Songdo, South Korea (now it can be told)

Date of Visit: April 2015
Where: Songdo International Business District, Incheon, South Korea
Website: http://songdoibd.com/
Solo Travel (job interview) 

In November 2014, I applied online for a post in a new international organization based in South Korea. After waiting a few months (and then giving up waiting.. because I thought they hired already..).. I finally heard from them in March 2015! I was thrilled to be scheduled for some online interviews, a writing test, and then another writing test. And then, lo and behold, I was invited for an all expenses paid on-site interview in South Korea!

I printed the photo of the Songdo Central Park and skyline for "visioning" while I was doing the online interviews and tests. 
 When I was given the opportunity to visit, I spent an hour looking for the exact spot.

I really, really tried to curb my innermost feelings so I would not jinx my application. I had to tell myself, over and over... being invited to an on-site visit does not mean I was getting the job. It just meant that they were seriously considering me for the job. They sent me my schedule, and aside from my interview,  it included some time with a real estate agent to visit apartments and see the nearby community, as well as some international school options for Tonyo!

Travel opportunity aside, it was by far, the most enriching interview experience I've ever had. Twenty-four hours before I left the Philippines, I received a topic for a presentation that I had to prepare for my interview panel. On the day of my interview, I made my presentation, and they asked me questions about the presentation and also about my thoughts on the organization's mission. I was also given the opportunity to ask questions, and I really had fun getting to know them. After my panel interview, I spent some time with the hiring manager, who talked to me about the local culture, the expat community, schools, and bringing your family with you. At that time, I also disclosed that I was pregnant (yep, while preparing for my trip, we found out about Baby #3... which we lost a few weeks after, but that's another story)

"Would-be Apartments" - I loved the playground of one compound.

After my discussion with the hiring manager, I was turned over to the real estate agent for the tour! We looked at 2 apartments (and met the landlords and current occupants) and drove by the international school. Eek, sino ba ang hindi aasa? We talked about the cost of the apartments, the space requirement, etc.. it felt so real and within reach!


I had a lot of free time after my company-prescribed schedule (and before my flight the day after), so I opted to roam around Songdo  which was a fascinating city, especially if you are doing climate or green-related work. I heard Songdo literally means "Island of Pine Trees" - but also nicknamed "City of the Future," and aspiring to be the "World's Smartest City." Indeed, the architecture was very modern, yet punctuated by pockets of nature (highlighted by its Central Park) I felt like I was in a real-time Jetson movie, and couldn't help but feel excited how great it would be to raise a family in all that fresh air and open space.

Songdo is a new city. Wide open spaces yet to be "occupied".

In stark contrast to its "sustainable city" aspirations, Songdo International Business district is actually 600 hectares of reclaimed area! (This part gives me mixed feelings about the place), and some articles say that the project disrupted the natural migration patterns of the visiting birds. But still, Songdo was built to promote low carbon green growth, and boasts of green, intelligent buildings, water recycling systems, and a centralized waste system. So, points for the effort. Let's judge its success once it is fully occupied. 

Walking from my hotel to "my" building ;)

Lower left... a real solar-powered electric car charging station!

Enjoy the photos ! (more below) I look forward to the opportunity to visit again. It is a good educational trip for people who are into sustainable cities.


Oh, and just in case you were wondering... I didn't get the job. Much to the dismay of Tonyo, who was already practicing his "Annyeong haseyo" and eating his Bibimbap ;) No bitterness though, I firmly believe in the organization's mission and wish them the best for their challenging tasks ahead! And if they think another person could help them get there faster, so be it.

Caption says, "Anyone who seats (sic) here will have luck." I probably sat there for 30 minutes :D