Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Richmadethis]

Hi all,

My partner and I have been offered positions at two public schools with GEPIK, the schools are ten minutes walk away, and we have been told that we will each be given a single apartment. A couples apartment seems to be too hard to arrange, and we are not keen on looking for our own apartment.

My questions are:

What do you think is the likelihood that these apartments are in the same block, given that the schools are only ten minutes walk away?

Would living together in a single apartment be doable? for 12 months?

Would a single apartment ever have a double bed? if not is it easy to get a double bed and will it fit ok?

I would appreciate any helpful advice and experiences you guys might have,

Thank you

[prideofidaho]

I did it for a year, well 10 months. We're still together. The hardest part is not having a separate room for one of you to do stuff in. Seriously, doors save relationships.

If I were you I'd say no unless they give housing allowance for you two to split. Honestly, sounds like they may be getting away with paying for a smaller apt.

I'm starting to sound like one of the jaded regulars...

[blackjack]

single apartments can be small, very small.

Here is my apartment that my first school gave me. My back is right up against the wall. It is about 3m by 4m not including the bathroom

http://picasaweb.google.com/Daxwave/SmallApartment#

If they are unwilling to give a double, are they willing to provide key money?

here is what I have for 10 million down and 600,000 a month

http://picasaweb.google.com/Daxwave/MyApartment#

You can get cheaper but the view and location sold it for me. It suits me down to the ground but I am single. It is still a one room but has a massive loft (bit low but you get used to it), closet space and a nice bathroom0

[JJJ]

Holy moly!!! Blackjack...that new apartment is awesome. Very nice. You are lucky, very lucky. I could definitely relax and get a good sleep in that...finally. Wow.

[margaret]

My boyfried and I stayed for a year very happily in a single apartment but it was a one-bedroom, not a studio. I think it would depend on your relationship and sleeping habits. For instance if there is one of you who likes to stay up and the other one sleep, how do you deal with it? How much space do you feel you need? We had camped for about 6 months and lived out of a car and tent and spent most of our time together so we knew we had a good chance of surviving and we did.

[summer33ny]

We are in a similar situation. My boyfriend commutes to his school (20 min away) and I walk. We had insisited on couple's housing before coming to Korea, but couple's housing turned out to be a studio. It was hard at first..but we have gotten used to. It is definitly not for everyone. But to tell you the truth it has brought us closer (it is hard to stay mad at each other when you have no place to escape to!)

[prideofidaho]

[D.D.]

Having two apartments is a good idea as you can share one and use the other one for chill out time. I enjoyed when my gf's had their own places rather than being together all the time. Even if you don't spend much time at the other place it is good to have for the rare need some space days. It is also good to give it to friends as a place to sleep when they visit.

[summer33ny]

I would rather take a housing allowance for the second apartment (instead of having two). But if they won't give it to you, then by all means take the second apartment. You can always use it for storage or guests.

[Richmadethis]

Thanks everyone for your responses.

If we were to both take the accommodation allowance, how hard is it to organize renting an apartment?

We don't speak any Korean.

We do have a fair bit of money saved, but how much is the standard Key money? 10 million?

[blackjack]

With 10 million down and 600 a month you can get a really nice place (well nice place). Where are your schools? that will give people an indication of what you can expect to pay.

I got my apartment by myself and I speak very limited korean

[Richmadethis]

Hi Blackjack (nice apartment by the way! where abouts are you?)
The schools are in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul.

[meghanr83]

This has been very helpful! My boyfriend and I are moving to Korea in September. What is a reasonable amount for the live out allowance (for the unwanted apartment) if we do choose to accept a single apartment?

[blackjack]