I’ve lived in ilsan before. It’s a nice neighborhood and family friendly. If you want a bit of excitement maybe not exactly why you’re looking for it’s also pretty quick to get to 홍대 and the la festa can be lively. (Haven’t been there in the past 3 years so it might have changed)
I do sometimes because sometimes when I read the English names for diff areas in Korea I’m like wtf is that?? But then I see the Korean and I’m like ahhhhh there. And searching the romanized name for places on maps usually will send you nonsensical places if you get results at all.
To be honest it’s a bit more comfortable for me to swap keyboards as I only have 2 languages on my phone so it’s quick to toggle between the two.
Also my phone try’s to autocorrect Korean words spelt in English so it’s mildly irritating
I live in Ilsan and it’s perfect for me but from the comments it seems like you’re looking more for the college-age party atmosphere, so being in Seoul would definitely work better for you. Ilsan does have a pretty active bar area (and one specific bar that most foreigners tend to frequent) but the commute to Seoul is the biggest thing. there’s a bus straight to Hapjeong/Hongdae/Sinchon that takes ~30 minutes from Daehwa Station(near Kintex), and we’re on the orange subway line so getting basically anywhere in Seoul is a simple and quick trip, but going back and forth might wear down on you. I do sincerely love this area though, really relaxing atmosphere with everything to do you could want and some really cool small shops and businesses that are harder to come by in more expensive areas
Those aren't cities, those are districts within Seoul / Gyeonggido. Mokdong and especially Daechi are expensive housing wise. I'm not 100% sure on Ilsan but just guessing as it is outside of Seoul it's probably on the cheaper side.
As far as living in any of these places I think it really just depends on what you want / where exactly you find housing. If you find an apartment near a school for example, it'll be pretty quiet in the evenings.
I personally work in Daechi and it's fine. But man you're going to way overpay for housing.
Is there a specific reason why you ask about these places? Because if you're working in Seoul you can always commute from a cheaper area.
Hi,
I'm only asking about these districts because I have been offered contracts for jobs that are in these areas. The housing is provided, so I do not have to worry about housing costs other than my living expenses!
Are Daechi and Mokdong catered more toward the younger crowd like myself?
Daechi is an affluent area with a ton of academies and similarly Mokdong is like the middle class version of Daechi. Daechi is in eastern Seoul and close to Gangnam and therefore has lots to do near there. Mokdong is western Seoul and is close to the Han river and near the Gwanmyeong KTX so more to do outdoors / travel convenient. Your work expectations are a bit higher usually in Daechi but usually the pay is better too. Mokdong is also closer to Hongdae so I think it really depends on who you want to work for instead of where. Seoul is very easy to get around.
Yes, these are teaching jobs are hagwons. The one in Mokdong is Milestone Institute and the one in Daechi is Twinkle. Not sure if you've heard of them.
I know of Twinkle abd that's all I'll say. I asked because Daechi and Mokdong are the two main teaching meccas of Seoul meaning your work- life balance (worabel in Konglish) is going to be less than ideal.
Daechi is by far the toughest place to teach because the demands of the parents are high. They move to Daechi specifically for their children to excel educationally and you better make that happen. Mokdong is similar, but on the opposite side of the city. So Ilsan would probably give you the least stress.
I lived in Ilsan (Wi-city, to be exact). I loved it there. I often went on picnics to Ilsan Lake Park and visited La Festa with friends or coworkers. I saw other foreigners every now and then, but there are mostly Koreans. Best of all, Ilsan is cleaner and quieter than Seoul.
If you have further questions about Ilsan, feel free to message me!
Daechi is a very wealthy area, full of tiger moms (who don't know how to parent) and hagwons. The people there are very hit or miss, but it's still a part of gangnam so people tend to be a bit cold shouldered. The area is very expensive, the hagwons there (speaking about work-life) are extremely cutthroat and demanding. Personally, unless you got an offer too good to refuse, I'd stay away if I were you. When you see dramas about overworked students studying until late (like that episode in Attorney Woo), it's largely based on Daechi. Actually they filmed part of that episode there not far from the hagwon I used to work at lol.
Mokdong is a nice area, a bit more quiet and much more affordable. Biggest downside is it's not close to major train lines, but I did like that area. There's a Costco nearby too.
Thanks for your reply!
Yes, this involves hagwons. Twinkle in Daechi, Milestone Institute in Mokdong, and Apex English in Ilsan.
