Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nuggets]

In the addenda, the first part:

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"1. Accommodation
Utilities, Charges, Taxes associated with the apartments rented by the S.M.O.E. are my responsibility and I agree to pay bills on time. In principle, the occupation period of the provided apartment shall be same as the actual employment period specified in the contract. A minimum complement of furniture and appliances chosen by the S.M.O.E. shall be provided to me as part of the accommodations. In the event that the furniture and appliance allocated in the apartment or common space of the apartment is damaged, the teacher is liable for the indemnity. Teachers residing at the apartment provided shall be responsible and respectful to the needs and rights of others tenants in the building. Time-sharing, sub-letting or sharing of apartment, furniture and other appliances provided by the S.M.O.E. is prohibited. No modification or alteration of apartment design or building structure is allowed. No excessive noise or housing of hazardous substances (chemicals, explosives, etc) is allowed. Any activities that are disrespectful as a teacher are prohibited. Cleanliness of apartment must be maintained Republic of Korea rules for trash and recycling segregation/disposal policies must be followed. Teacher assumes responsibility for guests coming onto the provided apartment Public morals for common areas of the apartment such as stairways, elevators, parking areas, pathways, etc. must be followed. Pets allowance must be consistent with the policy of the apartment complex and local community as long as the pet does not have a negative mental or physical impact on the building or other tenants."
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The problem I have is the part about no sharing. Why would it matter if I let someone live with me? Yes, I know the studios can be small (for all of you thinking that)- but that's besides the point. Also, how could they possibly catch me? Are they going to spy on me? I've heard of stories about hagwon bosses snooping around employee's places while they're at work, but this is SMOE we're talking about. Or should I just try to get my school to like me as much as possible so they leave me and my personal life alone? Thoughts?

One more thing, while I'm here: what are the chances of me getting a studio loft like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTiTqoLpImI&feature=related

[Rory_Calhoun27]

I believe that is an OFFICETEL, they can be nice and cozy, if small.

From what I remember reading about SMOE schools, an awful lot of teachers live in dormitories in some central area. One person on here before was complaining about it housing being in a hostel or something with people checking in on some crazy basis....

Seoul was too much like NYC for me.... but I was a good suburbanite. Some of the outlying cities are more my speed- but those would be part of GEPIK.

[pkang0202]

I guessing since SMOE pays for the room, they can dictate the terms.

For example, if you owned a condo and you were renting it out, how would you feel if a potential tenant said, "What do you mean no pets? I'm the one living here. You can't tell me how to live."

[Nuggets]

[bassexpander]

SMOE housing sucks, and wouldn't give you a choice of something else. Some people probably got smart and began renting it out and living elsewhere. More money can be made per month that way to get a better place.

When you thumb your nose at Koreans by doing something smarter, they tend to get upset.

[Hightop]

[Nuggets]

[nomad-ish]

[abigolblackman]

Yeah, some people get lucky (I have seen some nice SMOE apartments, or okay apartments in good locations), but for the most part, most people I know quit after one year, quit mid-year, or moved out, stating the apartment as one of many problems.

Personally I got unlucky these past 2 years. My first place was nice looking [in a really boring area] but had some bulls*** utilities fee in which I ended up paying for everyone else utilities. After complaining to my school and asking why no one thought to look that up before hand, they just said, "Sorry, we have no money, we found you that place. Be grateful and take it up the booty." I asked for a transfer, which I got, but the NSET that followed me got stuck in the same apartment. The upside? It was super safe! A former prime minister lived 3 doors down from me. Seriously. Guarded security 24/7.

As for my new school...they couldn't even afford key money, or so they say. Now I'm living in one of the biggest prostitution areas in Seoul surrounded by motels/host bars/anmas/night clubs....you name it, they got it. Moving out in 3 weeks. Can't believed I stayed here this long.

abigolblackman

[hapigokelli]

[proustme]

Of course, if you take the rent money, and choose an apartment yourself, you're free to have anyone live with you.

[Nuggets]

[abigolblackman]

Did your school sign a contract? If so, moving out won't be easy. At both of my school's, when I wanted to move out, I had to pay a contract breaking fee, or find someone to take over my contract. In both cases, the schools were little to now help.

I contacted SMOE about that, and they said I was SOL and had to pay the contract breaking fee or find someone to replace me on my own. They trap you.

Also consider the real estate agent fee, key money, and possibly higher rent than 500,000, although not always the case. Good luck.

abigolblackman

[TL]