Korean Job Discussion Forums

matt__ · Joined: 04 Jun 2006 Location: from circumstances

Once I get my first pay cheque I really want to turn my little officetel into something resembling a home a human might live in, so I need suggestions about good places to get accessories/decorations.

The most pressing concern is getting a decent chair, desk, sofa and chest of drawers, but I can get those second hand lots of places. What I really want to know about are places I can see a decent selection of rugs and mats for my floor, table lamps, wall posters, that sort of thing. Frankly most of the textile/decor stuff I've seen while I've been here has been pretty garish, does anyone know a good tasteful home furnishing store/market?

Any info about good up to date furniture places would be appreciated to obviously. The search function here is great but its frustrating when you realise you've been reading advice from four years ago.

sineface · Joined: 27 Feb 2006 Location: C'est magnifique

This may or may not be a ridiculous suggestion...but I have been known to buy a ton of that handmade paper (cheap as chips) and put it up in all sorts of combinations on my walls. You could do that. Also, I don't know where you live, but if it's anywhere near the Express Bus Terminal station, go there, stay under ground and browse the Gangnam underground market. TONS of stuff, although not much big furniture, for good prices.

climber159 · Joined: 02 Sep 2007

Yongsan E-Mart and Seoul Station Lotte Mart have decent things. There's a second-hand store next to the USO by Samgakgi station.

peppermint · Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2008 4:24 am Post subject:

Kyobo bookstores ( at Gwanghwamun and Gangnam) have poster shops, though.

I've heard great things about this site too: http://global.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_category/category.asp?gdlc_cd=100000039

Metsuke · Joined: 13 Jan 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I'd suggest this sofa... I own it myself and the price is right.

http://www.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=117942534

pidgin · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Location: Seoul

Take the elevator to the ground floor and check out the garbage area..... Laughing

alternatively head out to other BIGGER apartment building's garbage centers......good pickins! Wink

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Go to Insa-dong and get a Chinese screen thingie. They are movable, so you divide up your officetel into different spaces, and have a nice picture at the same time.

mistermasan · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Location: 10+ yrs on Dave's ESL cafe

i like mine as sparse as possible. helps me remember i'm hired help and could be gone in a flash.
(plus the concrete walls are not to have nails driven) bed, table, chair.
163 days left.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

I buy those plastic hooks that stick to the walls. A common brand 3M. The adhesive doesn't remain on the wall when you remove it. I hang pictures, calendars, scrolls, fabrics, whatever.

For posters, I just use packing tape on the backs of them.

I've read that landlords dislike the use of spray paint in the officetel.