Korean Job Discussion Forums

[potblackettle]

I have two job offers and I have to decide by next Wednesday. One is in Ulsan, one is in Jeju.

I've done a lot of research and Jeju is my top choice by far. I saw someone describe Jeju as where "bookish nerds" went. As my husband and I are both "bookish nerds" I figure it's a perfect fit. But I wanted to get the opinions of folks already in Korea.

The perks of Ulsan are it's decent-sized ex-pat community and english publications. Also, it seems like it would probably be easier to find english books in Ulsan. The down sides are I've read it's very polluted and crowded. I got my "city" fix when I lived in NYC. (Another downside, I'm guessing grits and sweet tea are hard to find, somehow I'll learn to cope.)

The perks for Jeju are that it's GORGEOUS, small and seems rather quiet. My husband and are 25 and 34, so we don't want or need the Seoul party scene. We're avid campers/hikers and love the ocean so Jeju really appeals to us. My only real question about Jeju is the access to english books/media and the size of the ex-pat community. I've also heard that it can be harder to get clothes etc. in Jeju. (Another downside, I'm guessing grits and sweet tea are hard to find, somehow I'll struggle on.)

Anybody have any opinions? Good advice? Good hangouts etc....

Thanks for your help,
Rachel

[gdimension]

There's one fairly well-known bookstore in Jeju City that sells a decent selection of English books (novels, I mean - they have an enormous amount of teaching materials). The English novel section is probably about the same size as a typical airport bookstore. A couple of the local expats have also set up a lending library with books donated from others. When I still can't find what I'm looking for, it's very easy to order online and have them shipped here.

TV - the same as the rest of Korea, except there's no AFN. I download and watch TV shows on the computer, anyway.

Clothes - never had a problem finding what I needed.

Other foreigners - there's quite a vibrant community down here. We have rugby teams, ultimate frisbee teams, poker games, beach parties, chess nights, etc. You won't be lonely, unless you choose to be.

In short, I've been here since 1998 and I've found it to be a very comfortable place to live.

[potblackettle]

Gdimension,

Thanks for your great reply. You answered all the questions I had.... I have a feeling I'll be joining you in Jeju in a few months. I definitly prefer Jeju... it looks like there's some phenomenal hiking.

Thanks again.

[potblackettle]

I'd also really like to get some thoughts on Ulsan. Is it a fairly clean city? Anything else you can think of?

I'm comparing the two and really want the input of locals.

How's the public transport?

Thanks,
R

[John Henry]

Ulsan is the worst place to live in in Korea. Even Koreans don't like Ulsan. Yes, I unfortunately did a contract there.

It's retartedly dirty. Like, people just piling trash on the streetcorner dirty. The only thing to do in the city is get hammered until four in the morning. There is no English bookstore or places for westerners to buy clothes. You gotta go to Busan for that. There are busses, but no subway.

If you have the choice between Jeju and Ulsan, it's a no brainer.

[potblackettle]

After seeing your post my husband has given a resounding "NO" against Ulsan and a giant "YES" to the "Hawaii of Korea".

The Simpons are going to Jeju! (We're not actually named Simpson, but you know what I'm saying.)

Thanks for the info.