Korean Job Discussion Forums

[madkisso]

Hi,
I am coming to Korea about a week before my teaching position starts and would like to stay in a goshiwon. I will be living in the Bundang area and I wondered if anyone knew about any goshiwons there? I heard about one right next to AK plaza but I cannot find any specific info about it. If anyone knows anything about this goshiwon, I would be oh so grateful. Thanks.
Michelle

[andrewchon]

Accoding to the Daum map there are 5 goshiwon in Bundang. All the photo show modern buildings so my guess is they'll be all similar: month pay in advance, re-new a week before, 40-60,0000 won, no smoking in your tiny cubicle and definitely no visitors of opposite sex in your room. Your own toilet, shower attached to your room. Most have free internet, free use of laundry etc. Windowless cubicles are cheaper.

[madkisso]

Thank you so much. At the risk of sounding stupid may I asked how you searched for them? I haven't really used daum. Also, do I have to make a reservation ahead of time or can I get a room when I arrive? Thanks again.

[andrewchon]

For this, knowing Korean will help, but anyway.
If your computer can't display Korean then this won't help you much.
Translator on your tool bar might help.

As for making an advance reservation: it'll be pure luck if the clerk speaks English, so I'd suggest asking your contact in Bundang (the school or your recruiter perhaps) to handle this for you. Providing they have spare room, resevation can be made. This is a good time to make reservations because the mid-term exams are done and students begin to feel home sick. Korean custom is to ring and ask if there is a room, if so go and inspect the room, then move in. Making a reservation is not the norm around here.

go to daum.net site,
look for 지도 (map) menu, click
input 고시원 분당 (gosiwon bundang) click search
click on the list items then pop ups with information will appear.

[Hotpants]

Bundang covers a large area, so you would need to be more specific. All the goshiwon and their prices and facilities are listed here (in Korean) (for Bundang area, you need to select any station on the yellow line toward the bottom of the map : http://www.gosi1.net/subway/subwaysearch.php3

Prices start from $200 a month, all inclusive. No deposit needed, although some will ask for up to a $20 key deposit. You need no reservation. You just turn up and say you want a room. Most goshiwon 'managers' don't speak any English, so you'd best take someone with you, or rely on pointing and writing down prices, and marking off on a calendar when you want to move in. You also need to know the Korean for goshiwon/one room/room-tel/house, as nearly all goshiwon signs are marked in Korean only.

고시텔 - goshitel
원룸 - one room
고시원 - goshiwon

I'd also definitely follow the advice of checking out a room before handing over your money. There's a wiiiiiide range in terms of quality of goshiwons, from seedy, dirty, noisy, to really clean and quiet.

[madkisso]

Thank you both so much. This has been a big help. I did everything you said and have found a place. I even called and reserved something as suggested. Again, i can't thank you enough since now I actually have a place to stay.