Korean Job Discussion Forums

[verve]

I'm looking for an apartment. These are the constraints:
- within 30~40 mintues to Bundang by subway, less is better
- preferably within 40 minutes to Gangnam
- reasonable cost of living -- so close(ish) to well-priced amenities like big supermarkets, outdoor markets, fitness centers/gyms
- reasonably green and clean - parks, trees etc. An area overrun by smog, pollution and dirt (more so than is normal in Seoul) is a deal breaker
...and...
- area where I can get a 17~20 pyeong place for 10~20mil won deposit/~700k rent.

I know it's a tough and vague question... I have been looking a lot... For instance I actually found a decent place in Gangnam (), but amenities are really pricey and not nearby there.

Any suggestions or constructive feedback about areas I should consider will be appreciated.

[Auslegung]

What if you looked in southern Bundang? I'm in Jukjeon which is 57 minutes from Gangnam on the subway, but southern Bundang is nice, has little pollution, any area will have a couple of parks, the place I'm in now, my school pays W550,000/month, and where I live there is a gym in a huge church that costs W20,000/month for membership, there's an Emart a 10-minute walk away. My only complaint about living in Jukjeon is a lot of it closes at 10pm, which is when I get off work, and I'd prefer to be in a much busier area, but it doesn't sound like you would mind much.

[abiandjamesinsk]

Try Suji, which is close to Jukjeon. Its the same as the last poster describes but has direct bus links in central Seoul. Gangnam is between 30 -45mins away on the bus in traffic. There is also a large Lotte mart in town and everything is central. There is also a good community of English and American teachers who get on well and help each other out if needed. The prices for housing are reasonable and the availability seems plentiful. There are also three or for parks and the nightlife is good if that rocks your world. If not its quiet when you need it to be. There is a 24hr McDonald's though which could be a deal breaker.

[bassexpander]

Seongnam is between those two places, but not pretty.

Why not live in Bundang? Look anywhere between Yatap and Migeum. A bit pricey, but you might find something.

[verve]

Good suggestions... I will go and check out those areas on the yellow line, talk to budongsan's there, check the net and see what I can find.

Besides http://www.r114.co.kr/ are there any other good real estate classifieds around?

[Gnawbert]

[taesookim]

i would recommend jeongja its the station right between migeum station and sunae station. its very clean and is known for its Cafe street. lots of good korean and western places to eat and has everything your looking for(gym, park,trees) its known as where all the rich people in bundang live but there are lots of affordable offictels.

[taesookim]

forgot to mention there will be a new subway line there soon that will cut through everything and get to kangnam in 15 min. its been in construction for like 2 years now so hopefully it will be open soon

[OneWayTraffic]

Songpa Gu between Seokchon and Garak market stations is worth a look.

Centrally placed between the two and one of the nicer areas in Seoul.
May be a little pricey.

You will probably need to compromise on at least one of your constraints.

[BlueSeoul]

would be the places south of the stream on the yellow or orange lines. Gaepo or Irwon. Seolleung station is a fine place, but about the same price as kangnam. At seolleung, you're in walking distance to COEX, and E-mart and a real short taxi to kangnam.

[verve]

[t1m1ty]

I'm currently in JeongJa at the moment but will be moving to Ori tomorrow. Bundang isn't bad at all to live in. From what I hear, Ori is nice and decently quiet, compared to where I live in JeongJa (I live RIGHT next to the subway exit). It isn't hard to get to Gangnam or any part of Seoul. It's rather clean when compared to other parts of Korea too (recently went to Daejeon and did not like it). Good luck in finding a good place!

[OneWayTraffic]

If you're in the Songpa area, buy a bicycle. You won't regret it. I can sell you mine when I leave in November, but I use it every day so it's not available until right up to when I go.

Seriously it's flat, well laid out, bike lanes beside most major roads, free air, and there's lots of places to lock up by subways. They've even made at least Seokchon station bike friendly now, you can take it onto the train. I'm guessing that's a first for Seoul.

I used to spend 100,000 a month commuting to various jobs around the area. Now it's at 25,000 and I get more exercise and get there twice as fast.

Buy a cheap bike so it's no worries about locking it up outside and then you may be able to choose from more places in a wider area. A 20minute walk to a subway station is only 5-10minutes by bike.

[goesslry]

i live kind of near costco area, but at the base of the mountains. technically still city, but little pollution, not busy.

20 mil/800 per month, but my place is a 33 pyoung 3 bedroom. I'm sure you can find a little less.

Look in Sinwon-mauel, wonji-dong, etc. PM me if you want more info.

[verve]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I went looking around Bundang and found a place near Jeongja which is really well-priced. Gonna take it and invest in a scooter. For trips to/in Seoul.

That is the only negative... quite far from central Seoul, although I imagine there are some direct bus routes.