Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Stu_miller]

Hi all,

I will be starting a job in the area near to Jeongbalsan station next month. I jwas just hoping to get a bit of a heads up on the area and any useful things that I should know about it.

Firstly, re: accommodation, my employer will be paying key money up to 10million but I will be finding and renting the place myself. What are my options for finding a decent size one-bed apartment near to Jeongbalsan (walking or cycling distance)? Any good websites or is it estate agents/local ads only?

Also, I know the public transport in Seoul is excellent but how much benefit would there be in buying a scooter/motorbike for getting about and road trips? Good idea or not worth it?

Work-wise, I would be working 14.00-22.00, so how is the local area for eating/drinking options after 23.00ish. Is there still plenty open at that time?

Finally, if there are any friendly souls up for showing me a few local eateries and watering holes then please speak up. It would be cool to have a few contacts in the area when I arrive.

All and any words of advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!

Cheers in advance,
Stu

[jjajangmyun]

1. jeongbalsan is a pretty quiet but nice area. lot of big churches there. nice big homeplus for most of your shopping needs.

2. with 10 mil key money, you have lots of options for decent one-rooms. go for a loft-style residence, those are great. ask your employer to hook you up with realtors. also ask your employer if they can pay the realtor fee. if they won't, that means you should look forward to paying an extra few hundred dollars yourself.

3. i have a 125cc scooter and a 400cc motorbike and will never use public transportation ever again unless absolutely necessary. that being said, pubic transportation in seoul is awesome. if its ur first time in korea, stick with public transport for awhile. if u feel u absolutely must get some death-on-wheels no matter what the cost, PM me.

4. seoul is a 24-hour city in a way that puts some other megacities to shame. there will be plenty of eating/drinking options at all hours, though most restaurants that don't serve booze will be closed before 10pm.

5. best way to meet people is through work, hobbies, activities, and online meetups. just go out and try stuff and you'll meet people no problem. you'll be close to hongdae, which is a fun area.

[Stu_miller]

[dairyairy]

Great location near La Festa, Western Dom, CGV IMAX, Lake Park, Kintex, Costco, and the Seoul Subway line #2, and close to other lines.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeongbalsan_Station

[Sister Ray]

Yes, it is a really pleasant location. Western Dom also had one of the better Indian restaurants I'd visited in Korea. I stayed near Jeongbalsan for just over a month and loved it. Having said that, if I'd stayed longer I think I'd have been travelling down line 3 to Seoul (~45 mins to Gwanghwamun area downtown Seoul,) an awful lot. It's extremely pleasant but not too exciting. Lake Park is a wonderful asset. It can get fairly crowded but if you go off peak it's really nice. Enjoy.

[Stu_miller]

Thanks, guys!

Pleasant and not too exciting sounds good for a place to live, as long as "exciting" is easy enough to get to haha!

Appreciate the info