Korean Job Discussion Forums

empressz · Joined: 03 Aug 2010

Just came from browsing the job-related forum and in the contract thread, one reliable user always seems to emphasize the lack of air conditioning when reviewing posted contracts.

Is it truly impossible to live in Seoul, where I'll be, without AC? I was hoping to just pick up a cheap fan somewhere, but I'm a native to California where it's mostly cool and sunny all year long.

So is AC so essential for comfort that I should negotiate my contract?

Thanks!

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

It's not the heat it's the humidity...

Sorry! But it is true a bit.

Italy37612 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere

Yea, the humidity is what kills me. I'm pretty sure if I didn't have AC in my apartment and classroom I would already have gone postal.

akcrono · Joined: 11 Mar 2010

AC really makes July/August bearable. If you're not home much, you might be able to get by with a fan, but it won't be fun

empressz · Joined: 03 Aug 2010

Unfortunately, I already signed and submitted the contract so I can't re-negotiate.

How much are portable ACs or de-humidifiers in Korea?

dumpring · Joined: 06 Apr 2010 Location: Auckland, NZ

Couldn't live without it.

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

I would have played Russian roulette until i lost (won?) had i not had AC.

Italy37612 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Location: Somewhere

Most self-standing AC units also have a dehumidifier built in. It will need to be delivered and installed. A self standing AC unit is expensive. Expect to pay at least 700,000 if you want a new unit including delivery and install.
A cheap hang type air conditioner with install will run you around 350,000 Won or so. Or you can buy one from Gmarket and try to install it yourself. They have some units for 270,000 when I looked last. A separate dehumidifier is around 150,000 off Gmarket.

I have heard of some places that do the rent-to-own type deal though.

empressz · Joined: 03 Aug 2010

Thanks, Italy!

I had no idea AC was so necessary!

Xuanzang · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Location: Sadang

Very essential if you live in a high floor in a high rise apartment.

Gnawbert · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Location: The Internet

Absolutely essential. The humidity here in Chuncheon by the lake reminds me of South East Asia. I've left it running almost non stop while I'm at the apartment.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

I try not to use mine too often, but without that hour a day broken up into 5-10 minute segments, I'd shoot myself.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

As a previous poster said, it's absolutely essential if you live on a high floor of a high building. My buddy's place runs 33 Celsius during the day.

That said, I live on the back of a three story building, and thus don't get a lot of sunlight, and I really only need it when I sleep. It's hot, but not unbearable for the most part.

The Gipkik · Joined: 30 Mar 2009

For apartments that lack good air circulation--and that means a majority in Seoul--an aircon helps a lot. If you've got some wind passing through due to window placement, a fan might work for you. Usually, all I need is a fan, but not in my current apartment.

yjo086 · Joined: 04 Jun 2009

Tell me about it. I only have one month left in my contract but, I don't think I'm going to make it with this humdity. Does anybody know where I could buy a cheap air conditioner for like 200-300 thousand won?