Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeoulSister08]

I interviewed for a job in Yeoksam (one stop from Gangnam). The school does not provide housing, but gives a W500,000 housing allowance + key money. Does anyone have any info about the housing costs in that area? Thank you.

[jondepoer]

It all depends on your standards. My sense is that it will be extremely difficult to find ANYTHING for 500, unless you are sharing.

I am renting a loft (one-room with an half-height upstairs sleeping area) for 1,100,000. I would never pay that much except that it's 10 minutes walking from BOTH of my jobs and 5 minutes walking from Butterfinger Pancakes. hehe

Check nearsubway.com for and idea about prices.

[SeoulSister08]

Thanks for the link! Looks like I might have to do some commuting!

[Ruthdes]

I'm in a similar position in Gangnam. I pay 700K a month for a comfortable studio in Daechi-dong. It was unfurnished though. My friend pays 550K for a furnished place in Yeoksam. It's a tiny tiny apartment, but it's a rooftop, so she has outside space. We get 5M key money from our school.

I found my place by just going round to real estate agents with my Korean speaking friend. A lot of other teachers I know have used nearsubway.com.

It's good being able to choose your own place. You'll probably end up having to pay some of your rent yourself if you choose to live in Gangnam, but in my opinion, it's worth it to live walking distance from work. I could get a place in Haebangcheon for 400K, but commuting would be a big fat hassle.

[winterfall]

Commuting isn't bad unless you've got to transfer a lot. I commute an hr each way. Only transfer for the last few stops. Gives me time to sleep and plop myself down in a comfy chair. Got myself a PMP to keep me entertained with movies.

[Hotpants]

I nearly moved into a rooftop apartment near Yeoksam station last year - rent 550,000 with 10 mill deposit. The only reason I didn't take it was because I didn't want to tie up so much of my money in the deposit at that stage.

If you want an officetel around Yeoksam, you will be hard pressed to get anything below 700. Most officetels in the area are around 1 mill. The block next to mine goes for 3 mill a month rent - lucky busterds who can afford that! But you can get some apartments/villas from around 500 and up. Overall, Gangnam is definitely not the cheapest area to live in.

I would strongly recommend searching www.nearsubway.com - they are an English speaking realtor network. They were great help for me.