go to Seoul you'll feel like the country boy in a big city (because you are) and you'll be tempted to throw your money in the wind.

[anyangoldboy]

Anyang is a nice city to live in...So is Bundang near Seohyun or Ori station...

[endo]

1. Seoul
2. Seoul
3. Seoul
4. Seoul
5. Seoul
6. Seoul
7. Seoul
8. Seoul
9. Seoul
10. Busan (maybe)

[anyangoldboy]

Which part of Seoul though???

I know people who hated living in Gangnam and find ITaewon area much better...Also the other way around...

[RACETRAITOR]

I've lived in Hongdae, Guro, and Seongdong. There are a lot of quiet places in Seoul that are close to exciting parts. Rent is cheaper there than living in Hongdae, for example, and you're not far from the exciting areas. Living in Hongdae has its advantages but it would suck if you want a decent night's sleep.

[IncognitoHFX]

[RACETRAITOR]

[yingwenlaoshi]

I can't wait to move to Seoul next month. 3 years in the country make me go crazy.