Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jaec13]

Hi, posted this over on the general forum, but didn't get any response, so I thought I'd try over here.

I'm teaching public school in Busan, starting August, and will be living with the wife (and baby on the way). As such, we trying to find our own place that's a little bigger than the studio the school would provide.

My question is, can anyone shed any light on this? Procedures, people to talk to, areas to look at, etc. ANY information would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[busanliving]

Busan is pretty big so area depends entirely on your school.

You will need key money of around 5 mil, you get this back when you move out.

Things are a bit last min so most places they show you will be available immediately. They tend to show you the rubbish stuff more so keep asking to see different ones if you aren't happy.

There are tons of bu dong sas (estate agents) they tend to just have apartments in the buildings near them so go to an area you want and just wander around.

I did it all with just the help of google translate.

[surendra]

I am a little confused as I am under the impression that public schools should handle this. I was hired by the BMOE (essentially an EPIK) and my school is the one that physically pays for my apartment. I would say double check with that scenario.

As for security deposit, I just have to pay 500,000Won or about $500. I do not believe this is subsidized as I hear my rent is $350ish. $500 is apparently standard in an EPIK contract.

[jaec13]

[quote="surendra"]I am a little confused as I am under the impression that public schools should handle this. I was hired by the BMOE (essentially an EPIK) and my school is the one that physically pays for my apartment. I would say double check with that scenario.

As for security deposit, I just have to pay 500,000Won or about $500. I do not believe this is subsidized as I hear my rent is $350ish. $500 is apparently standard in an EPIK contract.[/quote]

Yeah, I'm trying to find my own place since I think the studio apartment provided by BMOE (who I was hired by too) will be a bit small for two people plus a baby. I'm trying to learn more through the recruiter and possibly the BMOE, but haven't gotten much more than "I'm not sure yet". The recruiter has said that the BMOE will give 400,000 per month rent money.

Busanliving - Thanks for the info. That may be what we need to do. Fortunately my wife is Korean, so she can do the translating and stuff.

[luckylady]

[jaec13]

Luckylady - Yes, I'm well aware my wife is more than just a walking womb. I would appreciate some credit on that part.

I haven't listed the area because I have no idea where the school I'll be working at is in Busan. BMOE doesn't tell you until right when you start, hence I'm trying to do a little research beforehand. As you said Busan is a big city. We talked about just picking a place we want to live, but she thinks I should try to avoid a long commute, so we're trying to wait until we hear from the BMOE.

My wife is still working 11-12 hour days from 8 or 9 in the morning until 8pm (not in Busan) so its difficult for her to take the lead right now.

I'm posting here in the hopes that there are some fellow expats who have found their own housing and could possibly share their experiences, so I can be useful and not leave everything for my pregnant wife.

[luckylady]

SMOE did the same for me a few years ago; upon a few phone calls and persistance, I was able to find out my school assignment.

I was in a goshiwon and we had to attend orientation - I wanted to move my stuff into the apt and then go attend orientation. it ruffled a few feathers at first but I just explained it would be easier for all around if I was already moved in upon my first day of teaching - they actually were going to move me in the same day I would start

you're still a bit early since it's not even July yet. do they even know you're married and expecting a child? it could even be that they will find you a 1 bdrm in hopes that you'll stay and renew - don't automatically assume the worst - it all depends. of course maybe you're set on your own place - just call the main office and make a very polite inquiry - or have your wife do it and explain it would be most helpful that you be informed as soon as your assignment is made. if they seem receptive to that information, she can decide whether or not to ask about housing particulars.

[Handsome Boy]

It all depends on how much Key money you can put down!

I would suggest that you have a look on Pusanweb.com, you'll see
people advertising their places, plus agents who can speak English.

You'll find a place, easy! futhermore korea is heading for a property
burst, the prices are already starting to come down!

[phatrick]

First, you signed a contract stating you would be taking housing allowance correct? If not the school does not have to pay the allowance until the next contract, unless they can break their current lease (maybe u pay?). Be careful, luckily my school was ok after they saw I was married with big dogs. There was miss-communication and they didn't know I had my own place.

Next, you will have to hit the streets and go to housing agent's near your school after you get here. You could pick a place in the middle like Seomyeon but you might end up with some long commutes!

As other poster said, koreabridge.net (or pusanweb.com) has apts posted and a forum which is mostly Busan peeps.

Good luck!

[Daniel1981]

For what it's worth, I can tell you a bit about Haeundae. There are a lot of hakwons and a few schools near Jangsan Station (Jwa Dong).. A lot of the school and hakwon teachers there get put into the officetels there which is okay, however, its mostly a single crowd in those buildings (I used to live there). I now live in Marine City (Ooo Dong).. There are 2 new apartments here, The Zenith, and IPARK.. They are the nicest, biggest places in Busan (only 6 months old). But right next to them is an officetel (monthly rent) where I live. My building is called Hanil Ordew and I love it. There are a few families in the building, but also a LOT of western and Korean families at the two huge apartments across the street. As well, there are 2 large parks, about 5 or 6 small playgrounds, the roads are very slow/safe as the lights are set to move really slowly (only 1 of 4 directions at a time, instead of 2). In my experience it is the best neighborhood for families I have seen in Busan.. Which is why there are tons of families here. Anyhow, see if you can get into Hanil Ordew or at least ask about the neighborhood. It is near 'Dong Bek Homeplus', and 'Dong Bek' subway station, in Haeundae-Gu. I plan to stay in this building or this area for a long, long time.. I put 5 million down for deposit, and am paying 700,000 per month for a place that is advertised as 22 pyung but I think its closer to 17 or 18. My place is bigger than the other 1 bedroom apartments near Jwa-Dong/Jangsan Station, and the rest of Busan.. Those places are 14 or 15 'pyung' and go for 500,000 - 600,000 per month but I like the bigger size and it really is 10 feet away from the ocean. Anyway, check it out~

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