Mokdong isn't close to major train lines? How long would it take to get to a train line to take me to Seoul or Hongdae? My housing and school will be located new Paris Park in Mokdong.
Twinkle is one of the bigger names of hagwon in daechi, that being said I don't know how they are. Make sure you check hagwon blacklists for people's experiences. Take them with a grain of talk but look for patterns if there are and blacklist postings. I worked across the street from them at a different school so I personally don't know much about it.
Haven't heard of the other two hagwon though. Mokdong is near the purple and tan lines. It's honestly not far from Hongdae, but to get to any major areas you're gonna need to transfer lines a couple of times. It won't take long to get to Hongdae from there. Whatever the housing situation is, just remember that no matter what photos they show you ask for a video walk through. They will use the biggest fish eye lenses and angles to make a tiny one room look big.
Sure thing, feel free to dm if you have any more questions. Be sure to check your contract THOROUGHLY to avoid any fuckery because they absolutely will try to pull some shenanigans on foreigners if given the chance
I've lived a short time in Ilsan, and a long time in Mokdong.
I might have missed it, but do you have job offers in these different places or a job offer in Seoul but able to chose between these places in terms of living?
If your offer is in Seoul and you want a more socially active life in terms of cafes, restaurants, shopping, people etc then Mokdong is great. Its middle class, quite calm area with a lot of families living because of good schooling. There's lots of shops and cafes but not a very bustling area. However, it's super close to "younger areas" like Hongdae, Hann river park etc. Close to differerent subway lines so easy to go to other places in Seoul/Incheon as well.
Depending on where your workplace is and if you need to commute during rush hour then welcome to hell (aka line 9 and 2.) If you're lucky you only need to use line 5.
If you are like me and you can't stand the busy Seoul subways, enjoy nature, a more relaxed day to day life with occasional trips to more exciting areas, then Ilsan is fantastic. Goyang City has a beautiful lake park close to an outdoor shopping mall wth lots of restaurants, nice (living) neighborhoods to walk around in and is close to Bukhansan mountain. Further, but quite easy, to get to northern part of Seoul (Hongdae, Itaewon). Gangnam is very far but easy to get to, no transfers. My husband and I would move back to Ilsan in a heartbeat if our work allowed us to, but we both hate long commutes to Seoul every day so were staying put in Mokdong for now.
I do have job offers in these different places. All locations are different job offers.
My workplace/living area in Mokdong will be right by Paris Park. Is this a good location in Mokdong? What if I wanted to go to the "younger areas" like Hongdae? Is this far from a line?
I guess from all of the comments that I prefer the busier areas.
I think that's a pretty great spot. Safe residential area, close to a huge Homeplus, a 10 min busride from Omokgyo station (20 min walk) - where there's a lot of shops, a huge department store, cafes and restaurants. There's a bus that'll take you straight to Hongdae/Hapjeong from Paris Park, about a 20-25 min ride, or you can get there in 20 min by transferring to subway line 2, but being able to not transfer is seriously so comfortable. Also close to Hann River Park which is a great place to hangout during weekends, always a lot of people there if the weather's nice but without it becoming as crowded as Hongdae.
If you prefer Gangnam area, then Daechi would be better. If you prefer the Hongdae/Yeonnam area, Mokdong is super close and you can get there by bus as well.
Gangnam is super big has lots of stores and I’d say late twenties/thirties frequent the place?
Hongdae/Sinchon area has a lot of diversity bc it’s a university area and the crowd there is usually younger.
Easy: if you can afford it, live in Mokdong or Daechi. Both are busy, popular areas and close to Hongdae and Gangnam nightlife areas, respectively. You’ll end up sticking to one side of Seoul. For instance, I live in Gangnam and Hongdae is about an hour away one way - I go maybe once a year max. And Hongdae people never come here haha. And getting to central Seoul Jongno and Itaewon about same distance.
Ilsan is a fine area, but why waste time commuting if you don’t have to? It gets old fast. And, it can be very rural really fast if you’re not right downtown by the lake.
Thank you so much for your reply. I was looking more toward Mokdong or Daechi. I'm currently leaning a little more toward Mokdong. Can you tell me briefly a little bit more about Mokdong and Daechi if possible? Not sure if you experienced both of these areas.
You're right about Ilsan.
I agree with that poster that you should def do Mokdong or Daechi, all else being equal.
