Korean Job Discussion Forums

adventurer01 · Joined: 17 Jun 2008

Hello! I am sure that the information is on this forum somewhere. But I can't seem to find it.

I am considering a job in the Busan area where I would need to find my own housing. I would be responsible for everything except the key money (10M W). I am wondering if anyone with experience in this can answer some quesitons.

1. How much would a clean, bug-free, one-room or one bedroom apartment cost in Haeundae area or Seomyeon area? (price range)
2. How much would the rental agency fee cost?
3. Do most apartments come with air-conditioning already installed?
4. Is it possible to find a semi-furnished apartment - bed, desk, chair?
5. Will I end up paying extra for location, like close to the subway or major bus routes?

Ideally, I would like the cost of the monthly rent to be about the same as the housing allowance, so around 300-400K/month at most.

Thanks for your help. I'm just not sure if it is a little bit too much to try and set up an apartment on my own, since I don't really speak Korean.

Emeliu · Joined: 31 Mar 2009 Location: Korea, i'm OMW

Why would you get an apartment in the busiest neighborhoods of Busan -.-, look for one that is just a few stops down from the subway.

adventurer01 · Joined: 17 Jun 2008

I am willing to consider other areas, but I still need to know about price ranges, apartment fees, ac, and furnishings. As well as any other costs that I might be overlooking when you rent your own apartment in Korea.

crossmr · Joined: 22 Nov 2008 Location: Hwayangdong, Seoul

maybe wait..
http://engsales.yonhapnews.co.kr/YNA/ContentsSales/EngSales/YISW_PopupPhotoPreview.aspx?CID=PYH20090707016100341

phoneboothface · Joined: 26 Apr 2009 Location: Korea

Rutherford · Joined: 31 Jul 2007

Hi adventurer,

1) You can find a nice one-room or officetel in Haeundae for 5 mil key money and 400-500,000 per month rent. I've seen a few cheaper but they're tiny and there aren't many of them. If you can pay 10 mil key money you can probably take 50,000 off the rent.

Don't forget that these buildings have high utilities and service charges. My monthly bill ends up in the 120,000-140,000 range.

2) I forget how much the fee was... get back to you on that

3) most one-rooms will come with aircon installed

4) You can probably find a semi-furnished apartment, but you can also find cheap furniture at a second-hand shop or from someone who's leaving

5) You might be able to find a cheaper place far from transportation, etc.

This was my experience in Haeundae, which is a popular part of town.