Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dingo_man]

I have a question regarding the security deposit of the SMOE contract. What is the intended purpose of this security deposit?
Is it to cover any outstanding expenses incurred on the apartment once i have left Korea?

The reason I am asking is that my apartment owner has asked me to pay 100,000 won deposit for expenses. Once i leave Korea and all expenses (electricity/gas) have been paid, i get the 100,000 won back.

I thought this is what the security deposit is for?


any help would be great thanks


PS does anyone know who in SMOE i should contact regarding the above matter?

[ttompatz]

[prideofidaho]

Hi,

Do you pay a monthly building fee? It's likely you do, so perhaps that is what the security deposit is for. If you live somewhere with a monthly fee, then that's comes out of your pocket, not SMOE's.

I'd say it's likely that he's just making sure that you're covered in case you leave the country soon after finishing the country and before the last bills arrive (if you leave late August, and the bill for that month comes in early Sept).

I wouldn't be too concerned about it. I don't think the contract exempts you from paying this deposit, since all utilities are your own responsibility.

You're right, the security deposit (500,000 won) covers any costs after your contract is up...like bills and stuff. You'll get it back once you leave SMOE or choose to provide your own housing.

In terms of who to contact, best to go though the chain. Start with co-teacher, then your district rep (another NSET), then the district supervisor, then SMOE. From my understanding and experience, this should be handled by the district.

Hope this helps.

** edit...the above poster may be right, but at the end of the day they could just say it's part of the utilities. Decide if you want to make a big deal about it. It's just 100,000 won. My two cents.