Korean Job Discussion Forums

williebobo · Joined: 05 Nov 2008

I spent one year in Korea teaching in 2003 and I am thinking of applying to the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and working at a public school next year. I was told that I wont know where I am placed until I get to Korea so Im a little worried about what kind of housing I will get. So if you work in a Seoul public school, how is your housing? Any problems? Should I look into another public school board? Also, is it better than working at a hagwon?

Any information would be greatly appreciated because I tried the search function and it doesnt seem to work.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

The only answer you know that is it will be in Seoul. I heard sometimes people get housed at co-ops. My predecessor did and it was like dorm life again. My housing is 14 pyeong studio. It`s fine. I just wish I had my own washing machine in my place, rather than a communal shared laundry room on the rooftop.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Housing with the SMOE is as varied as the city itself... I've seen people in the co-ops, I've seen people with 2 room appartments, studio appartments, lofts, etc etc etc...

I have what I guess you would call a studio apartment... Its 21 feets long by 9 feet wide, with a 6x5 bathroom... Cozy for sure, but decent enough for one person...

Its really up to the school, and while the contract might say otherwise you don't really have a choice in the matter unless you're resigning at the end of your term (negociate for different housing)

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Yeah they will usually try to make you more comfortable if possible. You can change places if you really detest your given place. I know some people who swapped in the first thirty days.

Bibbitybop · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Location: Seoul

Do NOT let them put you in the Co-op Residence. Make that very clear.

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Everyone here says the co-op is terrible.. I'm wondering if there are more than one?
I'm currently prepping my English winter camp with 2 other teachers in Seongdong-Gu, both of whom live in a co-op nearby... Both have said its a great place to be (albeit it on the hotel-ish side of things)...

KYC · Joined: 11 May 2006

egrog1717 · Joined: 12 Mar 2008

Nice... I pay 50k for maintance a month, but that covers cable and internet as well (which would have cost more than 50k a month anyway, so a really good deal)... Electricty and gas run me another 20k or so...