Korean Job Discussion Forums

Daniel1981 · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

After 3 years in beautiful Busan, I'm moving off to Seoul to live and work in 2 weeks..

I really love Busan, and Haeundae where I live..

So, I'm looking for some good points about Seoul. What do you love about Seoul, what areas in Seoul do you really like, how does the Han River stack up in terms of view / waterside jogging..

Basically, trying to get pumped up about the move.. I don't know much about Seoul, so right now it's hard to get excited..

Coltronator · Joined: 04 Dec 2013

Easy, don't go.

Daniel1981 · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

byrddogs · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Location: Shanghai

Speck7 · Joined: 05 Sep 2012

Seoul sucks, overcrowded, boring, plain.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

Seoul's a disgusting cesspool for the most part. I live here mainly because I"m like Oscar the Grouch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1SiSUrvUnk and I don't want people screwing with me (as they generally don't).

It's also wonderful, but only for 5 minutes every other day - you can almost set your bio-rhythms to these things. Sometimes you might get giddy for 10 minutes, but generally only if you're really hammered (which you'll want to be to live here).

Welcome! Very Happy

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

You'll be closer to North Korea and within artillary range.

The city is dirty, crowded, expensive. The Han River is polluted and smells like it. Jogging next to the river means you'll also be jogging next to major highways with tons of carbon monoxide to breathe in. The air quality is horrible. You might as well take up smoking.

Stay where you're at.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

I was gonna say more, but the previous poster summed it up. I've been to Busan many times and unless you have a fantastic, major-step-up job opportunity I'd stay where you are.

Plus, half the population of Seoul is carrying some form of STD.

(Okay, I made up that last part, but still.)

littlelisa · Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Location: Seoul

Wow, why so negative about Seoul?

It won't have much views/nature things on Busan, I guess, but there's pretty much anything you could be interested happening here. If you have any obscurish hobbies, or are interested in any, there's lots here.

There are a lot of great Korean cultural activities that are subsidized/cheap, such as Korean language, art, or music classes.

Musicals and musicians/musical groups stop in Seoul often as part of world tours. Sometimes museums will get interesting visiting exhibits.

What area are you moving to?

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

littlelisa · Joined: 12 Jun 2007 Location: Seoul

We'll have to agree to disagree, then, because if you can't find anything good about Seoul, then I don't know what to tell you.

Sure, I wouldn't rate it as the OMGBESTEVAR!!!! city I've been to, but I really do enjoy living here, and there's lots to like.

creeper1 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

According to some on this forum, Seoul is a tough place to get a job in.

Fair play to the OP. Going from one great location to another.

I tell you what. Give that Seoul boss of yours an ultimatum. Increase the salary by 15% for the hardship of living in Seoul or you stay in Busan.

That will show 'em.

Daniel1981 · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

in Seoul you'll get a lot more choice of everything - good foreign restaurants alcohol and food products, live music, exhibitions, going out areas etc. I assume top foreign bands/exhibitions and the like that appear in Seoul won't often make the trip to Busan (someone living in Busan can correct me on this) Seoul will have a wider choice of direct flights abroad, better looking women, if that's important (lookers in any country tend to gravitate to the capital) A more cosmopolitan feel. Fewer stares, more people who have lived abroad and have a broader outlook on life, more and better job opportunites, better pay, from what I can gather.

Visually both cities are pretty similar except Busan seems to be more spread out to me, with the Haeundae area being miles away from the station. I'd say you made the right decision if the job's a better one.

Daniel1981 · Joined: 30 Dec 2009

Thanks a lot for the post~

You mentioned food variety. That's a good one.

I wonder, has anyone found a good low-carb (high fat) market or low-carb shopping venue?

Things like coconut oil, fresh butter (nothing added), pure fresh cream, avocados, variety of cheeses, etc.

I try to eat a ketogenic diet and would love to find the good spots for this kind of food.

Don't really want to debate the merrits of the diet in this thread, just looking for Seoul places for these types of foods Smile

Another thing I need to find asap is a good squash center / club.