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Nester Noodlemon
Joined: 16 Jan 2009
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 Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:27 am Post subject: |
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| Patrick Murtha wrote: |
I didn't ask for snarky replies, and don't appreciate them. Keep your insults (and cliches -- how many can you cram into one post?) to yourself!
By the way, if you think that MP3s contain anywhere near the digital information or dynamic range of CDs, you are not sonically well-informed, and those factors really matter with classical music and jazz.
Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to post sincere queries to any message board without getting involved in this sort of obnoxious exchange. I asked about storage, and you provided an opinion. The rest is just pretended superiority on your part. If it wasn't, it would have an entirely different tone. |
I couldn't agree with you more. Don't listen to these people they are just trying to insult you. A bunch of superiority complexes. Snarks. That's what I say.
A happy pre-welcome to Korea, Mr. Murtha.
Don't worry about the space in the apartments. You will probably get the basic: 2 medium size bedrooms, small bath but with some extra storage space, somewhat small kitchen but a spacious dining room, and in most cases a large living room. Korean people like large living rooms. My place has a small study room, as I'm sure yours also will, approximately 10' X 10'. Most all provided housing will have the study room, I use mine for my book and umbrella collection. Everything else, you can put in the loft.
The Internet here is great! The chances are your employer will pay it for you, in rare circumstances they don't.
Don't throw things away that you might need to replace. Comfort is key. Yes, with a little craftiness, you can organize your wardrobe easily. You can use the 2nd bedroom for such things. Fashion is king here, really nice suits, lots of variety in color and style. My silver suit is my favorite. However, if you have invested a lot into your wardrobe, no need trying to replace it. Professionalism. Enough said...
Yes, it wouldn't be that good of an idea to bring furniture. However, being well traveled, from sea to shining sea and all, you should be accustomed to moving things about. You can pull it off without a hitch.
Again, a pre-welcome to an academic professional. A year in a hogwan, and then the university jobs will be a dime a dozen, that is with you already having the right credentials.
Having a friend in Hong Kong is a big plus. He already has a lot of Asian insight. There's a saying in Korea and Hong Kong, "Korea and Hong Kong are like two peas in a pod." Meaning, if you have worked in one it's the same as working in the other.
"He's my model." Cool!
As you have researched, Changwon has moderate weather. A typical January day will be closer to 41 than 31 degrees. Expect August to peak near 78-80. Think Hawaii! Windows open, windows closed weather...
Classical and Jazz are increasingly popular here, with the 50ish Korean gentlemen crowd. I've often listened to it while dining in the open-fire, pork fillet restaurants. The pork fillet with fresh vegetable leaves is tasty when accompanied with the traditional fine liquor. These dinners can often been seen taken by businessmen in the late hours of the night, followed by a night of singing with the spouses.
Again, a happy pre-welcome. And, a toast to your extend stay in Korea. |
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Katie26
Joined: 06 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:30 am Post subject: |
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Hi Patrick,
Yes I agree with the above posters you don't NEED to bring tons of stuff to Korea however if that's what you want to do who am I to question it. I know that I prefer having a few home comforts around me and probably brought more than was essential.
As far as apartment size goes my coworkers and I have been ok, we live in apartments which are approx 15 by 15 sq metres. I'm just eyeballing but this seems about right. However some peoples apartments are much smaller (think half the size). Despite the small apartments though most have a balcony area (which is inside and covered) and you should be able to store books etc here. I don't know if I'd store my clothes there but books/cds should be fine.
Anyway I'm sure if you asked your school would let you store some things there, most Koreans are fairly accommodating and would be willing to help you out if you're polite about it.
Also remember that most people (read foreigners) in Korea aren't malicious or snarky just frustrated so don't let responses tar your judgement of everyone.
Good luck and have fun.
-K |
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blackjack
Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Location: anyang
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:36 am Post subject: |
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| Katie26 wrote: |
Hi Patrick,
Yes I agree with the above posters you don't NEED to bring tons of stuff to Korea however if that's what you want to do who am I to question it. I know that I prefer having a few home comforts around me and probably brought more than was essential.