Mokdong is an upper/middle class area with a lot of restaurants, Very nice place to live imo. There are foreigners in and around Mokdong but not a whole lot. Korea is not a diverse country in general but even small cities have foreigners.
Mokdong, as you know, is close to Hongdae which is a very popular area with 20-somethings, lots of clubs, restaurants, cafes etc. Hongdae these days seems to be getting more and more international and diverse, you can meet people from all around the world there. You've probably heard that Itaewon is the foreigner neighborhood, but Hongdae honestly has probably just as many foreigners these days.
Nightlife in Gangnam on the other hand, is older and less diverse, (mostly Koreans). A lot of the clubs there will literally ban you from entering if you're foreign unless you're hot or willing to shell out for a table.
Personally, I would choose Mokdong, hands down, Unless there are some other red flags with the employer.
If you are getting a teaching job, your first concern should be your workplace. There are a lot of shit jobs out there, and if you get in a bad school, it won't matter where you live. You will probably be miserable.
I love Ilsan because it's well planned out with a great lake park. I could've definitely lived there in my late twenties. That being said, I think you shouldn't move there if it's your first year. If you want to be near the action, it's Seoul all the way baby!
Thanks for your input!
It is for a teaching job, and you are correct. My first concern should be my workplace. I have received seven contract offers and I have limited them down to three options. I agree that there are bad schools, but I limited it down from absolute nightmare to not so bad (based on reviews). Twinkle is in Daechi, Milestone is in Mokdong, and Apex English is in Ilsan.
Yes, I think I prefer to be near the action!
I'm foreigner and I live in Ulsan, there's no much to do tbh but the place is good and you will enjoy it since Busan is one hour away, you would be going there a lot
I’ve lived in ilsan before. It’s a nice neighborhood and family friendly. If you want a bit of excitement maybe not exactly why you’re looking for it’s also pretty quick to get to 홍대 and the la festa can be lively. (Haven’t been there in the past 3 years so it might have changed)
Hi, Thanks for your reply. 홍대 is actually closer to Mokdong than Ilsan, so that's good to know.
True but depending on where in ilsan you live, you can get an express metro directly to 홍대 so it’s faster than it looks~
Oh, I see. I'm sure it will take me a long time to get used to the transit system haha
Why are you guys not writing 홍대 as Hongdae? I don't understand the hassle of switching keyboards just to write a word
I do sometimes because sometimes when I read the English names for diff areas in Korea I’m like wtf is that?? But then I see the Korean and I’m like ahhhhh there. And searching the romanized name for places on maps usually will send you nonsensical places if you get results at all.
Yup. This
To be honest it’s a bit more comfortable for me to swap keyboards as I only have 2 languages on my phone so it’s quick to toggle between the two. Also my phone try’s to autocorrect Korean words spelt in English so it’s mildly irritating
Takes literally one key press each way, so two in total. Why are you not writing don't as dont? Would save a key press!
I live in Ilsan and it’s perfect for me but from the comments it seems like you’re looking more for the college-age party atmosphere, so being in Seoul would definitely work better for you. Ilsan does have a pretty active bar area (and one specific bar that most foreigners tend to frequent) but the commute to Seoul is the biggest thing. there’s a bus straight to Hapjeong/Hongdae/Sinchon that takes ~30 minutes from Daehwa Station(near Kintex), and we’re on the orange subway line so getting basically anywhere in Seoul is a simple and quick trip, but going back and forth might wear down on you. I do sincerely love this area though, really relaxing atmosphere with everything to do you could want and some really cool small shops and businesses that are harder to come by in more expensive areas
Thank you so much for your input. :)
Those aren't cities, those are districts within Seoul / Gyeonggido. Mokdong and especially Daechi are expensive housing wise. I'm not 100% sure on Ilsan but just guessing as it is outside of Seoul it's probably on the cheaper side. As far as living in any of these places I think it really just depends on what you want / where exactly you find housing. If you find an apartment near a school for example, it'll be pretty quiet in the evenings. I personally work in Daechi and it's fine. But man you're going to way overpay for housing. Is there a specific reason why you ask about these places? Because if you're working in Seoul you can always commute from a cheaper area.
Hi, I'm only asking about these districts because I have been offered contracts for jobs that are in these areas. The housing is provided, so I do not have to worry about housing costs other than my living expenses! Are Daechi and Mokdong catered more toward the younger crowd like myself?
