Korean Job Discussion Forums

[flip ant]

Hi all. I'm from the midwest United States and I've been lurking on this site for a couple of months. You all have convinced me to get out of the rut that is my life and come to Korea! Yes, I have a legitimate B.A. so all that is not the problem. I've contacted a recruiter. I know, maybe not the best thing to do, but I had to start somewhere.

I've read quite a few of the FAQs but I still have a main question. I know you've been asked this before but I would like your input. I grew up in a small western town but have lived in Detroit, Chicago and am now back in a small community. I've narrowed where I want to go to a couple of places in Korea. Busan, Jeju Island or Ilsan. I'm fairly adaptable and see positives in all three. Here are my main goals in some sort of order: 1) Enjoy Korean culture. 2) Make money. 3) Have contact with foreigners and Koreans alike.

Anyone want to part with some advice?

[prosodic]

I vote for Ilsan. It's only about an hour outside of downtown Seoul by subway (half an hour by bus if traffic is decent). There's also a very pleasant man-made lake in Hosu Park (Hosu means lake).

I don't think location is going to have a big impact on your objectives as long as you do a little travelling on the weekends.

[Prospero]

Well if these three conditions are it, I believe you can meet them almost anywhere in Korea nowadays for almost every small city has both foreigners and koreans. As for making money I've found that although bigger cities pay more it is also more expensive to live there. As for smaller towns or cities I've found it easier to meet people and pick up privates. In regard to experiencing the culture...I think where ever you go in Korea you're going to feel quite a different cultural experience as compared to the midwest. Think about this... you'll be eating, sleeping, and breathing in Korea. I'm willing to bet the first time you step off the plane you'll find there's even a different smell to the air. Those of us who have stayed here for longer than a month no longer smell it cause it has consumed us... but you will. Also korea is filled with cultural and historical treasures so I'm sure you'll find some within a 30-40 minute bus ride from anywhere you choose to stay in Korea. As for Cheju-do, I think it's a wonderful place if you love the beach it would be great. If I lived there though I would have to get a small scooter to make the island more accessible. However the salaries tend to be lower there, but you could eat and drink and go to nice western style restaurants whenever you got bored of Korean food. Anyway, sorry to be so vague....but just thought I'd give you a few more things to think about before you decide. Now if I had to choose a city it would be one that is close to beach or one that has a fine nightlife...If I could cast a vote then it would be on Andong or Cheju.