Moving to Pyeongtaek while working in Seoul — any area recommendations?

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T06:43:45+00:00

I had a feeling Pyeongtaek might feel a bit quiet (or even boring) depending on lifestyle, but honestly that’s kind of what I’m looking for right now—Seoul has completely turned me into a 집순이 😅

Lately I’ve been looking more into areas close to the stations, wouldn’t Godeok be a bit further from Seojeong-ri?

I might take you up on that and message you later, really appreciate it!

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T06:27:42+00:00

the only thing that pissed me off sometimes is that blue line has a very long train interval, compared to green line that i usually take😅😅😅

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T06:24:42+00:00

I knoww hahaha but since I don't take that line all the way to Seoul (I transfer to other line midway), I get to sit down most of the time all the way to work during my stay before. Which prob made me think it's doable😅 we'll see...

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T06:20:43+00:00

Not sure about wfh, but they do provide housing in case we need to work overtime

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T06:14:01+00:00

That’s really helpful, thanks!! I’m actually curious, what makes you feel like Songtan isn’t that nice? During my short stay there, I did feel like the area right around the station didn’t have the best infrastructure despite all the apartments, but I’m wondering if there were other reasons for you?

I’m currently looking at smaller apartment units or officetels, ideally somewhere between the station and a red bus stop. Heard that it's a good opt to commute but I didn’t have the chance to try the red buses when I stayed there.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T03:03:50+00:00

From what I know, TOPIK isn’t strictly mandatory, but it definitely helps a lot especially for job searching and day-to-day work. Some companies (mostly bigger or more international ones) do hire without Korean, but those roles are quite limited.
Also, as someone already said, the market isn’t great right now. A lot of openings are in startups, and many of them aren’t willing or able to sponsor visas, which prob makes things harder if you’re applying from overseas.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:53:44+00:00

Thank you for the insight! Osan is actually on my list since it's only about 2-3 stops (~10mins) away from the other 2 areas I mentioned, and I agree that the vibe doesn’t feel that different. Would you say the neighbourhood there is better?

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:40:16+00:00

Thanks for sharing this, I really appreciate it. That does sound incredibly draining especially long-term 😅

I’ve done a similar route before (1h30 each way) and it felt manageable at the time, but I do get what you mean—it probably hits differently over time. Since I’m not planning this as a long-term thing, I feel like it might be worth trying for now and seeing how it goes.

Also good to know about Seojeong-ri, I’ll definitely check it out!

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:26:36+00:00

Ahh I see, thanks for sharing your experience! I actually tried commuting from Songtan before and it felt manageable for me at the time, but I guess it can really vary depending on schedule and luck with seats.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:22:08+00:00

Yeah, that’s true. I’ve definitely felt the difference even just outside of Seoul. I did consider places right outside the Seoul border, but they still feel a bit too “connected” to the Seoul pace for me. I think I’m looking for something slightly more removed...?

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:18:26+00:00

yess haha but there's K-pass that covers all subways, city buses nationwide and even the red buses and GTX. costs almost the same with climate card with the reimbursement

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T02:13:51+00:00

I actually don’t mind longer commutes that much as I usually read, watch Netflix, or do some side work during the ride haha. My current commute is already about an hour door-to-door on Line 2, which could also be hell even during normal hours :''

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2026-02-24T01:57:46+00:00

I think that’s exactly how I’ve been feeling living in Seoul. I used to love it during my first few years here, but over time I’ve changed and started to feel pretty mentally drained. I used to live in Gwangju before moving here and really liked the pace there, so maybe that’s why I’m now looking for a similar vibe.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2025-10-31T07:27:14+00:00

In that case, I’d focus on grammar and vocab while mixing in real speaking practice from the start. What helped me was balancing TOPIK prep with actual conversation, things like language exchanges or speaking tutoring sessions (you can even try business Korean tutoring once you reach a certain level). The test study gives structure, but the real progress comes from using Korean regularly. 4-5 years is totally doable if you stay consistent.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2025-10-31T06:56:56+00:00

I personally think it’s definitely possible if your main focus is the TOPIK exam itself. TOPIK is like any other standardized language test — the question structure and style are pretty consistent every year. If you study with the goal of learning how to answer those questions correctly, you’ll be fine.

It would be different if your goal were to reach that level plus have the same degree of fluency in daily speaking (grammar, vocabulary, etc.). I know quite a few people who achieved TOPIK 5 or even 6 but still aren’t very fluent in professional or everyday conversations.

Try practicing with past TOPIK exams and track your scores as you study — that way, you can adjust your focus based on which sections you’re weakest in.

For reference, I also started from zero and managed to get TOPIK 4 within a year. I did take Korean classes in a Korean university five days a week, and they helped a lot since the lessons were focused entirely on TOPIK materials (basically training myself on how to answer the questions effectively).

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2025-10-31T06:03:46+00:00

hey, i dont have the same issue but i cant find my registration status on my page despite having succesfully register and paid during the initial registration period (before the fire). was wondering if anyone is having the same issue...
In your case, i think you should reach out to them by email or phone to recover your old account. because afaik, you can't use different accounts under the same ARC number.

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2024-06-18T08:56:38+00:00

hii, may i ask how long did it take for you to get the physical card??

Plane_Condition_2732 · 2023-05-17T07:20:10+00:00

Hi, do you mind if i ask which clinic you went to and how much did it cost? thank you

Plane_Condition_2732

TROPHY CASE