Korean Job Discussion Forums

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

I've been fairly lucky with regard to housing in Korea. The first year I had to share a small place with another teacher. It was cramped but OK.

Then he got married, so the school moved me in with a different teacher.
The new place was bigger, (except for my room Shocked

) brighter and new.

Last year I had a 2 bedroom suite to myself. It was great, but lacked some furnishings.

Always check your housing before you sign, either talk to other teachers or if you are here, go and look at it. You'll be glad you did. Cool

shawner88 · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

I guess most of the problems come from those sharing with a roommate. Wish that option got in the poll.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

i have a 24 pyeong place, that is clean and nice. A little old, maybe 15 years on the outside but on the inside it looks good.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Do Koreans consider 15 years old for apartments? Do you think most apartments built 15 years ago are good? Is 10 - 15 pyeong enough space for a single person, couple, or couple with a child? What size apartment do most couples with a child (or two children) have in Korea?

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

The problem in Korea is that the build it in the cheap and nasty style.

It ages very quickly(especially the older ones before Korea became economically better) and hold up so well compared to western apartments.

I think the new bread (eg. Xii) will hold upa lot better as people want quality now.

phaedrus · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Location: I'm comin' to get ya.

My first ever place was a sh*thole by my standards.

It had mold and bugs and wasn't so clean. There should not be a speck of dirt in an apartment you move into. Not under the counter or range or in the bathroom or anywhere. Come on!! My supervisor had picked the place out, so was very defensive about it. If you don't want to see the mold don't lift up the flooring she told me. The only good thing was that I had it all to myself for six months.

The second place was good, but the hagwon made me feel guilty for having it. The other school apartments were still junk. But you have the nicest place, I would hear.

Now I have a great place, and don't work at a hagwon anymore. The building is a bit old, inside the place is clean though, and I have tons of sun and a great view.

I think the type of apartment the school gives you should match the professionalism and amount of work you then put into your job. Give and receive, that's my motto!!!

keithinkorea · Joined: 17 Mar 2004

My place is new and clean but it is way too small and drives me nuts. It's the only thing I really dont like about my job here. It's free (of course) but way too small. The location is Ok and having roof access is pretty cool as you can sit up there and drink a few beers if the weather is nice. The view is pretty nice too but the window is too small!

I've learned a lesson this contract which is to check the size of the place your getting, sounds obvious I know but last year I had a pretty big place and assumed this place would be similar. Afterall it did say I'd have a 'kitchen table' in the place, if I had a kitchen table in here it would take up maybe 70 percent of the floor space!

Check your accomodation before you sign!

Wishmaster · Joined: 06 Feb 2003

My apartment is real nice. Brand spanking new officetel. New refriger, freezer, washing machine, aircon. I live high above the ground so it is nice and quiet. Also, it is fairly close to my school. I would definitely be hard pressed to find a better situation(at least in hagwon land).

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

my apt sucks and is much farther than the 5 minutes walk i was promised by my recruiter. i can't wait to leave this place...

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

A small "one room" ... not great at all... actually sucks. A bed, a fridge, and everything is cramped, but I guess tolerable for another 7 months.

oneiros · Joined: 19 Aug 2003 Location: Villa Straylight

My first hogwan apartment was a bit cramped and shared with two roommates. Not terrible, not great.

My new apartment is amazing. Brand new officetel, with one wall being a bank of windows that overlooks the bay and the town. I do live half-way up a mountain, though, so I pay for that view everyday when I have to hike back up it. It's so remote, even the taxi drivers haven't heard of it, and then are suprised after we've reached the place. (Really? You live up here?)

I guess my only complaint is my box of a bathroom. Just one of those little showerheads set into the wall, and no bathtub. I guess you can't have everything though.