Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kimchi Cha Cha · Joined: 15 May 2003 Location: was Suncheon, now Brisbane

This topic might be a bit more difficult for people on your first contract as often you don't have as much choice or idea of where exactly you are going in Korea. But, I was wondering why people live in the particular city/suburb/area/region of Korea that they do and why they do live there?

I'll tell why I live in Suncheon.

I first up worked for a year in Jeonju in 2003-4, and all in all despite the usual ups and downs I enjoyed it though decided to go back home to look for work as I wasn't sure if I was really up for another year in Korea. After five boring, miserable months back in Australia looking for work, I found myself in Gwangju and relieved to be back in Korea and working again. My second school was a great school, very well organized with exceptional students but alas it went under 6 months into my contract. I enjoyed the pace of life down in Jeolla province compared with the bigger cities, and eventually found a job in Suncheon.

I've now been in Suncheon for over two years and could easily see myself staying at least two more, possibly several more. I enjoy the food, the people, the pace of life and most of all the surrounding area.

My favorite times down here are when I'm either (by myself or with friends) hiking a nearby mountain, hopping on my scooter to travel by the bay or through the countryside exploring the mountains and rustic villages, or ambling by the river amongst the flowers and manicured pathways here in Suncheon. The good part about this part of Korea is that it's relatively uncrowded so most of the attractions are half as busy as they would be if they were further north, so I find them more peaceful and relaxing.

Sure, I gripe and bitch about Korea as much as anyone else but in my two years here I've managed to make several good friends and acquaintances (most of whom are Korean) and found that while people may be a little rough around the edges compared with Seoul or bigger cities, once you make friends they are pretty close.

After two years in Suncheon I'm pretty content with my life and would be fine with staying here for the rest of my Korean sojourn, however long that turns out to be. So, why do you live where you live?

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I've lived in the same neighborhood in Korea's smallest city since the day I arrived in Korea 8 years ago.
Found my niche, I guess.

LiquidSunshine · Joined: 31 Mar 2003

I live in Paju. It was the only place I could afford to buy that was anywhere near Seoul....and that wasn't falling apart.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I live in Guro because it's one of the cheapest parts of Seoul, and a three-bedroom apartment isn't hard to find for a good price.

silvertoes · Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Location: Busan

I live in Daegu because I visited here once on a rainy Sunday afternoon (while living in boring old Cheongju) and loved the feel of it; the smells and atmosphere of the medicine market; the surrounding mountains being so close; and the compact nature of a downtown area that had everything I needed and would usually have to go to Seoul for. After a 3 month break travelling around the world, I moved to Daegu, and have never regretted it. Having said that, I'm off to Cambodia shortly.

twg · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Location: Getting some fresh air...

Because it's where I keep all of my stuff.

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

I lived in Suncheon for 6 years and truely miss it. I lived on the old side of town in a nice house 1/2 way up a mountain (great view of the city and distant ocean).

Suncheon is pretty small but very difficult to beat the food or the people there. After 9 years in Korea I must say that the Jeolla Nam Do area has the BEST korean food bar none.

Not a whole lot of western culture in Suncheon but not really an issue for me. I know there is an Outback Steakhouse there now but I recon thats about it.

Living in Daejeon now and it is alright but I will always consider Suncheon to be my "korean hometown". Especially when I hit the restaurants behind the Samsung Building.

faster · Joined: 03 Sep 2006

I lived in Hongdae until recently, because it offered a lot of the amenities I like and was within reasonable bus distance of my job.

I live in Gwangjin-gu now because it's within reasonable distance of my job now, and I found a great villa apartment here in a quiet neighborhood near the Kid's Grand Park.