Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ambienteye]

My boyfriend and I were both offered public school positions --we could either work in Yangpyeong (which is a small city about 45 minutes east of Seoul) or Masan.

We're trying to figure out which place is the better match for us, doing a lot of research but we figured you wise folks could probably advise us.

We went through two different recruiters --Yangpyeong is through GEPIK and Masan is through EPIK. It's strange to see how different the recruitment methods are. The former interviewed both of us and have told us that we are hired, but we haven't received any documents from the school board. The latter only interviewed *me* but not my boyfriend and still hired both of us, but they actually sent the notice of appointment to us.

I'm wondering how different EPIK is from GEPIK --which offers more support and is more reliable, etc.

Now, about us.

We're not really the party type, though we do drink, bar/club culture often seems obnoxious. We like music --folk, indie, traditional and experimental. A music scene would be nice, but it's fine if it's within a reasonable train ride. We like mountains/oceans but also rural areas. We'd prefer a warmer climate, though don't mind snow as we come from a very cold place.

So, it seems like a toss-up to us, all things considered. Anyone want to advice?

EPIK or GEPIK?

Masan or Yangpyeong?

[sojourner1]

I understand Masan is a good place near Changwon on the warm southern coast. Well, all of Korea gets cold in the winter and the summer is not as hot as in most parts of the USA nor as sunny.

Masan has a good bus station with many travel options, but it's 5 hours from Seoul. Keep in mind that all the culture, arts, and action is in Seoul. Even a 500,000 population city like Changwon right next to Mason is boring unless you live within walking distance of its' downtown area. It doesn't compare to a city of 500,000 in a western country. No comparison. Try for Changwon as it's nicer and more modern and only like 5 km from Mason. I understand that public schools pay well and are decent gigs in Changwon and much of Gyeongsangnamdo province.

[KYC]

Wow you actually know where you'll be working with EPIK? I was in the exact same situation...I got offers from EPIK & GEPIK. With EPIK all they told me is that I'll be in the gyeongnam province..no exact location, no school names, etc. With gepik, I knew the exact location and school name. The town is very small but I was able to speak with the current nt that I'm replacing. I've seen pics of her apartment, etc.

With EPIK, i held off on sending my documents at least 4 weeks after I got accepted...to find out the location of where i'll be working at. I was told different things each time I emailed them. Had epik just told me the location I might have went with them...since the pay is SLIGHTLY better. But with my gepik gig i feel more secured

Good luck in signing! If you do teach in Yangpyeong maybe we can meet It appears Yangpyeong is smaller than where i'll be staying!