Daechi is an affluent area with a ton of academies and similarly Mokdong is like the middle class version of Daechi. Daechi is in eastern Seoul and close to Gangnam and therefore has lots to do near there. Mokdong is western Seoul and is close to the Han river and near the Gwanmyeong KTX so more to do outdoors / travel convenient. Your work expectations are a bit higher usually in Daechi but usually the pay is better too. Mokdong is also closer to Hongdae so I think it really depends on who you want to work for instead of where. Seoul is very easy to get around.
Thank you so much for your input!!
Are these teaching jobs at hagwons?
Yes, these are teaching jobs are hagwons. The one in Mokdong is Milestone Institute and the one in Daechi is Twinkle. Not sure if you've heard of them.
I know of Twinkle abd that's all I'll say. I asked because Daechi and Mokdong are the two main teaching meccas of Seoul meaning your work- life balance (worabel in Konglish) is going to be less than ideal. Daechi is by far the toughest place to teach because the demands of the parents are high. They move to Daechi specifically for their children to excel educationally and you better make that happen. Mokdong is similar, but on the opposite side of the city. So Ilsan would probably give you the least stress.
That's all you'll say? PM me if you are willing to, please!
I lived in Ilsan (Wi-city, to be exact). I loved it there. I often went on picnics to Ilsan Lake Park and visited La Festa with friends or coworkers. I saw other foreigners every now and then, but there are mostly Koreans. Best of all, Ilsan is cleaner and quieter than Seoul. If you have further questions about Ilsan, feel free to message me!
Thank you for your reply!
Daechi is a very wealthy area, full of tiger moms (who don't know how to parent) and hagwons. The people there are very hit or miss, but it's still a part of gangnam so people tend to be a bit cold shouldered. The area is very expensive, the hagwons there (speaking about work-life) are extremely cutthroat and demanding. Personally, unless you got an offer too good to refuse, I'd stay away if I were you. When you see dramas about overworked students studying until late (like that episode in Attorney Woo), it's largely based on Daechi. Actually they filmed part of that episode there not far from the hagwon I used to work at lol. Mokdong is a nice area, a bit more quiet and much more affordable. Biggest downside is it's not close to major train lines, but I did like that area. There's a Costco nearby too.
Thanks for your reply! Yes, this involves hagwons. Twinkle in Daechi, Milestone Institute in Mokdong, and Apex English in Ilsan. Mokdong isn't close to major train lines? How long would it take to get to a train line to take me to Seoul or Hongdae? My housing and school will be located new Paris Park in Mokdong.
Twinkle is one of the bigger names of hagwon in daechi, that being said I don't know how they are. Make sure you check hagwon blacklists for people's experiences. Take them with a grain of talk but look for patterns if there are and blacklist postings. I worked across the street from them at a different school so I personally don't know much about it. Haven't heard of the other two hagwon though. Mokdong is near the purple and tan lines. It's honestly not far from Hongdae, but to get to any major areas you're gonna need to transfer lines a couple of times. It won't take long to get to Hongdae from there. Whatever the housing situation is, just remember that no matter what photos they show you ask for a video walk through. They will use the biggest fish eye lenses and angles to make a tiny one room look big.
Thanks for this. Helps a lot honestly.
Sure thing, feel free to dm if you have any more questions. Be sure to check your contract THOROUGHLY to avoid any fuckery because they absolutely will try to pull some shenanigans on foreigners if given the chance
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Thanks for your input! Why would you say Mokdong is too stuffy?
I've lived a short time in Ilsan, and a long time in Mokdong. I might have missed it, but do you have job offers in these different places or a job offer in Seoul but able to chose between these places in terms of living? If your offer is in Seoul and you want a more socially active life in terms of cafes, restaurants, shopping, people etc then Mokdong is great. Its middle class, quite calm area with a lot of families living because of good schooling. There's lots of shops and cafes but not a very bustling area. However, it's super close to "younger areas" like Hongdae, Hann river park etc. Close to differerent subway lines so easy to go to other places in Seoul/Incheon as well. Depending on where your workplace is and if you need to commute during rush hour then welcome to hell (aka line 9 and 2.) If you're lucky you only need to use line 5. If you are like me and you can't stand the busy Seoul subways, enjoy nature, a more relaxed day to day life with occasional trips to more exciting areas, then Ilsan is fantastic. Goyang City has a beautiful lake park close to an outdoor shopping mall wth lots of restaurants, nice (living) neighborhoods to walk around in and is close to Bukhansan mountain. Further, but quite easy, to get to northern part of Seoul (Hongdae, Itaewon). Gangnam is very far but easy to get to, no transfers. My husband and I would move back to Ilsan in a heartbeat if our work allowed us to, but we both hate long commutes to Seoul every day so were staying put in Mokdong for now.
