Korean Job Discussion Forums

CRN · Joined: 28 Jul 2004

Hey all

I am officially coming back to Korea to teach for my second year after a few months away. I will be working at a school in Mokdong and the apartment is in Hongdae. I know how Hongdae is at night - on the weekends (I loved it) - but can someone please give me a little insight as to what it will be like to actually live there?? Dirty in the day? loud as hell at night during the week? etc.
Also, I will have the chance to move closer to the school later on. How far is it to go from Hongdae to Mokdong? I asked the school and they said about a 20 min bus ride across the river. I just want to see if this is true. Or should I just stay put in hongdae if I like the apt once I get there? Thanks in advance for your replies Smile

gang ah jee · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: city of paper

I lived on a backstreet by the playground for a couple of years. It's fine, except at times you get drunk people wandering around being loud. The best part was there were almost no children or old people around that area. There are a lot of normal neighbourhoods within walking distance of all the clubs, so you don't have to be right in the entertainment area either. The school is right about the bus ride. Getting to Mokdong is easy.

Which school is it, by the way?

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I lived for a year just behind the big main street, across from the entertainment area. I was just one small street off the main drag and it was quiet. Not noisy at all.

My only complaint was having to go to Shinchon to do grocery shopping at Grand Mart. But that was in 2000. Maybe food shopping is better now.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

I live right in the throat of HongDae and it's great. Believe it or not, I find it quieter in the day than most 'regular' neighborhoods. Always something to do and somewhere new to go. The nights are quiet, too, unless there is a large function going on. Try to get a few floors up, and you won't even hear it in general.

For groceries, grab the no. 8 little green (maul) bus. It'll drop you off right in front of the World Cup Stadium and you can shop at Carefor. They have limo vans from there to take you back, and they aren't too expensive.

Cheers, and enjoy.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

There are some out of the way little Italian places in HongDae that are pretty good, in addition to some up(er)scale Chinese places and at least one pretty upscale Japanese style eat/drink establishment. For beef, go to Mapo down the road or hit the places near the HongDae subway stop around the corner from the gas station. The Sexy Pig in HongDae near the Queen's Head Bar is possibly the best pork cut you can get in the city. Good stuff. Shinchon has a remarkable 'chun' place and some decent, large talkkalbi houses. Nothing fancy, but they do the trick. Hongdae is littered with pork kalbi places, especially in the park area near the subway station. Decent eats and good atmosphere.

Queen's Head has Guiness and outdoor seating. Food blows, but what can you do? Another Guiness draft pub opened up near HongDae station, too. Again, the food is nothing to write home about, but the pints are spot on.