Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sistersarah]

How hard is it to find good, reasonably priced housing here? i know it can probably be a nightmare. I'm just curious because i'm considering getting my own housing when i return. who found their own place. any tips?

-sister

[zappadelta]

It's very easy if you have a lot of money.

[Ilsanman]

I did, but I pay a fair bit because of lack of key money.

Also, I have a roommate. I like him, but if I had the choice, I'd still live alone.

[Son Deureo!]

I'm not sure where you're planning on living, but if you can scrape together 3-5 million in key money you can get a place ("villa" style) in Shinchon for 300,000-500,000 per month. Shinchon is about as cheap as downtown Seoul gets. Outside of Seoul, the same apartments will go for much less. The more key money you put down, the lower your monthly rent will be, but putting down key money does carry a certain amount of risk.

As for how to find a place, just go into any real estate agency in a neighborhood you'd like to live in and they'll show you places. If you can take a Korean friend with you it will make things much easier.

[crazylemongirl]

check out this thread. BTM has some good advice on finding your own digs.

[Hollywoodaction]

[JackSarang]

I found my own place. The two easiest ways is to check the korea herald website and englishspectrum, they both have very active Housing forums.

You can find places with no key money and high rent (500,000/month+) or lower rent and some key money.. lowest key money I've seen is about 1 million.

The absolute cheapest rentals are in Haebongchon at Noksapyeong station next to Itaewon. There are a ton of real estate agents in the area all over the place and they all speak some english because the area caters to US Army and other foreigners. But be prepared to look at a lot of places because the majority are dumps. But cheap.. 250,000 a month rent with miminal key money.

[Son Deureo!]