Korean Job Discussion Forums

[taobenli]

We found our apartment ourselves (not school provided) and so furnished our apartment ourselves. We have no air conditioner but haven't done a summer here yet. I've been in Seoul in the summer and it's been hell- I can't imagine doing it without an air conditioner. However, I wonder what it will be like here down in Jeonju- we're in an apartment with large windows and verandas that open up and could hopefully get a cross-breeze going. I'm kind of wondering if it would be possible to get by with several fans, so we could save on the cost of an air conditioner and save on the energy use and electric bills.

If we get an aircon we'll get one this week- the one that seems the right size for our apartment we saw at Hi-Mart for about 600,000 won. If we wait longer the price will likely go up (we already waited too far into summer to get really good deals). I guess we could also look at used places- but would it be risky? (Higher potential for leaky or defective ones? And do they install it for you?)

Thanks for your advice. I've never lived long-term in a place where one really needs air conditioners, so this is a new kind of shopping for me...

[VanIslander]

[oskinny1]

I just bought a ceiling fan for 90,000. With that and the breezes I get along the coast in Busan I am doing alright so far. Wasn't so bad when I moved here in late August either.

[travelnguy]

We didn't buy an air conditioner for our apartment. We are on the bottom floor and it is hot as ****. But, it's only hot for about two months and we are usually gone for one of them. Summers are short here (depending on where you are from). It really just depends on you.

[pkang0202]

Aircon is crucial at night. Those really humid nights where the air is still thick. You lay there in your bed with the fan on you, but still the sheets are getting wet from sweat.

You toss and turn trying to find the "cool" spot in the bed. YOu flip the pillow over constantly. Windows wide open and somehow the Moquitos find their way inside, despite having screens.

Something to think about.

[taobenli]

That vivid imagery does push me towards getting an aircon, yes...I HATE humidity, and not being able to sleep at night because of it is the worst...

So, do we shell out for the new aircon (600,000)? Or look for a used one? Help me make my decision, Dave's netizens!

[mimis]

We didn't have airconditioning in our old apartment and it was ok. Sure it was hot, but with a fan it's doable. And with regards to the other poster: if you buy a mosquito net (or tent) you'll be safe from the little monsters.

Bottom line: if you have an aircon, you can't live without it; if you don't have one, you manage just fine.

[thegadfly]

How much do you value your comfort? My own air conditioner is the best money I have ever spent in Korea....

[pkang0202]

How long are you gonna be living there. If its just for 1 year, then maybe you could do without the air conditioner. If you buy a used one, then you gotta pay for the install.


If you are gonna be there longer than a year then I think the AirCon is worth it. Also, A/C units sell pretty well, especially newer models. So, if you buy it now for 600,00w, you could probably sell it for at least 400,000w when it comes time for you to move out.

Just gotta be careful about the electricity bill in the summer. Remember that Korea uses a tiered system. The more electricity you use, the higher up you move up in the pricing tier, and you pay a lot more per kilowatt.

I usually break it down to about 5,000w a day you run the A/C. I'm sure in those sweltering high humid days, you would gladly pay 5,000w / day in electricity for comfort.

[moosehead]

OP - your place sounds divine - I lived in Jeonju my first year and still recall it with good memories (mostly).

you didn't mention your working hours - I was in a hogwon and got home around 9 or so in the evening - so it had cooled down a bit by then and had air con in my school, so I wasn't in the worst of it.

I often rode my bike after midnight, and the streets would be very cool then, then took a cold shower and slept very well. Only a few times it was really uncomfortable and I didn't have the cross-venting going on you describe.

if your place isn't in direct sun and there is some wind, then go for it, you won't regret it - I personally prefer no air con - but places like Seoul, w/high humidity and low number of trees demand it -

on the other hand, if you work in a ps and get home early, the heat is bearing down in the early evening and maybe you need to cook a meal? then yes, nothing like chilling in front of the air and watching a good film or tv.

so think about your schedule also - and weekends - are you out most of the time or a homebody? that price sounds very good - also - summer has been tending to extend longer recently - into October - you don't have to run it all the time, you know. and you can take it with you when you move, if you want.

I say go for it just don't depend on it 24/7

[blade]

Here is one on gmarket for 297,900Won.

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=186221809&pos_shop_cd=EN&pos_class_cd=90000001&pos_class_kind=T&keyword_order=aircon

[pkang0202]

[Weigookin74]

Air con is worth it. Anyone I knew who went without always seemed to suffer unless they were from a really hot place. Depends on where you're from. Canada - yes buy one. America too because even in the south you use air con all the time. Much more than Koreans do in a similiar climate.

[crossmr]

Hit a second hand shop with your co-teacher or Korean friend you'll probably get one for 150,000-200,000 installation included.

Last summer wasn't as hot as the summer before, but I still ran it a few days.

The problem with Air Con is if you don't get it and then end up wanting it..it'll be too late on a hot night to track it down.

[madoka]

Has anyone ever used "bamboo wife" to stay cool in bed? Man, that's one of the wackiest Asian products I've ever seen, yet so useful. I'd buy it just as a conversation piece.

Here's a pic of a Korean enjoying his bamboo wife:

http://www.thomasalbert.com/korea/folk_village/index.56.jpg