Korean Job Discussion Forums

[withnail]

When a job advertises

A. rent-free housing

OR

B. a housing allowance of say 300,000 won

Does Case B imply that they'll pay the KEY MONEY as well?(often several million)

I'm seeing lots of jobs like this or where scenario B is only being offered. Could someone clarify?

[call_the_shots]

[withnail]

So i guess it's legal for a foreigner to enter into a rental agreement? i thought you needed a korean to do that for you?

also does the employer then pay that allowance to you?

[call_the_shots]

[Mr. Susan]

I was looking at an officetel for 700,000 a week, and the key money was 1,000,000 won.

How much do you guys think it'd be if I came up with 5,000,000 won?

[jadarite]

[Whirlwind]

Key money. I believe Korea is the only country that does this and it is retarded, pure and simple. Having to front that much money for a box is ridiculous. I'm not into trusting Koreans with anything financial and be damned if I would put up 10,000,000 won in key money that I might not see if the landlord goes bankrupt or just tries to screw with me because I'm a foreigner and he knows that he has the advantage. Thankfully, the rent has always been included in every contract for me and I've never had to deal with nonsense like sweating out if I'll get the key money back. You're going to trust them with money in an economic climate like this? Yikes.

[Easter Clark]

If your employer pays key money but not the rent, are you still tied to your employer re: housing (if you quit the job, do you have to move out?)...just curious.

[call_the_shots]

[Mr. Susan]