Korean Job Discussion Forums

Catullus · Joined: 09 Apr 2008

I am a newbie preparing to move to Korea at the end of this summer. I am speaking with a school about a teaching position in Gangnam. They tell me that the school and the apartment are located within 5 minutes of Samseong station on subway line #2.

What are your thoughts on this area? I understand that there is a massive mall and entertainment complex near the subway station, but how is the nightlife? How accessible is the rest of the city from this location? Is it much more expensive to live in this area compared to the rest of Seoul?

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

jkelly80 · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Location: you boys like mexico?

If you like overcrowded clubs where everyone dresses like they work at a Gucci factory, paying 20k covers and such, it's your bag.

ciccone_youth · Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Location: Japan

one of the biggest malls in Asia is at Samseong station, the COEX mall. I like to go to Gangnam for shopping but I'm glad i don't live there. depends what you're looking for.

jen_the_great · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Location: Gangnam, Seoul

I used to live near that area in Daechi and I really liked it. COEX is as much of a western style mall that you can get in Korea and it's actually pretty nice. There's a huge temple that's nice to walk around, and it's kind of neat that you see the World Trade towers from over the Buddah statue. It's an interesting mix.

There's a pretty good area to go out if you go over the bridge into Jamsil and it would only be a few bucks by cab. It's a lot cheaper than the nightlife in the Gangnam station area and a lot cheaper than in Apgujeong, the ritziest area of Gangnam. If you ride a bike or like to jog, it also has quick access to a decent path that goes right to the Han-gang quickly.

The area isn't that much more expensive, just all the little things add up. It's pretty convenient because a lot of buses go to COEX, so learn the bus routes (the maps are partly in English) and you should be fine.

As someone else mentioned, real estate is crazy, so be more worried about your apartment and the sketchiness of your school.

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

You'll probably be in a very small apartment because it is an expensive area. I think it's quite nice area, lots of coffee shops and stuff (well I like coffe shops anyway).

COEX mall has all the brand name shops, movie theatre, huge bookstore, all the things you might expect from a huge mall. Don't go there at the weekend if you hate crowds, it's bloody murder. I once wandered around for two hours with a friend on a Sunday afternoon and we couldn't find a single coffee shop with available seating.

The area around Gangnam station has a few bars, clubs etc. but it isn't exactly brilliant for a big night out. Expensive, too. I used to live there, and, while I was quite content, I wasn't exactly sorry to leave.

peachlily · Joined: 11 Apr 2008

Toju · Joined: 06 Mar 2008

jkelly80 · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Location: you boys like mexico?

Toju · Joined: 06 Mar 2008

fustiancorduroy · Joined: 12 Jan 2007

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

Toju · Joined: 06 Mar 2008

jkelly80 · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Location: you boys like mexico?

jadarite · Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 11:11 pm Post subject:

Threads like these make me wonder. You have the Seoul subway, why worry about distance so much? I have been traveling into Seoul the past month and a half on weekends. It just takes 30 minutes if you know where you are going, and it's about 1 hour out to cities like Pyeongtaek. You can easily get to the nice places. Why not just work in the rich areas, make a higher salary, and DON'T SPEND your money there? Hop on the subway to a cheaper area.