What people from Busan think of Seoul
This is bound to get interesting. Whenever you compare to cities, you run the risk of stereotyping and oversimplification. It’s complicated, we know. We asked a bunch of people living in Busan to give us their opinion of Seoul. Some people might have gone a little overboard, but you’ll get the idea…
1. I. CAN’T. BREATHE.
Seoul is too busy! Busan has fresh air and the sun reflects off the cold, blue water. Nature is accessible and feels like it’s just… closer. I feel like I can breathe here.
2. You mean, there are no waves?
Sure, the water isn’t too far from Seoul… but you won’t find a beach with waves like the ones we have in Haeundae. This definitely increases my quality of life in Busan.
Winters in Seoul
3. That’s the cost???
The cost of living is way lower in Busan! Seoul is very class-based. Clubs and bars in certain areas (Gangnam, Apgujeong, Itaewon) can be pretty expensive.
4. Too cold!
Busan is the warmest city during Korea’s freezing winters. Seoul is too cold for me.
5. Wait, I can actually speak English here?
It’s always crazy how many people speak English in Seoul. The people are generally more conservative and English is not as widely spoken in Busan.
Seoul Subway Map
6. How am I suppose to read this subway map?
Busan isn’t as big as Seoul, so it’s a lot easier to get around here. The subway in Seoul is huge – I’m sure people living there get used to all the different transfers, but it’s just more simple down here.
7. Too many people!
Sure the beaches get pretty crazy during the summer down here, but Seoul is crowded all the time. There are just too many people for me.
Here’s more on what people from Busan think of Seoul: what would YOU add?
- Teaching English in Nowon-gu of Seoul - August 23, 2022
- Teaching English in Cheongju at Chungbuk International Education Center - August 22, 2022
- Teaching English in Gyeongbuk Province English Camps - August 18, 2022
There are several reasons why teaching abroad is such a lucrative choice:
1. The salaries are huge; the teaching profession in Kenya has been for a very long time synonymous to a mediocre lifestyle. Unlike local jobs where teachers get paid peanuts, other countries have really worked on teacher remuneration. For instance, expat teachers in gulf countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar earn as much as $7000 per month; that is about Ksh600, 000. In countries like Thailand, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, you will easily earn $1200 and above teaching 25 hours per week.
2. Teaching abroad gives you the chance to travel and meet new cultures. Curricula are the same everywhere, you will work all year round, but June, July, and August will be your time to tour the country. Do not forget that weekends are also free.
3. Most schools provide teachers with accommodation, and meals at school. If you combine this with the fact that you do not need to worry about fueling your car, or buying and replacing furniture, you are looking at a situation where you will save thousands of dollars.
4. Most schools will pay for your air fare, pick you up at the airport, and give you a relocation reimbursement. Also, there are bonuses offered upon completion of one’s contract.
Those are just a few of the reasons that make teachers really struggle to find work abroad. The problem with most teachers however, is that they do not know how to go about the job hunt. Here are a few tips that will help you.
Getting Ready for a teaching Career Abroad
I am an English/ Literature graduate, so, from this point onwards, the blog may be biased towards language teaching abroad. But the same rules apply across the board, so, pay attention.
Do you have the needed skill set for the Job?
Most people waste hundreds of hours online, making applications to schools abroad, and don’t get even a mere regret letter. If you are one of these people, you need to find out what you are doing wrong.
· For instance, if you want to Teach English in China and all other Asian, European and South American countries, you will need your degree certificate, and a teaching certificate. A teaching certificate means CELTA, TEFL or the AMERICAN TESOL certificate. Without these, getting work abroad will be close to impossible. I will discuss how to get a teaching certificate in my next blog.
· You may be required to show that you are a licensed teacher. Here, having a TSC number will come in handy. The good news is that now you can apply for a TSC number on the TSC website. If you want to teach in Korea and Japan, you will need a certificate of good conduct.
· For those people that want to teach other subjects, the rules may be a little bit lenient, but, sitting for the IELTS examination may be of help.
Follow my blog http://careerhubkenya.blogspot.com/ for updates
#5. “Conservative” is referring to Busan or Seoul? Like the weather I always heard people aren’t as friendly there. My Korean friend who is from Busan says all the women look the same in Seoul. He was referring to plastic surgery.
For those who are considering teaching job in Asia and could say that it is a really great experience. I was English Teacher in China and I was able to earn really good money, even though I am not native speaker or professional teacher. Also, it is really great way to learn about the new culture and travel in the same time. [link removed]
Great Post! I am leaving for the Busan area in a few weeks to teach in the public school system. Many of your points were part of my decision to choose this area vs. Seoul. Not going to South Korea for the nightclubs and would love to be in the mild section of country. I will have to bookmark your site and read a lot more. I am sure you will answer some of my endless questions in your posts.
It’s funny that they have such different opinions of each other when aside from a few things, they are really so similar. Would be interesting to see what those from smaller towns thought of those from Seoul. Or ever to see the older generation’s view of the younger generation.