Korean Job Discussion Forums

Danny · Joined: 15 Sep 2004

Hi,
Can I ask how much people are paying for their monthly utilities? My director has just dropped a bombshell in that she has just asked me to give her 300,000 in "oil fees" for the winter - this is after we had agreed on a monthly fee for utilities........ Is she crazy or what?!

trevorcollins · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

200,000 a month for gas, electric, cable, APT maintenence etc.
But it's for a 24 pyong deal.
Back in the days when I was 9 pyong boy the monthly bills were closer to 50,000.
Do you actually have gas heating or one of those old boilers where they have to come around and fill it with gasoline...? In the second case you generally end up paying that as a lump sum rather than monthly, so getting hit up for 200,000 isn't unusual. With the rate that fuel prices have risen since I was in one of those style places it wouldn't surprise me that you're paying 300,000 for the same thing these days however.

canuckistan · Posted: Mon Feb 14, 2005 2:32 am Post subject:

Utilities, especially heating can vary greatly depending on the size and condition/age of your apt.
Do you control your heating? Do you know if you heat with gas or oil?

It's not unreasonable to ask to see the utility bills for your apt rather than "agree" on what they shall cost each month. An electricity bill for a small apt can be as low as 15,000 W a month if you're not running an air conditioner.

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

If it's for the whole winter, that's believable. Especially if you haven't ridden the heat up and down for when you're not home.

But if you agreed on a fixed cost, I'd be pissed about them demanding it.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

I have paid 420,000 for three drums of oil for heating my apt and H2O. My first tank lasted until the end of December, The second lasted little more than a month and my third got delivered Sunday....hopefully it will last a bit longer.

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Here oil cost won 150,000 - 165,000 a drum. If I keep the heat on (and I need the heat on for s howering) for one hr a day the drum will last me 3 months. I am moving in a few weeks and I have been getting oil from the same place for almost 2 yrs, and the guy was kind enough to give me won 34,000. I hope that lasts while i'm still here,
300,000 for the winter is not bad. Just ask if you can see the level of the oil.

Danny · Joined: 15 Sep 2004

Thats great - thanks for all the info - in my situation, there is one universal boiler for my private room, the school downstairs and my directors family upstairs - there is no way of telling how much I have used (but its on economy when I am in) - I was just a little pissed that she demanded it outright without giving me any forewarning

I still haven't paid it - watch this space........

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

Now that you have said what you did on your last post, it seems like that is too much money. You just have one room? It is for the rest of the winter? You will not be home that much....I think that is too much mney she is asking you. And you pay 200,000 per month for what? You only have one room. Sounds to me that you may be getting ripped off.

Danny · Joined: 15 Sep 2004

I've got a mini lounge, a bedroom and a bathroom, so three rooms in all - I've been onto my agent and he has said that he will contact her - should have some news tomorrow but I'm not backin down - simple!

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

I guess it depends on how warm you keep your apt. 16? 18? 20?

Anything over 20, and that should be about right....

GeoMaster · Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Location: Republic of Korea

Filling the oil drum is the most of the expensive utility I have found living in Korea, as the rest of the bills seem to be pocket change...

1st fill Aug - Dec 150,000W
2nd fill Dec - Feb 175,000W
Last Fill 175,000W (hope it lasts for longer than 2 months - only sit it at 15)

And per month added expenses include:

Internet/TV 30,000
Electicity 4,000
Gas (range) 6,000 (every 2 months)
Phone 4,000
Water 10,000
Maintenance (for building) 10,000

...not to mention, two people sharing the costs as well...

Danny · Joined: 15 Sep 2004

So the stand-off has been and gone, with me ending victorious! Our final conversation ended with me telling her I would speak to my agent, to see what he thinks - she asked me to be truthful, and that that she would also speak to him.

In a huff, I sloped off to the pub - about an hour later I got a call from her telling me that she had spoken to my agent, that she was sorry for the "misunderstanding", and that I don't have to pay the bill - she blamed the misunderstanding on "cultural differences" - heck, blame it on whatever you want, your payin the bill!

Who said agents were worthless?!

One final bit of advice from me (for whatever its worth) - I hate confrontation, but I'm really glad I stood my ground on this - if you think you might be getting shafted, don't keep quiet and let your directors or whoever take advantage.

Cheers for all the advice though, appreciate it.