Korean Job Discussion Forums

purple_octi · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

How much is an average rent amount in Seoul? I would be looking for a 1 bedroom place in a decent area of town. My school would probably be in the Seocho/Gangnam area, which i know to be somewhat expensive. My employer is willing to pay 500,000/month in rent reimbursement. Is this enough? I don't want to pay out of my paycheck for rent considering I can get another job through a different school and have free rent.

Do you prefer to have the school set up your apartment? Or do people have better luck when they pick their own places?

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

10 years ago, I had a one-room at Seoul National University of Education subway. It was 10 million down and 700K/month. Granted, the location was very convenient, and it was a pretty nice place.

It's been a long time since we've paid rent, but I have a lot of friends renting. I think you can probably find something in Itaewon/Haeboncheon for that much, but you'll be in a bit of a dive for that much in Kangnam.

icicle · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Gyeonggi do Korea

Does the rent offer from your employer include them paying keymoney or do you have to pay it? That can make a big difference to what you have to pay in rent ... and if not may mean that you need to come up with 5-10 million won (5-10,000) (which you get back at the end of the lease) before you can rent or pay higher rent (if they will accept you without key money).

Gangnam is also a very expensive place to rent ... But there are places which are close to it on the subway which will be cheaper ... I would recomend not limiting yourself to Gangnam ... You will get more for your money in many close by places

Lekker · Joined: 09 Feb 2008 Location: Seoul

Don't live in Itaewon or Haebongcheon. Those places are dodgy. Look for your own place. Go to the real eastate agents and find a place yourself. I found a place in Hongdae, for 230 a month, a single apartment in a house with a courtyard with a nice tree in the middle, benches under the tree, the house was really nice. The woman who owned the house was really friendly. Only problem with the place was that the bathroom was not connected to the apt. It was across the courtyard. Also, the shower was in the kitchen, that was kind of interesting. I ended up not taking it because I found a much nicer place for not much more. You need to go to every real estate agent in your area, but Gangnam is expensive, look around though, you never know what you might find.