Korean Job Discussion Forums

Big Ben · Joined: 02 Nov 2009

Newbie here, just accepted into EPIK program, will be in Korea in February. Quick question ....

I've read in these forums that quality and standard of employee housing varies wildly, so I'm looking to explore options prior to the contract arriving. That said, does anyone know if EPIK in Busan has a certain standard of apartments (ie, officetel vs. villa; new vs. old; clean vs. rat trap)? Also, can anyone explain how this goes in the contract / offer? For example, will they give the option of a school and a definite apartment comes with that particular school? In other words, does the government have prearranged housing, or do they find it when you sign on? And finally, of all the teensy apartment in Korea, the loft-style officetels certainly look the best. Does anyone know if you can request these?

I know I sound like an apartment snob (because I am...), but just wondering whether to utilize the 400k housing allowance or just roll with what they give me. Truth be told, I'd rather be stuck at a crappy job than in a crappy apartment ... (16 hours a day vs. 8 ...).

That said, any input would be MOST appreciated ....

Sincerely,

Ralph Lauren

ms.catbc · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Location: Ilsan

you can ask them to send you pics of where you will be living.

Generally schools rent out apartments. There is most likely a teacher leaving around the same time that you are coming. you are replacing them. They will get kicked out and be sent to live in a hotel while they finish their contract OR when you arrive you will live in a hotel as there is a time where your time is overlapping with theirs.

So asking them to send you pics is easy as one of their teachers is already living there (possibly...a general situation)
If you are really picky you could even ask for that teachers contact. That way you can ask them questions about where you will be living BUT ALSO where you will be working. Why are they leaving? Did they enjoy teaching there? Were they paid on time?

If they are a legitimate school and really want you to work for them they should be able to answer every question that you have.

blade · Joined: 30 Jun 2007

ATlasIAm · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Location: Sincheon

the heat doesn't work in my place, but during the summer it's nice

wormholes101 · Joined: 11 Mar 2003

I don't believe that there are set standards for housing, at least I've never heard of such a thing. If housing is really important to you, see if you can contact your school and find out what kind of accommodation you will have.

Also ask if it will be possible to move (in case you don't like it). If you want nice accommodation, try and bring some spare cash with you as a security deposit. If you can drop a few million won on that, you can get much better value for money. With 5 mil down and 400k per month, you'll get great accommodation if you shop around.

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 2:00 am Post subject:

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

I am pretty sure you (and probably EPIK) won't know what school you are going to until you arrive. But, on the off chance that you do find out which school and are able to contact them you can just ask for a larger apartment.

Big Ben · Joined: 02 Nov 2009

towl · Joined: 31 Mar 2009

Don't worry about it. All the apartments here in Korea are of a fairly descent quality. Construction services are pretty good, so you're never going to get a dump. The only thing that probably WILL surprise you is the size. You're going to be living in a shoe-box most likely.

When I first came over I couldn't believe people were living in places so small, especially entire families. But that's just how they roll.

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang