Korean Job Discussion Forums

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

My wife wants to stay at one, and we got into an argument (not a bad one, just a heated discussion, rather) because from my perspective it's a total waste of money, but from her's it's MANDATORY. Anyway, she wanted to go for one month for 4,000 bucks but I caved in and we agreed for her to go for two weeks for 2,000.
This is NOT cheap and I think it's pretty much a scam.
Did you let you wife go, and what do you think about them?

cdninkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2006 Location: Seoul

I don't have any children, but my wife's sister had her daughter a few months ago and didn't stay at one of those places to save money. She ended up regretting it, and she's not the type to spend on frills. The baby got sick one night, and having to drive at breakneck speeds to the nearest hospital in that situation is very stressful (medical staff would've been on site if she'd been at one of those hotel-for-mothers places), they take care of the baby so you have some free time, etc. Is your wife's family super supportive, or are they too busy to help out that much? If the latter, it might be worth it. I don't know though, since I have no firsthand experience.

definitely maybe · Joined: 16 Feb 2008

We didn't, but my mother-in-law lived with us for the first few months and the hospital where my son was born is less than a ten minute walk away. I'm told the care can be good, but that it varies drastically from facility to facility.

You're going to need to bring your kid home sooner or later, and my biggest concern was the possibility that we were just delaying the shock and adjustment to life at home with a baby.

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

Well she's too caught up in her thinking and culture. I tried explaining how bogus it is, and her mom would take care of her, but she still insists on putting 2 grand worth on our credit cards for it....yeah...for a TWO WEEK stay.
Total horse crap. We both made a decent amount of money so it won't break the bank, but still, I know we're getting hosed over this garbage propaganda these places spew to the gullible public. She, unfortunately is set in her ways. She's 37 Korean age and maybe a bit more conservative in her thinking.

drydell · Joined: 01 Oct 2009

We did it for our first - found it really good way to ease into parenthood - It makes good sense to allow the wife to recover and get some sleep after the birth...you also get help with lactation techniques and all those kinds of things..

The going rate is about 1 mill per week - some are cheaper - ours was about that and really nice - like staying at a decent hotel...lots of massage chairs, new parent classes etc

Whatever you do don't go to one that won't allow the father access to the baby straight away- they really do exist unbelievably - be careful and check out the policy re that side...

I think a month is too long though - 1 or 2 weeks is plenty.. and maybe not needed for a second child when you know the ropes...

jontpanty · Joined: 14 Oct 2008 Location: Seoul

My wife, as I type, is in one right now with our second child. I haven't found it to be a waste of money AT ALL. Like as mentioned above, the places really do help decrease the stress involved with having a newborn. Do some research and try to find one that you feel comfortable with, regarding the policies and all. I know they are businesses, but I have found with both of my experiences (we chose a different place this time because we moved), that the staff on hand try to genuinely care for both the mother and baby. And, heck, I am enjoying a beer right now, at home, and have a little free time to myself. I know that's not going to happen for a while once they come home.

Dodge7 · Joined: 21 Oct 2011

Well thanks guys, I'll try to make the best of it. The two weeks at home alone may be just what I need, too.

KumaraKitty · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

You should be able to visit often and some allow you to stay over on a cot as well. If your wife has a csection it will be even more valuable. We hired a Doumi instead of me staying in one due to the language barrier but I would've loved the massages, facials, yoga and other pampering some places offer as well as the childcare classes.

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

I seldom get rude on this site but dude, shut up and take it like a man. It's a different country and culture and it ain't about you. It's about Mother and Baby. Be compliant and supportive.

thrylos · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

litebear · Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Location: Holland

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

Best 2,000,000 you can spend. Your wife will be EXHAUSTED. She just carried your child for 9 months and pushed him out of her body. She needs rest. The nurses are great. It will give you both time to rest and adjust to having a new baby.

A 1,000,000W stroller from the department store is a waste. Staying at the recovery ward is well worth or. 4 weeks is a bit much. 2 is perfect.

highstreet · Joined: 13 Nov 2010

Just look at it this way (if you're from the US) a delivery would have cost you at least 10grand. Delivery in Korea is cheap, so you're still coming out on top

mayorgc · Joined: 19 Oct 2008

Taking care of a newborn is incredibly difficult. Let your wife have her way on this one. (maybe just 2 weeks)

Who's Your Daddy? · Joined: 30 May 2010 Location: Victoria, Canada.

They will teach her to take care of the baby. If she doesn't go and doesn't know what to do, it will be you fault. You'll never hear the end of it.

I'd say "let's pay for 1 week, and then see your feelings. If you want a second week we'll pay then."

My wife got bored and wanted to come home.