Korean Job Discussion Forums

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

I recently read something here about schools not wanting to provided housing for dependents. If so, how do couples live together if one or both of them is teaching in Korea? I am trying to talk my boyfriend into coming back to Korea with me. I have a degree and he doesn't. The great deal I offered him is that I'd support us both if he'd come with me. I figured I'd be upfront with a potential school and we'd pay utilities anyway. Any ideas on how this could or why it couldn't work?
Thanks,
Margaret

Demophobe · Joined: 17 May 2004

Well, you would just share whatever housing is provided by the school. Even if it's a one-room (studio), in which case you will be tripping over each other.

The prices of apartments is crazy here, and the school won't shell out for another body who is in no way connected to it's livelihood.

Real Reality · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: Seoul

Some schools offer large apartments for married couples. Most schools offer small housing (10-16 pyung apartments). You might consider renting a place. Of course, you have a lot of money to spend on finding and renting an apartment, right?

See this post
Post pics of ur apt so I can get an idea on how big they are
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=27435

For Housing Rentals, Foreigners Easy Victims
Korea Times (August 28, 2003)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/nation/200308/kt2003082818233111970.htm

Foreigners Experience Difficulties in Living in Korea
Donga.com (July 04, 2004)
http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2004070522448

I_Am_Wrong · Joined: 14 Sep 2004 Location: whatever

take a single studio and get a double bed...or boyfriend gets a job?

TJ · Joined: 10 Mar 2003

I am married and this is my 4th year in Korea. Two years teaching in a hagwan, one year in an elementary school and now in a middle school. I teach my wife doesn't.

Most schools don't want to provide accommodation [ie. a larger apartment ] for dependants. You will just have to make do with an apartment that is much smaller than most westerners are accustomed to.

We have never had any problems with our accommodation EXCEPT for the fact that the apartments we have lived in have all been small. This can be a problem if you and your wife / husband / partner have an argument / disagreement. In a small apartment you have very little privacy so it can put pressure on your relationship. So, if your relationship is strong then go for it.

Incidentally, you should read your contract and lease agreements very carefully. Don't hesitate to alter them if they specify the wrong number of people to occupy the accommodation.

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Thanks everybody. We aren't looking for extra space, just to be allowed to squeeze him into my tiny space. There are a few reasons we are optimistic that we can do this--We lived out of a car and tent for 6 months, he stayed in my tiny room for 2 months the last time I taught in Korea , and he'll be doing some travelling during the workweek when I'm teaching. We even like the Korean style bedding and can put quilts or whatever they are on the floor--we did it last time.
He doesn't want to work illegally and has no degree. It would defeat the purpose of us going together if he gets deported!
Margaret

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Let the potential school know that you are coming over with your boyfriend. If you get out of the major centres, you will generally find the accomodation better. He may well pick up a private or two as well. Smile

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Thanks. We do want to be out of the major centers--looking to teach somewhere in eastern Korea and nowhere big.
Margaret

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

I have already written a book but no one bought it except my friends. It was published as an e-book by a place that appears to have gone out of business. It wasn't about Korea though.
I probably won't go out of my way to tell people about us being crammed into the tiny room, but then again, I'm likely to incur derision no matter what for being a foreigner. Hey, I've been derided for various things most of my life here in the states. Why should that change just because I'm over there?
Margaret Very Happy

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Yes, I have a couple copies of the manuscript lying around and one that a friend has and will be returning. They aren't bound and pretty cumbersome. If I talked to Koreans about the tent and car experience I would only mention that we spent 6 months camping and traveling and seeing some beautiful country. They might be jelous. Most Koreans I met were nature lovers.
Margaret