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Looking for info on Naju

 
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sab2197



Joined: 17 Nov 2013

PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 10:25 am    Post subject: Looking for info on Naju Reply with quote

Hi everyone. Back in December I was offered a position on Geoje Island which I was really looking forward to. The job fell through as the school could not obtain a business license. Yesterday I interviewed with a public school in Naju which I understand is very close to Gwangju. I am really interested in the position itself. It sounds like a good school with good benefits and it would give me actual teaching experience rather than encouraging me to simply be an entertainer five days a week. Anyway, could anyone tell me about life in Naju? I know it is a smaller area, which is fine by me, I prefer to live in smaller areas, so long as things I need are still accessible, like stores, banks, and a gym. Has anyone lived in the area before and can comment on what to expect? Thank you for your help!
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nicwr2002



Joined: 17 Aug 2011

PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 3:56 pm    Post subject: Re: Looking for info on Naju Reply with quote

sab2197 wrote:
Hi everyone. Back in December I was offered a position on Geoje Island which I was really looking forward to. The job fell through as the school could not obtain a business license. Yesterday I interviewed with a public school in Naju which I understand is very close to Gwangju. I am really interested in the position itself. It sounds like a good school with good benefits and it would give me actual teaching experience rather than encouraging me to simply be an entertainer five days a week. Anyway, could anyone tell me about life in Naju? I know it is a smaller area, which is fine by me, I prefer to live in smaller areas, so long as things I need are still accessible, like stores, banks, and a gym. Has anyone lived in the area before and can comment on what to expect? Thank you for your help!


I used to live in Naju and it's a pretty small town although they do have their own facebook group. It will take you about an hour to get to the downtown area of Gwangju where all the nightlife is. If you like hiking, there is a small mountain within walking distance that you can hike. Naju finally got a Lotte Mart, so that store should have all you need for groceries, but you'll probably have to take a taxi depending on where you in Naju. There aren't many foreigner restaurants and the closest you will get to that is near the college called Dongshin University. As far as gyms go, it's pretty dismal with a really old fashioned gym inside the big sauna. Unless they recently built a new gym in the area, you are going have a hard time finding a gym I think. If you have any more questions let me know.
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sab2197



Joined: 17 Nov 2013

PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the information. The gym situation kind of concerns me. I know that's a silly thing to be bummed about, but I am a gym rat. Sounds like there's plenty to do outside though and I shouldn't have a problem finding places to run-- one of the perks of small town life Smile I didn't realize it was an entire hour from Gwangju. How much can I expect to pay for a cab or bus? I am assuming I could find transportation into the city alright?

Also, how likely am I to find groups of foreign teachers in the area? I figured since I would be new to the area it might be helpful to find a few English speakers who could show me around.

And what is the Facebook group called? I have tried searching for it but I haven't turned up anything so far. Thanks again for your help!
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nicwr2002



Joined: 17 Aug 2011

PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:50 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A one-way bus ride on the regular 160 bus will run you about 1700 won. I'm not sure about the express bus to the Gwangju terminal. If you use the express bus, you can make it to Gwangju in like 20 to 30 minutes.

Cab fares start out at 2800 won and then increase by 200 won depending on distance and time. If you stay out late in downtown Gwangju, you have two options to get back home. One option is to pay 30,000 won for a taxi back to Naju or just spend 30,000 for a love hotel and take the regular bus home in the morning.

In Naju you shouldn't really need to ride the bus around since everything is within reasonable walking distances. The exception would be when you go to buy groceries, but I would recommend just getting a taxi for that. Running in Naju is pretty good.

There are plenty of foreigners in Naju, and you won't have a hard time finding them. Hit up the local Wabar and you'll most likely find someone there. Here is the Naju Facebook group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/421657781226404/644850005573846/?notif_t=group_activity
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Stan Rogers



Joined: 20 Aug 2010

PostPosted: Fri Feb 07, 2014 6:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Naju is famous for pears. Probably the best pears grown in Korea come from there. There are really delicious.
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