Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sdoll]

ok i dont know if this is question is meant to go here so apologies in advance if i was meant to post in another place.

I came to Korea from Australia not long ago in hopes of finding an english teaching job and also studying korean. Although I am interested, this decision was made partly because my boyfriend who was with me in australia had to go back to korea.

All was fine in the beginning i suppose but now hes turned abusive on me but ive got a 1 year contract on the room ive got and a 10mil won deposit stuck there.

My question is, is there a possibility to end the contract before the year? In korea can we talk with the house owners and do you think theyd let me get away if i say, pay 3 months of the rent or something if they just let me get my deposit back?

Im desperate for answers because i just want to go home. I came here to take some time off law studies and this has just turned out into a big nightmare. I didnt come here to get a series of bruises all over my arms and legs.

Thank you for any help.

[isthisreally]

Don't know the exact answer to your question, but you can definitely find another renter and get them to sign the contract. When they pay their deposit, you'll get yours back. I've done this twice.

[isthisreally]

The other renter can be found either by posting on the internet, with pics of your apartment etc. Or tell your landlord and they'll probably list your place at the local real estate agency.

[Goon-Yang]

A real estage agent is the best way to do it.

[hwarangi]

If you dont have any Korean friends who could help you, I would recommend contacting one of the Seoul Global Help Centres (Sorry, dont have the phone number - just google it). They're very knowledgeable about things like this and have gone out of their way to help with things in the past. Good Luck.

[ddeubel]

Yes, like already mentioned, tell the landlord you want to move out (give a date). He'll list with a local real estate agent who will bring people to check out the apartment (unfortunately, you get little if any notice!). Because you are "breaking" the contract, you'll have to cover the real estate fees which might run from 300 - 400,000 won. Take that as a penalty for breaking the contract.

I'm no expert on abuse but get some advice as another poster suggested. At a minimum, take someone with you who knows Korean and report it.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[Welsh Canadian]

[itaewonguy]

tell any realeaste agent you want to get out of your place ASAP and ask them to find someone else to take over your contract.. all you pay are realtor fees... should only be about 30% of your rent fee...

[Justin Trullinger]

The number for the Global Village Center is (02)796 2459 2460. They have a big office downtown, and little ones all over. If you're in/near Itaewon, it's about two hundred meters up from the subway station.

They're an organisation dedicated to helping foreigners navigate the difficulties of life in Korea, and should be able to advise you about the best way to handle your lease. I've found them extremely helpful when I've dealt with them.

From what I've heard about people in the same situation, realtor's fees are about all getting out of your lease should cost you.

While you're there (at the global village center), they can probably let you know (and help contact) about services for abused women, and ways to report your partner, if you choose to do that.

Peace, and good luck.

Justin

[Justin Trullinger]

Oh, and if you need interpreter-type help to deal with your landlord or estate agent, call 1588 5644. Ext 1 for English/Korean interpretation. (free service)


Best,
Justin

[sdoll]

Thank you for all the replies and suggestions. I can finally feel at ease knowing it is actually pretty easy and straight forward for me to go!