Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daz1979]

Hi,

I'm contemplating offers from two schools within these areas.

I will definitely sign one contract tomorrow (about time); however, there appears to be little information available about either destination and with this in mind I wondered whether anyone could give me their 20 won worth.

What I know (think I know) already is that:

Masan - An industrial port located on South Coast that is quite old with some parts quite run down. Close.ish foreign community with a local football team I can join at Jazzbar. I should have no problems finding items that I need in Masan (Supermarket/Gym/Books//Clothing etc). If I'm unable to find an item I should be able to source something in nearby Changwon, Jinhae and Busan. Good transportation system running to all surrounding areas. Average nightlife with 2-3 main foreign bars.

Donghae - Situated on East Coast close to Gangneung and Sokcho. Very nice but quiet area of Korea that's buzzing in Summer and a ghost town in Winter. Many beaches and lovely scenery, but quite spread out for such a small town. Might be difficult to find certain items and only has an average transportation service. No nightlife that I hear of. Approximately 20 foreign teachers currently residing there. One E mart in downtown area.

My heart is saying go to Donghae because it looks so nice but my mind is saying to go to Masan. If there is anyone who has visited or taught at either location your input/tales would be most appreciated.

Also, if anyone has any recent experiences with ReadingTown please pm me some info. The school sounds pretty good and well structured; however, after looking into the chain on the internet the only information I can find is from 2003-2004.

Thanks in advance,

Daz1979

[Anyong Bluth]

Where's the "Seoul" option?

Look, job-seekers, this goes for all of you. There are two kinds of advice-givers in this country: those who will tell you that there's more to Korea than Seoul, and those who love you enough to tell you the truth.

[the1andonly]

I agree with the person above.

But, to answer your question I chose Mason. Ive visited there twice (only cause I had a bf there) but it was an alright place.

Please Please Please think about it though. Being way down there you have very little to no access to:
a- black markets
b- airports/travel convenience
c- foreign supports (whether it be friends, counsellors, legal aid, immigration)

Being a wayguk in Korea is trying enough, why make it worse on yourself by being so far away from the 'conveniences'. Yes, Seoul is commercial, over rated, and maybe not the 'Korea experience' you think you are looking for. But it does have alot to offer.

THink about it. Please. For your own well-being.

[Jellypah]

I vote Masan. I lived there. It's thriving and close to other thriving places. If you live in Shin-Masan you'll be quite comfortable!

[Njord]

As you said, they are very different and it depends on you. I lived in Changwon - a nicer city than Masan in my opinion. In Masan you will be close to an international airport with flights to many destinations in Asia. Almost as good as Seoul in that regard. There are tons of teachers in Masan, Changwon, and Busan, so I wouldn't worry about a lack of a support network.

That said, I'm personally looking forward to going somewhere with better access to hiking, skiing, and Seoul. If beaches and quiet are your thing, Donghae would surely be better for you.

[the_beaver]

I lived in Donghae for just shy of a year (I was whitey number 2 of a busy year that saw the town population of white folks go up to 11).

I wouldn't live there again but I don't think I'd ever live outside of Seoul again. The beach is great for the 2 months that its hopping and the people are by and large a bunch of hicks, but a good bunch of nice hicks in the mix. If you're into nature and such foolishness there's plenty of it around. Everybody in the town will know where you were the previous night and who you were with.

If you're staying in Korea for more than year, go for it. You'll experience the Korea of 20 years ago and learn customs that are rarer in Seoul. If you want a constant source of amusement, stimulation and access to stuff, come to Seoul (which wasn't one of your choices).

[just because]

I have lived in Masan for a year and near it for 5 years and have been to Donghae quite a few times...

It depends what you are after as both are quite different...

Masan
-old port city in the most conservative province in the country and is quite dirty but in saying that there is a good ex-pat community there. Close to busan(one hour - bus every 10 mins) and the airport so you can get out quite easily.

Donghae
-Much quiter and cleaner. Very close to some magnificent national parks and great hiking and nature but i can't imagine there are too many foreigners around. A long way from seoul and any international airport..

So basically if you are a bit younger and like to party a bit and don't care to much about the natural aspect then Masan

If you are really into hiking and nature and like it a bit quieter and perhaps experience real Korea(not that masan isn't real enough) and are not to worried about foreigner contact then Donghae.....