Korean Job Discussion Forums

Natebomb · Joined: 23 May 2006

Ok, so, I'm in the process of finding a teaching position in South Korea and I'm at a loss as to what city(s) I should be narrowing my search down to. I'm looking for a little guidance, so what I'm going to do is give you Korean vets some insight into what I'm into/looking for and I'm hoping you could give me a few ideas as to where to live.

So, first off, I'm coming with my girlfriend of 11 years, so women aren't really a huge concern of mine. Night clubs aren't either but we do enjoy a good weekend bender every few weeks.....mainly at pubs and smaller clubs, but a decent large club can be a good change up.

Food wise, we're looking to save money, so we'll be immersing ourselves in the local food scene and will try and keep away from as many western ammenities as possible, although I'm sure we'll give in every now and then.

Shopping wise, we'd like to have a large selection of decent clothes, but don't mind buying the odd knockoff. I'm not exactly expecting to buy a lot of clothes myself as I'm 5'11 and 230lbs with a relatively athletic build, so I'm assuming I'll be shut out in that area. My gf, however, is probably a size 0 here in Canada and around 5'2, so I'm assuming she'll be ok.......and she LOVES to shop, (woman + shopping, pretty explanatory I know).

We like to have options in terms of where to shop, where to eat, etc. and like to try new things. We're a little hesitant of diving into such a huge city as Seoul, but we are also pretty confident that a rural area will not provide us with the ammenities we'll be looking for. We want to experience the South Korean culture as best possible. We're hoping to travel a bit, but we're looking mainly at travelling out of country rather than within Korea.

Our goals are to 1. Save some cash/pay off some student debt and 2. See a new world and experience the culture.

I'm assuming that most larger cities will appear at first as one in the same in terms of populace, ammenities, etc. but we really want to be somewhere that is exciting and provides the opportunity to indulge while at the same time feeling at peace and at home.

I know its long and maybe not a comprehensive list of our wants/needs, but I hope its enough to give you guys an idea of what we're looking for. Thanks in advance!!

Harpeau · Joined: 01 Feb 2003 Location: Coquitlam, BC

Seoul is the bomb!

Natebomb · Joined: 23 May 2006

JLarter · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

How about one of the suburbs like Bundang, Suwon, etc?
Close enough to Seoul but far enough away to feel less like an urban sprawl.

Natebomb · Joined: 23 May 2006

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

kiwigirl :O) · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Location: Bundang

As an avid shopaholic party girl I would go for Daegu...i don't live there but when i finish my contract, I want to move to Daegu as I like it there...its got great shops and the markets are awesome!!! There is many creature comforts and you can jump on the bus to other places in Korea or take the KTX and go to Seoul or Busan whenever you fancy...its not as populated as Seoul at 2.5 million and is the 3rd largest city with a lot to offer ..... IMO Very Happy

Yesanman · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: Chungnam

If you don't want to be in a huge city like Seoul mabe look at a place like to Cheonan. It's less than an hour away from Seoul by train. The city is large enough to have most stuff you're looking for.
Most of the people who like Seoul are single. If you're attached get out of Seoul.

Natebomb · Joined: 23 May 2006

septemberpolice · Joined: 16 Aug 2006 Location: Seoul

I live in Seoul with my GF of almost 7 years. We're living on east side of the Dondaemun-Gu and, while we are maybe 12 minutes by subway to the center, I wouldn't say that it's overcrowded, or too busy. Like any other city there are neighbourhoods with locals that you get to know, and your scene that you get used to. Why does the population put you off? If you don't want to be overwhelmed you don't have to be - just stay away from busy areas. Seoul has charming neighbourhoods, less charming neighbourhoods, and an amazing subway system that can get you anywhere and to anything in no time. Move to Seoul.

Spike · Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Location: Seoul

Goyang, Uijeongbu and Guri and all decent places just outside of Seoul.

To me, Goyang seems more affluent, Uijeongbu more fun and Guri more traditional.

Depends what you're looking for I guess. All are on the subway line too.

John Henry · Joined: 24 Sep 2004

Haeundae, Busan is obviously the only place to live in Korea.

But don't come here. There are enough foreigners already.