As far as apartment size goes my coworkers and I have been ok, we live in apartments which are approx 15 by 15 sq metres. I'm just eyeballing but this seems about right. However some peoples apartments are much smaller (think half the size). Despite the small apartments though most have a balcony area (which is inside and covered) and you should be able to store books etc here. I don't know if I'd store my clothes there but books/cds should be fine.
Anyway I'm sure if you asked your school would let you store some things there, most Koreans are fairly accommodating and would be willing to help you out if you're polite about it.
Also remember that most people (read foreigners) in Korea aren't malicious or snarky just frustrated so don't let responses tar your judgement of everyone.
Good luck and have fun.
-K |
Hate to nitpick but do you mean 15 sqm or 15 m by 15m or 15sqm by 15 sqm (truly massive). In my experience all of these are largish for a hagwon provided accom. |
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Katie26
Joined: 06 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:49 am Post subject: |
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15sqm (sadly not that lucky)  |
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IlIlNine
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:30 am Post subject: |
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| Katie26 wrote: |
| 15sqm (sadly not that lucky) |
So, roughly 4mx4m, including bathroom and kitchen? That's seriously small. |
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curlyhoward
Joined: 03 Dec 2008
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 5:41 am Post subject: |
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| Gibberish wrote: |
Wait a minute, hold on, I'm seeing it now... it's... it's your future... you're... you're at an airport... it's you... and... you're buying.. yes, yes it's... it's a ticket... you're buying a ticket back to America
Good luck in Korea, Pat. You'll need it. |
I think I remember him mentioning something about staying for several years. Could it possibly his twin brother in the mystic vision you have foreseen? |
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seoulsister
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Location: International Network
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:22 am Post subject: |
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| Nester Noodlemon wrote: |
| Patrick Murtha wrote: |
I didn't ask for snarky replies, and don't appreciate them. Keep your insults (and cliches -- how many can you cram into one post?) to yourself!
By the way, if you think that MP3s contain anywhere near the digital information or dynamic range of CDs, you are not sonically well-informed, and those factors really matter with classical music and jazz.
Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to post sincere queries to any message board without getting involved in this sort of obnoxious exchange. I asked about storage, and you provided an opinion. The rest is just pretended superiority on your part. If it wasn't, it would have an entirely different tone. |
I couldn't agree with you more. Don't listen to these people they are just trying to insult you. A bunch of superiority complexes. Snarks. That's what I say.
A happy pre-welcome to Korea, Mr. Murtha.
Don't worry about the space in the apartments. You will probably get the basic: 2 medium size bedrooms, small bath but with some extra storage space, somewhat small kitchen but a spacious dining room, and in most cases a large living room. Korean people like large living rooms. My place has a small study room, as I'm sure yours also will, approximately 10' X 10'. Most all provided housing will have the study room, I use mine for my book and umbrella collection. Everything else, you can put in the loft.
The Internet here is great! The chances are your employer will pay it for you, in rare circumstances they don't.
Don't throw things away that you might need to replace. Comfort is key. Yes, with a little craftiness, you can organize your wardrobe easily. You can use the 2nd bedroom for such things. Fashion is king here, really nice suits, lots of variety in color and style. My silver suit is my favorite. However, if you have invested a lot into your wardrobe, no need trying to replace it. Professionalism. Enough said...
Yes, it wouldn't be that good of an idea to bring furniture. However, being well traveled, from sea to shining sea and all, you should be accustomed to moving things about. You can pull it off without a hitch.
Again, a pre-welcome to an academic professional. A year in a hogwan, and then the university jobs will be a dime a dozen, that is with you already having the right credentials.
Having a friend in Hong Kong is a big plus. He already has a lot of Asian insight. There's a saying in Korea and Hong Kong, "Korea and Hong Kong are like two peas in a pod." Meaning, if you have worked in one it's the same as working in the other.
"He's my model." Cool!
