Korean Job Discussion Forums

[TrouserX]

Hi everyone

I'm looking at coming to Busan for a year, and as I am an avid runner, I want to live where I have ready access to a running/cycling path. A proper one, where you can run/cycle for several kilometers without having to pause at an obstacle like a major intersection.

So I ask you Pusan folk out there: where can this be found? I would assume that sections of the Pusan coastline have been developed for running/cycling, but where, exactly?

My analysis of a satellite image of the Pusan shoreline seems to show that Gwangalli beach and a kilometer or so on either side is good for running, so I'm looking at that neighbourhood as a starting point. But first-hand advice would be a lot more useful than kinda fuzzy satellite shots....

Thanx folx
TrouserX

[VirginIslander]

I dont want to bust your balls but Busan is a big city. I have great track two minutes from my house. It runs along the river for about 5-7 miles. Also, there is track at the university near my place.

Do you know where you will be living? When do you want to come?

[excitinghead]

I recommend where I am, the border of Daeyeon-dong and Namcheon-dong, which is about 15 mins walk SW of Gwanganli.

I like it because its 10 mins walk from the Pukyeong and Gyeongseong University district, with its bars and Starbucks, but far enough away not to get the noise and all the trash. Also, a cinema is opening there maybe by the end of the year.

But as for jogging/cycling, if you're looking at a satellite image then check out the big green blob sticking out, again SW of Gwanganli. It's called Igidae, a small national park, 20 mins walk from my house, with 2 smallish hills and a big one that takes 90 mins or so up and back. It has a barely-used road running through it that takes me an hour to cycle...I haven't jogged it yet, but its good (and designed) for that too.

There is a cycle and jogging path that goes along the center of the city, going through areas such as PNU and Dongnae, but I wouldn't recommend it. The "river" is polluted and stinking much of the time, and because its the only path like that for miles its pretty busy any time of day. I'd never jog or roller blade there because it would be stop-start all the time.

In contrast, "my" park is next to the sea and gets cooling and refreshing breezes, and is not urban at all its about as close to feeling in the country as you can get in Busan I reckon. Finally, because of its location, sticking into the sea, its rarely busy. If I go at 7am I might see a total of 10 people in an hour.

Only downside is that its pretty hilly. I judge my progress by how many times I have to stop on that hour on my bike.

[TrouserX]

Answers to questions, plus bonus disorganized thoughts:

VirginIslander: What river does your track run along?

-As for where and when, I am thinking of coming sometime between July and mid-September, but I'm flexible. Would hope to choose a couple of prime runner-friendly neighborhoods and try to find schools around there. I'd want the track to be within a 5-10 minute warmup jog from my home.

-I am NOT interested in circular stadium tracks. I can never remember how many times I've gone around those things, and they're boring.

-The cleaner the air is, the better. So seaside (or non-squalid riverside) tracks are preferable. Not to mention more aesthetlically pleasant. I'm from Vancouver, so I'd like nothing more than a nice interminable seawall. In general I want to live near the water for the fresher air.

-Vis-a-vis crowds, I generally run at dawn, because dusk on a typical Korean urban running path, as I found in my last tour of duty in a much smaller city, is an intolerable ordeal of eighteen-abreast convoys of ajummas in green visors and hazmat suits pushing baby strollers.

Excitinghead: I noticed that park, and the road, but couldn't discern if the road goes through or if one has to backtrack. If it's quite steep I'd rule it out for running, but I'm sure it's a nice place for a hike.

Thanks folx....