Korean Job Discussion Forums

stvwrd · Joined: 31 Mar 2005

I just arrived a couple days ago and have been having some trouble getting adjusted. I have friends in Seoul, but it's kinda far to get to them from here and I don't want to wear them out by hanging out every day.

So I'm just wondering what there is to do around here as far as meeting people and doing things. I think doing something physical would be a big help to me, like yoga, boxing, or joining a gym. Anything like that around here that's foreigner-friendly?

I'm right by seohyun station and Samsung Plaza.

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Wed Mar 01, 2006 2:57 pm Post subject:

I heard there is a gym somewhere near Yatap. There is a nice place (but expensive to join) to work out in the Poonglim I-want building near Seohyun (that's where Bennigans is, too). Ask around about the place near Yatap. I think they have boxing there, too. I just saw a flyer once.

Bundang is nice, but yeah, it's boring and expensive. The traffic is getting downright awful -- worse than much of Seoul at times. It will become quite horrible when they finish the massive housing project at Pangyo in a few years. Bundang is a very nice place to live, but the growth explosion is tipping it over the edge. In two years of living in Bundang, I've seen a 2 to 3-fold increase in traffic.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Although demographics could have changed recently, I'm given to understand Bundang isn't a 20something's dating paradise. It's mostly young families and children. Although maybe if you're older there's a single, 30something professional contingent. I know a rather nice female 30something genetic engineer in Bundang.

pest2 · Joined: 01 Jun 2005 Location: Vancouver, Canada

If you're in Seohyun area, there is a nice gym called "Roxy" on the top floor of that taller building to your south... you know, from Samsung plaza, walk toward the park and cross 1 secondary street. building is to your left and between secondary street and main street/park. Roxy is a nice place and I had a buddy who met a bunch of privates there (all beautiful women). I taught some cycle spin classes there, and some foreigners go there. The downside is that its like 150,000 a month to join.

Otherwise, your best bet really is to just get on the subway and head to Seoul... MM2 put it right: the area is a wealthy-to-do family zone. I guess it would kinda suck if your only friends live all the way in Seoul... but one idea would be to ask around about clubs in the area you could join... do you have any interests? Learn Korean?

stvwrd · Joined: 31 Mar 2005

I haven't noticed any shortage of attractive females in the area.

In fact, last night I was waiting to cross the street, and noticed that I was the only male in sight.

But I just meant meeting people in general, not necessarily dating.

I'll definately keep an eye out for the gyms mentioned. I guess I could branch out a little too, as I've just stayed within a few blocks of Samsung Plaza, except for when I go to Seoul. Earlier I was looking for an irish pub that's supposedly around here, but didn't see it. Is it still there?

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

discostar23 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004 Location: getting the hell out of dodge

I'm down in bundang now and loving it.
Apparently the place to go to meet westerners is DUBLIN right in samsung plaza. If you go out the side with abc mart its just past that on the same side (2nd floor) They usually have some foreigners there.

As for Gyms there is tonnes around with new ones opening all the time with opening specials.

Also if you want to get into seoul use the bus system not the subway...way faster. You can get to hannam in about 20 minutes (which is where itaewon) Is its about a 10-15 walk to itaewon from where the bus drops you off).

Hope that helps you.

stvwrd · Joined: 31 Mar 2005

Yeah! I've gotta get the buses figured out soon, as it took me like an hour and a half to get to my friend's place west of Gangnam. It was ridiculous. I felt exhausted by the time I got there.

Joining a gym is #2 on my to do list (after moving out of the Goshiwon) as soon as I get a paycheck.

I definately check out Dublin soon. And that "Monkey Beach" place sounds hilarious so I'll probably have to check it out too.

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

there's a yummy veggie resto in the same building as the holy chow's. it's something like man won for all you can eat. delicious and healthy.

the 5500-1 will get you to hannam in 25 mins. i think the 9400 is the one that goes to gagnam, but am not sure.

welcome!

articulate_ink · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:05 am Post subject:

Bundang's a good place for a new arrival. There are lots of foreigners here, and the local folks are pretty used to us.

There's a good gym behind the Sunae station, Shock Network Fitness. I work out there. It's 100,000/month -- much higher than I'd pay back home, but cheaper than that Roxy place and a few of the others in Jeongja I visited.

Monkey Beach at Seohyeon Station is the big expat bar around here. Cheap beer, etc. It's a fun spot, not somewhere I'd go all the time, but good for a night out with friends now and then.

There are terrific restaurants around here, and decent shopping, once you get the lay of the land. PM me if you need more recommendations.

About Pangyo, I'm sure the new developments will add to traffic congestion, but don't forget we're getting two new rail lines down here in the next few years: the Shin Bundang Line direct from Jeongja to Gangnam, and the Everline through Yongin to Everland. The Bundang Line's being extended on both ends, too. There are alternatives to road misery.

stvwrd · Joined: 31 Mar 2005

I'll keep an eye out for the all you can eat veggie place.

I had, like, the best donkasu ever last night on Samsung Plaza. I've gotta try out the other places too.

I'll probably PM a few of you over the next couple days with specific questions. Thanks everyone!!!!

stvwrd · Joined: 31 Mar 2005

oh yeah, about the shopping:

I don't suppose it's possible to find big-sized clothes around here, is it? I'm just a little bigger than the Korean XL sizes, but not big enough for the big and tall place in Itaewon.

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:47 pm Post subject:

Yeah, the Pangyo thing is becoming a serious thing. I second what was said about the extra railage being added, HOWEVER the average Bundangian is a bit higher-up society and wants to drive their own car!

I taught a winter camp, and had to drive in morning rush. It took me longer to get from Sunae to Pangyo than it did from Pangyo to the school near Itaewon, in Seoul.

Now, add 100,000 people to that in a few years.

It's mind-boggling, and I can't wait to hear the complaints from people who buy housing there.

ucfvgirl · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Location: Bundang

Hey all. I have been living in Pundang for about six months now. Yes, I love it because it's clean and upscale. However, I hate it because it is boring. There is not much for a social life here. I have learned to take the bus because I found the subway took too long.

If you go to Ori station, you can catch the red buses that go into the city. I believe it's exit 3; walk straight past Dunkin Donuts to the first set of lights. Turn left and the red buses are on that road.

9401- Goes to Hannam Market and Dondaemun Market./ Downtown Seoul
9407/9414- Goes to the CoEx Mall
9412- Goes to the Express Bus Terminal
9408- Goes to Lotte World

These buses cost you 1500W if you pay cash or 1400 if you use your T money card.

These buses also go past Samsung Plaza on the north side. I believe they all go past there...I can't remember.

There are also some silver coloured buses that go to Gangnam. 1005- (1 or 2)

Also, if you take the Yellow buses that run outside of ORI station, #116 or teh #1116 you can get to Lotte World.

If you are ever in doubt of what bus to take just call 1330 (Foreigner's Help Center) and ask them what bus goes from point A to point B. They are pretty helpful.