Korean Job Discussion Forums

[naturegirl321]

I'm house hunting and found a wonderful apartment. Back home, the first floor is more expensive since the first floor flats are usually larger, and most places don't have elevators and if you're on the first floor you don't have to walk up stairs.

Though a couple people have told me that Koreans don't like to live on the first floor since they're more likely to be robbed. I personally have never felt safer than I have in Korea.

I realise that some peopel have been robbed, but just how likely is this? Would it be worth passing up this flat simply becuase it's on the first floor?

Besides our laptops, I don't think that we have anything worth stealing and as it stands, one of us will probably be in the apartment at all times, so hopefully that would deter thieves.

[reactionary]

Bars on the windows? Sturdy lock? I think you should be ok.

I do know a handful of people who have had things stolen - laptops, of course. They'll come in through windows, often. This can happen in even 2nd floor villas, though.

[naturegirl321]

[earthquakez]

Be mindful of the fact that some of the rapes committed by strangers against women in Korea come about through that kind of location. You're married so you should be fine but still exercise caution.

There is a myth that peeping Toms only peep but in Korea it's often more dangerous than that and the stalking is a prelude to rape. Make sure you have decent curtains.

[naturegirl321]

Yikes, that's kind of scary. I actually had that happen back home, but was able to get away before the guy could do anything. WEll, almost, I was locked in a door gate, but made a scene and people came to help.

I think after years in South America, I have a very good fight or flight reaction and wouldn't hesitate to gouge out eyes or break noses if needed. I think all women should take preventing rape tatics. Knees and elbows can save your life, as could hitting noses and eyes at the right angle.

[onlyinkorea87]

I live on the first floor of my apartment building. My front door is right outside a parking lot. I hear everything, but after a while it becomes normal. It's really cold in the winter, but if you have a heater/electric blanket you're covered.

I've heard a TV one time from apartment next to mine before, but it was turned down as soon as I heard it. Other than outside noise--cars and people, it's not too bad.

As for safety--I live near a cluster of other small apartments and homes, pretty out of the way from big apartment complexes, where things like bikes are most likely to be stolen or picked for parts. I own a a bike and it's safe to leave it locked inside my apartment building's lobby area. My front door has three different locks and before getting into the apartment there's a sliding door (good for blocking cold air).

I find it safe, but in any place you live, always take precautions!

Good luck with your apartment hunt!

-Onlyinkorea87
http://www.onlyinkorea87.wordpress.com

[naturegirl321]

Hey thanks, that's encouraging. I'm hoping that the fact that I'm married and my husband is at home nearly all the time would deter them. Unfortunately we're short and not foreign looking, and I don't know if that's good or bad.

We're thinking of getting a dog as well. And it's close to school, whikch might be a bad thing due to the student drinking. But hey, it's Suwon, so it shoudl be pretty safe.

NOthing's for sure yet. I'm going to look at places on Sat and then drag my husband to the ones I like on Monday.

[Weigookin74]

Ask them to put bars on the windows, before you move in. Otherwise, move on. Find somewhere else to live.

[naturegirl321]

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

I wouldn't. Sure, you'd probably be alright, but is it really worth it? Your husband won't always be there, and worse things can happen than robbery.

[naturegirl321]

Ok, so if I got bars, then I'd be ok, right?

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

It's your call. Also, remember that bottom floors tend to have more critter problems.

[naturegirl321]

I'll have to look at it in more detail on Monday. I'm a clean person, so hopefully won't have critters.

[Died By Bear]

Someone I knew that lived on the first floor had their wallet snatched through a window. The thief used a long fishing pole device in the summer when all the windows were open. After looking in your window, they slip the rod in the window and pick up what they want anywhere in the room.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

Ah, but if your neighbors aren't, you'll still have the occasional guest. I moved up from the 4th to the 9th floor in my building, and haven't had the problems that I had lower down. It may have been my neighbors, though.