Korean Job Discussion Forums

[nolegirl]

So I just found out that I am living in Itawon and will be working somewhere in Mapo-gu. I have read all the threads about the dark cload over Itawon but I am curious, is it safe to walk at night? Are there nice apts in Itawon or only trash.

The reason being is I have a housing allowance and I thought I was going to come to Korea and find my own housing but I guess they are going to find me an apt. I will not sign a contract til I see pictures of the apt they will be getting for me and I am trying really hard to explain to my guy that I am willing for them to take out more of my salary for nicer housing, up to 700,000 won but they said it would be unfair to the other teachers at other schools. But what other teachers, its only me and this other guy where I am working. I don't get it. I am willing to pay more???

This brings me to my next point, I am leaving soon for Korea (I think) like in 2-3 weeks if all goes as planned. There are not many teachers at my school so if there are any newbs or oldies that want to meet up and maybe get completely lost together and try to get cell phones; which I heard is harder then getting a kilo of freakin coke through an airport, PM me thx

[Lekker]

There is available housing in Mapo-Gu. Whomever is organizing your apt in Itaewon is doing it because thats what Koreans like to do with foreigners-throw them all into Itaewon. If you don't want to live there, tell them that. Ask them nicely to speak to real estate agents around Mapo-Gu. in Korean real estate agent is Bu Dung Sang. I wouldn't want someone telling me I had to live there. *beep* Itaewon.

[lastat06513]

I had lived in Itaewon for 5 years....Loved it!
Not because of the nightlife, as what bothers most foreigners, but because all you really need to live is only a stone-throw away;

~ Western-sized clothing
~ All kinds of restaurants that are open to the wee-hours of the morning.
~ It is literally the center of Seoul. You can catch the bus to Hannam Dong and go anywhere in Southern Seoul and Namyoung Dong to catch the bus to anywhere in Northern Seoul. Also, the subway is connected to every subway line and it is only 30 minutes from Jungno and from Gangnam (during rush hour)
~ Shops that sell Western products, including the black market that is very close to where Burger King used to be (now you see how old my info is getting )

Its just about as safe as any street in Seoul, more so than some districts where foreigners are not seen as much.

If you have time, check it out before you move there and see how you like it- some people love it and wouldn't live anywhere else while some are turned off by the westernized feel for the place.....it is very similar to Ropunggi in Tokyo and Sunlitur in Beijing.........

[nolegirl]

I read alot of threads on Itawon and it seems like I will like it but are there nice apts like officetels in that area??

[Lekker]

There are officetels everywhere but around Itaewon they will most likely be expensive. True, everything you need as a westerner is in Itaewon and yes it is conveniently located in the center of Seoul. Itaewon isn't far from Mapo, so maybe you could find reasonable housing in between somewhere. Also, you could look into Haeboncheong, I don't know how to spell it correctly, nor do I care.

Bottom line, maybe Itaewon isn't for me, but it could be good for you. Living there works for some people and it deters others from even setting foot near the place. I have had too many unpleasant experiences with the place in general. But maybe it would be good for you, who knows. look into one room apartments as opposed to an officetel. They will be much cheaper, depending on what your employer will supply you with as far as housing allowance goes. Good luck.

[Imbroglio]

You'll experience a LOT less culture shock if you live in Iteawon