As you have researched, Changwon has moderate weather. A typical January day will be closer to 41 than 31 degrees. Expect August to peak near 78-80. Think Hawaii! Windows open, windows closed weather...
Classical and Jazz are increasingly popular here, with the 50ish Korean gentlemen crowd. I've often listened to it while dining in the open-fire, pork fillet restaurants. The pork fillet with fresh vegetable leaves is tasty when accompanied with the traditional fine liquor. These dinners can often been seen taken by businessmen in the late hours of the night, followed by a night of singing with the spouses.
Again, a happy pre-welcome. And, a toast to your extend stay in Korea. |
  my first LOL in ages. I've still got the giggles. Nice work! |
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sesyeux
Joined: 20 Jul 2009
Location: king 'arrys
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 6:22 am Post subject: |
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| Nester Noodlemon wrote: |
| Patrick Murtha wrote: |
I didn't ask for snarky replies, and don't appreciate them. Keep your insults (and cliches -- how many can you cram into one post?) to yourself!
By the way, if you think that MP3s contain anywhere near the digital information or dynamic range of CDs, you are not sonically well-informed, and those factors really matter with classical music and jazz.
Sometimes I wonder if it's possible to post sincere queries to any message board without getting involved in this sort of obnoxious exchange. I asked about storage, and you provided an opinion. The rest is just pretended superiority on your part. If it wasn't, it would have an entirely different tone. |
I couldn't agree with you more. Don't listen to these people they are just trying to insult you. A bunch of superiority complexes. Snarks. That's what I say.
A happy pre-welcome to Korea, Mr. Murtha.
Don't worry about the space in the apartments. You will probably get the basic: 2 medium size bedrooms, small bath but with some extra storage space, somewhat small kitchen but a spacious dining room, and in most cases a large living room. Korean people like large living rooms. My place has a small study room, as I'm sure yours also will, approximately 10' X 10'. Most all provided housing will have the study room, I use mine for my book and umbrella collection. Everything else, you can put in the loft.
The Internet here is great! The chances are your employer will pay it for you, in rare circumstances they don't.
Don't throw things away that you might need to replace. Comfort is key. Yes, with a little craftiness, you can organize your wardrobe easily. You can use the 2nd bedroom for such things. Fashion is king here, really nice suits, lots of variety in color and style. My silver suit is my favorite. However, if you have invested a lot into your wardrobe, no need trying to replace it. Professionalism. Enough said...
Yes, it wouldn't be that good of an idea to bring furniture. However, being well traveled, from sea to shining sea and all, you should be accustomed to moving things about. You can pull it off without a hitch.
Again, a pre-welcome to an academic professional. A year in a hogwan, and then the university jobs will be a dime a dozen, that is with you already having the right credentials.
Having a friend in Hong Kong is a big plus. He already has a lot of Asian insight. There's a saying in Korea and Hong Kong, "Korea and Hong Kong are like two peas in a pod." Meaning, if you have worked in one it's the same as working in the other.
"He's my model." Cool!
As you have researched, Changwon has moderate weather. A typical January day will be closer to 41 than 31 degrees. Expect August to peak near 78-80. Think Hawaii! Windows open, windows closed weather...
Classical and Jazz are increasingly popular here, with the 50ish Korean gentlemen crowd. I've often listened to it while dining in the open-fire, pork fillet restaurants. The pork fillet with fresh vegetable leaves is tasty when accompanied with the traditional fine liquor. These dinners can often been seen taken by businessmen in the late hours of the night, followed by a night of singing with the spouses.
Again, a happy pre-welcome. And, a toast to your extend stay in Korea. |
this. |
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shifty
Joined: 21 Jun 2004
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 7:35 am Post subject: |
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| Nester, a complete scream!! |
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Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 7:54 am Post subject: |
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| ttompatz wrote: |
LOL... all famous last words....
Been there, done that, got the t-shirt.
Unless someone else is paying the freight and you will have your own apartment; not a school supplied "one room" in some "villa" you are dreaming...
AND
If you think, "Well, I'll just rent an apartment then," you better look up things like "key money" or Chonsae and Wolsae.
