Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mgs2]

I am an English teacher working in Sydney and I'm interested in spending a few weeks in Korea. Homestays seem like an attractive option as they're cost effective and provide a good way of meeting Koreans and understanding Korean culture. Has anyone had any experiences with Homestays or could recommend some useful resources?

[zstar5000]

couchsurfing.com. I use it, and it's awesome.

[mgs2]

Thanks for the reply zstar5000. Have you had any bad experiences with couchsurfing? Did you actually stay on couches or did you have your own room to stay in?

[zstar5000]

We stayed on a couch (two couches actually, my wife and I). Some people have extra rooms, some have mats on the floor, some futons, you won't really know until you start searching. Most people are pretty descriptive as to where and on what you will sleep.

We've also hosted once which has been great. Good luck!

zack

[mgs2]

But that would only be practical for a short stay. You couldn't live like that for very long, you would want your own room to stay in. Couch surfing certainly looks like a good resource, but I'd prefer to pay a little more for my own room.

[zstar5000]

That's true. CS is best if you plan on moving around, since most people prefer that you stay for no more than 2-3 days. But there are 5,000 people registered with CS in S. Korea, so you'll never know without really looking into it who might have an extra room and/or be willing to put you up for a week or more. I know of at least one couple in Seoul who have an extra room. Plus it's free, so there's that.

[mgs2]

CS is certainly a helpful mention. Can anyone mention an alternative source that is designed for more formal homestays of longer duration. I've spoken to some people who are very kind and helpful, but were asking $US40 a night, what is a little more than what I wanted to spend. Or is this simply the going rate?

[Rutherford]

$40US seems like a lot unless that's including food. You could stay in a motel for less than that. Many of them have discounted rates if you stay for a few weeks or a month. Around Busan I've seen some that advertise "달방" or "month room" and go for a couple hundred thousand won a month.

Just don't accidentally ask for the monthly rate at a 다방 instead of a 달방 ...

[mgs2]

$40 did include breakfast and internet, but I guess everywhere in Korea has internet. This type of homestay does seem like an attractive option though, as you get to meet new people, learn more about Korea, and this extra knowledge itself will also save money.