Korean Job Discussion Forums

chrisOC2005 · Joined: 19 Apr 2006

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the hardcore phase of my Seoul job search. I was really set on living in central Seoul before, but I'm now getting some really nice offers from about 40-50 minutes by subway from the center (Suwon, Pyoncheon, someplace else on the west side).

I was just wondering how you guys fare with the subway. What are it's hours, in fact?

I mean, really, 40 minutes in a huge city is not far, but at the same time, if the subway stops at midnight and starts again at 5 like in so many cities, that can be a little annoying .. and after a 40 minutes ride into town, getting around after that can be a pain, too. I'm from LA, and I want that real, public transport city experience.

Do they offer year passes?

Thanks,

Chris

WorldWide · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

chrisOC2005 · Joined: 19 Apr 2006

Okay, sufficiently feeling like an ass, here's a straight-forward question:

Are the time estimates on the SMRT website accurate?

http://www.smrt.co.kr/english_smrt/cyberstation_smrt/cyberstation.jsp

Chris

heydelores · Joined: 24 Apr 2006

The times look pretty accurate to me.

Here's a link with the first and last train times listed:
http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/english/train/timetable/sqtah001.html

Alternatively, you can use the "quick menu" on the main page:
http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/english/index1.html

Click on "last train" and enter your location and destination, and it will list the last scheduled train for that route.

SuperHero · Joined: 10 Dec 2003 Location: Superhero Hideout

for the route I take everyday it's accurate.

There are no annual, monthly, or weekly passes. Instead you can get a t-money card which you charge when it runs out or if you can get a Korean credit card (can double as a t-money card) you'll automatically be billed every month.

animalbirdfish · Joined: 04 Feb 2004

Depending on what you're looking for, the suburbs (Bundang, Pyeongcheon/Anyang, Ilsan) can offer good quality of life and comparatively fewer headaches. Of course, if it's nightclubs, bookstores and shopping you want, you might push for that central Seoul job.

When looking at the subway map, calculate two to three minutes between stations and you'll get a pretty fair guess on the time.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I measure quality of life in this country based on how close you are to Seoul. Suwon doesn't look very far away, but after taking that trip every weekend, and being stuck overnight or going home early, it can get under your skin.

Natalia · Joined: 10 Mar 2006

I'm in one of those suburbs. At first I didn't mind the commute, but now it is really annoying. I have a fifteen minute walk to the subway station, and always allow myself an hour to get into or out of Seoul. There are days when I wouldn't mind going to Seoul, but I just cannot be bothered.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

You also should figure at least 5 minutes for each transfer. That is not added into the times on the website when you look at how long it gets from point A to point B.

This will very of course depending on the station, how many lines it serves and the time of day.

Realistically I've been able to transfer at some stations in as little as 3 minutes but sometimes it takes as much as 10-15 minutes.

I just moved out to Incheon and we are a short bus ride from the subway station. We have yet to take the subway into Seoul, but my wife is trying it today. She says there is an express train on Line 1 so we'll see.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

I live in a suburb of Seoul, and it takes 15 minutes by bus (which runs every 5 minutes) to get to the closest main area of Seoul, and about 45 minutes to get to the furthest big area of Seoul. Buses run until 2AM also. It's only 15 minutes to two giant book stores. If you are looking for clothes shopping, there are a tonne of outlet stores and plenty other places to do shopping. It isn't the best for nightlife, but it isn't that bad at the same time. There are plenty of parks and there is much less dirty air. I also live right at a subway station, so if I want to use the subway, it takes me about 2 minutes to walk to the station. However, if you are single, it isn't the greatest place on Earth to live, but if that isn't an issue it is a really great place to live.

Oh yeah... I live in Bundang, on the yellow subway line.

crystal · Joined: 04 May 2006

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:24 pm Post subject:

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

crystal · Joined: 04 May 2006