How does a rental deposit of $10,000 and rent of $500+ for a simple studio apartment (300 sq ft) grab you? How about deposits of up to $250,000 or more for a one or two bedroom apartment?
A trip through the FAQs may be in your best interest too.
Maybe shipping is an issue too... there aren't any cheap ways to ship from the states to here. Air freight is EXPENSIVE for your extra wardrobe. Even extra bags or oversize/overweight on a trans-pacific flight can add up in a big hurry. Same with your books (and they are heavy).
DVDs - You can get (region free) replacements here for about $2 each.
Copy your CDs onto an MP3 player and leave the discs at home. A current mp3 player can hold about 1000 CDs and when you plug it in to your CD player sounds just the same (joys of digital recording).
Storage here is not just expensive (300k won per month or more for some) ... it may be IMPOSSIBLE to find
Moving from sea to shining sea is NOT the same as moving overseas.
Time for your reality check there newb.
Pare your life down to 2 suitcases of 50lbs each.
Leave the rest at home. Rental space there will cost you nothing compared to here.
This ain't Kansas Toto.
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WHat about storage Where do you find this? I'd love to store things if I'm out of the country for a couple of months or in between contracts. Anyone have any experience with that? |
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peppermint
Joined: 13 May 2003
Location: traversing the minefields of caddishness.
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 8:44 am Post subject: |
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| Weigookin74 wrote: |
WHat about storage Where do you find this? I'd love to store things if I'm out of the country for a couple of months or in between contracts. Anyone have any experience with that? |
To the best of my knowledge there aren't storage units like in the west. Friends have rented goshiwon rooms for a month or two and stashed their stuff there, but you'd want to be sure of the locks on the door there. |
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Globutron
Joined: 13 Feb 2010
Location: England/Anyang
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 9:50 am Post subject: |
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My place is... 4m x 8m, and then the kitchen bit is about 4m x 1m.
And... it's far too much for me. 80% of that is just open useless floor. I brought two suitcases of stuff, nearly all of which fit in a single cupboard. The bathroom is my only problem, it IS small, I don't mind that at all. But they thought it a good idea to put the washer right in front of the undersized toilet. pretty uncomfortable.
The showering is the second best thing about my apartment though (the first being the ridiculous smiley faces all over my walls, demanding me to smile. and if that fails there are red flowers pasted over another wall. and if THAT fails, there's a John Lennon verse I've made no effort to uncover, halfway behind my cupboard). |
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seoulsister
Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Location: International Network
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| Posted: Sat Mar 27, 2010 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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| peppermint wrote: |
| Weigookin74 wrote: |
WHat about storage Where do you find this? I'd love to store things if I'm out of the country for a couple of months or in between contracts. Anyone have any experience with that? |
To the best of my knowledge there aren't storage units like in the west. Friends have rented goshiwon rooms for a month or two and stashed their stuff there, but you'd want to be sure of the locks on the door there. |
Grrrr, I know most people need a Korean translator to understand it, but I have posted this site several times now: www.selfstorage.co.kr ~ and there is still this rumor that Korea has no storage. Self Storage offer a variety of storage services, but you will need to check the link out yourself to know if they can help you and what it will cost for your amount of belongings. |
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teacherk
Joined: 19 Feb 2010
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| Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:49 am Post subject: ASK THE SCHOOL! |
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| Talk to the teacher that you are replacing, ask about the apartment. Ask for pictures of the apartment and confirm that it will be the apartment you will be living in. The living situations here vary, so this is the best way to get an idea. Your school still may pull a bait and switch and move you after you get here, but coming here is a risk anyway. |
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wylies99
Joined: 13 May 2006
Location: I'm one cool cat!
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| Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 3:50 am Post subject: |
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| The apartments can be so small that you can touch the side walls at the same time. Been there. I also saw a situation where a bad hagwon stuck two strangers in one of those tiny apartments- and it was a man and a woman! So, until you know for sure what size the apartment will be, you never know, in Korea. Good luck, OP. |
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