Korean Job Discussion Forums

[refikaM]

Hey All... I have to make a decision quite soon about accepting a public school position in one of the Gangwondo cities. Anyone out there live in or have first hand knowledge of: Wonju, Gangneung, Sokcho, Samcheok, Hongcheon, Hoengseong, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, Yeongwol, or Yang Yang? What's life like out there especially in the smaller cities (where the salaries are higher)?I'm told that the last few of these cities (on this list) are the smaller ones.

Gangwondo in general seems attractive to me as I prefer smaller cities near natural areas; however, I don't want to be isolated either. It's nice have access to western company when the need strikes, but I don't need to get particularly crazy very often.... I've lived in smaller cities in Japan without many amenities, so a little something of both worlds is preferable. So, I guess my question is, are these cities small enough to be clean and liveable yet large enough to be interesting and fun? And are the people in smaller cities like these tolerant of foreigners? Friendly?

Sorry for all the questions, but it's obvious I haven't been to Korea and therefore need help from some of you considerate folks out there....

Any info would be greatly appreciated! Then, after a few months in Korea I can pass on any helpful info forward....Thanks in advance!

[Grotto]

Go for Gangnueng...great beaches....large foreign community....Emart.....decent movie theaters, Western restaurants....beautiful views.

Wonju is about 2+ hours from the nearest beach and is not that great!

Samcheok is a bit of a dive....nice beaches though....good caves

I spent a year in Taebaek the locals were very friendly but the isolation sucked big time after a year(3 foreigners in town...not counting mormons)