Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hagwonnewbie]

I want to live in a clean, well organized city in Korea. What is everybody's opinion? I like the mountains and the beach. People say Seoul is too crazy for a first year teacher like me. I need to make a decision soon.

[the1andonly]

I hate to burst your bubble but there is not one clean or well organized city in Korea.

If you like mountains, they are everywhere, do some research on national parks, find some that look interesting to you and look for cities within proximity to them.

If you like the beach, Korea is not known for its fabulous beaches. Pusan, Seocho, Daechon, Kangnyng etc all are cities with beaches. Nice beaches? No.

If you are coming to Korea to experience a new culture and to teach esl go anywhere in the country. If you are coming to get a suntan, change your plans and go to florida instead.

[JongnoGuru]

[shrews68]

I had the same problem choosing a place to live some time ago now. As for well organised they are all the same i.e. not particularly well organised, but nothing really that bad to put you off. I've seen just as bad organisation in my own country on numerous occasions (England). I live in Yangpyeong 45 mins East of Seoul. It's surrounded by mountains, the air is clean and it is quiet. However the population is small (85000) and it�s got no real night life. They may be factors you wish to consider. I think it sometimes depends on circumstances. For example bringing a partner, your hobbies (if you like hiking or hill walking) perhaps being a bit older maybe, these things may help you decide whether to work in a smaller place. However, this does not mean if you are young and single you can't enjoy the more serene life in the smaller towns.
good luck

[aldershot]

geoje-do

[Sody]

Just some friendly advice, if you can visit the country first you will be much better off in making an informed decision. Seoul is crazy for some people but many new teachers were thankful they started there. That's because there is more support and social activities for first timers. It can be tough living in a rural area. BoL.

Sody

[tophatcat]

Organized? Korea?

[timhorton]

[Ilsanman]

Try Yeosu

[b_canadian_eh]

I hear Changwon is pretty clean and organized for a Korean city, close to mountains and beach.

[jmbran11]

Bundang is clean and well-organized in parts. The outdoor stuff is not that convenient, but nice local parks. It's a quick ride to Seoul but not so congested.

You have to decide if you want to live in the coutry with nice outdoor ares or if you want to be somewhere convenient where it's easy to live before you learn Korean. And, do you want to be around other foreigners or are you more of a solitary type.

[korea252]

I'd recommend Gangneung. There're mountains for skiing and hiking and there are nice beaches - crowded for 6 weeks of the year - and a big expat community.

[kat2]

[rvintage]

Daejeon is clean compared to Seoul, but as stated before, Korea is a dirty place.

It's very easy and cheap to get around. Has a good night life, plenty of foreigner bars, clubs, whatever you're in to. Close enough to mountains that you could go in the morning and still get to work in the afternoon(with a shower in between). One hour KTX to Seoul and it's close to the middle of the country, so other travel is easy too. Two hours to the east coast, 2 1/2 to the west coast and three to Busan. Got a Costco too.

[MANDRL]

We live in Jeongja, Bundang. Its very nice, organized and clean. I think it is a good choice for a first time teacher worried about organization and cleanliness. These were some of our concerns and we could not be happier. Good luck!