Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JFP2020]

Hi,

I'm coming to Seoul at the end of the month for three months. But I still don't have anywhere to stay. I wanted to try a goshiwon in the Sinchon area because they are so cheap.

But none of the websites are in English. I rang one, Max Livingtel, but the lady there couldn't really speak English. In the mean time I tried booking a hostel for the first day or so so I have somewhere, but no one has emailed me back.

Are goshiwons often booked out? Will I have a good chance of getting one if I just walk in? Or is there any way to book ahead? Also, are there many around Sinchon to check out? And does anyone know of youth hostels that will take an a booking in English via email? Thanks a million! Hopefully, I won't be on the streets!

[Waluigi]

stay in a love motel. they are cheap, and you can pretend you live on the set of a 1970s porno film.

[isthisreally]

http://www.kimsguesthouse.com/kimseng/default_kim.htm

I stayed here when I first came to Seoul. This place is in hapjeong 2 stops away from Sinchon. Actually I never made a reservation, but didn't have any trouble. You can make a reservation on their site. Get a lonely planet book they have more hostels.

As far as goshiwons go, I walked into 2 when I first came and I was looking for a place to stay and one had room. 2 years later I looked for one with my Korean friend and it seemed like 75% had space.

You are going to run into some trouble getting everything set up with no Korean. I had a guy who knew some Korean help me out originally.

I'm not positive about Sinchon, but I would assume there are a lot because of the universities. It may be preferable to stay in a haksujip, which will provide you with meals and Korean practice, depending on what you're looking for.

A love motel is going to be a bit expensive.

[bobbyhanlon]

try craigslist (seoul), they have a section for short-term rent/sublets

[JFP2020]

Ok, thank you. That's helpful.

I guess I'll take my chances with the hostel and go find a goshiwon. Looks like lots of hand gestures will be the order of the day.

[JFP2020]

Craiglist is ok, but I don't trust setting something up before I can go - can't meet people, see the house etc. But if I get set up in a goshiwon first, that could be an option.

Anyone know any near Shincon, or actually anywhere that is linked to city hall subway station?

[fezmond]

i stayed in a gosiwon at exit 6 of sinchon called 'herb residence'.

it was ok, bathroom had a funky smell but the place was bigger than most others i looked at. 400,000 for a month.

i don't think the guy spoke any english but it was easy enough to get set up. technically no booze or visitors allowed but they didn't seem to give a monkey about the foriegner following the rules

[mimis]

Have you tried Bong House (www.bonghouse.net)? I stayed there as well, when I first came here.

Goshiwon is your best and cheapest option though. But for a few days a hostel is a good start.

[Mariella713]

What is your budget?

[alistaircandlin]

You can get apartments here for a short term let:

http://www.first1room.com/mamulboard/m_search.php?BB_5=%BD%C5%B8%B2%B5%BF&NVKWD=%EC%8B%A0%EB%A6%BC%EB%8F%99%EC%9B%90%EB%A3%B8&NVADKWD=%EC%8B%A0%EB%A6%BC%EB%8F%99%EC%9B%90%EB%A3%B8&NVAR=PL&NVADID=103935755

The website is in Korean though so you would need someone to translate. These rooms are in Sillim-Dong, which is not far from Gangnam and apparently has a pretty good atmosphere - its a student area.

[jomiro]

theres tons of goshiwons in sincheon, edae and hongdae.
theres no need for you to panic. at one of them you will find a room. they are usually all priced reasonably, but be aware that the rooms are tiny.

some offer rooms with private showers, other just offer rooms with a shared shower.
in general i would say a goshiwon is an ok idea for the first few days/weeks. but i do believe you will start to feel claustrophobic once youve stayed there longer.
i moved out of 'mine' after two months. i couldnt take it anymore. this walls, shared shower, loud and noisy ppl i shared a floor with.

however, you can just walk in and ask if they have a room available. if you arent picky, chances are they do.
if you happen to have a korean friend, take him/her with you, as i have yet to find a goshiwon where the person at the information desk speaks english :'(

[Kissmykimchi]

Have your friends here start looking for an apt for you.

http://kissmykimchi.com/2009/10/finding-an-apartment-in-south-korea.html

Or if you don't have friends here, go the goshiwon or love motel route like others have suggested and start looking once you arrive. You can even just email them early so they can get an idea of what you're looking for. That way they will have places to show you lined up.