Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Weigookin74]

Anyone in public school choose their own apartment instead of letting them choose for you? This is more for EPIK people as I don't live in Seoul or Gyenngi-do? I am moving from the countryside to a bigger regional city and am thinking of paying my own key money and taking the subsidy. Don't trust the rundown shabby apartment they would probably stick me in. I wonder if it's unusal what I'm doing. But, I want a modern nice place. It will prob only be a one or two room, though.

[rickpidero]

I know a girl who did it. But shes Korean-American and can speak the language. I imagine it will be impossible if you don't.

[blackjack]

[Xuanzang]

The more ruckus you raise. The more possibility.

[travelnguy]

I did it with no problem. I even did it mid-contract. I told my school I wanted a larger apartment and I would be willing to pay the key money. They said they would continue to pay up to 400k per month for the rent. My contract started in March. I found an apartment in August and moved in September.

I found the apartment in one of the local papers. I speak virtually no Korean. I just had my co-teacher show me what the different terms for deposit, purchase, and monthly pay.

[Senior]

I did it. But the school district can get better deals, and has first dibbs on the best apartments (actually one room villas)in my neighborhood, in my price range, anyway.

I just cycled around where I wanted to live and got my KGF to ring the apartments that had signs up. Then I'd go in and have a look. As I say, the school had a better one that another waegookin was shifting out of.

[thomas pars]

i am in the process of doing it now. told them it was too expensive to heat the place, showed them the bill. They agreed and now we are waiting till the current lease runs out in about 4 months. So in the meantime i am looking a new places. Good luck. Just tell them you are not happy. You'll have better luck if you give a solid reason, i.e too expensive to heat, neighbors too loud, too far from school. Good luck.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[rickpidero]

Well, sounds like it can be done without knowing Korean. Probably have to get lucky with either A) your coteacher is very helpful and/or B) the renter has pretty good English.

[Forever]

You don't need to speak Korean.

I have lived in my own apartment for a while now.

You just need either -

(a) an English speaking real estate agent

or

(b) a Korean friend to help you

or

(c) a friend who knows how to speak Korean.


p.s. - choice (b) is the best choice.