Why Gwangju?
If you have gotten this far in the decision process, I think you are likely at a stage where you are scanning huge job boards looking at similar jobs, and the only location or city you recognize is Seoul. This is common for anyone considering coming to Korea.
This was the same situation we were in prior to coming here. The difference with us was that one of our best friends was living in Gwangju, so this was going to be our destination. I have also had four or five other close friends from Canada come to Gwangju and all loved the city.
Some things to consider about Gwangju:
- It is a city of 1.4million people, the third largest in Korea.
- You can get to the downtown from any area of the city within fifteen minutes.
- You can get outside the city, and into the mountains, in fifteen minutes from anywhere in the city. Most residential areas are away from the city center so this time is even shorter for most.
- Gwangju has a close and welcoming foreigner community which is important for newcomers.
- The Gwangju International Center is an excellent resource that offers language courses, at least one well-organized road trip each month, a monthly English magazine and just general support whenever you would need it.
- Gwangju also has a bar (www.speakeasy.com) owned by two foreigners (from Canada) that is a great way to mingle and meet people.
- There is a beautiful river-walk that is taking shape near the downtown.
- The “going rate” for a first time English teacher in Gwangju is very competitive at 1.8 – 2.1 million won.
- Gwangju holds many famous festivals each year such as a kimchi festival and the Biennalle which is a showcase for new products from some of the world’s leading companies.
- In 2006, Gwangju held a very prestigious Summit of Nobel Prize Winners.
- Gwangju is in the middle of an extensive project in the city center where they are clearing more than fifteen old buildings to make a beautiful park area. I think this will be considered one of the most impressive projects the country has seen in the last few years.
- The demand for foreign teachers has never been higher.
- Gwangju is very transit and transportation friendly. You can
get most places you need to for less than a $4 taxi.
Seoul is the second largest city in the world, so it has plenty to offer anyone. There are a few things to keep in mind if trying to decide if Seoul is best for you.
- Seoul has a population of anywhere between 15 million and 24 million people depending on which study you read.
- Seoul (along with Moscow) has just bumped Tokyo out first place in the “Most Expensive City in the World” list. Seoul is currently ranked 2nd. (Mercer 2006)
- The enormous population, and high population density have created excessive demand for retail and business space, so everyday prices continue to rise at a steady pace.
- The population density and industrial congestion create constant smog over the city.
- More importantly to foreigners looking to teach English in Seoul, the average wage in Seoul has pretty much stayed the same over the past three or four years, and hovers between 1.9 – 2.2 million won for first time teachers. This is the same rate of pay you will find in virtually all cities in Korea, yet your expenses will be greatly increased in Seoul, making saving money very difficult.
- It is obvious that in a city of around 20 million people, getting around will always be challenging and possibly stressful.
- Due to the excessive urban sprawl happening on all the city boundaries of Seoul, you should also keep in mind that if you hope to get out of the city, to a relaxing temple or a mountain area for a hike, it will take you more than 1.5hours to get anywhere, and chances are, it will be crowded with countless others seeking escape from the concrete jungle of the city.
Seoul is not all bad, and the people who live there generally think it is an awesome place to live. There is a huge foreigner community, and the amount of English spoken at normal businesses is much higher than anywhere else in Korea. If you want to come to Korea to party until all hours of the morning, three or four days a week, Seoul will be a perfect place for you. One common theme I do find when I talk to friends in Seoul, is that because there is such a large foreigner crowd, they tend to not embrace or blend into the Korean culture (such as dining out). Also, this magnet can prove to keep people in Seoul, and hinder their adventurous spirit to get out of the city and explore the exciting country of Korea for all of its beauty.