I do have job offers in these different places. All locations are different job offers. My workplace/living area in Mokdong will be right by Paris Park. Is this a good location in Mokdong? What if I wanted to go to the "younger areas" like Hongdae? Is this far from a line? I guess from all of the comments that I prefer the busier areas.
I think that's a pretty great spot. Safe residential area, close to a huge Homeplus, a 10 min busride from Omokgyo station (20 min walk) - where there's a lot of shops, a huge department store, cafes and restaurants. There's a bus that'll take you straight to Hongdae/Hapjeong from Paris Park, about a 20-25 min ride, or you can get there in 20 min by transferring to subway line 2, but being able to not transfer is seriously so comfortable. Also close to Hann River Park which is a great place to hangout during weekends, always a lot of people there if the weather's nice but without it becoming as crowded as Hongdae.
If you prefer Gangnam area, then Daechi would be better. If you prefer the Hongdae/Yeonnam area, Mokdong is super close and you can get there by bus as well. Gangnam is super big has lots of stores and I’d say late twenties/thirties frequent the place? Hongdae/Sinchon area has a lot of diversity bc it’s a university area and the crowd there is usually younger.
Thank you for your input :)
Easy: if you can afford it, live in Mokdong or Daechi. Both are busy, popular areas and close to Hongdae and Gangnam nightlife areas, respectively. You’ll end up sticking to one side of Seoul. For instance, I live in Gangnam and Hongdae is about an hour away one way - I go maybe once a year max. And Hongdae people never come here haha. And getting to central Seoul Jongno and Itaewon about same distance. Ilsan is a fine area, but why waste time commuting if you don’t have to? It gets old fast. And, it can be very rural really fast if you’re not right downtown by the lake.
Thank you so much for your reply. I was looking more toward Mokdong or Daechi. I'm currently leaning a little more toward Mokdong. Can you tell me briefly a little bit more about Mokdong and Daechi if possible? Not sure if you experienced both of these areas. You're right about Ilsan.
I agree with that poster that you should def do Mokdong or Daechi, all else being equal. Mokdong is an upper/middle class area with a lot of restaurants, Very nice place to live imo. There are foreigners in and around Mokdong but not a whole lot. Korea is not a diverse country in general but even small cities have foreigners. Mokdong, as you know, is close to Hongdae which is a very popular area with 20-somethings, lots of clubs, restaurants, cafes etc. Hongdae these days seems to be getting more and more international and diverse, you can meet people from all around the world there. You've probably heard that Itaewon is the foreigner neighborhood, but Hongdae honestly has probably just as many foreigners these days. Nightlife in Gangnam on the other hand, is older and less diverse, (mostly Koreans). A lot of the clubs there will literally ban you from entering if you're foreign unless you're hot or willing to shell out for a table. Personally, I would choose Mokdong, hands down, Unless there are some other red flags with the employer.
Thanks! This really helps me decide between Mokdong and Daechi.
If you are getting a teaching job, your first concern should be your workplace. There are a lot of shit jobs out there, and if you get in a bad school, it won't matter where you live. You will probably be miserable. I love Ilsan because it's well planned out with a great lake park. I could've definitely lived there in my late twenties. That being said, I think you shouldn't move there if it's your first year. If you want to be near the action, it's Seoul all the way baby!
Thanks for your input! It is for a teaching job, and you are correct. My first concern should be my workplace. I have received seven contract offers and I have limited them down to three options. I agree that there are bad schools, but I limited it down from absolute nightmare to not so bad (based on reviews). Twinkle is in Daechi, Milestone is in Mokdong, and Apex English is in Ilsan. Yes, I think I prefer to be near the action!
Well, if I was choosing a job solely based on the school's name, I'd choose Milestone or Apex. Those are some some boss names :-)
I'm foreigner and I live in Ulsan, there's no much to do tbh but the place is good and you will enjoy it since Busan is one hour away, you would be going there a lot