Korean Job Discussion Forums

[maricar]

Hi Folks,

Just wanted a bit of advice on my dilemma.

I have two decent job offers ( not teaching, tech related). One in Singapore and another in Suwon, Korea. I am currently living in Singapore since the last 4 years and have never been to S. Korea.

The job in Korea is more lucrative and also interests me a bit more.

I have a few questions.

1. How serious is the Language Problem in Suwon?

2. What about the general infrastructure, cleanliness etc (compared to Singapore)?

3. One of the painful things about Singapore is the Apartment. One has to pay a lot and nowadays , its getting more n more expensive. On the other hand, Korea sorts this problem.

4. In general, would u say that Korea is as advanced and modern ( infrastructure wise) as Singapore/Japan.

Any advice will be great

thanks n reards

[friendofIgnatius J.]

1. How serious is the Language Problem in Suwon?

As with 99% of Korea, there will be a language barrier. However, its not insurmountable.


2. What about the general infrastructure, cleanliness etc (compared to Singapore)?

Is any place as clean as Singapore. Korea is not nearly as clean. The infrastructure is also not as nice, but definitely improving.

3. One of the painful things about Singapore is the Apartment. One has to pay a lot and nowadays , its getting more n more expensive. On the other hand, Korea sorts this problem.

Living in general is quite cheap here.

4. In general, would u say that Korea is as advanced and modern ( infrastructure wise) as Singapore/Japan.

Its modern, although maybe not as much as those two nations.

Overall, you shouldn't notice a big lifestyle change. Take the money!!![/i]

[YoshaMazov]

English is a rare commodity anywhere outside of Seoul. Suwon is about as proficient as any other city of the same size (it has a little over a million people). I can't really compare the cleanliness to Singapore, seeing as how I've never been there, but I'd say Suwon is about as clean as Seoul. There's a Korea smell everywhere in this country. Everyone who has ever been here knows exactly what I'm talking about. Suwon, like the rest of the nation, has a PC Bang (Internet Cafe) every 10 feet.

[Fat_Elvis]

I lived in Singapore for 2 years before coming here. I live in Gangnam in Seoul so I don't know too much about Suwon but I'll try to answer your questions.

1. The language problem isn't really a problem when it comes to day-to-day living (at least here in Gangnam, maybe Suwon is different), but if you want to have more than superficial conversations with people most of the time you're restricted to the expat community.

2. The public transport infrastructure is OK but in every other respect is worse than Singapore. The roads, cleanliness, etc.

3. Don't come here unless your apartment is paid because rent is higher here.

4. hmm, it's pretty high-tech here but mostly it's not as advanced as Singapore.

One other difference is the way of life here: it's less relaxed than Singapore, and I find it harder to meet people because it less far less international in outlook, so as a foreigner you're treated differently. On the plus side you not living in an oppressive political regime and it's not as regimented and slightly boring like Singapore.

[I-am-me]

For a teaching job, i would go to korea or japan. For a non-teaching job I definately would not come to korea. Of the towns I have visited in korea, Suwon is the most unfriendly. Communication is a big problem here although in some other towns I have had no problem. Singapore would seem more favorable in my view.

[bosintang]

I think you'll really find a big difference between Suwon and Singapore. They are not at all alike.

Singapore: Modern, cosmopolitan "one big shopping mall" international city and transport hub.

Suwon: Provincial, homogeneous, dirty Korean city, only slightly distinctive from any other mid-sized Korean city because of a UNESCO-protected historical fortress in the middle of it.

I think it's fair to say that people in Singapore would be a lot more international-minded, speak English better, and be a lot more used to differences in race and lifestyles. However, Suwon, in it's almost polar opposite may be charming to you for that reason. Up to you.

[bosintang]

Just noticed that you are looking into a technical position, not teaching.

If you're looking for a career builder, unless you're in a highly specialised position, I would definitely not suggest Korea over Singapore. The job description is not likely to match the job reality.

[sportsguy35]

Suwon is home of the best soccer club in asia, the Suwon Bluewings. That alone is reason enough to move there : )

[sojukettle]

I lived / worked in Singapore for five years and still travel there frequently.

