Korean Job Discussion Forums

AussieGav · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Location: Uijeongbu

I am interested to hear what type/size appartments are being provided by various employers. Also, what household equipment/appliances did they give you.

I live in a one roomed villa 15mins by bus from work. I have replaced almost all the kitchen equipment from plates to knives and folks and chopsticks. Quite frankly I think accomodation might be an important negotiation point when I look for a new job in the new year.

Would love to hear the experiences of others.

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

Accomidation is pretty much hit or miss. Life can be real hell if you get in bad housing .There are several red flags to watch out for

Studio apartments This is very deceptive. Sometimes refered to as offictels. What ever you do don't expect the big artist apartments. These places tend to be very cramped. O.K. for single people but not good for couples. I would avoid this kind of housing

Dormatory housing This is common with teacher training centers and private high schools. From what I know of this is older teachers tend to like this. Don't expect to have much of a private life. Young guys who are dating Korean women will hate this. Pretty much no seperation between your private and public life.

Villa's These are small town houses that have been made into apartment. My overall experience with these is they are much better than the previous two but not as good as high rise apartments. The one downfall with these is they usually located in Noisy neighborhoods.

High rise Apartments These are the best. Healthy separation between private and professional life. These are usually 2 to 3 bedrooms so you have a lot of space. Usually far away from noisy areas.

What ever you do don't accept an apartment above a hof or singing room.
You will never get any sleep.

Milwaukiedave · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Location: Goseong

I have to agree, it's really hit or miss. My best advice is ask for pictures ahead of time. If the school really wants to hire you, then it shouldn't be that big of a deal. Even with the university I just started at, I asked them for pictures. You never can be too careful.

In terms of what they supply you, that will vary as well. When I was teaching at a public school last year, the school found us a nice two bedroom apartment in an older neighborhood (the building was less then five years old though). When we moved in, we had everything provided in terms of kitchen stuff by the landlord. I'll tell you it was nice not to have to go out and buy all that crap. Unfortunately with the university, they didn't provide that stuff, but we asked ahead of time and were able to bring some things with us.

Ask lots of questions, even if they seem dumb. In the long run, you'll be glad you did.

biggpoppa · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

i live in a dormitory and i absolutely love it...i teach at an elementary school and they put me up in a two bedroom dorm...good space, and i love it there...its brand new as well which helps out, and its close to a good night scene but far enough from all the noise...also the students all go to the university near my dorm, and i haven't had a problem with noise from them or anything...they are all friendly...

i guess it is definitely hit or miss...

Fishead soup · Joined: 24 Jun 2007 Location: Korea

biggpoppa · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

huffdaddy · Joined: 25 Nov 2005

biggpoppa · Joined: 14 Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

ok i think i should clarify, that i'm not directly on campus...i'm in what they call a "student village" which is about a 10 minute walk from the uni and i obviously see the students, but the ones who live in my building i rarely ever see....there are some other foreigners in my "complex"...

i have a feeling i'm missing something here...