Korean Job Discussion Forums

sadiebear · Joined: 13 Sep 2007

Just have a few questions:
Did you bring your wife n kid/kids to Korea at the same time you flew there to start work? Did you get free accomodation with 2 bdrms at least right away? Can you save money in Seoul with family? Is it easy to get a spousal visa and do I need to get this before we arrive? Thanks.

Ruby's Mom · Joined: 15 Aug 2009

My husband and I and my son are moving to Korea soon. So far, no school has offered a two bedroom or more. The best they've usually offered is a housing allowance. Although the ministry of education guideline booklet states that the school ought to provide a two bedroom or more housing for teachers with a spouse and at least one child, most schools that I've interviewed with have conveniently overlooked this guideline. The housing allowance is not the problem. It's the key money deposit we'd have to come up with. On average you're looking at about $10,000.00 + for the deposit.

As far as saving is concerned, I would imagine if you budget well, Korea might be a great place to save money. Coupled with the fact that the first two years are tax free, it might be great. The only thing is, exchange rate is currently not in Korea's favor.

Carla · Joined: 21 Nov 2008

frankly speaking · Joined: 23 Oct 2005

I brought my family over one year, but I actually came over by myself for a month to make sure that I liked the job and that I would stay before sending for them. If only you are working and supporting your wife and child, you really won't save much. You might save 500,000 a month. If your wife doesn't do something, she will get cabin fever and might even get a little depressed.

The apartments are small, but as stated before, you could take the housing allowance and find your own place. Some schools might be more accomodating than others, but there are not obligated to provide family size housing.

I wouldn't suggest bringing a family over unless they have something productive to do all day. If your wife has been in Korea before, then it might not be hard for her to adjust, but if she hasn't it might be hard for a while.

If your only goal is to save money, then don't come with them. If you just want to enjoy time abroad and experience Korea, then it should be a good time.

buddie3232 · Joined: 13 Jan 2008

The last 2 years my family has come over to South Korea after I arrived. I have 2 small kids. I just made sure the school and apartment were ok.

My 1st year I had a 2 bedroom apartment. My 2nd year I agreed to a studio apartment. When I resign my contract in December we will be getting a 2 bedroom apartment.

I live in a rural area. The local flea market comes to town every 5 days. We buy our food and get any clothes for the kids.

The spousal visa is easy. 4 passport size photos, birthday certificates, marriage contract. If your family is coming after you then you will need to send them an invitation letter. Just PM me if you need a sample letter. Once your family gets here then you will need to get your families ARC Card (Korean ID card). Your wife will need to go with you to Immigration to sign the form. She should get her Korean ID in about 2 weeks. Once she has the Korean ID then gives it to the school to sign your wife and kid up for the National Health Insurance. It is Free for your family to sign up.

The embassy you apply at will only give your family a 90 day visa then do the above to get it changed to a spousal visa in South Korea. It is 60,000 each.

My kids schooling is online. I purchased Skylife dish for English cartoons for the kids. I take my kids to the playground often to interact with the other kids.

We save between 500,000 - 900,000 per month. We eat out 2 times per month and travel on the weekends once per month.

teachergirltoo · Joined: 28 Oct 2006

If you request to work in the area outside Seoul then your chances of getting a larger place from your employer are higher. My friends who work in rural cities all have 2 bedroom apts as single people.

Pompeyinnit · Joined: 01 Nov 2008

I live here with my wife and 20 month old son. You can save plenty of money. My base salary (including housing) is W3.6M and we bank over 1.5 most months. We live in Haebangchon (close to Itaewon - the main foreigner area in Seoul) where you can get a decent enough apartment - 2 bedrooms - for W5-600000 a month; just have a look on englishspectrum.com at the accommodation section to see the kind of thing you can expect. I really think that, except for parts of the middle east, Korea is the country with the most saving potential for esl workers.
The culture takes a bit of getting used to, but once you're in the swing of things it's fine...

Pompeyinnit · Joined: 01 Nov 2008

btw F3 family dependents visas are easy, don't get them before you arrive; just let them come in on a tourist visa and then transfer it once you're all here.

btbtw 10m key money aint always needed - some aptmts go for as little as a couple of mil. higher key = lower rent, and vice-versa. like i said, check english spectrum.