Suwon ( Korea generally) is considered a hardship posting (especially compared to Singapore); services, food, electronics and all those things that are found easily in singapore are difficult or impossible to find here.

The internet and public transport are better than singapore.IMO

I work in a non-teaching position and find the job here much better than the position I had in Singapore. I get all the expat benefits so it is a good deal for me. But I would still strongly advise that living in Singapore is much more comfortable than here.

But after spending so long in Singapore it is nice to have a change and if the work is interesting and rewarding for you, try it out.
They have four seasons here I've never lived anywhere that it snowed before so that has been a thrill for me!

? Your current position in Singapore does not include housing etc?

[Tiger Beer]

SINGAPORE EASILY OVER SUWON.

No question about it.

Suwon is just another town in Korea.. nothing particularly unique or interesting about it. Just a city that happens to be not too far away from Seoul. But not far from Seoul means you still aren't IN Seoul.

Even if you were comparing Seoul to Singapore.. I'd still say jump at the chance to be in Singapore.

The thing about Korea is that there are ALWAYS tons of teaching jobs here. If Singapore doesn't turn out as good as you want on the financial end (that is the only arena Korea might be better).. then you can always jump on a plane and be in Korea for any multitude number of jobs available.

[maricar]

>The internet and public transport are better than singapore.IMO

is this true or ur kidding. i have been in singapore since last 4 yrs.

my offer in korea def is atleast 1000-1500 USD better since the flat is provided. and job is better for the long run.

but, i still want to convince myself that i am not making a blunder. anyways, i can always go back in a year time if i dont like it. tho i would love to stay for 2 yrs atleast.

[PainterJane]

I've spent quite a bit of time in both Singapore and Seoul, so I thought I would throw in my two cents for what it is worth...

1. Communication will be more difficult in Korea, but if you take the time to learn the alphabet and some key phrases you will be able to do most everyday things quite easily.

There are some things like opening a bank account and getting a cell phone that are quite difficult to do and I had to have help from a Korean. Will you have someone to help you with these sorts of things?

2. Singapore is much, MUCH cleaner than Korea. After four years in Singapore you system might get a shock because the streets can be quite dirty here. There is a lot of litter and it's quite acceptable to spit on the sidewalks. Also, you can quite often smell sewage as you walk along the streets.

Not sure if you are aware, but most apartments in Korea do not have a "Western" style bathroom... meaning that the shower is not separate. Basically the bathroom is a shower that happens to have a sink and toilet in it. I've grown used to it and it's not so bad, but sometimes I miss the option of having a bath.

I can't say that I noticed much difference in the quality of the internet, but I don't spend a lot of time online. I think perhaps the internet is cheaper in Korea... I believe I pay about $30/mo.

Public transportation is really quite good in Seoul: you can go pretty much everywhere, it's easy to navigate and it's cheap. Taxis are cheaper in Korea than Singapore. I'd say the buses are better in Singapore because they are cleaner and less bumpy, also they are a bit harder to figure out here. I think the subway in Seoul is a bit better than the MRT... only because the MRT is a bit limited in terms of where you can go. The subway goes pretty much everywhere - including the out-lying areas of Seoul, like Suwon.

3. Definitely one of the main advantages of living in Korea is living rent free. I've found that monthly expenses (gas, electricity, etc) are quite cheap, although I have a small apartment. If you go to the right places eating out and drinking are much cheaper than in Singapore.

I think the decision really comes down to what you want. Korea is quite different from Singapore and I think you may miss some of the comforts and conveniences, but at the same time you may enjoy the change and learning about a new culture. As you say, you can always come spend a year, or two, in Korea and then return to Singapore.

Good luck with your decision!

[Tiger Beer]

[MissSeoul]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

You'll be moving from a genuine 'hub of Asia' to a place that calls itself the 'hub of Asia' because 95% of them have never left the country.

I can remember having a conversation in Cambodia with three Singaporean women I was having a cigarette with about how Korean women would never be seen smoking in public. They were pretty surprised. That should say something about the relative levels of sophistication.